The Zoo

We love getting out as a family.  One of the most amazing things about having flexible work schedules and homeschooling is having the opportunity to get out for family "field trips" in which we learn together about new things.  This post is old, intended for publication over a year ago, but the value remains.  Children learn best from interaction and the opportunity to experience the world.  Here are a few snippets from our day.

Family photo at the San Diego Zoo

The kids had an opportunity to touch some farm animals in the petting zoo including goats and sheep.  The goats were a major hit and total favorite.

As the kids touched and pet the goats, our oldest daughter had the opportunity to ask the zoo keeper questions about goats.

What Does Your Baby Really Need? Baby Registry Tips for New Moms

My first pregnancy 20 wk ultrasounds

So, you're pregnant!  It's an exciting time, especially with a first baby.  The mind wanders and dreams of what being a mom will be like, what the new baby will be like, and all of the cute things that can be done with a baby.  It is a grand romance of the mind.  But then, registering for gifts begin.  Sure, it's really fun in the beginning and really exciting to hope that someone will buy that really beautiful $1000 sleigh crib as a gift, but as items fill the registry, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with just how much a baby needs!!!!!!  Well, I'm here to tell you there is actually very little your baby needs, in fact, go with less and you will actually have a much healthier and happier baby!

When to Use Blogger and When to Use Wordpress.com - An April Update

This month has been a very busy one for my family and me.  I looked at my calendar today and realized that the month is already almost over!  I have so many blogs on my mind, but have not been able to make the time to sit and type.  At the beginning of the year, I started a candy buffet business.  It was a little slower to start than I had anticipated, but these last two months have been busy for me.

How to Make Authentic Mexican Beans - Slow Cooker Hack

Last week, I showed you How to Make Authentic Mexican Beans From Scratch.  Today, I will show you a slight variation that takes a little longer, but makes the process a whole lot easier.  Today, I will teach you how to make authentic Mexican beans in your slow cooker!  It's so easy!  You will need:

God is My Portion and Strength Forever

Why is it that people prosper while lying, cheating, and taking advantage of honest people? Why is it that honest people suffer at their hands? I must constantly re-evaluate; where does my treasure lie? 

How to Make Authentic Mexican Beans from Scratch

Last week, I showed you How to Sort and Clean Dry Beans in preparation for making beans at home from scratch.  Today, I will show you how to cook authentic Mexican beans from scratch!  It's so simple and the beans are so healthy and delicious!  You will never want to eat canned beans again! You will need:

How to Sort and Clean Dry Beans - Pictorial

For some, making beans from scratch seems a daunting and complicated task.  Over the next few days, I'll show you how to make delicious, healthy beans from scratch!  Say goodbye to canned beans forever.  Today, I will start by showing how to sort and clean beans. 

Teeth, the Tooth Fairy, and Trust

This week, our eldest daughter lost her first tooth. It was a reminder of the short time we have with our babies.  With this reminder came the reality that my eldest "baby" is becoming a big girl who is formulating opinions, experiences, and expectations based on past experiences. 

Eight Reasons I Don't Share My Faith

Dear Christian,
Do you ever share your faith and hope in Christ?  I am not talking about cornering people and declaring their imminent demise and judgement, but sharing your blessed hope in the age to come.

Delicious but Simple Five Ingredient Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Scratch

My family and I love potatoes.  Really, we love potatoes.  Because we eat them so frequently, and because the are a root vegetable--that is, they grow underground soaking in everything from the soil, not just onto its skins, but into its flesh--we buy organic.  Mashed potatoes are a family favorite that are sure to complement most any meal.  Here is a quick and easy recipe that uses only 5 ingredients!

Simple Five Ingredient Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

You will need: