Calling all little mini patriots! It's time for a 4th of July poster contest!

There are both digital or hand crafted options available for your kiddos to participate. You can go to the 

A Journey Through Learning site for complete rules and regulations. It's pretty simple - it must be respectful. 

It should be uplifting for our country, so no negative slogans against God or President will be accepted. 

Categories for:  

• Preschool-2^nd grade
• 3^rd-6^th Grade
• 7-12^th grade

To enter, send in a jpeg or PDF file of your entry to lapbooks@ajourneythroughlearning.net, by June 30. Public voting begins on July 1.  Winners will be announced on July 4. 

 Public voting will take place on the A Journey Through Learning blog.

Please include your child’s first name, age/grade, and any other information you feel is necessary.

Every child who enters will receive a free instant download of a lapbook on AJTL site.

Prizes:

• Grand Prize $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
• First Place in Each Category $25 gift card to either Amazon or A Journey Through Learning
• Second Prize in Each Category $10 Gift certificate to Currclick

I'll be using this as a little teaching opportunity about our flag and our country! Happy Creating! 

and. . .  Happy 4th of July Contest 

Notebooking - A Happy How-To in Homeschooling

Jeannie Fulbright of Apologia suggests:

 "You can transform any course into a first class educational experience with notebooking"

I tend to agree! We've participated in some form of notebooking or lapbooking since I began homeschooling my son some 6 years ago - and now they have multiplied and there are 3 boys in our little classroom. Well, it's actually quite a large classroom - as we spend a good deal of time in the great outdoors.

Notebooking has indeed transformed our courses. Along with using the notebooking journals from Apologia we also do lapbooking and make our own nature journals.

The boys each have a composition notebook which we have decorated with scrapbook paper and  personalized. They use pencils to sketch nature scenes - either on location - or something we bring back to the house (like weeds pretty flowers picked for mommy) or an interesting leaf - bug - plant.

They carry their journals on many of our adventures as we explore God's Creation. Something else we have begun doing more of - is a more "official" kind of notebooking. I like using three ring binders to organize much of our studies after the work is done.  The kids enjoy using their clip boards (very official) to do nature studies. We are finding it particularly useful with our notebooking in the outdoors.

One of my favorite resources for notebooking is a fun little place called The Notebooking Fairy 

My friend Jimmy does a wonderful job of both providing brilliant (and even FREE) notebooking pages as well as explaining and teaching you WHAT to do with them. Most recently we put her super cool Dolphin notebooking pages to work for us. I found them free on her blog of course - under "printables".

Even though I've been homeschooling for quite awhile - I learned a LOT from her ebook - 

Notebooking Success is loaded with creative ideas for your notebooking pages. You'll learn HOW to use the technique to it's fullest potential, WHEN to use them to get the most benefit for your learners, and WHY they are great for every subject and most every student - regardless of grade

 or age of the child. 

You'll find an easy to follow guide that will enrich your homeschool studies. It's not a curriculum or a workbook - but a method of teaching you can use for all ages! Whether you are an experienced homeschooler or just getting started - You're likely to- like me-  become a fan of  the ebook: Notebooking Success. 

It's On SALE for just $5.50

BUY HERE 

»»Free Bonus — Grade Specific Reference Sheets

»»Free Bonus –General Notebooking Pages

»»Free Bonus – 50 Things to Put into a Notebook

*this post contains affiliate links which means that if you purchase I do make a buck or two - however - I do not recommend products that we don't use ourselves and approve - 

I was given a copy of the ebook from NBfairy to review - the opinions are my own

  

Kids in the Kitchen - 6th Link Up

Welcome to Kids in the Kitchen Link up #6!

Please feel free to link up your favorite recipes - old or new - our goal is to bring families

back to the table together enjoying home cooked food - real food - they say the kitchen 

is the heart of the home and it is sure true at our house. I've found my kiddos really open 

up and talk when we are working in the kitchen together. It's been a way to get them to share

things that are on their hearts or on their minds - a time of teaching - and just an enjoyable

time of being together. If you don't already - I hope this inspires you to start a new tradition 

in your family of cooking with the kids. My good friend Carrie from Young Living Oil Lady

  is teaming up with me to bring you this linky - Please share the button and visit some

 of the other participants to see what they've been cooking with their families.

(Kids are not necessary in the post pictures - although, we do think they're awfully cute) 

Mexican Casserole 

1 lb ground beef - browned and cooked with taco seasoning 

Corn tortillas - about 12 - 18 

1 1/2 - 2 cups of cheese - grated cheddar (or other favorite cheese) 

1 can Rotel lime and cilantro and 1 can enchilada sauce - warm in pot on stove

1 sm chopped onion or 1/2 large onion 

1 can Pinto beans - or 2 cups fresh cooked until softened and mashed

Sour cream - Chopped Tomato - optional 

Use large casserole dish 

Dip corn tortilla into sauce in pot until coated and add 6 of same to casserole dish

Spoon mashed or canned pinto beans (or refried) evenly over tortillas and spread 

Sprinkle taco meat evenly over beans and spread across casserole

add generous - I mean generous amounts of cheese on top 

Repeat 

Sprinkle with onion on top and melt in pre-heated oven on 350 for 20 min 

or until cheese is good and melty and casserole is hot 

I suggest you serve it with a salad like my cousin Jill makes - she adds fresh 

guacamole and chopped almonds and tomato - it's so good -

 it'll make yer tongue slap yer brains out! 

(I can't help it y'all - I'm still in Georgia on my road trip - that accent comes back quick!)

In the spirit of my road trip - I'll share with you one of my favorite "on the go" meals

I pre-cook chicken or steak strips and season them with taco seasoning 

I carry flour tortillas with me and some grated cheese 

(I've even used sliced cheese in a pinch) 

We like to add lettuce and salsa to our "roll ups" as well 

I carry each ingredient separately so it stays fresh until time to roll it up 

It's easy - fairly healthy - and the family loves it! 

Kids can help by grating cheese - even chopping onions with a table knife 

(I have mine pretend it's the sharpest knife in town - because practicing safety in the kitchen matters!) 

 "Many hands make light work" 

. . . and a lot of fun too! 

What are y'all up to for Spring Break? 

Grab a button from here or the code on my sidebar

and link up your favorite recipes! 

Linking with:

  

  

Kids in the Kitchen - Are You Crazy?

As a matter of fact . . . . . well, a little bit!  

The above picture is actually what happens when mommy runs to brush her teeth -

 but I thought you might get a kick out of it and it fit my intro. 

Truth be told, from the time they were very young my little guys have been quite fond of

 helping in the kitchen. Ok, so - that time boy #2 had the sniffles - I had to secretly throw

 away the celery he'd chopped for the dressing  instead of poisoning all our Thanksgiving guests -

 but usually it's not a problem. 

Toddlers chopping celery? 

You bet! 

We've actually never had a kitchen accident! I used to give them sturdy plastic knives to chop

 simple things like celery - once I got them started on a piece - with instructions to take their time -

 they took their jobs extremely seriously. If a piece of celery gets butchered beyond 

salvation in the process - it's well worth the price for the lessons they've learned while in the kitchen. 

These days we've graduated to table knives! My boys know that any knife can cut you and 

they are instructed to pretend it's the sharpest knife in town! If they don't listen carefully to directions

their kitchen time is up. Listening skills are important - so are safety issues. 

Kitchen time with the kids is a wonderful time to teach these and many more life skills! 

Sometimes we search for and plan recipes and meals as a group. 

It's a great time to teach about kitchen organization and meal planning .

Teamwork and cooperation are important lessons! 

Other times I'll send some little guys out to play and enjoy one on one time with another! 

They can learn on their individual levels and it opens the door for some great heart talks too

We have the opportunity to share family recipes passed down through generations - 

traditions, like canning jams or vegetables 

It doesn't have to be a complicated undertaking - as a matter of fact - beginning simple is important 

You don't have to have the kids prepare dinner, but by allowing them to snap peas or chop

mushrooms they'll be much more excited about eating it! 

I'm starting a new Linky for Tuesdays:

Copy and paste button pic with link or just copy and paste code box found on my side bar under "Button Love"! 


Link up your family friendly recipes, Kids in the Kitchen pointers,
or Top Secret Recipes handed down in the family!
(Just don't tell Aunt Jane)

Other great linkys:


Lisa from Our 4 Kiddos 
Has a  LinkUp for your recipes too!

DaySpring Giveaway and a Sweet Little Review 2

I received the sweetest little package in the mail this week for my review from 

the kind folks over at DaySpring

What you see here sitting on my table - next to my comfy reading chair - 

is a fabulous polka dot gift bag (with matching tissue), coffee cup, stack of tiered memos, 

and . . . .  my scripture filled journal! 

All from the awesome Everyday Joy collection!!!

Each page of the spiral bound journal includes a special scripture verse to jump start your 

thoughts for the day like: 

Psalm 4:7

"You have filled my heart with greater joy."

If you aren't familiar with their products - you can see more for yourself

here on the DaySpring site  - they are now a division of Hallmark.

This collection - along with several others to choose from - is on special this month

Buy 2 get 1 Free - so if you need to show some Love for The LOVE Month . . . . .

Personally - I've already had coffee and hot tea out of my coffee cup 

(well, I had to test it out for y'all - right?)

and I'm ga-ga over the journal - so, I'm struggling to share the love! 

My mother may win out though, she's a pretty special lady! 

And now - for the GIVEAWAY - I'm thrilled to be able to give one of my readers a 

coupon code for $50 to spend on the DaySpring site!  

AND FREE SHIPPING!

You do have a minimum purchase of $50 - but with all their wonderful products 

THAT should NOT be a problem! 

John 16:24

"Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

just HAD to throw that verse in - it's in my journal! 

And- that's all you have to do to be entered to win- 

ask in a comment below - tell me what you might use it on to purchase from their 

site - visit on the link here- and I'll add your name to the random drawing!

Giveaway ends February 16th 

Be sure to add your email so I can notify you of your winnings! 

I'd adore it if you'd follow my blog using GFC, FB, and/or RSS 

Easy links are on my sidebar

disclosure: I did receive these products for no charge - by doing this review

but, I bet you figured that out already! -These opinions are mine all mine -

seashells not included :)

Linking with :

 

Adoption Stories From Around The Web

The Geagels are another family whom God has blessed through adoption - Here is their story: 

For as long as I can remember I have had a desire to adopt. I thought it was something that was just for families who could not have children and I kept hoping something would just fall into my lap so that I could adopt too. Then I met my husband who happened to have two adopted siblings (he was a biological child) and I realized that adoption was a possibility for my future. From the day we got married we always knew adoption was something that we would do, we just thought that it was something that would come much later on in life, after our birth children were older. Then we had two sons who I was staying home with and we decided to go ahead and look into it. Since I was already home it seemed to make sense to just keep going. As we began to research adoption the enormous need became oh so clear to us and we HAD to do something. We were young, too young for some adoption programs and we had two kids who were 1 and 2. We really thought the agency was just going to laugh at us when we called . . . . . . .

Please go HERE to the main site to read the rest of the story of how 

God blessed the Geagels through adoption and learn more about the 

Upcoming exciting new movie: RESCUED

Adoption is an issue close to my heart. 
We'd been praying for a child who was in trouble - as a matter of fact - 
I even went to court advocating for him. 
I had no idea at the time that I was advocating for my son 
We had no idea what God had in store for us.

When we got a phone call four years ago about this baby in trouble, it took all of about 
two minutes before my husband said, "You'd better go get him". 
I was on a plane the next morning. 


My son was 8 months old when I first held him in my arms. 
God completed our family through the miracle of adoption. 


The movie RESCUED 
hit me right in the heart! 
I think you're going to love it and we could use the help spreading the message! 
(please)
Pre- order your copy today for your church groups and more: 

Need a Special Valentine Gift for Kiddos?

I wanted something unique for my cutie pie little nephews who are 3 year old twins.

So, this cute little "cigar box" is what I came up with! 

The outside is painted with chalk paint by  Martha Stewart crafts  bought at Michaels Craft Store

I included extra large crayon style chalk from the dollar store!

On the inside I painted a layer of magnetic paint on each side and then painted over it in acrylic

with bright coordinating colors and used a black sharpie pen to paint on a checker board and tic tac toe game

For the game pieces - I used Skulpey clay and shaped them into rounded disks for checkers

On one side of the disk I made an X indention on the other I made an O (dot) for the tic tac toe game!

ABC wooden pieces with magnets glued to the back completed this special project!

For decoration I added a painted wooden airplane on the front and a handle to make carrying easy.

The boys love carrying their "briefcases" around 

Older children will love the games and making words out of their alphabet magnets! 

If you don't want to make your own but want to give one of these for a special Valentine 

just leave your email address and I'll be happy to make you a customized version 

with the colors you specify for girls or boys. $30 plus shipping to desired location

(no extra charge for handmade valentine card)

Meet Ashley Pichea - Author of "31 Days to Build a Better Spouse"

You may know I have several exciting projects coming up in January. Including the 31Days to BBS Challenge-

Before I set out to "build a better spouse" by praying for my husband along with the ebook and group with 

Ashley Pichea  (Pi- shay)  I'd like to introduce you to the woman who was convicted by God to pray for her 

husband - who has become a better wife because of it - and who is sharing her experience with us in her ebook.

Meet author Ashley Pichea- 

Intro:

Ashley Pichea lives online and offline. Online, she is the author of LIFE by Ashley Pichea and Teaching Jenny, the editor/manager of the3in30 Challenge, a virtual blogging assistant and consultant, and can be found at AshleyPichea.com. Offline, Ashley enjoys being a wife and mom, as well as being active in her local church’s Christian Education ministries. Ashley has a passion for helping others to dive into the spiritual discipline of prayer, and she has started publishing a series of eBooks at 31DaystoPray.com. Ashley invites you to connect with her onTwitter and/or Facebook.

Ashley, 

1. How long have you been writing? 
I have been writing “publicly” for a few years. Writing was always something I’ve enjoyed and was naturally “good” at, but only in the past few years have I felt the call of God to publish my writing.

2. Did you always know you wanted to be a writer or when/how did you figure that out? 
I’ve always enjoyed writing, but it was in January 2009 that God led me to writing as a means of ministry.

3. How has being a writer influence/changed your life? 
Knowing that my words have the power to build up or break down has definitely impacted me. A few months into my blogging adventure, my blog turned sour as I began to use it as an outlet to vent about my frustrations. God used my wonderful mother-in-law to bring this to light, and since I have adopted Ephesians 4:29 as my online/writing mantra: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a wordas is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

4. What piece of advice would you give to someone who is considering writing their first book?

Don’t write for yourself. If you are writing a book for the sake of seeing your name/words in print, then you probably shouldn’t be writing. Let God be the purpose and driving force behind your writing.

5. How will you measure the success of your book?

This is a difficult question, but I think it comes back to perspective. For me, seeing just one marriage grow more Christ-centered makes the whole process worth it. It can’t be about numbers or money for me, even those are the things I’m often trapped into counting. It has to be about Christ – about seeing it used for His purpose and His glory.

6. Who has been your biggest supporter?

My online friends have been amazing in supporting me as I’ve published this first eBook. Since it is an electronic book, most of my “in real life” friends don’t “get” it.

7. How do you handle criticism of your writing?

Thankfully, I haven’t had to deal with any criticism to date. When it comes, though, I know that it doesn’t really matter as long as I’ve given my best for God’s glory.

8.What is the name of your (new) book?

31 Days to Build a Better Spouse – Accessing the Power of Prayer to Build Up Your Spouse

9. What was your inspiration for writing this book?

I have found that when I pray for my husband, our relationship is so much better – my eyes are focused on Christ and not on his “faults.” Praying the Word of God is one way that we can know absolutely that we are praying in accordance with God’s will. 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse came out of my desire to help others pray the Word of God for their spouses, strengthening and encouraging marriages.

10. Can you share with us a personal tid-bit about what drew you to this particular topic?

{see above}

11. How did you settle on the title?

I wanted something that would allow readers to pray over the course of a month {31 days}, so I started brainstorming ideas on Twitter, attempting to play off the popular #31DBBB hashtag.

12. Did the writing of this book change you? How?

I hope so! As I wrote, I prayed. I prayed for my husband, I prayed for myself, and I prayed for those who will read and pray through the book.

13.  What is your overall goal for your readers with regards to the book?

I want to see lives changed for God’s glory – I want others to not only be praying for their spouses but also to learn how to pray the Word of God.

14. Do you have anything else in the works? (what? when?)

During the month of October, I wrote “31 Days to Pray for Your Pastor” as a daily newsletter. I’m planning to publish it soon as an eBook. I also have a few other ideas brewing for future 31 Days to Pray series, as well as a few other books in rough draft form.

15.  If you could choose just one thing from the book for your readers to walk away with - what would that be and why?

I want my readers to walk away knowing the power of prayer, specifically the power of praying the Word of God.

If you are interested in joining us for the challenge in January 

-Sign up quickly to be assigned to 

a group! Challenge starts Sunday - accountability groups are assigned tomorrow!

It's going to be a wonderful time of introspection as we grow closer 

to our Creator, encourage each other, and . . . . 

Pray For  Our  Spouses! 

*If you cannot join the group challenge - I would encourage you to go ahead and get a copy 

of the ebook and pray through the scriptures yourself - God will bless your efforts as 

In the Bible He promises - 

Isaiah 55: 10

"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosperin the thing whereto I sent it."

There may not be a better thing you can do for your family besides praying God's Word over them!

God Bless!

linking with: