CoverYourHair.com [A Review]

Have you heard of CoverYourHair.com? I only recently discovered them, but I'm sold! They have a great variety of hair coverings in great colors and styles for all ages. I was originally looking for something suitable for when we go to Libya, but I quickly became enamored with their crocheted snoods and scrunch caps (love those!).

The prices are extremely reasonable too - grab and go caps for about $12, Israeli tichels for about $5 and turbans for about $9. They have it all, berets, headbands, bandannas and shower caps. They also have accessories like belts, shawls, hair pins and brushes.

I think one of favorite discoveries was this feathered hard headband. What little girl wouldn't look absolutely adorable with one in her hair? Stop by and check them out!

Weekly Wrap Up

This was a pretty good week, it was a good balance of fun and accomplishment.

The week started with a bang when we went swimming with my brother Brandon, his wonderful girlfriend Anna, and my youngest brother Nathan (who is Fox's age). It was a full, F-U-N day and everyone was exhausted before dinner.

On Tuesday Tony and Billy went to their Dad's. They have a friend's birthday party to attend and their annual canoe trip with extended family. They'll have a great time I'm sure and will be back at the beginning of next week. Fox, Bram and I ran a few quick errands and did some basic housework.

Wednesday was a tough, emotional day for me. The unknowns of are we or aren't we moving got to me and I shed a few stress tears. We just stayed at home, did laundry and played in the backyard.

Thursday was a 'pick myself up and keep putting one foot in front of the other' day. We went to the laundromat to wash the 4,000,000 comforters, blankets, throws and sheets the kids had dirtied up with camping and fort building throughout the year. We spent HOURS there, about $45 in quarters and sweat our butts off in the heat. But now they're all clean and ready to be space bagged for storage. After that we took a load of bins to our storage unit and dropped a huge bag of clothes off at Good Will. Then it was home for a little bit of time to play in the back yard, then dinner. I was exhausted by bedtime.

Today we went to visit my Grandma in the hospital. She had some pretty serious surgery on Tuesday, but came through it like a champ. She's doing really well but has a few months of recovery ahead of her. After that Fox left with another set of grandparents to go camping and to a tractor pull.

So that means this weekend it will only be me, Shane and Bram at home. I wonder what we'll get into...maybe we'll get a babysitter and have a date night!

Linked To:

Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers

Volunteer Opportunities

It's so important to teach our children the importance of giving. Children should know that there are people living in difficult situations, and that it is our responsibility to help when we can.

Unfortunately, this is a topic about which I talk a lot, but don't do a lot.

So this year I am making giving part of our homeschool schedule. My goal is to get the boys involved in at least one giving project a month.

I have plans to have them help pack emergency aid boxes at a distribution center, the boxes go to places like Haiti that have been struck by natural disasters or extreme poverty. What I really want to get them involved locally, but living in a pretty small town, I'm scratching my head over where to start.

What ways do you give locally? Where is your family's favorite place to volunteer?

Water Fun!

Visit more Wordless Wednesday at:

The HUB

5 Minutes for Mom

Angry Julie Monday

Letting Go Isn't Easy

My eldest child turned 14 in March, and it's taken me until now to be able to blog about it. I think this was the toughest birthday for me to get through so far. He wanted no balloons, no party, no grand celebration, just a quiet day at home with his family.

He is steadily drawing closer to becoming that strange and honorable creature...a man. Which means that in the day to day of life, he needs me less and less. And while he still loves me, one day there will come a woman who will take my role as his support and confidant. That's difficult.

But I wouldn't want it any other way, so I stifle my hurt and foster his independence.

I long to see him grow and mature, to reach his full potential and, one day, become the God fearing head of his own family. I hope to be able to cuddle grand babies and babysit on weekends. In order to have all that I need to slowly let him go and grow.

But the letting go sure isn't easy.

2010 -2011 Curriculum Choices

I am really excited about this year's curriculum choices, I have high hopes that this year will be a great one! I have shared our choices in the "2010-2011 Curriculum" page on my navigation bar, check it out! The only item I am still undecided on is our Bible curriculum. I'm looking for something suitable to the big boy's ages (13, 14 & 14) and teaches life applications of God's word, but still teaches basic Bible stories because Tony and Billy have had very little biblical education so far. I'd rather have family Bible study time, than one for Tony and Billy and another for Fox.

Can I make a little confession? I am stoked to be homeschooling four kids this year. FOUR! For so long there was only Fox, now we've been blessed to have Tony and Billy join us and Bram will be starting very light 'preschool' work. Since the big boys are similar in age they will be on the same level for most of their work. But there are some variances with math and science, so here is the breakdown for the year.

All Together:

Bible

Big Boys Together:

Writing

Spelling

Grammar

Art

Fox and Tony:

History

Science

Fox and Billy:

Math

Bram:

Bram's curriculum will consist lots of books and correlating art projects. We will be working on the alphabet, colors and numbers, manners and physical activity. There will be more of course, but this is the start.

Linked To:

WEIRD UNSOCIALIZED HOMESCHOOLERS

HEART OF THE MATTER (NOT BACK TO SCHOOL BLOG HOP)

Fruitful Thursdays; A New Link-Up

I've decided to start a new series, Fruitful Thursday. And I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate if you would like. I think this experiment could soften hearts and change lives.

Over the next nine months I will concentrate on one Fruit of the Spirit a month; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Every Thursday I will share with you my successes, failures and insights in my attempt to to live a fruitful life, pleasing to God. This series will begin Thursday, August 5th with the first Fruit of the Spirit.

Love

I hope you'll join me.

P.E. and Gym in Homeschooling

I'm happy to be part of a homeschool panel over at The Homeschool Village. The panel is made up of eleven great homeschool mamas. Each week we give a succinct answer to a common homeschool question. Click on over to see the answers and insights from the rest of the panel. This week's question is:

"P.E. is sometimes mistaken to mean dodge ball - how do youdefine Physical Education"?

I'd like to take this opportunity to expand a bit on my answer. To our family, P.E. means being active and healthy. We concentrate on making activity part of our daily lifestyle rather than a rigorous exercise routine which has be checked off our to do list. Health should not be a chore. We incorporate things like family walks, bike rides, roller skating and the like. P.E. is a lifestyle, not a regiment.

It is a relaxed attitude, but I'm not saying P.E. consists only of throwing the kids in the backyard for an hour (although some days that does happen because Mama needs a break!); it's not all laissez-faire. We-and I say we because my husband helps with this subject-do make an effort to have some structure and instill a love of health and activity. We also are diligent to teach coordination, large and small motor skills, endurance, etc.

Like most things in homeschooling, the goal is to learn in an enjoyable way. There is no right way to achieve that end. Ideas that incorporate the whole family are always good, so are organized sports through community groups, fun outings like rollerskating, homeschool gym days at the local YMCA and friendly neighborhood baseball games.

I Won! Mouthwash Comes Last!

Boo-Yah! Oh Yeah! I won!! Uh-huh, that's right, take that!! I rule!

Ahem.

As I was saying, I recently won a dispute about mouthwash and floss. Thank you, dear readers, you have made my day! According to the poll, 85% of you agree with me that one should floss then mouthwash and only 1% agree with my husband that one should mouthwash then floss.

We both brush first. I understand my husband's reasoning, that the mouthwash loosens the gunk so the floss can do a more effective job. But I look at it the same way I clean counters; first I wipe off all the big stuff (brushing), then I clean all the little nooks, crannies and corners (flossing), then I disinfect the entire surface (mouthwash).

My Hubby is a good sport, he took his loss in stride. Although, he did claim the few "Who Cares" votes so he could say he didn't lose in a complete landslide.

Ha!

Ninja Robo Fly Must Die!

This weekend I was stalked and harassed by the most heinous of creatures. He's sneaky, stealthy quiet like a ninja, un-killable like RoboCop. He plays games with your mind and freaks you out; just when you think he's gone...BAM! A dropkick to the back of the head, just like Steven Seagal. His name strikes fear in the hearts of many. Ninja Robo Fly!

Perhaps you too have had run ins with Ninja Robo Fly. He is known for burying himself in your hair in an attempt to drill out your brains. He will torture you by lighting on any exposed skin again and again. His soundless wings make him impossible to track. He especially loves to dive bomb dinner. Oh Ninja Robo Fly, how I would have loved to have seen you slip into the frying pan to sizzle and pop! But no, you're too sure-footed for that.

Next time Nija Robo Fly.

Next time.

Weekly Wrap Up: Libyan Frustrations and Fun

Another week of Summer gone, finished, kaput. Where does the time go? Before I know it, it will be time to start a new school year. High School. But let's not think about that right now, mkay?

This week started with a bit of frustration pertaining to our move to Libya. We were supposed to have already moved, but there have been some issues with the contract that are being ironed out. So we wait. I was hoping to be settled before the new school year, but it's now looking like we'll be lucky to move by September. With the way things have gone so far I wonder if we'll move at all. I'm disappointed and irritated with the holding pattern. Have I mentioned I am NOT a patient person? God is stretching me. I trust He is serving our best interests, so I'm trying to be patient and obedient. It will all work out eventually.

With all this frustration came a change of attitude. I said to myself "Self, heck if I'm sitting around this house, packing things for storage, making inventory lists and researching. I'm going to make sure we enjoy what's left of this summer!"

This led to a week that actually felt like summer vacation. I still accomplished some work, but the focus was fun!

We made mud pies.

We baked.

We had tickle fights and built block towers.

We read books and watched movies.

We went swimming.

Tony and Billy (who spent a month with their mom) came back.

We celebrated Billy's 13th birthday.

And generally enjoyed life. I'd love to post some photos of it all but I'm too worn out from swimming.

And that's a beautiful thing!

Linked To: Weekly Wrap Up at Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers

Waiting On The Rain

Linked To Wordless Wednesday At:

The HUB

5 Minutes for Mom

Extraordinary Mothers

Angry Julie Monday

Black Cherry Mojito

With the temperature hovering above 100°, this type of weather is only good for one thing: sipping an icy cool drink! Lemonade, sweet tea or my new favorite, a Black Cherry Mojito. Are ya feelin' me?

Oh yeah...

This drink is so simple. It's sweet, fruity but not too girly and very refreshing. It goes down oh so smooth. Too smooth. Seriously, these things are dangerous. Drink responsibly. To make these you will need:

Black Cherry Mojito

2 oz Mojito Mix (Rose's, Bacardi, Daily's, etc.) I like Rose's for this.

2 oz Black Cherry Rum

Splash (about 1 teaspoon) Maraschino Cherry Juice

A Few Splashes Ginger Ale

Lime Wedges, Maraschino Cherries and Mint Leaves for Garnish (optional)

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add the Mojito mix, rum and cherry juice. Top with a few splashes of Ginger Ale. Give it a quick stir and add your desired garnishes. Then just sit back, put your feet up and sip away.

Linked To:

Mouth Watering Mondays at A Southern Fairytale
Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed With Grace
Tasty Tuesday at The Youngn's
Delicious Dishes

Help Save My Marriage - Answer This Poll

Okay okay, so the title is a touch dramatic. But I do need your help! My husband and I have been having the same disagreement for, well, ever. We are both 100% confident the other is 100% wrong. So here, dear readers, is where you come in. Help me show my husband that he is, in fact, wrong! Answer the poll below so that I can once and for all prove that I am correct.

What is the CORRECT order to clean your teeth?

Linky Love

I wanted to post something today, but I don't have anything exceptionally funny, witty or inspirational to share. Bram had to undergo anesthesia today to have some cavities filled (Bad Mommy!). He came through it really well, but we were at the hospital from 6-11 AM and are all exhausted. It's like the living dead here, zombies walking about the house. I'll share his adventure another day, I have a few funny moments to share.

As for today, I'm shirking my bloggy duties and opting to link to a fabulous post from Kristen at We Are THAT Family. If you don't read her, (LOL, I know, who doesn't read We Are THAT Family?) please check out this post. It moved me. If you have read this post, join me in reading it again. And again.

When Jesus Isn't Enough from We Are THAT Family

Overheard At My House

Let's just say my teen, Fox, has a way with words. I love him dearly, but he is continually walking that razor sharp edge between ironic humor and blatant disrespect. It's funny and infuriating all at once. Some days I don't know whether to laugh or ground him. For example:

Last week we planned to watch a movie as a family. Fox wanted to watch it immediately after dinner but I was doing some research online about Libya and Shane was finishing up an instance on WOW. I told Fox he'd need to wait about an hour. This should not be difficult for a 14 year old.

But like an overstimulated toddler he asked me repeatedly if we were ready to start the movie. After the 293,501,334 time I told him that if he asked about the movie one more time we weren't going to watch it at all, thankyouverymuch. Not 10 minutes later he asked (with an exaggerated sigh) "When are we going to start the movie?" The rest of our conversation went like this:

Me: Did you seriously just say what I think you said??

Fox: Oops! Sorry.

Me: This is the problem. You complain without thinking.

Fox: Nu-uh! Sometimes I do it on purpose.

Please excuse me while I go bang my head against the wall *sigh*

Ya Seen Any Good Movies Lately?

Over the last month or so I have watched a serious amount of movies. If you've been reading since the beginning you may remember that I used to have a movie review blog. I miss that. So while I don't have the time to dedicate a post to each movie, I thought it would be fun to share the titles of what I've watched recently along with my opinions.

Toy Story 3 - I cannot say enough good things about this movie, it was perfect! It was funny, heart wrenching and poignant. It captured the bittersweetness of life precisely. They seamlessly weaved together part 2 & 3 story lines as well as characters and chose a magnificent ending that paid homage to growing up and the role toys play in childhood. If you can go see it - GO!

Julie & Julia - First let me say that I am a huge Meryl Streep fan. HUGE. And I've always had a healthy interest in Julia Child, but even so I wasn't expecting a great deal from this movie. I thought it would be your average feel good movie so I started it late one night while Shane was away on a week long business trip. I figured I'd fall asleep to its lighthearted banter. But once it began I could not go to sleep, it kept me so entertained, Julia's story more so than Julie's but still it was a fun movie.

I've Loved You So Long - I chose to watch this movie for two reasons 1) Kristen Scott Thomas (she's another one of my favorites) and 2) it's French. Every once in a while I get a homesick-like need to get lost in the beauty of French language and architecture. Since I can't jet to France on a whim, I choose to watch French films. And this one did not disappoint. It is not an easy movie, it is heavy and inflective and deals with dark emotions and circumstances. So if you're not into an artsy fartsy way of exploring the dark side of life or going into the ugly cry, this movie is not for you. If you're okay with that, I recommend this film, it's beautiful.

It's Complicated - I know, another Meryl Streep film, I just adore her. But this movie was fun, fun, fun! Wrong, on so many levels, but fun. Especially when Meryl Streep and Steve Martin's characters go on their first date. Watch it, you'll see what I mean. This is a great movie to watch curled up on the couch with your man. I laughed - a lot!

The Unborn - Freaky! The plot wasn't the greatest but the effects were awesome. I could've peed my pants a few times. Eek! The movie was definitely scary, but I wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again.

The Last Airbender - If you have never seen the Avatar the Airbender cartoon, this movie may not make a whole lot of sense to you at first. But I have see almost all the cartoons with my boys and I think this movie was incredibly true to the story line. I was really impressed with the special effects and wish we had gone to see it in 3D. The casting was brilliant, they couldn't have found better actors that resembled the characters and the costumes were spot on. Bravo!

All About Steve - This movie disappointed me. To be fair, there were a few laugh out loud moments, and it wasn't a total waste of time, but I was not impressed. It had potential but the ending fell hopelessly flat.

Remember Me - I didn't know what this movie was about. I rented it because I wanted to see Robert Pattinson cast as something other than a vampire (or a Harry Potter cutie that's too young for me). I really liked it. It was a little dark, but definitely uplifting. It had a surprising twist at the end (which I figured out early- yay me). This is another slightly artsy fartsy movie that deals with intense emotion, so if you like that sort of thing, rent it!

Revolutionary Road - At first I liked this movie, I found it somewhat charming and funny. But as the movie went on I found it infuriating. The two main characters (whom at first I identified with over their desire to really live life) showed themselves to be ridiculously selfish and impulsive. The selfishness came to a crescendo at the infuriatingly sad end. One thing I have to give it credit for though, it really made me think and examine where my desire to really live lies. Does it lie in selfishness?

I Can Do Bad All By Myself - Lurve it! It had a great message without being preachy. I have loved every single Tyler Perry movie I've seen, the man knows how to touch a heart string or two! Even though Madea wasn't front and center in all her wise glory, I really liked this movie. Redemption, that's what it's all about.

Did You Hear About The Morgans - Cute. Not great, but a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon. There were a few laugh out loud moments but mostly it was just amusing.

Serious Moonlight - Great premise. Interesting. You can see where it's going a mile away but it is entertaining with some funny moments. This wasn't a fantastic movie but what I liked about it is that it helps couples realize that history and commitment are very important in marriage.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

O beautiful for spacious skies, 
For amber waves of grain, 
For purple mountain majesties 
Above the fruited plain! 
America! America! 
God shed his grace on thee 
And crown thy good with brotherhood 
From sea to shining sea! 

O beautiful for pilgrim feet 
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat 
Across the wilderness! 
America! America! 
God mend thine every flaw, 
Confirm thy soul in self-control, 
Thy liberty in law! 

O beautiful for heroes proved 
In liberating strife. 
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life! 
America! America! 
May God thy gold refine 
Till all success be nobleness 
And every gain divine! 

O beautiful for patriot dream 
That sees beyond the years 
Thine alabaster cities gleam 
Undimmed by human tears! 
America! America! 
God shed his grace on thee 
And crown thy good with brotherhood 
From sea to shining sea! 

O beautiful for halcyon skies, 
For amber waves of grain, 
For purple mountain majesties 
Above the enameled plain! 
America! America! 
God shed his grace on thee 
Till souls wax fair as earth and air 
And music-hearted sea! 

O beautiful for pilgrims feet, 
Whose stem impassioned stress 
A thoroughfare for freedom beat 
Across the wilderness! 
America! America! 
God shed his grace on thee 
Till paths be wrought through 
wilds of thought 
By pilgrim foot and knee! 

O beautiful for glory-tale 
Of liberating strife 
When once and twice, 
for man's avail 
Men lavished precious life! 
America! America! 
God shed his grace on thee 
Till selfish gain no longer stain 
The banner of the free! 

O beautiful for patriot dream 
That sees beyond the years 
Thine alabaster cities gleam 
Undimmed by human tears! 
America! America! 
God shed his grace on thee 
Till nobler men keep once again 
Thy whiter jubilee! 

Have a safe and blessed weekend! See you Monday, God willing.

Tender Chicken or Turkey Every Time!

For a long time it was hit or miss whether or not my fowl would come out tender and juicy or dry and unpalatable. Until one day when I discovered the secret to delectable, juicy meat every time...

BRINE!

It's like magic. Just soak the fowl in the brine solution before you cook it and you will be blown away by the difference. Whether you are cooking chicken strips or a 20lb turkey, this brine will do the trick. The recipe below is enough for about 6 chicken breasts.

2 Quarts of Water

2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt

1/3 Cup Light Brown sugar

4 cloves of garlic, smashed

1 Small Bunch of Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, etc. Or Any Combo You Like)

Combine all ingredients in a gallon baggie and stir gently. Add the fowl of your choice and seal the baggie, squeezing out the excess air. Place the bag in the fridge for about two hours. When you are ready to cook, remove the meat from the bag and remove any excess brine with a paper towel.

**If you are cooking a whole bird you will need to multiply the recipe in order to have enough brine to completely cover the bird. You will also need to soak the bird longer (overnight for a big Thanksgiving turkey) and in something larger. A regular cooler works well, but my favorite is an igloo drink cooler. If you are using a cooler, for every 2 quarts of brine, replace 1 quart of water with 1 quart of ice.

Linked To:

Mouthwatering Monday at A Southern Fairytale

Tasty Tuesday at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday at Blessed With Grace

Tasty Tuesday at The Youngn's

Delicious Dishes at It's a Blog Party