Since we’re moving in a week and I won’t have much time to blog, I thought I’d send you a list of my favorite blogs. I don’t have a “blogroll” here (yet anyway), so if I had one, this would be it.

First, I don’t surf to all these blogs every day. Rather, I “subscribe” to these blogs with a “reader.” I use Bloglines. Go over there and set up an account. Then, when you find a blog you love and want to read more of, “subscribe.” There are three ways to subscribe:

1. Open Bloglines in one window, and open the blog you want in a second window. In Bloglines, click on Add (in the left-hand menu, near the top). Paste the URL of the blog you want into the search box that comes up. It will find the RSS feed for that blog and give you the option to subscribe.
2. Even easier, surf with Firefox. Bloglines will add a “Subscribe to this page” option up at the top of the browser, under “bookmarks.”
3. I’ve heard that you can download a toolbar from Bloglines that makes it easy to subscribe. If you know of other ways, please comment below.

Okay, my favorite blogs… (drumroll)

Cooking, Recipes, Healthy Stuff

• http://gatheringmanna.blogspot.com/
• http://castsugar.blogspot.com/
• http://www.cheeseslave.com/
• http://christineskitchen.wordpress.com/
• http://healthtipswithdrlen.com/
• http://www.keeperofthehome.org/
• http://thesugarbar.typepad.com/maple_sugar/
• http://nourishingcookbook.blogspot.com/
• http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/
• http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/

Theology and Stuff

• http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/christinemiller/
• http://rvanneste.blogspot.com/
• http://followingtheancientpaths.wordpress.com/
• http://homeshalom.blogspot.com/
• http://sanamdoctrinam.org/

Women’s Issues & Homemaking

• http://biblicalwomanhoodblog.blogspot.com/
• http://chaitimeblog.wordpress.com/
• http://www.heartofwisdom.com/heartathome/
• http://susangodfrey.wordpress.com/
• http://largefamilylogistics.blogspot.com/
• http://makinghome.blogspot.com/
• http://www.marilynmoll.com/
• http://www.icantbelievemylife.com/
• http://nourishinghome.blogspot.com/
• http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/
• http://pennyraine.com/blog/
• http://pleasantviewschoolhouse.blogspot.com/
• http://www.oldpathsfamilyfarm.net/blog/
• http://threadsofsilver.wordpress.com/
• http://warmpiehappyhome.blogspot.com/
• http://whatsoeverthingsarelovely-blog.blogspot.com/
• http://blog.birthblessed.com/

Homeschooling

• http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/bowofbronze/
• http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/MamaLim/
• http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/
• http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/
• http://thehometruth.blogspot.com/
• http://www.janice-campbell.com/
• http://www.preschoolersandpeace.com/
• http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/reasons/

Just Good Friends

• http://callmecarol.wordpress.com/
• http://helpnotes.blogspot.com/
• http://momoffive.livejournal.com/
• http://popas.wordpress.com/
• http://www.xanga.com/jodoula
• http://sbees.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!!! This should keep you busy for awhile. I’m not sure if I’ll post again next week or not. Maybe I’ll take a picture of this mess of boxes.

Hugs,

~Anne

P.S. Now that you know what I like in a blog, PLEASE feel free to leave me a comment with a blog you like to read (or even your own blog).

Sorry for not posting much this week. We’ve been busy packing boxes (since the “Big Moving Day” is only 10 days away).

But we’ve also been having trouble with our websites. We’re in the process of switching all our sites over to a new server. If something isn’t working quite right here on the blog, let me know. I had to change the template, and I can’t remember what the original one looked like.

Please be in prayer for our family during the next few weeks. I know I’m feeling pretty exhausted already. I’m looking forward to January and getting life back to a new kind of normal.

Hugs,

~Anne

I wanted to tell you about a new contest going on over at my homeschooling Bible blog. You’ll have the opportunity to win a free year of Bible curriculum (and hide some of God’s Word in your heart as well).

Read more…

Hugs,

~Anne

I received a mailing from Growing Families International, and I’m excited to learn that they’re having a big sale (the best I’ve seen for a long time!).

For instance, you can get six or more of the Babywise series for only $3.50 each (regular $8.95 each). I’m planning to purchase the entire series to have on my shelf, to lend to friends. This sale isn’t available online. You have to call GFI at 1-800-474-6264 (Mon. through Fri., 8-4:30 CST). (Read more about the Babywise series here.)

Another great deal is the Growing Kids God’s Way Coloring Book, a really neat coloring book with over 40 pictures that help reinforce the character lessons you’re trying to instill in your home. Normally priced at $6.95, it’s on sale now for $3.00 at the number above or for $2.85 online!

I don’t earn any commission from this little “ad.” I really do love this company! Sometime I’ll have to tell you a little of our story and how this ministry changed our lives.

Hugs,

~Anne

This is just a quick note to let you all know that my Bible curriculum and P.E. curriculum will be on sale at CurrClick from now through the end of December.

• Foundations 1: Preparation for Christ — Sale Price $14.96
• Foundations 2: Christ Our Messiah — Sale Price $14.96
• Foundations 3: Christ Our Hope — Sale Price $14.96
  
• Homeschooling P.E. — Sale Price $14.96

Hugs,

~Anne

I wanted to write a quick recommendation for my friend Candice and her preschool curriculum called Sonbeams. As a firm believer in chores for little ones, I especially love her dry-erase chore charts, one for boys and one for girls. They’re much prettier than just a plain piece of paper stuck on the refrigerator.

I also love her new, just-about-to-be-released Scripture memory CD. The weekly memory verses complement her preschool curriculum, but you can also use them for older children (or yourself!) as you play them throughout the day. The songs are based on the KJV, and there is one song for each letter of the alphabet.

Great job, Candice! I’m looking forward to seeing what else your ministry/business produces!

Hugs,

~Anne

Thanks so much to my sweet husband Kraig, for this beautiful winter theme (the picture at the top of this page). We had our first snowfall here in Iowa last night, and this is the view from my dining room window. Perfect timing….

Hugs,

~Anne

Okay, time for another “meme,” so I can get to know you all better. I’m copying this one from “Whatsoever Things Are Lovely” (one of my favorite blogs).

Bold the things you’ve done...

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang/played a solo

11. Bungee jumped (I want to!)

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (do great-grandparents count?)

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving (want to!!)

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt (part of one)

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle–Don’t tell my mom, okay? (o;

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating–

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Made a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

I almost ordered out for pizza tonight. Besides the fact that pizza’s expensive and it’s hard to find some without pork toppings, it’s unhealthy with trans-fats in the crust and a general deficit of nutrition.

But it’s easy! I’ve been packing boxes all day today, and I’m tired! Thankfully, my sweet husband has come to the rescue and is making home-made stir-fry with beef and ginger (served over rice). I love him!

Moving is extraordinarily busy and tiring, but many homes are having trouble making home-cooked meals these days, according to food editor Caroline Cummins from Culinate.com. I stumbled upon Culinate’s great website while looking for a stir-fry recipe for my husband.

“In other words, “starting from scratch” is a seriously daunting endeavor if you don’t already know how to do it,” Caroline writes.

I thought Culinate was a very helpful place to start, filled with articles and recipes. I’ll check it out some more… in January… after I’ve unpacked… while I’m eating pizza stir-fry.

Hugs,

~Anne

About 10 years ago, I was introduced to heavenly mashed potatoes by my friends Kate and Rob. These potatoes are good “plain” or smothered in gravy. Back then, I loved them, but I was just sure that they were TOO rich to be good for me. I decided to indulge just on the holidays.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they ARE good for me, and that I can indulge any time. In fact, these potatoes are much MORE healthy this way than they are plain.

Adding healthy fats to potatoes helps me digest the “fat-soluble” vitamins in the potatoes and in the other foods you consume on a holiday.

Most of the nutrients in potatoes are just under the skin, so I don’t peel them. Rather I wash them real good, then chop them in small pieces so they cook quickly.

Sinfully Scrumptious Mashed Potatoes

Serves 6

8 medium potatoes, washed and chopped

1/2 stick butter

16 oz. sour cream or (even better) 2 cups creme freche

8 oz. cream cheese

1 tbsp. garlic powder

Handful of chopped parsley

Cook potatoes in salted water for 20 minutes or until fork tender. Drain. Add all other ingredients and mash gently. Serve immediately, “as is” or covered in gravy.

Find more healthy holiday recipes today at the Nourishing Holiday Food Carnival!