It has been a busy year for the Pleasants! Lots of good times, new experiences and now lots of changes on the horizon. As I think back on it all, the blog is often the place I go. While I use this blog to review products and keep friends and family informed on our lives, it is also a good reminder for me of where we have come from and where we are headed. It is a reminder of the many blessings in our lives and of God's faithfulness.
It is also just fun to see what interests you the most! So without further delay, here are the top ten posts of 2019!
Enjoy!
10- A New Word Given
9- What Our Weekly Cleaning Looks Like
8- Drive Thru History Has Done it Again
7- Cracking the ACT
6- What's in a Day?
5- A Graduation, A Trip to Texas and What's Next!
4- The Kids in Our Life
3- Who Knew?
2- Welcome to 34 Weeks of Clean 2019
1- Modesty- A Command, Not a Conviction
It is no surprise that my oldest daughter's post is still number one around here. Though written many years ago, that thing just flies around the Internet and gets read on a daily basis. I will admit our standards and thoughts may have changed a bit here and there, but we are still convinced that modesty is an issue that needs to be taken more seriously!
Not sure where the blog will head this next year. As my boys get older, the homeschool reviews grow thinner, and yet I know homeschoolers still come here looking for occasional advice and support. We have to stick together, you know! Next year I will only have one student at home- be still my heart. BUT- on the other hand we have a move on the horizon and a possible house build, so you may get to see that each step of the way. Obviously people still like to read about house related things like organizing and such. And you KNOW, organizing is my passion! Oh the possibilities! ;)
Either way, and no matter what draws you here, I pray you are blessed.
Blessings,
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Monday, December 30, 2019
Friday, June 7, 2019
Do You Know Me?
It's been a while since I introduced myself and since some changes have taken place around here I thought I would introduce myself again. You can read my old, tried and true into on the ABOUT page as well in case you REALLY want to get to know our family!
First things first. My review status in changing a bit due to the nature of of growing (older) family, but I am thrilled to say I am still on the Timberdoodle Blog Team for this year. While I have never used one of their full curriculum sets, I often point people to them to do so, and we use many of their individual products. Recent ones include-
Cracking the ACT
Spectrum Test Practice
We Are Connected- Dot to Dot Philadelphia
101 Doodle Definitions
Usborne Around the World Maze Book
As you can see, some things are just for fun, and some are strictly school related. No matter what you are looking for, Timberdoodle covers a wide range of subjects and fun for every age at great prices. Periodically throughout the year an awesome team of fellow bloggers get to use and review products to tell you all about. Take it from someone who has homeschooled for a L-O-N-G time, products that have been tested by fellow moms are the BEST to buy. It simply means someone else has been there, done that and saves you a lot of research time. Ask me how I know!!
A few more fun facts about me!
If you are new to Family, Faith and Fridays- welcome! I pray you are blessed by being here. If you are one of our faithful followers, you all surprise me sometimes when I find out you are still reading my rambling, I want to say thank you. Every single time I think it is time to shut down the computer and be silent you cheer me on and bless my socks off with your love and kindness. It is for you that I still write!
Blessings,
First things first. My review status in changing a bit due to the nature of of growing (older) family, but I am thrilled to say I am still on the Timberdoodle Blog Team for this year. While I have never used one of their full curriculum sets, I often point people to them to do so, and we use many of their individual products. Recent ones include-
Cracking the ACT
Spectrum Test Practice
We Are Connected- Dot to Dot Philadelphia
101 Doodle Definitions
Usborne Around the World Maze Book
As you can see, some things are just for fun, and some are strictly school related. No matter what you are looking for, Timberdoodle covers a wide range of subjects and fun for every age at great prices. Periodically throughout the year an awesome team of fellow bloggers get to use and review products to tell you all about. Take it from someone who has homeschooled for a L-O-N-G time, products that have been tested by fellow moms are the BEST to buy. It simply means someone else has been there, done that and saves you a lot of research time. Ask me how I know!!
A few more fun facts about me!
- I also do independent reviews for a few other companies for fun.
- Yes, I have been homeschooling for over 21 years!
- My military husband of almost 26 years retired last year and moved us to Arizona.
- We have four kiddos, ages 25, 21, 17 and almost 12.
- I still homeschool the almost 12 year old. He starts 7th grade in July!
- My 17 is a senior in high school and is only taking college classes from here on out!
- In my free time (I actually have a little now) I like to read, blog, review, and visit with friends. I hope to get back to sewing soon!
- Because I am a rather passionate neat freak, I am the face behind 34 Weeks of Clean- a cleaning, de-cluttering and organizing blog series.
- I am thankful to be a child of God who is living life to its fullest, one day at a time!
If you are new to Family, Faith and Fridays- welcome! I pray you are blessed by being here. If you are one of our faithful followers, you all surprise me sometimes when I find out you are still reading my rambling, I want to say thank you. Every single time I think it is time to shut down the computer and be silent you cheer me on and bless my socks off with your love and kindness. It is for you that I still write!
Blessings,
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Top Posts of 2018
It's always fun to look back through my blog each year and see what posts were most popular. Quite frankly, I am always surprised at what you all enjoy reading and what posts are flops. Just goes to show, you never know what people will like.
It also just helps solidify my desire to blog the way I want. No viral posts here- just me, my life, my random thoughts, and my reviews. Thank you to all who come here occasionally to catch up and all who have stuck with us through the years. Just when I think no one is reading, I will get a sweet note from someone that reminds me why I write!
So on to the top posts-
The Details of Curriculum
Trading Snow for Cacti
We Have Officially Lost Our Minds
Thoughts on Our Air Force Life
Can I Wear Pants and Still Love Jesus?
Finally Home!
And our top reviews-
What Is It With Chemistry?
Government Gone Wrong
And still our biggest read post in the history of our blog, written by my daughter-
Modesty, A Command, Not a Conviction
Enjoy reading! I look forward to being a part of your 2019!
Blessings,
Friday, June 22, 2018
Marriage is Worth It
I have a sweet friend who is new to the blogging world that I just adore. I actually met her when she was a teen- the daughter of a friend that God brought into my life when I didn't even know I needed a friend. (I did! And she has blessed me over and over again through the years!) She is so dear to my heart and of course, her sweet daughter is too.
By the grace and goodness of God, we were all reunited years later in Omaha. That sweet teen has grown into a lovely young woman, who is now married and raising three precious girls. I mean seriously, precious!
She shared a blog post this week that spoke to my heart. It reminded me of my younger days with a new marriage and young children, and the challenges that holds.
And it reminded me of the importance of fortitude, and determination, and love and GOD!
It had a lot of good reminders to us all, whether a newlywed, or an old married pro. (do those even exist?)
So I asked if I could share with you all! She said yes!
Here ya go folks- enjoy and be blessed and remember that God's plan is perfect, even through the ups and downs!
You can find Kailah blogging at The Mindful Life. Nebraska mama to 3 precious girls & wifey to my mister. A blog about real life, motherhood, meal planning, relationships, minimalism, and our passionate journey to Homeschooling.
My husband and I are celebrating seven years of marriage this coming Monday! These past seven years have flown by, and have blessed us more than we could have ever imagined. We have a very short timeline of when we met, when we got engaged, when we married, and when we had our first baby. Many people had doubts, but we knew that our commitment to one another was nothing to take lightly. We had a shotgun wedding, as some would tag us as, but the amount of love and support that we received from our friends and family was simply incredible. Now, seven years later, three miracle babies, three pregnancy losses, a home purchase, several family trips, the loss of my grandpa, an unbelievable amount of family drama that showed us that we cleave and settle into one another, instead of letting it tear us apart, and everything in between, has shaped the best and worst seven years of my life....
Read the rest here!
Blessings,
By the grace and goodness of God, we were all reunited years later in Omaha. That sweet teen has grown into a lovely young woman, who is now married and raising three precious girls. I mean seriously, precious!
She shared a blog post this week that spoke to my heart. It reminded me of my younger days with a new marriage and young children, and the challenges that holds.
And it reminded me of the importance of fortitude, and determination, and love and GOD!
It had a lot of good reminders to us all, whether a newlywed, or an old married pro. (do those even exist?)
So I asked if I could share with you all! She said yes!
Here ya go folks- enjoy and be blessed and remember that God's plan is perfect, even through the ups and downs!
You can find Kailah blogging at The Mindful Life. Nebraska mama to 3 precious girls & wifey to my mister. A blog about real life, motherhood, meal planning, relationships, minimalism, and our passionate journey to Homeschooling.
My husband and I are celebrating seven years of marriage this coming Monday! These past seven years have flown by, and have blessed us more than we could have ever imagined. We have a very short timeline of when we met, when we got engaged, when we married, and when we had our first baby. Many people had doubts, but we knew that our commitment to one another was nothing to take lightly. We had a shotgun wedding, as some would tag us as, but the amount of love and support that we received from our friends and family was simply incredible. Now, seven years later, three miracle babies, three pregnancy losses, a home purchase, several family trips, the loss of my grandpa, an unbelievable amount of family drama that showed us that we cleave and settle into one another, instead of letting it tear us apart, and everything in between, has shaped the best and worst seven years of my life....
Read the rest here!
Blessings,
Friday, November 10, 2017
Blogging On
Welcome friends! As you may have noticed by now, Family, Faith and Fridays is a conglomerate of subjects- from homeschooling, to reviews, to modesty, meal plans and raising kids, to random thoughts from my head.
Some call it a Lifestyle Blog.
Some just call it craziness and are along for the ride.
Either way, I am glad you are here and I appreciate that you stick with us.
Gotta be honest here for a minute. When I began blogging several years ago I wrote every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Every. Single. One. I must have had a lot to say I guess. Then as my kids got older, I found myself with less spare time to write and with less to write as life, well, things that just were not public knowledge to protect the privacy of growing and maturing young adults.
But, quite frankly, it put me into a panic when I skipped a day because I was afraid I would lose my readership.
And maybe I did some days.
My intention was never to make money off this blog (I do not) or be a power blogger (I am not). My intentions were to share my heart, help homeschooling mommas like me, and occasionally inspire or relate to some of you.
When you are the writer behind a blog it is hard to measure those things. Is success a number? Is it how many people viewed your blog in any given day or how many followers you have or even how many people leave comments?
The jury is still out on that!
Recently, I have contemplated shutting this blog down for various reasons.
BUT...
Then I put up a post like Refined, and I stop in my tracks.
There are people out there still reading this blog. And they are people just like me that need a little encouragement and need to know they are not alone.
Know how I know that? For every comment you see on my posts on our FB page, I received twice that many in my personal email or messages. People who reach out with a simple thanks or personal story and remind me that we all need cheerleaders in our lives.
So for now, I am sticking around! After all, I have some cheering to do!
Blessings,
Some call it a Lifestyle Blog.
Some just call it craziness and are along for the ride.
Either way, I am glad you are here and I appreciate that you stick with us.
Gotta be honest here for a minute. When I began blogging several years ago I wrote every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Every. Single. One. I must have had a lot to say I guess. Then as my kids got older, I found myself with less spare time to write and with less to write as life, well, things that just were not public knowledge to protect the privacy of growing and maturing young adults.
But, quite frankly, it put me into a panic when I skipped a day because I was afraid I would lose my readership.
And maybe I did some days.
My intention was never to make money off this blog (I do not) or be a power blogger (I am not). My intentions were to share my heart, help homeschooling mommas like me, and occasionally inspire or relate to some of you.
When you are the writer behind a blog it is hard to measure those things. Is success a number? Is it how many people viewed your blog in any given day or how many followers you have or even how many people leave comments?
The jury is still out on that!
Recently, I have contemplated shutting this blog down for various reasons.
BUT...
Then I put up a post like Refined, and I stop in my tracks.
There are people out there still reading this blog. And they are people just like me that need a little encouragement and need to know they are not alone.
Know how I know that? For every comment you see on my posts on our FB page, I received twice that many in my personal email or messages. People who reach out with a simple thanks or personal story and remind me that we all need cheerleaders in our lives.
So for now, I am sticking around! After all, I have some cheering to do!
Blessings,
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Writing Pays Off!
a friend,
a fellow homeschooler,
a mom,
a military wife,
- you name it.
My little idea almost two years ago of reviewing products has slowly grown into a love for reaching out to you and each month brings a new opportunity in the way I get to do so.
One of my new ventures is teaming up with Our Homeschool Forum, a wonderful site born of Rainbow Resource that features articles written by many talented fellow bloggers, a wonderful forum, reviews and more.
Shaking Up Spring Schooling on Our Homeschool Forum!
Thanks friends for making this all possible!
Blessings,
Friday, January 3, 2014
Who Am I? And What's This Blog About?
Go ahead, sing with me...
Teacher- In case this is news to you, I homeschool my kids. Every. Single. Day. So sometimes I write about their day, their schedule and their projects. I even toss the college girl into the mix. With that comes the reviews that I am blessed to be able to do. I get the privilege of using some amazing things and I love telling you all about them.
Wife - Been one for over 21 years. To a pretty amazing guy, by the way. And while I do not write about him much (he's an introvert if you can believe that) he is a large part of who I am and so occasionally he shows up on this page as well.
Friend - I don't rat them out too much, but my friends sneak into my stories sometimes. I try to ask their permission first! ;)
Linking up today with Christian Fellowship Friday! Hope over to read some great posts!
"Who am I? 2-4-6-0-1!"
 |
| credit to the Official Les Miserables Twitter |
Ignoring, of course, that in the song from Les Miserables that number represents a prisoner, wouldn't it be an easy way to identify a person? You know, like every digit representing a part of who you are.
Stay with me, friend - here is a start of my number - Who Am I?
Christian - saved by God's grace many years ago. So while I am far from perfect and do not claim to have all of the answers, sometimes I write about my faith.
Mom - Yes, that is a large part of me so I write about that too. My two girls, my two boys, and the things that affect them.
Teacher- In case this is news to you, I homeschool my kids. Every. Single. Day. So sometimes I write about their day, their schedule and their projects. I even toss the college girl into the mix. With that comes the reviews that I am blessed to be able to do. I get the privilege of using some amazing things and I love telling you all about them.Wife - Been one for over 21 years. To a pretty amazing guy, by the way. And while I do not write about him much (he's an introvert if you can believe that) he is a large part of who I am and so occasionally he shows up on this page as well.Friend - I don't rat them out too much, but my friends sneak into my stories sometimes. I try to ask their permission first! ;)
ahhhhhhh. I need a longer number than Jean Val-Jean! I still have categories -
-cook
-military dependent (that's secret military code, haha)
-homemaker
-frugal shopper
-and on and on
-and on and on
So why am I telling you this? I thought you would never ask!
Over the holidays I have been reading all about blogging. The most common advice is to develop a genre, an identity, a theme to center your blog on. It keeps your readers engaged, loyal and coming back they say. According to them, my blog may be doomed, dear friends!
Because, after much prayer and thought, the theme I come up with again and again is -
LIFE!
Sorry, that's it. You see, if I tried to write about just one thing it would bore me to death, and you probably you too! And that is just not me-only one thing?! There is no way!
So what you see is what you get here -
my day, my reviews, my kids, my recipes, my savings tips, my faith, my thoughts, and my family.
LIFE!
Welcome to Family, Faith and Fridays. I hope you will grab a chair and stay a while. Just maybe we will prove those people wrong.
Blessings,
Blessings,
Linking up today with Christian Fellowship Friday! Hope over to read some great posts!
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