Family Fun Games, No tv required!

The colder temps are here which means cozydays in! This time of year the tv can be clicked on more often...but I dont want my family spending time together watching the tv. That really is not spending time together! Our children are young for only a short time..family days truly are the *best* days of our lives parents! I have been praying for the Lord's help and creative ideas... prayed something like this.. "Lord please give us fun times together as a family, give us ideas what to we can do together." Oh how the Lord answers! We were playing a game the other night, nothing planned..it just happened.. my kiddos were lined up to hear the next, "Jesus says" command.. (Simon Says turned to Jesus Says, by request!) and I realized God has answered my prayer and we were having alot of fun together! *Thank you Lord*

Here are a few more, no tv, Family Fun Games:

Balloon Toss
Blow up a few balloons and toss them around to eachother. Keep hitting the balloon and dont let it fall on the ground! ~a sure hit for kids and parents!

My Family Owns a Grocery Store
and in the store they sell something that starts with A. Get it? Everyone asks yes or no questions to figure out the answer...exciting, a game with educational purpose, I cant deny I am a homeschool mom! ;) We all really love this game, my hubby likes to really try and stump us! Let me finish the game so you can get an idea. One of my children or hubby would ask me, "is it in the dairy aisle?" Me: "nope." Another question, "Is it red?" Me: Yes!" A few questions later, "Is it an Apple?!" Me: "You got it!" :) Simple, fun and educational! Winner! Now go try it!

You can also put a *new spin* on this game and play, My Family Owns A Resturaunt that Starts with the Letter... or My Family Owns a Zoo and we have an Animal that starts with..

I Spy
classic game..need I say more?

Simon Says, or Moses Says, or Jesus Says
;) Whatever you want to call it, its a fun and simple game! Shout commands like,

Crisscross applesauce!

Make a cow sound!

Close your eyes!

Lay down!

Shake your neighbors hand!

Touch your head!

Spin around!

Walk one step backwards!

There are seriously endless things you can get your children to do, how fun for parents! ;) Good way to get the energy out too!

Red Light, Green Light~
Pick a goal that your children need to get to, it could be mommy or daddy or the door. Everyone takes steps quickly when its Green Light but if you shout Red Light, its time to S T O P! Whoever gets to the destination, wins! *Easy*

Quick to Obey Game:
This game I learned from Michelle Duggar in one of her books. I explain to my children its very important that they are quick to obey Mommy and Daddy so they can be quick to obey the Lord's voice. Very important! I grab a bowl of m&m's, its just fun to give your children a sweet treat for doing such a great job. This is a good game around desert time! :) I give my children commands that are silly and commands that I would actually tell them to do on a day to day basis. "Sweetie, would you please go spin around 5 times?" If my child says, yes ma'm, happy to do it then completes the task: praise from mommy and a m&m! :) *win, win!*

Read:
Other ways we spend our evenings would be reading thru the series, "Box car Children." Also Laura Ingalls Wilder series.. What books do you like to read as a family? A great source is www.visionforum.com

Listening to C.D.'s
 Like Jonathan Parks is entertaining and educational!

Music
Memorize hymns and worship songs together..play an instrument, who cares if you are not that good, have fun and be silly together.

Family discussions
Talk with your children, plan something together.. talk about their favorite memory, look at old pictures, tell your children their birth story.. With thanksgiving right around the corner, ask everyone to write down what they are thankful for to be read aloud during dinner. Its so important to just talk as a family with no time limit!

What are some ways that you spend good family time together?? Would love to hear!

Linked with:

Our Simple Country Life

Our Sweet days, random!

How has your week been? The theme of our week was fresh air! After a long winter, late spring..summer is here. Almost everyday the heat was in the 90's. My children have been enjoying vbs all week! Everyday I had from 9 to noon to myself, which was really intresting..too quiet! 

After vbs I planned something fun..one afternoon I made lunch ahead of time and we went swimming at friends, other days picnic at the park. I really love to bring a big blanket, sandwiches and enjoy lunch with my sweeties! Do you picnic alot?

I filled the wheelbarrow with water for mud cakes! On hot days, water fun is the way to go!

& for when they want to stay clean and cool...

Last week I enjoyed an old soda, strawberry crush with a friend...decided to turn it into a pretty vase..

Recently signed up for Above Rubies magazine..this is a free subscription and have heard wonders about it, sign up Here. The founder sent me a sweet thank you email with these words:
As a home-loving,
home-keeping,
home-nursing,
home-cooking,
home-working,
home-training and
home advocating mother,
you are the most important asset in this nation!
Life may often seem overpoweringly busy at times, but what else can you expect when you have the most important job in the nation?

*Isnt that encouraging!?*

What was on the menu at your house this week? We had 2 days of grilled chicken salad with homemade buttermilk ranch..mmm!

After a busy but blessed week I am ready for the weekend! Happy Friday!



Homeschool Mother Journal, Entry 1

This is my first homeschool mother entry!



In my life this week: This past week was really different then our normal routine. We had more laid back days due to the holiday on Monday and daddy being able to work at home for a couple days, which was amazing! ;) We also had a dentist apt, next week is my youngest 2 children first dentist apt~yay! We had alot of cooler days... one evening we went to the mtn and enjoyed a ride on our 3wheeler!

My favorite thing this week: enjoying the laid back week with my hubby home more then usual, what a treat!

Places we are going: I know one place we are going so far, Elko Nv. My hubby won a mule deer tag for October..very excited for the trip and hunt! Also anxious for camping trips near Lake Tahoe and northern CA.

Things I am working on: I am working on making more foods and cleaners, homemade. I have perfected things from ranch to laundry soap. Now hope to make mayo and bake some bread!

Books I am reading: Bible, "created to be his helpmeet" and various childrens books! ;}

A quote, a video, a link or pic to share…

My handsome son mixing buttermilk biscuits for a yummy breakfast dinner! He is such a great helper~ I love you Jayce!

A Few of My Fav's: if you know me, you know I LOVE...

Yay its Friday! Linking up with Stringer Mamma today, every Friday she has a link up to list your favorites...join the fun!

I really wasnt sure which subject to choose lol so i thought I would just list some random things that i LOVE and kinda going with the question, if you know me you know that I love...

S W I M M ING!

~an old pic of us!

My husband calls me a fish.. my childhood memories are spending all day at the beach and my mother doing anything she could do to get me OUT of the water so we could go home. Once the weather is hot enough I am packing our cooler, telling my children to grab towels and trucks and other sand toys..oh and the camera..rushing everyone to head to the water. I cant explain my love for the water, I feel so at ease and rejuvinated.  I do not go to the beach to sit on the sand and tan.. nope, I am in the water, doing flips underwater and going as far out as i can. I race my brother alot but he always wins! I am blessed to have a family that loves the water too! The best part is my children swimming along with me. Last year my daughter had a small tube around her waist and followed me and my sister all over a smaller size lake. it was a blast!!! My son likes to see who can stay under the water the longest... and my youngest boy is in love with his life jacket.. he is amazed and giggles that he is the deep water near me..floating wherever the current takes him. My hubby enjoys the water too...alot more now lol

2 love of mine: Candles!!! Mmm i love the scent that fills my home.. especially if my home is leaning towards messy lol it still smells yummy! I go thru alot of candles...i light them in the afternoon and blow them out right before bed. I love the glow of the flame and comfort and warmth it brings to a room. My favorite scents are, cinnamon, apple cider, pine during christmas and berries.

If you know me you know that I love, CAKE!

~A cake I made last year!

Theres really nothing else to say, i love different flavors and buttercream frosting. mmmmmm!!

If you know me you know that I love,

a plain sheet of paper. I love to write and doodle.. create to do list and fill sheets of papers with prayers.. I love to write love notes to not only my husband but to Jesus. I love the way the pen feels against the paper..flowing out my words and thoughts.......... a clean peice of paper looks so fresh and clean and just speaks to me to write! It doesnt stay clean for very long lol

~Salmon spawning!

WILD~LIFE! I get super excited when I spot a wild animal.. i know that probably sounds pretty funny but I am always amazed when a beautiful animal crosses our path. We have seen alot of animals while driving, camping and walking. On my honeymoon we were excited to see a wolf and caught it on tape! I have seen gorgeous owls while driving at night on a dirt road...deer in my garden and our campsite! elk, pronghorns and wild mustanges.. lizards scattering quickly along a rock.. the beauty and differences in each animal are spectacular, God's creation always has me in awe!

Hopefully a few of these random Love's of mine gives you alittle more info on me! What are some of your random fav's...  if someone knows you, they know you love....

please share!

Blessings,
Sarah beth

Mom Approved Shoes! ;}

Warm weather to me means shoes!! When I say shoes, I mean sandals & flip flops! I love these easy to throw on, cute and go with anything shoe! I usually shoot for the basic flip flop and buy a few different colors but this year I have fallen in love with a basic, black Nike sandal! I thought I would share this shoe with all of you girls! Number one reason being because they are super comfy!!! Busy moms need a cute and comfy shoe, right?!

I snapped my pair at kohls for $24.00. This is more then my basic flip flops but the comfort and quality is worth it. If your looking for a great new pair of shoes, try these ladies! Mom, approved! ;} Have you found any new favorites for this spring and summer? Do share!

Blessings, Sarah beth

Photo Collage

I love taking pictures! Pictures of my children, nature, animals, family, friends, ect. Unfortunately I lack in printing the pictures and I cannot seem to get into scrapbooking. If that sounds like you, you may like my new discovery!

Photo Collages @ Walgreens! You can create your own online or at the store. I love this idea because you can add up to 20 pictures and add a title. I love how these look framed. I even give them as gifts to family.

They are really inexpensive! It only takes a few minutes to create and less then an hour to have walgreens print.

I love to create collages such as camping trips, Christmas, vacation, each one for my children, my husband and I, even did a cute one of our day at the pumpkin patch, fun in the snow, ect.

This was a fun camping trip!

Nothing I love more on my walls then incredible memories I made with my family!

Blessings,
Sarah beth


Linked up with:

A Date!

I try to spend a day with each of my children alone. It happens in all different ways, some are planned others are not. With my daughter, she loves to go with me to the salon. She sits next to me and loves to watch mommy get her hair trimmed and highlighted. ;) We also have girly moments such as me doing her hair for the day, painting each others nails, ect. With my oldest we spend alot of time together doing school work since he has a bit more then his younger siblings right now. He is also a night owl like me.. when daddy is out of town he will stroll out of his bed at about 10pm and spend an hour with me chatting..sometimes we read the bible together too. Theres always a snack lol With my youngest our moments together are the little things, he loves to mix and measure when I am cooking, crack the eggs.. have me read him a story or coloring together. All these moments are so precious to me. Each day I do try to have alittle one on one which really strengthens our bond!! I love how God provides these moments each day, how I pray for them to happen even on our busy days.

It is nice once in awhile when I get to plan a date with my child! Jayce has been pleading for a couple of weeks to have a mommy and jayce day..it was sweet to hear such a request! ;}

Last Sunday after church we dropped off everyone at home so that we could get alittle time just us two! I was looking forward to spoiling my baby with love and my full attention!

I decided to take him to Toys r us, such a fun place to browse around.

He picked out a cute sports hat, a piggy bank and a baby bear cub that makes noises~ ;)

It was fun watching him excited and checking everything out..

He was in shock that everything He picked out was his, lol

Afterwards we shared a lunch and talked..

It was a very sweet day!

Blessings, Sarah beth

Simple Ways to Start Couponing

I recently watched a show on TLC, "Extreme Couponing." I am not sure if this is a new show or not but I seen that there is another episode coming up in April. The title of this show says it all. Its very extreme! They walk away from the store not spending very much but with overflowing carts and sometimes multiple carts full. A few people have garages full which looks like a mini store itself. But there is alot of time taken from each day finding coupons, cutting and searching for deals to get the most savings on their groceries.

Here is a clip of one lady who is a retired nurse. She is the only one on the show with one cart lol




I could never spend that kind of time on coupons but this show did motivate me to start clipping coupons here and there. 

My job as a mother and wife is super important to me and I think of saving money as one of my dutys!

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil." Proverbs 31:11


I love any way I can save! One of the top reasons why is because my hubby works hard for his family, I want him to know that each hour he spends working is not being wasted/spoiled but saved and stretched further!Proverbs 31:12 "She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."

I first started with ordering the Sunday paper where you can find alot of coupons, ordered the paper with a discount paper service!


Our library has a table full of old magazines, we always stop and grab a few for certain school projects. The kids helped me search the pages and we found quite a few coupons there!


Lastly I called some companies and asked if they could send me coupons...which they did, one had a bonus and added recipes!

I then took all my coupons and made envelopes with catergories such as grocery, cleaning supplies, pet and other. I hope to figure a better system! lol


I gathered a few coupons for my trip today, I looked at what I had and created my menu around the specific items.


I know some stores have a double coupon day which means your coupon will double in savings...I have yet to call around and see!

My personal goal is to atleast save $10.00 with coupons. My first shopping trip I saved $6.00.

With a price of $1.08 and a coupon for $1 off, i bought this pasta box for .8!



With a price of .52 cents and a coupon to save .75 I paid zero!

Those are a few ways you can start couponing and saving for your family!

Do you coupon? What tips do you have? Would love to hear!!!

Blessings, sarah beth

Linked up with:
Simple Country Life Homemaking Link Up



 

Go Out For Dessert!

Days and weeks seem to fly by lately,

everyday there is something to do or planned!

My hubby was home for the past 4 days, during that time we just wanted to soak up time together as a family.

I didnt want to miss a moment with all of us together since our time has been so short lately!

But my hubby and I did really want to have a date night..sigh..

We always go out to dinner but I feel somewhat blah on spending alot of money for food and I love our family dinners.

New idea, go out for dessert!

It was so much fun, we headed out after we tucked our sweeties in.

The restaurant was quiet instead of super crowded and loud.

It was romantic!

Very enjoyed! lol btw it was a lava cake and a scoop of icecream!

Our bill was $5.70 :}

What are your date night ideas??

blessings, sarah beth

Great Thrifty Finds!

If you know me, then you know that I am a girl that loves a good deal! Not just a great sale at a local store..I love to dig deep at garage sales and thrift stores. Its a thrill! I love to save my family money, work alittle harder and find beautiful things for less. I love nice things for my home but not the price. I rarely buy anything even clothes at normal prices. I refuse to! This part of me was not a trait I was born with, but lovingly taught by from my sweet husband. At first I would make fun of him but thank God I opened my eyes and seen how you can really save and what fun it is!!!

I thought I would share with you something I found today at Goodwill~

Its actually decor for a wall in your home but I found a better spot~

$1.99!

I placed this in my rock garden area near our front door!

I am thinking about hosting a link up once a month or twice a month to show off a great thrifty find... let me know if you would be intrested and remember to start taking a picture :}

I would love for woman to be proud to show how much they saved on something beautiful for their home! Also if you do not currently thrift shop to start! ebay counts! ;}

What are some great deals you have found?

Blessings, Sarah beth

Linked with:

Link Up your Light Hearted Read! Dirty Dishes!!

~Thank God for Dirty Dishes~

Thank God for dirty dishes,

They have a tale to tell,

While others may be hungry,

We're eating very well!

I found this in one of my recipe books & had to share..too cute! How important it is to remember all of our little and big tasks of the day is trully a gift!

We are not desperate housewives but blessed housewives!

I posted my Monday heartwarming/humor post and link up early because my Monday will be super busy~ our homeschool group begins our PE class and I have a family member flying in, yay! 

Have a wonderful week ladies~ Link up your sweet read here.

Monday's tend to require encouragement! ;}

"A cheerful heart does good like medicine...."{Proverbs 17:22}

Share a personal story, video, picture, anything sweet and heart~warming!

A list of my fav's: this week!

Linking up with Stringer Mamma for favorite Fridays!

A part of me wants to pout and say this is the worst week ever, due to my husband being out of town..{missing him is an understatement} but that is not how I want to live my life. Each day is a gift! Here are some of my favorite things about this week, there were many! "O satisfy us with Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning [now, before we are older], that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14

Valentines Day! The day went by quickly but it was a sweet day, I loved making my husbands favorite dinner and enjoying my family around the table. I was suprised with sweet pink roses..I cant help but breath in the sweet scent everytime I pass by them. :}

I am 26! I was blessed with another year to live, grow wiser, enjoy my husband and children and praise my savior here on earth! I love all the sweet birthday cards in the mail from my family that couldnt be here. I still get excited about cards hehe!

S N O W Since I wrote on Wednesday we have been blessed with more snow. As I write, its snowing! The kids and I enjoyed playing in the blizzard yesterday...walking around in mounds of fresh snow and being heavily sprinkled in snowflakes!

Mr giggles!

Giggles! Its something I have been hearing alot of this week from my children.. we have been a silly bunch this week.. they were giggling when they seen my hubby with a bouquet of roses..giggling while running around in the snow... even as we run out of the store in a blizzard, giggling! Such a sweet sound!

Chats with my MOM.. My mom and I have been talking alot on the phone this week.. its always sweet to hear her voice and just catch up! I cherish each and every chat with her :}

Chicken Noodle Soup Its my all time favorite soup.. Making it the way my Gramma taught me! What a perfect soup for our first winter storm and that means the kids and I can enjoy it all weekend, no cooking! ;}

What are your favorite things about this week?? Praise God for all the GOOD in your life each day! "This is the day which the Lord has brought about; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118: 24


Blessings,
Sarah beth

Valentines Day Fun!

Linking up for Monday Humor, Valentines Day style!

First, HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!

I am keeping this light hearted read/Monday Humor link up with a Valentine Theme! This isnt really a funny read but a sweet one!

When you think of Vday, often times we think of roses, love, romance, chocolates, teddy bears, ect. But we should take that image and put it aside! If Valentines day is about love... then we should think about what really is love.. What is Love?

{Author Unknown}

Isnt that Beautiful??! I seen it once and I remember it every Valentines Day.. Sadly I am not sure who created this! But feel free to pass it on, print it out and show your children!

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him"{John 4:16}

Today remember that the idea of love portrayed in this holiday is not real love. The definition of Love is~ God is Love. Memorize this verse.. Teach this to your children today! Fill your heart and mind with His Loving Presence! & not of this world!

Now, a story!

At our Valentines day party over the weekend, the pastor asked the children, what is Love?

Many were too shy to say..

Some said hearts!

Some said giving!

They were so cute and my sweet boy held his hand up and wanted to say Jesus is Love.. BUT his confidence quickly faded..he smiled and said, I dont remember what I was going to say. LOL Too cute!

Lastly, I had to share another comic...it was too funny not to post!

Oh darn, atleast he tried! ;}

Read here for my Valentine plan that is not self seeking: Easy ideas to Romance your Hubby!

Do you have a light hearted, funny, heartwarming read??? Link up here

Blessings,

Sarah beth

Link Up your Light Hearted Read! Its Monday!

Its Monday again!

I have to admit I dislike Mondays very much, our sweet weekends end too quickly! Real life begins again..it can often look like such a long week ahead.

Today I ask you to link up to Monday Humor!

Share a funny story, poem, video, cartoon or it can be something sweet and heartwarming.

Lets encourage one another on our first day of the week with a light~hearted read! :}

"A cheerful heart does good like medicine...."

{Proverbs 17:22}


Rules are super simple:
1. Link your post back to here
2. Stop by other blogs who have joined!
Easy as pie ;)


Blessings,

Sarah beth

Be My Valentine, Week 4! Easy Ideas to Romance your Hubby!

I am loving this challenge, If you havent joined, its not too late! Its simple ideas to put your man first this Valentines!

Hopefully even after this romantic time of the year too!

View: Women Living Well's Challenge, "What a majority of men really want for Vday"
I love her ideas for this Vday!

Remember - there are no exceptions in the Bible where it says on Birthdays, Mother's Day and Valentine's Day we have permission to get selfish and self-centered. Philippians 2:3,4 says "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." {Women Living Well}

She suggest to simply ask your man, what does he want for vday. I already can guess what my hubby will say, his favorite meal above anything is cheeseburger and homemade fries! He is a cheap date! lol ;} 

For dessert I think I will try chocolate dipped strawberries, never had them but always wanted to try them! Maybe some other treats. Maybe I should just ask him! :}

As a gift I want to write 10 things that I adore, love and cherish about him..possibly frame!

Another idea for your evening is something we did last wknd..we read the "Song of Solomon" out of our Bible. It was so funny and romantic all at the same time. It was sweet to read it together!

TRY the set the timer game! Set a timer for 1hour. For that 1hour there is no talking, no nothing but KISSING! Kiss like teenagers! Kiss like when you were dating! ;}

Click here for free Love Coupons! Tell him there is no expired date and each coupon can be used over and over! ;)

Lastly sign up for free http://www.christian-marriage-today.com/christian-devotionals.html Love their website, browse around!

Will you go out to dinner? Homecooked meal? Whats on the menu?


Do you exchange gifts?

Share your Vday plans, would love to hear!

Blessings,
Sarah beth

Monday Humor Link Up, Mommy Cartoons!

Linking up for Monday Humor ;}

I decided to share some funny cartoons today! I cant think of anything better then some mommy cartoon Humor! Enjoy!

Which one was your favorite? Grace underpressure was mine!

Our lives are pretty funny put this way. Monday is here again and often I dread this day so much. It really is all worth it and I think today I will look back to these cartoons and laugh! I hope to not get frustrated or stressed but to take a step back and laugh at all the silly things my children do! Its just part of the high calling we mothers have! ;}

If you have a heartwarming read or a funny story, video or cartoon that you would like to share, {old or new post} please link up and encourage one another!! Post as many as you would like and make sure to link your post back here!

"A cheerful heart does good like medicine...."{Proverbs 17:22}


Have a wonderful week serving Christ and love every moment of our blessed, crazy days as mommy and wives!

Blessings, Sarah beth

What's Cooking? Menu Planning Fridays!

Linking up with Simple Country Life for Menu Planning Fridays. I love spending a few minutes in the morning, writting up my menu and grocery list. That way saturday mornings we can jet off to the store and get it out of the way! This week I will be using whats already in my cupboards and freezer. I only have a few things to get at the store, yay!

Friday {today}
On fridays we usually always go out to dinner, I found some coupons for Arbys in the paper..so thats where we will go!

Saturday & Sunday
Slow cooked Beef Roast, Mashed potatoes with gravy, veggies & cornbread.

Monday &Tuesday {yep I love leftovers!}
Chicken Taco Salad with homemade taco Ranch.

Wednesday
Breakfast!! Pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage links

Thursday
Beef stroganoff with cornbread and steamed veggies.

What is on your menu for next week? Do you set aside one day a week to go out to eat? I encourage you today to make a menu Ladies!

Be My Valentine, week 3!

Week 3 is here!! I have joined Women Living Well Challenge, Be my Valentine Challenge.

It has been alot of fun and I am really enjoying watching my man light up! ;~)

I have tried really hard to be a joyful wife, to honor and respect my husband in every way that I can. I love showing him how happy I am with him!! Reading and praying has really encouraged me! Keeps me motivated on even the busiest, tiring days.. I love reading this over and over: The Christian wife

Each day I have tried to put him first, asking him what can I do for you today, anything specific? It was never much!

I loved writting little love notes each morning!

I have added only a few small things to do for my husband and already he is coming home to us a happier man. He is working harder at showing his love for me!

So this week's challenge is:

Pursue intimacy and place the intimate needs of your spouse above your own. Give him a foot or back massage, shower together, be creative! {Women Living Well}


I am going to have alot of fun with this week!! ;~)
 
Here are some romance ideas @ Christian Marriage Today
 
How do you show your husband that he is first in your life?

 
Blessings, Sarah beth

Link Up For Monday Humor!

Link up for Monday Humor!

Monday's.. not everyone's favorite day of the week, am i right?

Ladies lets share some light hearted fun on our blogs!

"A cheerful heart does good like medicine...."{Proverbs 17:22}

Share a poem, song, video, a story, quotes, cartoon, ect!

The goal is to encourage one another as we begin our week as busy moms and wives. =)

We all could us a laugh or a heart warming read!

~I hope that you can join and please read others who have linked up~

Have a blessed Monday!

Blessings, Sarah beth