Andrea's version- The Cup Song by @ndrea D@vis

Andrea's version- The Cup Song by @ndrea D@vis

For the Child's Soul: Blanket Time 2

Liam's Blanket/Quiet Time

This is Liam's Blanket Time for today. He stayed on there for over 6 minutes. :) I was so excited! What a big boy!! We are hoping to increase the time to 10 minutes by tomorrow. 

In this blanket session I timed how long he sat on the quilt and increased it by 1 minute when he started to get fidgety. When the timer buzzed at 1 minute I praised him with kisses and hugs {which he loves}. I then put his quilt and toys in a  basket in order to show quiet time was over. 

For the Child's Soul: Blanket Time

My husband and I believe that it is important all children should  be taught to listen at a young age. 

So... That brings me here.. 

Until recently {ok last year}, I was oblivious to Blanket Training. When I read about it I thought to myself- "Where was this 10 years ago?" You see, I have 3 older children {11, 10, 8} that I could have used this training method with. It would have fit perfectly.

Today, we homeschool, attend church regularly, and well, we have those moments when we need little Liam-Ezell to sit for an extended period. Don't we all need our little one to have a quite time? :) So, I was excited and determined to try it!  

Last week was our first try! At first, he would get off constantly. Finally, today we had a break through. :) Liam stayed on his blanket for 5 minutes {Proud Momma}. However, he had a few testing tendencies. But, he would take instruction and back away from the edge of the blanket when told. I was in tears at how well he listened. When the timer went off he was all smiles! Of course, from all the kisses and praises!! 

Here is how we are blanket training our cutie pie. :)

1-Blanket- We use a special *quilt for blanket time {only}.  Doing this allows Liam to correspond his quilt with quite time. Thus, creating security. 

*The blanket needs to be thick so it will not bunch when your baby/toddler moves around. 

2- Toys- I allow Liam to have 2 hard back baby books and 4 small toys. When he gets older I will change the toys to manipulative's {blocks}. 

3- Timer- This is important. I tried it without the timer for 2 days and it was a nightmare. We all learn, right? When the timer goes off Liam knows he can get off. We are still working on him coordinating the timer and stop time.

Liam is only 9 months old. When he starts to walk he will be taught to get out and put up his quilt and toys. 

Here are some posts you may enjoy about blanket training. 

FF ministry- Blanket Training

Above Rubies: First Time Obedience- Blanket Training

Our Heart and Home: Blanket Training 

Untainted by the World

Sarah Rosie: Blanket Time-101

Reason of Thanks 5: My Reese

A Reason of Thanks 5: 

My Reese- My Reesey Poo! 

He is the child worker of the family. He is a helper, mechanic, and a builder. He is always outside banging on a piece if wood and a nail. He has made a Skateboard ramp, a bench, and some stilts. He loves looking and learning about motors and watching "How They Made It" on the history channel. He loves math and using manipulatives to make things move. We can already tell what direction his career will lean towards :)

Reason of Thanks 3: My Husband

A Reason of Thanks 3:

My Husband 

God could not have blessed me with a better Husband! Stacy is a wonderful Christian husband, father, and step father! He is blessed with a calm, kind, sweet, gentle, and soft spoken spirit. God has molded him into a god-fearing christian, hard worker, laid back lounger, referee, counselor, protector, mechanic, and a handy man that can do most anything. God is the one responsible for sending this man our way! 

Reason of Thanks 4: My Ethan

A Reason of Thanks 4

My first born- My Ethan! 

Ethan is my Eewee! He is the big brother with a big heart and a playful attitude. He loves to goof off, make tons of friends, be first, and pick at his younger siblings. Ethan has the loudest voice, yet the most sensitive side of all our children. He would rather read the bible than do any kind of written school work. He loves the outdoors and does most of his school work and play outside. He loves matchbox cars, the fort they built under the bluff, and playing with Liam. He tries his best to be the protective big brother. He told me he thinks he is going to be a leader when he grows up. :) I believe him!

Stitches by God

https://www.facebook.com/andrea.davis.75457/posts/172451996287219

A Reason of Thanks 2

A Reason of Thanks 2: My salvation!! Thank you to my Grandma for being the one to show me the way and family for being godly examples! 

A Reason of Thanks: 1

A Reason of Thanks: November 1: I am thankful for my Lord God- Coming to earth to seek out his people and then dying on the cross so his believers could live with him eternally! 🎶Thank God I am Saved Saved Saved by his wonderful grace...🎶

Pious Photography: Love of Fall

I absolutely love fall!! It shows Gods beauty through the changing of leaves and beautiful flowers.

Natural healing herbs chart

Say "No" to Halloween!

I like the verse that says to be set apart from this world.. That's why we don't celebrate Halloween- You won't see spooky cats, scary pumpkins, or ghost. But you will see us either at home enjoying a family night or at church. You can only serve one master!! And Halloween isn't one:) God Bless.

Here is a wonderful article I found about a family doesn't do Halloween and why. You can find the article here:)

Trying October

Have you ever had one of those days {in our case, months} that everything seems to go wrong. Yes, you know exactly what I mean. The type that you just through your hands up and say "What gives!!" Or "Lord, Lord, why did we deserve this?" If you said no, you might as well repent now! Because you would be lying. :p Well our luck it has happened- nearly all the month of October. I say nearly because we had a few blessings here and there.

Here is a round about, not exact, but good look at our eventful month..

1-The 2nd vehicle blew up. Left us stranded on the side of the road, with four kids
for an hour.        
Praise- God made way for our pastor to pick us up. Also, we were allowed to use our church van to  attend revival that week.  

2- Katelyn steps on a nail. We are still bandaging it.
Praise- Looks like its getting better. But, it's not healed yet.

3- Katelyn starts throwing up at night and stays home that day.
Praise- She's better.

4- Reese starts throwing up- hum- we must have a bug?!
Praise- he's better.

5- Liam throws up on Daddy in the middle of Walmart- Yummy!! Daddy gets sick and goes shirtless on the way home.
Praise- Daddy gets a shower and Liam is better.

6- Get a call from school. Katelyn is sick. Pick her up and she sleeps all day.
Praise- She is better again.
7- Ethan gets a sore on the right hand? Looks infected and we clean it out..
Praise- still cleaning

7- Stacy gets sick, and sicker, and sicker {Fever and headache}. He goes to hospital for crazy hi temp, gets CT, spinal tap, and blood work. Doc says white blood cells are doubled. He gets prescribed meds, one works, one doesnt. 2 days later he is admitted and they have no clue as to why or what is causing his symptoms {which are different than when he went in the first time}.

Praise- His CT came back clear.

8- I have strep throat for the second month in a role. And lucky me !!! I get 2 lovely thigh shots of penicillin. Ouch!! What happen to pills!!'

Praise- Otherwise, I have a healthy body.

9- Liam starts running fever. Take him to the hospital. He has brociolitus and an ear infection. Poor baby! 

Praise- Be doesn't have RSV

All in all, we have had a rough week, WAIT!! Month!! But we still know that we have blessing each day!! We know that God has a reason for every trial we go through!! 

We know that we have so much to be thankful for.

1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Homemade Granola!! Tweaked by Pious Homemaking

This recipe is a tweaked recipe from Shannon of Cooking God’s Way.

Homemade soaked granola is a much healthier and more nutritious choice over “healthy” boxed cereals. That’s because nearly all boxed cereals are created using an industrial food production process called extrusion. What many do not know is that extruded grains are toxic, particularly to the nervous system. Another bonus of making your own wholesome soaked granola is you can use it to make incredibly delicious homemade granola bars that are chock-full of real food nutrition.

Here is a 2 part recipe to make it easier.

1)STEP ONE: SOAKING

6 cups organic GF Rolled Oats (use regular or thick-cut rolled oats, not quick-cook or steel-cut oats)

2 cups Wheat Germ

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup organic coconut oil, melted

1 can (14oz) *unsweetened canned coconut milk

2 cups water

4 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Pour melted butter and coconut  into a very large mixing bowl and add pure *coconut milk, water and vinegar; whisk to combine.

Add oats and wheat germ; thoroughly combine using a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula.

Cover the bowl and let sit 24-30 hours on the counter. 

(*Please note: Do not use coconut milk beverages, i.e. Silk or So Delicious brands as they contain potentially harmful additives. I recommend and use pure unsweetened canned coconut milk.)

2) After soaking time is completed. Soaked oats are ready for step two …

STEP TWO: BAKING 

Yield: 10 cups (without add-ins)

Ingredients

3/4 cup pure honey 

3/4 cup organic pure maple syrup

1 tsp sea salt

1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 200° F. Place honey, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla in a glass measuring cup. Use a small rubber spatula to blend together until well combined. Pour the honey mixture over the soaked oats and combine mixture. (Tip: I start working at the edges to pull the soaked granola forward and allow the honey mixture to seep down. Then I keep pressing the soaked oats down using the top of rubber spatula, while turning the oats.)

Spread the mixture out over two parchment paper-lined (12x17) or 1 larger baking sheet. Place baking sheets side-by-side in oven. If dividing them you need to  rotate them during bake time. 

Bake for 8 hours, turning the granola every two-hours. Then turn off oven and allow to sit in warm oven overnight until completely cooled. I usually start around 2. That way I can just turn off the oven and go to bed. 

Remove cooled granola from the oven and mix in any “add-ins” you’d like. Makes 10-cups of granola (without add-ins). You can store this in the pantry or freezer. 

All done! 

Our Three Favorite Flavor Combos:

• Tropical Delight Granola – Add the following to your baked granola: Crispy almond slices, chopped dried pineapple pieces, chopped dried mango pieces and shredded coconut.

• Apple Pie Granola – Add the following to your baked granola: Crispy almond slices, crispy chopped pecans, chopped dried apple pieces and raisins.

• Cranberry-Walnut Granola – Add the following to your baked granola: Crispy almond slices, crispy chopped walnuts and dried cranberries.

Add-In Ideas: (Choose any or all of the following to create your own delicious granola creations!)

• Your favorite unsweetened dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, cranberries, cherries, blueberries, apricots, apples, etc.

• Dried shredded coconut (or coconut flakes)

• Your favorite chopped *crispy nuts, such as almonds, pecans or walnuts

• Your favorite seeds, such as chia, flax, sunflower or pumpkin

Monday Musing: Conviction: Because of TV? What?!

 Today's Monday Musing is about the all powerful tube. The tube that sits in almost every household in our nation. The tube that can be found in bedrooms, kitchens, basement, bathrooms, garages, just about anywhere. The tube- or by our choice of words, TV. 

Now, I know not all tv is bad. There are some very good shows out there that I don't mind my family watching. However, even a good show or movie can have an inappropriate commercial. For instance, today we were watching an age appropriate movie with our children and almost every one of  the commercials were very inappropriate. I say this with extreme conviction and wonder. I was startled when I looked around and it was as if no one even gave thought of how inappropriate the actions were. So conviction hit me hard. I have failed my Lord. 

I took action and shut it off. There was some growls from the family! Total disappointment reigned on there faces. But, I felt I was losing my family to a black hole. I explained to them that the tv shows coming from this Network were unacceptable. That God would not be pleased having this type of activity radiate through our home. Our home was to lift him up. So yes, conviction staggered through my soul. I went through our DVR recordings and deleted every show/movie that was rated R and most that were PG13. Out went the foul language, crude humor, violent actions, sexual content (unmarried kissing or groping), anything ungodly got erased. 

I am starting new! Leaving tv on but monitoring with high restrictions and cautiousness. I know I let my Savior down by letting evil things in my home and have asked forgiveness and direction. We all need the Lord to show us what is appropriate for out wonderful families. 

*PH* Homemade Laundry Detergent

 With a family of 6 we are all about being frugal. Making homemade laundry detergent is one of the ways we save tons of money. It cleans just as good or better than store bought products and it is cheaper. Here is my version of Homemade Laundry Soap

Pious Homemaking: Laundry Detergent Ingredients 

4c Washing Soda

4c Baking Soda

4c Borax

1 small container of oxyclean

2 bars of Fels Naptha {laundry aisle}; grated

1/2 bar of Zote {laundry aisle}; grated

1 large bucket 

I like to grate my bars of spa ahead of time. It makes the process go faster. :)

Just dump all ingredients in a large bucket and mix with your hands {my preferred method:)}. Using a spatula takes forever and gets tiring. 

God's love is sometimes hard on us.

Today was a special day!! It is Sunday and I am able to worship my Lord without fear of persecution.

That being said, I have a confession to make. I think sometime we may forget all the freedoms we do have in this great nation. The freedom-To worship!! I know I have succeeded in this department, the forgetting part. 

There are times when I go about my day just doing. I personally get caught up in the days attire and lose track of what I have to be thankful for. Beginning 2

weeks ago, our second car blew up. Now we own one car with no tags or insurance. We can't get tags or insurance because my husband was laid off for 4 months and we are now just getting the car payed up- so all our money goes to that plus bills. This past week we have had my daughter step on a nail- looks infected, and 4 people in our family have a 24-48 hour flu. Not good. Then.. today, everything was going smooth. However, the last 15 minutes before church brought on extreme  stress.  I could not find anything, I mean NOTHING, my 9 month old could wear. No pants, no matching socks, no shirt, absolutely no shoes. You at least had to have a matching pair of shoes to go to church in, right?! On top of that 3 more children I tried to scurry to the car, {yes

a car for 6 people} I think they got the point, eventually.  Well, I prayed and prayed for God to make everything go smoother. At least for today. Eventually, I found my son an outfit, at the bottom of the CLEAN clothes pile, {they don't fold themselves or skip to the drawer and jump in neatly folded} put them on him, and off we went to church. We were 5 minutes late to church- but hey!!! We made it!! The rest of the day went smooth. With the exception

Of my husband- he not so good. My medical expertise says he has an ear infection or strep throat. But he's the kind that will not go to the hospital over a little pain and fever. Even if it means infecting others. :( But, bless him he puts our care and needs over his own. Anyways, point being, I have a God to worship. I God that loves us enough to fill our life with crazy moments like today and this 2 weeks to test us. It's like he's saying "Hey, I am right here. All you have to so is ask for help."  And when I did ask for help he came-

He gave us the opportunity to drive to our church revival and he let my family get well. Now, we are waiting on my husband to feel better and this newly gel formed earache of mine to heal. But God is there and he will help us through.. Faith is all we need. 

Here is a couple pictures of the kids in church today:) 

Momma

Yes it is true!! My little one said his first word:) Momma!! One proud Mom!!!

Homemaker's Prayer and the things I am thankful for

I love this Homemakers Prayer- and it is so very true!





It caused me to wake up in a happy thankful spirit!

Because.. I have

~a husband to wake up to

~children to raise

~a church to worship in

~a family

~a nice comfortable waterbed to sleep in 

~an awesome HOT shower to enjoy 

~body wash, shaving cream, razor, shampoo, and conditioner, to use

~makeup to put on

~hair products to use

~clean clothes to put on

~food to prepare and eat

~a house to tidy

~dishes to wash 

~a floor to sweep, vacuum, or mop

~windows to look out of and admire Gods creation

I have been blessed! 

DIY and Frugal Tip 1: Liquid Dish Soap

I hardly ever buy brand name household products. I find it much cheaper to make my own.  

Here is a DIY *PH* household cleaner.

Liquid Dishsoap

Ingredients:

-1 ½ cup of hot water

-½ cup liquid castile soap 

-1 tablespoon of white vinegar

-1 tablespoon of Arm&Hammer’s Super Washing Soda

-1 tablespoon of shredded bar soap, such as homemade lye soap or any other kind would be fine

-1/8 teaspoon of tea tree oil or other natural oil (I usually add seasonal oils- like peppermint or pumpkin)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl. Pour in 1 1/2 cup of very hot water. Whisk/stir this mixture until bar of soap is completely melted and all ingredients are blended.

2. Allow mixture to cool completely, stirring occasionally.

3. Store in any dish soap dispensing bottle and enjoy.

Character Traits of a Godly Homemaker

Character Traits of a Godly Homemaker

As a woman trying to do God's will, I strive to go beyond my own abilities and duties in order to do my job well. I believe it is my responsiblity, as a homemaker, to manage my families time and values as fit unto The Lord. I also seek to fill my home with feminine touchs and warmth. Making a home beautiful, comfortable, fragrance filled is a major step to proper home management. I also seek to honor and uphold my role as homemaker by keeping a clean and safe environment for my family.

1. Goes beyond her duty to do the job well.
Ecc. 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.

2. Is a wise manager of her families time and value.
Prov. 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her houshold, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

3. Her homemaking is filled with feminine touches.
Prov. 7:16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry.

4. Adds warmth to her household.
Prov. 16:24 Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

5. She honors her role in the home.
Titus 2:3-5 That they may 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.

The Godly Woman as A Wife is very good article/ lesson plan on what a Godly woman should do in her everyday walk. It gives you some activities to do each day to better help you serve your husband. Enjoy:)

*PH* Look-Out 1: Meal Plan

Ok, It is true!! I love to cook!!! I love to just toss spices in a crock pot or pan and savor the smell of my creations.. For example, this week we have had homemade...

        Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

             Beef crock pot stir-fry

                           And 

     Chicken Noodle and Potato Soup

However, I have this need or more like want for a set meal plan.. One that I can set up in an hour and go.. or more like, one that is already made up and all I have to do is follow it. Honestly, with 6 people in your home, you need it. 

Honestly, I have tried hundreds of meal plans and have not made it past the second week on any single one. To much? To lazy? To much preparation? Who knows, it just doesn't work in our home. So I am on the search to find a great blog that helps with my kinds of people- ones that need a little help in the meal planning process. And a little help would be nice.. :)

What I am searching for is...

One that has healthy food  

One that doesn't take a lot of money to keep up with- food wise. 

One that is weekly or monthly. 

One that is fun to cook. We do have children that are eager to help out.:) 

So you have a favorite meal plan?

What about a favorite dish?

Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Today was my first day making this yummy Cinnamon Streusel Muffin.. It didn't rise as much as I would have liked. However, the taste of it made me care less. This muffin was like true divine mixing of ingredients! It literally feel apart in my mouth!!

Topping
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional; for added cinnamon flavor

3 tablespoons soft butter

filling

Filling

3 to 4 tablespoons water

3 tablespoons melted butter, 

1/2 cup brown sugar,

1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 

Batter

1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter, melted

3/4 cup lukewarm milk

2 large eggs

1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

2 tablespoons cornstarch

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Good pinch of ground allspice

Good pinch of cinnamon 

1/2 cup cinnamon chips or butterscotch chips

glaze

2/3 cup confectioners' sugar

pinch of salt

1 tablespoon milk, or enough to make a pourable glaze

I used Carmel 

1) Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake papers, or grease it lightly.

2) Prepare the topping by mixing the ingredients together until crumbly. Set aside.

3) Prepare the filling by mix together all of the ingredients. Set aside.

4) To make the batter: In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and eggs.

5) In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including the chips.

6) Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.

7) Divide half the batter evenly among the muffin cups; a tablespoon cookie scoop works well.

8) Dollop 2 teaspoons cinnamon filling onto each muffin; a teaspoon cookie scoop, filled level, works well here.

9) Top with the remaining batter.

10) Sprinkle generously with the topping, pressing it in lightly.

11) Bake the muffins for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they're golden brown.

12) Remove the muffins from the oven, and wait 5 minutes before transferring them from the pan to a rack to cool.

13) To make the glaze: Mix the glaze ingredients together until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled muffins.