I like a good muesli. One with lots of different fruit and nuts in. However, those ones always tend to be the ones that are very expensive. I have discovered it is more fun making your own, and definitely tastier. What's more, it only takes a couple of minutes.
Here is a rough guide of how to, and of course you can tailor this to your own preferences.
Ingredients needed:
Oats,
Wheatflakes,
Rye flakes,
fruit,
nuts.
Now Asda, and Aldi seem to offer the best value in dried nuts and fruit. Here is what I put in mine:
5 cups oats
2 cups wheat flakes
2 cups rye flakes
1 cup sultanas
1 cup nuts
1 cup of nuts/fruit mix
Fot a treat you can add chocolate chips, some dried coconut is nice, too. Really, there are loads of different combos.
Make sure you shake up, and store in air tight container like the cereal ones you can get at Poundland.
Enjoy!
A blog about our family, and our adventures Christian homeschooling 10, and counting, and lots of random thoughts!
Thursday, 17 July 2014
Wednesday, 9 July 2014
Be Ye Kind
I noticed with a sighing heart that the younger children were starting to be particularly rude to each other, to the point of name calling etc. They had been disciplined, but it seemed to go in one ear and out the other.
One of Angela's memory verses she had learned that week was, ''Be ye kind'' so I decided to see how long they could go without being nasty to each other, and name calling. If they lasted a week they would earn a Kinder Surprise at the end of it. Amazingly it worked, though for the youngest it took 2 weeks. It made them stop and think before they say things. Something I have had to learn recently, too! Always good to think before we speak, and it has made them that much more aware. A couple weeks later, and they are not perfect, but things are a little more harmonious.
One of Angela's memory verses she had learned that week was, ''Be ye kind'' so I decided to see how long they could go without being nasty to each other, and name calling. If they lasted a week they would earn a Kinder Surprise at the end of it. Amazingly it worked, though for the youngest it took 2 weeks. It made them stop and think before they say things. Something I have had to learn recently, too! Always good to think before we speak, and it has made them that much more aware. A couple weeks later, and they are not perfect, but things are a little more harmonious.
Saturday, 24 May 2014
How Home Educating Does Equip Children for the World
Yes, you have heard it I''ll bet, and I have as well. Too many times to mention in fact, and often from people in church. They ask, how will our children be able to interact in the world if they don't go to school. Now, this assumes that you need to go to school to be able to interact with others, and suggests that the school is not just for education.
First of all, you need a decent education to be able to get a job at the end of the day, and recent reports have shown that schools are even failing that, as the Tesco, and Morrison's bosses found. However, that aside, when schools are asked to explain why there is a trend to poor social skills in school leavers, they blame the parents. Ha, it is the parents who are responsible for this. Interesting, eh? See, that is it from the moment the child is born, the parents interact with the child. The child learns to smile, and picks up his/her first language from the parent. It is parents who teach them table manners, politeness, etc. We reward positive selfless interaction with other children, and siblings, such as sharing toys, sweets etc. They won't be able to make friends as easily, if they don't learn how to share, and regard others' feelings, and it is us as parents who teach them that.
School can be at a disadvantage here, as children are grouped according to age. The problem is, group a bunch of five, or seven year olds together, and you are not going to help them get on with all age groups. They are more likely to pick up negative behaviours, especially being immature.When I was in school I had a few friends a couple of years younger, and the teachers reported that this wasn't ''normal'' How so? In the real world my friends are by no means even close to my age always. I haven't even mentioned the Christian aspect here of children learning things which are clearly unbiblical. When children are not arranged by age group I have found that the older children will have a positive influence on the younger children, and it helps them to mature in the right way. (That is indeed if the older children have been brought up well.)It also helps older children exercise nurture skills. The peer-age bias is diminished, meaning that children are free to be individuals , and not to feel that they have to do a, b, and c to fit in. How is wearing a certain brand of clothes, listening, and following certain celebrities positive? Children should be able to express individuality, not follow the crowd.
This is where the Christian element comes in, as ''Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.'' Ps 1
Why on earth would Christians need their children to be educated by non Christians to ensure that they are to be successful? If the school that we would send our children to teaches things contrary to the Bible, and/or promotes ungodly behaviour, then why would we want to expose them to that negativity?
One of the major benefits of home education is that children get exposed to all age groups, and make lots of different friends in different places. I think we have made more friends, and met far more people home educating, than we ever would of had if the children were in school.
When I was in school, I remember just mixing with the same people all the time. Ironically, I didn't really learn to interact well with others till I joined the church. I was shy, and being thrown in the deep end helped.
So, remember, we are equipped for this! It doesn't take a ''professional'' to teach these things, though I may need the help of a rocket scientist if my children decide to visit the moon. :-o
First of all, you need a decent education to be able to get a job at the end of the day, and recent reports have shown that schools are even failing that, as the Tesco, and Morrison's bosses found. However, that aside, when schools are asked to explain why there is a trend to poor social skills in school leavers, they blame the parents. Ha, it is the parents who are responsible for this. Interesting, eh? See, that is it from the moment the child is born, the parents interact with the child. The child learns to smile, and picks up his/her first language from the parent. It is parents who teach them table manners, politeness, etc. We reward positive selfless interaction with other children, and siblings, such as sharing toys, sweets etc. They won't be able to make friends as easily, if they don't learn how to share, and regard others' feelings, and it is us as parents who teach them that.
School can be at a disadvantage here, as children are grouped according to age. The problem is, group a bunch of five, or seven year olds together, and you are not going to help them get on with all age groups. They are more likely to pick up negative behaviours, especially being immature.When I was in school I had a few friends a couple of years younger, and the teachers reported that this wasn't ''normal'' How so? In the real world my friends are by no means even close to my age always. I haven't even mentioned the Christian aspect here of children learning things which are clearly unbiblical. When children are not arranged by age group I have found that the older children will have a positive influence on the younger children, and it helps them to mature in the right way. (That is indeed if the older children have been brought up well.)It also helps older children exercise nurture skills. The peer-age bias is diminished, meaning that children are free to be individuals , and not to feel that they have to do a, b, and c to fit in. How is wearing a certain brand of clothes, listening, and following certain celebrities positive? Children should be able to express individuality, not follow the crowd.
This is where the Christian element comes in, as ''Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.'' Ps 1
Why on earth would Christians need their children to be educated by non Christians to ensure that they are to be successful? If the school that we would send our children to teaches things contrary to the Bible, and/or promotes ungodly behaviour, then why would we want to expose them to that negativity?
One of the major benefits of home education is that children get exposed to all age groups, and make lots of different friends in different places. I think we have made more friends, and met far more people home educating, than we ever would of had if the children were in school.
When I was in school, I remember just mixing with the same people all the time. Ironically, I didn't really learn to interact well with others till I joined the church. I was shy, and being thrown in the deep end helped.
So, remember, we are equipped for this! It doesn't take a ''professional'' to teach these things, though I may need the help of a rocket scientist if my children decide to visit the moon. :-o
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
To Judge or not to Judge, that is the question.
Have been thinking about the concept of judging others recently, and again I am guilty. I am sure that it is a trend that we lean to, even without meaning to. I had always thought of 'judging' as rather forming an opinion of someone, or even pronouncing a judgement on them. However, it goes deeper than that.
I was reading Matthew Henry recently, as I have his commentary in a study bible. It has been so edifying, and sometimes convicting. I love the fact that he is so thorough, and biblical. He stated, '' We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view.''
That made me think a little deeper. How often have we said so and so did that because of.....I have been guilty of judging my husband like that, and also others. That is why it is very good to think the best of people first, even though human nature is desperately wicked at best.
I have had accusations by others made, like, Oh you broke that because you wanted a new one, or you broke that because you were angry. It can make you angry when someone thinks, and says the wrong thing!
I have heard of long term friendships end in just a few seconds, and usually over something so silly, but sadly often an example of the one judging the other. It happens again, and again, and again, and in Christian circles too. Even in the church.
So, it is not for us to question motives of others. There may be a perfectly understandable explanation, not to mention hidden things which we cannot see. There are two sides to every story. There is a lot of this on the net, as certain preachers are accused of heresy, or gross sin. People jump on the bandwagon, and yet it sometimes turns out that the remark was taken out of context, or the 'gross sin' was rumour. I have had the consequences of rumour, when we were mistaken for another family, and consequently it got a little out of hand. When I explained to one who had believed it, she said she had no idea, but rather assumed. Again....assumption, can be a terrible thing.
So, let's think more about others, especially within the church. corinthians 1:13 (charity in this case = love)
''and though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.''
We will not always agree on things, and it is a good thing we are all unique individuals. However, this should never be in the fundamental issues of salvation and faith. In Phillipians 4, Paul exhorts Euodias, and Syntyche (2 ladies involved in God's work) to be of the same mind. It is important that even though we may disagree, we should never let that interfere with the bonds of love we share as fellow believers.
Also to remember that no one is perfect, and yes, even friends will do foolish things sometimes. We need to be quickly able to forgive and forget. Another thing people do is to bring up past transgressions that happened years ago/months ago. If we are still holding that against people we have not forgiven. The most powerful help we have in respect of forgiveness is the indwelling Holy Spirit, and prayer. If we feel bitter, than pray!
There is a time when judging is taken out of context, and that is often when we say something is wrong, for example fornication. The Bible is very clear on this, Acts 15:20 ''But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.''
Yet, people will often say I am judgemental. These things are clear, and if a person calling themselves a Christian engages willfully in it without repentance, then they need rebuke. These are not my opinions, but the Bible's commands. Some things are not so clear, and in these smaller things we need to be patient, and pray for more understanding, and not to be argumentative. It is good to discuss, but we have to be respectful too, unless serious error is presented.
Let us not think that even though we shouldn't judge, we shouldn't be discerning, as in Phillipians 3:2 ''Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beaware of the concision.'' Strong warning there, as ''dog'' is quite a strong term for the day. The Bible constantly warns that false teachers will come among us. So, what can we do there? We need to KNOW the scriptures, so we can test their doctrine against God's word. So many fall for false teaching, they may be meek, and humble, but those qualities without discernment, and a knowledge of the scriptures are dangerous.
To finish, is this verse true of us? Do we truly love the saints? ''By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Also, let us think next time. Am I judging her/his intention/motive? We would have far less misunderstandings, and hurt if we could only think, and not be so quick to judge! (Me included :( )
I was reading Matthew Henry recently, as I have his commentary in a study bible. It has been so edifying, and sometimes convicting. I love the fact that he is so thorough, and biblical. He stated, '' We usurp the place of God, when we take upon us thus to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are out of our view.''
That made me think a little deeper. How often have we said so and so did that because of.....I have been guilty of judging my husband like that, and also others. That is why it is very good to think the best of people first, even though human nature is desperately wicked at best.
I have had accusations by others made, like, Oh you broke that because you wanted a new one, or you broke that because you were angry. It can make you angry when someone thinks, and says the wrong thing!
I have heard of long term friendships end in just a few seconds, and usually over something so silly, but sadly often an example of the one judging the other. It happens again, and again, and again, and in Christian circles too. Even in the church.
So, it is not for us to question motives of others. There may be a perfectly understandable explanation, not to mention hidden things which we cannot see. There are two sides to every story. There is a lot of this on the net, as certain preachers are accused of heresy, or gross sin. People jump on the bandwagon, and yet it sometimes turns out that the remark was taken out of context, or the 'gross sin' was rumour. I have had the consequences of rumour, when we were mistaken for another family, and consequently it got a little out of hand. When I explained to one who had believed it, she said she had no idea, but rather assumed. Again....assumption, can be a terrible thing.
So, let's think more about others, especially within the church. corinthians 1:13 (charity in this case = love)
''and though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.''
We will not always agree on things, and it is a good thing we are all unique individuals. However, this should never be in the fundamental issues of salvation and faith. In Phillipians 4, Paul exhorts Euodias, and Syntyche (2 ladies involved in God's work) to be of the same mind. It is important that even though we may disagree, we should never let that interfere with the bonds of love we share as fellow believers.
Also to remember that no one is perfect, and yes, even friends will do foolish things sometimes. We need to be quickly able to forgive and forget. Another thing people do is to bring up past transgressions that happened years ago/months ago. If we are still holding that against people we have not forgiven. The most powerful help we have in respect of forgiveness is the indwelling Holy Spirit, and prayer. If we feel bitter, than pray!
There is a time when judging is taken out of context, and that is often when we say something is wrong, for example fornication. The Bible is very clear on this, Acts 15:20 ''But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.''
Yet, people will often say I am judgemental. These things are clear, and if a person calling themselves a Christian engages willfully in it without repentance, then they need rebuke. These are not my opinions, but the Bible's commands. Some things are not so clear, and in these smaller things we need to be patient, and pray for more understanding, and not to be argumentative. It is good to discuss, but we have to be respectful too, unless serious error is presented.
Let us not think that even though we shouldn't judge, we shouldn't be discerning, as in Phillipians 3:2 ''Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beaware of the concision.'' Strong warning there, as ''dog'' is quite a strong term for the day. The Bible constantly warns that false teachers will come among us. So, what can we do there? We need to KNOW the scriptures, so we can test their doctrine against God's word. So many fall for false teaching, they may be meek, and humble, but those qualities without discernment, and a knowledge of the scriptures are dangerous.
To finish, is this verse true of us? Do we truly love the saints? ''By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Also, let us think next time. Am I judging her/his intention/motive? We would have far less misunderstandings, and hurt if we could only think, and not be so quick to judge! (Me included :( )
Friday, 28 March 2014
21 YEARS
Yesterday, we celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary. We had a nice day, at M&S for lunch, a spot of shopping, and a meal later. The two eldest girls cooked the dinner for everyone else. I think they appreciate more what I do, now!
I was thrilled to pick up an opera arrangement book for piano. It was done in the 1960's, so quite old, they did some great arrangements in those days. I always love to have new pieces to play, and like to just pick it up and start straight away. I found it ironic, that as part of the collection, it included the Bridal Suite. Ironic, as it was played on our wedding day. I attempted it, but threw a few wrong notes. Oops! That is what marriage is about. You will always have the wrong notes, the moments of discord. Whenever I get it wrong while playing, I just pick up again from where I left off. That is exactly what we should be doing in marriage. Picking up where we left off, and apologising if required. No one is going to play all the notes perfectly, as none of us are perfect. Important to remember. It is very easy to expect extremely high standards from our spouses, while falling terribly short ourselves.
As The Lord expects us to walk in obedience to him, before we can expect any blessings, He also expects us to work at our marriages. Not an easy thing at times. Especially if you are like me, and hot headed, stubborn, and proud at times. Sometimes I have felt sooo frustrated, as men are wired different to us. However, it is about learning to complement these differences. A prefect fit? Maybe not, but as a little denying ourselves things to fit into that new skirt, or top, we also need to make sacrifices to make our marriages the best they can be. Of course fully relying on God in prayer first, too. Happy Anniversary!
I was thrilled to pick up an opera arrangement book for piano. It was done in the 1960's, so quite old, they did some great arrangements in those days. I always love to have new pieces to play, and like to just pick it up and start straight away. I found it ironic, that as part of the collection, it included the Bridal Suite. Ironic, as it was played on our wedding day. I attempted it, but threw a few wrong notes. Oops! That is what marriage is about. You will always have the wrong notes, the moments of discord. Whenever I get it wrong while playing, I just pick up again from where I left off. That is exactly what we should be doing in marriage. Picking up where we left off, and apologising if required. No one is going to play all the notes perfectly, as none of us are perfect. Important to remember. It is very easy to expect extremely high standards from our spouses, while falling terribly short ourselves.
As The Lord expects us to walk in obedience to him, before we can expect any blessings, He also expects us to work at our marriages. Not an easy thing at times. Especially if you are like me, and hot headed, stubborn, and proud at times. Sometimes I have felt sooo frustrated, as men are wired different to us. However, it is about learning to complement these differences. A prefect fit? Maybe not, but as a little denying ourselves things to fit into that new skirt, or top, we also need to make sacrifices to make our marriages the best they can be. Of course fully relying on God in prayer first, too. Happy Anniversary!
Saturday, 15 March 2014
Daily Devotions
I had a lovely flower diary given to me, which has an illustration on every weekly page. I thought it was too good to write my normal stuff in it, and then I had an idea. I thought it would make a great notebook to put the devotional quotes from my every day reading in.
You know when you read a great quote, and you think, hmmm, I must take a note of that? It also means that, when it is full, it will be great for a daily reading devotional, as there will be a quote for every day.
I guess you could do lots of other things, too, and give as a gift to someone. It could be personalised, or more journal type quotes.
Another thing I am doing, is noting down blessings, trying to think of one for every month. Another something to be thankful for, but not the trivial stuff, the more major things.
You know when you read a great quote, and you think, hmmm, I must take a note of that? It also means that, when it is full, it will be great for a daily reading devotional, as there will be a quote for every day.
I guess you could do lots of other things, too, and give as a gift to someone. It could be personalised, or more journal type quotes.
Another thing I am doing, is noting down blessings, trying to think of one for every month. Another something to be thankful for, but not the trivial stuff, the more major things.
Saturday, 1 March 2014
Chocolate Scones
Ah, now wish I had taken a pic. However, didn't really think of it at the time.
Recipe coming up......
INGREDIENTS
150G BUTTER, OR MARG
HALF A CUP OF SUGAR
250G SELF RAISING WHITE FLOUR
250G SELF RAISING WHOLEGRAIN FLOUR
2 TEA SPOONS BAKING POWDER
50G COCOA POWDER
100G CHOC CHIPS
2 FREE RANGE EGGS
AROUND A CUP OF MILK, SOMETIMES LESS.
METHOD:
1) MIX THE BUTTER WITH THE SUGAR, IN A BOWL.
2) ADD THE FLOURS, COCOA POWDER,BAKING POWDER AND STIR IN WELL, TILL LIKE BREADCRUMBSISH.
3) ADD CHOC CHIPS.
4) ADD MILK, AND EGG (BEATEN FIRST)
5) IT SHOULD BE WORKABLE, IF NOT ADD A LITTLE FLOUR, OR MILK.
6) TURN ONTO PASTRY BOARD, AND ROLL OUT AT ABOUT AN INCH, OR 2 THICK.
7) USE SCONE CUTTER TO CUT INTO CIRCLES.
8)bake in oven on hot for 10- 15 mins.
Enjoy!!
Recipe coming up......
INGREDIENTS
150G BUTTER, OR MARG
HALF A CUP OF SUGAR
250G SELF RAISING WHITE FLOUR
250G SELF RAISING WHOLEGRAIN FLOUR
2 TEA SPOONS BAKING POWDER
50G COCOA POWDER
100G CHOC CHIPS
2 FREE RANGE EGGS
AROUND A CUP OF MILK, SOMETIMES LESS.
METHOD:
1) MIX THE BUTTER WITH THE SUGAR, IN A BOWL.
2) ADD THE FLOURS, COCOA POWDER,BAKING POWDER AND STIR IN WELL, TILL LIKE BREADCRUMBSISH.
3) ADD CHOC CHIPS.
4) ADD MILK, AND EGG (BEATEN FIRST)
5) IT SHOULD BE WORKABLE, IF NOT ADD A LITTLE FLOUR, OR MILK.
6) TURN ONTO PASTRY BOARD, AND ROLL OUT AT ABOUT AN INCH, OR 2 THICK.
7) USE SCONE CUTTER TO CUT INTO CIRCLES.
8)bake in oven on hot for 10- 15 mins.
Enjoy!!
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