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Discovering the Stories Behind Beloved Hymns: "Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan

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Discovering the Stories Behind Beloved Hymns: Then Sings My Soul by Robert J. Morgan I recently came across a treasure on Amazon that I just had to share— Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan. With over one million copies sold, this book offers something truly special: the incredible stories behind some of the most beloved traditional hymns of the Christian faith. Growing up, the music pastor at my church would often share the rich history behind the hymns we sang. Those stories brought the songs to life in a way that helped me connect more deeply with the words and the worship. But nowadays, I’ve noticed that many of these classic hymns aren’t sung as often in church services. I didn’t want my children to miss out on this beautiful heritage of faith, so I decided to take it upon myself to teach these hymns to my kids at home. If I don’t already know a hymn, I either play it on the piano for them or find a performance on YouTube to share...
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Keep Your Food Deliciously Hot with This Amazing Warming Mat!

Keep Your Food Deliciously Hot with This Amazing Warming Mat! If you’ve ever hosted a party, baby shower, or buffet-style meal, you know the struggle of keeping food warm without drying it out or having to constantly reheat. That’s why I’m so excited to share about this new warming mat I picked up from Amazon — and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer! The product is called the Warming Mat for Food — a portable, fast, and even-heating thickened silicone mat that acts as a roll-up electric warming tray or hot plate. It’s super versatile and perfect for home use, parties, buffets, and even travel. I originally bought this warming mat to keep some delicious quiches warm during a baby shower I was helping to host. Honestly, I was just looking for a good excuse to get one after I saw a friend using it, and now I’m so glad I did! It’s easy to roll up and store, heats evenly so no more cold spots, and keeps food at just the right temperature for hours. Whether you’re serving a...
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Summer Read-Aloud Checklist: Charlotte Mason Living Books

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  🌞 Summer Read-Aloud Checklist: Charlotte Mason Living Books ✅ Nature & Adventure ☐ The Burgess Animal Book for Children – Thornton W. Burgess (Grades 1–4) ☐ Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome (Grades 4–8) ☐ The Railway Children – Edith Nesbit (Grades 3–7) ☐ Paddle-to-the-Sea – Holling C. Holling (Grades 2–6) ✅ Historical & Noble Themes ☐ Children of the New Forest – Frederick Marryat (Grades 5–8) ☐ Carry On, Mr. Bowditch – Jean Lee Latham (Grades 5–9) ☐ The Bronze Bow – Elizabeth George Speare (Grades 6–9) ☐ Amos Fortune, Free Man – Elizabeth Yates (Grades 5–8) ✅ Wholesome Family Stories ☐ Understood Betsy – Dorothy Canfield Fisher (Grades 3–6) ☐ All-of-a-Kind Family – Sydney Taylor (Grades 2–5) ☐ The Family Under the Bridge – Natalie Savage Carlson (Grades 3–6) ☐ Miracles on Maple Hill – Virginia Sorensen (Grades 4–7) ✅ Imaginative & Moral-Rich ☐ The Princess and the Goblin – George MacDonald (Grades 3–6) ☐ At the Back of the Nor...
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My Favorite Summer Accessory: The Stanley Water Jug I Take Everywhere

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If there’s one thing I never leave behind during our busy summer days—park meetups, co-op outings, road trips, and field days—it’s my trusty Stanley Adventure 2 Gallon Fast Flow Water Jug . I have it in the prettiest shade of Rose Quartz , and let me tell you, it is not just cute—it’s a total game changer . I first bought this jug because I was tired of constantly refilling small water bottles for my crew. With four thirsty kids (and a husband who drinks like a camel), I needed something that could keep up with us. The Stanley delivers. It's insulated , easy to carry , and the fast-flow spigot is a dream—no drips, no waiting, just cold water on demand. This thing is a summer mom’s dream. It holds 2 gallons of ice water and keeps it cold for hours on even the hottest Texas days. The foam-insulated lid latches tight (no spills in the van!), and the wide mouth makes it easy to fill and clean. I set it up in the back of the van or at our picnic table, and everyone refills their ...
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Extra Moist Zucchini Muffins with Sourdough Discard

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  A delicious way to use up garden zucchini and sourdough starter—without wasting a thing! If you're like me, summer means an explosion of zucchini from the garden or farmers market. And if you're also baking with sourdough, there's probably a jar of discard sitting in your fridge, waiting for a purpose. These  extra moist zucchini muffins  are the perfect solution! They're lightly spiced, naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, and get a boost of flavor and tenderness from the sourdough discard. I made a batch using  four whole zucchinis  and you’d never know it—the muffins turned out fluffy, moist, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. Plus, they freeze beautifully and make a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack. 🥒 Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis (3.5–4 cups shredded and squeezed dry) 3 large eggs 7/8 cup oil (vegetable or melted coconut oil) 1 3/4 cups coconut sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed is fine) 1 1/2 ...
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My Summer Must-Haves for Fun in the Sun at Home

  ☀️ My Summer Must-Haves for Fun in the Sun at Home Affiliate links included. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. There’s something beautiful about slowing down and savoring summer at home. With a few simple items, your backyard can become the most joyful “staycation” spot your kids could dream of. Here are our family’s top summer must-haves for fun in the sun at home —all tried, tested, and mom-approved! 💦 1. Foldable Dog Pool (Not Just for Dogs!) 👉 Check it out on Amazon Okay, hear me out—this is technically a dog pool, but it’s one of our best summer hacks ! We use it to refill water balloons, soak water guns, and even for quick cool-down foot soaks between backyard games. It's super sturdy, folds up easily for storage, and has held up beautifully to all the summer chaos. Bonus: no inflating required! 🔫 2. Water Guns (Backyard Battle Ready!) 👉 See it here These water guns have been a huge hit with my crew this summer! They're easy to fill...
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What I Keep in the Back of My Van for a Smoother Summer with Kids

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What I Keep in the Back of My Van for a Smoother Summer with Kids Because motherhood is mobile—and a little preparation goes a long way! Summer in our household is full of park days, field trips, homeschool meetups, and spontaneous adventures. And with four kids in tow, I've learned the hard way that a well-stocked van can be the difference between a meltdown (theirs… or mine!) and a smooth day out. Over the years, I’ve developed a “summer survival station” in the back of our van. It’s not fancy, but it’s so practical. Today I’m sharing what I keep on hand to make our busy summer days easier, cleaner, and less chaotic. I’ve included Amazon Associate links to some of my favorite or similar items to help you build your own stash! Portable Picnic Blanket We’re often eating lunch outside—whether it’s a park bench, the grass, or the back of the van. I keep a foldable picnic blanket in the trunk at all times. I found mine at Costco, but this one is super similar and easy to clea...
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