5 Legit Sites To Make Extra Money From Home

Thanks to our guest blogger, Alison from Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, we're learning how to make a lil extra cash!

Who likes free money and cool prizes? This girl!! Making money sitting on your couch playing on the computer while you watch your favorite re-runs of The Walking Dead and Supernatural (or insert favorite TV program here)  – sound too good to be true right? Well let me tell you it is totally possible. Now don’t get me wrong, survey sites are in no way going to make you rich and allow you to quit your job and all that good stuff – a good lotto win is still the key to that dream. However, I have been able to make about an average of $25-$50 a month in cash, gift cards, and super cool prizes. Some months more, but it all adds up in the end. I generally save up my points until I reach a good payout or save up my Amazon Gift card credits and use them to make Christmas shopping free or at least really, really cheap. I’ve tried tons of sites and it’s true, some of them just plain suck…either the points don’t add up very quickly, you screen out of pretty much every survey, or there are way too many ads that you have to click through to even get to the point of taking a survey. I don’t blame you for getting discouraged with those. There are several out there though that are awesome, they send you quality surveys, and a lot of them so that you are able to qualify for enough surveys to make it worth your time and actually earn some money or prizes. My five favorite legitimate survey sites are:
 

• Toluna – Toluna is one of the first sites I signed up for. They’re points system is sort of crazy – surveys can be worth 2,500 to 30,000 points, sometimes more, which seems like tons right? Well, 30,000 points equates to about $10 because it take 60,000 points to cash out for $20 PayPal cash. (There are other reward options, but PayPal and Amazon are two of my faves). Toluna has more than just regular reward items though – they also have “gifties” which are virtual gifts for relative few points (100-250 usually). The thing with gifties though is that randomly they turn into real rewards so there is the chance that the 120 point virtual Coach Handbag or Exercise Equipment that you picked will actually be delivered to your door. I usually save my points for the cash reward and then use whatever odd amount I have left over for gifties – you know just in case I get lucky.

 

 

• Harris Panel – This site is great and the reward choices are great too (who doesn't love Amazon credits?). This one doesn't rack up the points as quickly as some of the others but that’s mainly because they don’t send out as many surveys – I get about 5 a week give or take from Harris that I end up qualifying for and the points values are usually around 100 points per survey. As you can see below, it does pay out though so definitely worth signing up for.

 

 

 

 

• E-Rewards – E-Rewards credits you with virtual cash for every survey you take. Even if you screen out of a survey you still get $0.25 credited to your account. Surveys you qualify for can range from $1.00 to $5.00 on average – some significantly more. The screen shot below shows where my credit amount is at right now so I would be eligible for any of the rewards in the $75 redemption category. You can get to this level pretty quickly and I use this to get Game Stop & ITunes gift cards for my hubby and kiddos (Birthdays, Christmas, and so the ITunes downloads that normally are taken out my checking account are free!!) Now that it’s almost Fall I may be redeeming my credits for a Starbucks gift card because I do love me a good Pumpkin Spice Latte…

 

 

 

 

• Global Test Market – Each survey is worth an average of 15-40 points, some are significantly more. For PayPal cash you can redeem as few as 230 points ($10) or save up until you have 2,300 pints like I’m doing this time to redeem for $100 sent to your PayPal account. No PayPal account? No problem, there’s tons of other rewards at all points levels so everyone is bound to find something that interests them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• American Consumer Panel – I think this is the panel I've been part of the longest and I’ll be honest, the points rack up slow – they don’t send a lot of surveys and you don’t qualify for all of them. You have to have 1000 points to cash out for $20. I usually do that about twice a year. Is it really worth it you ask? Yes, the great thing about American Consumer Panel is this the site where I get tons of product tests from. I've gotten diapers to test several time which is worth about $30 a pop in not having to buy them at the store. I've gotten shampoo, facial cleanser, lotions, boxed dinners, gift cards to purchase groceries to try new recipes, and the list goes on. If you’re into product testing (and who doesn't like to try new stuff for FREE), then this is a great site to sign up for and at the end of the day you still earn a few bucks here and there.

 

 

 

If you have a few extra minutes each day to take some surveys and haven’t signed up already, you should definitely check these out. There are a couple more I just came across in the last couple weeks that I’m testing out – I haven’t used them enough to form an educated opinion though so if those pan out to be legit as well I’ll update you all and let you know.  

What are your favorite survey sites? Did I miss any in great ones in my list? ~ Alison 

My Favorite Things About Fall (Fall Feature blogger)

Hey there!

For the next two weeks, my blog will feature horseshoes-n-handgrenades, a blog by the beautiful Alison. Just few weeks ago, Alison became the lucky winner in the "September Spotlight Giveaway". She's super cool and such a sweet pea so make sure you click on her picture below and become her newest follower. Without running my mouth any longer, allow me to introduce you to the wonderful, the witty, the down to earth, Alison!

   <---------click me="" p="">
Here's her first feature blog post! Enjoy and don't forget to show her some love.


My Five Favorite Things About Fall 
“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." ~ L.M. Montgomery
 

It's that time of year – schools are back in session, the weather is cooling off, and people are taking a breather before gearing up for the holiday season. Its fall…or at least fall is very quickly pushing the final lingering bits of summer hastily out the back door. Some people hate to see summer go, and I’ll admit there are parts of it that I wish would stick around a bit longer, but for the most part, I welcome fall as it encompasses the landscape, the air, and the season takes over. When someone mentions the seasons changing, the first things that jump into my mind and get me excited about this time of year are:
 
1. Fall Fashion – I love fall fashion! It’s still warm enough for tees and  even tanks and cardis in the day but I love hoodies, jeans, sweats, jackets, scarves, leggings, and layering. I especially love boots! Casual boots, dressy boots, flat boots, boots with heels, and cowboy boots. Fall is the season of boots so I love fall! I love fall colors…while I like glitter and glitz, I’m not a super flashy color person, and so the neutrals that go with the fall wardrobe choices I’m a total fan of. 
 
2. Pumpkin Everything – Pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin cheesecake, and of course pumpkin pie. I don’t think there’s a pumpkin flavored baked good that I’ve tried that I didn’t like…ever. In addition to the wonderful baked goods (and a couple extra pounds to fill out those sweaters and hoodies) there’s pumpkin spice latte’s. It doesn't get better than hot pumpkin spice latte' on a crisp fall morning on the way to work. 

 
3. Blankets on The Couch – I have blankets on the couch year round, but I don’t actually snuggle up in them until fall sets in. (Unless I’m sick in which case it’s no longer an enjoyable activity.) I just find something super comforting, almost therapeutic, in lounging on the couch wrapped up in a soft blanket to watch my favorite TV show on a fall evening. Add a pumpkin spice latte' or some pumpkin bread to that and you've got a happy girl on your hands!
 
 
4. Harvest - It’s not so much the actual activity of harvesting that I love, it’s the end product. I live in an agricultural community so fall means finishing harvest so we have fresh apples, corn, squash, pumpkins, and a plethora of other freshly harvested goodies available that the local farm stands. The price is right for buying in bulk to freeze for the year and those fresh pumpkins and apples are great for making all those seasonal pies and jams that are so in demand through the season. 

 
5. Leaves Turning – Of course there’s the universally accepted sign that fall has arrived…the turning of the leaves. Living in the Pacific Northwest we really get the full effect of the annual transformation of the plants and trees. It truly is beautiful to watch and enjoy. (Now, I don’t care so much for the perpetual raking of said leaves once they fall from the trees…but while they’re still attached they can be absolutely breathtaking.)

So, those are a few of my very favorite things about fall, what are yours and why? If you’re not a fan what is your favorite season? 

Fall Feature Pin Show

I luuuuuv me some Pintrest.

Recently I've been on a mad search for great Fall crafts that are sorta unique...out of the box. And let me tell you, it's not an easy task.

But, I'm not one to give up so easily, so my search continued. Below, you'll find some great unique Fall craft ideas for you and for the kiddos!

Hey, if one of these unique Fall crafts are from your blog, then guess what? YOU ROCK! If you're not on this list, I dare you to pin the one you like most!

I've set this up as my top 5, because a top 10 list would just be too long and I know you guys have lives to attend to ;)

Let's do this thing:

Number 5 (yes, we're going backwards...it's fun, right?)

By: Play.Create.Show 
 " Pumpkin Owl"

Number 4
By: Decor To Adore
 "Wooden Knobs Acorns"
 














Number 3
By: Zakka Life

"Pine cone Votive"            

                                                                         

Number 2By: That Artist Woman"Paper Roll Squirrel"  Number 1By:.........I don't know who it's by....seriously! But it's so cool! If you're wondering what that is, it's dryer vent with a little glue, embellishments and paint! Genius!    

So, there you have it..some unique Fall crafts. Wasn't that fun? Do you have some Fall crafts you would like to share ? I'd love to know about em'   

September Spotlight Giveaway

The coffee is hot and the weather is fine.....

I feel like being generous. I feel like sharing my space. I feel like giving away some dough!

(drum roll please)

Introducing, for the first time EVER......Teacher Momma and the "September Spotlight Giveaway"

(and the crowd goes wild)

I want to feature some of the best blogs out there.....but I can only choose one!

The lucky blogger will get to feature their post (up to 5 posts) for a whoppin' 2 weeks! (a $100 value)

(but wait, there's more)

That same lucky blogger will also get a $10 Target Gift Card!

(and the crowd goes wild, again)

Are you ready for some giveaway action? Let's GO!

May the best blogger win!

That Paper Better Be Able To Talk!

 

(google Image)

 It's that time ladies and gentlemen....back to school! Some of you have already started and many of you are still preparing. No matter what side you're on, I know you've had to do some sort of school shopping, right? 

The new curriculum, the planning of the trips, the co-ops, the lesson planning and  making sure you have all the supplies. Speaking of supplies, is it just me or did the cost of school supplies take a trip to the moon? Last week I was looking at a local sales paper online and I nearly did a flip when a pack of wide ruled paper with a measly 80 sheets, cost $2.50. Yes....yes...I know, it's ridiculous! Just last year they were 2 for $1. The "frugal" momma in me wanted to buy my kids a personal dry erase board and call it "a pack of paper".

I don't know about you, but I try not to let my kids write on the inside of workbooks so that they can be reused, so paper is a need in our kitchen. I have yet to find a pack of paper that I will waste my money on. I just refuse to pay less than $1 for a pack of paper. Am I asking too much. I mean, let's be honest, most of the paper ends us in the trash or recycle bin anyway. What's a Teacher Momma to do? Have you stocked up on paper yet? How much did you pay? Where should I shop for mine?

Going Out With A Splash

 

 

 

                                                                      

 

 (Google Image)

In Just a few more days, we'll be going on vacation! Whoop-Whoop! 

It's almost 'Back To Homeschool" time, but before we result to sitting at the kitchen table for reasons other than eating, we're gonna take a dip,a splash and a slide at the Kalahari Water Resort! Just what we need to start the homeschool year off       right.

My days before the trip will consist of ironing and packing clothes, packing food, packing activities for the road and braiding my daughter's hair...which I'm not looking forward to. We both have a LOT of long, thick hair. BUT, it'll be worth all the work when we don't have to worry about it at Kalahari, right? Right.

 

Oh, yeah, guess what? We've bought some new swim suits! Well at least for my daughter and I. We had them specially made by Meant To Be Modest  and they are super cute. I didn't take any pictures of us in our new suits yet, but here are a few pics from their website

 

Aren't they cute! I Absolutely LOVE how they are made! They are made with such quality and care.....and now I don't have to worry about my "ups and downs" hanging out (ya' know what I'm sayin'). Oh, the things we see at public water parks.......Sorry, I digress.

I'm looking forward to a great start to our homeschool year!

Do you have any plans for fun or relaxation before school begins? I'd love to hear about it!

The Lord's Will Always Wins

I remember it like it was yesterday. My husband to be and I, standing in the living room surrounded by our family and friends awaiting our marriage. The ceremony was to take place at 2 o'clock, but things didn't go as planned. 

You see, the pastor that was to marry us hadn't shown up.....and it was 4 o'clock now! 

The house was quiet (or so it seemed). The family was whispering, trying no to disturb the facts and the great nervousness I carried. Not only was I a nervous wreck, I was furious too! I was just on the phone with the pastor the night before! What was he doing? where was he? how could he do this?

At this time in my life I was drawing closer and closer to Christ and everyone was in my way! There were family members praying that I wouldn't marry my love, but they had no idea what God had already revealed to me, nor would they understand.

The evil one took these facts and ran with them! I already had family against me, and now the pastor that was supposed to be here hours ago! As tears ran down my face, alone in the bathroom, I took time out with God. I asked Him something that many would not have thought to ask...."Father, have Your Will". Nothing more, nothing less. 

It was then that I realized that for the rest of my life, I needed to please God and NO ONE else. I needed to let go of what people thought they knew and what they were saying, because in reality, they knew nothing!

They didn't see two people getting their life together and drawing closer to Christ. They didn't see a beautiful family forming, nor did they see a ministry in the works, but now I know why.

They couldn't see it because they weren't looking through the eyes of Christ. They never looked at us with Christ's love....they didn't understand.

As I cleaned up my face and prepared to walk back out into the living room, something amazing was in the works. My father and my father in-law to be was brewing up a plan! I went over to see what was going on and my father said, "baby girl, we'll be back. We've gotta go pick up my pastor.....you guys are getting married today if we have anything to do with it". I was so shocked that I couldn't move! While I was praying, God had already moved.

We made eleven years in June! Since the beginning, we have been working for the Lord and we won't stop until our faith is our eyes.

Cloudy On Friday, With A Chance Of Laundry

 

It's Friday baby!!!!.......is what I want to yell while standing on the front porch in my baby blue robe, but If I do, I run the chance of getting hit by lightning. It's been storming since about 5 a.m. and my lovely dog, Kitu, has been barkin', yelpin', and whinin' since it began. 

At least the coffee pot went off on time....Oh, that sweet sound. It's second best to the kiddos saying "good morning, Mom". I was actually worried that the storm would knock the power out and reset EVERYTHING, but mainly my coffee (hee-hee), but lucky me, I'm sipping a nice, pipin' cup right now.

Guess what? The kids are going to grandma's for the weekend, whoo-hooooo.....I mean.....I'm sure gonna miss them ;) and you know that means that they need clean clothes.

My laundry day is Monday, and usually on the weekends we do lots of lounging around in our jammies all day (except for Sundays), which are my power-up days to prepare for laundry day. Today, I must sacrifice all that I knew about Fridays in the past. I must start it early. I must iron it all, I must bathe the children (and maybe myself). I must pack the clothes. And then........then, I MUST drive them to grandma's house..... muhahahaaaaaaaaa.....victory shall be mine! All this can only mean that there will be no laundry on Monday and you can't beat a forecast that looks that sweet.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Little Troubles

Hey peeps! I know you've probably been wandering where I've been. Is she hiding under a rock? Nah. Has she left her blog to rot? Nah. Has she been so tied up with little troubles that it's been hard for her to focus? BINGO!

It all started with my oldest sister.She's come across a rough patch in life causing my every waking (and sometimes sleeping) minute to praying for God's will in her situation. I tell you the truth, that girl is strong "like bull" and when life handed her lemons, she gave them to my second oldest sister, and she made lemon meringue pie, LOL.
Speaking of my second oldest sister, she suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. You would never know it just by looking at her, but the underlying issues can strike at anytime. From the lesions on her spine to the giving out of her legs and many other things, I revert to walking and sleeping prayer. Just recently she spent a few nights in the hospital. Which leads me to my niece.
My niece sent me a text (in panic form!!!!!!) saying, "I'm on my way to the hospital". As I bring myself ready to run out the door, I realize that I'm still sitting with my sister, who's still in the hospital....and it's not the same location! My niece was having contractions...."oh goodness", I thought. "I'm not omnipresent...how am I going to be at two places at one time". Here I go with the walking prayer again.
Oh, and in the midst of things, our van decided to join in on the Harlem shake wave! It was shaking and jerking....I thought the thing would take off on it's own. That issue ran us a few hundred dollars, which we didn't have to spare. Since it's the only vehicle we have, we had no choice but to get it repaired right away.

Now that all the little troubles have ceased, I've learned what it means to "pray without ceasing". And Just because it seems that I'm getting a break, there is always someone that needs to be lifted up in prayer. I may not see them all the time or even know them, but somewhere, someone is going through something. So, if you ever feel like the "little troubles" are taking over, just know that Teacher Momma is praying for you.

Blessings

Look What I've Got!

not my image

I can't be happier! I was nominated, not once, but twice in the same day (doing the happy dance)! Allow me to be honest with ya', until I was nominated I had NO idea what this award was about....I mean No idea! Luckily, these lovely ladies that were so kind to nominate me...Shout out to ~Un Super Mom~ you can see her and her beautiful family over at http://mybradybunchfamily.blogspot.com  And to The Resourceful Mama over at http://theresourcefulmama.blogspot.com  where you can see the busy life of a full time mama and a full time computer programmer from Connecticut . Ladies, you guys are awesome! I had a wonderful time reading your post and I'm honored to have been on your list. Thank you. 

What is a Liebster Award?
Ok in a nutshell it goes like this:

not my image

Cool right!

So, now I've gotta get busy with 11 facts about myself, Answer the questions asked by the lovely ladies mentioned above and then nominate 11 blogs. But in all fairness, since I was nominated twice, I'm going to nominate 22 other blogs! Whoop-Whoop!....OK, here goes...

11 Facts about Me:

1. When I was 7, I had surgery to have a needle removed from my knee....My mom was a seamstress lol
2. I really enjoy doing arts & craft projects
3. I don't like touching cotton balls (long story...if you want to know, ask me)
4. I wear a size 4 in shoes
5. My favorite color is pink
6. I have never flown a kite and it actually worked lol
7. I'm married to my best friend and pastor
8. I am a part-time vegetarian...what's that you ask? I Only eat meat if I know where it came from and how it was fed and treated.
9. I make my own deodorant
10. I have a pet turtle named Philippe 
11. I LOVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Questions from the ladies

From ~Un Super Mom~

1. When do you find the time to blog? I usually blog either early in the morning or late at night....or whenever my kiddos are asleep lol

 2. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? I would be an Elephant....and honestly I don't have any other reason, but this one....because they are so flippin' cute!

 3. Describe what you feel when you see your favorite color? When I see my favorite color I feel pretty

 4. What is your favorite television show? My Favorite show is Bazaar Foods, it's fun to watch....oh and I also like Duck Dynasty!

 5. What one thing would you like your children to take into adulthood? Their passion to be more like Christ. If they can hold on to Him, everything else will fall into place.

 6. What does you family think of your blog? the one's that follow seem to really enjoy it, but many of my family members are really not interested in homeschooling...booooo lol

 7. What would your dream vacation be? ooooo, my dream vaca?.....Let's see...I would love to visit Italy, that would be amazing!

 8. What is your favorite midnight snack? It's either Moose Tracks ice cream or vanilla yogurt with granola and peaches....yum, yum (checks the clock to see if it's snack time yet)

 9. What daily chore do you despise the most? I absolutely despise folding clothes and putting them away! I need a robot for that job lol

 10. What advice would you give to a first time blogger? I would tell the first time blogger to become a reader, read other blogs, make blog friends, ask questions and be real about who you are. Real people like to follow real people.

 11. If you had 3 wishes what would you wish for? I would wish for world peace, hunger to disappear , and for everyone to make it to Heaven.

That was fun...

Now, Questions from The Resourceful Mama

1. What is the one thing you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for being a good mother, wife, sister and friend. And I want all to remember my love for the Lord.

2. What is your favorite food and why? I love veggie tacos because they are amazingly great and healthy at the same time...can't beat that!

3. Who is your role model? My role model is Christ. Every day I strive more and more to be like Him. 

4. If you're a parent what is the one thing you enjoy the most about parenthood?  If you're not a parent, what is the one thing you enjoy the most about not having kids? I'm a mama to 3 of the craziest, funniest, lovable kiddos I know! And the most enjoyable part is watching them become who they will be for the rest of their lives and being able to have a hand in the process is priceless!

5. What is your favorite book and why? My favorite book is the Bible, because it's my road map for life.

6. If you could have dinner with one person in history who would it be and why? Hummmmmm.....I would have dinner with Hitler so I could try talking him out of such an awful deed.

7. What is your best childhood memory? My best childhood memory is my mother. She always provided and was a great influence of who I am today.

8. High heels or flats? LOL I used to be "all heels" even when I was cleaning, now I'm all flats. I don't know if it's because I had kids or what! I like being comfy lol

9. To date, what is your greatest life accomplishment? My greatest accomplishment in life is accepting Jesus Christ into my life and living a life that is pleasing to him...not an easy task, but a task I was willing to take head on....call me a conquer!

10. Where is your favorite place to be? My favorite place to be is wherever my family is...that's the truth.

11. What is your favorite television show? LOL I have two! Duck Dynasty and Bazaar Foods!

Boy, Oh, Boy....I did it! I answered all the questions!

Drum Roll Please........Now, for the list of blogs that I nominate for the Liebster blog Award goes to........

1. Before You Tuck Me In
2. Kidcrossing Barefoot
3. At My Counter
4. Creative Mess
5. The Busy Bee's
6. A Little This A Little That
7. Ahoy Maties!!!
8. Angi's Place
9. Around The Homestead 
10. Between Two Rams
11. Crazy Little Lovebirds
12. Home *School* Home 
13. In the Shadows of Life
14. Kickbutt's Crazy Lapbooks
15. Life With Four Boys...Coffee Please
16. Mom And Monster
17. Night Owl Venting
18. Our Birth Journeys
19. Peters Peapod
20. Stairsteps Academy
21. The Pursuit Of Normal
22. The Southern Northerner 

There you have it! Congrats nominees! This is my way of saying, "You blog is pretty darn cool". If you would like to participate, post 11 facts about yourself, answer the following questions, choose 11 of your favorite blogs and ask them questions and Share the by following each nominee! 

 Please answer the following questions

1. Who or what is you inspiration?
2. What is the first thing you do when you wake up?
3. How do you handle a stressful day?
4. What book do you recommend all parents read to their children?
5. When the kids go to bed what do you do?
6. What is one thing about your past you wish you could change?
7. If you had a million dollars, what would you buy?
8. Why did you start blogging?
9. Are you going to follow all the award nominees?
10. What is one thing you hope you children remember about you?
11. How would you define your character?

 Ok Ladies! You've got some work to do! I had such a blast sharing the love with the Liebster Blog Award and it feels good passing it on. We put in so much work with our blogs and a little pat on the back never hurt anyone ;)

Blessings,

~Teacher Momma~

P.S. Make sure you link back to me when you're done so I can view your answers :)

Springtime Lapbooks

Spring has finally arrived.....I think. Well, according to my calendar, it got here about two weeks ago. Today, it's wet and cold outside and the kiddos are already getting a bit restless. I would love to dig into my vault of rainy day activities, but I thought it would be way more fun to try my hand at lap-booking! These are some great lap books I found in blog world and I think I'm ready to give them a shot....they look like tons of educational fun! Let's see what I found.

#1 From Dynamic 2 Moms, Strawberries


  Yum, Yum!


#2 From Marine Corps Nomads

Time to plant some seeds 




#3 From Rockabye Butterfly

  Letters, colors & puzzles


#4 From The Homeschool Den

 Let's get buggin'


#5 From Preparation Education 

 Tweet, Tweet!

Wow, didn't I find some great ones? I know there's more jewels to find and I'm sure you have some that you would like to share with me....right friends!

Have you done any Springtime Lapbooks lately? I would LOVE to see them.

Lesson #1: Modesty

   

 Modesty? Are you kidding me? I'm not dressing like that! Why do you have that on? Are you Amish or something? Your hair is pretty, why do you always have it covered?

That's often what I hear from my family and friends. It's annoying as all get out, but I have to humble myself. Why is it annoying? Well, before I was a follower of Christ I NEVER practiced modesty. I was the one that people shook their head at because my clothes were too tight, my mid-drift was showing, my cleavage was a part of every outfit and I wore tons of jewelry to make sure I was noticed. 

 I'm a totally different person now! I make sure my clothes are not tight or too short. I shop for clothes that will not expose my cleavage or draw attention. Why? Because I'm a woman that worships the Lord with my entire being. I strive to mirror Him in all the fruits I bear and I recognize scripture as authority. 

   Teaching modesty to my daughter is one of my top priorities and being an example is one of the best ways to teach. Let's face it, our children only do what they learn and most of what they know comes from us...their parents. You know that old saying, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree"? Well, we all know that to be a very true statement. So, if our duty, as parents, according to scripture, is to lay a foundation for our children, then we must be sure that the foundation is strong and packed with the traditions of God. 

   People often tell me that kids need mentors, OK that's all fine and dandy, but when choosing a mentor, one must be VERY careful! Fruit that the mentor bears will eventually show up in your child. So, I won't allow someone that is continually practicing sin or does not practice modesty to mentor my children, and I don't feel bad about it. My job is to be a good godly mother, so I can really care less about how someone feels as a result of my decisions. 

  

 Am I being realistic, YES! Would you allow your children to be mentored my a murderer? Then why would you allow them to be mentored by someone that does not practice things that God deems mandatory? Is it still not murder?

  I enjoy practicing modesty, as it allows me not to be worried about the world and how I am viewed by it....because I'm not of it. I'm here to serve and please the Lord and whatever pleases Him, I will do. 

Do you practice modesty? 

If so, how do you deal with negative things people have to say? 

If not, why?

Here are some good sites I found about modesty:

What Christian Modesty Looks Like

Modern Modesty?

Christian Men Speak Out About Modesty

Homeschool Praises

THE RESURRECTION

©By M.S.Lowndes

We hold so close to our hearts
The cross where Jesus died
But so much more than the blood-stained cross
Is that Jesus came back to life

The stone's been rolled away
The tomb lay open and bare
They looked for Him, and then the angel said
That He is no longer here

Oh what joy they must have felt
To see Him just once more
To eat with Him, to drink with Him
To receive Him back as Lord

So much did He accomplish
Through His death upon the cross
And in His rising from the dead
He reconciled us back to God

Nothing else could bridge the gap
That sin had wrenched apart
Now we can freely go to God
And receive Christ in our hearts

Follow Me On Facebook

Guess what guys! I have finally created a Facebook page for quick & easy blog updates and such! I know, I know, I'm kinda "quick to the slow", but hey, I got it done right! And since I JUST created the page, I have zero friends. I'ts a sad day in Teacher Momma land when you have no friends on FB. I know you guys are eager to be my friends, so click here and like my page....pretty please with sugar on top :) OH, and please share it with your friends too. You guys are awesome!

Welcome Spring

Can you believe that spring is right around the corner? It's kind of hard for me to fathom because we were blessed with 9 inches of snow last week.....it's all gone now but, Spring seems soooo far away!
 
I don't know about you, but it's been a LONG homeschool year so far and I have a bad case of the ""wipe-outs" and I could use a fresh start....so I'm ready to get organized! Spring cleaning Here I come!

This is the list of projects I'm planning to attack over the next 2 weeks:

1. Swap out all heavy duty winter clothes for spring & summer stuff

2. Clean out kids toy boxes & donate rarely used ones

3. Look for any expired in kitchen cabinets & refrigerator (clean both)

4. Go through all the random school papers & throw away one's not needed

5. Vacuum mattresses & underneath beds

6. Clean baseboards & Ceiling fans

7. Donate clothes that have not been worn in over a year

8. Clean yard (leftover leaves, paper, sticks etc.)

9. Sand & re-paint porch rockers

10. Plan, plow & fertilize plots for garden

11. Plant veggies & drink lemonade :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm quite sure I'll have much fun attacking all these projects. What are your plans for spring cleaning? Share please :)

Laundry and Toys and Brownies OH MY!

   I mean, seriously....you take one look at this picture and immediately see yourself somehow. And she only has one kid LOL!
    Okay, okay....allow me to rewind and restart this post... uuh-umm (I was clearing my throat).

     Homeschooling is NO easy task and on some days it seems down right impossible (it's sounding better already). You're not only a teacher you are also a wife, a maid, a doctor, a top-chef, a rocking chair, a jungle-gym, a wet nurse, a financial adviser, a blogger, an assistant, a story teller, but wiper and your lips have automatic healing potion in them. And I'm pretty sure you could add plenty more to this list!

     I'm here to tell ya' that you're not alone hunnie! It's seriously OK not to "have it all together". I mean, what's "have it all together" mean anyhow? The norm for your neighbors goings on is probably different from yours, so No Worries! In REALITY, it's never been about that. It's about doing what fits your family....period!
 
  I can go on and on......and on, about how to "properly" get things done, but my "properly" get things done may just work for me and mine! You may obtain some great ideas to try from friends (or me), but don't get down in the dumps if it doesn't work with you guys!
 
  Us Teacher Momma's are naturally very busy and not one day is like the other and sometimes we have that "burn-out" feeling. And this my dearies is what we ALL have in common! So, how do we prevent the "burn-outs"? Well.....ya' can't. They come unexpectedly and for some reason everything MUST happen right then and there".
 
    The best thing to do when you feel the "burn-outs" coming on is to say NO! It's not necessary to answer every call/text as you are cooking/nursing/ironing etc. It's OK to allow laundry to wait because you are tired (trust me, I thought I was gonna die too, but look...I'm still alive). It's OK to decide NOT to have school if you have a migraine. It's OK to do absolutely NOTHING while the kids are napping. It's OK to NOT plan meals....maaaaaan, that felt great!!!!!
   
     This is a great example of how I look at things in my homeschool house and ya' know what? It works for me. And I can care less about pretending that "I have it all together", because in my eyes, I do! I know what works in order for me to work (did you catch that one....that was good lol).

     I think it's important to be "real" when sharing our homeschool/homemaker experiences. You never know who's searching for normal people like us. How do you handle your "burn-out" moments?


   

The Alarming Impact of the Media on Children

Big thanks to www.mommabearmedia.com for allowing me to share this

The Relaxing Bath I Almost Had

    The scene was perfect! The kids were playing, the dog was asleep and my dear hubby was making dinner happen. Today was the first day back to the kitchen table for school since the holidays and momma was exhausted! I felt like I'd ran a marathon and won....then collapsed. So, since everyone was being so very perfect, I decided to sneak off and take a nice.....relaxing.....bubble bath! I sooooo deserved it. So, I start the bath and close the door (because I want the steam to overtake the bathroom...sauna like). I gather my things from the bedroom and I even grab my "good" lotion. You know the one that is kinda expensive and you smell it every now and then (and maybe a squirt on the hands) cuz' ya' just don't wanna run out? Yeah, that one.
    Anywho ~ I do one last check to make sure this whole bath idea will not get tossed to next-never and to my surprise,everyone is still perfect!  "Yes", I say to myself...So, I mosey on over to the bathroom with all my stuff, shut the door and put my ear to the door.......the scene was still perfect. So, I get in and lay back...Ahhhhhhhhhhh. FIVE MINUTES LATER  (you didn't think I got to relax did you?) The dog starts whining, the kids (all of a sudden) start playing louder, my dear hubby barges in the bathroom asking how long the pizza should cook.....REALLY!!!
         What on earth was I thinking.....A nice relaxing bath.......hum. Must just be for normal people.

I Will Survive

Mindless Monday...."I Will Survive"

I Found this very funny video and because most of us homeschoolers are headed back to the kitchen table after this LONG holiday break, I thought I'd help us all put a little pep in our step.