I am very interested in homeschooling my children so I was excited to read a post form my new favorite blog about their feelings on homeschool. Josh and I are not saying we are for-sure doing HS, being that C is only 9 months old we will put more thought into it as he get there. HOwever I loved this little part she said...

That being said, my goals are not that we would have the most smart or well-educated children on the earth, but rather that our children would first love the Lord, desire to serve Him, love to learn, respect and steward God’s creation, and learn to articulate their faith from a Biblical worldview.

WOW, something I have never though of... when I was growing up my grades were always the most important thing. I learned how to get good grades with as little work/education as possible. I received praise for my great grades but as a adult find that I have many short comings. Now, thinking about it, I believe I would have parented the same. But after reading this I realize that your grades do not reflect your education and they most defiantly do not reflect your understanding of Christ and how your relationship with him works in the world around you. When we get to the bridge of education I believe this little phrase will really shape my mind set and how I teach or respond to C and my future children.

Attention Target Shoppers!!

This is so interesting, Just dont go to target and buy all the good deals... save some for me!

Target Mark Down Schedule

MONDAY: Kids Clothing, Stationary Items, Electronics, Baby TUESDAY: Domestics, Food, Women’s Clothing, Pets WEDNESDAY: Men’s Clothing, Toys, HBA, Lawn and Garden THURSDAY: Housewares, Shoes, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Music, Movies, Books, Decor, Luggage FRIDAY: Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, Jewelry So what that means is that if you are looking for specific items- say men’s clothing- you will want to hit your store on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning to get all the latest markdowns. Target typically starts at 15%, then goes to 30%, then 50% , then 75% and sometimes 90%. For the most part 75% off is pretty much the best deal you will find. Again, you just need to learn your specific store. In my area I have been to the store mid morning on Monday and already the clearance baby items have been snatched up. In addition to the regular markdown schedule there are 2 big events: Baby Clearance: January and July typically offer massive clearance throughout the baby department. In my experience, July is amazing as there seems to be fewer shoppers. We got our Fisher Price Rainforest highchair 50% off last year and a Graco Triumph car seat 50% off. You can try to hold out for 75% off but in my area the sales usually don’t last that long. (And don’t forget to create a baby registry and you can get an extra 10% off of purchases when you complete your registry!) Toy Clearance: July and October are the clearance events at Target and Walmart for toys- and of course we have already seen post- Christmas clearance. Fewer people are thinking Christmas in July than in October so you have a better shot at the best deals.

Friends look at this great great website. It will tell you how toxic your body product is. Have fun typing in what you use and seeing just how bad or not it is for you. Copeland's aveeno stuff not so bad... our St Ive's facewash an 8 out of 10. scary!

Its very interesting and easy to understand. Thanks Jennifer!

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

also here is a great link to making your own deodorant... I cant wait to try it. (I will review when I do) This will save money as I can/will use all this stuff to cook as well. Organic might not have coupons but there are ways oh there are ways.

http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/02/homemade-all-natural-deodorant.html

I read this one someone else blog today but wow what a great reminder of the job the Lord has called us to do as parents. passionatehomemaking.com“But you, O Lord, are compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” - Psalms 86:15

I have two little disciples – one sweet boy and one sweet girl. They have been specially assigned to me. I’m training little hearts today through my every word and deed. Daily I struggle to instruct, nurture, and guide my little disciples with grace and patience. But these little eyes are watching me. How easy it is for me to erupt in frustration when I must repeat a command after multiple attempts, and my own laziness delays a prompt response. These are the moments I must stop, step back, and remember, these are my disciples. This is my assignment: train these little disciples to love and follow Jesus. Can they see Jesus in me?

Jesus is our example. His twelve disciples continually had so little faith in His power, they fought over positions of glory, before abandoning Him altogether in the garden at His deepest hour of need. And yet, Jesus patiently loved, taught, confronted, and exhorted them. He gave three years of unceasing devotion to equip them in turn to go forth and make disciples. Our little disciples are watching us – they need patient instruction even if it has to be repeated on multiple occasions and locations. The same was true of Jesus. He faithfully planted the seeds which in due time following His accession into heaven, it bore much beautiful fruit for the Kingdom.

Patience and humility go hand in hand. The reason I loose my temper is tied to pride. It is when I feel I need to be in control, or things do not go the way I plan or prefer, that my children don’t behave. Confess your weakness and be open and honest before the Lord in repenting it. Fruit is born when we stop and acknowledge our short comings and apologize before our children. That is when they are attracted to such grace and humility in Jesus.

Never cease praying for patience and grace. Pray daily! Pray at the start of each day that God would supply you with divine grace and patience in your mothering. He is faithful to answer and equip you for the task. God gives such supernatural strength to those who ask.

Stop dwelling on the “tough” portions of your day and focus on the beauty around you. Look at the sweet gifts around you and the little blessings that took place during your day. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord! It does wonders to our spirits.

I deserve the wrath of God because of my sin, and yet God extended such patience and forgiveness again and again. Likewise, can I not extend mercy and patience when such love has been lavished on me?

It is said of the Proverbs 31 woman, “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness (Prov 31:26)”. Is kind speech flowing from my tongue today?

I’m training little hearts today, through my every word and deed.
May they see Christ in me, and by grace be understood.

I can rejoice today because training these little disciples is all apart of that greater beautiful picture of God’s divine grace, pruning, and refining in my heart – equipping me each day to be a better mother tomorrow.

Meditate further: Proverbs 14:29; Ephesians 4:26-27, 31; James 1:19-20; Galatians 5:22; Romans 15:5