How to have a H.E.A.R.T for your Kids

   I am really excited/nervous about the new school year!  I know it is only July, but this year I have been selected to be a part of The Old Schoolhouse Crew!  Throughout the year, books, games, etc. will be sent to me and I will review them.  Even if you don't home school, the information will be valuable to you and your family.  My first review will be on the book by Apologia (love them!) "How to Have a H.E.A.R.T for Your Kids".  It focuses on the relationship you have with your children- with a biblical view.  I feel that in the rush of activities and life I have (sadly) lost touch with the real reason I started homeschooling.  I wanted more quality time with my girls.  This book will be a lovely start in focusing on what really matters to all of us.  Our children.

Turtle: The Incredible Journey

Beautiful. Exciting. Dramatic. and Heartwarming. Escaping hungry crabs (hands over my eyes!) and hiding from sharks is just the beginning of this little turtle's life adventure. We marveled at the gorgeous footage the cameras are able to capture. You almost feel like you are traveling with this tiny creature! They are only as large as the palm of a child's hand when they are born. It's truly incredible that any of them survive. The journey is both lovely and treacherous.  The scenes with the Portugese Man O'War jellyfish are frightening and breathtaking, until you find out the turtle's little secret.:)  I had no idea that they traveled so far and that they have the capability to find their way back to their home- no matter what. Another one of God's amazing creations.:) Dive into the deep before this gem leaves the theater!

Don't just sit there!

If you can't take the heat.
Go jump in the pool.:)

Here are some other fun things 
to do:


Free for the month of July!  Go here.


Host a Harry Potter movie marathon!  Recipe for Butter Beer and fun t-shirt ideas found here. (Thanks Design Dazzle!)


Turn off the TV and have a nightly Family Story time.  Wonderful book selections are found in Read for the Heart.  I am currently creating a *huge* book list from this.  (Thanks Angel!)


Glitter your Toes!

I prefer Martha Stewart glitter and a bright, funky color.  I am rockin' deep PURPLE right now!

Paint the nail color on and sprinkle super fine glitter on top of it before the paint dries.

Smile.

Create Recycled Headbands

This is crazy cute.

And FREE.

Smile some more.

(Thanks, Make It and Love It!)

Rainbow Canvases!

These will make you smile every time you look at them.

I want to make one. 

Wanna join me?

(Thanks, Nancy!)

What fun things would you like to share?

**Fun Bananagrams game giveaway here!**

It's Never Too Soon

I pray for my girls all the time.

I have started to pray for their future husbands, too.

                      They are in the world right now... somewhere.
                    

                           I pray that they know and love the Lord.
                  I pray that they will grow to be kind, loving and 
                  strong.
                  I pray that they will love and cherish my girls. 
                  Someday.

                                Each day brings us closer to that time.

                                      sigh.

Conversation Starters

Fun little conversation starters.

Dreaming about a trip around the world?

Cutest little robot since Wal-E.

Moveable arms, legs and head.

Mad Men.

Don Draper.

The 50's.

                                                  Going in the shop tonight.
                                  One of a kind.
                                  $14.99 each.

9 on 10

9 on 10.

Arriving at church.

On time!

                         Children's church.
       Discussed the Bible story- The Lady 
       and the Alabaster Box.
       She gave her most prized possession, 
       precious oils, to Jesus.
       She washed His feet with her tears 
       and dried them with her hair.
       I had the children decorate a box 
       and place a piece of paper inside 
       that told what they would like to 
       give Jesus.  Something that was 
       *very* special to them.  I told them 
       it did not have to be a material
       item.  It could be their love, 
       trust,etc.  It was just between them
       and the Lord.
                            

                              Lunch at Mellow Mushroom.
         Katie is not a fan.
         Happy Meal for her and more pizza 
         for the rest of us.:)

                            I really dig the art work there.
        Fun and very, very groovy.
                        

                         Katie and I *love* our coupon time.
       I cut and she sorts.
       We have quite the operation going.
       She tries to get the coupons first.
       That's not part of the deal.

                           100 degrees.
        The ice rink did not even feel cold.

                      Mandy wears her ipod so she can star 
      in her own video.
      I know this because her Mom does the 
      same thing.
      Katie taught her friend to ice skate.
      Wonder if there is hope for me.

  
          I used to love to roller skate.
    The crazy loud music, hoping to get 
    asked to skate "couple's skate" and 
    all the calories burned.
    Never thought about the last part back
    then... 

              F'real.
     Make your own milk shakes.
     They have a machine at the gas station!
     The girls have been dying to try this.
     Reese's Peanut Butter Cup shakes for 
     them and Mint Chocolate Chip for Jeff.
              

I am ready for Fall.

Let's See What Develops...

Cool project for a sunny day.

        You need Mr. Sunshine for this art project!

      Purchase sun sensitive paper.  In a *very* shady area place arrange your items (we used bits of nature- flowers, blades of grass, seed pods, etc.).  It's very sensitive to light so work quickly.

      Then lay your collage in the sun for 30 seconds- 1 minute.  Through trial and error you will get the look *you* desire.
 You will want to make more than 1- they are lovely!

 Place your paper in water (combined with a bit of lemon juice) for 30 seconds- 1 min.
          See the picture emerging?

               Remove your masterpiece from the water 
                  and let dry.  

                        Bring some friends along.  
       The more the merrier!  

       The works of art are pretty enough to frame!

                  
                 Thanks again for inviting us, Angela!:)