whatsoever is true...

We've been to..

2012-02-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

florida!

a whoollle loong post coming soon!

Wordless Wednesday | mustaches

2012-02-01T09:47:00.001-08:00

How much is a homemaker worth?

2012-01-31T08:15:00.000-08:00

I read this post over at A Corner Pillar and thought I'd share...

How Much is a Homemaker Worth?

“The life of a homemaker is one that includes an endless amount of demands and to-dos. Depending on the size of the home and family, the position of homemaker can go well beyond the usual nine to five. We examined some of the tasks that a homemaker might do to find out how much his or her services would net as individual professional careers. We only take into consideration tasks which have monetary values and use the lowest value for each calculation.

Private Chef – Meal preparation is one of the major tasks of most homemakers. From breakfast to dinner, there is plenty of meal planning and cooking to be done. The American Personal Chef Association reports that its personal chefs make $200 to $500 a day. Grocery shopping is another chore that needs to be factored in. A homemaker must drive to the supermarket, purchase the food and deliver it to the home. Grocery delivery services charge a delivery fee of $5 to $10.
Total cost for services: $1,005 per five day work week x 52 weeks = $52,260 per year.

House Cleaner – A clean and tidy home is the foundation of an efficient household. Typical cleaning duties include vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, scrubbing sinks as well as loading the dishwasher and making beds. Professional maids or house cleaning service providers will charge by the hour, number of rooms or square footage of the home. For example, bi-weekly cleaning of a 900-square-foot, two-bedroom apartment with five rooms, costs $59-$124 . A 1,300 square-foot, single-story home with seven rooms runs $79-$150 . A 2,200 two-story, three-bedroom home with nine rooms averages $104-$180 . Additional tasks such as oven or refrigerator cleaning and dusting mini blinds can run an extra $20-$25.
Total cost for services: $118 per week X 52 Weeks = $6,136 per year.

Child Care- Homemakers provide full-time, live-in child care. This type of service from a professional provider would usually come with a host of perks including health insurance, paid vacation and sick days, federal holidays off, dental and vision coverage, and bonuses. The International Nanny Association’s 2011 survey found that nannies make $600 to $950 per week in gross wages, on average.
Total cost for services: $600 a week plus perks/benefits x 52 Weeks = $31,200 per year.

Driver – A private car service might seem like a high-end luxury to most, but the beneficiaries of a homemaker get this service on a daily basis. Companies like Red Cap, which provides personal drivers that use the client’s own car as the means of transportation, offer a glimpse into the cost of this homemaker task. An elite membership which includes 365 days of unlimited, round-trip service is $1,000 a year plus 33 cents – $2.03 per minute.
Total cost for services: $1,000 per year + [(estimated miles driven 8000 miles / 50 MPH) x 60 min/hr x $0.33 per minute] = $4,168 total per year.

Laundry Service – Clean clothes come at a cost when you have to pay for the service that most homemakers do for free. Professional laundry services charge by the pound. For instance, Susie’s Suds Home Laundry Service, Inc. in Texas charges 90 cents to $1.00 a pound to wash, dry, fold, hang and steam your clothes. Items that take longer to dry such as comforters, blankets, rugs and winter clothes are assessed at a price of $12-$15 each.
Total cost for services: $0.90 per pound x 4 pounds of clothes per day x 5 days per weeks x 52 weeks = $936 total per year.

Lawn Maintenance - Basic maintenance of the exterior property is a less common, but possible duty of a homemaker.This could include things such as mowing, debris removal, edging and trimming the lawn. These services cost about $30 a week on average.
Total cost for services: $30 per week x 52 weeks = $1,560 total per year.

The Bottom Line – Total for a year of all services is: $52,260 + $6,137 + $31,200 + $4,168 + $936 + $1,560 = $96,261 per year.

The daily work of a homemaker can sometimes be taken for granted by his or her family members. However, these services could earn a homemaker a considerable wage if he or she took those skills to the marketplace. Homemakers in general contribute a lot more to the home in addition to these tasks, and no amount of money can fill those needs.” (The article’s source is found here.)

Very interesting is it not? :)

Phil 4:8,

Kate Lynn

2011 in reveiw

2012-01-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years I've seen lots of bloggers do a previous year recap of some sort or another, and I've always thought I'd like to try it. So, here I am...

The biggest happy change for our family this year was the addition of another little girl. In June we welcomed Miss Faith Caroline to our ever growing family. She sits in my lap as I type, and what a bundle of giggles and squeals she is.

Our annual spring church camp out at Turkey Run...

Another monumental event this year was Hannah's first time skydiving.

Who is next, I wonder???

Our second trip to the bright and sunny Alabama to visit our Aunt and Uncle.

Riding horses at a real southern horse ranch...

in AL

Needless to say, we had a very enjoyable time. Then on the way home...

Betty and Denny took us to a indoor water park.

Isaiah, Mary, and Emily in the wave pool.

Thank you so much "Aunt" Betty!

Yet another first this year...my oldest sister Kelsey purchased her first car.

A 2000 VW Bug, which we all love riding in! :)

Celebrating my Grandparents 50th anniversary this Summer.

Congratulations Bubba and Grammy!

{Photo credit James Staddon}

Teaching CI with Kelsy this August at the ATI Indy conference. It was a great learning experience for both the teachers and children ;)

Kelsey, Emily, and I.

One change in 2011 was Emily's sudden growth spurt, leaving her less then an inch shorter then me. I now have a urge to get taller, and fast! :P

In 2011 I turned 17...

and on my 17th birthday-I got my ears pierced.

It was suprisingly pain-free, and I am looking forward to taking out my "trainer" earrings next week.

Emily through Isaiah played in Kelsey's Christmas recital in December. And out of the 50+ students playing, I think they did the best. But then I'm a little biased aren't I? :)

That about wraps up 2011 in pictures.

Well, most of 2011 anyway :).

Happy two thousand twelve everyone!

Phil 4:8,

Kate-Lynn

|| It's winter

2011-12-22T17:52:00.000-08:00

It's official.

{picture via istockphoto}

And Christmas is in only three days away.

::squeals and jumps up and down::

{Picture via SevenSisters Esty...check it out here}

Around here everyone is scurrying from here to there, sewing, shopping, wrapping, blaring Christmas music, and trying to keep all their gifts secret. While reading through Luke, I'm reminded of God's amazing love for us, by sending His Son to save us. I definitely think it is indeed the most wonderful time of year! :)

Wishing you a very very merry Christmas!

phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

Sisters...

2011-11-09T11:19:00.000-08:00

When we were in Alabama, we had lots of extra time.

extra time just to take pictures :)

perfect! 

Emily and Mary

Yes, that would be Emily making such a lovely face :).

Alaina and Emily. two of the ThreeSisters

Em and I on the very special hammock.

you see, that hammock has a tragic story.

it broke.

end of story.

(now do you all see why I don't participate in NaNoWriMo?)

yours truly.

Ina Bina

[E-na' bean'a]

My eldest sister and I.

And for my last picture, my youngest sister Faith.

(typically dubbed as Faithy-poo by her adoring older siblings)

until next time.

phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

Alabama .part one.

2011-10-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

August 25th, my family and I started out in our white 15 passenger van on a 2 week vacation.

Alabama, here we come! :)

We arrived at our "uncle" Denny and "Aunt" Betty's house around 6:00.

After staying at their lovely home for two days, we left for thier camper on the lake.

A beautiful drive up into the mountains, and we were here.

Our home for a week.

the lake, and our best friend during our stay :)

a perfect place to build dirt castles

the swimming buddies

The handsome little dude, James

Miss Valerie Hope

Artwork on the deck

sisters :)

the bright Alabama sun

How did I get such handsome brothers? :)

Alaina

I love the lighting during sunset!

Kelsey and Jimsy

My dear Mother

Mary doing dishes

Alaina and I :).

Keep your eyes out for part two

until then...

adios!

phil 4:8

kate-lynn

contrary to popular belief...

2011-09-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

I am still alive and kicking, and a lengthy post is coming on my adventures to here and there...and that's a promise. but for now, here is a picture I couldn't resist posting.

James H. on his first day of school.

simply adorable

♥

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

a promise...

2011-08-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

God never made a promise that was too good to be true

Dwight L. Moody

Dwell in God's never ending love today

Live fully in Him, today

Shine His light today!

kate-lynn

Class of 2011: Hannah

2011-06-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hannah graduated! She's done with highschool, now on to college.

She graduated with our local homeschool group, and she had her open house a few weeks later.

I was honored to be her photographer for both, using my Mom's Canon PowerShot SX130 IS for the ceremony, and for the open house a Canon EOS 50D. It is a job that definetly keeps you on your toes! :)

Congratulations Hannah!

Jessica did a fantastic job on Hannah's cake!

My adorable youngest sister. She got almost as much attention as the graduate :).

Friends and family.

Best friends playing in the gym.

James, my youngest brother. Isn't he one of the cutest things you've ever laid eyes on?

BBQ chicken, great party food! :)

Charissa and Esther.

My Aunt Betty and Uncle Denny from AL, they win the longest distance award.

A pretty pair. Aunt Jody & Faith.

one handsome young man.

Some volleyball...

Kinsey and I.

Thank you Emily for taking the picture.

One of my favorite pictures. Don't you love that face? :)

The graduate and great Grandma.

My amazing friend, Kinsey. Thank you for all your help!

Esther Louise.

again, the most adorabe infant...Faith.

That's all, there isn't anymore.

well, for today that is.

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

Inspiring videos

2011-06-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

Introducing...

2011-06-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Faith Caroline

Born June 9th, 2011 at 12:51

9lbs, 21inches.

better and more pictures to follow soon :)

What do you think?

2011-06-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Don't you love their faces?!

~*~*~*~

Sorry, no baby yet...we're all still waiting.

Will it be a boy, or a girl? Do you want to know?

okay then, stay tuned to find out, and while your waiting, why don't you comment and let me know what you think it is, and what you think it's name should be :)

It Is Well With My Soul

2011-05-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul

Coming Soon to Theaters...

2011-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

And....the Trailer

can't wait...can you?! :)

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

Church Camping 2011

2011-05-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

Our annual church camp-out was fantastic! It was so fun to be with my family, and friends...and be outside.

There was lots of hiking, talking, mud, trail riding, laughing, and all around fun.

LtoR: Yours truly, Alaina, Susannah, and Mary.

Some of my favorite people! You all were so fun.

Devotion time...tired, and sunburned!

My amazing scavenger hunt group.

Hannah made a great team leader, and passing out tracts was a really cool experience!

The highlight of trail 3...climbing the waterfall.

Driving...rather, riding.

It was fun to have the {F} girl's company, since my siblings couldn't make it down the first day.

That's it. Maybe a part two soon :)

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

mi familia {part two}

2011-05-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Last week, I did a post with a few family pictures from Easter. This past Sunday for Mother's day, we went to a flower garden, and took lots more. also, I got lotttssaaa flower pictures, because I've been playing around with my camera's macro settings. (: But, I might just saved them for a later post...we'll see!

"Mom! Look what Hannah taught me!" (:

Don't you just *love* James' face? [smile]

I have to confess, my family (without question) is the best family! :)

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

To the World's Best Mom....

2011-05-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

You truly really are, the best Mom. Thank you so much for all you do!

I love you!!!

♥

Your third daughter,

kate-lynn

mi familia

2011-05-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

getting 11 people, all looking at the camera + smiling = a challenge!

more to follow soon.

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

Happy 14th Birthday Emily!

2011-04-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

14 years ago, Emily Ann was born...making my life a little brighter! Now I had a little sister, how cool! :) Emily is very fun to be with, and is always trying to make someone laugh. She is very good at driving you nuts when your trying to concentrate, and laughing at my and her blond moments. Emily is extremely diligent in her schoolwork, as well as in her chores. She'll pass up biking, if she hasn't gotten her school done for the day...ah not me! :)

I am so glad God gave us you, Emily! and I'm *so* glad your my younger sister! I love you Otter Totter.

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

Multitude Monday: week 2

2011-04-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

*Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people*

I Chron. 6:8

0011 Spring, I'm so glad it's here!

0012 pen-pals, who write me 10 page letters

0013 A new family to babysit

0014 thunder storms at night, and rain on the window

0015 clean laundry

0016 cameras, and photography. I'm so glad we can capture those moments, that are gone forever, except in the photograph.

0017 camping, our tent, hiking, flip-flops, and everything else that goes with camping.

0018 Hannah, my older sister who turned 18 Friday.

0019 the new baby, still growing in mom. I can't wait to welcome him/her into the world!

0020 dogs energetic tail wagging.

Phil 4:8

kate-lynn

*I was inspired by Ann Voskamp to do these weekly posts.

lately...

2011-04-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

What have I been up to lately? Here is the answer in pictures :)

Niblet and Midgit

Dogsitting two jack russell terriers, and my! what energetic dogs they are. It's been so fun having dogs again, even if it's only for a few weeks :).

Hannah L.

we had a friend from New York come and stay a week, that was a lot of fun!

Valentine's Day

Yes, it was over a month ago, but we have lots of pictures :). All of us with our special socks we get from our Granparents every year.

Everyday

then there is the everyday, cooking, laundry, running, piano practice, planting/growing, and school.

That's not all, but the rest I don't have pictures of. Like driving (yes, I've done the highway AND city now), getting my hair cut, piano recital, sewing all our matching Easter dresses, and so on. There, that should last me ahwile :)

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

gratitude

2011-03-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

psalm 100:4

Spring is here, wether is getting warmer, and I am getting back to blogging. Things have been very busy around here, having church families over, a piano recital, everyday dishes school, and most recently, the huge task of season switching all of our clothes! :) Still I thought I would update-after being away for a month...and once again, I'll try to keep on top of it!

"Gratitude is a lifestyle. A hard-fought, grace-infused, biblical lifestyle. Is the gratitude that flows out of your life as abounding as the grace that has flowed into your life? When we give out of gratitude to God, we cause gratitude to well up in others' hearts." -Nancy Leigh Demoss from her book Choosing Graditude, Your Journey to Joy.

In life, how often do we choose, really choose to be grateful? Do we only do it when everything is going our way? Do we thank Him in the dark times, when everything seems to be falling apart?

Often we are thankful, but do we actually take time to thank Him?

Take time to really thank Him, for everything He's done for you. It really helps me when I get 'me-focused'! :)

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

Multitude Monday

2011-02-21T17:04:00.000-08:00

Hello readers! :)
Over at a Holy Experience [a blog I love], she encourages bloggers on Mondays to list a few things your thankful for-with the goal of getting to 1000 things. Here is my first Monday, listing all the things I am so grateful for!

"Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God" Psalm 147:7

0001. First of all, my Heavenly Father. The Creator of the universe.
0002. My amazing family! I am so blessed to have such a loving, caring family!
0003. little babies!
0004. God's awesome creation, and all of nature.
0005. His Word
0006. laughing-giggling of little girls-and gurgles of babies :)
0007. My Father's love, compassion, and mercy to me, even though I don't deserve it!
0008. Clean floors, made beds, strawberry jam.
0009. friends who stick by me through everything-and understand me. A gift from Him!
0010. books that help me to grow in the Lord, and encourage me to live a fuller life for Jesus!

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

Seekest thou things for thyself?

2011-02-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

"And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek them not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD..."

Jeremiah 45:5

A great passage from today's sermon. Made me think, how many times do I seek great things for myself? How many times do I put my own personal wants-over Him, or other people? Does personal gain tempt me?

What if, I shifted my focus onto Christ, and others? I wouldn't be so important anymore, if my focus wasn't on me, it'd be on the ones I was serving. Good point :)

Phil 4:8,

kate-lynn

2011-02-12T18:27:00.001-08:00

Hello! Glad you stopped by, I'm Kate.

For those of you who are wondering why I switched over from my Homeschoolblogger account, it is because it was so complicated, and not very flexible :). I am hoping to blog a little differently over here, and hopefully my photography skills will improve a tad while I am here *smile*.

I want my blog to be glorifying to my Creator, and also, a inspiration to you all!

If you have a google account, I'd love it if you followed me!

Thanks for stopping by!

Philippians 4:8,

kate-lynn