I have been wanting to work with the bible club kids on memorizing a verse of the bible for each letter of the alphabet for quite some time now. I started once and gave up. With a wide range of kids, some of which can't read yet, it proved too hard to accomplish when I have these kids in class once a week and no help from their parents.
Well, I decided to give it another shot! I was really feeling led to break away from our regular lessons thru the bible to try this again during the summer.
After all, I see these kids just about every single day. Why can't I teach them outside of the class room? My plan is to tell them every day they come over and tell me the verses we are working on correctly, they get a piece of candy.
I have several ideas of how to help them learn 26 verses during the 2 1/2 months they are out of school:
write the verses, or trace them
make up songs
play games with the verses (race to see who can put the verse puzzle together fastest, ect)
explain what each one means
incentives like food and money
But I'm wondering if anyone else has any suggestions for me.
I feel like I have both extremes in my class; one who will have no trouble memorizing, a couple who will not give it their all, and the non readers who will feel defeated from the start. How can I help them all?
My ultimate goal is to have them perform all 26 verses in front of the church in the fall. Pray for me!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
simple prayer
VBS is coming soon and we are already well into the planning stages of it. We are going to try something different this year with crafts. Normally the teacher is responsible for doing a craft with their own students each night. This year we are going to have a craft teacher who is responsible for doing crafts with everyone. That person would be me!!
I wanted to think of things that would not go home and go in the trash, never to be seen or thought of again. When I very first started thinking of things I could do (with the help of pinterest) I realized some of the projects I would love to do will be expensive for our small church (like ty-dying t shirts). I just began to pray that God would show me what was best for us to do and help me get everything worked out. Nothing major, I think I was in the car or something and had it on my mind and was just talking to God as if He was beside me.
I decided I would just keep my eye open for the next few months for any kind of deal I could find on anything in large quantities.
So there I was in Kmart, a few weeks later....I know where they "hide" all their clearance racks and I make frequent trips there to check just them. I had found a few things for the kids and was making my way to the check out lane when a big 4 for $1 sign caught my eye. Now you know I had to check that out! They had 9 tubs full of individual things that had come in packages (socks, underwear, T SHIRTS) but had been opened for whatever reason. That night I bought I bought 16 plain white t shirts for only $4!!!
I came home and told Brad God had answered a prayer of mine that evening. When I told him about what, he said, "That was a prayer request of yours?" I said yes, even the small things are worth being prayed about!
Well, fast forward about a month to today. Ryan had soccer, the girls stayed home with grandma next door. Ryan had to use the bathroom bad when we left the field so we stopped in Kmart so he could go and I could check the clearance racks while I didn't have the 2 year old. Not only do they have their winter clothes on clearance for $1.99, I found more of those 4 for $1 tubs! Guess what I bought?! 12 more white t shirts for a total of $3!! So I paid $7 for 28 shirts. God really does answer prayer! I guess that means we will be able to tie die those shirts after all! Thank you Lord for caring about the small things in my life! =)
I wanted to think of things that would not go home and go in the trash, never to be seen or thought of again. When I very first started thinking of things I could do (with the help of pinterest) I realized some of the projects I would love to do will be expensive for our small church (like ty-dying t shirts). I just began to pray that God would show me what was best for us to do and help me get everything worked out. Nothing major, I think I was in the car or something and had it on my mind and was just talking to God as if He was beside me.
I decided I would just keep my eye open for the next few months for any kind of deal I could find on anything in large quantities.
So there I was in Kmart, a few weeks later....I know where they "hide" all their clearance racks and I make frequent trips there to check just them. I had found a few things for the kids and was making my way to the check out lane when a big 4 for $1 sign caught my eye. Now you know I had to check that out! They had 9 tubs full of individual things that had come in packages (socks, underwear, T SHIRTS) but had been opened for whatever reason. That night I bought I bought 16 plain white t shirts for only $4!!!
I came home and told Brad God had answered a prayer of mine that evening. When I told him about what, he said, "That was a prayer request of yours?" I said yes, even the small things are worth being prayed about!
Well, fast forward about a month to today. Ryan had soccer, the girls stayed home with grandma next door. Ryan had to use the bathroom bad when we left the field so we stopped in Kmart so he could go and I could check the clearance racks while I didn't have the 2 year old. Not only do they have their winter clothes on clearance for $1.99, I found more of those 4 for $1 tubs! Guess what I bought?! 12 more white t shirts for a total of $3!! So I paid $7 for 28 shirts. God really does answer prayer! I guess that means we will be able to tie die those shirts after all! Thank you Lord for caring about the small things in my life! =)
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
new perspective
I have always said I would love to homeschool and I go through phases where I wish I was, especially after Hannah's ADD issues last year. I just never have had the support from the one I need it from most-my husband. Then I have times where I say I am so glad I don't homeschool. You know how it is with anything, the grass is always greener on the other side; so you think.
Just a few minutes ago I was reading a post on fb from Family Talk with Dr. Dobson. It was about homeschooling and how great it is. Yes, it is great, when that is what you are called to. Then I got to feeling like I am doing my kids a disservice by not homeschooling. I scrolled down thru the comments and one jumped out that said something like this: God needs good Christian teachers and strong Christian students in public school.
Imagine a world where there where no Christian teachers or students in the public school system. These days it may not seem like they make a big difference but showing just one student or friend the love of Jesus is a big enough difference!
I am so encouraged by that! No, I will never homeschool but I can still raise my kids to have just as high of values and just as much God in their lives as those who do.
I'm praying I will never feel down in the dumps about sending my kids off to school again! And now I am on an even bigger mission to teach them that they need to be salt and light in a terribly wicked world.
Just a few minutes ago I was reading a post on fb from Family Talk with Dr. Dobson. It was about homeschooling and how great it is. Yes, it is great, when that is what you are called to. Then I got to feeling like I am doing my kids a disservice by not homeschooling. I scrolled down thru the comments and one jumped out that said something like this: God needs good Christian teachers and strong Christian students in public school.
Imagine a world where there where no Christian teachers or students in the public school system. These days it may not seem like they make a big difference but showing just one student or friend the love of Jesus is a big enough difference!
I am so encouraged by that! No, I will never homeschool but I can still raise my kids to have just as high of values and just as much God in their lives as those who do.
I'm praying I will never feel down in the dumps about sending my kids off to school again! And now I am on an even bigger mission to teach them that they need to be salt and light in a terribly wicked world.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Celebration
It was 14 years ago today that my friend called me and asked if I would go out with Brad. I knew Brad because he had been trying to get me to go out with his best friend. I kept saying no and eventually the friend that called me said she would date Brad's best friend. A few weeks later I was washing dishes on a Wed night after church when she called me, asked me if I wanted to go out with Brad and gave me his number. Seems weird now but that's how it started for us! I will be forever grateful for that friend, altho I haven't talked to her since high school. God has a way of making things happen.
Yesterday we celebrated the birth of this little firecracker.
I always think of the dr's words to me when I was just 7 weeks pregnant. "You are probably going to miscarry." Then I think of all the people I know who have experienced this pain, and even more pain when it actually happens. I had to go back in 4 days after that devastating apt for them to check one more time for a heartbeat. I was heartbroken and those were the longest 4 days of my life but God had other plans for Brad and I and that little baby who became Abigail. I wondered how it was possible to love that little blob so much in just a week or two.
Now that little blob is the best little sister and baby of the family that anyone could ever ask for. I know, I'm biased. =)
And tomorrow is Brad's birthday. We both turn the big 3-0 this year. I just can't believe it. How did that happen?! I remember being that giddy little school girl, so head over heels in love with a boy that I didn't want to think or do anything else.
Today and every day, I'm so thankful for the life that GOd has blessed me with. I am so undeserving , yet He choses to bless me anyway.
Yesterday we celebrated the birth of this little firecracker.
I always think of the dr's words to me when I was just 7 weeks pregnant. "You are probably going to miscarry." Then I think of all the people I know who have experienced this pain, and even more pain when it actually happens. I had to go back in 4 days after that devastating apt for them to check one more time for a heartbeat. I was heartbroken and those were the longest 4 days of my life but God had other plans for Brad and I and that little baby who became Abigail. I wondered how it was possible to love that little blob so much in just a week or two.
Now that little blob is the best little sister and baby of the family that anyone could ever ask for. I know, I'm biased. =)
And tomorrow is Brad's birthday. We both turn the big 3-0 this year. I just can't believe it. How did that happen?! I remember being that giddy little school girl, so head over heels in love with a boy that I didn't want to think or do anything else.
Today and every day, I'm so thankful for the life that GOd has blessed me with. I am so undeserving , yet He choses to bless me anyway.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
wake up call
First of all, three posts in three days?! I'm on a roll!
Brad is working out of town this week. Having just come back from 10 days of getting up when the kids wake me up, I set both alarms last night so I would be sure to hear at least one of them. When the annoying buzz came at 6:10, I turned it off and thought 10 more minutes. Don't we all? I should have known better because I was startled awake at 4:45 by one of the dogs coughing up a lung in the next room. Then I noticed the baby monitor making a very loud buzzing noise but I was too lazy to get up and turn it down or off. It took me forever to fall back asleep.
At 6:45 I heard my phone notify me of a text so I startled awake again. What I read was, "Good morning beautiful." How sweet is that?! Not only is that nice to hear but there is no telling how long I would have slept had Brad not texted me! Well, let's be honest, my kids don't sleep past 7 very often but today they would have.
Brad is working out of town this week. Having just come back from 10 days of getting up when the kids wake me up, I set both alarms last night so I would be sure to hear at least one of them. When the annoying buzz came at 6:10, I turned it off and thought 10 more minutes. Don't we all? I should have known better because I was startled awake at 4:45 by one of the dogs coughing up a lung in the next room. Then I noticed the baby monitor making a very loud buzzing noise but I was too lazy to get up and turn it down or off. It took me forever to fall back asleep.
At 6:45 I heard my phone notify me of a text so I startled awake again. What I read was, "Good morning beautiful." How sweet is that?! Not only is that nice to hear but there is no telling how long I would have slept had Brad not texted me! Well, let's be honest, my kids don't sleep past 7 very often but today they would have.
Monday, April 8, 2013
At the mall, y'all
I had a nice day shopping at the mall today. All.by.myself. If I hadn't bought a single item, it would have been a good day anyway.
Last year I made almost $500 by selling clothes and things that the kids had grown out of. I kept pretty close track of things just because I was curious how much I could make. So I decided this year, when I went shopping for the kids, I would only spend money I had made from selling things. When you have 3 kids, a budget of $500 a year might not seem reasonable. But I rarely, nearly never, buy anything full price. The reason for my shopping trip today was to find more winter clothes for them for this coming winter. I guess this is a challenge for myself this year. I want my clothing sales and purchases to balance each other out. I've never kept track of my spendings before so I think I am going to try it. I just came up with the idea and I have already sold at least $50 worth of clothes but I haven't been writing things down.
Poor Ryan, he always gets the shaft when it comes to clothes. I have such a hard time finding him things. I got these 4 shirts from walmart for a total of $6
I don't usually do well at target but today I found some great deals! The 3 shirts across the top for Abby totaled $5.40. The super cute journaling books for Hannah and her cousin, Shila, were $1 each. The easter Dots were $.30 each! and the the bags of easter chocolate were $.95 each! (I'm not counting anything but clothes against my clothing budget)
Everything in this picture came out of the 70% off easter section at Target. The little bath books on the top were $.15 each! All the little stuffed toys and the jack and jill rattle/teethers below them were $.29 each! The bottom row was $.49 each. Amazing! I am going to have a new niece in August who will love these toys.
I got all 7 of these shirts for Hannah at walmart for $1 each! Obviously, these weren't bought for winter but I couldn't pass up this deal. Hannah does not like dressing up so tshirts are right up her ally.
I paid $2 for each item in this picture at JCP. I got 2 of the flowery shirts because I wasn't sure which size would fit her now.
I paid $2 for the shirt for Hannah and $4 for the boots for Abby at Children's Place.
I paid $.49 for the first hat and the leg warmers and $.97 for the last hat.
I spent $7.49 on the 4 piece jammie set for Abigail and the jammies Hannah is wearing I paid $2.97 for.
THe closets are slowing filling up for next winter!
Last year I made almost $500 by selling clothes and things that the kids had grown out of. I kept pretty close track of things just because I was curious how much I could make. So I decided this year, when I went shopping for the kids, I would only spend money I had made from selling things. When you have 3 kids, a budget of $500 a year might not seem reasonable. But I rarely, nearly never, buy anything full price. The reason for my shopping trip today was to find more winter clothes for them for this coming winter. I guess this is a challenge for myself this year. I want my clothing sales and purchases to balance each other out. I've never kept track of my spendings before so I think I am going to try it. I just came up with the idea and I have already sold at least $50 worth of clothes but I haven't been writing things down.
Poor Ryan, he always gets the shaft when it comes to clothes. I have such a hard time finding him things. I got these 4 shirts from walmart for a total of $6
I don't usually do well at target but today I found some great deals! The 3 shirts across the top for Abby totaled $5.40. The super cute journaling books for Hannah and her cousin, Shila, were $1 each. The easter Dots were $.30 each! and the the bags of easter chocolate were $.95 each! (I'm not counting anything but clothes against my clothing budget)
Everything in this picture came out of the 70% off easter section at Target. The little bath books on the top were $.15 each! All the little stuffed toys and the jack and jill rattle/teethers below them were $.29 each! The bottom row was $.49 each. Amazing! I am going to have a new niece in August who will love these toys.
I got all 7 of these shirts for Hannah at walmart for $1 each! Obviously, these weren't bought for winter but I couldn't pass up this deal. Hannah does not like dressing up so tshirts are right up her ally.
I paid $2 for each item in this picture at JCP. I got 2 of the flowery shirts because I wasn't sure which size would fit her now.
I paid $2 for the shirt for Hannah and $4 for the boots for Abby at Children's Place.
I paid $.49 for the first hat and the leg warmers and $.97 for the last hat.
I spent $7.49 on the 4 piece jammie set for Abigail and the jammies Hannah is wearing I paid $2.97 for.
THe closets are slowing filling up for next winter!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Mountains are mountains
Well, you should know by now that I just spent 5 nights camping in Gatlinburg, TN, with my family, a cousin of the kids', and my parents for a couple days. At one point we had 8 people crammed in our camper. There was a spot for us all but it wasn't very big.
Upon leaving the city, I looked at Brad and said, "Well, I have to say, I won't be upset if we never come back."
I hate saying that after a vacation. So, I wanted to go over the pros and cons of my trip, in case anyone who reads this plans to visit the area. I know of one family member for sure who is going in August. This is not to discourage you!
Pros
I love nature, outdoors and the beauty that God created just for us. This is just another area that shouts the Creator's artistic ability.
It is also another area that shouts the human's artistic ability. There are a lot of things to do and see.
Any time I get a chance to get away with my family is a good thing.
Our campground did not charge us to fish in their pond ($14 each) and they did not charge us for mom and dad to come stay 2 days with us. I'm not sure how much they would have charged but they were very friendly.
Cons
Since I live in the mountains, I was not going somewhere that looked any different.
The humans I spoke of earlier have totally ruined a great thing, in my opinion. Just about every single attraction we saw, we have seen or done at the beach. Even the gift shops sold shirts from beaches along the coast and hermit crabs. I don't get that at all.
We couldn't afford to do much extra because it is too stinkin' expensive. I realize you will have this anywhere but it is annoying.
Traffic was ridiculous thru both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Now when do we leave for the beach?!
Upon leaving the city, I looked at Brad and said, "Well, I have to say, I won't be upset if we never come back."
I hate saying that after a vacation. So, I wanted to go over the pros and cons of my trip, in case anyone who reads this plans to visit the area. I know of one family member for sure who is going in August. This is not to discourage you!
Pros
I love nature, outdoors and the beauty that God created just for us. This is just another area that shouts the Creator's artistic ability.
It is also another area that shouts the human's artistic ability. There are a lot of things to do and see.
Any time I get a chance to get away with my family is a good thing.
Our campground did not charge us to fish in their pond ($14 each) and they did not charge us for mom and dad to come stay 2 days with us. I'm not sure how much they would have charged but they were very friendly.
Cons
Since I live in the mountains, I was not going somewhere that looked any different.
The humans I spoke of earlier have totally ruined a great thing, in my opinion. Just about every single attraction we saw, we have seen or done at the beach. Even the gift shops sold shirts from beaches along the coast and hermit crabs. I don't get that at all.
We couldn't afford to do much extra because it is too stinkin' expensive. I realize you will have this anywhere but it is annoying.
Traffic was ridiculous thru both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Now when do we leave for the beach?!
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