We Made Candles!!!

My son wanted a way to make some money, so with the help of Joy's tutorial at www.artfulhomemaking.com we made 12 soy wax, scented candles!  We made 3 of each scent:  Macintosh Apple, Pomegranate Cider, Pumpkin Souffle, and Cranberry Marmalade.  He is only 11 years old and Joy's tutorial was just perfect!!  He was able to do most of the work with my supervision!!   It was educational too because it included Science, Math, Reading, and Business!  Perfect for the homeschool student!  Thank you Joy!!

Uglification of America's Young Ladies

There is quite a dismaying trend occurring among the young ladies of our society.  I like to refer to it as "the Uglification of America".  Today at the Post Office a young woman, maybe age 22 was completely covered in tattoos, even on her neck and around her eyes!  AROUND HER EYES!!!  What on Earth was this girl thinking when she made this life altering decision??  She was an otherwise beautiful girl--cute figure, very pretty hair.  I kept thinking, "why, why, why?" 
Tonight I attended a softball game that my husband played in.  Behind me on the bleachers sat two young girls, about the same age at the girl at the Post Office.  They were drinking alcohol, using curse words heavily in their conversation with me, and discussing their recent sexual escapades with different men proudly!  Again, I kept asking myself, "why, why, why"?
Romans 13:12-14 says "The night is far spent, the day at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.  But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof (KJV).
Under Satan's rule, this world is a VERY dark place.  Satan's lies are everywhere, telling you that nothing really matters, that sin is fun and God doesn't exist.  Women tattooing their bodies is quite simply a desecration of what God has given them.  Women being drunkards, cursing and discussing sexual escapades is a desecration of their God given femininity.  Ephesians 5:8 calls those who belong to God the "children of light" (KJV).  There has never been a more important time than right now for Christian women to cast off sin and put on their "armour of light" for this world.  Young women NEED positive Christian examples in their lives, and they desperately need them NOW!
Ladies, we must always remember that as Christians we are examples.  We may not be of this world, but we need to remember the world is watching--Always!  Let us continue to share the Gospel with the lost, no matter how awkward it may feel.  Let us continue to wear feminine clothing, stay home with our children and submit to our husbands.  Mostly, let us always love and obey our Lord and be the example that young women of the world so desperately need!  It is not my job to judge these girls I saw today, but it is my job to pray for them!

Dressing my little lady

The change in seasons is upon us here in Chicago and I have yet again began the struggle of dressing my little lady modestly, with what is available in stores.  I have had a ton of luck shopping online at Land's End and Gymboree, two places I have rarely shopped at prior to this time.  I found dresses for my little lady that were very reasonably priced, and appear to be high quality!  The length of these dresses is actually BELOW the knee, so she will be able to wear cute tights with them instead of leggings. 
I will never understand what designers are thinking when they create clothes for little girls and young ladies.  I can't be the only one that sees something inherently wrong with dressing a little girl like a street walker.  Perhaps designers will stop creating inappropriate clothes for girls when consumers stop purchasing inappropriate clothes for their little girls!

School Plans for 2011-2012

We have made a change in our current school plans.  We are now registered with Christian Liberty Academy!  It is a private school located in Arlington Heights, IL.  After reviewing their website, asking a ton of questions and speaking to someone I personally know that educated three daughters through CLASS, I registered my kiddos!  We are all very excited about the change we made and believe it will be a positive one!  I love the beginning of a new school year and all the excitement of gearing up to buckle down and learn new things!  As always, I am thanking God for providing us with the means to be able to continue to educate our children at home! 

Blizzard of 2011

We have survived the Blizzard of 2011 here in Chicago!  We woke to 13.4 inches of snow and drifts that accumulated against the house reaching 3 feet!  Needless to say, the kids are SUPER excited!!!  Hubby will be going outside in a few minutes to attack the drifts and pull out the snowblower while the kids play for a few minutes.  I was never so grateful to God for a safe warm home as I was last night.  He is so good!

Happy New Year!!!

Another year has arrived!  I can hardly believe it is 2011!!!  I debated doing new year's resolutions and
decided that I want to make a resolution to simplify my life more!  Another blog I read regularly had some great ideas for simplifying life and I will implement many of that blogger's suggestions plus my own.  I am hoping that simplifying my life will also help me enjoy it more.  I often feel that I have too much stuff all around, whether it be old clothes, things in storage, activities and commitments, it is all too much.  It is time to simplify and be set free from all the stuff that complicates my life.  I am going to prioritize things and the rest is gone!!!  I can already feel the freedom!!!

A little here, a little there

How does one save money?  A little here, a little there is my answer.  Some ways in which I try to save money and be a good steward of the hard earned money my hubby earns is as follows:
1.  I make our laundry detergent.  I have done this for a little over two years now.  The recipe is easy, takes
     about 20 minutes to make and costs approximately five cents a load.
2.  I make most of our household cleaners.  It's amazing how effective white vinegar and tea tree oil are at
     cleaning countertops and general hard surfaces.  Plus, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties. I also make
     glass cleaner out of rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and water.
3.  I rarely use paper towels.  I do keep them in the kitchen for emergencies, but prefer to use reusable,
     washable white tea towels.  A bit of bleach in the washer and air drying and they are like new.
4.  I try not to use the dryer.  Unfortunatley, at this time our subdivision does not allow clotheslines, so I use
     drying racks in our upstairs office.  I find our clothes are not fading as quickly too!
5.  I go to GoodWill when we need something before going to department stores.  I picked up a pair of
     fabulous kid's pajamas for $2.25 recently.
6.  Recently, I have been bringing along my coffee on outings.  A Starbucks Peppermint Mocha was running
    me about $4.50.  I purchase Carnation brand Peppermint Mocha Creamer for $2.80 and it lasts a while.

I hope this gives you some ideas of how to save a little bit of money here and there!