"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of G-d, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
Philippians 2:14-15
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friendship
There is nothing better than spending time with good friends!
I have laughed my head off today.
To my dear friends who have given me a super awesome afternoon... YOU ROCK!
Happy times!
LOL!
I have laughed my head off today.
To my dear friends who have given me a super awesome afternoon... YOU ROCK!
Happy times!
LOL!
Tornado Time!
It is raining cats and dogs... and tornadoes and lightning!!!!
Gosh.
We have a tornado right here in Poinciana like RIGHT NOW, so the kids are in their designated "safe" area, playing games and singing songs.
G-d is L-rd of the weather too! So He takes good care of us.
Gosh.
We have a tornado right here in Poinciana like RIGHT NOW, so the kids are in their designated "safe" area, playing games and singing songs.
G-d is L-rd of the weather too! So He takes good care of us.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Story Time
It varies though.
One night he reads about dinosaurs.
Another night he reads about reptiles.
After that he goes back to the dictionary.
Then it's ocean creatures.
(Yawn)
Then it's back to the dictionary again...
Yeah.
(Yawn)
I usually fall asleep before he is done with story time.
Tonight he is telling me all about the Roman coliseum.
Pretty brutal stuff. LOL! I loooooove my amazingly smart little boy!!!!
We Are All "Tangled"!
It's family movie afternoon, and this movie is soooooo cute!
Loving it.
While the kids laugh bunches, I rejoice in knowing that G-d's joy can be found even in the simplest of moments.
To watch them laugh like that is MY favorite part of the movie. :D
The horse is so hysterically funny! Maximus rocks!!!!
The Perks of Working From Home
Gotta love this concept...
Someone asks, "I see that you are a single homeschooling mommy, but how do you earn a living?"
I answer, "I'm a copywriter. I do copywriting freelance for clients or businesses, so I get to work from home. As long as I meet my deadlines, the rest of the time is mine to spend as I wish. No... I don't make a FORTUNE, but I assure you that the rewards are fantastic. Probably $150 to $300 per job. One job per day at that rate is not bad, and it sure pays the bills! My reward? Having enough hours in the day to educate my kids and be a mommy! You know... teach them class, cook, clean, spend time at the pool with them, take them out on field trips... etc."
Someone stares and says, "Wow... I want your job!"
LOL!
The idea is way cool, isn't it?
G-d is good!
"I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O L-RD, will I sing. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me" I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..."
Psalm 101:1-3a
Someone asks, "I see that you are a single homeschooling mommy, but how do you earn a living?"
I answer, "I'm a copywriter. I do copywriting freelance for clients or businesses, so I get to work from home. As long as I meet my deadlines, the rest of the time is mine to spend as I wish. No... I don't make a FORTUNE, but I assure you that the rewards are fantastic. Probably $150 to $300 per job. One job per day at that rate is not bad, and it sure pays the bills! My reward? Having enough hours in the day to educate my kids and be a mommy! You know... teach them class, cook, clean, spend time at the pool with them, take them out on field trips... etc."
Someone stares and says, "Wow... I want your job!"
LOL!
The idea is way cool, isn't it?
G-d is good!
"I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O L-RD, will I sing. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me" I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..."
Psalm 101:1-3a
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Ohhhhh Yeah!
Absolutely excited!!!!
Ok. Can life get any better?
G-d has blessed us in such an amazing way that I am still in awe of His wonderful blessings!!!!!! Hallelujah!
We are blessed!
We are blessed!
We are absolutely, positively blessed!
I love You my King! I love You Yeshua! I love You! I love You! I love You!
Ok. Can life get any better?
G-d has blessed us in such an amazing way that I am still in awe of His wonderful blessings!!!!!! Hallelujah!
We are blessed!
We are blessed!
We are absolutely, positively blessed!
I love You my King! I love You Yeshua! I love You! I love You! I love You!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Shalom Sesame - Khalikidan's Passover Seder
It will be Pesach in a few weeks and I am preparing my children with a few stories and of course Shalom Sesame is always so WONDERFUL when it comes to teaching our traditions and history!
Watching this Ethiopian Jewish family is so incredibly beautiful!
This video is incredibly cute! It teaches about the Afikomen, which is the hidden portion of matzah that the kids have to find before the seder is over. LOVE IT! This year the lucky kid to find it gets a $20!
Here are some of my favorite artists who have been featured on Shalom Sesame! :D
And of course... the winning songs are (drum roll)!
Watching this Ethiopian Jewish family is so incredibly beautiful!
This video is incredibly cute! It teaches about the Afikomen, which is the hidden portion of matzah that the kids have to find before the seder is over. LOVE IT! This year the lucky kid to find it gets a $20!
Here are some of my favorite artists who have been featured on Shalom Sesame! :D
And of course... the winning songs are (drum roll)!
Opting Out of Standardized Testing!
Totally agree with this! Teachers in public schools are merely using the time to prep the kids for these standardized tests, but are no longer TEACHING.
My children take standardized testing once a year to ensure that their homeschooling is coming along, but what REALLY works in helping them pass is simply TEACHING my kids their regular class with no stress, and no rush.
By simply teaching them their regular curriculum, my kids always do great in their Stanford Tests because traditional teaching helps them a lot with critical thinking.
When teachers spend most of the school year trying to get the kids to pass these exams, kids simply bottle up formulas and concepts that they quickly forget!
Learning is a process that takes time, and every child is different. That is why plopping the exact same test on all these kids, will never address their individual needs.
Standardized testing has become a way to keep tabs on how a school and its teachers are performing. If in this process traditional teaching is compromised, then there is a huge problem with the public education system.
This is the movie that is creating the awesome movement! Kids need to learn deeply, think deeply and be creative!!!
This movie "Waiting for Superman" literally made me cry! Wow. The Public Education system TODAY (because this is not how it was years ago) is just horrible!
The worst part is that when kids finally get to college, they don't know how to cope with it either. Many who did not quit high school will end up quitting higher education altogether. That is just sad.
My children take standardized testing once a year to ensure that their homeschooling is coming along, but what REALLY works in helping them pass is simply TEACHING my kids their regular class with no stress, and no rush.
By simply teaching them their regular curriculum, my kids always do great in their Stanford Tests because traditional teaching helps them a lot with critical thinking.
When teachers spend most of the school year trying to get the kids to pass these exams, kids simply bottle up formulas and concepts that they quickly forget!
Learning is a process that takes time, and every child is different. That is why plopping the exact same test on all these kids, will never address their individual needs.
Standardized testing has become a way to keep tabs on how a school and its teachers are performing. If in this process traditional teaching is compromised, then there is a huge problem with the public education system.
This is the movie that is creating the awesome movement! Kids need to learn deeply, think deeply and be creative!!!
This movie "Waiting for Superman" literally made me cry! Wow. The Public Education system TODAY (because this is not how it was years ago) is just horrible!
The worst part is that when kids finally get to college, they don't know how to cope with it either. Many who did not quit high school will end up quitting higher education altogether. That is just sad.
It's "Homeschool In Bed" Day
It's a cozy rainy day... so, why not?
They each have their lap desks, and they still get their work done!
School is in session!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Tea and Cucumbers... and That's It.
Whoah. I have the mother of all headaches, and not even medicine works.
Ouchy.
This is what I think I'll do this week.
I'll put myself on a tea and cucumber diet for like three days.
That should be good detox.
My body DOES NOT want food at this moment.
My body wants a break from food.
Tea, cucumbers and maybe some broth... and that is it.
Nothing else for three whole days, but I'll start tomorrow.
Tonight my dad promised to get me a delicious chocolate bar, which I have not had in a REALLY long time... and I don't want to say no to that.
LOL.
It's Sunday... and I'm allowed carbs today. Yay!
Ouchy.
This is what I think I'll do this week.
I'll put myself on a tea and cucumber diet for like three days.
That should be good detox.
My body DOES NOT want food at this moment.
My body wants a break from food.
Tea, cucumbers and maybe some broth... and that is it.
Nothing else for three whole days, but I'll start tomorrow.
Tonight my dad promised to get me a delicious chocolate bar, which I have not had in a REALLY long time... and I don't want to say no to that.
LOL.
It's Sunday... and I'm allowed carbs today. Yay!
Chillaxed
The kiddos spent a few hours in the pool while I just chillaxed on a patio chair chatting with my Dad about the garden, and the plants, etc. etc etc.
It looks like Florida might get some rain in the next few days.
Better enjoy this fun weather as much as we can before the rain begins! April is a few days away, and you know what they say:
April showers bring May flowers!
It looks like Florida might get some rain in the next few days.
Better enjoy this fun weather as much as we can before the rain begins! April is a few days away, and you know what they say:
April showers bring May flowers!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
In Prosperity...
“In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends” ~ John Churton Collins (English literary critic)
Been there to realize who my real friends are.
Thank You Yeshua for REALLY GOOD friends!
Been there to realize who my real friends are.
Thank You Yeshua for REALLY GOOD friends!
Cleaned Out My Friend's List
Cleaned out my list.
Don't want anyone on my account who requested me with the sole purpose of being nosy.
I just think it's kind of creepy when people request you but never really interact. It makes you wonder if all they want is to keep tabs on what you do.
That's creepy.
Eww.
Don't want anyone on my account who requested me with the sole purpose of being nosy.
I just think it's kind of creepy when people request you but never really interact. It makes you wonder if all they want is to keep tabs on what you do.
That's creepy.
Eww.
Friday, March 25, 2011
While They "Fly" I Grill! LOL
Wonderful Spring day.
Can it get any better than this?
They swim, "fly" and have fun while I GRILL! Oh yeah!
Can it get any better than this?
They swim, "fly" and have fun while I GRILL! Oh yeah!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Claudia's Cupcake Tree!
So my beautiful daughter wants a cupcake tree for her birthday and a fellow teacher, Mrs. Dartez, recommended that I contact Sweet Designs Kitchen in Hunters Creek.
Well, the price was right and all was wonderful until my mother saw pictures of the cupcake trees and said, "Please don't tell me that you are paying those people for something that I can do myself!"
My mom bakes.
Um... yeah... she is right.
This is actually very easy to do, and not only would I be saving money, but the cupcakes would taste absoultely delicious.
Mrs. Dartez had suggested keylime flavored cupcakes and Claudia loved that idea, but she also wants red velvet and vanilla and my mom can do all that! All we had left to do was choose the overall "look" of the cake which we could simply do by going over pictures on the internet.
After looking at a gazillion pictures, Claudia found one that she REALLY liked. It is simple and delicate and it goes with the Spring theme!
Of course we would cover the tier with pretty pink paper and surround the edges with ribbon. This look is nice, but we can personalize it a bit. Just a litte bit. :-)
Well, the price was right and all was wonderful until my mother saw pictures of the cupcake trees and said, "Please don't tell me that you are paying those people for something that I can do myself!"
My mom bakes.
Um... yeah... she is right.
This is actually very easy to do, and not only would I be saving money, but the cupcakes would taste absoultely delicious.
Mrs. Dartez had suggested keylime flavored cupcakes and Claudia loved that idea, but she also wants red velvet and vanilla and my mom can do all that! All we had left to do was choose the overall "look" of the cake which we could simply do by going over pictures on the internet.
Of course we would cover the tier with pretty pink paper and surround the edges with ribbon. This look is nice, but we can personalize it a bit. Just a litte bit. :-)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Cupcakes??? REALLY???
Claudia: "Mom, I don't want a birthday cake. It's too cliché! I want a cupcake tier!"
Me: "Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?????????????"
Claudia: "Ma... who do you know eats that gawky stuff they decorate cakes with? I mean... REALLY! Cupcakes ma'. I want cupcakes."
Me: (silence..............brain reloading.............please stand by.........)
Me: "Say whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?????????????"
Claudia: "Ma... who do you know eats that gawky stuff they decorate cakes with? I mean... REALLY! Cupcakes ma'. I want cupcakes."
Me: (silence..............brain reloading.............please stand by.........)
I'm A Budget Oriented Mommy, So...
When I realized that the material that went into making luminaries was just plain old paper, I shoved the whole idea of buying expensive kits aside, and decided to put my crafty self to work.
I admit that I have a love affair with Dollar Tree and Deals. Yes.
I am a bargain shopper and I admit it! So when I saw that the LED luminaries (that were round instead of square, but who cares!) were only a dollar each, I had to put this mind of mine to work!
Ok... ready for this?
TISSUE PAPER $1
Window Clings $1
LED Luminaries $1 each
Getting the exact designs that we wanted for Claudia's Spring Birthday?
Priceless!
Grand total for my home made luminaries (which look so much prettier than the ones they have online)...
$30.00 (thirty dollars)
Price for luminaries online? $60 per kit... and I needed like 3 in total. You do the math!
But I was able to find the ice buckets that we wanted, with dragon flies, bees and sunflowers! LOL!!!
Price?
$1 each, of course!
Wow! This is when I start singing, "This little light of mine... I'm gonna let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!"
Yeah!
High Heels
The last year I ever wore high heels.
Wow.
I love my legs.
Ok.
I WILL wear high heels again one day. I WILL! I WILL! I WILL!
Wow.
I love my legs.
Ok.
I WILL wear high heels again one day. I WILL! I WILL! I WILL!
Letter #2 From Sandra (USS Kearsarge)
From: buscamps@lhd3.navy.mil
To: Yovannakis@aol.com
Sent: 3/23/2011 6:20:50 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: (no subject)
Hey mom, I am ok. The web is up for a little so don’t expect me to answer the email later on. Aca todo esta muy feo. I want to go home. Espero que no nos extiendan el deployment.
To: Yovannakis@aol.com
Sent: 3/23/2011 6:20:50 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: (no subject)
Hey mom, I am ok. The web is up for a little so don’t expect me to answer the email later on. Aca todo esta muy feo. I want to go home. Espero que no nos extiendan el deployment.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Claudia's 12 Years
Going nuts with all the beautiful luminaries! So many to choose from for Claudia's birthday dinner! We are opting for the flickering LED lighted ones because they give the illusion of real flame without the fire risk. Soooo pretty! Now all we have to do is choose the design inserts.
Because it is spring, Claudia really likes the humming birds, the butterflies and the dragonflies. Of course, as part of the decoration, there will be smaller Star of David luminaries as well.
Claudia has decided that she prefers the French modern table setting rather than the French formal. It's an excellent choice. It's still formal and elegant, but it doesn't look overdone. I couldn't agree more. Elegance and simplicity go hand in hand. When it comes to classy, less is more. The votives and luminaries will double as party favors, as well as the place card holders.
The china is perfect for this time of year, with sunlit yellow roses, and a matching tea set! The engraved silverware is a true relic, a gift from my grandmother to my mother, then from my mother to me, and it will be eventually passed on to Claudia. The silver is engraved with the family initials.
Yes, we are personalizing the event and letting G-d guide us. Not only are we honoring Claudia, but above all things, we are honoring our L-rd and Savior for all the wonderful blessings that He has poured over Claudia's life during the past 12 years. This will be a celebration of thanksgiving, and it will be beautiful in the name of Yeshua HaMashiach.
It will be an intimate formal dinner, with only family present. Yes, we are still sending out invitations. LOL. We just can't make up our minds! The templates are all soooo gorgeous!
Ok. Lots of planning to do!
Here are her dress options. She picked out several and now we are down to two. I like the longer dress, but the darker pink is pretty too. LOL!
After creating a poll online, lots of friends think that the longer dress is a perfect match. Hmmm... yeah! I agree!
Monday, March 21, 2011
A Letter from My Sister Sandra (USS Kearsarge)
Somehow my sister Sandra found the time to email our mom all the way from the Mediterranean.
From: buscamps@lhd3.navy.mil
To: Yovannakis@aol.com
Sent: 3/21/2011 1:49:01 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: (no subject)
Hey Mom,
How are you guys? I miss you! Over here everything, I guess, is okay. Can't wait to go home. Bueno hoy estoy asustada porque hay 2 botes malos que vinieron a nuestra posicion. Estamos formados para una pelea. Espero que todo este bien. Esta cosa no se ve muy buena. Mi amigo tiene que estar con los aviones para ponerle las bombas . Ay Dios mio, espero que todo salga bien. Esta cosa no me gusta para nada. Quiero estar en casa. Bueno, si no les escribo es por que mi email esta down.
Los quiero mucho,
Sandrita
***************************************************************************
Dear L-rd,
I can tell from this short email that my little sister is experiencing a lot of new scary things out there at sea. I just ask You Father,right now, to place a hedge of protection over her and over every single coallition soldier and the innocent civilians that they are protecting.
Please Heavenly Abba, pour Your amazing peace over her right now and that she may feel Your presence like never before. Keep her focused and strong.
In the name of Yeshua HaMashiach,
Amen
From: buscamps@lhd3.navy.mil
To: Yovannakis@aol.com
Sent: 3/21/2011 1:49:01 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: (no subject)
Hey Mom,
How are you guys? I miss you! Over here everything, I guess, is okay. Can't wait to go home. Bueno hoy estoy asustada porque hay 2 botes malos que vinieron a nuestra posicion. Estamos formados para una pelea. Espero que todo este bien. Esta cosa no se ve muy buena. Mi amigo tiene que estar con los aviones para ponerle las bombas . Ay Dios mio, espero que todo salga bien. Esta cosa no me gusta para nada. Quiero estar en casa. Bueno, si no les escribo es por que mi email esta down.
Los quiero mucho,
Sandrita
***************************************************************************
Dear L-rd,
I can tell from this short email that my little sister is experiencing a lot of new scary things out there at sea. I just ask You Father,right now, to place a hedge of protection over her and over every single coallition soldier and the innocent civilians that they are protecting.
Please Heavenly Abba, pour Your amazing peace over her right now and that she may feel Your presence like never before. Keep her focused and strong.
In the name of Yeshua HaMashiach,
Amen
Don't Call Your Debt a Blessing
Ha ha ha! I can't comprehend why ignorant people get into debt to get something expensive, and then call that debt a blessing.
"Oh look! I just bought something that is going to make me look good, but that I secretly can barely afford! Let me just tell everyone that it was a blessing!"
LOL!
Only one thing comes to mind. A book they desperately need.
"Budget for Dummies"
Please. Unless you bought it "cash" or can really afford your payments without choking yourself in another area of your finances... don't call it a blessing.
G-d doesn't operate that way. G-d wants you out of debt, so He will not sink you further into it.
"Oh look! I just bought something that is going to make me look good, but that I secretly can barely afford! Let me just tell everyone that it was a blessing!"
LOL!
Only one thing comes to mind. A book they desperately need.
"Budget for Dummies"
Please. Unless you bought it "cash" or can really afford your payments without choking yourself in another area of your finances... don't call it a blessing.
G-d doesn't operate that way. G-d wants you out of debt, so He will not sink you further into it.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
What If...
I let myself dream away...straight into the arms of G-d?
His love so beautiful.
His blessings so amazing.
The beauty of His Holy presence so incredibly magnificent.
This love that is in my heart for my L-rd is so big that I can't contain it.
My King... my Beloved.
I am His.
His love so beautiful.
His blessings so amazing.
The beauty of His Holy presence so incredibly magnificent.
This love that is in my heart for my L-rd is so big that I can't contain it.
My King... my Beloved.
I am His.
Waiting on the L-rd
"Wait on the L-RD: be of good courage, and He will strengthen thy heart: wait, I say, on the L-RD." Psalm 27:14
I'm not saying that G-d can't use a very annointed person to relay a message...
All I am saying is that you shouldn't be seeking a "prophecy" every time you hit the altar or meet with other believers.
Take the time to talk to G-d. Write Him letters. Sing praises to Him. THINK about HIM throughout the day and take your time with Him. Learn to WAIT for His response while including Him in every aspect of your life.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
US Attacking Lybia and Enforcing No-Fly Zone
Operation "Odyssey Dawn" has begun.
My sister Sandra is currently in one of the Navy ships that is firing missiles at Lybia along with other ally ships. I praise the L-rd that they are finally enforcing the no-fly zone to protect civilians.
The one thing I don't like is that Gadhafi has promised to retaliate and strike back.
L-rd please be with our US sailors and our allies as they protect the lives of so many innocent civilians.
Abba... they are in YOUR hands my King.
Sandra and Lee are in YOUR hands as well.
Thank You for that.
So many things L-rd. Palestinians are attacking Israel as we speak and Israel is about to retaliate.
US and its allies are enforcing a No-fly zone to protect civilians in Lybia.
Japan continues to suffer the effects of the devastating earthquake and tsunami...
It's time to pray.
PRAY for real.
Not just say it... not just feel sorry for them... not just be indifferent.
The power of prayer is amazing.
It really is.
My sister Sandra is currently in one of the Navy ships that is firing missiles at Lybia along with other ally ships. I praise the L-rd that they are finally enforcing the no-fly zone to protect civilians.
The one thing I don't like is that Gadhafi has promised to retaliate and strike back.
L-rd please be with our US sailors and our allies as they protect the lives of so many innocent civilians.
Abba... they are in YOUR hands my King.
Sandra and Lee are in YOUR hands as well.
Thank You for that.
So many things L-rd. Palestinians are attacking Israel as we speak and Israel is about to retaliate.
US and its allies are enforcing a No-fly zone to protect civilians in Lybia.
Japan continues to suffer the effects of the devastating earthquake and tsunami...
It's time to pray.
PRAY for real.
Not just say it... not just feel sorry for them... not just be indifferent.
The power of prayer is amazing.
It really is.
Spring Is in The Air!
The kids had a wonderful time outdoors.
My baby niece, Angelee, is with us for a bit because her mommy has been deployed and her daddy is stationed in Japan. They are with the Navy. Emma is getting taller and more beautiful each day, and Claudia and Ricardo are growing so fast!
We love this time of year! Soon the grass will grow back (it gets kind of dry during the winter months) and we'll have a really nice backyard, days in the pool and lots of BBQ goodies!
Thank You Abba for such a wonderful, fun day!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Adonai Ahuvi
Woke up this morning singing "Adonai Ahuvi"... and I'm still singing it in my head. :-)
Ahhh yes L-rd. You are my Beloved Adonai!
Ata Adonai Ahuvi!
Ahhh yes L-rd. You are my Beloved Adonai!
Ata Adonai Ahuvi!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wonderful Afternoon
Had a wonderfully blessed afternoon of fellowship with Iris and Rocio.
G-d is good.
It is a wonderful thing to see strong women of G-d so thirsty for His Word and for His presence.
When G-d calls us to do something, we must never question the purpose. When we faithfully seize the opportunity to minister to others, His mercies fall from heaven, and His love pours like rain.
Friendship is about being there for each other through thick and thin. It is also about being honest and finding beauty in that honesty.
I thank G-d for good honest people and for strong believers.
After a delicious dinner and fellowship, G-d did what He intented to do and I praise Him for that. We are His and He is ours.
Hallelujah!
Thank You L-rd.
You are an awesome G-d!
G-d is good.
It is a wonderful thing to see strong women of G-d so thirsty for His Word and for His presence.
When G-d calls us to do something, we must never question the purpose. When we faithfully seize the opportunity to minister to others, His mercies fall from heaven, and His love pours like rain.
Friendship is about being there for each other through thick and thin. It is also about being honest and finding beauty in that honesty.
I thank G-d for good honest people and for strong believers.
After a delicious dinner and fellowship, G-d did what He intented to do and I praise Him for that. We are His and He is ours.
Hallelujah!
Thank You L-rd.
You are an awesome G-d!
Dollar Hits All-Time Low Against Yen
Wow.
L-rd, thank You for taking care of Your people in the times to come.
I pray this and affirm this in the name of Yeshua HaMashiach, because I believe that this is how it will be.
For those of us who are strong believers... even if this world's economy goes down the drain, we can always count on G-d's economy.
Faithfulness and blessing go hand in hand.
If you have been faithful to Him, then He will be faithful to you.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Of Course I CAN! (Posters from the great depression)
While I homeschool my kids, my mom is making lunch and my dad is outdoors gardening.
This month we will all learn how to can our own fruits and vegetables from our garden. It will be interesting for the kids to see how stuff like that was done in the old days and I myself can't wait. My parents were just kids being raised in New York during the years following the great depression and they really want to pass all this knowledge down to us, now that times are changing again. My abuelita, who is 96 years old and lives with us, has so much knowledge on the subject that she could write a book! Having her with us during this learning process is an amazing blessing. She is the best teacher because what she learned, she learned from personal experience. You can't beat that kind of knowledge. :-)When Mom bought the canning kit, we all wondered how it all worked. Right now we have to wait for harvest in order to find out, but it is definitely very cool.
This first poster is from the great depression... and it explains more than anything why this old "art" should be taught in every home in this country. Times are going to get tough. These other posters from the great depression paint a clear picture of how families were able to thrive and survive by merely canning their own fruits and vegetables and living with just the basics. This poster to the right is probably my favorite. While so many people nowadays are out there overspending, we really need to consider the fact that it is time to "make do" and simply do our best with what we have and perhaps stock up on items that we will need in the future. Children grow every year, and buying bigger sizes ahead of time, even if you have to buy from thrift store, is not such a bad idea.
This "Food Is A Weapon" poster, seems a bit out there, but it's really not. With the amount of food that we waste in this country, we could feed a whole other country! We throw more food in the trash than anyone else out there. We seriously need to start cooking just enough and buying just enough for consumption and storage. When we over buy, not only do we waste money, but we sin when we have to throw expired non consumed food in the trash. Pretty soon people will find themselves not taking a single grain of rice for granted. 
We seriously need to start saving up and making sure that we don't waste our money on things that won't be vital to our children's survival later.
I know of a lot of teenagers who will not be able to use or eat their cel phones pretty soon and will eventually love to trade them for a warm plate of food.
I know of a lot of teenagers who will not be able to use or eat their cel phones pretty soon and will eventually love to trade them for a warm plate of food.
Sounds ridiculous but it really isn't.
For anyone out there looking at what's happening in the market, you know that what I am saying is true. It's time to be proactive and not ignorant of the facts.
Ignorance is a fast easy way for people to perish in the coming hard times. G-d does not want His people to be ignorant. We must rely on Him and trust Him while realizing that He has given us ample warning in His Word of the things that are to come in order for us to prepare.
Joseph saved up grain for seven years and he was able to not only spare Egypt from the drought, but also his family.
He was proactive in preparing.
So was Noah and other patriarchs in the Bible.
Let's follow in their footsteps, please. Do not overspend. Appreciate what you have and thank G-d every single day for it. Use it up... wear it out... make it do... or do without!
For anyone out there looking at what's happening in the market, you know that what I am saying is true. It's time to be proactive and not ignorant of the facts.
Ignorance is a fast easy way for people to perish in the coming hard times. G-d does not want His people to be ignorant. We must rely on Him and trust Him while realizing that He has given us ample warning in His Word of the things that are to come in order for us to prepare.
Joseph saved up grain for seven years and he was able to not only spare Egypt from the drought, but also his family.
He was proactive in preparing.
So was Noah and other patriarchs in the Bible.
Let's follow in their footsteps, please. Do not overspend. Appreciate what you have and thank G-d every single day for it. Use it up... wear it out... make it do... or do without!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Absolutely Wonderful
G-d is... our EVERYTHING!
We thank You Abba for your blessings. We thank You for Your provision. We thank You for Your strength in difficult times. We thank You for Your faithfulness. We thank You for Your forgiveness!
Ahhhhhhhhhhh! It feels sooooooooo good to be in the presence of Almighty G-d!
Baruch HaShem!
We thank You Abba for your blessings. We thank You for Your provision. We thank You for Your strength in difficult times. We thank You for Your faithfulness. We thank You for Your forgiveness!
Ahhhhhhhhhhh! It feels sooooooooo good to be in the presence of Almighty G-d!
Baruch HaShem!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Karaoke Family Night
Yes. We are nerdy... but we have fun. LOL. My sister Sally can really move! My dad got all into it! Ha ha ha ha!
Too much fun. We are not secular and Sally is not Shakira... but we tried it for a bit. FAIL! LOL!!!!!!!!!
Too much fun. We are not secular and Sally is not Shakira... but we tried it for a bit. FAIL! LOL!!!!!!!!!
It's Pictureka for Family Game Night!
My sister Sally (on the left) almost beat my mom in finding the chair...but my mom found it first! LOL!
Purim is Next Week! Yay!
We were invited to a Purim celebration in Kissimmee and I am totally excited for the kids. Now we have to figure out the costume thing. Claudia will probably want to go as Esther and Ricardo as Mordechai. LOL...
I'm having lunch with Evelyn on Monday because our girls want to meet and us moms want to plan a mini vacation this month. Maybe Evelyn and her husband can join us at the Purim Party. It'll be fun for the kiddos!
Gotta buy fruit to make a basket to take to the party and gotta get the ingredients for the Hamantaschen cookies.
I use guava paste and cream cheese filling because using preserves is soooo yesterday. It's time to experiment with new flavors and textures! :D
If I order the noise makers tonight, I might get them before the party. Fed Ex works for me. Those trinkets don't cost much, and they're fun.
Mom and dad are into their fruit gardening and they got their fruit trees today! Yay. They are so excited.
G-d is so incredibly good to us! I love Him with all of my heart!!!!
Thank You Yeshua for being so awesome! Thank You for all of Your blessings! Thank You for Your provision and care.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank You!
I'm having lunch with Evelyn on Monday because our girls want to meet and us moms want to plan a mini vacation this month. Maybe Evelyn and her husband can join us at the Purim Party. It'll be fun for the kiddos!
Gotta buy fruit to make a basket to take to the party and gotta get the ingredients for the Hamantaschen cookies.
I use guava paste and cream cheese filling because using preserves is soooo yesterday. It's time to experiment with new flavors and textures! :D
If I order the noise makers tonight, I might get them before the party. Fed Ex works for me. Those trinkets don't cost much, and they're fun.
Mom and dad are into their fruit gardening and they got their fruit trees today! Yay. They are so excited.
G-d is so incredibly good to us! I love Him with all of my heart!!!!
Thank You Yeshua for being so awesome! Thank You for all of Your blessings! Thank You for Your provision and care.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank You!
Potassium Iodide Being Given to the People in Japan
Wow. They are already handing out Potassium Iodide to people in Japan because of the nuclear plant explosion.
Potassium Iodide only protects the thyroid, which is most sensitive to radiation. It doesn't protect the rest of the body.
Then again, as a preventative measure it's definitely a good thing.
I know that the news say that they are trying to prevent a nuclear meltdown, but if they're already providing people with iodine then the meltdown already happened because of that explosion. There is no way for them control the amount of radiation that has already been released out into the environment.
Potassium Iodide only protects the thyroid, which is most sensitive to radiation. It doesn't protect the rest of the body.
Then again, as a preventative measure it's definitely a good thing.
I know that the news say that they are trying to prevent a nuclear meltdown, but if they're already providing people with iodine then the meltdown already happened because of that explosion. There is no way for them control the amount of radiation that has already been released out into the environment.
Friday, March 11, 2011
8.9 Earquake and Horrible Tsunami Hits Japan
This is horrible. My dad and I have not slept watching the news.
Hawaii is getting hit by the tsunami surf right now... but no news on how bad it is. At least they had plenty of time to get away to higher ground.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Lovely Rainy Days!
I know that they say that April showers bring May flowers... but it's only March.
Oh well.
I'll settle for rains in March if that means that it will be sunny and cool in April, right?
Ahhhh. Lovely rainy days!
No thunderstorms.
Just rain, a cup of hot cocoa or tea and chicken soup.
That sounds sooooo good.
:-)
Today's task is to prepare the bedroom for the new arrival! Claudia is getting her new puppy in ten days! Yay. We already ordered the puppy a PINK play pen and we are in the process of ordering her drinking fountain. It's a stand up water dispenser that is also pink. He he he!
Claudia already chose a name for her.
It's Okelani, which is Hawaiian for the phrase "from heaven".
Only Claudia would come up with something like that.
Then again, she is a surfer at heart who loves anything having to do with Hawaii and also the South Pacific.
Hmmmmm. I wonder where she got it from? He he he he!
Alright. Time to get going.
We have to move a few things around and make some space for the new princess!
Oh well.
I'll settle for rains in March if that means that it will be sunny and cool in April, right?
Ahhhh. Lovely rainy days!
No thunderstorms.
Just rain, a cup of hot cocoa or tea and chicken soup.
That sounds sooooo good.
:-)
Today's task is to prepare the bedroom for the new arrival! Claudia is getting her new puppy in ten days! Yay. We already ordered the puppy a PINK play pen and we are in the process of ordering her drinking fountain. It's a stand up water dispenser that is also pink. He he he!
Claudia already chose a name for her.
It's Okelani, which is Hawaiian for the phrase "from heaven".
Only Claudia would come up with something like that.
Then again, she is a surfer at heart who loves anything having to do with Hawaii and also the South Pacific.
Hmmmmm. I wonder where she got it from? He he he he!
Alright. Time to get going.
We have to move a few things around and make some space for the new princess!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
It's Going to Be a Wonderful Day!
Beautiful morning!
Ok.
Time to get going with homeschooling, grocery shopping and an early start on our Spring cleaning!
Tons to do.
My body is being good to me today and I feel great!
Praise the L-rd!
Angelee is with us for a while, and right now she is quite content watching Sesame Street and talking to her teddy. LOL.
Too cute.
With four kids in the house, it's a bit crazy, but it's also fun.
Ok.
Time to get going with homeschooling, grocery shopping and an early start on our Spring cleaning!
Tons to do.
My body is being good to me today and I feel great!
Praise the L-rd!
Angelee is with us for a while, and right now she is quite content watching Sesame Street and talking to her teddy. LOL.
Too cute.
With four kids in the house, it's a bit crazy, but it's also fun.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Once In a While a Moron Pops Up Online...
... and does something so stupid that you have to laugh!
LOL! My friend Nancy circulated the video of this idiot on Facebook a few hours ago! Totally one for the Wall of Shame! LOL!!!! For hours he tried to take a picture of himself with the webcam (without knowing that the darn thing was running) and a genius friend or family member put all the videos together, added sexy music and posted it on YouTube. LOL! The guy probably doesn't even know that he is a celebrity! LOL
LOL! My friend Nancy circulated the video of this idiot on Facebook a few hours ago! Totally one for the Wall of Shame! LOL!!!! For hours he tried to take a picture of himself with the webcam (without knowing that the darn thing was running) and a genius friend or family member put all the videos together, added sexy music and posted it on YouTube. LOL! The guy probably doesn't even know that he is a celebrity! LOL
Dorelys had her baby!
Dorelys had her baby girl this morning at 6:05 a.m. and she is absolutely beautiful! G-d bless her!
Alrighty! Time to get things going.
We have a long day ahead of us today.
Ewww... this learning Mandarin thing is hard.
Ok.
Cutting it back to a half hour once a week for the kids and one hour for me! LOL!
It's fun, but definitely not easy at all! A bit at a time will stick more.
Alrighty! Time to get things going.
We have a long day ahead of us today.
Ewww... this learning Mandarin thing is hard.
Ok.
Cutting it back to a half hour once a week for the kids and one hour for me! LOL!
It's fun, but definitely not easy at all! A bit at a time will stick more.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Learning Mandarin
Yeah... My kids will start learning Mandarin online and well, it sounds strange, but it really isn't.
The way things are going, it is better for them to start learning the language. When it comes to keeping doors opened... I think that it is safe to say that a language that will precisely do that is Mandarin.
We discussed it and it matters that they continue learning Hebrew, start learning Mandarin get better at their Spanish.
Their English is great, of course, but they do need a bit of a Spanish tune up.
It will be fun. We're doing this only once a week for a couple of hours, using lots of picture words, games and movies. It'll be ok.
The world is changing.
Right now diversity in a range of skills will save the day for anyone who has put themselves through an array of educational courses.
At the moment, with two degrees and an Associates in Science I'm pretty diverse, I think.
If more is needed, then more I am willing to learn.
Gotta make that money honey.
The way things are going, it is better for them to start learning the language. When it comes to keeping doors opened... I think that it is safe to say that a language that will precisely do that is Mandarin.
We discussed it and it matters that they continue learning Hebrew, start learning Mandarin get better at their Spanish.
Their English is great, of course, but they do need a bit of a Spanish tune up.
It will be fun. We're doing this only once a week for a couple of hours, using lots of picture words, games and movies. It'll be ok.
The world is changing.
Right now diversity in a range of skills will save the day for anyone who has put themselves through an array of educational courses.
At the moment, with two degrees and an Associates in Science I'm pretty diverse, I think.
If more is needed, then more I am willing to learn.
Gotta make that money honey.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Inner Peace (LOL!)
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches & pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat plain food every day and be grateful,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time or the attention you want,
If you can take criticism and blame without any resentment,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
Then you're probably the family dog!
Is Anyone Reading the REAL News?
The government has two weeks to get it together and now there are reports that unemployment for February was at its lowest. Whoo hooo! Right?
Bleh.
Is anyone reading the REAL news? If you are... kudos to you.
I could be cheering on... but I won't.
You see, this is the part of the story when people will think that there is finally calm after the storm.
Sorry to burst your bubble dear friends.
When the government starts to tell you that everything is alright, that's when it's really not.
History has a tendency to repeat itself.
Well, if you are into studying History then you know exactly what I mean.
Bleh.
Is anyone reading the REAL news? If you are... kudos to you.
I could be cheering on... but I won't.
You see, this is the part of the story when people will think that there is finally calm after the storm.
Sorry to burst your bubble dear friends.
When the government starts to tell you that everything is alright, that's when it's really not.
History has a tendency to repeat itself.
Well, if you are into studying History then you know exactly what I mean.
We Serve An Awesome G-d
Got home from a women's conference several hours ago and I am exhausted.
It was fantastic, though.
So glad they invited me.
Lots of material covered, but an absolutely brilliant spiritual injection!
G-d is good.
The message hit the nail on the head and totally gave me a boost.
Yes, we were called for such a time as this.
G-d spoke to me today while they ministered at the altar.
His words...
"I am Your G-d who provides for you and no weapon formed against you shall prosper."
Wow. Right on!!! :-) Baruch HaShem!
Awesome, right?
It was fantastic, though.
So glad they invited me.
Lots of material covered, but an absolutely brilliant spiritual injection!
G-d is good.
The message hit the nail on the head and totally gave me a boost.
Yes, we were called for such a time as this.
G-d spoke to me today while they ministered at the altar.
His words...
"I am Your G-d who provides for you and no weapon formed against you shall prosper."
Wow. Right on!!! :-) Baruch HaShem!
Awesome, right?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Taking It Easy
On our way to Home Depot to get soil for the garden.
We also have to buy water and more water containers, so we will check prices on those.
Wow.
My sister Sandra is in the USS Kearsarge stationed by Libya, and my dad just told me that the ship (a destroyer) has more than 500 marines not counting all the Navy Seals. My dad doesn't like what's about to go down. My other sister is about to be deployed to the area so she is dropping off her baby girl at our place. My other sibling is on standby so we are all walking around with our hearts in our throats.
We really need to take it easy.
G-d is in control.
We do our part... but the rest is up to Him.
We also have to buy water and more water containers, so we will check prices on those.
Wow.
My sister Sandra is in the USS Kearsarge stationed by Libya, and my dad just told me that the ship (a destroyer) has more than 500 marines not counting all the Navy Seals. My dad doesn't like what's about to go down. My other sister is about to be deployed to the area so she is dropping off her baby girl at our place. My other sibling is on standby so we are all walking around with our hearts in our throats.
We really need to take it easy.
G-d is in control.
We do our part... but the rest is up to Him.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The End Game
This seems a bit crazy, but lately, this makes more and more sense. I do think that a few things here and there are bit off, but most of the information and data in this video is right on track.
Movie Afternoon!
It's family movie afternoon and we are going to watch Mega Mind and Despicable Me!
Totally excited for the kids.
We have decided that unless it is a huge outer space related movie like Star Trek, we will only watch movies at home. We have a large screen tv and popcorn... and a pause button.
Yup.
That is the best thing about watching movies at home.
LOL
Oh wait! The price of renting at Redbox is even better!
Let's see...
Two movies $2.00
Pop Corn from the Dollar Store $2.00
Fruit Punch $2.00
Neat. Movie afternoon for a group of 9 people... (my sister might show up with her husband) for a wonderful total of $6.00.
Can't beat that! Yay!
Alright. Let me start lunch. Then head out to pick up the movies and the packet for the PHA yearbook.
Food should be something fun. Space Mahi Mahi Kabobs?
Since Mega Mind is blue... maybe I can make blue popcorn balls on a stick!
Maybe even just pizza. Little Caesar's sounds good. CHEESE!!!!
Ok.
Busy fun day ahead!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Decisions...
I am torn.
As I watch the news and see how things are escalating, I feel that spending money on a Bat Mitzvah event is just... not frugal at all.
I mean... I know that it's a once in a lifetime thing and that my parents are excited about it, but deep down in my spirit I know that it is not the time to indulge in something like this.
We are very humble people who happen to recognize that everything that we have is because G-d has given it to us so that we can bless others... and bless others we have.
Right now this whole pajama party thing is not that expensive, to tell you the truth, but it is not a necessity.
Claudia's birthdays have always been wonderful and we have always managed to keep things within a budget.
This time though, as I watch the news and see so many people out there taking to the streets to protest out of desperation because of the lack of commodities, I can't help but feel pretty uncomfortable with the idea of splurging into luxuries, when we could be using that money to bless someone in need.
Perhaps it's time to have a talk with my parents and bring this to the table. Perhaps it's time to have a talk with Claudia and see how she feels about it.
Claudia has been a very blessed little girl, and my parents love to spoil her because of everything that she has been through with her heart condition and all. Maybe it's time for that to change a bit.
Here we are, storing food and planting our own garden, just as a precautionary measure that will eventually help us cope with the crisis that will soon take this country by storm. Yet, we are willing to spend money on hotel stays and parties?
I'm the first one to admit that I have been excited about planning the whole thing, but after praying this afternoon and watching the news, my entire perspective changed. My excitement turned to mush...
This is not the time to be doing this. Yes, this is the year of her 12th birthday... but unfortunately it's just the wrong time.
My beautiful daughter happens to be a very humanitarian child. Claudia is blessed to have the most beautiful heart for the L-rd and the desire to help people who are in need. Much like me, she is a giver. That is her love language.
Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to use this as an active learning experience and allow her to explore a deeper understanding of what a Mitzvah truly is.
For those of you unfamiliar with our Jewish traditions, a Mitzvah is not just a commandment. A Mitzvah is also a moral deed performed as a religious duty. As such, the term Mitzvah has also come to express an act of human kindness.
What G-d is moving me to do is a bit different, exciting and a bit heart breaking to tell you the truth, because a Bat Mitzvah is the rite of passage that is so incredibly important to a Jewish girl. What Jewish mom doesn't dream of giving her daughter the most amazing Bat Mitzvah ever? I mean, c'mon!
Then again, as I watched a video of a prayer that my daughter made a couple of years ago, I realized that spoiling her totally contradicts the lessons learned. Taking the classes was important for her to better understand her new responsibilities, but putting into practice those same lessons is what this whole thing should be about.
Let me talk to my parents.
G-d is speaking loud and clear to my heart that it is not time to splurge.
Perhaps we can tone the plans down a bit.
Classy and simple sounds good.
Less is often more. Let's see what direction G-d wants me to take with all this.
Perhaps keep the plans for a reception at Villa de Flora in Gaylord Palms but do the pajama party here..????
No hotel stays or water parks...
I mean... who needs a hotel when we live in a six bedroom house with a pool? LOL
Yeah... just a nice formal dinner at Villa de Flora with family and friends, and then a nice camp out pajama party for Claudia's friends with a midnight pool party, complete with fire pit, marshmallows and star gazing.
Let me put that proposal out on the table this evening during our family prayer time. That way we can pray about it as well.
This would be a great opportunity to put the money that we don't get to spend into better use, by being there to meet the needs of others when the time comes and give Claudia's Bat Mitzvah a greater purpose.
As I watch the news and see how things are escalating, I feel that spending money on a Bat Mitzvah event is just... not frugal at all.
I mean... I know that it's a once in a lifetime thing and that my parents are excited about it, but deep down in my spirit I know that it is not the time to indulge in something like this.
We are very humble people who happen to recognize that everything that we have is because G-d has given it to us so that we can bless others... and bless others we have.
Right now this whole pajama party thing is not that expensive, to tell you the truth, but it is not a necessity.
Claudia's birthdays have always been wonderful and we have always managed to keep things within a budget.
This time though, as I watch the news and see so many people out there taking to the streets to protest out of desperation because of the lack of commodities, I can't help but feel pretty uncomfortable with the idea of splurging into luxuries, when we could be using that money to bless someone in need.
Perhaps it's time to have a talk with my parents and bring this to the table. Perhaps it's time to have a talk with Claudia and see how she feels about it.
Claudia has been a very blessed little girl, and my parents love to spoil her because of everything that she has been through with her heart condition and all. Maybe it's time for that to change a bit.
Here we are, storing food and planting our own garden, just as a precautionary measure that will eventually help us cope with the crisis that will soon take this country by storm. Yet, we are willing to spend money on hotel stays and parties?
I'm the first one to admit that I have been excited about planning the whole thing, but after praying this afternoon and watching the news, my entire perspective changed. My excitement turned to mush...
This is not the time to be doing this. Yes, this is the year of her 12th birthday... but unfortunately it's just the wrong time.
My beautiful daughter happens to be a very humanitarian child. Claudia is blessed to have the most beautiful heart for the L-rd and the desire to help people who are in need. Much like me, she is a giver. That is her love language.
Perhaps this is the perfect opportunity to use this as an active learning experience and allow her to explore a deeper understanding of what a Mitzvah truly is.
For those of you unfamiliar with our Jewish traditions, a Mitzvah is not just a commandment. A Mitzvah is also a moral deed performed as a religious duty. As such, the term Mitzvah has also come to express an act of human kindness.
What G-d is moving me to do is a bit different, exciting and a bit heart breaking to tell you the truth, because a Bat Mitzvah is the rite of passage that is so incredibly important to a Jewish girl. What Jewish mom doesn't dream of giving her daughter the most amazing Bat Mitzvah ever? I mean, c'mon!
Then again, as I watched a video of a prayer that my daughter made a couple of years ago, I realized that spoiling her totally contradicts the lessons learned. Taking the classes was important for her to better understand her new responsibilities, but putting into practice those same lessons is what this whole thing should be about.
Let me talk to my parents.
G-d is speaking loud and clear to my heart that it is not time to splurge.
Perhaps we can tone the plans down a bit.
Classy and simple sounds good.
Less is often more. Let's see what direction G-d wants me to take with all this.
Perhaps keep the plans for a reception at Villa de Flora in Gaylord Palms but do the pajama party here..????
No hotel stays or water parks...
I mean... who needs a hotel when we live in a six bedroom house with a pool? LOL
Yeah... just a nice formal dinner at Villa de Flora with family and friends, and then a nice camp out pajama party for Claudia's friends with a midnight pool party, complete with fire pit, marshmallows and star gazing.
Let me put that proposal out on the table this evening during our family prayer time. That way we can pray about it as well.
This would be a great opportunity to put the money that we don't get to spend into better use, by being there to meet the needs of others when the time comes and give Claudia's Bat Mitzvah a greater purpose.
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