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2016: Top 10 Posts

January 2, 2017 by Susan 20 Comments

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A round-up of the top 10 posts of 2016. The best recipes, homeschool tips, entertaining, herbal remedies, and more!

So here we are, all having to get used to writing 2017.  How’re you doing so far?  Me?  It’s usually at least March before I don’t have to think about it.  But I’m the girl who forgets how old I am.  (I know what year I was born, and have to calculate it every time I’m asked.)  Anyone else?

As I was compiling this list of your favorite posts of 2016, based on the number of visits to each post, I was pleased to see a variety of topics represented.  That’s what The Sparrow’s Home is all about, after all.  Our homes are made up of many different spheres.

So here they are…the Top 10 Posts of 2016

Step by step instructions on how to plan a course that will help your teen prepare for CLEP & DSST testing for college credit. Lots of links to resources.

 

10.  Homeschooling High School:  Planning a Course for Both High School and College Credit

I did a three part series on the method that we’re using to homeschool high school.  This post is the second part.  It walks you through exactly how we plan a course and prepare for college credit giving exams.  It’s full of the specifics of how to study, review, and register for the tests, with links to everything you need to know.

 

 

 

9.  Fact or Fraud:  4 Things Your Science Textbook has Wrong

Fact or Fraud: 4 Things Your Science Textbook Has Wrong

There are things that are in just about every science textbook that have been proven to be incorrect or even fraudulent, and yet continue to be published year after year.  Using science that is easy to understand, quotes from mainstream science publications and scientists, I’ll show you what to look for.

 

8.  When You Can’t See God Anywhere

Having walked through a dark time, Job offers us help for the times when we can't see God at work.

If you’ve ever walked through a season of darkness, it can seem like you’ll never see the light.  Job offers the best advice for those times.  Speaking the truth even when we don’t feel it is powerful!

 

7.  Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya... easy and delicious!

I have made this dish for more guests than any other recipe I have, and I think I’ve given the recipe to more people than any other recipe.  It’s easy, tasty, and something many people haven’t had. (Being married to a native Louisianian…it’s something I had to learn to make well.  Finding a super easy recipe was just a giant perk!)

 

6.  Oatmeal Breakfast Cake, and the Best Reason to Be Exhausted

These oatmeal chocolate chip breakfast cakes are an easy, frugal, and satisfying way to cook breakfast for a crowd (or your family!)

Not only is this a fantastic recipe, but I got to tell about my opportunity to serve with my son on a missions team this summer.  And I’m telling you, as a mother of two non-oatmeal eating kids who love this cake, you should try this!

 

5.  Sweetened Condensed Milk Cookies (or, the Easiest Cookies Ever)

This easy cookie recipe is made with sweetened condensed milk and is a blank slate for customizing!

This easy recipe is versatile and makes a really large batch.  I usually freeze half of the dough to make later.  These cookies are great for lunchboxes, roadtrips, or with a cup of tea.

 

4.  Smashbooks

We used Smashbooks to homeschool while travelling. Loved them!!

Integrating crafts and projects into homeschooling is a great way to cement learning, and build memories!  Smashbooks are a kind of scrapbook that we used to document some travelling that we did a few years ago.

 

3.  Disney Princess Bridal Shower

Hosting a Disney Princess Bridal Shower is not the same as a little girl's princess party. Ideas here for a shower with a nod to Disney's princesses.

Two things I love came together in this one event:  Disney and a party with a theme.  Because this was a bridal shower, not a little girl’s party, my goal was to add a nod to the princesses.  From the decorations to the menu, it was a magical day, indeed!

 

Raspberry Leaf can benefit all ladies. It's amazing!

 

2.  Raspberry Leaf:  The Lady Herb

Herbal remedies have been a hobby of mine for a number of years.  What I’ve learned is that what works wonderfully for one person, may not work at all for someone else.  Raspberry leaf is, above any other remedy I’ve tried, something that I swear by.  It’s helped a number of ladies I know, and I love it!

 

 

 

And the #1 post of the year is…

What is the Media Not Telling You About the Louisiana Flooding?

The Louisiana flooding is devastating, and is not being covered in most news media around the country. We are a people of strength. Let's come together and pray and help one another.

My husband is from Louisiana, specifically from the area that experienced unprecedented flooding this past August.  Living up in  Minnesota, we noticed that the only place we were hearing about the flooding was on Facebook, from those in the thick of it.  Not only was our local news not covering it, but neither were the national news outlets.  I compiled pictures and descriptions of the floods from friends and family.  This post struck a chord with folks.  I sent out an update the next month to my email subscribers, detailing the recovery efforts and devastating effects our friends were seeing.

 

And there they are–the top 10 posts of 2016!

I’d like to add a BONUS post…my personal favorite.

The Sparrow’s Home was born from my habit of collecting information and sharing the best things with everyone around me.  The very best thing I could wish to pass along to all of you would be this:  protect your family online.

This post is my heart.  This post is my best for you.  It’s full of our experiences and tools and statistics that might just knock you out of your chair.  And it is by far the most important thing I’ve written all year.

Online Protection:  Keep Porn Out of Your Home

We protect our family in every other way, why do we forget online protection? Here are some tangible tips.

 

Thank you for the blessing of spending part of your 2016 with me.  Here’s to an even more blessed 2017!

 

A round-up of the top 10 posts of 2016. The best recipes, homeschool tips, entertaining, herbal remedies, and more!

 

Click here to see lots of ‘Most Popular Posts’ from iHomeschool Network:

iHomeschool Network's Link Up of Most Popular Posts

Like it? Share it!

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Filed Under: Disney, Family, Herbal Remedies, Homeschool, Recipes, Themed Entertaining

Comments

  1. Nick #thisyearinmusic says

    January 2, 2017 at 9:39 am

    This is a very good top 10. The #1 post is interesting and quite scary how the media shows, and hides, information depending on their political and finical interests.

    Reply
  2. Glenda Cates says

    January 2, 2017 at 10:16 am

    WOW< so many great post I can't wait to read them all. But I am starting with the DIsney Shower as I love all things Disney. Then moving on to the Oatmeal Cake as it sounds yummy. But hubby says to start with the Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya and to make it for him.

    Reply
    • Susan says

      January 2, 2017 at 3:27 pm

      My husband would agree with your husband! LOL. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Ed Miller says

    January 2, 2017 at 10:26 am

    Hi Susan! I love your Top 10 in 2016 Post. Very well done. I can see why you’re #1 post got so much traction. I have a group of friends who are currently down in Baton Rouge helping to rehab the many homes that are still damaged. It is amazing that the national media has really neglected this devastating disaster. Thanks for helping to bring attention to the need. I look forward to following your posts.

    Reply
    • Ed Miller says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:33 am

      I also wanted to add that we homeschooled out children as well. The boys are now adults and on their own, but it was a joy to work with them at home.

      Reply
    • Susan says

      January 2, 2017 at 3:22 pm

      Ed, I’m so glad you stopped by and plan to visit again! It’s a small world, and it’s wonderful to meet fellow homeschoolers and to find out about others serving in Louisiana. Be blessed–

      Reply
  4. Greg says

    January 2, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    Great first year of articles on your blog! These are just the tip of the iceberg.

    Reply
    • Susan says

      January 2, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      You’re the greatest! Thanks, Sweets. 🙂 (Greg’s my #1 guy, BTW)

      Reply
  5. Alana says

    January 2, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    The Top 10 Retrospective was such a good idea (so were the condensed milk cookies which, alas, are far from Weight Watchers friendly). I may do something like that myself. May you have a wonderful 2017.

    Reply
    • Susan says

      January 2, 2017 at 3:31 pm

      Thanks, Alana– Right back atcha! 🙂

      Reply
  6. SHALINI BAISIWALA says

    January 2, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    Loved the way you have recapped 2016 & I have book marked your recipes to come back and check later. The cake and cookies truly sound smashing.
    Wish you a very happy new year! Cheers

    Reply
    • Susan says

      January 2, 2017 at 10:32 pm

      Fantastic! Thanks so much!

      Reply
  7. Joanne says

    January 3, 2017 at 12:18 am

    I, too, have to do the math…so, of course, people think I’m lying when in fact I’m just bad at numbers. Have to check out the jambalaya post. When I was in Louisiana, I found it to be very similar to my country’s season(ed) rice…I’m in the Caribbean.

    Reply
    • Susan says

      January 3, 2017 at 10:03 am

      Joanne, I’d love to know what you think of my jambalaya recipe! Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  8. Ifeoma Samuel says

    January 3, 2017 at 7:24 am

    Lovely summary, I think I like Job’s advice ‘When You Can See God Anywhere’.
    Thank you for stopping by earlier.

    Hugs and Happy New Year

    Reply
  9. Judith Francois says

    January 3, 2017 at 2:33 pm

    Very cool list,
    my favorite is “WHen You Can’t See God Anywhere.” and your recipes look good too! 🙂

    Reply
    • Susan says

      January 3, 2017 at 9:50 pm

      Thanks, Judith I’m glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  10. Kristin says

    January 6, 2017 at 10:13 am

    These posts are all so great, I have to pin this so I can get to them all when I have more time. For now, checking out the cookies and oatmeal 😀

    Reply
  11. Jennifer Dawn says

    January 8, 2017 at 10:49 am

    Looks like it was a great year on the blog for you! I’m so excited to have found your blog. Following along now.

    Reply
    • Susan says

      January 9, 2017 at 1:49 pm

      Thanks, Jennifer! I always get tickled to connect with like minded people. 🙂

      Reply

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