Happy 4th of July…

This is probably one of our favorite holidays because you can have fun, remember how lucky we are to have independence and we always have a huge bash.  So this year we were on the look out for some fun sheets and facts we could share with you about independence day and about how to be safe this holiday weekend.  Below are links to some sweet places with tons of great information on being safe this holiday weekend but having fun.

4th of July Safety

Easy Quilt Cake

4th of July Party Ideas

4th of July Recipes

4th of July Crafts

4th of July Printables

4th of July Trivia

This Halloween Haylee decided she was going to be a little devil.  When I asked her how come she wanted to be a little devil she said because mom, I am an angel every day and have to be something different for Halloween.  The things 8 year old’s think of.

When she was little I always worried about how she would handle being around so many other kids with a small hand due to Amniotic Band Syndrome.  But I have learned if you don’t make a issue out of it then Haylee does not make an issue out of it.

As you can see in the picture Haylee had a long weekend of Trick-or-Treating.  Friday night we were invited by the Shriners to an awesome Halloween Party.  They had tons of great games stations and Haylee just had an amazing time. It was nice that she got to talk to some of the different Shriner members and her favorite part was talking with a Shriner named Doug.

On Saturday we went to a few local friends houses then off to Hy-vee Halloween maze that had 35 different businesses handing out candy, sodas, ice cream, hotdogs, and tons of other great stuff.  Haylee had a great time and there were tons of people there.  After that we headed to Gateway mall to do some trick-or-treating.  Last year we went and Haylee came home with tons of candy.  This year we went and Haylee said she was ready to go after walking by about 15 stores and only 1/3 of those stores were handing out candy.  So we left and went off to Parkers for some good BBQ food.  Haylee’s Daddy loves BBQ and so Haylee and I decided to treat him for Halloween night.

On observation I did notice is how well Haylee adjusted to holding the trick-or-treat bag with her little hand and taking candy with her big hand.  The little things that she figures out to make things work.

photo credit: rahego

Easter is often seen as a time of renewal and of new birth and growth. Since it is in Spring, there are new plants blossoming all around us that helps to confirm this newness. However, we celebrate Easter for an even more important reason – moreso than the upspringing of new life. It is the time that we remember one special life that was brought back from the dead. Jesus’!

We have heard the story of Jesus’ crucifixion before and although it is a very sad retelling, there is a happy ending… one that is happier and gives us more hope than any tale we have ever heard. The best part of this story is that it is true!

Jesus was betrayed…

Jesus was humiliated…

Jesus was beaten…

Jesus was mocked…

Jesus was tortured…

Jesus died a very slow and painful death.

Why?

He paid the price of our sins – with his own life – so that we can one day be in heaven eternally. Because of the price he paid, our sins are washed clean. Although he was scared, he knew that this had to happen. He knew that God had a plan and he knew what had to be done. I do not know very many people who would be willing to go through all of that suffering that Jesus did. He did this not only for the people who were alive at that time, but for all the future generations of all time. He died for people he did not even know yet – he died for those that were not even born yet – he died for each of us – you and me.

The price was paid for each of us. Becuase of Jesus’ gift, we can all be forgiven of our sins. Amazing! Then, something even more wonderful and joyful and bewildering happened. The women of Galilee went to the tomb, but when they arrived, the stone was rolled away and Jesus was not there. While there were trying to contemplate what could have happened, they were approached by angels that asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he is risen! (Luke, 24: 5-6)”. Then the angels asked them to remember what Jesus had said while he was still with them in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again (Luke 24: 6-7).” Praise God for this amazing and wonderful miracle! Jesus rose from the dead!

As you celebrate this easter with your family and enjoy the egg hunts and the time together, please remember the greatest gift – Jesus – is the reason for Easter. The celebrations of all that is new is remembered because of the gift of his life and his following resurrection. Jesus returned from the dead and now lives forever. He is always with us and always will be. He loved us before we were born and he accepts us just as we are.

Have a blessed Easter this year and in the years to come! May God bless you and your family this Easter and always! And remember….

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

 

 

 

Here’s a super PLR offer and you won’t have to log into your PayPal account or whip out a credit card to get it. All you have to do is go to:

Free Valentine’s Day PLR

It’s a great customizable and brandable report entitled:

“14 Valentines Fun Ideas for Whole Family…Plus 5 Romantic Ideas for Mom & Dad”

You get the full 4-page report plus:

- opt-in page template to build your list with the report.
- 4 ecover graphics to promote your report and give it a professional look
- 3 promotional banners to further spread the word about your fun report

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so grab yours and start promoting now! Again, the link to claim your PLR is at:

Free Valentine’s Day PLR

“If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.”
- I John 4:12b

God loved us so much that He sent His only son to die as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus made this sacrifice out of love. Because of this sacrifice, we no longer have to be separated from God because of our sins. Instead, we can be forgiven and one day be reunited with God in heaven.

God calls us to love one another. This week, as we approach Valentine’s Day, remember that by showing love to others, God is pleased and will abide with us. He has given us the ability to show love to others, so it is important that we do not forget to do so.

Although we have experienced those that are more difficult to love, we still must try to love them. This is what God desires for us to do. A kind word, helping someone in need, a heartfelt note, or whatever else you can think of to show kindness and love will be a great way to express the love that God has given to you. He has filled us each with love, so that we may go out and share this love with others.

This coming Saturday, don’t just show love to your family, think of others that might need a little love as well. There may be co-workers that need a little bit of encouragement… people at church that need a kind word… those who live in nursing homes that are lonely… someone who is out of work that may need a meal to help feed his family. Those needing love are all around us. So take a look around and see where you can share a little bit of God’s love. One loving act is sometimes all it takes to show someone that they are loved; but by showing this love, they can also know that God loves them as well.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me and for the sacrifice that Jesus gave on the cross. Father, I know that one day I can be with you in heaven. While I am still here on earth, help me to show your love to those around me. Lord, I know that there are so many that need love today; help me to see them and to know what I can do to help. May the love that I show to others help them to know that You love them also, so that they may one day be with you in Heaven as well.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

photo credit: Edgar Zuniga Jr.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Do you have your frugal gift giving list in order? Saint Valentine sure had it in for us guys when he decided Valentine’s Day would fall on February 14, less than two months after Christmas. It is a rare occasion when frugality and romance mix, but why not make this Valentine’s Day the year to celebrate frugally with some low-cost, romantic gift ideas. Warning, this is an area where frugality could be harmful to your health, so be sure you are giving these gifts from the heart, not just to save a buck.

Homemade coupon books are an inexpensive way to show your appreciation for loved ones. The design is not as the important as the content here, so don’t fret too much over the type of paper to use, the cover design, etc. Spend your time and energy brainstorming ideas and activities that really make your loved one happy. In a small booklet format, start listing those ideas, one per page. On Valentine’s Day present the homemade coupon book along with the promise to fulfill the coupon when presented. Here are a few ideas that may provide some inspiration:

- Good for One Free Car Wash

- Dad Takes the Kids For One Day

- A One-Hour Massage

- Dad Does the Cooking for One Week

- One “Chick-Flick” Date Night

- Get Out of Doing Dishes for One Week

- Spend One Week With No Television (not eligible for redemption during football season)

Plan a picnic. In some parts of the country the weather is nice enough to plan a picnic by February 14. If not, bring a coat and go anyway. Besides, cold weather usually resorts to snuggling, and that’s a good thing on Valentine’s Day. Pick up an inexpensive basket at a flea market or craft store, and prepare an assortment of your loved one’s favorite snacks at home. The menu could be as simple as some fine cheese with crackers, or homemade mini-sandwiches and a small dessert. A quick search for picnic menu ideas yields some great results. Top it off with an inexpensive bottle of wine, or your beverage of choice. Don’t forget at least two blankets (one for the ground, and one for her). Make this a surprise and add to the suspense. Load up the picnic basket ahead of time and then tell your Valentine to dress warm for a surprise date.

Take a day trip. Schedule a vacation day from the office and surprise her with a short day trip to a regional attraction. Make it a fun date – maybe a visit to an aquarium, musuem, or even the zoo. Plan ahead by ordering tickets in advance, and be on the lookout for any merchants that offer deals if you buy from them (your Valentine doesn’t have to know). Plan to eat lunch and/or dinner before visiting the attraction because food at entertainment venues is nearly as expensive as movie theatre candy.

Bottom line, it is true what they say – it is the thought that counts. You don’t have to go broke showing your Valentine with overly expensive gifts to show your love for them. In fact, gifts from the heart usually mean more to the recipient than something bought at a store, at least they do to us frugal dads.

Article can be found at Frugal Dad: http://frugaldad.com/2008/01/30/frugal-valentines-day-gift-ideas/  

photo credit: aliwest44
Kids like to celebrate Valentine’s Day just like adults. Even if you have ideas about romantic plans for the evening, consider having dinner with the kids. Here are some ideas for a great dinner with the entire family.

Kids love to cook. It is an opportunity for them to make a mess and not get in trouble for it. Let them help with the dinner on Valentine’s Day. They probably have a few ideas for the meal.

Don’t expect a full seven course meal. Besides the fact that it takes too long to prepare, kids have simpler tastes than that. And, if you want to get them to bed at a decent hour so you still have time to spend together, choose a dish with minimal preparation.

Italians are known for love. Try an Italian dish for Valentine’s Day. Instead of ordering from Domino’s, create a pizza at home. Using a store-bought crust, roll it out and cut it into the shape of a heart. The heart will have to be exaggerated because once the dough rises the pizza will spread out and not look like a heart anymore.

Italians are also big on spaghetti. It takes about thirty minutes at the most to put together a spaghetti dinner. Add a salad for a filling meal to celebrate the holiday.

Burgers and fries are a simple meal but one that kids and the entire family can enjoy. Get the grill going or a grill pan. After the burgers are done, place them on a bun and use a heart shaped cookie cutter to turn those ordinary burgers into lovin’ from the grill.

When it comes to family, the meal will be special because it involves everyone celebrating their love together. For parents, a dinner complete with some of your child’s favorite dishes will make them smile. Family dinners on Valentine’s Day can be eclectic-the meal doesn’t have to have one theme but can be a combination.

Allow each person in the family to make a dish for the dinner. They can come up with their own idea of what to surprise everyone with for dinner. The kids will need your help shopping for what they need and using the stove, but you can still act surprised when they bring their finished creation to the table.

Valentine’s Day dinner for the family offers an opportunity to express sentiments of love to each member of your family. With busy schedules, making time to celebrate love together is a rare treat.

photo credit: tonydolor

February always has a way of sneaking up on me. I guess I am just relaxing after the hectic Christmas holiday and then all of a sudden February is here! As fast as it does seem to come each year, it is important not to forget your spouse and also your children on Valentine’s Day. This does not have to be an expensive holiday, but it should be one that you cherish with your loved ones.

Although Valentine’s Day has become a bit commercialized, we do not have to go broke showing our love to those around us. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday so you will have more time home with your family that day than you may normally have during the typical week. That gives you even more time together to celebrate!

Trying to be frugal, but not wanting to skimp on showing my husband I love him each year on this day, I have come up with some ideas that have worked in the past. Each year, I make him cards on my computer. One is always serious and lets him know exactly how I feel about him (well… pointing out the things I love about him and not the things that drive me crazy… lol). I also make a silly card as well, something that will make him smile and maybe even laugh. In years past, I have even some up with some funny little gifts to brighten his day. One year, I took a screw and loaded it full of little nuts and washers from the toolbox and made it into a keychain. Then, I attached a note to it that said, “I’m nuts about you.”

For some special Valentine’s Day time with you children (or as a family), it might be fun to make cookies or cupcakes and decorate them. You could also plan a special Valentine’s Day meal that you can all prepare together, including making special placemats and decorations for the table. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it and enjoy this time with your family as you share how much you love each other!
About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

photo credit: CarbonNYC

People of all ages love New Year’s Eve.  It does not matter if you are young or old, New Year’s Eve is still a big thing. Although many times children do not celebrate the same way that adults do. But everyone can enjoy playing any of the below card games this New Year’s Eve. So this New Year’s Eve get the family together and play a little cards.

Younger children love to play games such as crazy eights, go fish, and war.  So your family can play a few of these card games with the younger kids and then take turns playing younger and older card games.

Two great games that your older children could play are Uno and Rook.  If you can’t find instructions to these games you can check UNO instructions or Rook Instructions. Another game older kids could play depending on the age is Poker.  But make sure you set up some rules first so they are playing for chips instead of real money.

Some games you can play if you have a bunch of adults in your family is poker.  With poker you can find many different version of poker just do a quick google search to find different types of poker games.  Adults also enjoy playing Canasta and Pinochle, or some adults even link uno or rook.

These are just a few card games you can play on New Year’s Eve.  It all depends on how many people will be joining you this New Years Eve and the ages of your guests.

photo credit: Trent Bigelow

There are times when we just don’t want to have a huge Christmas Dinner. So this Christmas maybe you should think about having a Christmas Dinner for Two. Below I have provided some great ideas for your romantic Dinner for two this Christmas.

Even if it is the two of you there is still work involved for getting ready for your romantic dinner for two. Since portions are smaller that means you will not have to spend all day in the kitchen, but those great memories will still be created.

• You are going to save money by doing a small dinner for two. There will be less to prepare less to buy. But if you are still wanting some left overs then you could cook enough for dinner for four and then you will have leftovers. But it will be just enough leftovers that you will not get sick of eating it.
• Make this dinner a romantic dinner. Add a few candles on the table, set a formal setting. You could even dress up for the occasion and also turn the dinning room into a formal setting.
• Prepare a menu in advance. Not a huge menu but a great one you can put together. Fixing the dinner together. Talk about old times, like your first Christmas together.
• You could cook a small Turkey, A small ham, or a couple Cornish hens. Or you could cook a turkey breast instead.
• You could always order out. Most grocery stores do catering, Or you could cook the turkey breast and just order all the sides.
• Try something new. You could try all new dishes since you are not trying to impress anyone you could try all new dishes.

This Christmas Dinner does not have to involve the whole family. Spending quality time with you spouse is just as rewarding.

Find Great New recipes and menus at Menu Planning Central