Bits and Pieces...and a giveaway!

Lots to catch up on....

First of all, Bible study. The latest on that front is: Kala was able to talk to the women's director at her church and they are going to allow us to borrow one of their Beth Moore DVD series which means, each person would only have to purchase the workbook to go along with it. I'm still not sure exactly which one we will do, but I don't think it matters too terribly much....we'll take what they're so graciously willing to let us borrow. :) This will cut the cost for each person considerably....like I said before, the workbooks are around $12 on Amazon. I am also going to ask some of the local babysitters that I use if they would be willing to come to my home and watch our kids in the backyard &/or basement during the Bible study and I figure this will cost about $2/kid per week. I'm thinking Wednesday mornings....

Let me know what you're thinking and if you're still interested!

Secondly, curriculum. I just wanted to tell you about the history book that we used this school year....The Story of the World, Volume 1: Ancient Times. This is the first in a series of four to be completed in the primary grades. It is history in chronological order, starting with the Nomads and ending in the fourth book at present-day. And it is told from a Biblical perspective. Hmm, history must include the Bible in order to accurately explain history? What a novel concept! :-) I read it aloud to the girls and we try to cover about 2 chapters per week (mostly because we didn't start until January and I'd like to be finished by the end of summer so we can start the next book in the fall). I also purchased the Activity Book to go with it (which I did not originally do, but highly recommend!!). Each corresponding chapter in the workbook provides you with listings of corresponding literature suggestions, encyclopedia cross-references, review questions, narration exercises, map work, a coloring page, numerous project suggestions (craft, cooking, &/or activity) and color-in review cards. We love it!! We are learning soooo much and I love the fact that it covers what is happening in every part of the world, at the same time and in chronological order! Emma begs to do history and whenever anyone asks, she always tells them it's her favorite subject. Ask her sometime about the 12 tribes of Israel.....it is one of her favorites! :-)

Thirdly, sewing! I found LibbyDibby's blog via her etsy shop, via someone else's etsy shop, via someone else's blog. Mind you, I know none of these people. My husband thinks I'm a lunatic. However, my stalking paid off recently when I discovered that she was offering free fabric scraps! She makes these great reversible skirts in really gorgeous, coordinating fabrics. So, for the cost of shipping, I received a 10 lb. box of fabric! It is fabulous!! I have made lots of little "pouches" with buttons and zippers and I even made an envelope purse for Disneyland.....the perfect size to carry over my shoulder to hold my wallet and phone, etc. I am having a blast! Also, because she was so generous, it has inspired me to be generous as well. So, I am having my first ever blog giveaway! Just leave a comment on this post, I'll randomly draw a winner and they will receive something I have made from this fabric! It's not a new car or anything, but it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick (grandpa's favorite saying)! :-)

The fabric jackpot!!

Mother's Day gift for my mom......

My Disneyland purse & coordinating wallet......

Finally, my new furniture!! Woo hoo! We picked up our new couch and chairs this past week.....much to my delight and astonishment because they had told us it would be May 29th and let's face it, I was hoping for the end of June! I love them! And they fit so much more nicely in our living room than our previous couch and love seat. Not to mention they are clean and not plaid! Now the ugly green carpet really must go! :-)