My kids went to school today...but not like you think.

Today began a long coming journey for our household.  Due to a variety of reasons (probably its own blog post coming soon), my children have left public school.  Adam and I made the decision several months ago that after the Christmas break, the kids would begin homeschooling.  I had been wondering for so long why, after getting let go from Neal at the end of last school year, I just couldn't find a job.  It wasn't for lack of trying.  I literally applied for HUNDREDS of jobs...to no avail.  I was pretty down and prayed desperately for God to show me if I was even supposed to have a job.  He answered.....in a way that none of us were expecting.  As the school year began, it became clearer and clearer what God's direction would lead to for "my" spare time.  In actuality, He wanted to redeem that time for my children's education and my family's growth.  I had been so involved in what I wanted during my summer job search, that I was blindsided by what He wanted for us.  Blindsided in a good way though.  The decision to homeschool was a God-led family decision that we look forward to.  We look forward to having our little ones with us every day.  We look forward to being able to teach them the Bible unashamedly and how it applies to our lives in EVERY way.  We look forward to raising Godly little people who learn to look at the world with His eyes...instead of cookie cutter "tolerant" eyes.

2nd Grade Christmas Play

Last night was the 2nd Grade Christmas Play at W.S. Neal Elementary.  Here's our copy of the video.  It may or may not be a little biased to our little boy and a sweet little girl from church :)
Enjoy!!

Finding Deals

It's been a while since I've posted, but this morning I came across a deal too good to pass up :)
Right now, Living Social has a deal for $12 for an Enjoy the City coupon book.  In their local areas, they have one for Pensacola (the closest to me) plus lots of other areas across the country.  This coupon book has lots of GREAT coupons for the area including 4 $5 off of $30 Winn Dixie coupons that can be used at Publix!!  Amazing!!  This book pays for itself with the Winn Dixie coupons itself!  Check it out here.

Here's a sample of the sample coupon book :)

And don't forget to go through Ebates through this link to get 4% Cash Back!!

If you're not already an Ebates member, sign up here :)

Homemade Chalkboard Tutorial

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon this tutorial on the HGTV website from Miss Mustard Seed herself.  I knew instantly that I NEEDED a large chalkboard for myself!!  I just needed the right supplies.  While I was in my favorite thrift store in Milton, FL, Helping Hand Missions, I saw a gorgeous, excessively large curvy mirror.  The frame was plastic and ugly but it had a wood grain...I had found my supplies.  The mirror was SO heavy.  I had to get two men who worked in the store to carry it to the register for me and then put it in my car.  I didn't let the weight of it scare me though.  Adam got it out of the car when I got home and we proceeded to take the mirror out of the frame.  Talk about relief!! The frame weighed next to nothing, but I think that was the single-most heavy piece of glass/mirror I've ever seen in my life.  I followed Miss Mustard Seed's directions and purchased some hardboard and Rustoleum Chalk-Board paint and got to work.  I painted the frame in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Aubusson Blue and waxed it with Miss Mustard Seed's Antiquing Wax and Furniture Wax.

*note the particular ugliness of the frame

Then my wood working-proficient hubby cut down the hardboard for me and I started painting it.  First, I primed the hardboard with some spray Kilz primer.  Then I started the chalkboard paint coats.

The first coat looked pretty rough.

The second coat looked better.

And the third coat is what sealed the deal.  I put the chalkboard into the frame and proceeded to wait for THREE WHOLE DAYS!!  I know, right, but the chalkboard paint has to cure before you can start writing on it :(  Major bummer. 

Once my three days were up, it was time to season the chalkboard!!

To season a chalkboard you rub a piece of chalk sideways all over the chalkboard, covering it with chalk dust and then erase it.

(*This is a step you need to remember because if you ever wash the chalkboard this has to be done again.)

I mulled over what design I should put on the chalkboard and came up with this:

And here's the final product, hanging in our den over our couch.

Now go find a frame and make one for yourself!!

TruMoo Sweepstakes

TruMoo is hosting a sweepstakes to win a Goosebumps Haunted Hollywood Vacation.  Enter to win a trip to Hollywood, a behind the scenes tour of Fox Studios, a visit to Old Town Pasadena.  Also, you'll get a $2 off coupon for a Goosebumps DVD.  Go check it out!!

. Al