Yes, I know I just did a post a few hours ago. But every time I come across this deal, I kick myself for not sharing it. So if you've never tried Restaurant.com, now might a good time. If you enter the code GIVE you can get a $25 gift certificate for $3...not too shabby. My family of 5 (with one child now considered an adult menu-wise) would usually cost about $35 to eat out plus tip. With this certificate the cost is $3 plus $10 (required purchase of $35 with the $25 certificate) plus tip.
The downside is that sometimes it's hard to find a local restaurant that goes along with the plan. So we usually take advantage of it during family trips or when we're heading up to the big city (that would be Portland:). But it might be worth checking into regardless. They also take Paypal if you're like me and don't like to give out credit info on the web. This savings code is good through 11/22/2009.
I think that's about it. Have a good weekend:)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
When hard work pays off
We have been working industriously this week to get enough of our school lessons done to have the whole week off for the week of Thanksgiving. I admit I am so looking forward to the break! I've been itching to get to some baking, and am definitely looking forward to spending time with extended family. I love the Thanksgiving holiday!
So since school is mostly what we've done this week (with a few fun activities thrown in to keep us all sane) I thought I'd share a few pictures.
I have to admit to a fondness for charts, so I try to insert them into our curriculum whenever I can. Here's a few from this week's lessons.
Working on a puzzle of U.S. Presidents to go along with the Artist's History studies.
Here is my Princess with her word wall and her latest favorite book When the Elephant Walks.
The Professor working on a writing project.
We tried our hand at making corn husk dolls. The Princess seems to think they're some sort of novelty, and is having quite a bit of fun with them. And I'm wondering why I should give her store-bought toys for Christmas if she can be happy with something this simple? Kind of makes one think...
My boys love to do science experiments. Here we were testing the effect different enzymes would have on a variety of foods. The gelatin we used was different than any I had used before, and had the distinct smell of a very dead animal.
Stained glass art-work
This weeks reading material: The Moral Compass. The Professor picked this book out for one of his writing projects. After looking it over, I thought we could all benefit from it.
And last but not least, some fall-themed treats that were almost too pretty to eat :)
So since school is mostly what we've done this week (with a few fun activities thrown in to keep us all sane) I thought I'd share a few pictures.
I have to admit to a fondness for charts, so I try to insert them into our curriculum whenever I can. Here's a few from this week's lessons.
Working on a puzzle of U.S. Presidents to go along with the Artist's History studies.
Here is my Princess with her word wall and her latest favorite book When the Elephant Walks.
The Professor working on a writing project.
We tried our hand at making corn husk dolls. The Princess seems to think they're some sort of novelty, and is having quite a bit of fun with them. And I'm wondering why I should give her store-bought toys for Christmas if she can be happy with something this simple? Kind of makes one think...
My boys love to do science experiments. Here we were testing the effect different enzymes would have on a variety of foods. The gelatin we used was different than any I had used before, and had the distinct smell of a very dead animal.
Stained glass art-work
This weeks reading material: The Moral Compass. The Professor picked this book out for one of his writing projects. After looking it over, I thought we could all benefit from it.
And last but not least, some fall-themed treats that were almost too pretty to eat :)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
My Anchor Holds
Though the angry surges roll, on my tempest driven soul,
I am peaceful, for I know, wildly though the winds may blow,
I've an anchor safe and sure, that can evermore endure.
And it holds my anchor holds; blow your wildest then, oh gale,
on my bark so small and frail: by His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
I can feel the anchor fast as I meet each sudden blast,
and the cable, though unseen, bears the heavy strain between;
Still I stand the tempest's shock, for my anchor grips the Rock.
Troubles almost 'whelm the soul; grief like billows o'er me roll;
tempters seek to lure astray, storms obscure the light of day,
But in Christ I can be bold, I've an anchor that shall hold.
I'm thanking God today that we don't have to bear the storms of life on our own! This song has been going through my mind the last few days. It's an old favorite, that has really never grown old.
I am peaceful, for I know, wildly though the winds may blow,
I've an anchor safe and sure, that can evermore endure.
And it holds my anchor holds; blow your wildest then, oh gale,
on my bark so small and frail: by His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
I can feel the anchor fast as I meet each sudden blast,
and the cable, though unseen, bears the heavy strain between;
Still I stand the tempest's shock, for my anchor grips the Rock.
Troubles almost 'whelm the soul; grief like billows o'er me roll;
tempters seek to lure astray, storms obscure the light of day,
But in Christ I can be bold, I've an anchor that shall hold.
I'm thanking God today that we don't have to bear the storms of life on our own! This song has been going through my mind the last few days. It's an old favorite, that has really never grown old.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
In Gratitude to our Veterans
In just a short while, we'll be leaving to attend a Veteran's Day service held at our church. The Professor will be playing in the band ("V is for Victory") and he's excited about getting to perform.From the time I was a child I've been fascinated and a little awed by those in military uniform. Of course, who doesn't look better in a uniform? It definitely adds that little something to even the plainest person. But I was also taught to respect what that uniform stood for. And the sacrifice (in war time or peace) that it entailed.
My grandfather fought in World War II (Army), my father (between wars) was also in the Army. My husband was a Navy man, his two brothers Air Force. And I presently have a nephew serving in the Marines. I'm not bragging, just proud of them all.
My favorite period of History (and I have a great love of the subject) is the World War II era. The men and women of this time have been called "The Greatest Generation", and aptly so. They stopped Hitler in his tracks, but at such a high cost of sacrifice. As so many of them are passing on, I can only hope that we will never let our children, as well as future generations, forget how so many of them paid the ultimate sacrifice, their very lives.
So I want to express my gratitude on this day to all who have served our country, both living and dead. Because of you we enjoy the freedom that we so often take for granted. May it never be said that your sacrifice was in vain.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
The people have spoken... yet again
I steer clear of posting about most things political, or at least I think I do. Sometimes it's better that way. But I just couldn't resist this time.
You see, there's nothing that gets my ire up (or at least very few things) like big-wig politicians who think they know better than the people who put them into office in the first place.
That's right buddy (or ms. so-and-so), without me you wouldn't have that nice cush job. And far too many of you have lost sight of that fact.
So don't get too comfortable in that plush office with all the accompanying perks. Because if you don't listen to the people, you're so out of there.
And you might want to re-think that "not representative of the people" statement given to the drive-by media... because unemployment can be a hard, cold fact. And the people have their eye on you. We're not so easily fooled.
That's one of the things that makes our country great: Government of the people, by the people, for the people. It's up to us to make sure that doesn't change. As much as it is within our power to do so.
DISCLAIMER: Honestly, I don't hate these people. They just really bug me sometimes.
EDIT: Check out this proposed amendment by Joe Wilson. Regardless of how you feel about the whole health care issue, I think many people would support this amendment 100%. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. That's my nugget of wisdom for the day ;)
You see, there's nothing that gets my ire up (or at least very few things) like big-wig politicians who think they know better than the people who put them into office in the first place.
That's right buddy (or ms. so-and-so), without me you wouldn't have that nice cush job. And far too many of you have lost sight of that fact.
So don't get too comfortable in that plush office with all the accompanying perks. Because if you don't listen to the people, you're so out of there.
And you might want to re-think that "not representative of the people" statement given to the drive-by media... because unemployment can be a hard, cold fact. And the people have their eye on you. We're not so easily fooled.
That's one of the things that makes our country great: Government of the people, by the people, for the people. It's up to us to make sure that doesn't change. As much as it is within our power to do so.
DISCLAIMER: Honestly, I don't hate these people. They just really bug me sometimes.
EDIT: Check out this proposed amendment by Joe Wilson. Regardless of how you feel about the whole health care issue, I think many people would support this amendment 100%. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. That's my nugget of wisdom for the day ;)
Monday, November 02, 2009
Back home...and recovered
Whew, what a trip I had! I meant to post about my whirlwind tour before now, but getting back into the swing of school and home things slightly delayed those plans. Not to mention being sorely sleep-deprived and slightly under-the-weather. But I'm back now to tell my tale, so here it goes.
I had a simply wonderful time! I don't think I could have squeezed one more thing into my trip. I missed my husband and kids so much, but had little time to dwell on it, which was just as well.
I have to mention my plane ride, because it was one of the things that I truly dreaded. I rarely fly, the last time being 8 years ago. Honestly, I remember flying as being much smoother. We seemed to run into turbulence at every turn, including one time where they skipped beverage service all together because of it. I was so glad I was flying with a friend (at least part of the way) and could visit as a slight distraction. My last prior plane ride my hubby slipped me some Dramamine and I slept through the whole flight. But that's kinda hard to do when you're in the middle seat. I know, because I tried, and I think my seatmates thought I had a little too much to drink (which I had had none) with all the weaving and bobbing to stay awake.
The Ladies conference was great in and of itself. Bumping into so many old friends and college roommates (not always synonymous:) truly warmed my heart. It was odd that among so many people (several thousand) I would park next to one, sit next to one, ect. All unplanned. The speakers were awesome, and I hope to post more about that soon. I had one moment where I truly felt like God singled me out about something I've been particularly struggling with the past year or so, and gave me a clear-cut answer. Amazing! The trip would have been worth it just for that.
I met up with my girlfriend half-way through the plane trip where our flights connected. It was a little crazy, because her flight was cancelled. In fact, all flights going out of Ketchikan (AK) were cancelled for the day due to weather. We had to change our tickets/itinerary twice. Thank goodness we had planned our trip with a days leeway between traveling and the conference. We visited for several days (amid the conference) and then parted ways while I went to visit my family. We managed to drive from Chicago O'hare airport in rush hour traffic (nerve-racking to say the least) and had a few other adventures along the way. I truly appreciate her last-minute, hare-brained idea to go on this trip, lol. It was quite an adventure.
After the conference, I picked up a rental car (or rather they picked me up; thank you enterprise) and headed to northern Indiana to visit my family. I had asked for a nice, safe little Kia to drive as that's what my girlfriend had rented for the first part of our trip. I ended up with a 2010 Mazda 626 that was both a stick and an automatic (which I still don't understand). I admit I had to call my hubby after driving only a few miles because I couldn't figure a few things out. The dashboard looked like a airplane cockpit, very strange. I eventually got used to it, which probably isn't a good thing. I don't foresee driving another one in the near future, but it was fun while it lasted :)
It was so good to see my parents and siblings again! It definitely didn't hurt that I was treated like a celebrity; funny, I don't remember it being that way at all growing up ;) We spent long nights talking, watching old home movies, and trying to squeeze a ton of things into a few days time. I met my nephew and niece, and had so much fun being an on-site aunt (versus the long-distance kind). It was a relief to see my sister who has been struggling with crohns the last few years doing slightly better. Overall, it was just good to be back home.
I have to mention the Fall landscape in that part of the country. Every year I get homesick for the Midwest around this time of the year. As I looked out the window of my parent's home and saw the leaves gently wafting to the ground (very similar to a light snowfall) I was simply amazed. My parents home is on one of those streets of old, but well-taken care of homes so common in small, Midwest towns. Down both sides of the street the sidewalks were lined with trees with leaves of the richest hues of red, orange, and yellow. The ground was covered with an endless supply of them as well, and to rake them up would simply spoil the picture. In print it doesn't translate nearly as well, but suffice to say it was the prettiest Autumn picture imaginable. I left my digital camera in Oregon (whoa is me!) but my dad promised to take some pics and send them to me. I'm now going through withdrawals with the dinghy yellows and browns of Oregon...lol.
I arrived back home to a surprise birthday party provided by hubby and the kids. They did an impressive job of decorating I must say. It was no surprise to me that the Princess had made me Pink (versus an un-girly green or blue) Jello for a birthday treat in lieu of cake, as she had mentioned she was going to in every single phone call while I was gone, lol. After about an hour of festivities I begged off because the 3 hours difference and six hours in the air had caught up with me. I promptly climbed into bed at 3 in the afternoon and took an 8 hour nap!
The change in weather, and an average of 4 hours of sleep a night finally caught up with me, and I've been a little under the weather for the past week. But I'm feeling strong now (those tons of vitamins really do make a difference) and I'm SO glad I managed to avoid the flu. My husband did a great job of homeschooling with the kids, though not as well as myself of course (allow me just a bit of pride here). But we're back in the flow and looking forward to Thanksgiving break.
I have to add just one more thing due to the fact that it shows the difference that age can make. While my middle child told me every 5 minutes how glad he was that I was home, and the youngest stuck to me like glue, my eldest was much more nonchalance. He was happy to see me of course, but commented quite a few times on what a wonderful time he had while I was gone...lol. I asked him if perhaps he would like me to stay longer next time? With an embarrassed grin he answered in the negative. I love it that he enjoyed being with Dad so much, and is feeling more independent. But I'm also glad that I have one (if not two) kids who still want mom rather close by. Feeling needed is a rather nice thing.
Did I say just one more thing..? So I did. But I'm also going to mention that I have a special giveaway coming up soon that would make a very nice Christmas gift for someone special on your list. My sister has turned into quite an accomplished artist and I'm planning to start an Etsy shop to display and sell her wares. Which means a giveaway to help get the word out. How does a customized portrait sound? Stay tuned :)
I have lots of posts from my favorite blogs to catch up on. I know you've missed my witty comments..lol. I've missed hearing about all your activities, so I'm going to squeeze in some extra time for catching up today as I can.
Have a great Monday~
I had a simply wonderful time! I don't think I could have squeezed one more thing into my trip. I missed my husband and kids so much, but had little time to dwell on it, which was just as well.
I have to mention my plane ride, because it was one of the things that I truly dreaded. I rarely fly, the last time being 8 years ago. Honestly, I remember flying as being much smoother. We seemed to run into turbulence at every turn, including one time where they skipped beverage service all together because of it. I was so glad I was flying with a friend (at least part of the way) and could visit as a slight distraction. My last prior plane ride my hubby slipped me some Dramamine and I slept through the whole flight. But that's kinda hard to do when you're in the middle seat. I know, because I tried, and I think my seatmates thought I had a little too much to drink (which I had had none) with all the weaving and bobbing to stay awake.
The Ladies conference was great in and of itself. Bumping into so many old friends and college roommates (not always synonymous:) truly warmed my heart. It was odd that among so many people (several thousand) I would park next to one, sit next to one, ect. All unplanned. The speakers were awesome, and I hope to post more about that soon. I had one moment where I truly felt like God singled me out about something I've been particularly struggling with the past year or so, and gave me a clear-cut answer. Amazing! The trip would have been worth it just for that.
I met up with my girlfriend half-way through the plane trip where our flights connected. It was a little crazy, because her flight was cancelled. In fact, all flights going out of Ketchikan (AK) were cancelled for the day due to weather. We had to change our tickets/itinerary twice. Thank goodness we had planned our trip with a days leeway between traveling and the conference. We visited for several days (amid the conference) and then parted ways while I went to visit my family. We managed to drive from Chicago O'hare airport in rush hour traffic (nerve-racking to say the least) and had a few other adventures along the way. I truly appreciate her last-minute, hare-brained idea to go on this trip, lol. It was quite an adventure.
After the conference, I picked up a rental car (or rather they picked me up; thank you enterprise) and headed to northern Indiana to visit my family. I had asked for a nice, safe little Kia to drive as that's what my girlfriend had rented for the first part of our trip. I ended up with a 2010 Mazda 626 that was both a stick and an automatic (which I still don't understand). I admit I had to call my hubby after driving only a few miles because I couldn't figure a few things out. The dashboard looked like a airplane cockpit, very strange. I eventually got used to it, which probably isn't a good thing. I don't foresee driving another one in the near future, but it was fun while it lasted :)
It was so good to see my parents and siblings again! It definitely didn't hurt that I was treated like a celebrity; funny, I don't remember it being that way at all growing up ;) We spent long nights talking, watching old home movies, and trying to squeeze a ton of things into a few days time. I met my nephew and niece, and had so much fun being an on-site aunt (versus the long-distance kind). It was a relief to see my sister who has been struggling with crohns the last few years doing slightly better. Overall, it was just good to be back home.
I have to mention the Fall landscape in that part of the country. Every year I get homesick for the Midwest around this time of the year. As I looked out the window of my parent's home and saw the leaves gently wafting to the ground (very similar to a light snowfall) I was simply amazed. My parents home is on one of those streets of old, but well-taken care of homes so common in small, Midwest towns. Down both sides of the street the sidewalks were lined with trees with leaves of the richest hues of red, orange, and yellow. The ground was covered with an endless supply of them as well, and to rake them up would simply spoil the picture. In print it doesn't translate nearly as well, but suffice to say it was the prettiest Autumn picture imaginable. I left my digital camera in Oregon (whoa is me!) but my dad promised to take some pics and send them to me. I'm now going through withdrawals with the dinghy yellows and browns of Oregon...lol.
I arrived back home to a surprise birthday party provided by hubby and the kids. They did an impressive job of decorating I must say. It was no surprise to me that the Princess had made me Pink (versus an un-girly green or blue) Jello for a birthday treat in lieu of cake, as she had mentioned she was going to in every single phone call while I was gone, lol. After about an hour of festivities I begged off because the 3 hours difference and six hours in the air had caught up with me. I promptly climbed into bed at 3 in the afternoon and took an 8 hour nap!
The change in weather, and an average of 4 hours of sleep a night finally caught up with me, and I've been a little under the weather for the past week. But I'm feeling strong now (those tons of vitamins really do make a difference) and I'm SO glad I managed to avoid the flu. My husband did a great job of homeschooling with the kids, though not as well as myself of course (allow me just a bit of pride here). But we're back in the flow and looking forward to Thanksgiving break.
I have to add just one more thing due to the fact that it shows the difference that age can make. While my middle child told me every 5 minutes how glad he was that I was home, and the youngest stuck to me like glue, my eldest was much more nonchalance. He was happy to see me of course, but commented quite a few times on what a wonderful time he had while I was gone...lol. I asked him if perhaps he would like me to stay longer next time? With an embarrassed grin he answered in the negative. I love it that he enjoyed being with Dad so much, and is feeling more independent. But I'm also glad that I have one (if not two) kids who still want mom rather close by. Feeling needed is a rather nice thing.
Did I say just one more thing..? So I did. But I'm also going to mention that I have a special giveaway coming up soon that would make a very nice Christmas gift for someone special on your list. My sister has turned into quite an accomplished artist and I'm planning to start an Etsy shop to display and sell her wares. Which means a giveaway to help get the word out. How does a customized portrait sound? Stay tuned :)
I have lots of posts from my favorite blogs to catch up on. I know you've missed my witty comments..lol. I've missed hearing about all your activities, so I'm going to squeeze in some extra time for catching up today as I can.
Have a great Monday~
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