For all the Mommas out there...

It was only a matter of time until my little ones grew enough to understand the mighty power of the computer.  They've been tempted along the way with Webkins, and PBS constantly flashing its website, and even by Momma playing a game or two here and there- but we've managed to mostly hold off on letting the puter-monster loose.  Now the time has come when the computer is a useful beast, helping Abby with her spelling and encouraging Ben to consider the joys of a book.

Because I have spent time looking for FREE, clean, acceptable websites that my children would enjoy- I've decided that I would save YOU that time and pass my list on to you.  Before I list the kids websites, I want to share MY favorite homeschooling site, http://www.homeschoolshare.com/. It is actually for anyone who enjoys spending some extra time with their kiddos.  It is absolutely chock FULL of resources such as lapbooks, printable coloring and game sheets, and unit studies.  My fav that I am loving right now is the Cranberry Valentine lapbook printables.  This is one of our favorite in a series written by Wende Devlin (you may have seen the Christmas special on ABC).  There are all sorts of flaps, copywork, resources regarding the book, Valentine's day, and mailing ettiquette. Check it out! 

Ok now, onto the list of free educational kids sites!
http://www.funbrain.com/
http://www.spellingcity.com/
http://www.pbskids.com/
http://www.learningplanet.com/
http://www.mrnussbaum.com/
http://www.edheads.com/
http://www.itoadu.com/
http://www.kidscoop.com/
http://www.wiglingtonandwenks.com/
www.si.edu/kids
http://www.coolmath4kids.com/
http://www.bigbibletown.com/

SpellingCity is AWESOME because you just plug in your child's spelling list for the week and it makes games/word searches/tests out of that list!!!  CoolMath4Kids has a more advanced pre-algebra site for kids 13+ at http://www.coolmath.com/

SO spend a few minutes and check them out!  Let me know what you think, and if you have some that your littles love that I don't have listed- please share in the comments!

Blogging makes you feel better.....

Well, at least it helps you to not feel quite so miserable!  Dear friends, I have barely been out of bed for two days now!  You know it's bad when your daughter, upon seeing you come out of your bedroom in the morning, says, "Oh yea, Momma!  You have real clothes on today!"  It's true, I've been one....

(sick puppy!)

With no energy to do anything else, I have been exploring blogland- and what a grand adventure it has been!  I've added quite a few new favorites to my blog roll over there to the right.  Wanna see some great, lovely, and creative treats???

Head over to http://www.bustleandsew.blogspot.com/ for the most lovely of sewing delights!  She has adorable embroidery and sewing patterns!

Need a lavishly worded boost to your spirit today? http://www.aholyexperience.com/ is very moving and she plays the most beautiful music in the background that soothes me whilst her words do more than speak to me.

http://www.sewhomegrown.blogspot.com/ has it all!  BEAUTIFUL whole/unrefined food recipes, sewing, embroidery- chock absolutely full of goodness!

Lastly, if you need an idea for a cute skirt to sew....for you or your little one, http://www.dana-made-it.com/ is the place for you!  People who make their own patterns simply amaze me! (I'm such a follower!)

A great and godly man I know posted a scripture to his FB status this morning.  He continuously encourages me with his posts, and I haven't even seen his face in three years. It instantly brought tears to my eyes....(sorry, but I'm a little emotional right now too) and I want to share it with you before I close. Here's his post:

Here is the beginning of Jeremiah 20:11- "But the LORD is with me to help me like an awe-inspiring warrior"  Truth sets u free.

-M.C. (not Marla Cain)

A (blog)World Without Pictures?

Oh friends....its a black day in the Cain house! I made the cutest birthday bunting for Abby- bright and colorful just like her!  I took photos of each and every step...careful to cover everything.  I was so excited about sharing it, then I sat down to the computer, went to plug my camera's card in and

                                                                     GASP!!!!!!!

Oh the horror!

It didn't fit!!!!!!  Is that possible in this day and age?  What do I do?  That's it- I'm just going to have to give up blogging! (She says as she throws her hands in the air)

But wait!

Ahhh....the cell phone!  It's not the process, but at least it's the finished product! (albeit a smidge blurry- boo.)

Oh My Goodness! I'm back!

Dear Friends, it is with great joy and complete contentedness that I write to you from a REAL keyboard!  HOORAY!!!!!  Since the ol' hard drive mishap I have been confined to conducting 99% of my online affairs by iPhone!  Does anyone HATE typing on that thing as much as I do???  I have missed blogging.....  My momma gave us her old computer, for which I am so incredibly grateful- so I'm back!  And eager to check out everyone else's blogs that I have missed over the last 4 months!  Also, I wanna know what Christmas crafts y'all worked on!  I was a busy bee this year!

That being said, I have avoided my blog intentionally.  Just after the hard drive incident things went from bad to worse and, honestly, I couldn't truly find one happy thing to blog about.  Andy's daddy was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.  I totalled the van.  Abby got a debilitating rash that took 2 months, 3 doctors, 9 perscriptions, and the Cain family fortune to get rid of.  My dearest uncle passed away.  Even now, I am packing to go say good-bye to Andy's daddy.  Not much happy material there, huh?

But if I may be allowed to preach for a moment.....(well, it is MY blog after all)
   God is soooo good.  We have a new-to-us van.  Abby is well.  And Andy's daddy will be ushered into the halls of Heaven soon, with the Saints in glory- to be in the the presence of the Most High forever and ever, Amen! 

  A dear and precious friend of mine reminded me to look to Joshua 1:9... one of my most favorite scriptures:
  Be strong and courageous!  Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged.  For the Lord God is with you wherever you go.

So much comfort and strength to be found in one verse.

I'll see ya again soon!