Columbus' Replica Ships Field Trip Opportunity

The Columbus Foundation is bringing the Nina and Pinta back to Arkansas beginning in October with a stop in Little Rock. They also have dates scheduled for Fort Smith and Memphis, TN. The Nina is the most historically accurate Columbus replica ship ever built!

My husband and I took our kids the last time the ships were in Little Rock in November 2011. The guys in charge do a great job educating the kids, adults too, during the tours. Awesome way to step back in history and experience what life might have been like on the expeditions.

This would be an awesome field trip for homeschool groups!

Check their website for exact dates, times and more info @ http://www.thenina.com

First Sunday School Lesson

I taught my first Sunday School lesson this morning and loved it! Three Pre-K girls and I talked about Isaac and how God had a plan for him. How Isaac obeyed and trusted God because he knew that God knows what's best. God is sovereign. Completely in control of everything. All we need to do is listen and trust Him.

Beyond thankful for this opportunity and excited as I begin this new journey. I know these kids will teach me just as much, if not more, than I will teach them.  I'm reminded of the saying, "if you don't teach children who God is, someone will teach them everything He isn't." I hope that above all things, they will see the light of Jesus shining through me.

Sauerkraut Soup

 Who doesn't love their momma's cooking? Seems like everything always tastes better when mom makes it! Mine recently came across a soup recipe and made it for dinner, it got the stamp of approval from me and the kids.

Passing the recipe on here, give it a try and see what you think!

Ingredients-

1 lb. hamburger meat

1 onion

1 small can tomato sauce

1 can hot dog chili sauce

Carton mushrooms

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can sauerkraut

Beef or chicken stock

Heavy cream to your liking

Now, cook the hamburger meat, onion and mushrooms until the meat is done. Now, add the beef or chicken stock ( I added two cups- but it's up to you as to how thick or thin you want it), add sauerkraut ( do not drain), tomato sauce diced tomatoes, hot dog sauce and salt/pepper to taste. Let simmer 15 minutes. Take off heat. Before serving, add a bit of heavy cream ( to your liking) to each bowl. You can't add the cream to the entire pan of soup. If you do this, you will not be able to re-warm.

I prefer mine without the cream, so I totally eliminate even purchasing this. This soup is very economical and makes a lot!

Ziplining Fun

We finally got to redeem our family zip line pass the last week in June. It sure seems like it has been a rainy summer here in Arkansas. We have had to keep putting things off for a later date because of the weather, but have managed to get some fun in.

 

We zipped at Adventureworks in Hot Springs, which is about a 30 minute drive. They just opened earlier in the year and still have construction going on, but it was still a great experience with lots of zips. Twelve total. The staff were all very friendly and safety minded. We had to go through a tutorial before going to the first zip. During the zips, they were very interactive, patient and made sure we all had a great time. We zipped with a group of nine total, which included 4 kids, two of which were mine. I think they had to have more patience with some of the adults, me included, rather than the kiddos. My little man had absolutely no problem stepping off any of the platforms at any time. The little lady was a bit more cautious, but they were both going off backwards near the end of the trip.

I never went off the platform backwards, but had a great time! The zips are designed so that they start you out slow and gradually get higher and longer. Not going to lie, I was shaking in my shoes for the first half. It took every ounce of "want to" that I had to step off those platforms.

 The scariest part of the adventure for me was walking across the sky bridge. I don't really like things that sway from side to side that are suspended mid air. I was harnessed but, I still didn't feel safe on that thing!

I would definitely do it again, though! In fact, I can't wait to schedule another tour.  Little man wants to zip for his birthday next year- sounds good to me! It was a great family outing! I quickly realized mid way in that the only thing I had to fear was fear itself. So awesome that we experienced this "first" together as a family. It taught us a whole lot about trust, encouragement, faith in each other, team work and was a great bonding experience as a family!

 

Prayer Rock

Our AWANA group has special nights with different themes from time to time. Last month, we had "rock night." Our commander had the cutest poem printed  for each child, along with a box of rocks to choose from and small bags for each child's rock. They could either keep for themselves or give to someone special after writing their favorite scripture on the rock (we used black sharpies).

I thought this was the cutest idea! These would be great to make just for family and friends, rainy day craft for kiddos, cool crafty idea for any church group and I love the idea of making some and taking to a local nursing home. 

A "different" Mother's Day Gift

I'm loving the "gift" my husband and kiddos got me for Mother's Day- A pass for a 2 hour zip line family tour at a local place that opened recently. Zip lining has been on my bucket list for awhile now but after checking with several places, the cost was a little steep, so I put that adventure back at the bottom of that list and forgot about it.

It was quite a surprise! Big change from the normal gifts I receive and I love that it is something we can do as a family and make memories that will last.

So, I'm loving this Mother's Day gift and can't wait to experience this adventure with my family! Can't wait to blog about it and share pictures!

Have you ever zip lined? What is the most awesome adventure you've ever experienced?

Meeting A Few Duggars

Just a normal Saturday for us with a totally random run in with a few of Madison's favorite reality stars. We stopped by our local McDonalds and ran into Jessa and Jinger Duggar and Ben Seewald. They were so sweet and kind enough to take a picture with the kids.

Thank you Jessa, Jinger and Ben for making her day! You left her speechless but with the biggest smile!