My daughter got married 2 months ago. There was a picture I requested that may seem out of the ordinary. We weren't quite sure how to do it to get the best angle. But it turned out great!
You've probably seen the bride with her wedding band over the flowers. Maybe even the bride and groom together. But what about the parents and their wedding bands, especially when both sets of parents are still married.
You may think, ok, big deal. But here's the thing...it IS a big deal! In today's society when it's more common to have merged families, it seems rare to that both sets of parents will still be married. After all, in most cases that means the parents have been married for 20+ years. That's quite the accomplishment!
Now the question: Why have a picture taken of all 6 hands/rings? Because I think it's a great reminder of where this young couple came from. A reminder of the commitments their parents made. A reminder that when you work hard at it, you can make it work. When you put God first, nothing can break you apart. These reminders are SO important! It's not just a covenant between the bride and groom. It signifies the relationship between both families that have chosen to work together to help these newlyweds make a home and life together. It's a reminder that together, we can accomplish great things. It's a reminder of all of the times we have put God first and not listened to our selfishness or what the world around us has to say.
Hebrews 13:4 "Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous."
1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you[a] of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered."
Colossians 3:18 "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord."
*photo credit: SaltLight Photography
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We started homeschooling my kids as they were entering 7th, 5th, and 2nd grades. My husband and I had been thinking about it for years, but the idea of spending all that money held us back. But somewhere along the way we realized that it doesn't have to cost a lot. Being a single-income family, I had to find ways to stretch our dollars and make the most out of it so that we could provide our kids with the right education and tools they needed, and also allow me to stay home with them so that I could help them as needed.
Here is a list of 10 budget-friendly homeschool tips:
- Leverage Free Online Resources: Utilize free educational websites like Khan Academy (this is one I used with my older 2 as they navigated the high school years) and Starfall, which offer a variety of lessons, interactive activities, and even audiobooks for kids.
- Join Homeschooling Groups and Co-ops: Connect with local homeschooling communities to share resources, buy used curriculum, and participate in group activities and field trips. Share teaching responsibilities and resources with other homeschooling families. This can reduce costs and provide your children with more diverse learning experiences.
- Use the Library: Borrow books and educational materials from your local library. Many libraries also offer free access to online resources and educational programs.
- Buy Discounted Supplies: Shop for school supplies during back-to-school sales, use resell websites like eBay, and check dollar stores for basic supplies like paper, pens, and crayons. You can also join mailing lists and get notified when big sales are happening.
- Create a Budget: Plan your homeschooling expenses carefully. Make a detailed list of needed supplies and resources, then look for the best deals to stay within your budget.
- Choose Cost-Effective Curriculum: Consider using unit study curriculums that allow multiple children to study subjects like history and science together. This can save money compared to buying grade-specific materials for each child.
- Engage in Free Extracurricular Activities: Take virtual tours of museums, historical sites, and other attractions. Many places also offer free or discounted admission for local residents. Take Advantage of Community Resources: Utilize community resources such as parks, museums, nature centers, and historical sites for hands-on learning experiences. Many of these places offer free or low-cost educational programs and tours
- Incorporate Life Skills: Teach practical life skills like cooking, budgeting, and gardening as part of your curriculum. These activities often require minimal expense and provide valuable lessons.
- DIY Learning Tools: Create your own educational tools and resources. For example, make flashcards, use household items for science experiments, or design your own worksheets. There are many free templates and guides available online to help you get started.
- Online Used Curriculum Marketplaces: Explore online marketplaces specifically for used homeschool curriculum, such as Homeschool Classifieds or eBay. These platforms often have gently used materials at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I combined a few that were similar. Sometimes it helps get those creative juices flowing when you see similar options together. The biggest way to accomplish budget-friendly homeschooling is to become a part of a homeschool community. Many homeschool moms love sharing their resources and swapping curriculum. Joining a local homeschool co-op was one of the best decisions we ever made for our homeschooling journey.
Join our HomeGrown Homestead community—a place where we learn, grow, and share our homesteading journey together, fostering a bond of shared wisdom and experience. (everyone is welcome!)
Step into Lavender & Coffee: A Sip of Serenity, a haven for moms seeking support and community on their journey to fulfilling their roles as wives and mothers with grace and purpose.(for moms only)
