Sunday, July 31, 2016

Cami Secret: A Little Modesty Goes A Long Way

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While this isn't going to be a post about what modesty is or isn't, it is my personal opinion that letting one's cleavage hang out all over the place isn't modest at all. (And by the way, I think modesty is SO much more than the clothes we wear.) Anyway, for those who may be interested, I'm just sharing how I found a cleavage-covering alternative to tank tops. :)

My budget typically doesn't allow for spontaneous purchases, but when I saw these, I KNEW I had to have them! It just gets too hot in the part of Arizona that I live in to always have to wear tank tops underneath shirts. Plus, it seems that most tank tops these days are cut too low anyway and don't quite do the job I want them to do.

Cami Secret has been a life saver for those shirts and dresses that are just a tad too low cut.

What exactly is Cami Secret then? Basically, like it says on the cover of the package, Cami Secret contains clip-on mock camisoles. They clip on to your bra straps, and the height of the cami can even be adjusted a little bit. 



I found 2 photos of myself wearing the black and white mock camisoles. Hopefully this gives you a better idea of how they look while being worn.



Now, just so you know, Cami Secret doesn't work with every shirt. If the top you're wearing is made of thin or partially see-through fabric, the mock camisoles will show through. I still sometimes have to go with a tank top, but that's okay. Sometimes the layers look nice. 



I really think these little pieces of fabric go a long way in the modesty department! They've worked for me quite well. I've included links below to the exact ones that I have which came in a package of 3 in black, white, and beige. I've also included a link to some that don't have lace, and I even think I'd like those better.

Cami Secret works for me!

Cami Secret Set of 3 Clip-on Camisole, Black/Beige/White, One Size

Snappy Cami (804) - White, Creme and Nude - Neutral Set - NO LACE (Solid)


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Monday, July 25, 2016

Proverbs 6:20-23 in Pictures

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As I was reading from the book of Proverbs, the words in chapter 6 verses 20-23 struck me. Maybe more so now since I have 2 sons who are growing up ever so fast and on the brink of manhood - one entering his final year of high school and one entering his first.

I'm a very visual person, and as I read I began to see these verses come to life. It was so peaceful to take a break from the busyness of life to put the words to pictures. I need to do this more often.









 

To my dear sons,

As I am sure you've noticed, being a mom of teens isn't easy for me, but joy fills my heart to overflowing watching you embrace the faith in which you've been trained up and seeing you make an effort to follow the values and principles your dad and I have instilled in you.

I won't lie, though, it can be scary witnessing the struggle in each of you to find your own way in the world. It aches, too, when I feel the slip and fall of yet another apron string. I know you need to form your own thoughts and ideas about life, and I know you need to experience the power, the realness, of this God who made you and who lives in you for yourselves. 

But trying to keep the balance of letting go and reigning in, and knowing when to step in and when to stay out is hard. 

It gets messy on both sides, but my prayer has always been that my love for you and your love for me will cover a multitude of sins. 

It is also my prayer that you both will always remember these wise words from Proverbs 6:20-23. Following God's commands will never lead you astray. If you keep them, bind them, fasten them, and forsake them not; they will guide you, watch over you, and speak to you all the days of your lives.

                                                                              I love you both with all my heart,

                                                                                                  -- Mom


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Original photos in this post are from pixabay.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Introducing The Classics to Young Children

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I can't believe it's been over a decade ago when I started collecting children's classics from Treasury of Illustrated Classics and The Great Classics for Children to read to my kids. I fondly remember picking up one or so every week when I was out doing my weekly shopping. I ended up with 14 classics for children, though there are many more than that! Back then, I had to take what I could get at the store since I wasn't ordering anything on line. 

Now there's this thing called Amazon, and you can order classics and everything else on the planet and then some! I've included links to classics from both book sets (mentioned above) at the end of this post. :)


I've always LOVED reading aloud to my kids, and these classics were some of the very first chapter books I read to them. It was pure joy for me to see their anticipation as we'd open up one of the books to pick up where we'd left off the day before. Continuing a longer book even when my kids were pretty young was like going on an extended trip except without all the luggage and are we there yets!




Both sets of these beautiful, hard cover children's classics have been condensed and retold so that young kids can enjoy the world's most beloved and timeless stories. Black and white illustrations are scattered throughout the chapters, and each book contains an About the Author page at the end. All of the books in my personal collection are around 180 pages long, give or take a few.




All three of my kids tell me that reading aloud together is one of their top favorite memories. I am SO glad!!


My only regret when it comes to all of these wonderful classics is that I don't own them all. My personal collection is getting kind of dusty sitting on a shelf in my closet, but they are waiting patiently to be passed down to grandchildren whenever that may be.

The Great Classics for Children and Treasury of Illustrated Classics are the perfect way to introduce the classics to young children!! I know there are 36 total books in the Treasury of Illustrated Classics set, but I am not sure how many are in the other one. I couldn't find an option for purchasing the entire set, so I listed some separately.

Hope you enjoy these as much as we did!




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Saturday, July 02, 2016

June ~ Just Plain Hot

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So, this is my 10th summer back in Arizona, and I think it's been the hottest one yet. Usually, June is still pretty bearable, but this year we've already had temps near the record-breaking point. Ugh.

I always look forward to summer, but I quickly realize that getting off schedule can throw me for a loop. I feel busier somehow, too. Probably because I'm spending so much time preparing for next year's homeschool. And THIS summer I'm busier than ever dealing with a large, active puppy!

It gets fiery hot here, and so we end up staying inside a lot. I try not to pine for my own private pool, but that's difficult for this sun lover who says no thanks to public pools. I'm also more broke than ever during summer after buying all those homeschool books and supplies, but, thankfully, since my kids are getting older and getting jobs, they have their own fun money to spend. :)

I'm thankful for air conditioning that makes staying inside so comfortable. I'm thankful my kids are mature and entertain themselves. And I'm thankful for the internet, so I can blog. ;)

Still Consumed With All Things Puppy



Kylo loves to find new sticks on the golf course behind our house. I think this one's just a bit too big to take home. ;) That stick makes him appear so tiny. He's not even 6 months old yet, though, and he already weighs about 50 lbs.

I've shed fewer tears these last couple of weeks, so maybe I'm getting better about the things I don't like about having a pet? I sure hope so. Looking forward to July and starting some puppy training classes. Kylo has definitely learned a lot already.

Consumed With Homeschool Prep


With another child entering high school and my baby girl entering middle school, I'm trying to be more prepared than ever. I can't even count the hours I've spent at this desk in our little upstairs nook copying, printing, and three-hole punching. And those hours don't count the ones I've spent researching and buying. Homeschooling is definitely a FULL-time job!!!!

Indulging In Some Fun Stuff, Too


I love me some Plants vs Zombies, so I indulge when I have some free time to relax. I'm not into politics much, but the one thing I remember about Ted Cruz is that he ALSO loves this game! If you are interested in wasting time playing this game, you can download the app for free on your smartphone. ;)

Our family goes way back with this game - we even had a Plants vs Zombie family party in 2016!


I also like to read fiction for fun, and here's what I've read so far this summer. On my quest to find "decent" fiction for my boys, I read  Mark of the Thief (Mark of the Thief 1) and
Rise of the Wolf (Mark of the Thief, Book 2) by Jennifer Nielsen.

I know "decent" means something different to everyone, but I do plan to write a short review of these two books soon. I also plan to include some other books as well. So, stay tuned.

Historical fiction holds a soft spot in my heart, so for my "just-for-me books" I've read To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer and A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (Whispers On The Moors) by Sarah E. Ladd.

I had the privilege of reading Witemeyer's debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride when I was a product reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse. I loved that book! I found the other book I read from someone posting about the author on social media. I've since reserved more of Ladd's books at my local library. :)

Oldest's Oregon Trip


Once again our oldest took a trip up to Oregon sans the rest of the family. Of course, to see the girl with whom he's cultivated quite a strong relationship via modern technology. This beautiful girl's mom took this gorgeous photo in front of the family's barn. Can't wait for Liz to come down to the desert hopefully soon! These two are proof of how positive things can come from kids being online these days.

Father's Day 


Celebrated this guy by unplanned blue-matching and BLT & coconut cream pie eating. :) Crazy how fast these kids are getting taller than us.

Shiloh's 11th Birthday


Her requested birthday breakfast: waffles & cotton candy ice cream. Doesn't look appetizing to me, but she sure enjoyed it!


Surprise birthday balloon and flowers from friends.


Birthday lunch with Grandpa: they ate at Chick-fil-a.


Birthday dinner: Taco Ring in the shape of an 11 and homemade salsa.


Birthday dessert: red velvet cupcakes. I'm not a fan of this flavor (or all that food coloring!), but that's what my girl wanted. ;) She helped make the cake batter, and I made the cream cheese frosting which helped the cupcakes taste better!


Birthday presents: All she wanted was $, but I added a little something extra: Kylo's paw print and a cute pic of her and and Kylo right after we got him. They will fit perfectly in her frame/cork board that still has two 4x6 vacancies. :)


After dinner birthday game: Pandemic Board Game - her big brother bought it recently and taught the family how to play. (Well, I have yet to learn.)



Birthday treat at Starbucks with Grandma.



Another birthday lunch with a friend at Chick-fil-a.



Letting go of one of the birthday balloons. Kylo wanted to hold on. ;)

New Fairy Garden Jewels


I recently added some little blue stones to represent water, and my mom gave Shiloh the red & pink fairy mushroom that she bought in California. Now I want a bridge. :) Maybe that will be next!

Well, I guess that about wraps up our June in pictures. How has your June been?

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