Category Archives: Ms. Giggles

For the Love of Strawberries

Posted on May 6, 2013 | 2 Comments

We are a family who loves fresh fruits and veggies, so when the opportunity came to pick strawberries, we loaded up the van and headed to the strawberry fields!

I thoroughly enjoyed our little adventure.   It was a great morning that rolled  science lessons, math lessons, a field trip, a buffet, and a fun time all in to one.

We divided the girls into teams of one Big, one Middle, and one Little with a basket and a goal.  The boys grabbed a basket and headed off with manly swagger to fill theirs faster than their sisters.    It is always a race.  Whatever it is, it is always a race!

They worked hard, but enjoyed every moment of it.  My job was to run the filled baskets up to the “office” and grab an empty one for them to fill.

In the picture above, you can see my boys (Israel -2, and Noah -14) roaming the fields eating and picking.   I am not sure if any of the strawberries that made it into Israel’s hands were ever put into the baskets.

The strawberries were so ripe, juicy, and sweet.

At the top of the fields stood an old shack whose front porch served as the “office”.  It fit perfectly with the couple who handed out baskets and took payment.

We took our bounty of eight overly full gallon baskets home to process.  The little trick of using a straw to core each berry worked beautifully.   Simply use a clean straw to poke through the berry from the bottom up towards the stem.  It will core it and pop the top off with ease.

We put all of the tops, cores, and trimmings to the side and fed them to the chickens.  They were delighted with their treat!  Oh, the happy squawking!

I dried 5 trays of strawberries in my dehydrator.  The chips will be used in our homemade energy bars.  They add nice crunch and flavor.

I cut up and froze a large portion of the strawberries to use in cobblers, smoothies, pies, and homemade ice cream this summer.

 I also attempted to oven dry strawberries as seen in this pin on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/pin/102527328989401617/).   It did not work well at all.  The berries never dried as described and were far too moist to can in jars or bags.  Mold would have spoiled them quickly.  It is too bad it didn’t work.  If you try to oven dry them (not dehydrate them into chips), and it actually works, let me know what you did!    I am still intrigued by the idea.

With our strawberry harvest such a success, I am now looking toward our next fruit-filled adventure at the end of the month when we head out to pick peaches!

Do you enjoy getting out to the farms and being a part of the harvesting?

All for God’s glory,

~Rhen 

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Posted in As seen on Pinterest, Being Healthy, Family Life, in the garden, in the kitchen, Large Family Life, Little Man, Ms. Dimples, Ms. Giggles, Ms. Independent, On the Homestead, Rhen, The Youngin's, Young Man

Favorite Thrift Store Finds- January

Posted on February 5, 2013 | 6 Comments

Yes, shopping thrift stores is a great way to save money and keep your budget under control, but I enjoy the thrill of the hunt!  *wink*  Finding a treasure, a diamond in the rough, amongst a bunch of junk, is more than worth the time.

Here are my favorite finds for January.

I have been on the hunt for an adorable coat for my sweet Susannah.  She has a coat that is just fine for wearing outside to play in but not for going out in public.  I happened upon a gorgeous, chocolatey-brown Rothschild coat for less than $4.00!  Yes! Score for this thrifty momma!   I also found this adorable skirt.  It has a little gold thread running throughout, and it adds a touch of sparkle.

We had two great finds for Renee, both under $6.00 each.  The first is a black wool jacket that is gathered at the waist.  I love it when she wears it with a silky scarf tucked under the collar and flowing down the front.

The second is an absolutely gorgeous blue suede blazer with a lovely detail.  The kicker?  It is a brand new jacket with the original tag still on it.  That tag read $79.99.  Booyah!

Some women love shoes, while others have a thing for jewelry, and still others for purses and different bags, I have a little thing for jackets and blazers.  I am always on the lookout for something that is suede, loaded with personality, or just a little piece of eye candy.  *grin*

The warmth of this burnt orange suede blazer looks fantastic with my cream colored shirt, blue jeans, cowboy boots, and some simple drop earrings.

My “fun find” was this lap harp I discovered buried under a bunch of kitchen odds and ends.  It is missing one string (easily replaceable), and it was handmade in Romania (how cool is that!).  We are a music family who greatly enjoys finding and learning to play new instruments.  After our trip this fall to Fort Toulouse’s Pioneer Days introduced us to a fantastic character who beautifully played a large version of a lap harp, I had to snatch it up ($3.00)!

My January finds also include a few Van Heusen shirts in pristine condition for Noah, a couple of shirts for myself, several pairs of blue jeans for the kids, and a small tablecloth.

I don’t usually shop for myself, but I recently accomplished a pretty aggressive purge of my clothing, getting rid of items I never wear, I have lost too much weight to wear, aren’t my colors, or have become worn out.  I thoroughly enjoy putting together complete outfits that cost me very little.  Not to mention, the vintage items I find in the thrift stores totally fits my classic yet bohemian style.

How about you?  Do “hunt” through thrift stores?  Do you enjoy finding treasures for next to nothing?

God bless,

~Rhen

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Posted in Being Frugal, Family Life, Ms. Giggles, Ms. Serious, Rhen, The Youngin's, Young Man

View From My Porch (Link Up)

Posted on January 8, 2013 | 9 Comments

Welcome to this week’s edition of View From My Porch!

This week’s post has been provided courtesy of our five-year old tornado, Susannah.

Beautiful glass, isn’t it?

Can you guess what it is?

Here is a little bit of a wider shot.

It is the fifth gazing ball that has been smashed into tiny beautiful shards that are so incredibly difficult to find and clean up.

While the untimely demise of my gorgeous glass ball lies firmly on the shoulders of Susannah and her bike, she did not break all five of them.  No, no, no, the whole family has joined in on the attacks against the lovelies I like to adorn my gardens with.  Mark (hubs), Noah (14), Emily Grace (12), and the roughness of moving have all done their part.

It is a conspiracy, I tell you!

As is so apparent, I cannot have glass or anything breakable in my gardens, but I love the look of a colorful orb.  So, that brings me to my next question.  Can you help me?  What can I repurpose, make, and/ or create to take the place of my far too delicate glass gazing ball?  We are talking a need for Superman durability here!

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So, what are you going to share from the view from your porch?

To God be the glory,

~Rhen

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Posted in Family Life, in the garden, Large Family Life, Mr. Muscles, Ms. Firecracker, Ms. Giggles, Photographs, The Youngin's, View From My Porch, Young Man

Tough Start, Nice Finish

Posted on December 7, 2012 | 2 Comments

Have you ever experienced those days where you look at the clock, realize it is 2:30 in the afternoon, and try to form a list of accomplishments that includes more than eating breakfast (a cup of coffee counts), brushing your hair (with your fingers works just fine), and you haven’t lost any kids?

Yeah, my week started out that way.  Two steps forward and five steps back seemed  the motto for Monday and Tuesday.  Ugh!

A few highlights {insert sarcasm here}:

  • It is heartbreaking finding Layla’s (3) cute, little, blonde curls on the ground.  Grrrr.
  • Misplacing the key to the filing cabinet where our school supplies  and completed work that awaits being checked are stored is not a good thing.
  • A toddler (Israel- 21 months) who is suddenly extraordinarily clingy makes multi-tasking almost impossible.
  • Over-sleeping just ONE morning results in being behind the eight ball all day, and that, for some aggravating reason, tries to continue into the next day or two.
  • The joy of discovering that Susannah (5), in her attempt to “clean” her room, crammed a globe slam-full of her clothing and toys.  A globe!!  Yes, she shoved the earth full of junk.

After what felt like banging my head against the wall Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I decided it was time for a do-over.  Sometimes, we moms just have to clear our minds and to-do lists and start fresh.

Forget the days that were not productive, and drop the to-do’s that didn’t get completed.  That means it is time to create a two-day week out of Thursday and Friday, and use those two days to accomplish a new to-do list and new goals that will realistically fit in a 48 hour period.

Just a adding a little cuteness to this post with a sweet shot of my clingy Israel (21 months). How can I say “No” to that little face?

What does my new two-day check list look like?

  • Wash, dry, fold, and put away 4-6 loads of laundry (not too bad!)
  • Tackle a couple of lessons in Math and a couple in English.
  • Don’t scrimp on the Bible study or prayer time!
  • Include our favorite subjects- science (with Apologia, of course), geography, and history.
  • Tackle vocabulary and spelling next week.
  • Find something arsty to express ourselves artistically and let the creativity flow!
  • Think of a couple of cute and creative ways to style Layla’s hair in an attempt to make the gaps not quite so apparent.
  • Finish putting together soap orders.  (This one is very therapeutic for me!)
  • Spend some much needed wind-down time with Hubs.

By the time this evening (Friday) wraps up, this list will be checked-off, and I will be snuggling with Mark while the kids play a game of Monopoly, read a book, and/or play with the puppies.

This week may have started off on the rough side, but through a readjustment of my goals and my attitude, it is finishing very nicely.

How has your week been?  Was it like mine, or did you accomplish enough to put you ahead next week?  *grin*

God bless,

~Rhen

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Posted in A Moment to Focus, baby, Family Life, Homeschooling, Large Family Life, Little Man, Ms. Dimples, Ms. Giggles

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You Capture! ~Play~

Posted on August 27, 2012 | 1 Comment

With a house full of Littles, Middles, and TWO new puppies, there is a whole lotta play going on in here!

We are working diligently to make sure our Little Man, Israel, knows his way around a kitchen!  One day, his future bride will thank me for this.  *wink*

One of the many pleasures of homeschooling is the ability to get the kids outside periodically to stretch their legs and have a little fun before hitting the books again.

There is nothing quite like the sweet giggles from Israel and Susannah as she chases him in his swing.  Every time she would almost “catch” him, he would swing out of reach and she would have to chase him back the other way.

There are rare moments in the day when one of the children isn’t playing with our newest furry family members, Ezekiel and Judah.  I am ever so grateful that when they feel like chewing on something, they chew on each other.  They will stalk and romp and play as the kids watch with delight on their faces.

Noah takes great care to ensure the puppies are tired out and completely ready for nap time.

It does this Momma’s heart well to watch as the children play, catch butterflies, and enjoy their time together outside.  Sometimes I wish I could freeze these moments and keep them in my pocket.

God bless,

~Rhen

Why not join up and check out the other links to I Should Be Folding Laundry’s weekly photo challenge, You Capture!.

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Posted in Family Life, Little Man, Ms. Dimples, Ms. Firecracker, Ms. Giggles, Ms. Independent, Ms. Lovebug, Ms. Serious, Photographs, The Youngin's, You Capture, Young Man

You Capture ~Sky~

Posted on June 6, 2012 | 1 Comment

I know I am a tad late getting my You Capture! post up for the week, but I have a great excuse… life.  *grin*  I am sure you know exactly what I mean!

My photos for this week’s challenge are two ends of the spectrum.

On our way home from a little road trip to Granny and Papaw’s house this weekend, we were greeted by a storm rolling in.  It had such a powerful and ominous glow about it.

Stormy Sky

Ominous!

I have to be honest.  I was so glad to see the sky bringing such a fantastic storm our way.  I love the way the rain and the lightning make my gardens absolutely explode with growth!

What is better than an ominous and striking sky?  How about blue skies and adorable Littles!

Susannah (5), Layla (3), and I were playing supergirl in the backyard, and I couldn’t help but take a couple of shots of them.

Look!  What’s that in the bright, clear sky?  A bird?  A plane?  No!  Its…

Susannah (5) and

Layla (3)!

Let me tell you, it is not easy to balance a squirmy 3 year old supergirl and take a picture.  I thought the child was going to do a faceplant in my face!  Still, their laughter and squeals are still bringing a smile to my face and my heart.

Did you “capture” any sky this past week?

All for God’s glory,

~Rhen

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Posted in Challenges, Ms. Dimples, Ms. Giggles, Photographs, Rhen, You Capture

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Answering Homeschooling Questions

Posted on April 3, 2012 | 1 Comment

As a mom who has been educating her children at home for over 10 years now, I receive a lot of questions about how and what we do.

I enjoy answering every question I get.  I see them as opportunities to encourage, empower, and educate parents in their own homeschooling journeys.

Today, I chose four questions I have received quite frequently in the past few weeks.  I encourage you to leave your own answer(s) to the question(s) in a comment.  We all do things a little differently, and maybe we can help someone who is looking for options!

What kind of preschool curriculum do you use?  Is there a particular curriculum package you would recommend?

I get more questions about preschool and kindergarten than I do about any other grade.  My simplest answer, I don’t use a packaged curriculum.  Littles have such a thirst for knowledge and desire to be involved, and I want to harness and direct that with activities and experiences.  I don’t want them thinking that learning only comes from a book or a workbook.

Let me give you an example of working with Susannah (who just turned 5) when she started her preschool years.  While cutting up a banana to add to her granola, I would take the opportunity to ask her to identify the fruit and the color.  We then would talk about where it grows, what animals like to eat it, and what color the banana is before it is ripe.  I would maybe print off a coloring/ activity worksheet about a banana, the color yellow, the animal(s) we talked about, and/or the letter “b”.

There are many great places to print off free worksheets (I have several pinned) that work with the idea or subject you are enjoying with your Little.  Hands-on art, time in the garden, field trips to museums and zoos, and every day happenings like cooking are all great opportunities to cover letter sounds, colors, shapes, cause and effect, science, history, and more.  I prefer for my Littles to get into and active with their learning as opposed to only sitting at the table and working on workbooks and curriculum packs.

We also use flashcards, games, sand trays, and puzzles.

What homeschool conventions do you like to go to?

Um, I have never been to one.  Sad, I know.  It is not that I do not want to attend a conference, I REALLY do, but I have to find one that is around me without having to travel to Atlanta (I am in AL).

What science do you use for your middle school children?

I use Exploring Creation with Astronomy, Exploring Creation with Botany, and Exploring Creation with Zoology by Apologia.  I also use God’s Design for Life- Studying Plants and God’s Design for Chemistry by Answers in Genesis.  I am looking to get all of the Exploring Creation with series by Apologia.

Click picture for sourceClick picture for resource

How do you include art?

Art is a very vast subject with many mediums, inspirations, and personal experiences.  Our history (History Revealed by Diana Waring)  includes art (self-expression) in each chapter.   Our science also has opportunities to get creative, as well as geography.  While these subjects give great art assignments, I want more.  The kids love to do more!  Some of the art that we dabble in:  working with clay, pastels, watercolor paint, sand, acrylic paint, charcoal rubbings, sketching, origami, leaf art, and more.  If you are going to fit art into your schedule, you will have to intentionally create a day and time every week, or it will fall by the wayside.

What advice would you offer to the parents who asked these questions?

Do you have any homeschooling questions for me?

Next week, I will choose four more questions to answer.   I invite you to come back next Tuesday and join in to help encourage others!

This post is linked-up with Hip Homeschool Hop.  Pop over and check out many great homeschooling blogs.

All for God’s glory,

~Rhen

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Posted in arts and crafts, Family Life, hip homeschool hop, Homeschooling, Ms. Giggles, Rhen, Tuesday Teaching Tip

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Oh, the gorgeousness and a little You Capture fun

Posted on March 29, 2012 | 4 Comments

I have a field trip list that has been in my head for the almost 2 years we have been back in Alabama.  Finally, I am able to cross one of those field trips off.

If you have any reason for traveling through the Birmingham area, I highly recommend that you stop and walk through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  Oh, the gorgeousness is almost overwhelming.  Seriously.  To top it off, the parking and admission are free!  We are talking a day that included three of my favorite words:  free, fabulous, and FUN!

We spent 4 1/2 hours there, and while we did get to every garden, we did not get to explore every winding trail, hidden nook, and tucked-away treasure in all of them.  I guess we will just have to go back!  *grin*

The rose garden is breathtaking.

My favorite flower, a yellow rose.

I just love the texture of the old vines on this tree.

Everywhere you look the azaleas are in their full glory.  So many colors…

Olivia (7) and Hannah (9) and their silly selves.

There are trickling steams and gurgling waterfalls all through the fern gardens.  All that was missing was a hammock strung loosely between two trees.

Every turn holds a new view of yet another stunning azalea.

Each garden has some variety of water feature.  This little pond is hidden at a point where two trails meet in the middle of a woodland.  Can you spot the giant pinecone?

Hannah (9), Olivia (7), Emily Grace (11), Susannah (5), and Layla (2).

This is just one of the ponds in the Japanese gardens.

Our little Ms. Dimples is always stylin’.

The talon-like thorns on this tree are both beautiful and menacing.  You cannot help but touch it.

Statues, waves of blooms, and little ponds…

The spring flowers put on a beautiful show.

I am already planning a trip back to see the summer flowers when they make their grand entrance.  I noticed lily plants popping up everywhere!

All for God’s glory,

~Rhen

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This post is linked up to I Should Be Folding Laundry’s You Capture!  Pop over to explore some great new blogs with photos!

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Posted in Family Life, Homeschooling, Large Family Life, Ms. Dimples, Ms. Firecracker, Ms. Giggles, Ms. Independent, Ms. Lovebug, Ms. Serious, Photographs, Rhen, The Youngin's, You Capture, Young Man

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Making a Name Sign Shelf

Posted on March 5, 2012 | 2 Comments

As many of you already know, I have been making name signs for each of our children.  (See Emily Grace’s here, Hannah’s here, and Olivia’s here)

My goal is to use different style letters and create completely different name signs for each one.  I want them all to be unique!

For Susannah’s 5th birthday I created a name sign that is also a shelf.

What you will need:

  • wooden or plastic letters that spell out the name
  • a shelf that is long enough to accommodate the name length
  • paint
  • elmer’s glue
  • a couple of paintbrushes
  • glitter
  • “L” brackets
  • clear coat (gives a clear, hard shell)

I used a wooden shelf, so I covered it with a couple of coats of polyeurathane to protect the wood.

Next, I painted the letters of her name.  The girl loves pink.  I chose a pink that would travel with her through age and not be too bright or to “baby pink”.

Then, I paint each letter with Elmer’s glue…

…and dust them thoroughly with the glitter.  Once the glue has dried and set, I gently shake off the excess glitter and spray a nice layer of clear coat to keep the glitter from being knocked off.   It forms a nice shell on the letters.

Mark was a huge help and used epoxy to glue the “L” brackets onto the back of each letter.  I couldn’t use the screws on the letters as they were too long.

Mark then screwed each letter into place onto the shelf.  I cleaned off the excess glitter and sprayed two more good layers of clear coat on the whole thing.  That glitter is not going anywhere!   :)

The finished product hung over her bed…

I spent approximately $20.00 to make this.  I bought the shelf, letters, paint, and glitter for 40-50% off at Hobby Lobby.  I bought the “L” brackets at Home Depot for $4.00 for 2 packages of 4.  I already had the glue, clear coat, and paint brushes.  :)   She now has some of her favorite “pretties” displayed on her shelf right behind her name.

Any questions?

Don’t you just love handmade gifts?!

All for God’s glory,

~Rhen

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Posted in arts and crafts, Being Frugal, Family Life, Handmade, Ms. Giggles, Projects, Rhen

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Thankful Thursday~ Overflowing

Posted on March 1, 2012 | 5 Comments

Some days, things, people, and situations to be thankful for are so much more obvious and easy to recognize!

♥ After hours and hours of severe storms throughout the entire night, I am so thankful that God kept His mighty hands on us the whole time.   While my swing was knocked over (and easily stood back up), nothing else was damaged.  Noah’s (13) gigantic teepees are even still standing.  That was a shocker!

♥ I had something of a rough day earlier this week, and my readers stepped up right away to encourage me and pray for me.  I am very thankful for each and every one of you!

♥ I am thankful for being blessed and able to homeschool our children.  Today has been a fantastic science day.  Between the sedimentary settling and layering experiment, the rainbow experiment, the metallic bonding experiment, and the salt crystal experiment, we are thoroughly enjoying our hands-on science lessons.  We love Apologia and AiG sciences!!  It is wonderful to watch as the children learn and explore.

You may be asking, “What is with the funny picture of your kids holding their Apologia science books?”.  Well, Apologia is having a little contest to win a $100 gift card!  How could I pass up the opportunity to win?

*Choosing to use Apologia was the first step on a fantastic learning journey.  The kids are really enjoying the experiments and projects.  The Bigs take great pride in explaining to the Middles and Littles what they are doing.  It makes this momma’s heart glad to see so much learning and fun going hand in hand!*

I had such a great time trying to capture the best picture of the kids leaping with their Apologia books.  We laughed so hard that I could barely hold my camera!

♥ I am thankful for our sweet, sweet Susannah (Ms. Dimples) who celebrating turning 5 years old today!  We are working hard on preparing for he birthday party on Saturday.  Please pray for us to have beautiful weather for her party.  Thank you!  She is so excited about her upcoming birthday party that she gets the wiggles and cannot hold still.

What are you thankful for this week?

All for God’s glory,

~Rhen

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Posted in Family Life, Homeschooling, Large Family Life, Ms. Giggles, Rhen, Thankful, Thankful Thursday