Training Kids to Help...

"One rule we have in our family is that I only do the things that only I can do. In other words, if someone else can do it, I train them to have at it..."

To read the rest of the article, head on over to Happy to be at Home!

Mama Told Me There'd Be Days Like This...

Ok- well... if my mom told me that, I forgot. (Sorry Mom.) But some days just will be this way. Loud, wild, and things just not getting done. The baby being fussy, and things generally being out of order.

It is very, very hard to be patient when you have a long to do list, and there is just too much noise and chaos to think, let alone do anything. So how do you react when these days come? These days when everyone and everything way outnumbers the one person you are?

If you came over here to read encouraging things... on how I have it all together... keep on going. If you want to know that I know how you feel... that I feel that way too... stay a while and join my RSS followers. Because these days there is just too many demands, and not enough of me to spread. If you feel the same, stick around. We'll get through our days together, and hopefully glorify our Lord in the process! Maybe one of these days I'll actually get around to correcting the kid's schoolwork, too. Maybe.

Lessons Learned in the Peterson Culinary Institute: 1

Beaten Egg Whites are NOT the same as Beaten White Eggs.

Using the entire egg in pudding does not work.

Following a recipe is very, very important.

Warning About CFL Bulbs

I have been slowly replacing my light bulbs with the more energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Bulbs. At least until I recently read an article stating that these bulbs work by using Mercury in some way... and Mercury is a big deal. These need to be disposed of properly, no doubt about it.

My concern is if these bulbs break. Did you know that with the mercury, it is not recommended to have these bulbs in a room where there are children and/ or pregnant women due to the chance of them breaking and the mercury vapors going into the air? I cannot find the article this minute, but the vapor can last in the air for at least weeks, and I think it was a lot longer than that. This article states that if one breaks, and the dust comes in contact with your bedding or clothing, the items should be BURNED. Read it... it's serious stuff.

Almost a year ago, NPR had an article on it too... check it out here.

I think there is a link between autism and the mercury levels in immunizations. (Did you know the symptoms of mercury poisoning and autism are almost identicle?) I am afraid that these bulbs could add to problems inside houses.

Research the issue for yourself. Do a google search. As for me and my house, I think we are going back to the old lightbulbs. Now I just need to figure out how to dispose of the mercury filled ones...

The Peterson Culinary Institute is now OPEN!

In response to the younger girls wanting to learn to cook, we have opened a Culinary Institute on the premises. Each day they will have a cooking assignment like making muffins, salad, etc. Culminating each week with making dinner and dessert on Saturday. This week they made a GREAT chili, and a chocolate pudding which needed some work. Ahem. Guess you can't be good at everything all at once.

Try it at your house... your girls will like it!

Homeschool Convention...

One last post for today, then I really need to get back to decluttering my kitchen. Anyway- My friends Amy and Misti and I are planning on going to the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention in April. Eric the Wonderful is even going to let me stay for TWO WHOLE NIGHTS! That's three days of blissful wandering amongst all those books. Wow.

Anyway- When I went to check out buying a ticket, (which needs to be done in the next couple days for the best price...), I saw that if we blog it, we can get entered in to receive free tickets, etc.

So here's what I am doing. I am blogging it right now (duh, Carri.) I am buying the ticket anyway, so if I win, I will raffle off the extra ticket right here. I reserve the right to keep the money and hotel room all on my own, OK? Anyway, go check it out and sign up.

They asked that we, "Be sure to reference the HUGE Exhibit Hall, the INCREDIBLE Speaker Line-Up and the very AFFORDABLE REGISTRATION."

I'll let you know in April if they are speaking the truth about it! ;)

Oh yeah- if you are going, let me know. I'd love to meet up with you all!

Frugal Friday - Cheap Spelling

I have found a great website for spelling practice... it is www.spellingcity.com . You can enter your child's lists into the site, and they can play games and practice all they want. They can even take a practice test! My children have been loving it, and I have seen scores rise when they have used it regularly.

I have even taught them to enter their own lists... saves a step for me!!!

Go check it out! And check out the other Frugal Ideas here!