2008-Nov-26
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Happy Thanksgiving!
The next few days I will be taking off from the computer and blogging. What will my family be doing during that time? For starters, we are working a hockey tournament, so I am only taking time off from the computer. Secondly, we are stealing bits of time and having wonderful family time! We will be playing games such as Dictionary Dabble, Clue, Scrabble, Connect Four, & Uno. Oh and we will be enjoying Christmas movies in the evenings! So there is a lot of family fun going on this week! I will be back on Monday with a GREAT line-up and a new E-zine that has one of the most scrumptious recipes for leftover turkey! You will WANT to have leftovers just to make this dish!
So, enjoy this time and share your abundant blessings with your family and friends! I will see you next week!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to All!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/119026/
2008-Nov-20
Me Thinks I Been Hacked
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
My sincerest apologies to all of you who have emailed about the November issue of Her Simple Walk E-Zine and this week’s Journey to Simlicity E-zine. I had been working on them in segments as I am able. However, when I went in this evening to finish them up and send them to all of you, I found that they are missing. I am not certain what is going on yet, but I submitted a help “ticket” and am hoping to discover the source of this. However, if there is no method of recovering the information, I will have to start them both from scratch.
I am packing and preparing for our family to work a tournament and we leave Friday. Right now, I should be in bed, but I have been trying to resolve this tonight if possible. However, I now must wait to hear back from the help department. This means I will be unable to get to these until next week some time. My sincerest apologies for the inconvenience to all of you! Know that I will do all that I can to get these re-written and in your Iinboxes ASAP.
In addition, the Simple Journey Bookstore is in disrepair again. I am working as best I can to repair the links and formatting to making your shopping with us a pleasant and user friendly experience. Thanks for your patience and understanding through our trials!
These are my thoughts.
Me Thinks I Been Hacked
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/118231/
2008-Nov-16
Testimony to Answered Prayers
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Friends, I am so thankful for all the prayers I received over the last several days; both on the Internet & and in emails!!! Your wonderful prayers have been working! Testimony abounds my friends!
After 15 years of dealing with compounding health issues for me, Thomas and I had both been frustrated of not getting answers, issues not only not getting better, but nothing was ever getting cured. On top of all this, things were getting worse! Each time I would go to the DR I was being labeled with some other health issue. How could this be when I kept following “the plan” and receiving meds? A few months ago, it came to a crossroad that I needed to DO something that was going to make a change! We began seeing that at my age not only should I not be experiencing so many seemingly correctable health issues, but ones that were unable to be corrected with meds. With each new cocktail I was given, it would help cover up symptoms and within three months old issues would creep in and NEW issues would pop-up! I often wondered if I was becoming a hypochondriac! Seriously! Ho wouldn’t when her medical chart was beginning to look like a medical textbook? With all this now, we wondered what my future would look like medically.
READ MORE...
Testimony to Answered Prayers
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/117817/
2008-Nov-14
Please Pray for Me
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Hi to everyone. This post is going to seem very strange to you. Some of you are aware of the medical issues I have been combating over the last several years. The last few months have been such a strain on me. The last few weeks have been almost unbearableand in some ways I am unable to function. I have not been able to type much, for my arms are almost completely numb, now. Tonight, well really this morning, something awful occured. Satan has continued to try to push me down.
I ask that you please lift me in prayer. Thank you for your friendship, kindness, love, and prayers!
Please Pray for Me
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/117563/
2008-Nov-10
Vote for Journey to Simplicity as Best Encourager
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
I just found out that Journey to Simplicity has been nominated for BEST ENCOURAGER (click here) over at the 2008 Homeschool Blog Awards! How exciting!!! I am not only surprised, but I am SO honored right now to be nominated for such a great category!!!
PLEASE, vote for the Journey to Simplicity by CLICKING HERE NOW.
Check out the rest of the categories and vote for your fave blogs! My favorite part of the HS Blog Awards, is finding NEW blogs every year! Be on the look out for my new faves!!!
REMEMBER to Vote for Journey to Simplicity for Best Encourager!
Be Blessed and HAVE FUN!
Vote for Journey to Simplicity as Best Encourager
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/117010/
2008-Nov-4
Extra Freebies!!!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Hi All!
Please remember and Get Out to VOTE Today!
This is a sticky post and will be up all week. Scroll down for regular weekly posts.
I want to take a brief moment from working on the bookstore to let you know about Cindy Rushton's Making Memories Seminar coming up this weekend.
Now, Cindy has authorized me to send you a wonderful article of hers completely FREE and I will include it at the end, but I wanted to sweeten the pot for all of you!
I am SO excited about this weekend and have been inspired with the preview chats! I am looking forward to my session this weekend Tranistioning from a Worldly Christmas to a Christ Focused Christmas! The seminar is exactly what you will want to wrap your heart around to prepare for the upcoming hustle and bustle!
But I want to offer YOU More!
Everyone who purchases a ticket through me (http://tinyurl.com/SJMemories) is going to get EXTRA goodies that you won't get anywhere else!!! Not even with Cindy!!!
Are you Ready???????????
Purchase your ticket to Cindy Rushton's Let's Make a Memory Talk-A-Latte Virtual Seminar through me (http://tinyurl.com/SJMemories) and you will also receive
- A Free copy of my e-book Simply Frugal Electric Skillet Recipes
- A Free copy of my mini e-book Simple Dinners During Christmas Chaos
- And an entry to win a Free ticket to my 8 week class, Digging Out of Debt God's Way!!!!
Here's a great article to get you started!
Let's Make a Memory...Over Books!
by Cindy Rushton
http://tinyurl.com/SJMemories
Hummm…was it the giggles the whole way through adventures with Pooh? My constant sobbing through every page of The Little Preacher? Our total addiction to every single page of Pilgrim’s Progress? The giggles and strategy as the children would run off to “play” every single bit of Daniel Boone’s life—with stiff warnings from Mom that NO ONE really got the hair-cut! Peeking outside to see the hard, hard work as forts were raised and mud pies “baked” for our beloved “soldier.” Oh, the precious, precious memories! Precious memories that are OURS forever!
Want the best homeschool year yet?
Why not make it a priority to curl up as a family over the pages of a great book each day? Get the water going…pull out some nice snacks…settle down for tea (or hot cocoa!!)…and dig into great books!
Game, but have no idea where to begin?? Come home with our family and get a picture of how easy AND awesome building a memory—over a great book—can be!
Decide a Good Time for Read Alouds…
Over the years, I have found that even though I LOVE great literature and believe passionately in the power of a great book to inspire us toward greatness, teach those facts in a palitable manner, and feed our hungry minds with great ideas, there has still been a constant battle with distractions from our beloved typical family reading time. Constant phone calls…friends dropping by…never the same day to day family life because of constant interruptions…the list could go on and on! I found that we needed a more consistent time to read, study, and cuddle. A time that was just ours!
The best time for this was at the end of our busy day. Our family reading tradition began years ago when my husband worked as an Alabama State Trooper. We found ourselves up until very late hours. Those last few hours before he came in seemed perfect. They were not likely to be times for calls, errands, or drop-by guests. They were the easiest to preserve for our special time whether we were on the road traveling or cuddling on our sofa or snuggled in my bed for a nice-long read aloud! Those moments were the perfect ones for our family. Now, since the children are almost grown up, the schedule is more complex than ever, and dad is now retired and running the family business the ONE constant that we all cry out for in the midst of busy or chaotic or even the most hum-drum day is our evening family read aloud and pow-wow time!
So, the first things to decide–what time would work best for your family? Look at your schedule? What time of the day is the most constant…the most uninterrupted…the easiest to settle down? Set that time aside—you have a treasure house of memories coming your way!
Bit-By-Bit!
Perhaps a set time is not the problem. Perhaps the greatest need is dealing with the struggles that make read alouds an utter impossibility. An ideal! Certainly not a reality! You know…settling down the children…containing the messes long enough to finish one small part of a story…getting their interest? The habit that becomes a treasured tradition begins bit-by-bit! Here are a few ideas that may help:
* Get to know YOUR family and their interests. Each and every family is completely unique. What we love to read as a family, your family may not like at all! Our children may be completely different ages as yours. Our family preferences may be completely different than yours. In fact, our choices for read alouds now that our children are at these ages are very different from the choices we made in the early years. The key to a sizzling read aloud program rests with getting to know YOUR family and their interests and then basing your choices upon where you are.
* Use a reading list! Have no idea which books to begin with? TOTALLY confused with all of the options? We have a couple of recommendations. First, we recommend our book The Never-ending Rushton Reading List (soon to be re-released in ebook format after being TOTALLY revamped–working on that now!). It is very reasonable, compact, simple, and easy to begin using today. It includes suggestions that are perfect for teaching every subject with great books AND it has a basic list of recommended read alouds that EVERY (smile!) family should read through! As they get older, another recommendation that we have is our book Inspiring Our Children Toward Greatness Using Great Literature (also, out of print right now–look for it to be re-released in ebook format very soon too! One powerful book!) which has an extended list of recommendations for life-transforming literature and great books that you won’t want to miss. You can also find great recommendations in other books, catalogs, and at your local library.
* Make it FUN! Reading need not resemble the drudgery from our school days. Rather, it can be a great big family party! We have a daily “tea time” with our read alouds. When the children were little, I found very soon that our children were much more attentive if their bellies were full and their hands busy. Being a “tea-time addict,” it was almost the “given” thing to do! This may seem a bit artificial to your family. Find what works. Some families settle down with snacks like our family. Others entertain the children with play-doh to keep their hands busy while mommy reads. Other families give their children sketch books to “draw” what they imagine while mommy reads the book. Just make it a FUN family time! You will be amazed at how much the children will learn while making a memory!
Choose the BEST! Great Literature!
The still, quiet spirit of our home was only the first part of this special family tradition! Great books were musts! My children love to read. We have a library just for them filled with books that they can choose during their free time. They cover a wide-range of studies just by using whole, living books full of ideas and great information. For our read alouds, I did not want a repeat of those books. Instead, I wanted life-changing literature. Because of this heartbeat, I am extremely selective to choose the very BEST books for this special time.
I have a very simple test for discerning if the books are life-changing. I ask myself, “If these were the last moments that I had with my children, would this be the book that I would want to be the LAST ONE?? Would this be the memory that I want for them to carry with them?” “Is this book capable of teaching those life-lessons that they need to carry them through life?” This limits my choices to those books that are absolute MUSTS for my children. Those books that all well-educated children should dine upon. Those books that feed the spirit…challenge the soul…and encourage us to keep on persevering through it all!
I have been amazed at the way the Lord has led us by His Spirit to each book that He has wanted for us to read as a family. From The Hiding Place to Basket of Flowers to The Elsie Series to Hedge of Thorns to Passion and Purity to great poetry to Christmas stories to a multitude of biographies…God has had specific direction for us right when we needed to know His next choice!
Once I know which book we will read next, I usually hunt for a nice, large print edition, if at all possible. These are wonderful for helping us take turns. My son used to be so intimidated by small print in books. The large print editions are easier for him to read comfortably from. They also make great texts for copywork lessons. I saw the advantage to the large print as we read from Corrie Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place. There were so many wonderful quotes that I felt were important for the children to copy into their copybooks. While we read aloud, I simply marked them with a highlighter. On those mornings that the children were drawing blanks for copywork ideas, all they had to do was open that book to find a plethora of excellent choices! I found that to be helpful for my writing and speaking as well because I could easily find those great thoughts that had been planted in my mind while we read!
We usually take turns reading. This is the perfect way to help beginning readers ease into reading aloud for others. Their work can be so mundane if they practice with readers or insignificant reading lessons. A great book invites children to read with expression. When I would notice them tiring out, (you probably know that time because that is when they get REAL monotone…AKA boring!!) I would join in and read for a little while. That usually brightened up the pace so that when they would begin again, they would sound expressive and enthusiastic. Now, I absolutely LOVE to listen to them read aloud. It is neat to hear them stress those words that I would stress…or pause as I would pause! What a treasure!
Well, that is only part of the treasure! One thing that I love about this precious time with my children is that I find out just what they think, feel, and believe. We have tremendous discussions almost nightly about great ideas. I remember this being a goal for my children as they matured into adulthood. I never dreamed that I could have this blessing with little children! It is during these quaint moments of reading while sipping our tea, that I get a peek into their heart! I see their heart’s desires…their struggles in their character…the depths that God’s Word has worked in their lives…and their instant choices when faced with adversity (through the pages of the books). I can also help them trouble-shoot making decisions that may prevent them from irreparable errors later in their lives! Yes, those are the gifts that come with serving up great literature to our children.
Just This Easy…
Our daily read aloud time is just this easy. We don’t make it complicated by tests…by book reports…by written narrations on all we read. We are not even legalistic that our time be limited to books. We have been known to cuddle up with art prints JUST like we do our books. When we include art prints, we simply cuddle up to “listen” to the artist as he or she communicates through the canvas. My little ones have been known to sketch or paint the recent art print with their own style while I read a section from a great book. We also LOVE biographies, so we have enjoyed reading sketches about artists or the latest composer that we are getting to know! Each day, we use this time to also read through the Bible together as a family. This only takes minutes, yet the results have been overwhelming in our lives. Just a bit here and a bit there has helped to carry us into our world with a little bit more understanding about the worldviews of our culture! Not to mention, great art and music feed our minds with ideas that keep us growing into the vessels that God can really use in our culture!
Well, why not put on a little Classical Music in the background. Warm some water…EVEN if you prefer to use it for hot chocolate with fluffy marshmallows! :) Dust off those poetry books or that book you keep putting off for another day. Curl up with your little ones…there is NOTHING quite like the memory that can be made over a great book!!
About Cindy Rushton...
Cindy Rushton is the hostess of the Let's Make a Memory, her annual holiday fling for mothers around the world. She is recording Preview Chats for the Let's Make a Memory RIGHT NOW! Join her wonderful guests FREE for the next weeks as they count down to the Let's Make a Memory Virtual Seminar (November 7-8--BUT! NEVER ENDING because it is an ONLINE seminar!). Get your ticket NOW and begin to dig into her FREE gifts now! Check out all of the details here:
See you there!!!
Leslie
Extra Freebies!!!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/115953/
2008-Oct-13
Simple Journey Bookstore Sale is Ending!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
The Simple Journey Bookstore Sale is Ending this Week!
With so much economic and employment instability all around us and the holidays just around the corner, this is the time to get in on those low prices, especially the Bundle Packs.
Once the Sale is over the Bundle Packs will be Gone!
In an effort to offer You the Most resources at the BEST value of the season, the sale has been extended for this week only! So hurry, and don’t let the week slip by. This sale will not be repeated!
We all need deep savings right now, and this is the sale that not only will give you that, but the resources will help you slash your outgoing expenses in the process!
Click Here to Make Purchases Today!
Simple Journey Bookstore Sale is Ending!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/113596/
2008-Oct-2
A New look for Fall!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
A couple of weeks ago, one of you pointed out that I have not updated the look of my blog in a loooooooooooong while. So much so that it still read "Spring Blessings." Oh dear said Leslie, looking more red in the face than green.
So here's the NEW look for Autumn. Let me know how you like it!
Autumn Blessings!
A New look for Fall!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/112417/
2008-Sep-17
Wait a Minute!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Hi Ho Neighbors!
Just a quick heads up. There is a blip here this week, because I have been digging in heavy into researching some VERY interesting questions flowing into my inbox, faster than I can read them. LOL!
I have also had to get back to life as normal this week. I think all the sleepless nights recently are catching up with me, because I am feeling run down and my nose is stuffed to the limit.
Rest assured I will make sure the weekly posts are here by Friday (for the entire week) AND you can look forward to some extra posts regarding the questions I am receiving coming up too!
Not only that, but the Her Simple Walk Newsletter was delayed due to the seminar, and I will be working to make certain that goes out this weekend.
So, know that I am on the job!!! Now, back to my email! 
Love You All!
Wait a Minute!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/110820/
2008-Aug-18
Hurriedness of Hurricane Fay!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
The Hurriedness of Hurricane Fay
Monday Madness! That’s what we are naming today. Hurricane Fay is headed this way and she has stepped up her time frame. Why is she in such a hurry anyway? I wanted to let all know that we will be in preparations for her arrival today. Busy, busy, busy. Vehicles to move, trailer to park, hanging plants to bring in, bikes to store, various and sundry things out and about, extra water and gas to get, and securing our RV. I will likely be the only person who WON’T be food shopping today. LOL! I always have food on hand. J
So, send out some prayers for us Florida folk as we all take time to prepare for her arrival. We are right in the center of the 2 perspective landfall areas, so either way; we will be getting some serious winds and rain. Also, I will likely not be able to answer emails today. If we lose power for any length of time, I may not be able to reply for a few days, so don’t think I am not getting them or am ignoring you…as if you would every think such things.
For my Digging Out of Debt students, you should still receive your class materials, regardless of Fay. They have been set to automated and all known glitches have been repaired. BUT, if you do have a problem go ahead and email and I will be available as much as possible!
For those who are kind of stunned by my relaxed issue with good ol Fay, she isn’t that big or strong. Once preparations are complete, we are looking forward to just hanging out and having some snuggly fun time. They have already closed my husband’s plant and we are definitely excited to have him home for an extra day. YIPEE! Fay is nothing compared to what we have dealt with in the past, but we don’t want to be complacent, either. J
Have a FABULOUS Monday, and I will see you back here ASAP! Back to Monday Madness!
These are my thoughts.
Hurriedness of Hurricane Fay!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/107890/
2008-Jul-23
Some GREAT info!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Sharing the Good News!!!
Hi to all! Wondering where yesterday's post is? Well, I have been working feverishly to restructure the Simple Journey Bookstore...and it is finished for now. As many of you already know, I have been reading all your emails. Some of those had some GREAT ideas on what YOU would like to see in the Simple Journey Bookstore. You can see some of those answers to your requests TODAY!
The newest addition to the Simply Frugal series of books has recently been released; Simply Frugal Electric Skillet Recipes. I have had SO much feedback on this book, there may be a hike in stock of the companies that manufacture electric skillets!!! WAHOO! That is too much fun! I LOVE hearing from all of you. As always, I am offering this at a LOW introductory price!!! You DON'T want to miss out on this BIG savings!
Everyone is getting ready for the new school year. Looking at co-ops, sports, classes, and commitees can be a bit overwhelming. I have been grabbing bits and pieces of planners for years. I have never been able to find one that met all of my needs. NOW I have. Available in the Simple Journey Bookstore is Julie Forsythe's NEWEST planner, and it is the BEST YET! The Master Plan is the most consie planner I have ever seen! Some of the best features are that it is a FOUR YEAR planner and that it is digitally interactive. Have you been frustrated with digital items that have glitches? You won't have that issue with this planner. This planner is for EVERYONE, not jsut homeschoolers...that is how much is in this planner!!! Read more about it at Simple Journey Bookstore.
There is a SOOOOO Much many more wonderful deals to tell you about, I am just busting!!!
Ok, In the Hands of a Child is having a FABULOUS sale on their new Olympic 2008 lapbook!
In the Hands of a Child Featured Unit
Save Big on the 2008 Summer Olympics, Beijing, China Project Pack
Now thru August 15, 2008
Super Members Save 50% off the regular price!
Super Members at In the Hands of a Child Receive Super Benefits!
BUT WAIT….
Everyone Saves at In the Hands of a Child!
Basic Members Save 25% off the regular price!
Special does not apply to prior purchases. Good on eBook, Printed and CD formats.
There's Still MORE to tell you!!!
So Keep Reading!
Look What I just got from Cindy!
She has just introduced a super new set for those who want (or need) real help getting organized for the new school year. She is "pumped" ( isn't she always?) about having it all online right in time to help you get ready for your new school year.
This set is amazing! It includes two bonuses that are normally cost more than the price of the set:
1. Organization 911 Seminar Set (over 24 audio sessions!)
2. Let's Get Organized Seminar Set (Cindy's newest audio set!)
Actually, Cindy told me that she is so excited that she decided to share a sneak peek into some of the goodies included in this set.
Anyway, that brings me to the reason that I am sharing with you...
Cindy just sent me permission to give you a sampler of one of her free gifts that is included on the Download Page. I am so excited to give it to you! It is a audio that she actually sells on her website, but she is giving away as a bonus gift with this set. Here is the link so you can check it out:
Restoring Balance To Completely Overloaded Lives… with Cindy Rushton
Overloaded! Busy! Hurried! Overworked! Stressed! Rushed! Relate?? This is reality for most in our culture today--EVEN homeschooling families! We exceed our limits. We take on WAY TOO MUCH! We write checks that our body and mind cannot cash! Everything (and EVERYONE) suffers. It gets harder and harder to hear God as He whispers direction, encouragement, and wisdom along our path. We miss the best! We wonder why we end our days empty and without meaning or accomplishment. We forget what is most important—or at minimum, put it off for another day. The important seldom screams for attention, but the urgent, often insignificant, constantly screams for MORE and more! We get so busy and distracted doing the urgent and demanding in life that we lose the opportunity to impact the important, that in which we are given to leave a legacy! So, how on earth do we get out of this rat race? How are we to restore balance? If we could restore balance, how could we maintain balance? How could we make life really count for something? In this workshop, Cindy shares what the Lord has taught her He pulled me back from so many GOOD things to restore balance and keep me on the path to leaving a legacy! Join Cindy for a workshop that will change your life as it has changed hers!
Download by Mp3
http://tinyurl.com/quvf2
Isn't that FUN?
You know the saying that a picture captures a thousand words,well...what about a a gift like this??? And, just think...this is only a sampling of Cindy's teaching. You get tons more with this set. Take my word for it, you will WANT this set and access to all of the wonderful resources. Grab your set here today:
http://www.cindysaffiliates.com/go.php?offer=boltbabe&pid=2
I CAN'T wait for this to start. I have my ticket, and I hope to "see" you there!
I Am NOT Done Yet!
I will be working on transitioning this site over to the NEW Journey to Simplicity in the next few months. SOOOO, go on over and book mark the site, TODAY!
If you love the daily tips, ideas, recipes, & information I post about on my blog, then be sure to sign up for the Journey to Simplicity E-zine. This E-zine is monthly, so it won't clog up your inbox, BUT the information is SO rich, you WON'T want to miss it. The bst part, IT"S FREEEEEEEE! We NEVER spam!
Remember you can only sign up for it at the NEW Journey to Simplicity!
If you are looking for some inspiration and encouragement on your journey to Godly Womanhood, sign up for Simple Journey Ministries monthly e-zine, Her Simple Walk E-zine. AS always, it's once per month, so no clogging up of your Inbox and we NEVER spam!
It's FREEEEE! So sign up today!
Ok, it’s super late and it’s time for me to hit the hay. Tomorrow, I will post the last few days worth of posts, so You haven’t Missed a Thing!
These are my thoughts.
Some GREAT info!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/105189/
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Hey everyone! I wanted to take a moment to let you all know what is going on. Yesterday, the end of the HUGE UHSE 2008 sale, Simple Journey Bookstore crashed. Everything was lost…well mostly. After many attempts to restore, I found I had to rebuild the store from the gound up. SO, I worked on that until it was morning time for the rest of my family. Many thanks to those of you who took the time to email me about your issue with any of the sites. I am working on getting them repaired today. But, there may be issues I do not know about yet. Please email me if you notice something is not working right and what site you were on (SJ Ministries, JTS, or SJ Bookstore). I really appreciate your help!
Due to yesterday’s chaos with the bookstore, some were unable to make their last minute HUGE UHSE purchases. If you are one of those, please email me and you will still be able to order at the sale prices. If you have already emailed me, check your inboxes!!!
Thanks for hanging in there ladies.
OH, one more thing if you haven’t received an email from Cindy yet (check your inboxes), she is working on editing the rest of the audios! YIPPEE! I went over today to check on some of the new goodies and I am more than excited to dig in!
These are my thoughts.
Info for You
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/99569/
2008-May-6
Back to Business!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
So the live part of the Ultimate Homeschool Expo 2008 is over. Well, mostly over. There are still a few make-up sessions to participate in. For that I am grateful, because I get to hang out with many of you and THAT is FUN! Better than that, it will give me more chances to give away Free Gifts and Doorprizes!
Speaking of Free Gifts, if you participated on either Friday or Saturday, don’t think you have been forgotten. I am having trouble with my email out here in the campground. That’s camping! Have no worries, I will be getting those last Free Gifts at the beginning of next week when I return to my normal computer. YEAH! Something to look forward to…ALWAYS Fun!
Well, our camping holiday is going great. The weather has been perfect. Sunny, but not to hot during the days. Cool in the evening w/o too many bugs. That doesn’t happen often here in SW FL, so we are really loving it!
We can’t wait for Daddy to come join us, that’s for sure. We have all missed him. But he will be here before we know it!
So what’s in store here at the Journey to Simplicity? Well, Next week I will return to my normal schedule of postings. In addition, I will be answering specific questions! SO, if you have a question about how to live more simply or frugal ideas, email me at Leslie@leslievaleska.com!
I am cooking something up for tomorrow while on holiday, but that’s the only hint you are getting. Post a guess on this post and the first one to guess what the post will be, will receive a Free Gift! And You KNOW how much I love giving away Free stuff! So start guessing ladies!
Back to Business!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/96751/
2008-Apr-15
Where are the posts?
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Well, this has been along stint away for me, eh? Life has been calling and that is always a priority for us. But it is so exciting! We have been working through so much, that it is exciting just to see God's intimate workings in our lives.
The biggest is that the hubby has just started a business. It won't ever make us a fortune, but we don't care. We know God will use it to meet our needs, which is all we ask. He will be working his business part time with a goal of sustaining our family exclusively within six months. Although that's his goal, our reality goal is a year. There has been so much work involved in the start-up, I had no idea! Just dealing with banks about business accounts has had my head spinning. Do you know every bank we have dealt with has said they are teh best in the industry for business banking? Now, how can that be? Self proclaimed titles have been wearing on my nerves, can ya tell? Hopefully all of our governement paperwork will be approved by week's end, then we have to really get shaking. Which also means that we have been workingon developing a training course for the hubby's assistant (our son). This is whole different type of world he will be stepping into, so he needs extensive schooling. Oh did I say school, I meant training. Funny how homeschoolers can utilitze life for education. THAT in mind, I have to revamp his schedule so that he can do job training AND school. That is going to change our schedule considerably, but that's where we are. =)
With all this you would think I would be exhausted, but I have been working on a few articles and getting some GREAT freebies together for YOU! Many authors have accepted the invitation to offer YOU encouragement and support over at Simple Journey Ministries. So I ahve been trying to put time into that schedule of events. Simple Journey Bookstore is about to have something REALLY GREAT happen! Oh it is going to be so good! (hint hint: free stuff!) So those have been keeping me busy too.
But just for kicks and giggles we thought a bit of extra chaos would be a super challenge for our family! So we have been looking at our calendars and schedules for the next 8 months or so. We have developed periodical check points that will help us make decisions when needed. I highly recommend this for all families! It is a great way to have a little pre-planning for some what ifs. Nothing too intricate, just something such as, if your family is away from home more than 4 days per week you will then need to decrease something else. Or if your business takes 20% or more time than previously, you will have to drop an activity to compensate. Priorities and realizing we are human and it is better to put your family first doing a few things with well than a lot of things mediocrely is very important. That said we have worked out our check point plan to help keep a perspective on family even with a full time job, a part time job, 2 businesses, writing, and homeschooling. When things get to a certain point, we have put in place options to choose from to keep our focus where God wants it, on our family.
Now, I have also been clearing my schedule to attend the Ultimate Homeschool Expo 2008. If you are interested in learning more click on any of the banners above. It IS THE best conference for homeschoolers!
So without further ado, let's read some great posts about living simply! Wahoo!
Where are the posts?
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/94372/
2008-Apr-1
Information for Subscribers
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Hi all! As I have been working on the NEW Journey to Simplicity website, one of my goals has been to get all my subscribers here transferred over with ease. After a few failed attempts, I believe all subscribers should get an email today asking if they would like to receive information from Journey to Simplicity.
SO, if you have already signed up here, you do not need to sign up on the NEW Journey to Simplicity. Just follow the instructions to approve the requested info and YOU will begin to receive the Journey to Simplicity Ezine, monthly FOR FREE!
HOWEVER, if you already signed up over at the NEW Journey to Simplicity, simply disregard the new email, so as not to cause you to be double signed up.
If you should happen to receive double emails, just let me know and I will take care of that for you.
If you ahve any questions please contact me at: Leslie@leslievaleska.com
THANK YOU!
Information for Subscribers
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/92787/
2008-Mar-31
Line Up for This Week!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Oh, the last few days have been fun! We spent some time relaxing and visiting with family from New York. The weather was PERFECT for the beach, even if the water felt was frigid!
Journey news: Over at the NEW Journey to Simplicity I tried a new plugin for posting, that I see has not worked. So, today I am working on rectifying that. I am also working on getting everyone integrated from both sites, so THAT is exciting for me! Keep checking the bookstore, because there will be some new releases rolling out in the next few weeks! OH, you are going to be tickled to see what I have coming off the presses! Not only that, but there will also be some FREEBIES coming your way available ONLY at the Simple Journey Bookstore!
Also for you this week are some GREAT seminars in the pre-chat section of the Ultimate Homeschool Expo. Here's this week's line-up:
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Monday...
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Learning Styles--Their Challenges & Solutions
Cyndi Kinney from http://www.KnowledgeBoxCentral.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
8AM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Help! How to Avoid Homeschool Burnout
Cyndi Kinney from http://www.KnowledgeBoxCentral.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
10AM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Teaching Our Children the Value of Purity, Modesty, & Loyalty
Cyndi Kinney from http://www.KnowledgeBoxCentral.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
1PM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Improving Memory Retention While Having FUN!
Cyndi Kinney from http://www.KnowledgeBoxCentral.com
Monday, March 31, 2008
3PM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
((8PM-- Just Wish I'd Known Seminar with Jube Danworth for TAL Members))
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Tuesday...
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Inviting the Holy Spirit into Your Homeschool
with Jim and Sheila Carroll from http://www.LivingBooksCurriculum.com
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
10AM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Trim the Fat! Cutting the Costs from YOUR Grocery Bill
Leslie Valeska from http://www.LeslieValeska.com
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
1PM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Being Led By The Holy Spirit in Your Homeschool.
Dawn Churchill from http://www.DawnChurchill.com
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
3PM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Eternal Priorities
Tammy Cardwell from http://www.TammyCardwell.net
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
8PM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
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Wednesday...
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A Life of Simplicity and Frugality: How to Get There
Leslie Valeska from http://www.LeslieValeska.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
10AM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Robin Khoury from http://www.salvationkids.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
1PM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Who Me? Political? What Every Homeschooler Should now About Politics
Jube Danworth from http://www.TexasHomeEducators.com/
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
3PM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Lapbooking With Literature
Cyndi Kinney from http://www.KnowledgeBoxCentral.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
8PM CST
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Line Up for This Week!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/92677/
2008-Mar-27
You will NOT want to miss this!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Tomorrow Phyllis Sather is presenting a seminar on her book Purposeful Planning. Wondering what this is all about. Read this description straight from Phyllis’s Book Shop:
“Does having your spouse’s undivided attention appeal to you? Planning weekends give you time to dream, to talk together about what you wish, or want, at a time when the other person is really listening.
Do you need a plan to keep your family moving in the direction the Lord is leading you? Perhaps you don’t know where the Lord is leading you. Phyllis takes you step-by-step through the process of planning a time together for your family to help determine the path the Lord is choosing for each area of your life. Her family has followed this format for over 12 years and has found that it provides the compass they’ve needed to plan and stay on course.“
Having done this plan, I can say that this description doesn’t nearly encompass the goodness involved in this plan. One of my favorite aspects was that it can be planned WITH children. The book recommends a weekend getaway. However when I received the book and we looked at our schedules, there was no way we could take time away. SO, we did it at home. Set up parameters for our kids and WOW! In 3 days Thomas and I spent 10 1/2 hours talking about our family! What made it flow so easily was Phyllis’s great layout of how to get a LOT discussed in minimal time. By starting each session with prayer, we knew the Lord would cover and bless our time. We agreed that the intentional planning for the year ahead was a key to us growing in God. We actually cannot remember the last time we spent so much time talking together…UNINTERRUPTED!
TOMORROW Phyllis will be speaking about this very plan! You DO NOT want to miss out! Think your husband won’t go for it? Me too. Thomas is a non reader. I asked him to spend the time to read the book. I never ask him to read, so he knew it must be something he should look at. Afterwards, he said we absolutely had to do this and we picked our dates!
TOMORROW’S seminar by Phyllis Sather is
Purposeful Planning
Phyllis Sather from http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
Friday, March 28, 2008
1PM CDT
Talk-a-Latte Conference Room
Make note of the time zone! Also, all you need to do is register at the Ultimate Homeschool Expo and they will send you the info to join the seminar for FREE! I hope to See you there!
You will NOT want to miss this!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/92358/
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
A quick thank you to all who participated in the online seminar today! I had a BLAST!
Please make certain to contact me at Leslie@leslievaleska.com with any questions or topics you would like me to consider. I LOVE hearing from all of you!
Today there was some chatter about salad ideas. Tomorrow I will dig in to looking for those posts and placing them back on top!
Today is Tuesday, which means I am behind on posting on Tightwad Tuesday and writing for Homesteadblogger’s Front Porch. For those of you who are new to the Journey to Simplicity, every Tuesday I write an article regarding Going Green and/or Frugal/Simple Living. If you have a moment, hop on over to the Front Porch and click on Going Green or Frugal & Simple Living on the right sidebar to read past articles. Next week, I will be speaking about three lifestyles and how YOU CAN travel on those paths!
A SPECIAL THANKS to all of you who have been with me for some time. I appreciate your patience while I took time away from you to work on the websites, etc. I hope this will serve you better! Any suggestions, PLEASE contact me at the above email.
Have GREAT rest of the day!
Thank YOU!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/92144/
2008-Mar-24
Something Special and FREE Just for YOU!
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Earlier today I posted the info about the ULTIMATE HOMESCHOOL EXPO 2008! I hope everyone took some time to checkout the link and see what is there for all of you.
With that I want you all to know that you can get in on the preview chats that are going on NOW! You can check out the line-up at The Ultimate Homeschool Expo 2008.
More for you, tomorrow I will be presenting at 10 am CDT on Menu Planning: Simple & Delicious. This will cover all aspects of making a tedious task FUN! When mom has FUN, more gets done! Check out the link above to see what else is being presented tomorrow, because it is JAM PACKED of good topics!
You don't need anything fancy; just your computer with speakers. Login and then sit back and listen! It's LIVE so you can ask questions right on the text box! WOW a homeschool seminar that you can ask questions of the speakers! How cool is that?
Also something EXTRA SPECIAL..............................................................................
The NEW WEBSITES ARE UP!!!!
- The main site is for information about updates, events, more personal info about me, and extra goodies from other authors!!! There isn't much there right now, but check back there daily because as the UHSE gets closer there will be some specials you WON'T want to MISS! Simple Journey
- The second site is the mirror to this blog. BUT you can sign up for my FREE Journey to Simplicity E-zine that will come monthly to your mailbox. Check out the NEW Journey to Simplicity to sign up TODAY! Also, I am working on transferring posts over, so access will be easy. One of the COOL Features of the New Journey to Simplicity is that posts will be cross referenced so YOU can find them MORE EASILY! Now that IS a help! I know your time is precious and I want you to be able to find your information as quickly and easily as possible! So check our Journey to Simplicity TODAY!
- The third site is extra special! Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be the official opening day of the Simple Journey Bookstore! Wahoo!!! Current titles include Menu Planning: Simple & Delicious, Trim the Fat: The Ultimate Book on Cutting Costs at the Grocery, Inspirational Journal Pages Volume I, and Inspirational Journal Pages Volume II.
If you think that is exciting, you simply must keep up, because I have a bunch of New Realeases coming out VERY SOON!!! You will definitely Want to Check Them Out!
So be sure to visit the New Journey to Simplicity TODAY and don't forget to sign up for YOUR copy of the FREE monthly Journey to Simplicity E-Zine!
I can't wait to see you!
Something Special and FREE Just for YOU!
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/92058/
2008-Mar-17
Asking for a Little Prayer
Posted in Thoughts Comments or Concerns
Well, I am flat exhausted, but the website is going to be worth it! Later this evening I will post something pies, family fun, and the english muffin recipe.
Just wanted to ask all who read this within the next few hours for a small prayer. Littleton #3 has tryouts for his first real competitve hockey team today. we leave in about an hour. Unlike most current sports, this is a real tryout. There is a chance he will not make a team. Please pray for him to do his best, be satisfied with is best, regardless of the outcome. We have been talking about God's will in all this, and he seems to get it, but when the spotlight is on, he may not react appropriately. With that in mind, please pray for Thomas and I to be the parents God would have us be in this.
Thanks for your time and prayers! See ya later.
These are my thoughts.
Asking for a Little Prayer
http://www.homesteadblog.com/boltbabe/91364/
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