Linky Love and a Dose of Randomness

LINKY LOVE

There have been some fabulous posts floating around the internet lately. Here are a few I've enjoyed and I hope you do too!

Do You Really Want Your Homeschool To Look Like That? - Homeschool Classroom
This guest post from Jimmie is part of a week long series of homeschool encouragement - the posts have been so raw and encouraging and have touched my heart!

Color With The Crayons You've Been Given - Some Girl's Website
I teared up while reading this post - it's all about using the gifts God gave you - what He has given you is enough.

Refreshing a Mom's Heart!! Matthew 14:23 - Educating Layton
It's okay for mom to need a break and refill her cup - encouragement to do so in a safe and Christ filled way.

On Blogging, Popularity Contest and Why I QUIT! - Postpartum Progress
Why I will no longer be participating in any votes/popularity based blog contests. Awards should be handed out on merit alone.

The Powerbook Prank - Zug
A hilarious prank in which an ebay scammer got what was coming to him.

A DOSE OF RANDOMNESS

My husband and I will celebrate our twelfth wedding anniversary on November 7th. And this week I decided I want to renew our vows on our 15th anniversary - 2014. So I'm starting some basic planning - yes I realize this may be a little premature, but I'm excited about it. I've been thinking about colors and dresses and all the fun, frilly, girly things that go into a wedding. And honeymoon destinations too! Why not take a second honeymoon right? (It will probably be in France by the way - I love France - I still plan to move there one day)

Anyway, I was debating whether or not to use our original wedding song Two Sparrows in a Hurricane by Tonya Tucker and in my research I came across a new-to-me song from one of my favorite artists, Jewel, and I considered using it instead. Love her! I decided to stick with our original song, but wanted to share Jewel's song with you - it has such a great message.

Have you told your kids you love them today? How about your husband? Have a blessed weekend - God loves you.

Fruitful Thursday: A Look Back

I can't believe it was 9 months ago that I began the Fruitful Thursday series and now it's at an end. Since then I have spent a lot of time examining the fruits of the spirit, studying related scripture and applying them to my life. I'm amazed over the ways this has impacted my life - in both small ways and profound. And while I'm still far from perfect, I'm proud to say that I've definitely improved as a person, a Christian, a wife and mother. Here's a look back at Fruitful Thursday.

INTRODUCTION

LOVE
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4

JOY
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4

PEACE
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3

PATIENCE
Week 1
Week 2

KINDNESS
Week 1
Week 2

GOODNESS
Week 1
Week 2

FAITHFULNESS
Week 1
Week 2

GENTLENESS
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5

SELF CONTROL
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3

Some Splainin To Do

I wanted to take a few moments to clarify where this blog is going. This post is more for my veteran readers who may wonder why Somewhat Crunchy is currently so different than it was when they first started reading. But it's also for my newbie readers (Hi!) that may want to know a little more about where we're headed.

This is becoming more of a "Me" blog - a hobby blog some may call it. I am so over worrying about subscribers, or page views or my Alexa rank. The more I've tried to make this a rock-star blog, the more frustrated and burned out I've become. Why?

Because it didn't start that way.

When I first started blogging it was for fun, a creative outlet, then I found that I really like the business side of blogging (even if I'm not that good at it). And since I liked the business side, I tried to make it work here. And it didn't work for me - I kind of lost my voice. And I was all over the place.

So what does this mean for you? It means you'll be reading more about what's important to me - like faith, homeschooling and parenting. It also means you'll be seeing me participate in less link-ups. I'm not here to chase down new readers. I'll also be doing less product reviews and giveaways. My sidebars will be changing soon too - I'll be removing my affiliate links. And I'll be sharing more about blogs, bloggers, campaigns and activities I love.

I just want this to be my space. Is that selfish? I hope not.

It doesn't mean that I won't do link-ups, reviews and giveaways; it just means that I'll be doing them on my time, in my way. I hope you'll stick around for the journey.

Don't worry, I have plenty to keep me busy with the business side of blogging so I'll still get my "fix'. I have The 2:1 Conference which you'll be hearing LOTS more about, as well as a new savings blog I hope to unveil next month - I can hardly wait to tell you about that!

So that's it - that's what's been going on around here! :-)

Vacation Savings Across the US

As promised on yesterday's Inexpensive Gettysburg, PA outings post, here is the mega Staycation link list - conveniently organized by area. Thank you Toni and Carrie for organizing such a fantastic resource!! Even if you're taking a full-on vacation you can use this list to find savings wherever the road may take you!

New England
Connecticut - Parenting Miracles
Boston, Massachusetts - ‎ Maven of Savin'
Manchester, New Hampshire - Common Sense with Money
Western Maine - Bubblegum and Lollipops

Mid-Atlantic
Erie, Pennsylvania - Growing Kids Ministry
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - Somewhat Crunchy
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - Family Balance Sheet
Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York - Coupons, Deals and More
New Jersey - Oh! Diane

Midwest
Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Indoor Garden Musings
Mansfield, Ohio - Live the Adventure
Cincinnati, Ohio - Savings Lifestyle~Cincinnati
Mount Vernon, Ohio - Living Better One Day at a Time
Dayton, Ohio - Savings Lifestyle~Dayton
Grand Rapids, Michigan - Kitchen Stewardship
Metro Detroit, Michigan - "Cents"able Momma
Oakland County, Michigan - Bargain Shopper Mom
Warren, Michigan - Saving Dollars and Sense
Grand Forks, North Dakota - Frugal Front Porch
Indianapolis, Indiana - Bargain Briana
South Bend, Indiana - Excuse The Mess
Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri - Kansas City Mamas
St. Louis, Missouri - The Pickledpigsfeet
Branson, Missouri - Getting Freedom from Debt
Springfield, Missouri - I Think I Can
Rochester, Minnesota - Everyday Notions
York, Nebraska - Heavenly Homemakers
Omaha, Nebraska - Mom Endeavors
Madison, Wisconsin - Many Little Blessings
Oshkosh, Wisconsin - A Little Bit of This and That
Chicago, Illinois - Chicagoland Homeschool Network
Champaign, Illinois - Chambanamoms
Black Hills, South Dakota - Little House on the Prairie Living

South Central
Checotah, Oklahoma - Blessed With One Income
Tulsa, Oklahoma - Lynn's Kitchen Adventures
Gadsden, Alabama - Aint Mimi
Dallas, Texas - Funky Faith Girl
Dallas, Texas - Grocery Shop For FREE
East Dallas, Texas - Surviving The Stores
Fort Worth, Texas - Smockity Frocks
Austin, Texas - Stetted
Houston, Texas - Moms Travel Tales
McKinney, Texas - Wisdom Begun
East Texas - The Full Pantry
Murfreesboro, Tennessee - Life in a Barn
Nashville, Tennessee - The Country Chic Cottage
Mobile, Alabama - A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
Birmingham, Alabama - iGoBOGO
Brunswick & the Golden Isles, Georgia - Teri Lynne Underwood
Alpharetta, Georgia - Cuponeando
Atlanta, Georgia - See Jamie Blog
Augusta, Georgia - Hyperactive Lu
Athens, Georgia and Mississippi - Tractors and Tire Swings
Little Rock, Arkansas - It's Real Life

South Atlantic
Ft. Bragg, North Carolina - Military Wives Saving
Charlotte, North Carolina - The Carolina Clipper
Charleston, South Carolina - The Tween & Me
Greensboro, North Carolina - Mrs. Happy Homemaker
Jacksonville, Florida - Saving The Family Money
Orlando, Florida - Orlando's Best Deals
Virginia Beach, Virginia - The Singley Fam Blog
Richmond, Virginia - Daily Dwelling
Hampton Roads, Virginia - A Home Made by Kiki
Charlottesville, Virginia - How to Have it All
Blackwater Falls State Park/Davis, West Virginia - Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling
Treasure Coast, Florida - The Cardamom's Pod
Saint Augustine, Florida - Jypsie Visions
Lake Norman, North Carolina - Stretching Pennies Saving Dollars
Washington, DC - The WiC Project
Baltimore, Maryland - The Happy Housewife
Brunswick and The Golden Isles, Georgia - Teri Lynne Underwood

Mountain
Tucson, Arizona - Saving with Pam
Phoenix, Arizona - Mom Endeavors
Albuquerque, New Mexico - The Chou Life
Kalispell, Montana - Our Family Adventures
Salt Lake City, Utah - Just the 2 of Us
Thermopolis, Wyoming - The McDonald Family
Denver, Colorado - Denver Bargains
Colorado Springs, Colorado - Colorado Springs Bargains

Pacific
San Diego, California - Life As Mom
Yosemite National Park, California -Handbook of Nature Study
Seattle, Washington - Queen Bee Coupons & Savings
Whidbey Island, Washington - Manning the Homefront
Olympia, Washington The Coupon Savant
Portland, Oregon - Frugal Living NW
Willamette Valley, Oregon - An Oregon Cottage

Frugal Vacation Tips
Vacation or Stay-cation: Eating without Busting the Budget - Eat at Home

Inexpensive Gettysburg, PA

Gas prices, downsizing and layoffs cutting into your vacation budget? Take a Staycation! Consider me part of your Staycation team. Toni of The Happy Housewife and Carrie of Springs Bargains are hosting a blog campaign to help you save money this summer - and enjoy your local area too! Today I am bringing you inexpensive and even some FREE activities in beautiful, historical Gettysburg. Check them out!! And be sure to come back tomorrow for the mega link list of bloggers and their home town savings by state. Almost every state is represented!

INEXPENSIVE EXCURSIONS:

[**items are FREE ADMISSION, if not marked prices average around $5-Adults and $3-Kids

Gettysburg National Park** - Whether your drive or walk, there are tons of trails, roads and historical sites to visit within the battlefield. Pack a map, your favorite history book and explore!

Gettysburg Museum of History** - Thousands of artifacts are on display from the Civil and World Wars plus the private John F. Kennedy collection of Robert L. White.

Historic Gettysburg Train Station** - This station has a rich history, including being used as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg.

American Civil War Museum Complex - Five halls with wax figures and artifacts depict scenes from the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg.

Eternal Light Peace Memorial** - Said to be one of the prettiest night time sights in Gettysburg, this monument was dedicated by President Franklin Roosevelt.

Historic Round Barn** - Go see an extremely rare round barn and enjoy its accompanying farmer's market for fresh, local produce.

Soldier's National Cemetery** - Established during the civil war, this cemetery is now the resting place for US veterans of all our wars and struggles. This is also the site where Lincoln delivered the famed Gettysburg Address.

Adam's County Winery Tour - Free tours of the operations area are available during regular hours, more in depth tours and tastings are available for $5 and $15 per person.

Historic Church Walking Tours - Guided tours through some of Gettysburg's historic churches which have served in worship, medical and memorial capacities. Four of these churches were built before the Civil War and are still in use.

IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO PAY A LITTLE MORE:

prices average around $7-Adult, $5-children, $Free-5 and under

The Shriver House - An award winning museum with a unique perspective, it is dedicated to the civilian experience during the civil war.

The Lincoln Train Museum - Train and railroad memorabilia, toy trains, historic models and a simulated Presidential Train where you can hear Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Eisenhower Historic Site - The estate of President Eisenhower, tour his home, view the animals, enjoy a virtual museum and let the kids become Junior Secret Service Agents.

Explore and More Children's Museum - Hands-On fun made especially for 3-8 year olds the whole family can enjoy.

IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO PAY EVEN MORE:

if you're enjoying a Staycation, you may have the $$ to spend more on outings

U.S. Christian Commission Tours - Take tours of many popular Gettysburg sights and learn about our county's Biblical foundation that got us into and through the Civil War.

Land of the Little Horses - Miniature horses, farm friends, performing animals, pony and wagon rides are offered, kids love it!

Victorian Photography Studio - Commemorate your time with a beautiful Civil-War-era photo, complete with wardrobe. In studio and on-location appointments are available.

The Gettysburg Foundation - In the visitor's center you can schedule many tours and excursions throughout Gettysburg, view a short historical movie and explore lovely museum. The Cyclorama is NOT to be missed.

If you're local, or want to explore more of the general area check out these fabulous sites:

Family Balance Sheet - Harrisburg, PA

The Happy Housewife - Baltimore, MD

Fruitful Thursday - Self Control

I had a little epiphany last night - let me tell you about it. I was putting my three year old to bed. And you know three year olds at bed time, they need to jump on the bed one more time, want some water because they're "hirsty", have 100 deep and meaningful conversations about Ben 10 or show you their muscles. To which I give my classic, hushed response.

"Be still baby, it's bed time."

When I say "be still" I am simply saying control yourself, quiet yourself and concentrate on the task at hand. It's a gently way of asking my children to focus on what's important. And that's exactly what God wants from His children.

"Be still' and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." ~ Psalm 46:10

Fruitful Thursday - Self Control

I was wondering today - is self control an illusion? I'm assuming not because there are times when we need to grab a hold and force ourselves to do what we don't want to do - like keep our temper when our nerves are shot, hold our tongue when we want to say I told you so or take responsibility for our actions. But other than our reactions, how much can we actually control? We can't decide when we're born, when we'll die, whether we're short or tall, the pitch of of our voice. and on and on So much of our self lies in the hands of the Father.

Maybe the reason our culture struggles so greatly with self control is because we refuse to acknowledge He who is actually in control.

Maybe we need to take 'self' out of the equation and lean on the Lord. Here are some verses I will be meditating on this week to help me with that goal:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

Have You Heard About The Gospel?

I discovered this video over at The Mango Times (Mango Times author Fletch will be speaking at The 2:1 Conference by the way). I know, I tweeted it, and facebooked it - on both Somewhat Crunchy and 2:1 - but that's not enough! I LOVED this so much I thought I would blog it too. I hope you enjoy!

G.O.S.P.E.L. by Propaganda


Learn more about Propaganda here; or follow the label Humble Beast on Twitter @HumbleBeast.

Heart Healthy - C25K - Hump Week

This is it, what I've been waiting for, hump week! I have officially completed 4 weeks of Couch to 5K, when this week is complete I will have 4 weeks to go in order to reach the program goal. That is exciting!!

I have to admit on the whole it's not really getting easier - I don't know why I expected it to get easier since this program progressively challenges you each week. What IS encouraging is what was difficult two weeks ago is now easy. When I began, jogging for 90 seconds was a challenge, now I can jog 3 minutes without a problem and 5 minutes isn't very difficult either! Yay me!!

Last Wednesday was the highlight of my heart-healthy quest so far. The morning was cold, windy and rainy - it was one of those chilling Spring rains the Mid-Atlantic states are known for. I considered putting jogging off until that afternoon, or Thursday even. But I didn't. I got out there and ran, cold, wind, rain and all.

It was exhilarating! I was so proud of myself! I told my husband I felt a bit like this:


He said I reminded him of this:

It was a great feeling. I am astonished that I'm enjoying exercise, I finally found something that works for me. But I don't think I'd be doing so well without my online workout buddies Jamie and Carletta - thanks ladies for cheering me on!

*She Ra photo credit

*Cheetara photo credit

Fruitful Thursday - Self Control

My husband and I have been together for about 16 years. We married 11 1/2 years ago, when our eldest was 3. I love my husband. He rocks. At least once a week I ask God what I did so right to have been handed such an amazing man. BUT...I'm gong to be completely transparent and tell you it hasn't always been easy. There was a time when things were pretty bad, I was done, ready to walk. In fact, I had one foot out the door.

I was, and sometimes still am, what some people would call a "handful". That loving, respectful, wise Titus 2 & Proverbs 31 woman? I wasn't her. I was stubborn, opinionated, impulsive and fiery - and by fiery I mean foul tempered.

My husband had a foul temper too.

There were many arguments. Loud, ugly arguments. And at least one episode of me trying to run him down with my car - or at least graze him. I'm not joking and I'm not proud of it. But I am proud to say we came out the other side. We loved one another through it all, each trying to be the spouse we knew we could be - but we were both flawed, human, young, and it was hard.

I am so thankful that for as stubborn and impulsive as I was, my husband was and is equally stubborn and steadfast. He insisted on counseling and seeing things through when my impulsive mind had convinced me it was too late to work things out.

Now, on the other side, where the sun is shining, I see things differently and ask myself - Did I really think it was too late or did I think it would be too hard?

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work." ~ Thomas Edison

How different things might have been had I exercised self control - which is nothing more than work and patience. How differently would my husband have reacted towards me had I used a little self control?

Are you struggling in your marriage today? Could you benefit from more self control?

*Disclaimer - This post was not written for people in abusive relationships, it is for those couples with "average" problems. If you are in an abusive relationship, seek help.

Raising Teens is Hard

Raising teens is hard, almost heart wrenching. There is a fever pitch to every day because this is it - the final countdown - only a few more years to pack in every ounce of wisdom, every virtue, every skill you can before releasing them to the wild world. There's always something more you want to teach them.

And while every day feels urgent, it can also feel gridlocked. The world is their oyster. There is so little they want to learn from you anymore. Their attitude is often : "No worries, I got this."

A little advice to all young adults venturing out on your own. When you find yourself lacking a skill you would like to have, whether it be baking, sewing, engine repair, computer skills...don't assume your parents never taught you that. Rather, assume they tried to teach you that skill, many times over - but you already knew it all.

I have three teen boys here (and one toddler who will one day be a teen). Three beautiful, kind hearted, loving, hilarious teens. And while I spend my days thankful for their positive attributes, at night worry needles my mind over their heart issues.

Parents want to fix it all, make it better, make it perfect so they have the best life possible. But the truth is we can't make anything. There comes a time - actually maybe the time never comes, maybe it's just always that way - when we do the best we can and leave the rest to God.

He has a plan for every child, my children, your children -everyone. And his plans include using our shortcomings for His glory. Rejoice in who your children are today! Have faith God will use them - all of them, not just the "good" parts - for His good.

Treasure the Moments

"Swamp Fire!"

insert crazy little boy sound effects

"Ultimate Swamp Fire!!!"

insert louder crazy little boy sound effects and maniacal running around the house

Bram will be four in August. Currently he's obsessed with the cartoon Ultimate Alien (formerly Ben 10) in which a boy has an omnitrix (a glorified watch) which transforms him into a myriad of superpowered aliens. He uses these superpowers to save the world from doom.

Bram likes to use his omnitrix to fight unseen dangers lurking in the dark corners of our house.

And while it's easy to become annoyed with the 10 decibel call of

Look Mommy! Mommy watch!! Catch the alien! See Mommy?? Help me find the the alien Mommy!! Mommy see, Mommy do, Mommy watch, Mommy Mommy Mommy!!

while I'm cleaning or homeschooling or playing along, it's more important to be joyful.

"He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord!" ~ Psalm 113:9

I remind myself that this is life, these are the moments that memories are made of. Squeeze every moment of joy you can out of each phase. Every age offers it's own unique challenges: teething, noise, mess, attitude; and it's own set of rewards: smiles, hugs, love, respect.

Treasure the moments!

*This post is linked to Titus 2sdays at Time-Warp Wife.

Heart Healthy

So, three weeks ago I started the Couch to 5K program and I'm not dead yet! Yay!!

I've always dreamed of being a runner. Yet, in the past, every time I tried to run I would end up overdoing it early on, giving up and declaring myself Nota-Runner.

I'm still Nota Runner. But I AM a jogger. (And by jogger I mean "if I jog any slower I'll be jogging in place". ) But I'm jogging! I'm getting my weekly recommended amount of exercise for cardiovascular health - and I need it!! Did you know heart disease is the number one killer of women according to The American Heart Association?

I shudder to think of what shape my heart must be in. I'm 32, I've never been involved in organized sports - not even in high school - and never had any kind of exercise regimen.

Oh yeah, and I like junk food. Mmmm junk food...

Ahem, anyway. I am determined to get my heart in shape and hopefully lose some weight in the process. Today marks the start of week four and I'm really proud of having stuck with it so far. Part of my success has been having jogging buddies. The teen boys, Tony - 15, Fox - 15 and Billy - 13 have been jogging with me. It's a big encouragement to have them with me, even when they do very un-encouraging, goofy, teenager-ish things like:

• Literally running circles around me
• Say things like "Faster slow poke!"
• Start doing a side step/grape vine dance/jog
• Pretend they're having a heart attack
• Shout "Don't die on me mom/Cheryl!!" while I'm concentrating on my breathing

Yeah, good times. Another big support is having my online jogging buddies Jamie and Carletta. We're getting healthy together. We check in with one another weekly, sharing our struggles and success and cheer one another on. Plus, every Saturday, Jamie will be posting a Getting Fit update in which she shares how her week went. I'll be joining her in updating as often as I can.

I'm excited to share this journey with you - my successes, challenges, program insights, tips, tricks and progress.