My Blog = My Life: running

When you start any Blogger blog, it automatically installs a navigation bar or banner running across the top of the screen with the links: "Follow," "Share," "Report Abuse," and "Next Blog." This is called the "navbar" and is a real eye sore to most visitors. The good news is, removing the navigation bar in Blogger is easy.

"But, wait? Don't I want those links?" you may ask... Not generally. The only two links that are really useful to you are first the "Follow" link, but you took care of that in a much sexier way when you installed your classy and sexy follow buttons, right? And the "Share" link, but there are much better ways to setup sharing on your blog (which I'll discuss soon).

The "Next Blog" link takes visitors away from your blog. The "Report Abuse" button let's people report your blog to Google which could lead to Google taking action against you (and, subsequently also leaves internet trolls the easy opportunity to try and sabotage you, though this isn't generally a problem).


But more than anything, it's amateurish and ugly. It screams "I have an out-of-the-box Blogger blog!" So, my advice is to ditch it. Here's how you do it (please note that this doesn't work in the old version of blogger, but you can still do it. Check out this page for more info on that. Be sure to scroll down to the section about Classic Blogger templates).
Read & Comment >>

It's Sunday morning. The alarm clock didn't go off like it was supposed to. Rolling over in bed, you squint at the red digital numbers and start to panic. There's an hour before you need to leave for church. You bolt out of bed, rudely wake your sleeping husband and try to scare him into action by telling him the time. Jumping into the shower, you realise you forgot your change of clothes and holler at your drowsy hubs to bring them over. You skip shaving your legs and conditioning your hair, dry yourself off in a hurry, only to discover that you had forgotten to iron your Sunday blouse. Having just had a baby, this is the only one that fits and is convenient enough for breastfeeding. You sigh as you button it up, promising yourself you'll keep your coat on the whole church service and nobody will notice.

You throw your hair into a quick ponytail. No time for anything fancy today. Running downstairs, you wake up your toddler and are too frustrated to enjoy her chipper morning spirit as she chatters away while you change her diaper. You rummage through her clothes, only to discover that her Sunday dress is still in the laundry room, probably hidden under the rest of the unfolded clothes. A skirt and tights will have to do. The tights have a hole in the toe. Oh well, her shoes will cover it.

Racing upstairs, you plunk her in her seat at the table and dash off to wake the baby, hoping he'll be alert enough for a good feed by the time the rest of you are done breakfast. While changing his diaper and trying to decide what he should wear to church, he has an explosive bowel movement leaving you no choice but to give him a bath. While you frantically wash the poop out of his hair, your husband calls from the kitchen to let you know that the syrup bottle is empty. Cheerios for breakfast on a Sunday. Again.

Placing baby in his bouncy chair, you wolf down your Cheerios, bouncing baby's seat with one foot, and feeding your toddler, who is highly distracted by the shadows the sun is helping to make on the dining room wall, with your empty hand. As soon as you're done your cereal, you ask (tell) your husband to take over feeding your toddler while you nurse your wailing baby in the messy living room you were too tired to clean up the night before. Trying to be as holy as possible considering the time, the rest of family gathers in the living room for devotions, where you pick the shortest Psalm and mumble a 20-second prayer so you can say you've done your duty.

After cutting baby's nursing session short, you lay him down on the floor, throw on your new white coat, and buckle your newborn into his seat. You had forgotten to burp him and he hurls all over the front of your new coat. No time to change. You pass the infant seat to your husband to place in the car while you hunt for your toddler's missing shoe. Where did she put it?! Already running three minutes late on the week your husband needs to hand out bulletins, you decided it's okay if she wears her rubber boots to church just this once.

Finally, you're all in the car and you race off to church. As your toddler begs you to sing "Twinkle, Twinkle" for the hundredth time, you scream "Shut up! We're going to worship!" The gas light comes on. Hubby assures you that even though you might be running on fumes, you'll probably make it back. And if not all the way back, at least you'll be stranded on a major highway where lots of other church folk will be passing by and will surely stop to help. Just as you remember you left the tithing cheque and diaper bags in the front entrance, you see cherries flashing in the rear view mirror and hear a siren wailing in your ear. Busted.

Have you ever had a Sunday morning like this? We haven't had one quite that bad, but pretty close. Even though we need to leave by 8:45am to be at church in good time, I've found there are several things I can do to make it fairly relaxing and peaceful for everyone. A good morning starts the evening before. Here's some things I try to make a habit of doing so that Sundays truly are a day of rest and I'm not running around like chicken with my head cut off or barking out orders like a drill sargent:

Things to do Saturday morning:

• Decide what you'll be eating for each meal on Sunday. Make as much as you can ahead of time and slot in a trip to the grocery store if necessary.
• Check to make sure all the Sunday outfits are washed and ironed. A good way to avoid ironing, is to pull out your clothes from the dryer as soon as it finishes and hang them neatly in your closet.
• Make a trip to the gas station and top up the tank.

• Pack diaper bags. Include at least one extra outfit, three diapers, and wipes. Charity's bad also includes a cookie or two and a drink for in the baby-sit. Judah's bag is the bigger of the two as it also holds my nursing cover, extra nursing pads, a spit-up rag, and another shirt for me-just in case.
• Lay out each person's complete outfit in where they normally get dressed. For us this means a onesie, dress shirt, socks, pants, coat and hat on top of Judah's dresser; an undershirt, tights, a dress, shoes, and coat on Charity's; a suit, dress shirt and tie on the bathroom counter for Brad to change into after his shower; and my skirt, a button up blouse, camisole, and head covering beside my bed.
• Set the table for breakfast. If you're worried about flies pooping in your bowl or glass overnight, turn them upside down. We usually have waffles with Maple syrup, and orange juice on Sunday mornings which means three place settings including forks, knives, plates, and glasses. I also lay out Charity's bib and put two capsules of fenugreek next to my glass.
• Shower. I've realized I don't have to have a shower Sunday morning. It saves a lot of valuable time and is a great way to wind down by taking it Saturday evening before bed. After my shower, I usually lay out my earrings, and hair accessories on the bathroom counter so I don't have to hunt for them the next morning.
• Tidy the house. It's not the most wonderful thing to be doing on a Saturday night, but waking up to a tidy house is so much more relaxing for everyone! Set the timer for 10 minutes and you'll be surprised to how much you can accomplish. You'll be glad you picked up the toys even though you didn't feel like it.
• Put anything you can into the car. Diaper bags, purse, tithing cheque. The more that's already in the car, the less you'll forget. And you'll save yourself a bundle of time.
• Place all the footwear by the door. Make sure there's two of each. Unless of course, you happen to be missing a leg.

• This is the order that works best for us in this season of life: wake up, do my hair, get kids dressed and Charity's hair done while Brad showers, have breakfast, family devotions, nurse Judah while Brad clears the table and gets Charity's coat and shoes on, get myself dressed, put Judah's coat on, out the door.
• Get the kids dressed as soon as you take them out of bed. This saves having to go back into their rooms after having breakfast. If you're worried about them spilling on their clothes, invest in some good quality bibs and help the younger ones eat if necessary.
• If you're nursing, dress yourself after baby's done his feed, burped, and in his car seat to save having to put together another outfit. You can get dressed in 4 seconds flat. I've done it.
• Your husband wants to help. He might just need you to ask him what to do. Ask kindly and specifically instead of using body gestures and indirect commands. (i.e. Ask, "Honey, could you please put Charity's coat on?", instead of huffing loudly, "Charity's coat still needs to be put on and I've still got to get dressed, and I can't find Judah's soother!")
• Give your hubby a really good kiss on the way out the door. No matter how rushed the morning was, this will erase any memory of it. :-)

I was really happy to hear that a new restaurant is coming to the downtown 'hood.
Tangerine by chef Aimee Schulhauser of Evolution Catering will be a welcome addition to the strip of shops on 14th Avenue next to Lorne Street (2234 14th Avenue, to be exact).
The restaurant will be open mainly during the daytime and into the early evening hours, with later hours a possibility once the restaurant has its feet under it (the same goes for a liquor licence). Schulhauser tells me that fresh garden vegetables from her grandma's garden will be front and centre this summer. She calls Tangerine's menu a "chef's playground" featuring a handful of semi-permanent sandwiches and salads, along with whatever else she creates on any given day.
Tangerine's website will be up and running in June. In the meantime, check out Schulhauser's other website: http://www.ecff.ca/

Time once again for Flea Market Finds. Yippee Skippy!!
OK so it actually wasn't a very exciting week for the finds. I wish I had something fantabulous to share, but I'm going to have to settle for some "pretty good"
Also if you haven't entered my followers giveaway HERE there's still a week left. So leave me a comment and I might send ya some loot! *winks*

I'm going to start with one of my favorites for the week. A sweet cement angel for $23. The grotto was an earlier find for $65 (If I remember correctly?) at an antique store. And the rose sheet in the background is part of a full set for $3.99 at the Goodwill. It turned out to be a week for linens. It's funny how a different theme seems to appear each week.

Here's a grouping of some of the finds together. The two shabby chippy aqua column bases were $20 for the set. The glass table piece was a free dumpster pick up. Pink vintage tablecloth $3.99 at the Goodwill. Cement lady statue was an earlier find purchased from a friend for $25. The yellow and rose curtains that you see in the background will be going to my new (coming soon) etsy shop. Yes I too will be going the way of etsy. I'll give everybody a heads up when it's ready to go. I promise you my prices will be GOOD *winks*

Vintage garment bag also going to etsy.

As well as this cute cherub plaque.

This large antique ironstone pitcher was $4.99 at the Value Village. I don't think anybody wanted it because of its discoloration, but I'm going to try the oxy clean soak and see how well it lifts (update to come)

I searched all over the blogosphere for the answer to where I could find one of these wicker cloches? Only to find them at my local Tuesday Morning for $10... YAY!! and while I was there I picked up the cute bottle carrier for $25 as well.

This was my absolute favorite find for the week, an antique majolica flower pot featuring two of my favorite things... cherubs and flower swags for $10 at the Value Village.

Decoupage bottle for $1.99 at the VV. I'm pondering if I should keep it or not? Falls into the "cute but" category. Somebody sure did put a lot of work into this one!

Cute towel with crochet edging for 99 cents at the VV.

A darling rhinestone crown for $4 from a local antique shop. I've been having all sorts of fun trying it on all the different little heads around my house including my pomeranian Jewel... She was NOT amused! LOL!

And lastly this rose clock for $4.50 from a local antique shop.

That's all for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds. And if you've found some treasures yourself (or even if you haven't *winks*) please leave me a comment and I'll come running! *winks* I just love seeing all the other wonderful finds, treasure, and inspiration out there in blogland!
I'm off to play catch up on all the wonderful blog posts I've been missing in the past few days. I feel so behind! So I apologise if I haven't responded to your questions or comments. I'll be getting to them stat! Oh and Happy Cinco de Mayo!! Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

My dear friend Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for:

And for the first time Blue Creek Home for:

Jill at French Cupboard for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

I'm excited to bring news about a new restaurant about to open its doors in Regina.

Tangerine, by Chef Aimee Schulhauser of Evolution catering, will be up and running in approximately one month. No word yet on location, but I've noticed some construction happening at Evolution on Lorne Street. Perhaps Tangerine will open in the same spot?

There's a very good chance that Tangerine, like Evolution, will emphasize fresh, local food as much as possible. The restaurant will be a welcome addition to our downtown food scene, especially since Zest closed its doors last month.

Stay tuned....

I love nursing.

After breast-feeding Charity exclusively for 8 months (she quit on her own), I never thought I'd say that. That's because I was "doing it all wrong." Charity had some trouble with latching on when she was first born, so at the midwife's suggestion, I started using a silicone shield. It worked great. Too great; Charity grew so accustomed to using it that all my attempts to try again without it proved fruitless. It was similar to bottle feeding, having to clean and disinfect an artificial nipple after every feed.

Also, the easiest way for me to feed Charity was lying down. It's still I position I favor, but now I know the importance of switching it up. I nursed Charity lying down for the first few weeks, and that ended up being the only way she would feed! Whoops! Imagine having to ask, "Do you mind if I borrow your bed for an hour?" whenever you went visiting. It ended up being rather frustrating trying to schedule everything "just right" to avoid nursing her in public.

I didn't know it then, but I had a very low milk supply. I just figured it was normal for a baby to eat for an hour. Now that we've had Judah (a champ eater-done in 10-15 minutes!) and a lot of expert advice on getting this whole nursing thing to work-like taking Fenugreek to increase milk production- I know better.

Nursing is so much easier this time. I've had a lot of help from a different midwife than I had with Charity, who also happens to be an excellent lactation consultant. Her motto is, "sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind." In other words, flicking your lethargic baby's feet when he's just a day old and making him scream might be just the thing to getting his sucking reflex in high gear! She also taught me how to get his mouth to open and how to get a good latch. It took over an hour of one-on-one time with her to figure it out, but now that I've got it "mastered," I don't regret a minute of it! When Judah latched on within the first try after our "training session," I had a "so-this-is-how-it's-supposed-to-work!" moment.

There's a hundred and one reasons why I love nursing which I won't get into now, but here's small list of things I consider to be "Nursing Time Essentials"; things that make quiet time with your own baby even easier!

• A good nursing cover. I've tried three now and by far, my favorite one is the Udder Cover which I got as a gift from Sarah. It was a wire insert inside the top hem, allowing you to peek at your baby and nobody else. Also, the fabric is breathable and there's plenty of it; no need to worry about baring your midriff accidentally.
• A bottle of water. We normally don't buy bottled water because it can get pricey. But when I'm nursing, this is the luxury I like to indulge in. Bottled water stays contained much better than in a glass so it's easy to take a swig, even while lying down, when your mouth starts feeling parched. I drink a 500ml bottle at every feeding.
• A pocket Bible. Brad bought me a cute little, lime green, leather Bible when we were going out and I make the most use of it while I'm nursing. It's small enough to hold with one hand and its soft cover allows it to remain open on its own.
• A good book. Judah's barely two weeks old, but I've been able to do more reading in that time than I have in the previous two months combined! I've just finished three books, all highly recommended: Running Scared by Ed Welch, Shepharding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp, and Be Fruitful and Multiply by Nancy Campbell.
• Quality nursing pads. There's nothing more irritating than a nursing pad that doesn't stay in place when it's supposed too: "So that's why the delivery guy looked at me funny!" I've tried several brands, but there's only one that I really like: Johnson's Nursing Pads. They're extremely absorbable, breathable, and they have a sticky peel that actually works.
• Pen and Paper. My penmanship looks like chicken scratch if it's done while I'm nursing (I know people who can write beautifully while breastfeeding-that's what I'm working towards!) so for now, I limit myself to writing what my eyes only will see: grocery lists, reminders, etc.
• The telephone. If I have any phone calls to make, I like to do them while I'm nursing. I know Judah will be quiet, and it's a better us of my time to call while I have to sit down anyway. I can focus on the conversation much better then when I'm trying to clean the house, make supper, or fold laundry.

Please note that I am not being compensated for the endorsement of any of the above products. The views expressed are simply my own opinions.

An IRON-stoner of course!! *winks* Happy April Fools Day!! Yes it's a little early I admit, but I won't be doing a post on April 1st so it's the best I could do.
This post is for my bestie girlfriend Gloria who asked me very nicely to share it with y'all. If you love tiques and a BIG laugh you're gonna LOVE her place!
Plus I was dyin' to join in over at Marty's tabletop party and I'm running out of table tops! So I'm sharing a before and after of my ironstone cupboard. Is the "after" an improvement? I think it looks a little better, but it still needs to be tweaked for sure.
This is the before.

Do you see a common theme? Like pitchers coming out the wazoo? It's that wacky compulsion of mine to buy the same/or similar shape over and over! Now I have to say on my behalf that I never paid much for any of them. A dollar or two here or there. I'd pick them up whenever the price was right.

Here is my after. What do you think? Do you see the three large blue transferware platters? The three of them plus the soup tureen were $49 at the Goodwill... score!!

Here's my cupboard with the doors shut. I love this cupboard/cabinet, all the glass panes are arched/bubbled.

Left side.

And right...

Bottom

And top.

A few of my favorites. This shape in particular!

And this one

Or some art deco... I love that!

A favorite coffee pot.

And gravy boat.

This one turned pink. Love that!

I found this large platter at the Value Village a couple of days ago for $1.99.

A favorite tureen from Wedgwood with rams heads handles.

And a frenchy one from Red Cliff.

Nothing too grand or special here, but ironstone has always "spoken" to me more than most fancy porcelain. I love that it was used, probably daily. So many meals from long ago. If only it could share the stories...
Well that's it for now. I hope you enjoyed my little collection! If you have any ironstone featured? Please come get me, I'd love to see it! Vanna
Joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for:

And for the first time I'm joining Kim at Savy Southern Style for:

And my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

And the French Cupboard for White Wednesday

It's that time again! Time for the weekly Flea Market Finds! YAHOO! YIPPEE!... OK sorry I got a little carried away *winks*
Remember last week I was telling you about a little somethin' somethin' I was waiting for from ebay? Well I received my special "thing" today... Are you ready to see it?? I'll give you a clue... it's a new bust enhancement!LOL!

Here SHE is! In all her alabaster glory! At 21" tall and 45 lbs of wonderfulness!! Isn't she the bomb diggity? *winks* Did I have you goin' for a sec?

She may just be the second best thing I've ever found on ebay for the price. She was $256! I consider that a STEAL for a bust this large! Oh and she's also signed by a well known Italian sculptor. I'm doing the Happy Dance! Which isn't easy whilst running around the house with her in my arms looking for the perfect spot for a photo op! LOL!
Last week turned out to be a really good one for fun bargains but I completely blew my budget (BIG time) so next week could be some of my filler finds aka/slim pickins *winks*

This is an earlier craigslist find that I hadn't yet shared so I thought I'd sneak it in. It's an antique chair featuring a painting of a courting couple for $10!! Probably my best craigslist find for the money as well.

It's hard to capture because of the gold but you get the picture. I think it looks Italian, do you?

I also found a little eiffel tower to add to my collection for $5 (it's the tallest one)

Remember a few weeks ago I broke the bank (yet again) with a lace pillow? Well I found this beautiful lace pillow cover for $25. The shape is not as good as my other, and it doesn't have a pillow insert, but isn't it pretty?

Close up

I also found this sweet 1920's silk sleeing cap for $8 at a local antique store. Fits perfectly on my new girl... Hmmmm I wonder what I should name her? Any suggestions?

And some cute library steps for $90 (ouch!) but I really needed them... yep that's my story... Those top shelves can be tough to get to... no really! *winks*

And when it rains it pours! Another demijohn only larger and with lettering. I can't for the life of me read it, but it sure is cool! And only $13.49! One of the dealers at a local antique mall was going out of business and had everything 60% off.

This large tile came from the Goodwill for $5.99. I'm going to be doing a paint redo on this one. Thinkin' white and distressed... Or perhaps gray? Is everyone sick of gray yet?

This little guy (also a Goodwill find for $4.99) will also be getting some white-n-light.

And lastly a good book full of good stuff for $2.99 at the Value Village.

That's my finds for this week! I hope you'll come back next week for more flea market finds! Please leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you! And I promise to return the visit! Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

And Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Linda at A La Carte for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Bonjour my fabulous friends!!
Welcome to the 48th week of Flea Market Finds!
Sheesh I can't believe I've been doing these posts for almost a year... How time flies when you're having fun huh? *winks*
I'm continuing with my half off treasures from the Goodwill from last week... But first (As usual I'm running late) let me announce the winner of the Versace wine stopper... Drum roll... It's...
PAULA of the wonderful blog Ivy and Elephants! Email me with your shipping addy Paula.
OK moving on to my various kibbles and bits finds.... Well that's what it seems like anyway after last weeks haul-o-ramma *winks*
I have a favorite, but just by a skosh.
It's this 1920's lamp (I found at a favorite local antique store) featuring an 18th century couple. I like to think they're Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI *winks* Unfortunately it has a good sized crack in the center post... A chunk actually... (the only reason I could afford it) so I did what any lamp lover without any money or DIY skills would do... I slapped a ribbon on it! looks pretty good too if I do say so *winks*

Look at that sky high hair! Isn't it fab?! There's even a little feather on top. I have no idea who the maker is? It's numbered but no makers mark. So if you happen to know? Give me a shout out K? It's pretty distinctive in style, almost a little lladro-esque?

Even the feet are sweet!

And yet another frenchy figure! This one from my favorite etsy seller Cindy at Edith & Evelyn... And yes another Marie Antoinette. If you haven't already guessed I'm gaga for Marie! You can see just how crazy HERE... Sure it could be any other lady of the 18th century, but to me they're all Marie! *winks*

She has such lovely details.

This cross was a $2.50 find from last week at the Goodwill.

I'm also loving this new to me (but very old) set of books that I purchased from my new friend Stacey of Flotsam & Jetsam. They're 18th century and loaded with worn leather yumminess! Here they're topping the pile of some of my other leather books from the 19th century. I can't resist a beautiful old leather bound book, can you?

Titled "Pindar's Works" Peter Pindar was the pseudonym of John Wolcott. A physician turned poet who liked to poke fun at the royals of the day. Aren't they wonderful!? There are 4 books to the full set so I'll probably have many happy years of searching for the missing two. *winks*

This condiment set was also a Goodwill find for $5.50. It was missing a couple of its jars, but I thought it would make a good caddy for perfume.

I really like the little roman head reliefs. To polish or not? That is still the question...

I also found a bunch of pearl necklaces at the Goodwill for between $1-$3. Can't get too many of those for draping on all the statues around here *winks* The little cherub head was 50 cents at the Goodwill. The pink roses are made of feathers and were on a wreath that I purchased for $2 at the GW. I pulled them off to use for other projects.... Doesn't that sound all "DIY" professional? Most likely they'll just sit in the craft closet with all the other bits and bobs that I've never used *sighs* as I am a DIY wannabe *winks*

The pale blue English cup and saucer set was a $4.99 find at the local Value Village.

The little tray underneath was a $20 find on etsy. It has antique lace sandwiched between two pieces of glass.

And this antique sepia print of Mary came from the same antique store as the favorite lamp for $5.

That baby Jesus sure is glowing! *winks*

You might have noticed the blue fabric in the background of some of my shots? It's a large panel of 1940's barkcloth I found for $3.99 at the Value Village. It's still very bright and vibrant, and must have spent many years in someone's hope chest.

The two little domes below were $1 each at the Goodwill. I painted the bases white. And I've also added a new boudoir lady bust to my collection. She's a nice large one, and came with hands that I need to attach... OK truthfully that my poor husband will have to figure out how to attach. *winks*

Without the glass so you can see her.

And finally this little Dresden-esque flower watering pot was $1.99 at the VV.

Thanks for stopping by! That's all I have for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for more Flea Market Finds. Did you score some treasures this last week? Please come get me. I'd love to see them! And please leave me a comment letting me know you stopped by and I'll do the same. I LOVE to hear from you! Vanna
I'm joining my friend Sherry at No Minimalist Here for:

The sweet Paula and Patti of Ivy and Elephants for:

Courtney at French Country Cottage for:

Honey at 2805 for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

Books

Motherhood

• Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman
• Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald
• Raising Godly Tomatoes by L. Elizabeth Krueger
• Parenting On God's Promises by Joel Beeke
• Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic
• The Mother At Home by John S.C. Abbott
• A Mother's Heart by Jean Flemming
• Be Fruitful and Multiply by Nancy Campbell
• A Full Quiver by Rick and Jan Hess
• Fit To Burst by Rachel Jankovic
• The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
• Proverbs for Parenting by Barbara Decker
• Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney
• Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson
• When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly Crawford

• Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman
• The Hidden Heart of Homemaking by Edith Schaffer
• The Christian Homemaker's Handbook by Pat Ennis
• From Mother to Daughter by Vivienne Bolton
• Homespun Gifts from the Heart by Karen Ehman
• Homespun Memories from the Heart by Karen Ehman
• Mrs. Dunwoodey's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping by Miriam Lukken
• Home Ec 101 by Heather Solos
• How To Sew A Button by Erin Bried
• Home Economics: Vintage Advice and Practical Science for the 21st Century by Jennifer Trontz

• Upgrade | 10 Secrets To The Best Education For Your Child by Kevin Swanson
• Teaching the Trivium by Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn
• When You Rise Up by R. C. Sproul Jr.
• Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
• Weapons of Mass Instruction by John Taylor Gatto
• Indoctrination by Colin Gunn
• The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer
• Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe by Todd Wilson
• Educating The Whole-Hearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson
• Hand That Rocks The Cradle: 400 Classics for Children by Nathaniel Bluedorn
• Chucking College by Melanie Ellison

• The Second Mayflower by Kevin Swanson
• Folks, This Ain't Normal by Joel Salatin
• Apostate by Kevin Swanson

• Biblical Economics by R. C. Sproul Jr.
• Whatever Happened to Penny Candy by Richard Maybury
• The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
• Calvin and Commerce by David Hall

• When Sinners Say "I do" by Dave Harvey
• What Did You Expect? by Paul David Tripp
• The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
• Reforming Marriage by Douglas Wilson
• Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham
• Family Shepherds by Voddie Baucham
• What He Must Be by Voddie Baucham
• I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris
• Of Knights and Fair Maidens by Jeff and Danielle Myers

• Trim Healthy Mama by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison
• Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
• Making Babies by Shoshanna Easling

• Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson
• Created to Work by Bob Schultz
• Future Men by Douglas Wilson
• Boyhood and Beyond by Bob Schultz
• Plants Grown Up by Pam Forster
• Practical Happiness by Bob Schultz
• Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris

• So Much More by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin
• It's Not That Complicated by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin
• Joyfully At Home by Jasmine Baucham
• Feminine By Design by Scott Brown
• Beautiful Girlhood by Karen Andreola
• Let Me Be A Woman by Elisabeth Elliott

• End Of The Spear by Steve Saint
• Safely Home by Randy Alcorn
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
• Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss
• Lord Foulgrin's Letters by Randy Alcorn
• Deadline by Randy Alcorn
• Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

• Wisdom and the Millers by Mildred Martin
• Storytime with the Millers by Mildred Martin
• Missionary Stories with the Millers by Mildred Martin
• The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
• The Christopher Churchmouse Treasury by Barbara Davoll
• The Bronze Bow by Elisabeth George Speare
• The Door In The Wall by Margaret De Angeli
• The Tanglewood's Secret by Patricia St. John
• Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John
• Huguenot Garden by Douglas Jones
• The Minstrel in The Tower by Gloria Skurzynski
• The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day by Scott O'Dell
• Ink On His Fingers by Louise Vernon
• The Answers Books for Kids by Ken Ham
• The Way of the Master: Teaching Kids to Share Their Faith by Kirk Cameron

• The Bible
• Calvin's Commentaries by John Calvin
• The Christian's Reasonable Service by Wilhemus Brakel
• Running Scared by Ed Welch
• War of Words by Paul Tripp
• Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
• Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper
• Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• The Answers Book by Ken Ham
• Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry

• Homeschooling Day By Day co-authored by yours truly
• The Pursuit of Motherhood co-authored by yours truly
• More Than Rules | Exploring the Heart of Beauty and Modesty by Bambi Moore (read my endorsement)
• Overwhelmed: Hope and Help for the Financially Weary by multiple authors (read my review)
• The Heart Of Simplicity by multiple authors (eBook)
• Trim Healthy Mama (Read my review)
• True Christian Motherhood by June Fuentes (eBook)
• When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly Crawford (Read my review)
• 31 Days To Clean | Having a Mary House the Martha Way by Sarah Mae

• Answers In Genesis
• Creation Ministries International
• JM Cremps | The Boys Adventure Store

• Deborah & Co. (Read my Maternity Skirt Review)
• Flirty Aprons
• Joyfully Sewn Designs (Read my review of our daughter's dress)
• New Creation Apparel
• Shabby Apple
• Very Jane

• Beeyoutiful (Their Miracle Salve is our favorite hand cream!)
• Bulk Herb Store
• Cowgirl Dirt (natural make-up)

***UPDATE: the comments have been closed on this post***

The implied rule that college is the key to success is being broken. More and more people are finding the courage to battle the ivory tower with story after story of evidence that proves success has little to do with a piece of paper and everything to do with good character, a hard work ethic, the ability to self-educate, and God's blessing on the hands He's given, applied to the jobs He's provided, with the knowledge He's blessed us with.

Proponents of the college experience often say things like, "You need college to get a job," and, "We need more Christians in higher positions."

The first statement is false. How many famous, rich, and successful high school and college dropouts besides Winston Churchill, Benjamin Franklin, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Patrick Henry, Abraham Lincoln and Mark Zuckerberg will it take to debunk this myth?

I look around and see "uneducated" high school dropouts running successful, twenty-five year businesses that support larger-than-average, single income families who send their children to private school. I see college and university grads employed in jobs outside of their field of study. I see college and university grads entering marriage with massive amounts of debt, or putting off marriage and having a family until they can "afford" it. I see mothers working outside the home to ensure that the time and money invested into their diploma is not wasted.

I see all kinds of things that ought to make us pause and consider whether college is as essential as we've come to believe. (Notice I said college, not higher education, or even degrees.)

The second statement, while certainly a noble aspiration, is degrading and constructs a demoralizing and falsified method of rating people's value to society based on their position. Though never spoken outright, the professor is revered as more honorable than the plumber, the lawyer more important than the mechanic, the twenty-three-year-old graduate from teacher's college as more knowledgeable than the veteran homeschool mom of seven. Schooling trumps skills; degrees trump diligence and discipline; education trumps experience.

Should we encourage Christians to pursue "top positions?" Absolutely! But we must not forget that societal reform doesn't need to start at the top. Is the impact of one Christian president more valuable than millions of honest, diligent, hardworking Christian men and women who serve and interact with their local communities every day?

Melanie Ellison addresses all these concerns and many more, including faith and fidelity, in her outrageously honest, eye-opening book, Chucking College.

Birthed from her own experience at a supposedly conservative Christian college, Melanie was determined to achieve a higher education and success without the corruption she encountered there. She dropped out of college and at twenty-three, she is a published author, doula, birth photographer, and runs her own business sewing and selling professionally made, high-quality linens.

Chucking College exposes several dangers we'd do well to assess. Among them:

• A peer-rich environment. "College living promotes a habit of relating almost exclusively with peers. No real-world families with children and/or the elderly are present on campus. Consequently, it is easy for students to forget about lifetime priorities in a four-year bubble of unreality. The absence of wise elders in young people's lives is sadly felt as they aim more and more toward the lowest common denominator instead of growing through the prudent counsel of those who have gone before." pg. 103
• Liberal professors. "In 2003, the Center for the Study of Popular Culture conducted a study of thirty-two elite colleges, and found that of the faculties represented, 'the overall ratio of registered Democrats to registered Republicans was more than 10 to 1.' Compare that to the rest of America's population where closer to half of the people have conservative voter registrations. 'The ratios themselves are impossible to understand in the absence of a political bias.'" pg. 50
• Academic deficiency. "College courses are dumbed down to what used to be a high school level, so that students who do not excel in academics can pass. Yes, people who are not academically inclined go to college (trade schools would be a much better fit for many of them). They don't really belong in a university, but many administrations want to falsely encourage them to continue their studies as long as possible to collect tuition from them." pg. 53
• Astronomical debt. "The seemingly insurmountable debt burden of college makes many young people suicidal and hopeless rather than excited about flourishing in their future vocations... Debt rules a person's life, causing them to make decisions they might not make if they were not under the burden of creditors (such as delaying having children, or having to stick with an hourly wage job instead of seeking to become entrepreneurial, etc.)." pg. 85
• Valuing degrees over skills. "... think creatively to find some way way outside the mainstream "degree-first" mentality. Remember that a degree is an arbitrary measure that may or may not prove a person's expertise as a worker. In the workplace, skills get people hired." pg. 151

If you enjoyed this post, you may wish to follow Growing Home for updates via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, or have them emailed directly to your inbox.
Linking to: Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home, Raising Arrows, A Wise Woman., Walking Redeemed,, The Modest Mom, A Mama's Story, We ARE That Family, Raising Mighty Arrows, Time Warp Wife, The Prairie Homestead,

I'd like to share some of my recent and not so recent flea market finds with everyone.
Some of you might know that I'm a craigslist addict! Well I admit to being a bargain shopping addict period *winks* The hunt is so exhilarating! Plus it keeps me off my bum... nuff said.
Craigslist is where I found this garden cherub. He'd been under some trees for some time. $95 which is quite a lot for me, but it was love so home he came.

Do you see the column base he's standing on? I found a matching set of two of these for $30 on... yep you guessed it... craigslist!
Here comes my expert question for my friend Debra (Don't call her Debbie... Trust me on this one *winks*) from the beautiful blog Acquired Objects. Do NOT click on this link if you're prone to drooling OR if the sight of too much beauty makes you want to throw out everything in your house and start over! (Trust me on this too because that's how I felt *winks*) Debra is a fine antique textiles dealer and connoisseur of the exquisite. And by fine I mean FINE! Like sell an arm or leg or first born fine! Now if anyone else wants to give this one a shot I'd love to hear from you too!
I found this set of chairs for $35 at a garage sale of sorts a while back... It was actually more of a junk store sale with stuff in a huge garage. The lady I purchased them from told me they were Swedish. I'd never seen a set quite like them before. They'd been completely stripped (I could cry!) and had horrible polyester brown plaid upholstery on the seats. Which I promptly ripped off. I can still see small vestiges of white paint here and there. I felt so sorry for them sitting there all nekkid and unloved. My husband tried to dissuade me from buying them but (as usual) that only made me more determined. My neighbor came over to take a look at them for me. She's also an antique lover and knows more about furniture than I do. She thought they looked Swedish also, and thought they might possibly be 18th century? They are completely pegged together. They appear to have been recovered many times. There are lots of nail holes. The carving is all hand done. The back splats are slightly curved to make them more comfortable. Any ideas peeps?
I also found a purse at the Value Village seen here with the chairs.

The large lidded basket was a Goodwill find for $14.99.

Close up on the leg detailing.

Peg detailing.

I thought they might look beautiful stained in gray?
Here is my dear friend Christine with another gray Swedish chair. What do you think? Would my chairs look good in this same gray? Or perhaps I should paint them white?

I'm sharing this purse (?) because it's an example of how I'm very influenced by my favorite bloggers. Do you ever find yourself buying things for this reason? This is my $4.99 piece from the Value Village. It's made of what appears to be old velvet. The tassels and threading are metallic I thought it looked very 1920's.

Close up,

Well when I spotted this piece it reminded me straight away of a picture I saw on Debra's blog in a post about her amazing textiles HERE Again the drool alert is in effect. AND you might also want to sell some organs... just sayin' Could this possibly be an occasion where education meets opportunity? (Aka luck!)
This picture below that I stole borrowed (Sorry Debra I'll remove it if there's any problem I promise) is one of the divine pieces of antique Italian velvet from around 1600 that Debra owns. Can you say "TEXTILE ENVY?" Doesn't it look a little tiny bit like mine? *Hands clasped in prayer* It's even a similar shape? What do you think Debra? Could mine be worth a little finger? Or maybe just a fingernail? *winks*

Another CL find. Asking price $75... taking price $65. It has a squishy down cushion and is very petite. Perfect for the end of a bed or in my case a home gym which I use (Rarely) to put on my running shoes. The 1960's greeny gold upholstery is actually growing on me!

This sweet little petit point pillow was a $20 find at a local antique mall. It helps to break up all that greeny gold lol!

Well that's my finds for this week. I hope you'll come back next week for some more flea market fun!
I'm linking up with the beautiful Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

As well as my dear friend Laurie at Bargain Hunting And Chatting With Laurie for:

And the wonderful Linda at A La Carte for:

And Debra at Common Ground for:

Be sure and drop by and check out all the other found treasures! Vanna

Bonjour... or perhaps bon nuit? Beautiful people!
I hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas season!
I'm still running around like crazy trying to get things done/or undone... as the case may be, so I've only got a few little pretties to share with you this week.
As always I'll start with my favorite... what appears to be a small vintage potpourri bottle found in a local antique store... Actually I have no idea what this bottle is actually for? It has openings at the top so can't be perfume... But anyhoo I don't care!... It's got cherub angels!! Lol! I think it's probably German? (no markings) It's hand painted with sweet little flowers on both sides and nothing really grand, but for $6? What angel lover could walk away? I wouldn't even put it down whilst I walked around the antique store! Just gripped it tightly in my greedy little hand! *winks*

Here's a close up on the cute little guys.

For now it's living with the lovely ladies on my bedroom dresser.

Then on to favorite find #2 this small Marie Antoinette powder or cream jar from the 1940's for $10 found in the same antique mall. She'll be joining my other Marie beauties. I have a crazy obsession for all things Marie! *winks* How about you?

And in the same booth space this silvered (1920's?) perfume bottle was $12.50. Reminds me of old mercury glass which I adore!

This little German (?) boy was only $3.99 at the local Value Village. I couldn't resist the pink!

Even if he does have yellow eyes *winks*

I found this alpine style Bavarian birdhouse at the Goodwill. There's a hole in the back for the birdies to get in and out. I'm not sure if I should keep this one or not?

This 1940's sacred heart holy water font was also a VV find for $2.99.

Close up

And last is this tiny limoge dollhouse plate with frolicking cherubs for $8. It's only about two inches wide. Isn't it adorable?!

I'm showing it here with my Marie boudoir doll to give you an idea of its size. It sure packs a lot of detailed ca-ute for it's diminutive size doesn't it?

Well that's all for this week. What do you think? Are there any items I should've left at the store... before my house turns into a hoarders (french style) episode? *winks*? I'd LOVE to hear from you!
I hope you'll come back next week for some more shopping fun! Vanna
I'm joining my girls Patti and Paula at Ivy & Elephants for:

My friend Sherry at No Minimalist here for:

My friend Courtney from French Country Cottage for:

Sweet Honey at 2805 for:

And Cindy at My Romantic Home for:

I've recently heard someone say that it's not fair to a child to make them work. You know, that a kid needs to be a kid; that they need to have fun first; that their lives will eventually be weighed down with enough responsibilities; that it's a mother's duty to do the chores around the home. If you've been a long-time reader of this blog, you'll remember comments (made anonymously, of course) along the same line popping up every now and then.

Is it true? Is all play and no work the answer for curing Jack's dullness? I'm not an experienced mother by any stretch. I've only been one for a short sixteen months. Yet, I believe that it's not only necessary for children to participate in family chores, but that they can even find great enjoyment in doing so!

Children don't instantly become helpful once they reach a certain age-just like a girl doesn't automatically become a good help-meet the day she gets married. The responsibility of running a home, I believe, is a duty required of mothers to teach their children. I had just 18 short, sweet years at home before I flew the nest to take care of my own. While I didn't always appreciate participating in housework, meal preparation, grocery shopping, gardening, and folding the laundry back then, it's something for which I am inexplicably grateful for now. So grateful for, in fact, that I'm trying to instill in our one-year-old the same homemaking skills my mother taught me!

Obviously, I can't expect a sixteen-month old to stay on task long or be held responsible for regular chores. Charity is in the "preparatory stage." The great thing about teaching her now, is that she loves it! She wants to help. She loves to accomplish things and loves to be praised. It brings great joy to my heart when I witness for the first time, a daughter who sees her work and takes action to do something about it.

Yesterday, Charity sneezed just as she was eating her last bite of breakfast. I'll spare you the details, but the kitchen floor was covered in regurgitated cheerios. Looking at her mess, she wrinkled up her nose and said (very dramatically, as usual) "EWWWWWWWWWWW!" I took her out of her booster seat, and before I had even grabbed the washcloth from the sink, she had pulled the tea towel from off the stove and was wiping up beneath her chair.

I could've done the easy thing: take the tea towel away from her and think, "She's doing it all wrong. The towel's not even wet! She's just spreading the dirt farther across the floor!" The fact is, she wasn't doing a very good job. She wasn't being efficient and you could hardly call it "cleaning."

I praised her anyway. She had the right idea, and what's more, she had the right attitude. She wanted to help me clean up and she did everything she knew how to be helpful. She was pleased as punch when I gave her a hug and said, "Big Girl, Charity! Thank you for helping Mommy clean up! Mommy likes it when you're eager to help!"

I doubt she'll ever remember our little clean up session yesterday, but I do hope that involving her daily with household tasks and praising her for obedience, cheerfulness, and a job well done will eventually result in the mastering of helpful work habits she'll take with her wherever she goes.

It blows my mind at how much a one-year-old is capable of. I still think of her as my "baby." But my "baby" can already help empty the dishwasher, switch laundry loads, put her toys in the toy box, dust the furniture, clean the floors, and bring Mommy and Daddy things when they ask for them. To Charity, it's just play. She's doesn't realize that she's learning life skills.

Mothers, we are not passing the time babysitting; we are mothering. We're not here to simply entertain them, but to teach them to be godly offspring who will one day, Lord bless, be able to maintain their own home in good order.

It's time for another week of
FLEA... MARKET... FINDS!
I only have a few things to share as I've been running around like crazy trying to get my Christmas act together... Hasn't happened yet! *winks*
Are all of you ready for Christmas? Or did you procrastinate like I did? Next year (God willing) I'm going to start a month in advance like the smart folks!
So I haven't had much time for antiquing but I did manage to sneak in one trip to the Goodwill and one to a local antique mall where I found my first (and favorite) find... This crazy quilt/patchwork robe. I picked it up and put it down a couple of times not really knowing what it was and yet intrigued by it... So I studied it a little more closely and noticed that it was entirely sewn by hand and had two banners with the names of ships along the front. Well I love a little mystery (Don't you?) so home with me it went. I tried to find out more, and did manage to find that both ships were war ships existing at the same time in the 1920's so I'd guess this robe was from around that time period. Must have belonged to the wife of a navy man. This was the 1920's -30's version of being green. No scraps were wasted!
I wonder if groups of ladies gathered together with all their scrap fabric and quilted while talking about their men still at sea?

Chock-a-block full of different fabrics.

The ships...

I love the old florals. The silks aren't faring so well and a few of them are tattered.

From the back

And another feature that really makes this robe interesting is that it's completely reversible! The other side has the most luscious tomato red silk satin! Having been protected from the light it's in amazingly good condition.

I had a hard time finding many of these pieces to get an idea of value? I did find this robe/coat from 1914 housed in a museum in Norway. But no price attached alas.

And this coat is from the 1930's.
That was pretty much it, leading me to believe that these pieces must be a little uncommon. Whatever the case I really enjoyed the learning process with this one, completely outside my areas of expertise... If indeed I even have any *winks*

OK moving on to what turned out to be my industrial style finds... the large rusty suitcase/toolbox was a freebie roadside (full of rusty crusty tools) as well as the galvanized case. The tool box also had a few of the old folding rulers. and the 1920's light fixture was $25 at the Goodwill. As well as the metal cloche with butterflies for 99 cents.

This grate cover was $22 at the antique mall. I really love it, but have no idea what I'm going to do with it.

Do you think this could be a milk case? I have no idea what this was actually used for.

Interior. If you have any idea I'd love to hear! *winks*

One of the freebie folding rulers.

This 1950's ice bucket with lucite handle was $3.50 at the Goodwill.

This brush featuring a ship was also in the large rusty case so FREE!... My favorite price! *winks* Hmmmm another naval-ish find! It does seem to go like that from week to week, a theme seems to appear.

And lastly this old rattan magazine holder ($5) that's as rough as can be, but I really liked the paintings of flowers on each side.

Tattered roses.

That's all for this week. Not some of my best I admit... But thanks for stopping by anyway! I hope you'll leave me a comment. I LOVE to hear from you! Vanna
I'm joining my friends Paula and Patti of Ivy and Elephants for:

Yesterday the hubby took me out to breakfast after church and as we were leaving the restaurant, I spied in one area of the parking lot, a store by the name of "Cake" Well as a girl who wants to have her cake and to eat it too, I just HAD to check it out! So in I went dragging resistant hubby behind me *winks* I sure wish I'd brought my camera with me because this store was dreamy! Anyhoo as I was busy perusing about in the corner of my eye I spotted a golden crown. Now I have been searching for a crown for quite some time. Even my friends were jumping in on the act trying to find one for me (probably to get me to hush up about wanting one every ten minutes!) And this one was just the ticket!! And I didn't even have to sell an arm and a leg to afford it! Just had to twist hubbys arm really HARD! But I'm pretty good at that, heh heh heh ! Oh yippee Ki yay it's MINE!! Here is my new crown displayed with one of my little spelter boys for Christmas. I stuck a moss ball in it and Wa -La!!

And here is a close up on my little spelter boy. Isn't he a cutie?

As we were driving back into our little town, I spied a sign for an estate sale. Those of you who already know me KNOW I can NOT pass by an estate sale without stopping! (also applies to all garage sales... tag sales... sales of pretty much any kind *winks* You get the picture) Who knows? I might miss a the treasure of a lifetime!! So once again hubby in tow leaving black shoe marks of resistance behind him, I dragged him from room to room of the estate sale. With less than one hour left, I spotted these vintage flower prints from 1943 at $15 each... Well because it was the last day of the sale everything was half price! So the two fab ole prints cost me $15! They're big ones too! I'm pondering where to put them... Perhaps in my shabby chic bedroom here?
http://ratemyspace.hgtv.com/snc/ViewItem.aspx?pguid=6db6be3f-1720-4ba3-a081-999042c09b6b&itemguid =d47da 89b-0cbc -44bd -b660-ee 8a50b75154

As I wandered into the garage of the estate sale house I spotted this birdcage and stand. The birdcage was marked $15 and the stand was $38... Well that's wayyyy to rich for my blood! But the man handling the items for the estate sale told me I could have them both for $15! Well that's more like it!! But me being the cheapo... ahem... I mean "thrifty gal that I am I asked him if he would consider $12? He said sure! So now I have me a white stand and red birdcage! I'm going to use the stand as a display for a vintage chandy *winks* NO idea what to do with the cage but it sure is a cutie! Does anyone need one? (Ann my friend?) Let me know!

The birdcage is marked "crown"! It seemed to be my theme for the day! Lol ! Don't ya love the old mosque style top?

But here was my piece de resistance for the day!! I was chatting with the gals inside running the sale and spotted something sparkley warkley in a box... Unfortunately it was in the "SOLD" area. I asked if I could carefully take a look anyway (glutton for punishment that I am) The gal told me that if the lady that had placed it on hold didn't show up in 15 minutes she would let me have it if I wanted it... IF I WANTED IT??!!!! Well OF COURSE I WANTED IT!!! It's an antique empire chandelier and the price was only... are you ready?... $25!! OK it needs some work... LOTS of work!! Some of the crystals are cracked and many will need to be restrung. Some of the ribbon details are broken. There are a few missing crystals... But when I'm done with it, it will be glorious!! I just know it!! Well I'm pretty sure!!... OK fairly confident... (Hubby is snorting in the background because he knows HE will have to work on it *winks*) Fingers crossed that it won't be a total mess and waste of money... and sit with the other 6 chandeliers suspended out in the garage!Lol ! Please check back with me next week when I will post it in all it's restored glory... such as it is *winks*

It has some cherub faces that aren't very fine... But whatcha expect for $25? *winks*

And lest I forget, this little chandy Christmas ornament was also a Cake find. Isn't it darling? And 25% off! Well thanks for sharing my shopping outing. If y'all post any estate sale/flea market finds will you please give me a holla ? I just love seeing others finds and treasures!

Vanna

Harry S. Truman said,
"Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers. "In a world of Sheeple who are content follow where the culture leads, a good Christian book is our favorite gift to give. They're relatively inexpensive, easy to wrap or mail, can be read again and again, and best of all, a good book can make an eternal impact on someone's life.

Books are the perfect gifts, and if you're on our list this Season... well, you know what to expect! Here's a list of 100 titles we've loved and recommend:

Motherhood

1. Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman

2. Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald

3. Raising Godly Tomatoes by L. Elizabeth Krueger

4. Parenting On God's Promises by Joel Beeke

5. Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic

6. The Mother At Home by John S.C. Abbott

7. A Mother's Heart by Jean Flemming

8. Be Fruitful and Multiply by Nancy Campbell

9. A Full Quiver by Rick and Jan Hess

10. Fit To Burst by Rachel Jankovic

11. The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

12. Proverbs for Parenting by Barbara Decker

13. Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

14. Desperate by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson
Homemaking

1. Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman

2. The Hidden Heart of Homemaking by Edith Schaffer

3. The Christian Homemaker's Handbook by Pat Ennis

4. From Mother to Daughter by Vivienne Bolton

5. Homespun Gifts from the Heart by Karen Ehman

6. Homespun Memories from the Heart by Karen Ehman

7. Mrs. Dunwoodey's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping by Miriam Lukken

8. Home Ec 101 by Heather Solos

9. How To Sew A Button by Erin Bried

10. Home Economics: Vintage Advice and Practical Science for the 21st Century by Jennifer Trontz
Education

1. Upgrade | 10 Secrets To The Best Education For Your Child by Kevin Swanson

2. Teaching the Trivium by Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn

3. When You Rise Up by R. C. Sproul Jr.

4. Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto

5. Weapons of Mass Instruction by John Taylor Gatto

6. Indoctrination by Colin Gunn

7. The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer

8. Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe by Todd Wilson

9. Educating The Whole-Hearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson

10. Hand That Rocks The Cradle: 400 Classics for Children by Nathaniel Bluedorn

Culture

1. The Second Mayflower by Kevin Swanson

2. Folks, This Ain't Normal by Joel Salatin

3. Apostate by Kevin Swanson

Finances/Economics

1. Biblical Economics by R. C. Sproul Jr.

2. Whatever Happened to Penny Candy by Richard Maybury

3. The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn

4. Calvin and Commerce by David Hall

Marriage/Family
1. When Sinners Say "I do" by Dave Harvey

2. What Did You Expect? by Paul David Tripp

3. The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

4. Reforming Marriage by Douglas Wilson

5. Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham

6. Family Shepherds by Voddie Baucham

7. What He Must Be by Voddie Baucham

8. I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris

9. Of Knights and Fair Maidens by Jeff and Danielle Myers

Food / Health
1. Trim Healthy Mama by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison

2. Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon

3. Making Babies by Shoshanna Easling

Boys

1. Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson

2. Created to Work by Bob Schultz

3. Future Men by Douglas Wilson

4. Boyhood and Beyond by Bob Schultz

5. Plants Grown Up by Pam Forster

6. Practical Happiness by Bob Schultz

7. Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris
Single Daughters
1. So Much More by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin

2. It's Not That Complicated by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin

3. Joyfully At Home by Jasmine Baucham

4. Feminine By Design by Scott Brown

5. Beautiful Girlhood by Karen Andreola

6. Let Me Be A Woman by Elisabeth Elliott

Novels/Biographies

1. End Of The Spear by Steve Saint

2. Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

3. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

4. Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss

5. Lord Foulgrin's Letters by Randy Alcorn

6. Deadline by Randy Alcorn

7. Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Children (Read-A-Louds)

1. Wisdom and the Millers by Mildred Martin

2. Storytime with the Millers by Mildred Martin

3. Missionary Stories with the Millers by Mildred Martin

4. The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

5. The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit

6. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

7. The Christopher Churchmouse Treasury by Barbara Davoll

8. The Bronze Bow by Elisabeth George Speare

9. The Door In The Wall by Margaret De Angeli

10. The Tanglewood's Secret by Patricia St. John

11. Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John

12. Huguenot Garden by Douglas Jones

13. The Minstrel in The Tower by Gloria Skurzynski

14. The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt by Day by Scott O'Dell

15. Ink On His Fingers by Louise Vernon

16. The Answers Books for Kids by Ken Ham

17. The Way of the Master: Teaching Kids to Share Their Faith by Kirk Cameron
Christian Living/Spiritual Growth

1. The Bible

2. Calvin's Commentaries by John Calvin

3. The Christian's Reasonable Service by Wilhemus Brakel

4. Running Scared by Ed Welch

5. War of Words by Paul Tripp

6. Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges

7. Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper

8. Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

9. The Answers Book by Ken Ham

10. Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry

If you enjoyed this post, you may wish to follow Growing Home for updates via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, or have them emailed directly to your inbox. This post contains affiliate links. Linking to: Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home, Raising Arrows, A Wise Woman.,Walking Redeemed,, The Modest Mom, A Mama's Story, We ARE That Family, Raising Mighty Arrows, Hearts For Home, Frugal Homeschool Family Time Warp Wife

To give you a little update on baby first, here he/she is at 19 weeks old!

As most of you know, I was diagnosed with a very large subchorionic hematoma quite early in this pregnancy. Simply put, I had a blood clot (three times larger then our baby) between my placenta and the lining of my uterus. We were told we had a 1 in 3 chance of miscarrying for the second time.
After many ultrasounds, many trips to the ER, and too many times where I broke down into tears because I "knew for sure" we were losing our baby, we are half way through this pregnancy. We are so thankful for God's sustaining grace thus far and all the help we've received from our family, friends, and church so I could be on modified bed-rest.
Last week, things got a little more complicated as an emergency ultrasound showed that the original blood clot had not shrunk in size at all. In addition, I have developed two more clots which cause heavy bleeding, even in the middle of the night while I'm resting.
Second-trimester bleeding puts me at "high-risk" and I am no longer allowed to consult with my midwife alone. We now have and OB in addition to our midwife, and our hopes for another home-birth are put on hold unless something drastically improves.
"Modified bed-rest" has been changed to "strict bed-rest." With the exception of getting up to eat, shower, and use the bathroom, I spend most of the day lying down or crocheting. As you can imagine, it's very difficult with two toddlers running around. :-) Lord willing, we will be moving in with family who have graciously opened up their home to us for as long as we need it sometime this week or next.
We're often asked what's causing these blood clots and how I can get rid of them. The truth is, not one single doctor of the many we have met with over the past few months can explain why they develop or how to prevent them. No one has prescribe any medication to help the clots dissolve, so we've being using the herbs and homeopathic remedies our midwife has suggested to help sustain the pregnancy. Here they are (and what they do) in case you find yourself in the same situation:
Pregnancy Vitamin: I take this with all of my pregnancies, for the baby's health as well as my own. Make sure the folic acid content is at least 1mg daily, and that the iron is taken in a separate pill from the calcium. Calcium inhibits iron absorption.
Arnica: I take 15 arnica pellets a day. It is a homeopathic remedy that aids in the healing of bruises and wounds. I take it to control the growth of the clots, and hopefully, to shrink them as well. You can also use Arnica flowers in a tincture, or to make a salve.
Sepia (Inky Juice): These past few months have been a whirlwind of emotions. One minute we think we're losing another child, and the next we're happily staring at our energetic little babe on the ultrasound screen. I take 15 pellets of Sepia a day to help with the morning sickness, headaches, weariness, and emotional exhaustion.
Later on in the pregnancy (Lord willing, there will be a "later"), I plan on drinking Red Raspberry Tea to help prepare my uterus for birth. I took it with our second child and noticed a huge difference between my labor with him and our first.
Evening Primrose Oil is something else I take near the end of a pregnancy to help soften the cervix. After an hour and a half of pushing and second degree tear with our first, I was willing to try anything to prevent it from happening again! It worked wonders with our second - no tearing at all, and he literally "slipped" out in three pushes!
The Arnica and Red Raspberry Tea are available through The Bulk Herb Store. I love this family run company and its commitment to providing quality, organic, herbs, teas, and information on how to use the natural medicines God has created for us!

This post contains affiliate links for products I love and personally endorse.

The first step to becoming an excellent manager of your home is to understand your role and why it is so important.

As a whole, our culture dismisses the impact of a faithful homemaker and constructs stereotypes that are outlandishly opposed to our exemplary in Proverbs 31. For instance, note who gets attacked when one young girl says she's going to be a nurse and the other says she's preparing to be a homemaker, which, biblically and historically, is God's normative plan for women. It is considered a waste of talent and intelligence to bless your family with the gifts God has given you for eternal rewards, but admirable if a paper certifies a particular area of focus and you get paid monetarily.

We must not rely on society's view of homemaking as our source of strength, purpose, and encouragement. Our value and fulfillment is found when we understand that the almighty God of the universe has called us to this task, and therefore, there is no greater work as a wife and mother that we could be doing.
"... teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2: 4The title "manager" denotes different types of jobs we must oversee to ensure our homes are running smoothly. Let's list them:

• Accountant
• Baker
• Chauffeur
• Cheerleader
• Chef
• Coach
• Counselor
• Dean of Education
• Entertainer
• Fashion Coordinator
• Food Service Manager
• Filing Clerk
• Fitness Trainer
• Gardener
• Gift Coordinator
• Health-care Practitioner
• Interior Designer
• Laundress
• Maid
• Purchasing Agent
• Referee
• Secretary
• Short-order Cook
• Travel Agent

A woman who purposely trains to do all these things well will not just be an asset to her husband, but should the Lord call her to singleness, she will be able to minister well to anyone, wherever she is planted. This is why I tell my daughters that preparing to be a godly homemaker thrills Mommy's heart just as much, if not more, than having them trained, indebted, and degreed, in one particular field of interest at college.
"Putting up the lunch for the children or cooking a good meal for the family may seem very insignificant tasks as compared with giving a lecture, writing a book, or doing other things that have a larger audience; but I doubt very much if, in the ultimate reckoning, they will count for as much." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House in the OzarksOnce you begin to understand and embrace the importance of your place inside your home, you can begin to draft a "mission statement" to refer to when you're feeling weary in well-doing, or you need to be reminded of your vision. It can be as simple as photo-copying Proverbs 31 and posting it on your fridge, or writing out your own summary on a note card and placing it above your sink. I've written mine inside my journal where I see it everyday:

"Called, authorized, and empowered by my Redeemer and Friend, with the blessing and support of my husband, my mission as the Keeper of our Home is to create an atmosphere of grace and forgiveness, order and flexibility, warm love and gentle affection, nutritious meals and fragrant aromas, conversation and education."
I want our home to be: (Check all that apply)

• Welcoming
• Stressful
• Warm
• Light
• Dark
• Messy
• Cluttered
• Happy
• Perfect
• Neat
• Chaotic
• Tidy
• Educational
• Shiny
• Sloppy
• Organized
• Attractive
• Dusty
• Beautiful
• Positive
• Well-arranged
• Tense
• Fun
• Calm
• Rigid
• Creative
• Chaotic
• Cozy
• Unique
• Balanced
• Homey
• Joyful
• Tacky
• Intense
• Purposeful
• Simple
• Appropriate
• Immaculate
• Functional
• Fresh Bright
• Expensive
• Relaxed

Recommend Resources
These titles encourage Keepers of The Home in their God-given calling. I'll list resources specific to organizing and maintaining different areas of the home as we cover them in this series. These are my affiliate links, but you are under no obligation to use them!

• Passionate Housewives Desperate For God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald
• The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
• Queen of the Home by Jennifer McBride
• The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
• Praise Her In The Gates by Nancy Wilson
• Home-Making by J. R. Miller
• Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman

Part 1: Keeping A Growing Home | A Management Series for Moms Part 2: Keeping A Growing Home | Know Your Role! Part 3: Keeping A Growing Home | Making Priorities & 15 Good Things I Don't Do Part 4: Keeping A Growing Home | Time-Saving Home Management Tips Part 5: Keeping A Growing Home | My Daily Schedule

If you enjoyed this post, you may wish to follow Growing Home for updates via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, or have them emailed directly to your inbox.
Linking to: Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home, Raising Arrows, A Wise Woman.,Walking Redeemed, The Better Mom, The Modest Mom, A Mama's Story, We ARE That Family, Raising Mighty Arrows, Hearts For Home, Frugal Homeschool Family,

Recently I was asked a question I had heard many times before: "How do you get everything done in a day when you have three small children and a blog? I only have one child and I can't even keep up!"

Truthfully, I don't get it all done in a day and I often feel way behind on everything. I can't remember when each room in our house was tidy at the same time or the last time I had all the laundry caught up.

That's why I want to do this reality series, because if keeping a home entails a perfectly tidy house, an organized linen closet, well-behaved, homeschooled children, and an empty laundry basket, I fear we're all doomed. It must be something more.

Yes, more!

Gloriously managing a home does not mean the laundry is always caught up, the towels are straight, and the kitchen counter is clear of clutter. It means rolling with the punches, giving yourself grace, determining to make the most of every opportunity to love and serve your family, and pleading God's promises, understanding that there is nothing more important as a wife and mother than your place in the home and the powerful influence you wield in your family.

Becoming an excellent homemaker is a growing process, not an overnight change. Life happens. When I've spent three nights in a row cleaning up after sick family members and cannot see beyond the mountain of laundry or dirty dishes in the sink, I must remember that God knew I would be facing this situation when He called me to be a Keeper of the Home and will see me through it if I choose to place it in His hands.

Our house was messier when we only had one child. I wondered how in the world I could handle more of them, homeschool, and keep our home running smoothly. God faithfully gives grace every day and always enough time for the necessary things to get accomplished. It's up to me how to learn to prioritize and manage it effectively.

Care for our children's souls must always trump cleaning floors and decorating drywall; our house will be rubble one day, but their hearts are eternal. Some days that means all we do is read books and take a walk to the park. Some days it can mean making three healthy meals plus extras for the freezer, accomplishing two days worth of school work, folding four baskets of wash, taking the kids to swimming lessons, and getting the bathroom deep cleaned.

The longer we're married and the more children we have, the more tools God gives to help me become better at this task. In this series, I hope to:

• share my favorite time-management tricks,
• share how I prioritize my list of things that "need" to get done
• homemaking stuff I don't do,
• recommend a list of invaluable resources,
• share my personal schedule,
• share real pictures of it all in action at our house.

Part 1: Keeping A Growing Home | A Management Series for Moms Part 2: Keeping A Growing Home | Know Your Role! Part 3: Keeping A Growing Home | Making Priorities & 15 Good Things I Don't Do Part 4: Keeping A Growing Home | Time-Saving Home Management Tips Part 5: Keeping A Growing Home | My Daily Schedule

If you enjoyed this post, you may wish to follow Growing Home for updates via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, or have them emailed directly to your inbox.
Linking to: Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots At Home, Raising Arrows, Time Warp Wife, A Wise Woman.,Walking Redeemed, The Better Mom, The Modest Mom, A Mama's Story, We ARE That Family, Raising Mighty Arrows, Hearts For Home, Frugal Homeschool Family, Moms The Word, Hip Homeschool Moms, Trivium Tuesdays, The Prairie Homestead