Last Day Of Fall Co-op

Pun'kin Head's Drawing Class
Sweet Pea's Cartwheel!
Working the beam!
Stretch it out!
Sweet Pea's favorite: Arts & Crafts
Pun'kin Head's attempt to bring it to the hoop
He's got skills!

Our fall homeschool co-op has come to an end :( The kids had much fun at their art and phys.ed. classes we selected. The last class they allow parents to observe and take photos. Here are a few shots of the day.

SUPER STUDENT BUCKS !

There are times throughout the school year when the newness of learning wears off and school can seem a chore like anything else. We all need motivation to complete the task at hand. At the end of last year, as the weather began to finally warm up, the kids were tired of the nagging mama/teacher and just wanted to go outside.
Our kids are blessed being homeschooled. They can do their work at their own pace, according to their schedule, and study what interests them. They don't have to rise when it's dark and stand at a chilly bus stop. They don't have evening homework to complete. Once their studies are done, they are free to play and have fun the rest of the day.
Because they don't know any different, they don't always appreciate these blessings. Instead of focusing on the constant threats of punishments for not doing their best work, I came up with a reward system to motivate them. We have been using the Super Student Buck system for about six months and it has been quite effective. At the end of each lesson time, the kids and I determine whether or not their did their best and used a positive attitude (which is the most important to me). If they feel they have, they receive a Super Student Buck. If not, they must wait until the next school day and try harder to earn one. After they receive five bucks, they can cash them in for a coupon. Their favorite coupons are A Date With Dad, Fun Time With Mom, 30 bonus video game minutes, 30 bonus stay up minutes, Play Date With A Friend, One Free Movie Rental etc...
It has been a good lesson to learn that they have control over earning rewards and that their progress and positive attitudes are worthy of tangible rewards. They are very often harder on themselves when it comes to determining if they receive or not. It's within their control and there are no arguments to be had. And Mama no longer needs to nag! :)

GREAT NEW PRODUCT:SILVER SHIELD!!!!

After almost two months of using this product personally, I feel I can definitely promote it. Silver Shield is simply pure silver particles dispersed in purified water. It is non-toxic, even in the highest quantities, unlike homemade concoctions others have used. It kills bacteria, mold, viruses and fungus on contact. It differs from the other colloidal and ionic silvers out there because it is missing two electrons in it's outer shell. That means that Silver Shield has catalytic capabilities. Catalytic means that while one electron is destroying bacteria the other is being recharged allowing it to kill again and again.
We used to be confident that antibiotics would help us to fight off disease. But pathogens are becoming increasingly dangerous and resistant strains are causing deadly breakouts in hospitals, schools and restaurants. They have been misused, overused and are becoming ineffective. Not to mention the havoc the use of antibiotics creates in our bodies. Unlike antibiotics, Silver Shield has no negative side effects. You can't say that about any prescribed medicines out there. Because of it's super-bacteria-killing properties, it can be used with medicines and cause them to be even more effective because it will boost the immune system so it can do it's job more effectively. Silver Shield can be used topically and internally and can be used in a preventative manner as an immune enhancer.
There are hundreds of uses and it has been proven as a broad spectrum antimicrobial in the destruction of bacterias, viruses, mold and fungi including MRSA, SARS, Malaria, Anthrax, hepatitis C, Aids and Influenza, pneumonia, herpes virus, strep, staph, etc... In a day and age where bio terrorism is a real threat and epidemics are inevitable, we need to protect ourselves and our families.
We have personally used the product in our home with many different applications. We use it daily as a hand sanitizer and to clean household surfaces like remotes, computers, doorknobs, phones etc... It is unique because unlike other sanitizers out there, it not only kills bacteria and pathogens on contact, but it is the only product that continues to kill pathogens for four more hours. Which is great if you are in school or an atmosphere filled with many people. It will not dry out your hands because it contains no alcohol and you only need to reapply it if you wash your hands. In winters past, our hands have become so chapped and raw from alcohol based sanitizers. So far,we've used it for sore throats, yeast infection, eczema, stretch marks, wrinkles, colds, coughs and protection when traveling on an airplane (the filthiest place on earth) and have seen amazing results. It is odorless, colorless and virtually tasteless (some notice a slight metallic aftertaste). We've brushed our teeth with it to kill all mouth bacteria, as our mouths hold our first line of defense. A few drops will purify drinking water as well.
To learn more about this amazing product that was created by Dr. Gordon Pedersen, you can order his book: A Fighting Chance-How To Win The War Against Bacteria, Viruses & Mold With Silver at www.naturestools.com The product Silver Shield in liquid and gel forms can be ordered from me through Nature's Sunshine where it is exclusively patented. Feel free to ask me any questions concerning Silver Shield. Be well and healthy :)

GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!!!

Just want to encourage everyone to make it to the polls today. You may have to stand in a very long line and have your day inconvenienced, but many have paid a high price for our RIGHT to be inconvenienced! There is no perfect candidate out there. They are but mere men and we know God can work through those who get the privilege of leading our great nation. Do not vote based on FEAR of the economic situation we are currently in. The Lord has always known how to take care of His people and will continue to take care of every aspect of our lives if we involve Him. Ask your HEART how to vote. Support the candidates who will most likely uphold the vision the Lord had when he created families. This is STILL His nation and if we humble ourselves and pray, He will lead us. No matter what the outcome, tomorrow morning we will be praying for our president, like always. Let's give the Lord something to work with and continue to pray His word over our new president!

Harvest Photos 2008

Although we are not too into Halloween, we do let the kids celebrate Harvest and do a little Trick or Treating. This year we did not need to purchase costumes, yay! The kids were happy to use dress-ups they've played with all year. We live in such a nice neighborhood and it was a beautifully mild night to go for a walk. Even our Pup, Moses, joined in the fun and received one dog bone from a kind lady! I'm always excited to get this occasion over with, because HH does not allow me to play or sing Christmas music until it's officially Nov. (preferably after Thanksgiving, but I can't help it if I like to make it last as long as possible). Happy Harvest :)

Six Keys To A Healthier You: #2 Time In The Word

There is so much negativity coming at us, all day, every day. The Internet makes negative news available 24/7 and you can't check your email without the latest headlines running across the screen. Not that I don't like to keep informed, but to be honest, it can be depressing. We need to be vigilant in keeping a guard over our thought life, which will enable our spirits to remain strong. Part of keeping healthy is spending time in God's word to renew our minds. Not simply reading, but meditation. Meditating on the word simply means to mutter or to chew on. Taking that word and spending time throughout the day to think upon it. Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written therein; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." Who doesn't want to be successful? In this day and age of busyness, can we realistically meditate DAY and NIGHT? I think if we utilize all the new technology to our advantage, it can really help us to keep the word forefront in our minds. When working online, click a new tab and you can be listening to an encouraging message on the You Tube while you work. Use your i pod to keep scripture filled songs, that lift you up, playing while you are cleaning or cooking. Listen to teaching tapes or cds while driving. Keep post-its around the house to remind you of the word you are endeavoring to get down into your heart. It's amazing how you react to the negative situations an average day can bring, when you're filled up and overflowing with the word of God. It will keep you stress free and healthier in your body. :)

Guilt-Free Ice Cream Alternative

My kids love this healthy alternative to ice cream adapted from Above Rubies Magazine. It's super easy and fast to make when needing a little treat :)

Ingredients:
2 frozen bananas (cut up before freezing)
A couple scoops of almond butter (or organic peanut butter, if you prefer)
2 Tablespoons of organic maple syrup
2 teaspoons spirulina powder

Mix in food processor/blender on low until thick and creamy, do not over mix. If too thin, add extra bananas to thicken. Enjoy :)