Elmer’s and Xacto-BZZ Agent Review

A few month’s ago I signed up to be a Buzz Agent. It’s basically a word of mouth campaign for various products. I have been using the newest kit set to me, which includes the Elmer’s and Xacto products pictured below.
It really is no surprise that this crafty momma loved doing this Buzz Campaign. I think my favorite item was the corner punch, so smooth and easy for even my kiddos to use. I also really like the Craft Bond Glue Pen. Only the right amount right where you want it. Working with my boys to make birthday cards this worked out so well.

MFW-ECC

I had fully intended to use this blog as a weekly record of sorts for what we are doing in My Father’s World - Exploring Countries and Cultures. Well  that has not been happening. It seems my boys would rather stretch everyday out as long as possible. I find it harder to get up and started on time and I am almost dreading each day. I don’t think it has anything to do with the curriculum but with me needing more sleep and the boys getting away with too much. I am going to try to do better about posting a weekly or bi-monthly wrap-up.

We are in Week 6 and visiting Mexico so here are some pictures of that and what I have since Week 1.

                           United States Meal

 

       Apple Pie                                    Southwest  Fiesta Dip

 

 

 

 

Quilt Blocks                         Working on Primary Language Lessons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working hard during Weeks 3 & 4

 

 

 

 

 

Working on Weeks 5 & 6

 

 

 

 

                                   PINATAS!!!

 

Mandy

Man In Training

There are so many things I wish for my oldest son on his 15th birthday. My first baby is becoming a man and I see a glimpse of who that is. A protective, caring, passionate man with a heart for God but still immature in his faith. He has a ways to go but has come so very far.

Do not despair for He is not finished with you yet! The Lord has great works for you, and I can’t wait to see what you become.

This past year has been a trying one, with being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. He has been strong in Christ and determined to persevere. I am proud of my young man!

Mandy

Homemaking Haven

 

Week 2 in the challenge says this:

“Play soft music everyday in your home. Choose worship, classical or another form of peaceful music that the family enjoys. Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. Remind your family to avoid seething anger, tattling, criticism or back talk. As the wife/mother, work on gentleness this week.”

So that is what I am going to do. This should be easier for me as I am very drawn to music and it soothes my soul. I think I may download a few songs to the mp3 player so as to free up the computer. A mix of Celtic, worship, and lullabies will do the trick I think.

As for this past week I have struggled but it has been easier to get back on track once I see my candle. I am praying every time I see it. However, I am also cursing it when things are not going well. I hope to change scents this coming week and maybe that will make a bit of difference It’s not as though I dislike the one I have but it is a little too subtle in my opinion.

So here’s to days full of peace ahead!

Mandy

Buckets O Fun- TOS Review

I have to admit my kids loved this one but I hated it. I don’t like messy things that are potential hazards for my baby. I was given Buckets O Fun’s Yuck products to review, it is a super polymer and it is generally pretty safe however my 19 month old kept trying to eat it because she thought it looked like food. When fully hydrated the Yuck is ok but since it absorbs water the dehydrated powder is very dangerous to little kids.

However I feel that this product would be great for teens and even adults for some good old fashioned messy fun!

We did try to grow a seed in the saucy yuck (four consistencies are available, saucy, sticky, chunky, and snowy) but it never sprouted.

I feel this would be an excellent product for us in a few years when my baby is a bit older. Yuck can be dyed and it makes quite a lot of product when hydrated. I see pink snowball fights in the not so distant future.

The Yuck product’s are easily rinsed off with a hose but do not wash it off in the sink as it can clog the drain. It will dry out and rehydrate with the rain but eventually will biodegrade, so it makes a great gardening product to prevent underwatering your plants. I think that is what appeals more to me.

Yuck runs from $16 per pound for the chunky stuff to $600 for 50 pounds of the sticky Yuck. Buckets O Fun is a company selling products geared toward fun activities for group events.

Please be sure to check TOSCrew for others experiences with Yuck!

Mandy

Disclosure: I was provided a sample of products in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was provided.

PG Key-TOS

Have you ever logged on to your computer to check your email and saw something that made you wish you never opened it it the first place? How about thinking your teen was all snug in bed but come to find out he has found some sites that are disgraceful at best.

We all want to protect our children’s minds and a having a computer in the home is making that job near impossible lately.

I hope none of you ever have to deal with this, but we have. My oldest has been caught looking for porn. He doesn’t do it regularly and I honestly think it is a case where some (public school) friends have put him up to it. I find it disturbing though, as I password my computer, it has been right under my nose.

This was not recently but about a year or so ago, yet I still always wonder if I am being vigilant enough. So now that I was asked to review the PG Key I am grateful. I had never heard of it before but it sounded promising. You can block certain things, keep record of what is being accessed just by watching screen shots like a video, and get email alerts to certain activity.

Time 4 Learning

Awhile back I did a review for TOS Crew for Time 4 Writing. The company saw my review and now I've been independently invited to try Time4Learning for one month in exchange for a candid review. My opinion will be entirely my own, so be sure to come back and read about my experience. Time4Learning can be used as an online homeschooling curriculum, a web based afterschool tutorial or an online summer program. Find out how to write your own curriculum review for Time4Learning.

Homemaking Haven

 

Since I am trying to create a more peaceful atmosphere here and seeming to fail miserably I thought I’d do this challenge.

So First thing is to light a big candle somewhere conspicuous and pray for peace in my home every time I see it. I will be trying to go out and get my hubby’s favorite scent tomorrow. Hopefully I can remember to light it everyday.

Mandy

I have been selected

for 2 Blog Awards by two dear bloggy friends. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Seeing the Creator’s hand in your lives reminds me to try and always look for it in mine. Please stop by and say hello to

Wildflower Paths who gave me this award.

and My Heart’s Desire who gave me this one.

 

This is my first time being awarded anything and I feel so very blessed for these. I have always loved to write and to be able to share my life with you all has been the very greatest gift I could have. I hope my little blog has blessed you in some way.

I understand I am to list 7 things about myself and then pass this on, so here we go.

1. I live by the verses Matthew 19:26 “…With God all things are possible” and Phillippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

2. I went to school to teach but left disillusioned with the school systems political agendas.

3. It took me 8 more years to bring my children home.

4. I have 3 children and an angel in heaven and God willing I ain’t done yet.

5. My favorite color is purple.

6. I am a total tomboy.

7. I love to reorganize things but usually make a bigger mess doing so. I am a perfectionist so if I can’t get it perfect it stays in flux until I can!

And now I will pass the awards on to 5 people each.

One Lovely Blog to:

ourcrazylifeandbeyond.blogspot.com

proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com

duggarsblog.blogspot.com

beckydays.blogspot.com

fisheracademy.blogspot.com

The Versatile Blogger to:

1princeand3princesses.com

angelsofheart.blogspot.com

boardinginbedlam.blogspot.com

valerie-thebishopswife.blogspot.com

isabelroberts.blogspot.com

I know I am supposed to do 15 but that just seemed to be too many at once. I know, I know I am a rulebreaker. Well, everyone enjoy showing off your new awards you earned them!

Mandy

Take a Little Trip

So this year’s annual vacation trip was to Metropolis, IL. My family is big into Super Heroes and comic books, so this was a natural choice. We went over C-Man and Daddy’s birthday week as a special treat. We found an awesome restaurant that we are used to seeing in the form of ice cream at the zoo here at home, Dippin Dots. Oh my word they have the best soup and sandwiches ever. We also discovered Fort Massac State Park, a very important site during the American Revolution. We will going back just to explore the park as soon as we can. Unfortunately we made a very quick tour of the park so no pictures this time. I did however gets pics of our favorite Man of Steel.

 

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So where do you like to go on a tank of gas or less?

Mandy

Tag You're It: I Want To Know

Briana at I Can't Decide tagged me to play this game.

How did you meet your spouse?
In college I had a friend who had a bit of a lethal attraction type of crush on him. I found him intimidating (he was ex-military at the time). We started moving in the same circles and finally after he graduated and was about to leave the state we fell in love.

Birth weights of your children?  - 8lbs 1/2 oz, 8 lbs 2 oz, 9 lbs 5oz

Favorite Subject to teach? – Art and Latin   

Being Made New

I recently was introduced to NewCreations a wonderful website that sells modest women’s clothing. I have in the past tried to wear skirts but never could find any I enjoyed wearing. I just never felt comfortable in them. Part of the reason being that I am plus sized and most companies are not really creating modest, fashionable clothing for plus sized ladies. Lately God has put it on my heart to be more of a modest lady and watch what I wear so as not to cause others to stumble. I never thought I would ever have that problem, thinking instead that I am not desirable. God has been working in that area of my heart too! It seems as though the two came crashing together in my life,

All Connected

So I have my blog here, and I have a Facebook account you can friend me by using the badge at the left. I also have my Twitter up and running, also on the left if you want to follow my tweets. I added Networked Blogs to my Facebook and linked it to here and Twitter. Anything I am forgetting? Hoping I did it right and everything will post like it should when I post here.

Mandy

Do hard(er) things

Sometimes as parents we must do hard things. I think as Christian parents we called to do harder things. Things that others, who are while they may claim to be Christian are actually worldly, look down on us for. Unfortunately I am too familiar with the show of contempt and disrespect for my convictions as a Christian mother.
I have been told I am to strict, too hard, selfish, and more. I think the one that gets me the most is being called selfish. Am I selfish for expecting the best out of my children. For expecting them to follow God’s word am I too harsh? Well I should hope so. I expect obedience and there are consequences otherwise. I and my family live for Christ. The bible is God’s infallible word on how we should live.
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” (Colossians 3:20)

Zoe and Sozo Publishing A Book Review

Yay! My favorite topic, books! I love to read and discovering great books is a wonderful way to spend my evenings. I grew up immersing my self in great fiction. I spent many nights up until dawn lost in a world of make believe.
I received a copy of the first book in The Peleg Chronicles called Foundlings to review. It is a New Earth, Creation based, Historical fiction story set in the years after The Great Flood and the Dispersion at Babel. There is no magic, no evolution, no humanism, just Noah’s God.