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We are a larger-than-average family. Consequently, feeding my family can consume a good chunk of my time. (By "feeding," I'm including time spent meal planning, grocery shopping, preparing meals, and cleaning up after meals.)  There was a time when it felt as if I would no sooner finish cleaning up from one meal before it was time to prepare for the next! Can I get an amen, ladies?
 
I try not to rely too heavily on overly processed foods, which means--you guessed it—even more hours in the kitchen!

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On the 9th Day of Homeschool, the Sisters gave to me..............

33 Freebies to Teaching Spelling!

Don't forget: Tomorrow is the last day to enter to win Jonathan Park Audio Adventure!

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Spelling is one of those things that, for me, often has fallen into the category of How much? How often? What do I really need to teach here? There are some children who, simply from reading a lot of good literature, seem to intuitively  learn and apply the rules of good spelling. 

And then there are the ones who don't.

If your child falls into this latter category, here are 33+ fabulous and free resources for improving his or her spelling.

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We have a rare and sometimes debilitating syndrome in our family. Typically it is passed through the male chromosome, but females can inherit it too. It often results in embarrassing and socially awkward situations. There's no name for it, but it basically can be summed up as an acute case of unwarranted overconfidence.
 
Let me give you an example.

First let me say that, although I am a long-time Amazon Prime member (would NOT want to be without it!), this is the very first time I have shopped the Amazon Prime Day sales. When I received an email from a fellow blogger talking about Amazon Prime Day deals, I was curious. I tend to be a person who is skeptical of sale signs and "deals" because the "deals" or sales usually aren't steep enough to tempt me. (And you thought Rachel was the frugal one! ha,ha) Anyway, I clicked over to Amazon and read through the Prime Day promotions beginning Monday, July 16th. Many of them were the typical electronic gadgets-- most of which did not interest me nor did I think would interest our readers. 

Then I saw a promotion saying that STEM toys would be going on sale 20-40% off for Prime Day. I decided to check it out and I'm so glad I did! I found some of my family's favorite, most-beloved educational toys for, not only 20-40% off, but upwards of 50-70% off!! 

I will be the first to admit that we are not 100% all natural in our house. I try to find a good balance between natural ingredients, expense, and effectiveness, but let's be honest. Sometimes the most natural options are either downright expensive or just don't work as good as a chemical alternative. (Who likes funky smelling clothes? Anyone?)

So when I find something that uses natural ingredients, is actually cheaper than its chemical-laden equivalent, and is effective, I just have to pass on the news. Here are my top 3.

Decades before recycling, upcycling and repurposing became fashionable, generations were frugal not because they wanted to get out of debt, save for retirement, or be en vogue, but because it was a way of life.
 
My grandparents were part of that generation. They lived through the Great Depression and the lessons learned in that period of hardship stayed with them through their lives, shaping their thinking and influencing their actions. They were simple people who lived simple lives.