Jacob finished our taxes yesterday--state and federal--in about an hour! We used the TurboTax Freedom Edition, which offers free tax filing to those that qualify in one of three ways:
1) 2008 income is less than $30,000
2) Active duty military
3) Qualify for the Earned Income Credit
Federal tax filing is free, and twenty-one different states allow free state filing through TurboTax as well. The process was incredibly simple; I was amazed at how quickly we were finished!
You can find the TurboTax Freedom Edition here.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Potty Training Books
Potty Propaganda. . .at least that's what I call it. It's my phrase for anything that gets my child thinking in that direction. Because I know the motivation has to come from her, not me. So here are a few books that subtly influence my little girl to want to "be a big girl."
A Potty for Me! A Lift-the-Flap Instruction Manual
by Karen Katz--my favorite of the potty books. Very clear and direct, with Katz' signature bright and bold artwork, along with the fun of lifting the flaps. The book follows a little girl as she tries her new potty again and again throughout the day, but is just "not ready yet." Then, finally--success. I like how realistic this is; it really does take children a while to feel comfortable enough to "go," and Katz depicts that very well. Kardelen has it memorized.
The Potty Book - For Girls
by Alyssa Satin Capucilli--along the same lines as the Katz' book, but uses more words to get to the same point. The potty training process is not as clear in some places (Want to know a secret? / You can do it too! / Just march off to the potty / Like me and Teddy do). The kids won't notice, though, so it's still an effective form of potty propaganda. I reviewed just the girls' version of this book.
No More Diapers for Ducky!
by Bernette Ford and Sam Williams--A story with excellent motivating power. Ducky comes to Pig's house to play, but his friend says he can't come out; he's "sitting on the potty." Ducky amuses himself with Pig's toys for a while, then realizes he doesn't like his "cold" and "wet" diaper, so off it comes. Then Ducky is knocking on the bathroom door because he wants a turn, too. By the end of the story, Piggy is ready to play with Ducky. But Ducky won't come: "I'm on the potty!" he says. This fictional tale infused with potty persuasion is one you won't tire of reading.
The Potty Train
by David Hochman and Ruth Kennison--Zany and clever use of language; shows a giraffe, elephant, and little boy riding a "potty" train. Language is somewhat unclear, however. Then one day, when you're really ready, the potty train will blow its whistle. Chugga chugga poooo-poooooooo! Adults will know what this means, but children may not. Read it mostly for fun. I have a friend whose little boy likes it simply for the giraffe and elephant--if that's your thing, go for it. But realize it's not one of those books you'll choose for the great instructions, like the next one I'm about to share with you.
Time to Pee!
by Mo Willems--If there's any author that can put a smile on my face, it's gotta be this guy. Not only did he score a hit with my daughter for Knuffle Bunny and Knuffle Bunny Too, he's also the author of the famous Pigeon series (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive The Bus, etc.). But I digress. Time to Pee! is basically a series of instructions given to kids who have "that funny feeling," and these instructions are given by mice holding up signs. Yup. Doesn't that just sound fun already?
It might not be as creative as his other books in my opinion, but if you want a bare-bones potty-training instruction manual, here it is. And my daughter loves it we get to the page reading: 1. . .2. . .3. . .PEE! It even comes with a progress chart inside the dust jacket, and stickers to go with it. Unless you get my library's copy, in which case my daughter has already used all the stickers. (Sorry, guys.)
Uh Oh! Gotta Go!: Potty Tales From Toddlers
by Bob McGrath--This book covers it all. It's a series of illustrations picturing the potty training experiences of numerous children, from Mark picks a potty to Derrick empties his bladder before he rides in the car. If you'd like a book about a specific potty experience (such as using an adult toilet, or switching to diapers at night), it's probably in here. An enjoyable and easy read. You'll meet Sanju, who raps to "The Potty Beat," using his upside-down potty as a drum; and Jermaine, who is "the toilet champ!" Need I say more?
You Can Go to the Potty
by William Sears, M.D., Martha Sears, R.N, and Christie Watts Kelly--This tutorial speaks directly to the child, yet is packed with information for parents. It begins with three pages of parental advice, and includes numerous sidebars "for the very curious" giving more specific information about anatomy. Fans of Dr. Sears and the attachment parenting philosophy will be at home with this book; you'll recognize baby wearing and co-sleeping.
Big Girls Use the Potty!
from DK Publishing--rhyming text introduces Molly, who starts potty training by choosing underwear and a potty. Then she invites us to join her in giving her teddy a little potty lesson, which would be great to actually do with potty-training girls (why didn't I think of that before?). It's a little odd to pretend that the puddle we see on the floor is actually from her teddy, but it's an acceptable stretch. The square, softcover format is comfortable for little hands, and girls will love the potty chart and stickers inside (stars and teddies). Also available: Big Boys Use the Potty!
I've linked directly to these books on Amazon.com, as I'm part of their Associate Program and make a little bit if my readers buy the book after clicking directly from my blog. I haven't made anything yet--but I thought it would be a fun experiment.
A Potty for Me! A Lift-the-Flap Instruction Manual by Karen Katz--my favorite of the potty books. Very clear and direct, with Katz' signature bright and bold artwork, along with the fun of lifting the flaps. The book follows a little girl as she tries her new potty again and again throughout the day, but is just "not ready yet." Then, finally--success. I like how realistic this is; it really does take children a while to feel comfortable enough to "go," and Katz depicts that very well. Kardelen has it memorized.
The Potty Book - For Girls by Alyssa Satin Capucilli--along the same lines as the Katz' book, but uses more words to get to the same point. The potty training process is not as clear in some places (Want to know a secret? / You can do it too! / Just march off to the potty / Like me and Teddy do). The kids won't notice, though, so it's still an effective form of potty propaganda. I reviewed just the girls' version of this book.
No More Diapers for Ducky! by Bernette Ford and Sam Williams--A story with excellent motivating power. Ducky comes to Pig's house to play, but his friend says he can't come out; he's "sitting on the potty." Ducky amuses himself with Pig's toys for a while, then realizes he doesn't like his "cold" and "wet" diaper, so off it comes. Then Ducky is knocking on the bathroom door because he wants a turn, too. By the end of the story, Piggy is ready to play with Ducky. But Ducky won't come: "I'm on the potty!" he says. This fictional tale infused with potty persuasion is one you won't tire of reading.
The Potty Train by David Hochman and Ruth Kennison--Zany and clever use of language; shows a giraffe, elephant, and little boy riding a "potty" train. Language is somewhat unclear, however. Then one day, when you're really ready, the potty train will blow its whistle. Chugga chugga poooo-poooooooo! Adults will know what this means, but children may not. Read it mostly for fun. I have a friend whose little boy likes it simply for the giraffe and elephant--if that's your thing, go for it. But realize it's not one of those books you'll choose for the great instructions, like the next one I'm about to share with you.
Time to Pee! by Mo Willems--If there's any author that can put a smile on my face, it's gotta be this guy. Not only did he score a hit with my daughter for Knuffle Bunny and Knuffle Bunny Too, he's also the author of the famous Pigeon series (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive The Bus, etc.). But I digress. Time to Pee! is basically a series of instructions given to kids who have "that funny feeling," and these instructions are given by mice holding up signs. Yup. Doesn't that just sound fun already?It might not be as creative as his other books in my opinion, but if you want a bare-bones potty-training instruction manual, here it is. And my daughter loves it we get to the page reading: 1. . .2. . .3. . .PEE! It even comes with a progress chart inside the dust jacket, and stickers to go with it. Unless you get my library's copy, in which case my daughter has already used all the stickers. (Sorry, guys.)
Uh Oh! Gotta Go!: Potty Tales From Toddlers by Bob McGrath--This book covers it all. It's a series of illustrations picturing the potty training experiences of numerous children, from Mark picks a potty to Derrick empties his bladder before he rides in the car. If you'd like a book about a specific potty experience (such as using an adult toilet, or switching to diapers at night), it's probably in here. An enjoyable and easy read. You'll meet Sanju, who raps to "The Potty Beat," using his upside-down potty as a drum; and Jermaine, who is "the toilet champ!" Need I say more?
You Can Go to the Potty by William Sears, M.D., Martha Sears, R.N, and Christie Watts Kelly--This tutorial speaks directly to the child, yet is packed with information for parents. It begins with three pages of parental advice, and includes numerous sidebars "for the very curious" giving more specific information about anatomy. Fans of Dr. Sears and the attachment parenting philosophy will be at home with this book; you'll recognize baby wearing and co-sleeping.
Big Girls Use the Potty! from DK Publishing--rhyming text introduces Molly, who starts potty training by choosing underwear and a potty. Then she invites us to join her in giving her teddy a little potty lesson, which would be great to actually do with potty-training girls (why didn't I think of that before?). It's a little odd to pretend that the puddle we see on the floor is actually from her teddy, but it's an acceptable stretch. The square, softcover format is comfortable for little hands, and girls will love the potty chart and stickers inside (stars and teddies). Also available: Big Boys Use the Potty!I've linked directly to these books on Amazon.com, as I'm part of their Associate Program and make a little bit if my readers buy the book after clicking directly from my blog. I haven't made anything yet--but I thought it would be a fun experiment.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Blessings from the Rainstorm
Hearing a rainstorm in your child's room is something I hope never happens to you; but the whole situation has worked out amazingly well.
First, the only real water damage was to the seams of our sheetrock. The actual sheetrock should be fine, it just needs to be mudded again. I'm so glad about this, as I was picturing a huge ordeal as old sheetrock was torn out and new put up. Only one of the girls' books got thrown away (and it really didn't have to be--I admit I didn't like it that much anyway, so I didn't bother to mend it). There was no other water damage, as far as I know.
For the last few days, I've had a heyday organizing. For some reason, the thought of organizing gets my heart beating a bit faster, and I look forward to the sense of accomplishment when everything is in order. Thus, it's been a bit slower putting everything back (because I'm reorganizing it all), but it's so much better than before!
The girls have had a lot of fun with toys and books they hadn't seen in months, as the entire contents of their closet got moved to our guest room and living room, and everything's in plain view. It's like living in a toy chest for them, I think.
I've learned a few things, too. Always keep large containers handy, even when you don't anticipate needing them. And don't pour out your emergency water gallon to make lemonade in it--or if you do, fill it up again right away, because in a matter of several hours your water may be shut off, and you may be wishing you had that clean gallon of water! (Now I plan to store several gallons of water in case of emergency.)
Our futon the morning after, on which we dumped the contents of our bins so we could catch the water:
The 1/4" long split where the water froze and caused our downpour:
I've wondered, how could such a tiny split cause such a heavy downpour in the girls' room? It makes me think of all sorts of allusions to the areas in my life where tiny things I neglect can cause great damage.
The girls just got up, so I'm off to give them breakfast, and then tackle more organizing! Hopefuly by the end of the day most of their closet things will be back in order. Have a wonderful day, everyone!
First, the only real water damage was to the seams of our sheetrock. The actual sheetrock should be fine, it just needs to be mudded again. I'm so glad about this, as I was picturing a huge ordeal as old sheetrock was torn out and new put up. Only one of the girls' books got thrown away (and it really didn't have to be--I admit I didn't like it that much anyway, so I didn't bother to mend it). There was no other water damage, as far as I know.
For the last few days, I've had a heyday organizing. For some reason, the thought of organizing gets my heart beating a bit faster, and I look forward to the sense of accomplishment when everything is in order. Thus, it's been a bit slower putting everything back (because I'm reorganizing it all), but it's so much better than before!
The girls have had a lot of fun with toys and books they hadn't seen in months, as the entire contents of their closet got moved to our guest room and living room, and everything's in plain view. It's like living in a toy chest for them, I think.
I've learned a few things, too. Always keep large containers handy, even when you don't anticipate needing them. And don't pour out your emergency water gallon to make lemonade in it--or if you do, fill it up again right away, because in a matter of several hours your water may be shut off, and you may be wishing you had that clean gallon of water! (Now I plan to store several gallons of water in case of emergency.)
Our futon the morning after, on which we dumped the contents of our bins so we could catch the water:
The 1/4" long split where the water froze and caused our downpour:
I've wondered, how could such a tiny split cause such a heavy downpour in the girls' room? It makes me think of all sorts of allusions to the areas in my life where tiny things I neglect can cause great damage.The girls just got up, so I'm off to give them breakfast, and then tackle more organizing! Hopefuly by the end of the day most of their closet things will be back in order. Have a wonderful day, everyone!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Femininity Challenge Day
Today's the day we share with each other our pictures portraying femininity. I'm excited to see the pictures from your families!
Our pictures are from a tea party Kardelen requested. She got a child's porcelain tea set for Christmas from Grandma Debbie and wanted to give her stuffed animals a tea party. This is Kardelen pouring tea for Snuggle Bunny:
Sofia didn't sit down to tea, but handed out tea cups and saucers to the dolls and animals. Then she pretended to fill up the cups with the faucet in her play kitchen:
Now for sharing your pictures--I've put a Mr. Linky below so you can leave a link to your blog. If you haven't left a Mr. Linky before, here's how it works: the first box below asks for your name. In the second box below, copy the address of the post where you shared your pictures on your blog. (From your blog page, you'll want to click on your post title, and you'll be taken to a page where your post's address is displayed in the address bar.) This is not your blog's address; it should be something longer, like this:
http://www.blessyourfamily.net/2009/01/femininity-challenge.html
Please make sure to do this. It will help readers quickly access your specific post, instead of having to look for it on your blog. Thanks!
Okay--sharing time! Thanks, ladies, for participating!
Our pictures are from a tea party Kardelen requested. She got a child's porcelain tea set for Christmas from Grandma Debbie and wanted to give her stuffed animals a tea party. This is Kardelen pouring tea for Snuggle Bunny:
Sofia didn't sit down to tea, but handed out tea cups and saucers to the dolls and animals. Then she pretended to fill up the cups with the faucet in her play kitchen:
Now for sharing your pictures--I've put a Mr. Linky below so you can leave a link to your blog. If you haven't left a Mr. Linky before, here's how it works: the first box below asks for your name. In the second box below, copy the address of the post where you shared your pictures on your blog. (From your blog page, you'll want to click on your post title, and you'll be taken to a page where your post's address is displayed in the address bar.) This is not your blog's address; it should be something longer, like this:
http://www.blessyourfamily.net/2009/01/femininity-challenge.html
Please make sure to do this. It will help readers quickly access your specific post, instead of having to look for it on your blog. Thanks!
Okay--sharing time! Thanks, ladies, for participating!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
We Have a Solution
Our water problem is fixed today, praise the Lord! The broken pipe was replaced, and our water turned back on, by this afternoon. The girls are peacefully asleep in their own room as I write, and now all that's left is putting back everything in their closet (and the bins that were upset in the process). I was going to re-organize their closet soon anyways. This is certainly good incentive. The house looks like chaos, but it's temporary.
Thanks for your prayers and kind words.
See you on Monday!
Thanks for your prayers and kind words.
See you on Monday!
We Have A Situation. . .
About eleven o'clock tonight, a water pipe upstairs froze and burst, and water came pouring down from the ceiling in our girls' bedroom. It was "raining" hard in about eight different places. After calling our landlord for help, Jacob and I ran around the house emptying every bin and bucket we could find, trying to find things to contain the water which was quickly covering the girls' floor. We moved most of their things out of their room (even some of the furniture).
Thankfully, the girls were sleeping in the one corner of the room that did not receive a shower. Jacob moved Sofia to the guest room, and Kardelen's sleeping in our room tonight.
Remember our New Year's Eve fiasco? (Well, it was the day before New Year's Eve. Close enough.) Now it seems we have the opposite problem: too much water, all over!
My plans to host my friend Laura this weekend, and have my friend Betty over for lunch tomorrow, are going to change.
At this point I'd still like to host the Femininity Challenge, but if I don't show up, you'll know why.
I'm still not sure whether to laugh or cry about this.
Thankfully, the girls were sleeping in the one corner of the room that did not receive a shower. Jacob moved Sofia to the guest room, and Kardelen's sleeping in our room tonight.
Remember our New Year's Eve fiasco? (Well, it was the day before New Year's Eve. Close enough.) Now it seems we have the opposite problem: too much water, all over!
My plans to host my friend Laura this weekend, and have my friend Betty over for lunch tomorrow, are going to change.
At this point I'd still like to host the Femininity Challenge, but if I don't show up, you'll know why.
I'm still not sure whether to laugh or cry about this.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Girlhood Home Companion
During our discussion on femininity, one reader sent me a link to a magazine for girls called Girlhood Home Companion. I went to their website and did not want to leave! The magazine is published by a mother and her homeschooled children and looks excellent. I'm hoping to order the current issue simply to enjoy it, even though my girls are too young for it.
This is how the website describes Girlhood Home Companion:
The Girlhood Home Companion is a beautiful 4-color companion guide, magazine, and study in character all rolled into one publication. The Girlhood Home Companion encourages young ladies (ages 10-18) how to enjoy their precious girlhood years while walking closely with the Lord and developing a deeper relationship with Him. Filled with the wisdom of writers from the past and present, each edition of The Girlhood Home Companion features encouraging articles and stories that center on one character quality per issue. Each theme is explored in-depth through editorials, articles, and stories that will minister to the heart of your daughter, while teaching her the practical skills of homemaking, cooking, crafts, sewing and other girlhood pastimes.
Sounds great, doesn't it? A big thanks to outdoor.mom for sharing this with us (and for being a fantastic sister!).
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Don't forget about the Femininity Challenge! Sometime this weekend snap a photo that portrays femininity, and stop by on Monday to share it with us.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Femininity Challenge
We've been discussing femininity this week and you've shared with me such excellent ideas and resources--thank you! As we end our discussion, I'd like to offer you a challenge.
Sometime in the next four days, snap a picture of your daughter (or yourself, if you like) doing an activity that you consider feminine. It could be sewing, caring for a baby, having a tea party--anything that says "femininity" when you see it, and of course would be edifying and appropriate for sharing.
Post it on your blog; then on Monday, I'll set up a Mr. Linky here and you can leave a link to your picture. (If you've never left a Mr. Linky before, I'll walk you through it. It's simple.) I look forward to seeing your creativity, and what femininity looks like in your family!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Femininity: Lindsey's Ideas
We've been discussing femininity for several days now, and I'd like to bring to your attention a comment that Lindsey left about this on my last post. It is so good, I didn't want you to miss it!
I have the book Raising Maidens of Virtueand it is VERY good! While a few of the ideas are a bit more conservative than I'm used to (I'm not against mixed swimming) I think it is a really awesome book and plan to go through it with Ali as a Bible Study when she's preteen/young teen. GirlTalk is also a great website and the book they wrote together Girl Talk: Conversations for Mothers and Daughters on Biblical Womanhood is also a favorite of mine I want to share with Ali in her teens.
My mom showed me how to sew, giving me a little hand-sewing kit at age 6 which was the envy of all of the neighborhood, and teaching me how to do crafts and did a little Bible Study with me each Friday afternoon during some of the stages of my growing up years. She paid for Brio [a Focus on the Family magazine for teen girls] for my first few years and that magazine really encouraged me SO MUCH in living for God as a young woman. Most of all she was just there to listen at all times when I needed to talk or to vent.
I think the role of the father in the life of a girl is really important too. I know Ali will have even MORE encouragement in godly femininity than I had because her Daddy spends so much time with her, tells her he loves her and that she's pretty, and takes her on little dates, things I didn't get growing up. With that kind of male encouragement from a godly father, a young lady can truly blossom!
Lindsey, thank you for sharing your personal experiences and excellent resources with us! I'll definitely be looking into Raising Maidens of Virtue by Stacy MacDonald. (I also recommend the book she co-authored with Jennie Chancey, Passionate Housewives Desperate for God
.)This is exactly what I was hoping for--each of us sharing what we've learned about femininity so that we all might grow in our understanding of it.
Feel free to add your ideas to our discussion as well! We have so much to learn from each other!
A Step Back in Time
I did a lot of reminiscing with my sister last week when we spent the week together at my parents' home. One evening Shirin climbed the attic steps and in a few minutes came down with a stack of old picture albums. I saw baby pictures of myself I'd never seen before--thank you for doing this for me, Shirin! It was so special.
We also found this kindergarten picture of me. Since my sister and niece shared old pictures on their blogs, I thought it would be fun to post this one here.
Would anybody have recognized me, do you think?
Monday, January 19, 2009
On Teaching Our Daughters to be Feminine, part two
In my last post I shared with you a book that got me thinking about how I'll teach my daughters to be feminine. I shared it not because it's the one resource you must have for teaching femininity (the Bible is the only book that would fit that category), but simply to start discussing this very important topic. (And because young moms like me would love to learn from more experienced moms how to teach our daughters to be feminine!) I'm still on the lookout for additional resources to teach femininity, homemaking, etc. and would love your input on this, as the Christian Charm Course is solid, but somewhat dated.
As I finished looking through the Christian Charm Course, I started to think about ways to encourage my girls to become ladies. Obviously there will be some activities more targeted toward very young children, and some for those growing-up teen and "tween" years (like the Christian Charm Course). At this point, I'm just beginning to think about this issue, so my thoughts are just that--thoughts. Not a well worked-out plan, but one that is just beginning to take shape. Still, I'd like to share with you what I have so far.
~Point them toward God. Men and women are created in God's image, and femininity is part of that image. This means our femininity is a reflection of His character.
God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 NASB
So to understand God's character and who they really are in Him, we'll talk about Him throughout the day, pray together, read God's Word together, and be faithful to a fellowship of believers in a church.
~Read books that value femininity. For young girls, excellent books to share are A Little Girl After God's Own Heart
by Elizabeth George, God's Wisdom for Little Girls by the same author, Just Like Mama by Beverly Lewis, and I'd Be Your Princess by Kathryn O'Brien. (All the links except the first will take you to my Favorite Book Friday reviews of these books.)For elementary-aged children, my niece recommends the series A Life of Faith. Their website is rich in resources, crafts, devotions to bring girls closer to God--an excellent site I recommend.
When I was in my teens, Elisabeth Elliot's Passion and Purity
made a huge impact on me. I am so glad I read this book, and know it spared me much heartache.~Set aside special times to honor femininity. A friend of mine began giving her daughter a tea cup and saucer each year on her birthday. She specifically chose a design that reflected a trait that her daughter had gained in the last year, or a special event that happened. How special to do this--her daughter will have lasting keepsakes, and can use her collection for special tea parties, too. What a wonderful way to celebrate!
I found a child-size tea cup and saucer last month at a thrift store and have been waiting for the perfect time to give it to Kardelen. Maybe we'll use it for special tea times with Mommy. Or maybe I'll present it to her as a gift because she is becoming a lady.
~Enjoy activities traditionally associated with femininity: having tea parties, playing "mama" to baby dolls, pretending to be ballerinas and princesses, making paper dolls (I'd like to try these Betsy McCall paper dolls).
I remember seeing a friend's daughter at a picnic dressed in what could be called a Sunday dress. When I asked her about it, she said that her daughter loves to wear dresses--all the time! For some reason this really struck me. I started dressing Kardelen in dresses more often, too.
Am I saying that wearing dresses makes one a lady, or that you can't be a lady without wearing dresses? Certainly not. But there is something very feminine and lovely about dresses, and I love having the girls wear them (and wearing them myself when it's warm enough in Minnesota!).
One more idea for a feminine touch that also brings in the idea of proper hygiene: Kardelen and Sofia have an adorable collection of hair bows that look so sweet on them. I'm thinking of making a little ribboned card to display the bows, and after they girls have dressed and brushed teeth and hair in the morning, they can choose one to wear.
A final note: Two years ago I read an article which I absolutely cannot forget. Though I hold different views from the author on some issues, this article is one with which I totally agree. Debbie Pearl writes on teaching girls from a very young age to aspire to be ladies.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Now, ladies, will you share with me the things you're doing to encourage your daughters to become ladies, and to understand their femininity? Right now I have more ideas for younger girls because my children are so young. I'd love to hear your ideas for daughters of any age, and any additional curriculum or other resources for teaching this.
Let's thank the Lord for being made in His image, and strive to reflect Him as we teach our daughters how lovely the Lord has made them!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
On Teaching our Daughters to be Feminine
My sister was just given a book to use for her daugher's homeschooling, called Christian Charm Course by Emily Hunter. It was originally published in 1967 and was on its 23rd printing by the time her 1992 edition rolled off the press. The book's subtitle reads, A course for girls giving methods for improving the outer apprearance along with spiritual instruction for developing the true beauty which comes from a heart surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Quite a mouthful, perhaps--yet the book fills a need I see for our daughters to spend time with us in purposeful discussion about femininity. Experienced moms, have you done anything like this with your daughters? Moms of littles like me, are you planning to do anything like this?
The Christian Charm Course discusses diet and exercise, posture, hair, facial beauty, hands, wardrobe, "fashion techniques to flatter your figure," personal grooming, and etiquette. And true to its purpose, throughout the book the author continually treats a young lady's spiritual growth as well. Along with taking her measurements, a girl answers questions about keeping spiritually fit. One of these caught my attention: Do I know more of God's Word today than a year ago? This a question we can all ask ourselves, and I'm not sure that I'm completely satisfied with my personal answer.
The book also includes a Bible reading chart for the New Testament and several poems by the author. Who's the Fairest? is an excellent reminder to young ladies that true loveliness reflects not only outward beauty, but a pure heart toward God.
Mirror, mirror on the wall. . .
Who's the fairest of them all?
Not the girl with hateful heart,
Poison tongue like stinging dart.
Fairest she, who sheds forth love,
Gentle thoughts from God above.
Beauty blossoms in the face
When the heart is filled with grace.
Mirror, mirror on the wall. . .
Who's the fairest of them all?
Not the girl with sullen eye,
Pouting lips that fret, defy.
Fairest she, whose moods are bright,
Happy rainbows of delight.
Faces wreathed in joy declare
God's own beauty dwelling there.
Mirror, mirror on the wall. . .
Who's the fairest of them all?
Not the unchaste, brazen maid,
Flaunting, flippant, unafraid.
Fairest she, whose heart is pure,
Manner modest, glance demure.
Virtue crowns this girl a queen
For her life shines true and clean.
Mirror, mirror, tell me who
Can my countenance renew?
Jesus Christ, God's righteous Son,
Altogether Lovely One!
Fairest of Ten Thousand! Yes,
He can give you loveliness!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Beauty blossoms in the face when the heart is filled with grace. . .I love this!
In the next post, I'll share a few of my ideas on raising girls to become young ladies.
For today, I'd like to ask you, do you have any other resources to share for teaching femininity?
Quite a mouthful, perhaps--yet the book fills a need I see for our daughters to spend time with us in purposeful discussion about femininity. Experienced moms, have you done anything like this with your daughters? Moms of littles like me, are you planning to do anything like this?
The Christian Charm Course discusses diet and exercise, posture, hair, facial beauty, hands, wardrobe, "fashion techniques to flatter your figure," personal grooming, and etiquette. And true to its purpose, throughout the book the author continually treats a young lady's spiritual growth as well. Along with taking her measurements, a girl answers questions about keeping spiritually fit. One of these caught my attention: Do I know more of God's Word today than a year ago? This a question we can all ask ourselves, and I'm not sure that I'm completely satisfied with my personal answer.
The book also includes a Bible reading chart for the New Testament and several poems by the author. Who's the Fairest? is an excellent reminder to young ladies that true loveliness reflects not only outward beauty, but a pure heart toward God.
Mirror, mirror on the wall. . .
Who's the fairest of them all?
Not the girl with hateful heart,
Poison tongue like stinging dart.
Fairest she, who sheds forth love,
Gentle thoughts from God above.
Beauty blossoms in the face
When the heart is filled with grace.
Mirror, mirror on the wall. . .
Who's the fairest of them all?
Not the girl with sullen eye,
Pouting lips that fret, defy.
Fairest she, whose moods are bright,
Happy rainbows of delight.
Faces wreathed in joy declare
God's own beauty dwelling there.
Mirror, mirror on the wall. . .
Who's the fairest of them all?
Not the unchaste, brazen maid,
Flaunting, flippant, unafraid.
Fairest she, whose heart is pure,
Manner modest, glance demure.
Virtue crowns this girl a queen
For her life shines true and clean.
Mirror, mirror, tell me who
Can my countenance renew?
Jesus Christ, God's righteous Son,
Altogether Lovely One!
Fairest of Ten Thousand! Yes,
He can give you loveliness!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Beauty blossoms in the face when the heart is filled with grace. . .I love this!
In the next post, I'll share a few of my ideas on raising girls to become young ladies.
For today, I'd like to ask you, do you have any other resources to share for teaching femininity?
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Little Family Reunion
We're enjoying a little family reunion of sorts this week. The first part of the week, the girls and I will be at my parents' home, where my sister and her family are staying. We get to see each other two or three times a year at the most, so we're thrilled for the opportunity to spend time together.
We have a few things planned: visiting my grandfather at the nursing home, playing our homemade version of Apples to Apples, and eating delicious "Kiana cookies" made by my amazing niece.
To savor every moment with them that I can, I'll be taking a little break from blogging till the end of the week. I pray your week is wonderful and blessed!
We have a few things planned: visiting my grandfather at the nursing home, playing our homemade version of Apples to Apples, and eating delicious "Kiana cookies" made by my amazing niece.
To savor every moment with them that I can, I'll be taking a little break from blogging till the end of the week. I pray your week is wonderful and blessed!
Friday, January 9, 2009
God Provides
There are times you see a need of your family that you realize you cannot meet. It is then you look to the One who provides.
Our Table
We needed a new kitchen table. Either that, or we needed to completely refinish it; the tabletop was so scratched and stained that I always covered it up with placemats or a tablecloth when people came over!
One night last week our landlord's furnace stopped working. Actually, it filled their house with smoke until they finally shut it off and decided that the cold was better than the smoke. In the morning, a repairman knocked on my door. (All the heating and water systems for both levels of the duplex are in our storage room.) After spending the morning repairing the furnace, the repairman approached me with a question: Can I ask you something, and you won't be offended?
Sure, I replied. He showed me a picture of a pedestal kitchen table with four chairs and asked, Do you like this? Would you like it for free?
God provided.
The Girls' Beds
It was evening a few days later, and Jacob and I were trying to figure out what to do about the girls' beds. You see, Kardelen was in a toddler bed, which worked nicely. But Sofia, at 19 months old, was still in a Port-a-Crib, and I felt she needed a real bed. We came to the conclusion that we'd accept my auntie's offer of a twin bed for Kardelen, and move "Bia" to the toddler bed. Eventually, we thought, we'd love to get the girls bunkbeds.
The next morning I called my auntie. Things had changed a bit on her end, it seemed. She shared that the bunk beds her daughter was using were just too big for her room, so she'd like to give us those instead, if we'd like them. And the bunk beds don't have to be stacked--we can use them as two twins for now, and bunk them when the girls are ready.
Within days my auntie delivered them to us, having found help taking them apart, loading them into her van, and driving over three hours to our home! When Kardelen woke up the next morning, she could hardly wait to put together her new bed. She was the first one awake and the lights weren't even on, and she was asking us to get started. She was so excited, she hardly ate her breakfast, and while we finished ours, she stood by the bed pieces shouting, Let's go for it, Mom! Let's go for it!
Thank you, Lord, for providing.
Our Table
We needed a new kitchen table. Either that, or we needed to completely refinish it; the tabletop was so scratched and stained that I always covered it up with placemats or a tablecloth when people came over!
One night last week our landlord's furnace stopped working. Actually, it filled their house with smoke until they finally shut it off and decided that the cold was better than the smoke. In the morning, a repairman knocked on my door. (All the heating and water systems for both levels of the duplex are in our storage room.) After spending the morning repairing the furnace, the repairman approached me with a question: Can I ask you something, and you won't be offended?
Sure, I replied. He showed me a picture of a pedestal kitchen table with four chairs and asked, Do you like this? Would you like it for free?
God provided.
The Girls' Beds
It was evening a few days later, and Jacob and I were trying to figure out what to do about the girls' beds. You see, Kardelen was in a toddler bed, which worked nicely. But Sofia, at 19 months old, was still in a Port-a-Crib, and I felt she needed a real bed. We came to the conclusion that we'd accept my auntie's offer of a twin bed for Kardelen, and move "Bia" to the toddler bed. Eventually, we thought, we'd love to get the girls bunkbeds.
The next morning I called my auntie. Things had changed a bit on her end, it seemed. She shared that the bunk beds her daughter was using were just too big for her room, so she'd like to give us those instead, if we'd like them. And the bunk beds don't have to be stacked--we can use them as two twins for now, and bunk them when the girls are ready.
Within days my auntie delivered them to us, having found help taking them apart, loading them into her van, and driving over three hours to our home! When Kardelen woke up the next morning, she could hardly wait to put together her new bed. She was the first one awake and the lights weren't even on, and she was asking us to get started. She was so excited, she hardly ate her breakfast, and while we finished ours, she stood by the bed pieces shouting, Let's go for it, Mom! Let's go for it!
Thank you, Lord, for providing.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Calendar Winner
I was so encouraged and inspired reading about the good things you are anticipating this year! If you'd like, take a moment to read through the comments on the giveaway post. You'll see many joys--babies to be born this year and new goals to achieve--and a few sorrows, too--children growing up so fast, and the loss of a family's son last year. (That made me want to cry!) After reading all the comments, I went through and prayed for the ladies who left them, and I'd encourage you to do so, too. God is surely at work in us, and we are thankful for His faithfulness!
Congratulations to Kimberly, the winner of the 2009 Mom's Planning Calendar! I hope it will be a blessing to you and your family. Kimberly, I've left a comment on your blog asking for your mailing address. I'll send it out as soon as I get it.
Thank you all for entering, and for making this my biggest giveaway yet! Best wishes for a wonderful 2009.
Congratulations to Kimberly, the winner of the 2009 Mom's Planning Calendar! I hope it will be a blessing to you and your family. Kimberly, I've left a comment on your blog asking for your mailing address. I'll send it out as soon as I get it.
Thank you all for entering, and for making this my biggest giveaway yet! Best wishes for a wonderful 2009.
What Heidi's Taught Me
I've been thinking lately about several things I do that my friend Heidi has taught me. After being roommates in college, we lived in separate states for several years; now that we're much closer geographically, I'm enjoying even more the richness of our friendship.
Isn't it fun to see others parenting their children? I love getting new ideas from other moms. Heidi's given me several that, as I said, I've been thinking about lately. So to give myself an outlet for these thoughts, I'd like to share them with you.
1. Heidi taught me to use seasonal napkins and placemats. It's so fun for kids to choose a froggy or valentine placemat, and eat snowflake crackers spread with cream cheese "snow" on snowman napkins. I love making things fun--thanks, Heidi, for these ideas! I already have my valentine doilies bought and ready.
2. Heidi shared with me her pattern for a toddler pillow. Kardelen didn't use a pillow in her crib, of course, but now that she's in a toddler bed, she really needed one. (Actually, she just got bunk beds yesterday--more on that later!) Heidi tipped me off to a pillow sold at Jo-Ann that's just the right size for toddlers (roughly 14 by 10 inches), and sketched out her pattern for a snazzy fabric pillowcase with two coordinating accents. I'll give you a picture to better illustrate it:
This was one of Kardelen's Christmas presents from us this year. All the fabrics came from my stash. I was so happy to find a print of gingerbread men with little candy canes, since she's been on a gingerbread man kick this fall! She looks so sweet with her head resting under the pillow each night, all tucked in under her piggie quilt from "Auntie" Laura! It was sad that Sofia didn't have one, though, so a few days later I made hers.
These fabrics were from my stash, too. I love the soft chenille accent piece; it was quite thick, but my sewing machine handled it well. I'm planning on making the girls seasonal pillowcases throughout the year. The valentine pillowcase fabrics are already cut out.
3. Every time my friends and I are with Heidi, she magically gets our children to eat strange new things. Okay, not so strange. But I was trying to get the girls to eat more raw veggies--unsucessfully--when Heidi and Freddie came over for a playdate. When it came time for lunch, they contributed a plate of veggies with hummus. Voila! Kardelen's eating cherry tomatoes, and Bia is licking the hummus off her baby carrots. But this wasn't the only nutrition magic she's worked.
A few months later, we had our baby-sitting coop at my house, and ended up having an impromptu lunch together. My friend's little boy has never eaten watermelon, even though his mom re-introduces it to him periodically. Imagine our surprise when we look over at him and he's happily chomping away on a slice of watermelon!
You don't even try to do this, Heidi, I know--but you seem to have an uncanny skill at getting our children to eat new foods! Can I borrow you for dinner sometime?
God brings friends in our lives to enrich who we are, and Heidi is one of many women who have greatly enriched mine. I'm not sure if I'll make a series of posts on other godly women who have blessed and inspired me--for now I simply want to give Heidi credit for the blessing she's been to my life.
How have your friends contributed to who you are?
Isn't it fun to see others parenting their children? I love getting new ideas from other moms. Heidi's given me several that, as I said, I've been thinking about lately. So to give myself an outlet for these thoughts, I'd like to share them with you.
1. Heidi taught me to use seasonal napkins and placemats. It's so fun for kids to choose a froggy or valentine placemat, and eat snowflake crackers spread with cream cheese "snow" on snowman napkins. I love making things fun--thanks, Heidi, for these ideas! I already have my valentine doilies bought and ready.
2. Heidi shared with me her pattern for a toddler pillow. Kardelen didn't use a pillow in her crib, of course, but now that she's in a toddler bed, she really needed one. (Actually, she just got bunk beds yesterday--more on that later!) Heidi tipped me off to a pillow sold at Jo-Ann that's just the right size for toddlers (roughly 14 by 10 inches), and sketched out her pattern for a snazzy fabric pillowcase with two coordinating accents. I'll give you a picture to better illustrate it:
This was one of Kardelen's Christmas presents from us this year. All the fabrics came from my stash. I was so happy to find a print of gingerbread men with little candy canes, since she's been on a gingerbread man kick this fall! She looks so sweet with her head resting under the pillow each night, all tucked in under her piggie quilt from "Auntie" Laura! It was sad that Sofia didn't have one, though, so a few days later I made hers.
These fabrics were from my stash, too. I love the soft chenille accent piece; it was quite thick, but my sewing machine handled it well. I'm planning on making the girls seasonal pillowcases throughout the year. The valentine pillowcase fabrics are already cut out.
3. Every time my friends and I are with Heidi, she magically gets our children to eat strange new things. Okay, not so strange. But I was trying to get the girls to eat more raw veggies--unsucessfully--when Heidi and Freddie came over for a playdate. When it came time for lunch, they contributed a plate of veggies with hummus. Voila! Kardelen's eating cherry tomatoes, and Bia is licking the hummus off her baby carrots. But this wasn't the only nutrition magic she's worked.
A few months later, we had our baby-sitting coop at my house, and ended up having an impromptu lunch together. My friend's little boy has never eaten watermelon, even though his mom re-introduces it to him periodically. Imagine our surprise when we look over at him and he's happily chomping away on a slice of watermelon!
You don't even try to do this, Heidi, I know--but you seem to have an uncanny skill at getting our children to eat new foods! Can I borrow you for dinner sometime?
God brings friends in our lives to enrich who we are, and Heidi is one of many women who have greatly enriched mine. I'm not sure if I'll make a series of posts on other godly women who have blessed and inspired me--for now I simply want to give Heidi credit for the blessing she's been to my life.
How have your friends contributed to who you are?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
2-Day Giveaway: Mom's Planning Calendar
For all moms who resolved to be more organized this year, or simply love cool calendars, welcome to my new giveaway: a 2009 Mom's Planning Calendar.
Each month has ample space to write in the activities of up to 5 family members, and comes with 357 stickers to personalize your days (or give to your preschooler to keep your sanity on a rainy day). You'll like the storage pocket on the bottom, and the magnetic-and-regular hanger that allows you to put it anywhere.
My friend gave me one like this, and it's great. It's especially good for parents of kids who are running from activity to activity (thankfully, mine aren't there yet!).
To enter to win, please leave a comment telling me something you're looking forward to in 2009. Remember to leave me a way to contact you--an e-mail or blog address. Comments will be accepted through midnight on Wednesday (central time), and I'll draw for a winner on Thursday. (This contest is open to U.S. residents & addresses only.) As before, this post will stay at the top of Bless Your Family this week, so be sure to scroll down for new posts.
I look forward to hearing the wonderful things you're anticipating in 2009!
Update: Kimberly won the calendar on Jan. 8, 2009. Thanks for entering, everyone!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Packin' the Protein
At Sofia's 18-month checkup, our doctor noticed that her growth curve had dropped off, and she was underweight. Usually it's common to see a child's growth curve drop around 6 to 9 months as hers did, but then kids usually pick it back up around 12 months, and Sofia hadn't.
He encouraged us to give her much more protein, whole milk products, and ice cream. Ice cream! That shouldn't be a problem, I thought.
So for one-and-a-half months now, she's been on the packin' protein, dessert-every-day diet. And the day before yesterday I found something very encouraging: Sofia has little chubby rolls on her thighs! I tell you, I've never been so happy to see cellulite. :)
Along the way, I've found some great ways to add protein to her diet:
~Hot dogs and chicken nuggets. I could hardly get her to eat meat, so I was getting desperate. She wouldn't even eat homemade chicken nuggets. Though we try not to eat convenience foods because of the cost and health value, these two have really done the trick, so we've added them to our grocery list. And I feel good giving her these hot dogs from our local grocery store, and Tyson all-natural chicken nuggets which we found at Wal-Mart.
~Whey powder. I stir vanilla-flavored whey powder into Sofia's cereal and yogurt, and we use it for shakes too. It adds protein and she can't even tell the difference. We bought ours from the pharmacy section of Wal-Mart.
~Kefir. This is sold in the natural foods section of our grocery store, in various flavors of smoothies. The kids think they're drinking strawberry shakes, and they're getting 11 grams of protein per cup (about as much as 4 chicken nuggets) and probiotics that aid their digestion.
~Nutella, the decadent chocolate-hazelnut spread. Pairs especially well with peanut butter!
Can you give me any more ideas for protein-packed foods kids will eat?
He encouraged us to give her much more protein, whole milk products, and ice cream. Ice cream! That shouldn't be a problem, I thought.
So for one-and-a-half months now, she's been on the packin' protein, dessert-every-day diet. And the day before yesterday I found something very encouraging: Sofia has little chubby rolls on her thighs! I tell you, I've never been so happy to see cellulite. :)
Along the way, I've found some great ways to add protein to her diet:
~Hot dogs and chicken nuggets. I could hardly get her to eat meat, so I was getting desperate. She wouldn't even eat homemade chicken nuggets. Though we try not to eat convenience foods because of the cost and health value, these two have really done the trick, so we've added them to our grocery list. And I feel good giving her these hot dogs from our local grocery store, and Tyson all-natural chicken nuggets which we found at Wal-Mart.
~Whey powder. I stir vanilla-flavored whey powder into Sofia's cereal and yogurt, and we use it for shakes too. It adds protein and she can't even tell the difference. We bought ours from the pharmacy section of Wal-Mart.
~Kefir. This is sold in the natural foods section of our grocery store, in various flavors of smoothies. The kids think they're drinking strawberry shakes, and they're getting 11 grams of protein per cup (about as much as 4 chicken nuggets) and probiotics that aid their digestion.
~Nutella, the decadent chocolate-hazelnut spread. Pairs especially well with peanut butter!
Can you give me any more ideas for protein-packed foods kids will eat?
Friday, January 2, 2009
End-of-Day Devotion
It was a long semester. It seemed to go by very quickly, but there were times while Jacob was at college and at work this fall that we all felt the strain, even the girls. I know this is God's plan for our family right now, and it's through His strength that we will all thrive in our individual and corporate roles. So on nights when the girls are in bed and I feel exhausted, it helps to remember that the Father is providing. Strength, physical provision . . . everything we need.
A few weeks ago I wrote a devotion that I could use on nights when my spirit and body were tired. I wanted to share it with you in case it would bless you, too. I would love your feedback on it, as well. I'd love to develop it more to include more content (or make a series of devotions out of it). Thanks in advance for your ideas.
Here, then, is what I wrote as I sat with my peppermint tea that evening. Its aim is to bring refreshment after a difficult day. (Any other moms of young children out there need this like I do?!)
End-of-Day Devotion
ReadyBring your Bible and journal, and brew a cup of tea or cocoa. Light a candle, snuggle with a cozy blanket--find a way to get comfortable and relax.
Quiet
Spend a moment in quiet praise to the Father. Recall how He has shown His faithfulness and love toward you today. Thank Him for the blessings He's given.
Cast Your Cares
Open your Bible to Matthew 11:28, 29 and read:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Personalize this Scripture and read it back to the Lord as a prayer. For example: Lord, I come to you. I'm weary from laboring and I'm heavy-laden. Thank you for the rest You promise. . .
If you'd like to, take a moment to write down on paper the burdens you'd like to give to the Lord. Then rip them up, throw them away, or find another way to visibly show that you no longer carry these weights.
Now turn to 1 Peter 5:7:
Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.
Pray it back to Him: Father, I cast all my cares on You, because You care for me. Thank you for loving me so much!
Thank You, Father, that my life is not about me. It's all about You. Now that I've laid my burdens aside, I reaffirm my desire to follow You. I come under Your covering and joyfully accept Your plan. I will obey you, my Lord, even if it means sacrifice for me. Just fill me with Your strength. Fill me with Your Spirit so You can work through me. Prepare me for what is ahead.
Though you may still be tired, you can rest in the knowledge that you are free from your heavy burdens. The Lord is bearing them for you.
You might like to sing What a Friend We Have in Jesus, or Spirit of the Living God, Fall Afresh on Me.
Follow-Up
Now find a quiet activity you enjoy and continue to relax (a bath, reading, sewing, etc.). If you still feel agitated or emotionally weary, continue to read and pray.
At the end of the evening, before you fall asleep, read Psalm 19 or Psalm 23.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Hope this will be a blessing to you.
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