tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28157799283918030782024-03-13T21:30:44.390-07:00Happy Christian HomeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-50273923418702505002016-04-04T16:37:00.000-07:002016-04-09T20:26:24.296-07:00Overcoming Stuff Processing Disorder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwqGWwBcoRzWdfrl_LOZ5IhDULfTsULxUD6mm37djaNfoMMSoHSdnjZe_PxDNhhA0dQAKw3wGmxiUnnfuw9ThMz2Wd5w_WfeJ2YAZiTKohAa0T3Bbt8YHzQpE0UdO_U9XnohR43uchFnE/s1600/stuff+processing+disorder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwqGWwBcoRzWdfrl_LOZ5IhDULfTsULxUD6mm37djaNfoMMSoHSdnjZe_PxDNhhA0dQAKw3wGmxiUnnfuw9ThMz2Wd5w_WfeJ2YAZiTKohAa0T3Bbt8YHzQpE0UdO_U9XnohR43uchFnE/s640/stuff+processing+disorder.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</h3>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Overcoming "Stuff Processing Disorder" </h3>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the past two years, I've been on a
<a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/unburdened-introduction.html" target="_blank">decluttering mission</a>. A mission to lighten my load, so to speak. I've
been overwhelmed by too much stuff- and not even valuable stuff. Just
stuff that comes in and doesn't get dealt with properly, and
accumulates exponentially.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was sharing something that was a
small victory for me the other day in a <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/07/unburdened-9-ways-to-create-uncluttered.html" target="_blank">decluttering</a> group on
Facebook. I threw away a catalog that came in the mail- the same day
it arrived in my mailbox. It's a catalog of products that I use, and
really like, but I realized I can find information about all of those
products online. I don't need this catalog as a reference. I don't
have a designated place to store catalogs in my home (who does?) So I
tossed it. It was in that moment that I realized I am overcoming what
I now refer to as "stuff processing disorder."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the group, I joked that in the past,
I would've held onto that catalog for six years. That's not much of
an exaggeration. Many times, I've thought as I've come across things
in my decluttering journey, "why do I still have this?"
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have a long history of dealing with
stuff processing disorder. When I worked on staff at my church, I
seem to remember my office being (semi) jokingly referred to as "the
black hole". Stuff would go in, but it rarely made it out (at
least not without much outside pressure). Come to think of it, my
childhood bedroom was sort of the same way. My desk at school and my
backpack were like this too. This is not a new thing for me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can imagine that living with this
"disorder" adds to the level of chaos in my life. I'm not a
hoarder- at least not to the point that I could appear on one of
those reality shows. But I can easily see how I could have gotten to
that point.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've heard the expression, "big
doors swing on little hinges" and I think it's important to
recognize some of those "little hinges" or mental shifts it
has taken for me to overcome stuff processing disorder.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm not a reservoir</h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not every single item is meant to take
up permanent residence with me and my family! Some items are meant to
be used and passed on or discarded. Baby gear is a great example.
With my fourth baby, we bought a swing second hand. We used it until
she outgrew it and was ready for the Exersaucer, and then we passed
it quickly to a relative.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Early on in my parenting journey, I
thought I was wise for hanging onto everything. "Once this child
outgrows it, I can use it for the next one," I'd say. Well, what
happens in the mean time? Do I have space for this item until the
next child is ready for it? If not, then it's time to re-evaluate.
It's helpful to view our possessions as fluid- easily received and
easily given again based on their usefulness to us at the time.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Items can be replaced
</h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Our family might be complete with four
children, but I know that I can get another baby swing if I need it
in the future (I've been wrong about being done before- just saying).
I can get one rather inexpensively too (or even free).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Most things are easily replaceable, and
God has a way of providing- especially when we have open hands to
give to others who need something that we have. Having extra space
and order in the home is much better than hanging on to an item "just
in case."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I only have so much space</h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This may not be something everyone
deals with immediately, but for us, living in a small apartment, it
came to my attention rather quickly! Children seem to acquire things
at an alarming rate. With four of them in your family, that means
four birthdays per year, Christmas gifts for four, Easter goodies,
and every single kid-centric event ever (we all know that goody bags
are a "requirement" of children's events), changing out
seasonal clothing (again, twice a year times four little ones- and
even more often for the baby), and you quickly realize that your
walls are made of bricks- not elastic!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Too much stuff gets overwhelming
</h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2015/12/one-small-habit.html" target="_blank">dealing with things promptly</a> leads
to an overwhelmed, stressed out me. Other people in my home are
affected by this. One of my goals as a wife and mom is to create an
atmosphere of peace. I've learned that part of my problem is spending
too much time and effort on keeping things cleaned, put away, and
tidy. I'm not the type of person who likes to clean (gasp!) When I
learned that I need to be proactive about evaluating an item's role
in our lives, I realized that I had the power to keep things from
becoming overwhelming. It is so much more peaceful to maintain fewer
items than it is to try to maintain many items!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Have you suffered from "stuff
processing disorder"? What mental shifts have helped you
overcome this issue?</b><br />
<br />
<b>Linking Up With:</b><br />
<a href="http://nourishingjoy.com/thank-goodness-its-monday-169/" target="_blank">Thank Goodness it's Monday</a><br />
Teaching What is Good<br />
<a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/2016/04/hip-homeschool-hop-4516-4216/" target="_blank">Hip Homeschool Moms</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2016/04/little-r-r-wednesdays-linky-party-148.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a><br />
<a href="http://wholeheartedhome.com/how-to-pay-off-debt-linkup-187/" target="_blank">Whole Hearted Wednesday</a><br />
<a href="http://apronstringsotherthings.com/hearts-for-home-blog-hop-4-7-16/" target="_blank">Hearts for Home</a><br />
<a href="http://ichoosejoy.org/2016/04/06/from-house-to-home-link-party-165/" target="_blank">I Choose Joy</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-13810700245971619932016-03-23T05:00:00.000-07:002016-04-05T10:20:38.287-07:00Book Review: The Love Letters Book Series (for kids)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils-A1kopn57l2M5_4bXdvzSQUX_OGLh9oTahW3HtkvMXatIM5CMi9YuASyEzAewaaxelQjwvW41lL7i7J9fuQxwCzS_Z-B9dpnvPo5Q_AbYyIkcyBQtVkOEctqcNQll3GtDpd-6XIsPYQ/s1600/love+letters+book+series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEils-A1kopn57l2M5_4bXdvzSQUX_OGLh9oTahW3HtkvMXatIM5CMi9YuASyEzAewaaxelQjwvW41lL7i7J9fuQxwCzS_Z-B9dpnvPo5Q_AbYyIkcyBQtVkOEctqcNQll3GtDpd-6XIsPYQ/s400/love+letters+book+series.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>I was given a copy of these books in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received. </i><br />
<br />
As a Christian parent, my goal is to always point my children to Jesus in any situation. And I love <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2015/12/books-we-read-in-2015.html" target="_blank">sharing books with my children</a>. So I was delighted when I had the opportunity to review a series of books by <a href="http://asthestarsofthesky.org/" target="_blank">Soraya Diase Coffelt</a> called The Love Letters Book Series. <br />
<br />
Each book is about a holiday that is widely celebrated, and describes the origin of each one. <br />
<br />
In <a href="http://asthestarsofthesky.org/its-not-about-you-mr-pumpkin" target="_blank">It's Not About You, Mr. Pumpkin</a>, a child writes a letter to a jack-o-lantern to share what they learned about this seemingly innocent and fun holiday that we know as Halloween. Personally, I've had trouble teaching my children about the true origins of Halloween and why we shun the glorification of anything "spooky". It is literally everywhere in October (and really most of the year). Bright illustrations combined with geography and historical facts help the child learn why certain things are done at Halloween, and help the parent start a discussion with their child about these traditions. I really appreciate this unique book and it will be one that I pull out again closer to Halloween!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://asthestarsofthesky.org/its-not-about-you-mrs-turkey" target="_blank">It's Not About You, Mrs. Turkey</a> is also a fun, colorful look at the history of our Thanksgiving holiday. It gets kids to look past the traditional feast on that day, while still acknowledging that all the festivities are fun and delicious. Again, the child writes a letter (this time to a turkey) explaining their newfound knowledge of the pilgrims and the persecution they escaped as well as God's provision they experienced in their new home. <br />
<br />
In <a href="http://asthestarsofthesky.org/notaboutyoumrsantaclaus" target="_blank">It's Not About You, Mr. Santa Claus</a>, our friend is back again with another letter to the jolly guy in the red suit to share the story of the first Christmas. I especially like the ending where the child invites Santa Claus to ask Jesus into his heart. I think that is a sweet touch for families that may have embraced the <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2011/12/01/christmas-culture-and-our-children/" target="_blank">Santa Claus</a> tradition in their home. <br />
<br />
Each book has a Scripture in the beginning, as well as a dedication to Jesus Christ and the author's family. At the end of each one is an invitation to the reader to accept Jesus as Lord. Mrs. Coffelt's foundation, <a href="http://asthestarsofthesky.org/" target="_blank">As the Stars of the Sky</a>, works to promote literacy in children, something I am also very passionate about. I am definitely looking forward to her future books! They are such a fun and informative way to look at holidays, and direct children to Jesus Christ!<br />
<br />
<b>Linking up with: </b><br />
<a href="http://apronstringsotherthings.com/hearts-for-home-blog-hop-3-24-16/" target="_blank">Hearts for Home</a><br />
<a href="http://ichoosejoy.org/2016/03/24/from-house-to-home-link-party-163/" target="_blank">I Choose Joy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2016/03/ultimate-beginner-blogger-course.html" target="_blank">A Little R&R </a><br />
<a href="http://wholeheartedhome.com/be-out-of-debt-linkup-185/" target="_blank">Whole Hearted Wednesday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/2016/04/hip-homeschool-hop-4516-4216/" target="_blank">Hip Homeschool Moms</a> <br />
<b> </b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-7918266431970470622016-02-29T16:39:00.000-07:002016-03-25T10:18:35.407-07:00Our "Go with the Flow" Homeschool Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNX3G2jGaCwtlxUejUvTaEpIGYrC1qYvuMNfP_wbwh31MW5Wo0Tf0dqwuwMDopOUPqgm-R1w0XQFtoI6vFTsffkrDARjhA6Y-hdtA8CRx8pxqWz0JgQy5iXmqxotv_L0WeNJ8mrU4KqKb/s1600/homeschool+ditl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNX3G2jGaCwtlxUejUvTaEpIGYrC1qYvuMNfP_wbwh31MW5Wo0Tf0dqwuwMDopOUPqgm-R1w0XQFtoI6vFTsffkrDARjhA6Y-hdtA8CRx8pxqWz0JgQy5iXmqxotv_L0WeNJ8mrU4KqKb/s640/homeschool+ditl.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have you ever wondered what a
homeschool day in the life looks like for someone who is
"structurally-challenged"? If so, you are in for a treat!
(I will warn you: if you are the type of person who loves schedules
and doing things by the book, this post may not be for you. It will
seem terribly chaotic. I won't confidently say that it <i>works </i>for us,
and that I'm totally nailing this homeschool thing, because I'm
always striving to do better, but this is where we are <i>right
now</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. Or rather a few weeks ago.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have always resisted schedules. (It's
sort of a <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2015/11/myers-briggs-for-newbie.html" target="_blank">trademark of an INFP</a>). But even during those times when I
think, "you know what? Maybe those Type A people are onto
something..." there's generally some external resistance
happening too. I have four children ages 8, 6, 3 and 9 months. Since
<a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/reflecting-on-our-first-year-of.html" target="_blank">the beginning of our homeschooling adventure</a>, we've had an infant,
and then a toddler, then a pregnancy, and now a new infant, and a
very energetic preschooler.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I DO try to maintain some level of
routine in our days. We follow one of the schedules from <a href="https://simplycharlottemason.com/" target="_blank">SimplyCharlotte Mason</a> as much as is practical for us. I have found that it
makes it easier to sort of be on "auto pilot" for our
lessons and readings (the more planning and preparation and DECISIONS required of
me, the less likely we are to actually accomplish any formal
schooling for the day). Despite resisting schedules, we are rather
creatures of habit. Our day just happens to start and end way later
than most people's days. I'm working on that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>8:30-10:00 am-</b> I'm up. I've made tea,
chatted with my husband, and <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2016/01/five-minute-friday-seek-him-first.html" target="_blank">opened my Bible</a> to read for a bit. I
hear the baby cry, so I go in to settle her to buy myself a little
more quiet time. My husband is taking the first part of his day off
at work to get some errands done, so he is in and out of the house
for the first part of our day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>10:30-11:30 am-</b> Everyone else wakes up.
First my 8 year old, who mills around for a bit and then asks for
toast. The baby wakes up for good, and I feed her while I look at
Facebook. The 3 year old wakes up to join the 8 year old who is now
in the living room reading picture books. They start to squabble over
something. I change the baby's diaper, and then the six year old gets
up. I make toast for my 3 year old. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>11:30-12:00 pm-</b> Baby plays in the
Exersaucer while I wrap up what I'm doing online. My 8 year old
asks me to request some <a href="http://www.kevinhenkes.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Henkes</a> books from the library (he was
on a mouse book kick there for a minute), so I handle that before I
get off the computer. He starts his chores, which include sweeping
the dining room floor, emptying small waste baskets, and checking the
mail. (He is kind of a self-starter. Also, he knows that screen time
doesn't happen until his chores are done).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>12:30 pm-</b> My husband returns home briefly
before heading for work. He brought coffee. We talk in the kitchen
until he has to go.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>12:30-1:30 pm-</b> The baby gets another
diaper change, and I realize I haven't eaten yet! I put the baby in
the Ergo and head to the kitchen to make myself something. The older
kids are gathered around the tablet watching whatever the 3 year old
is watching on YouTube Kids (until I shoo them away). He watches lots
of toy videos (ugh), but also a variety of whatever else catches his
fancy. In the past couple of weeks, I've seen Peppa Pig, Thomas and
Friends, Pink Panther and some others. At some point, the 8 year old
begs off of school today in favor of watching Despicable Me again (we
rented it from Netflix). Um, NO.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>1:30- 2:00 pm-</b> The baby should be ready
for a nap soon. I sit down in the living room with her for a feeding,
and start to watch a new PBS documentary called No Mas Bebes. I am
trying to see if she will get drowsy and fall asleep. The three year old
begins quizzing me on how to spell the words, "um", "no",
"yes", "Saturday" and "remote." The six
year old comes into the room and starts to play with the baby. I fuss
at the 6 year old for getting the baby worked up again, and quickly
apologize for snapping at her. I send the bigger kids to play in the
room while I feed and try to settle the baby. Three year old is
playing on the tablet. I abandon the program eight minutes into it.
The big kids were fighting. This nap time approach isn't working!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>2:00- 3:00 pm-</b> I use the restroom and
put the baby back in the Ergo. Baby begins to fall asleep while I
start on dishes and laundry and a new podcast episode. By three
o'clock, I have put the baby in bed, and get ready for our lessons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>3:00-3:30 pm-</b> Head to the kids' bedroom to
start on school lessons. (I have deemed their room to be the most
distraction-free location for lessons to take place for the time
being. We live in a small apartment, so we don't have a dedicated
school space, and the 3 year old is not occupied in the same way from
one day to the next usually. We need to be flexible and do what
works!) And I always have the three year old occupied with something
in another room because being quiet is not one of his strengths! (And being loud is not one of my strengths!) We get started on <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2015/02/24/scripture-memorization-with-little-ones/" target="_blank">Scripture memorization</a> and
Bible reading, and are interrupted by the three year old who first needs
assistance in the restroom, and minutes later, requests a snack.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>3:30- 4:00 pm- A</b>ttempt to transition
from Bible reading to the next portion of our lessons, but end up
discussing Esther the Girl Who Became Queen, and how it compares to
the real story of Esther (which we haven't actually read yet- we were
reading from Matthew today). The children begin flipping through the
Bible, reading certain passages briefly (they are remembering many of
the verses from VeggieTales). I manage to get us back on track,
telling the children that they may explore the Bible more after we do
our other lessons (which they ultimately do). There is a potty break,
and the 3 year old requires attention again. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDzBTuqzjnCJyxfiM2kwCxuGbuqmP5lVVCHNrzcfZp3u534iQJ2YJ-hPO6cYHYS8nk_lfVI92oJL1DtZeHhLfWRSvwqXzDWfzsuWTpQch2YLowB8Le0WIsuVDrIL1ZsSr4rB_cw9ce4CZ/s1600/school+collage+ditl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDzBTuqzjnCJyxfiM2kwCxuGbuqmP5lVVCHNrzcfZp3u534iQJ2YJ-hPO6cYHYS8nk_lfVI92oJL1DtZeHhLfWRSvwqXzDWfzsuWTpQch2YLowB8Le0WIsuVDrIL1ZsSr4rB_cw9ce4CZ/s320/school+collage+ditl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I hear the baby wake up
from her nap. I get her out of bed, and finish reading chapter two of
The Cricket in Times Square. The 8 year old works on Khan Academy for
math. I let him choose the duration, but it must be at least 10
minutes, and no more than 15 minutes. (Charlotte Mason recommends
brief lessons to sustain the child's interest. It works for us!) My 6
year old works on a chapter of Life of Fred: Cats. I requested it from
the library because she seemed to be having some trouble with some of
the Khan Academy content. (We've tried LOF before, and it didn't
sustain their interest. I LOVE the concept, but we likely won't get
it again any time soon.) We end up skipping our reading from The Boy
Who Invented TV (a children's book about Philo Farnsworth) because
the baby woke sooner than expected.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>4:00- 5:30 pm(ish)-</b> I read Grover's Good
Manners to the three year old and the baby, and nurse the baby
briefly afterwards. The big kids make sandwiches while I feed the
baby some solid food (she is really loving butternut squash right
now). I eat something as well. I put a chicken in the slow cooker.
(Mine actually runs really hot for some reason. Dinner will be ready
in a few hours!) I start another load of laundry.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>5:45 pm-</b> I sit down to resume watching
No Mas Bebes. (I find the story so heartbreaking. It's about some
Hispanic women in 1970's Los Angeles who were sterilized without
their informed consent.) This is free time for everyone. The 8 year
old is having tablet time. The 6 year old usually looks on with the 8
year old, or she works on drawings, plays with her dolls or another
toy. The 3 year old plays on the computer.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>6:30 pm (and beyond)-</b> The baby takes
another nap later in the evening, and usually I tidy up the kitchen
and do other chores with her in the Ergo while I wait for my husband
to get off work. He is usually home by 10 pm, so we have a long wait!
We eat dinner when he gets home. We would not be able to do this if
the kids went to a traditional school, of course. (Now, I will
disclose that this is not exactly <i>intentional</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
on my part. I would rather have everyone eat a little earlier, and be
about ready for bed when he gets home, but I must admit that I like
everyone to eat together too). Sometimes
in the "waiting for dad" time, I let the children watch
something together on TV.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Overall,
our days tend to manifest as a combination of Charlotte Mason style
learning and unschooling. We read lots of <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2015/12/books-we-read-in-2015.html" target="_blank">books</a>, learn about a
variety of subjects, but also have plenty of time to find our own
rhythm and explore our own interests. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As of this writing (this day was a few
weeks ago), our days do not look like this! We are taking a couple
weeks off of our usual mom-facilitated learning as the baby works out
some developmental stuff. (Nine month sleep regression is a real
thing!) Last week, she barely napped longer than 15 minutes, so that
made our school time really challenging. I decided this week, we
would lean into that and give her the space to work it out. She's
still not back to her usual nap routine, and a few of us have been
feeling a bit sniffly, so the break is well-timed.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The older two children have been
reading a book called Kid Presidents (a book about what the
presidents were like as children), as well as other library books. I
am working to implement a 30 minute daily individual reading time, so
before screen time happens, they need to get their reading in. My 8
year old has been doing his math online this week before screen time
as well. Yesterday, the two older children rediscovered their marble
run. I happened to go into the room while they were taking a break
from their fun, and noticed a stopwatch and paper and pencil on the
floor. They had been timing how long it took for the marbles to reach
the bottom, and seeing which one was faster. I don't worry much when
we take breaks because I know that they are always learning! It may
not <i>look</i> like school, but their knowledge is always growing! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Do you homeschool? What does a day look like in your home? </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sharing today at Simple Homeschool's Annual <a href="http://simplehomeschool.net/your-homeschool-day-2016/#more-44765" target="_blank">Day in the Life Series</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Linking Up with:</b><br />
<a href="http://nourishingjoy.com/thank-goodness-its-monday-167/" target="_blank">Thank Goodness It's Monday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/2016/03/hip-homeschool-hop-32216-32616/" target="_blank">Hip Homeschool Moms</a><br />
<a href="http://timewarpwife.com/new-christian-adult-coloring-book/" target="_blank">Titus 2sdays </a><br />
<a href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2016/03/ultimate-beginner-blogger-course.html" target="_blank">A Little R&R</a><br />
<a href="http://wholeheartedhome.com/be-out-of-debt-linkup-185/" target="_blank">Whole Hearted Wednesday</a> <br />
<b><a href="http://nourishingjoy.com/thank-goodness-its-monday-167/" target="_blank"> </a></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-57487244043724512062016-01-08T11:09:00.000-07:002016-01-08T11:09:56.146-07:00Five Minute Friday: Seek Him FIRST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAfnIX1de7yS_bEhmG1NdqluFYsy8_94zDAQ8xa586vJfGPq0p3JpXVNuWea2unZK_aj8YzQG86LKGNtpagZ3Jvv82HW6JUWOn-0AGl0W5hmsT3vP477Mj9vqIvtBBIhSjxeFgkzVOPS2/s1600/first+fmf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNAfnIX1de7yS_bEhmG1NdqluFYsy8_94zDAQ8xa586vJfGPq0p3JpXVNuWea2unZK_aj8YzQG86LKGNtpagZ3Jvv82HW6JUWOn-0AGl0W5hmsT3vP477Mj9vqIvtBBIhSjxeFgkzVOPS2/s400/first+fmf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First:<br /><br />Seeking Him first. When I wake up in the morning, the first thing that I need to do is sit down in whatever quiet space is available with a cup of tea, and <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-bible-reading-goals-for-2015.html" target="_blank">open His Word</a>. Fill my mind with Him and His thoughts FIRST. First, before Facebook, before getting immersed into social media, or the cares of my day- my husband, my children, my work, <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/changing-my-filter.html" target="_blank">my Netflix list</a>. First. <br /><br />The Bible tells us that if we will seek Him first, then "all these things shall be added to us." God wants to add to us, but we must FIRST seek Him. <br /><br />I don't know about anyone else, but I know that when I put Him first, it pays off. I'm still learning various ways to put Him first, I know it goes beyond reading the Bible first thing in the morning. It's in thinking His thoughts first in any given situation. It's in obeying Him FIRST before I question. It's in <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-cant-be-quiet.html" target="_blank">sharing Him</a> with my children and others before I share anything else with them. Seek. Him. First.<br /><br />Stop.<br />
<br />
<i>This post is a part of <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/01/07/five-minute-friday-first-plus-special-deals-a-giveaway/" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a> where writers set their timer for five minutes and WRITE. Click over to see more submissions! </i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-26769016024175708042015-12-29T19:02:00.002-07:002015-12-31T17:04:07.218-07:00Books We Read in 2015<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEcYOIVpUHYqQQO6jBUwIEnIV5ixzufdPpCGFbfKMDv0c9V69lh6rVy-0owJ0jxNSmWYyy2SyHYi-_aqa0f2X4RGXV35RRp5YVT6FZTaACpexCzYbS2sBeFrA-bCN1yKNcPe_RYM4EssU/s1600/books+2015+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEcYOIVpUHYqQQO6jBUwIEnIV5ixzufdPpCGFbfKMDv0c9V69lh6rVy-0owJ0jxNSmWYyy2SyHYi-_aqa0f2X4RGXV35RRp5YVT6FZTaACpexCzYbS2sBeFrA-bCN1yKNcPe_RYM4EssU/s400/books+2015+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I began the year intending to read
more. I joined the <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2015-reading-challenge/" target="_blank">reading challenge</a> at Modern Mrs. Darcy, so I
started off with much enthusiasm and inspiration from the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/modernmrsdarcy/2016-reading-challenge/" target="_blank">group Pinterest board</a>. Twelve books seemed totally doable! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've learned something about myself
this year: perhaps I'm not quite the voracious reader I thought I
was! I love books. I love reading. <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/12/02/reading-young-children/" target="_blank">I think it's important</a> as all get
out. But I apparently lack focus. Call it <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2015/11/myers-briggs-for-newbie.html" target="_blank">being an INFP</a>, call it
being a mom with (now) four young children (<a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/search/label/What%20I'm%20into%20this%20Month" target="_blank">my fourth was born late this spring</a>!), call it being a <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/reflecting-on-our-first-year-of.html" target="_blank">homeschooling</a> mom. At any rate, I
fell short of my twelve book goal, but ultimately, I'm sure I read
more books than I would have if I didn't participate in the challenge
at all!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here are the books that my eyeballs
scanned in 2015! (I will include some of the homeschooling books we
read aloud as well!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Books I Read </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan- A hilarious (yet extremely accurate) look at parenthood. I laughed out loud many times. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver (A
book in a genre you don't typically read)- A story of a young woman who unintentionally adopts a little girl. They end up making a happy life for themselves in the Arizona desert. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=2747560" target="_blank">Supernatural Childbirth</a> by Terry Mize
(A book you've been meaning to read)- Such a powerful look at what the Word of God says about pregnancy and birth. Definitely a must-read for any woman who desires to have children.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Family: The Ties that Bind...and Gag by
Erma Bombeck (A book your mom loves)- My mom loved Erma Bombeck, and I actually had a copy of this book that my mom owned. A funny and reflective look at family life from the "empty nest" season. (Yet still relatable for those of us with young children at home). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=073733" target="_blank">Scream-Free Parenting</a> by Hal Runkel- Definitely needed (and still could probably stand to re-read) this book about controlling our responses to our children. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Abandoned Books (AKA "good
intentions").</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm including these because I did invest a significant amount of time in these titles, and plan to get back to them at some point! </span> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=000663" target="_blank">The Grapes of Wrath</a> by John Steinbeck
(a part of the <a href="http://www.hollywoodhousewife.com/2015/01/read-great-books-a-literature-challenge.html" target="_blank">Read Great Books Challenge</a> with Hollywood
Housewife- apparently I like reading challenges!)- Tom Joad gets out of jail, and heads out on the road with his family from the Dust Bowl to greener pastures, and then...(my sister actually bought me a copy for my birthday after she heard I couldn't finish it before it was due back at the library.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson- An amusing and informative look at life on the Appalachian Trail. Is it ironic that I put this down midway through and have vowed to get back to it...sometime? Ha.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=928227" target="_blank">The Hobbit</a> by JRR Tolkien (a book
"everyone" has read but you)- I really wanted to get sucked into this book so that I could understand the love and devotion of the fans of this series. I may pick it back up another time, but did I mention that I am notorious for falling asleep during these movies (and once in the theater!)? Someday, Bilbo. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Currently Reading</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=73131X" target="_blank">Discipline the Glad Surrender</a> by
Elisabeth Elliot- Probably one of the most life-changing and encouraging books I've read in a while (I have abandoned this not once, but twice, but SO need this message). I love Elliot's no-nonsense style and so far the attitudes she has confronted in me have helped me so much in my day to day life. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=42463" target="_blank">Honey for a Child's Heart</a> by Gladys
Hunt- Children and the books to read to them. Two of my favorite things to talk about! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=050947" target="_blank">The Well Educated Mind</a> by Susan Wise
Bauer- A book for grown-ups about getting the education you never had. I love this idea, and the books recommended in it. It's about training your mind, and filling in the gaps you may have from your own school years. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Making of Home by Judith Flanders- A really interesting look at how the modern home came to be. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Children's Books</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
These are just some of the bigger books I've read aloud with my older children this year for school. I'm working on developing the habit of <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2015/09/29/three-ways-to-read-more-to-your-preschooler/" target="_blank">consistently reading to my two younger ones</a> (ages 3.5 and almost 8 months). I've read many books to my younger two, but only started keeping track of them recently. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=00557" target="_blank">Charlotte's Web</a> by EB White- A classic story of the redemptive friendship between a spider and a pig. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=709561" target="_blank">Ramona Quimby, Age 8</a> by Beverly Cleary- The quirky and lovable Ramona Quimby and the tales of her adventures at home and school.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=2052607" target="_blank">The Hundred Dresses</a> by Eleanor Estes- A short chapter book about a quiet, unpopular girl and how she surprises her classmates. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=400026" target="_blank">Little House on the Prairie</a> by Laura
Ingalls Wilder- Life on the prairie with Pa, Ma, Mary, Laura and Baby Carrie. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=119369" target="_blank">The Cabin Faced West</a> by Jean Fritz- A family moves west, as told from the perspective of a young girl. (A must-read if your family likes the Little House on the Prairie books, though it is chronologically before Laura's time). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Children's Book of Heroes by
William J. Bennett- A book of short stories and poems about the people we call heroes. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Mad About Madeline: the Complete Tales
by Ludwig Bemelmans- Madeline and all of her adventures. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I'd love to hear what you've read this year! Leave a comment!</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Affiliate links included. Thank you for supporting this blog!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Linking up:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://katemotaung.com/">katemotaung.com</a> </span></span><br />
<a href="http://apronstringsotherthings.com/hearts-for-home-blog-hop-12-31-15/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hearts for Home </span></span></a><b> </b><br />
<a href="http://ichoosejoy.org/2015/12/30/from-house-to-home-link-party-151/"><span id="goog_1092282673"></span>I Choose Joy</a><b><a href="http://ichoosejoy.org/2015/12/30/from-house-to-home-link-party-151/"> </a><span id="goog_1092282674"></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-4855513503917364562015-12-18T15:09:00.001-07:002015-12-18T15:09:20.751-07:00Five Minute Friday- Freedom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkYYU5RsAldP1-qOI_to_357If14AMk0Zc6zajkzt6UrhA8OeQreIQOBo0fVML2scdPybgJGQNStfnY08RcaCq-_8NOM1r52MgCEdJLStrjNLhE1ejuk7gt4n_wfSnilwPO0BETIsJmKz/s1600/freedom+friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkYYU5RsAldP1-qOI_to_357If14AMk0Zc6zajkzt6UrhA8OeQreIQOBo0fVML2scdPybgJGQNStfnY08RcaCq-_8NOM1r52MgCEdJLStrjNLhE1ejuk7gt4n_wfSnilwPO0BETIsJmKz/s400/freedom+friday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>I'm laughing to myself about how hard it was to write without a specific prompt. I tried out a few different words, but found myself really unhappy with all of them. I almost didn't participate this week, but I told myself I would do so for at least the month of December, so, here you have it. Freedom. Untamed brain. Enjoy! Hee hee. </i><br />
<br />
Go <br />
<br />
This week's five minute Friday was a "choose your own word" edition. Yikes! My first thought, was "that's great! So much to choose from!" But when I started to try to narrow it down from the vast sea of random words, I was intimidated. What would I writea bout? <br /><br />Freedom. Freedom to choose. Freedome to do, or not do. Freedom to express yourself---or not. <br /><br />What are we choosing to do? We have much more freedom than we realize. Free to respond. Free to assume something about someone. Free to fill in the blank. <br /><br />Freedome to speak. Freedom to think and imagine. Freedom must be paired with discipline. We must discipline ourselves. I'm free to sleep until my children wake up in the morning, but with discipline, I actually find more freedom to create, to rest, to be. <br /><br />At times, freedom can be too much. It can be too free. <br /><br />And stop.<br />
<br />
Find More Five Minute Friday participants:<br />
<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" width="200" /></a> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-78310002121877213672015-12-17T04:30:00.000-07:002015-12-19T10:18:12.845-07:00One Small Habit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfISYFF5UYquacCu8j-zxRs8UoqeZu6HLaYSudNdgv6JHgWKobtUz2PuPkuiklpd6EtjQYNJBdpZwsmvZvPWDtxAKJq2CpcBuPGf_uq5yX9gesgNRy3O2B-urK1BSUM97MUyrYi2dji8v/s1600/one+small+habit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfISYFF5UYquacCu8j-zxRs8UoqeZu6HLaYSudNdgv6JHgWKobtUz2PuPkuiklpd6EtjQYNJBdpZwsmvZvPWDtxAKJq2CpcBuPGf_uq5yX9gesgNRy3O2B-urK1BSUM97MUyrYi2dji8v/s400/one+small+habit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have been through seasons of
mothering where <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2015/12/08/grace-for-the-overwhelmed-homeschooling-mom/" target="_blank">I just feel frazzled</a>. The house won't stay tidy(ish),
every time I turn around, someone needs something from me, I don't
have any "<a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2015/06/28/4608/" target="_blank">me time</a>" set aside in my day.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What I realized is that a lot of times,
my own personal habits were contributing to my feelings of being
stressed! At times, I go around putting out all these little fires,
when something really simple could have prevented that "fire"
altogether.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>If I come across my preschooler's stray
shoe in a random room, and take a minute to put it away instead of
telling myself that I'll remember where I saw it earlier</li>
<li>If I wash the dishes in the sink before
bed instead of leaving them for later</li>
<li>If I get my coffee ready to brew the
night before instead of trying to measure coffee grounds and water
first thing in the morning</li>
<li>If I renew a book through the library's
website right when I remember to instead of putting it off</li>
<li>If I decide what I want to make for
dinner early in the morning, and pull meat from the freezer to thaw
right away instead of thinking that I have time to think about it</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm sensing a theme! If the task is
something that only takes a moment, do it NOW, rather than promising
yourself that you'll remember to do it later, at a more convenient
time. I don't know how many times I've kicked myself for putting
something off that could have been done quickly and easily.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What I tell myself in these moments
when I'm tempted to ignore a task, is "doing this now will be a
blessing to me later!" That may sound like a selfish way of
thinking, but it really is a help to everyone in my family. In the
instance of putting the shoes away the moment I notice them abandoned
on the floor, I won't be scrambling later, or delayed on our way out
the door. It really helps everyone! (And mom isn't stressing out,
which I've come to realize is hugely important to my husband and
children!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>How about you? Are you taking an extra
minute to bless your future self? Is there anything you could do
right now, that you'll thank yourself for later? </b><br />
<br />
Linking up:<br />
<a href="http://apronstringsotherthings.com/hearts-for-home-blog-hop-12-17-15/" target="_blank">Hearts for Home Blog Hop</a><br />
<a href="http://ichoosejoy.org/2015/12/16/from-house-to-home-link-party-149/" target="_blank">I Choose Joy </a><br />
<a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-friday-101/" target="_blank">Fellowship Friday </a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-78911078047526720022015-12-10T21:41:00.000-07:002015-12-10T21:41:23.607-07:00Five Minute Friday: Reflect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvGlq7GeCaCAVaS1eRdXn-6zFP2i0RTTtK8zS83Kk_Ss7iuGJJOCly-GjYooLXl5wBZ8r4mCn4kgWS5UY-qw2vrsRyw8_A-2MZOYmHU73FRAiVIS2MFstj50jC49y5MjgoN3yH0xtg89_/s1600/reflect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvGlq7GeCaCAVaS1eRdXn-6zFP2i0RTTtK8zS83Kk_Ss7iuGJJOCly-GjYooLXl5wBZ8r4mCn4kgWS5UY-qw2vrsRyw8_A-2MZOYmHU73FRAiVIS2MFstj50jC49y5MjgoN3yH0xtg89_/s400/reflect.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Go:<br />
<br />
Reflect. I pause to reflect on this past year. I'm not feeling terribly nostalgic at this moment, but I reflect to see how far I've come this year, and where to go next. <br />
<br />
I'm in a state of re-establishment. Defining our new normal, after the birth of my fourth baby. Creating time to pursue some goals. Getting back in the practice of writing. Enjoying it. <br />
<br />
Getting our home back in order after the long last months of pregnancy. And the long/short months of the newborn period. Finding our rhythm as a family of six. <br />
<br />
Finding discipline for myself. A daily check-in with God. Seeing <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/12/30/shiny-reflection-2015/" target="_blank">my reflection</a> again. Oh, there I am! <br />
<br />
Reflect. This year has been one of growth in many ways. I pray for continued growth in the year to come. <br />
<br />
And...Stop!<br />
<br />
See more Five Minute Friday entries:<br />
<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-87804253582040521282015-12-07T04:40:00.000-07:002015-12-19T10:19:50.469-07:00My Christmas Playlist 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ynWVPst4fmNR7DZUtKt3j40X6ttxNfgUv6_7l1mDquv7iurs6EVL7is9JFKMp31JEIU9_vf6EeR32UrlwgHzuiiDAIY5zYAswVOo6AxH1zH81z4Xu1INymejO3Wjq8hrWIZ_e-25NN8D/s1600/christmas+playlist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ynWVPst4fmNR7DZUtKt3j40X6ttxNfgUv6_7l1mDquv7iurs6EVL7is9JFKMp31JEIU9_vf6EeR32UrlwgHzuiiDAIY5zYAswVOo6AxH1zH81z4Xu1INymejO3Wjq8hrWIZ_e-25NN8D/s400/christmas+playlist.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm no music expert (I generally like to leave to that <a href="http://christianmusicdiscovery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my husband</a>),
but I like finding new Christmas music to listen to along with my "old
standbys" of the season (Harry Connick, Jr, Jewel, and The Chipmunks if
you're curious). This year, here are some songs that are new-to-me.
Apparently, I'm drawn to mellow acoustic sounds mixed with female vocals
(mostly). I think this is a pretty good mix of traditional and newer,
original songs, but they have encouraged a light, peaceful tone in my
home, so I really like <i>that</i>! I hope you check out some of these songs and enjoy them as much as I have!<br />
<br />
<i>(I have linked to the actual artist's YouTube video as much as
possible for those who want to follow them or purchase the music). </i><br />
<br />
<br />
1. <a href="https://youtu.be/aGCPiuykNyM?list=PLMSB020EX20QMDizdZ2ZaUuwn7aIRKgFb" target="_blank">It Really is (a Wonderful Life)</a> by Mindy Smith<br />
2. <a href="https://youtu.be/zXnRVLvrSRk" target="_blank">What Child is This</a> by Mindy Smith<br />
3. <a href="https://youtu.be/7qkfRPaGyR8" target="_blank">White Christmas</a> by Bright Eyes<br />
4. <a href="https://youtu.be/3FfieFU041g" target="_blank">Mele Kalikimaka</a> by <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=CD36304" target="_blank">Jadon Lavik</a> <br />
5. <a href="https://youtu.be/FVaFoAIVzok" target="_blank">The Christmas Waltz</a> by She & Him<br />
6. <a href="https://youtu.be/AfDK4I8CKfE?list=RDAfDK4I8CKfE" target="_blank">O Come O Come Emmanuel</a> by Sixpence None the Richer<br />
7. <a href="https://youtu.be/UH_rr4ZnBF8" target="_blank">Silent Night</a> by Sixpence None the Richer<br />
8. <a href="https://youtu.be/FLfF9Gg6S6g" target="_blank">Christmastime is Here</a> by <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1185429&item_no=CD55255" target="_blank">Sixpence None the Richer</a> <br />
9. <a href="https://youtu.be/JhTeqEYUlxk" target="_blank">God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen</a> by The Good Lovelies<br />
10. <a href="https://youtu.be/DwbJSfNLRPM" target="_blank">Jingle Bells</a> by Tyrone Wells<br />
11. <a href="https://youtu.be/OY44aLhgS5I" target="_blank">No Christmas for Me</a> by Zee Avi<br />
12. <a href="https://youtu.be/YtggDJC04f8" target="_blank">Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer</a> by Jack Johnson<br />
<br />
<b>What Christmas music are you enjoying this year? </b><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post contains affiliate links.
If you purchase the linked items, I will receive a small commission.
Thanks for supporting Happy Christian Home!</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>This post has been shared at the following blogs:<i> </i></b><br />
<a href="http://nourishingjoy.com/thank-goodness-its-monday-152/" target="_blank">Thank Goodness it's <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_680453075"><span class="aQJ">Monday</span></span></a> at Nourishing Joy<b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/12/my-top-5-christmas-movies-a-little-r-r.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://ichoosejoy.org/2015/12/09/from-house-to-home-link-party-148/" target="_blank">I Choose Joy</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-friday-101/" target="_blank">Fellowship Friday</a> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-86636374365354666902015-12-03T20:36:00.000-07:002015-12-03T20:36:36.756-07:00Five Minute Friday: Seasons are About Change
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQWaTvnQVmJkSSk9VTYrIQe49qMc1-4isKBlF2IUOqVIiqpj4VsldLL8uOlztrNecoZlCvOtqrXSr5TNYbU4XhiZH0zGvYwMqZH-9ylzb4rEz-xIbrm8Az-yhTsNEJ3NRAmH8Z1J_M0uh/s1600/seasons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQWaTvnQVmJkSSk9VTYrIQe49qMc1-4isKBlF2IUOqVIiqpj4VsldLL8uOlztrNecoZlCvOtqrXSr5TNYbU4XhiZH0zGvYwMqZH-9ylzb4rEz-xIbrm8Az-yhTsNEJ3NRAmH8Z1J_M0uh/s320/seasons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Season. We are well into the Christmas
season.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
With that comes the lists from my
children. My oldest is now eight, and the seasons are changing for
him, too. It used to be that he was a bit oblivious of the times and
seasons, and now it's a big deal for him. He recently has begun
counting down to his birthday, and Christmas, and other occasions
when he might get stuff.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's so important to him. I miss the
seasons when it was easier to surprise him. Times were simpler when
he was younger.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My six year old is still in that season
of simplicity. My three year old is coming into the season where he
is aware of different occasions. And the baby? Everything is new for
her!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Seasons are about change. For children
and for mothers. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Linking up for Five Minute Friday</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-17240334560821178742015-11-23T04:00:00.000-07:002015-12-09T22:51:38.115-07:00Myers-Briggs for the Newbie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZS29XvZDskIwcCkEoS4vgwTGnb24jtJ2C75vin9t7zsMHpdBHhsV5LtN82cex4DXohTC_k8osRcLeDi09yGGpfP1wpHBKfLdjYhpUxDmrm-UzKLDNW5H0l5GAupgTQTTWZwM1NQ5Dhk6/s1600/mbti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZS29XvZDskIwcCkEoS4vgwTGnb24jtJ2C75vin9t7zsMHpdBHhsV5LtN82cex4DXohTC_k8osRcLeDi09yGGpfP1wpHBKfLdjYhpUxDmrm-UzKLDNW5H0l5GAupgTQTTWZwM1NQ5Dhk6/s640/mbti.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Surely, if you've been around social
media at all in the past couple of years, you've heard of the
<a href="http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/" target="_blank">Myers-Briggs Type Indicator</a> (or MBTI for short). It was developed
around 100 years ago by mother/daughter team, Katharine Cook Briggs
and Isabel Briggs Myers, who piggy-backed on work done by
psychologist Carl Jung.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You may have seen internet memes that
show what different types do in certain situations, or memes showing
which character from a movie or book is what type and that sort of
thing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm sure everyone has seen tests going
around online such as <a href="http://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test" target="_blank">this one here</a>, that allow you to answer a
number of questions and gives you a result with four letters (like
ENFP, INTJ, ISFP, ENTP, etc), and a summary of what that means.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What's My Type?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
YEARS ago, my husband and I took one
such test, and read the results for fun. I don't think I put too much
stock into it at that time, and quickly forgot about it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In recent years, people like Megan
Tietz (now of the <a href="http://sortaawesomemegan.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Sorta Awesome Podcast</a>) and other bloggers have
written enthusiastically about this personality typing system, and
hearing about it piqued my interest. I took the test again, and got
another result and read another assessment, and dismissed it as not
being very accurate.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, I kept hearing about it, and
really wanted to know. I took the test <i>again</i>, and read the
assessment, and began this <i>ridiculous</i> process of questioning.
<i>Is this really me? Is that how I actually behave? Listen to this,
dear...does this sound like me? Oh, yes, I'm definitely this!
Wait...am I? No, I act more like this type, so I must be that. Yes,
this one fits much better. Wait...</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How I FINALLY figured out my type-</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes, it's as easy as taking a
test, and getting a result. For whatever reason, it wasn't as cut and
dried as that for me. My results from tests would vary, and so I
began reading the different type descriptions. This helped me, but
also confused me a bit, too! (Not all type descriptions are created
equal!)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I kept hearing about the cognitive
functions (thanks, Megan!) I decided to look into it and learn more
about them. It turns out, that these eight functions are WAY more
revealing and in depth than the surface four letter "code"
for each type. And guess what? Those four letter codes don't amount
to very much! On the surface, two types may seem like they are pretty
close, but when you look into the cognitive functions, you'll see
that they operate very differently. They may not even share a <i>single</i>
cognitive function!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What are the Cognitive Functions?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The cognitive functions are extraverted
thinking (Te for short), introverted thinking (Ti), extraverted
feeling (Fe), introverted feeling (Fi), extraverted sensing (Se),
introverted sensing (Si), extraverted intuition (Ne), and introverted
intuition (Ni). Whew! You can read about these functions <a href="http://www.personalityhacker.com/nicknames-for-8-jungian-cognitive-functions/" target="_blank">here</a>, and
various other places online. (Try searching Google for the specific function you are interested in learning about). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Something to keep in mind as you test
and try to discover your own type is to not focus on questions like,
"am I a feeler, or a thinker?" Listen: everyone is a
feeler. Everyone is a thinker. What is important, is <i>what kind</i>
of feeler or thinker you are. You might be an introverted feeler,
which is <i>so </i>different than being an extraverted feeler. Also
important, is your preference for these functions, meaning, which of
these functions are you more at ease with or more developed in your
mind? If you can figure out which of these functions you use most,
you will be well on your way to learning your actual type, and how best to use that knowledge.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">How it's helped me</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Once I finally figured out my type, I
looked into what type my husband might be. Like me, he took the
tests (reluctantly at times), and got a couple different results. Outwardly, he didn't seem
to fit the descriptions of the common behavior of that particular
type. Once I began reading about how his type functions cognitively,
I started to understand. I was able to understand (and make peace
with) something that has been a challenge in our marriage for the
longest time. I realized my husband doesn't need fixing (as I long
believed) but that he was wired to think and behave a certain way.
And this way was just foreign to me. Not <i>wrong</i>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've learned a lot about myself, too! I
learned that I'm an INFP (not INTP, <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2015/06/28/4608/" target="_blank">as I expressed before</a>), and
finding a group (or three) on Facebook of fellow INFPs helped me to
realize that some of the struggles in my life are not unique to me!
I'm also not wrong and in need of fixing! (Of course, we <i>all</i>
remain in need of spiritual growth, but that's not really what I'm
talking about here).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Learning about the cognitive functions
(not just mine) has helped me to realize that we all value different
things. And in this valuing, we are not better, or more mature, or
more spiritual, or anything than anyone else. God uses each of these
eight cognitive functions (each of the <a href="http://www.16personalities.com/" target="_blank">16 types</a> primarily use four of
these functions in different orders of preference) to bring glory to
Him and to do the work that He would have His people accomplish in
the earth. (And of course, God is not bound by cognitive functions or
Myers-Briggs or anything else mankind can use to explain how He made
us!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What type are YOU?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do you know your Myers-Briggs type?
That four letter code, though not necessary to know, can be very
helpful to you in your daily life. It can also help you understand
better where others are coming from. If you know your type, did you
have any trouble figuring it out? How has it helped you in your
day-to-day life?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My Favorite MBTI Resources: </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.personalityhacker.com/" target="_blank">Personality Hacker</a> (be sure to check out their podcasts!)</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://personalityjunkie.com/" target="_blank">Personality Junkie</a> (they do a great job of breaking down the cognitive functions). </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.16personalities.com/" target="_blank">16Personalities</a> (for a good overview) </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This post has been shared at the following blogs:</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://nourishingjoy.com/thank-goodness-its-monday-150/" target="_blank">Thank Goodness it's Monday at Nourishing Joy</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://teachingwhatisgood.com/linkup-144-give-thanks/" target="_blank">Teaching What is Good </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.rosilindjukic.com/2015/12/my-top-5-christmas-movies-a-little-r-r.html" target="_blank">A Little R & R </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://ichoosejoy.org/2015/12/09/from-house-to-home-link-party-148/" target="_blank">I Choose Joy</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-4682041739566603932015-08-17T04:00:00.000-07:002015-12-08T00:54:16.510-07:00Speaking Good Things Over Our Children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLJmx_yUQiVGBolDszDg_6eYCLI6EZGhcMRNaeaqSD-mHTHX20KPTxugho0_NC0cnsoJtlOu5DT6RHWdyebmAmQEVODvEiRKJQu2ZsrkUFfIt4nBRmb7tWULTU3s61A0rkDxamM-Q-GKh/s1600/speaking+good+over+children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLJmx_yUQiVGBolDszDg_6eYCLI6EZGhcMRNaeaqSD-mHTHX20KPTxugho0_NC0cnsoJtlOu5DT6RHWdyebmAmQEVODvEiRKJQu2ZsrkUFfIt4nBRmb7tWULTU3s61A0rkDxamM-Q-GKh/s640/speaking+good+over+children.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<br />
One day after my two older children had left on an outing with their grammy, I was home alone with my three year old son and napping three month old daughter. <br />
<br />
I received a phone call from my husband who had been at work all day, and I was eager to talk to him. As we were chatting, my three year old ran into the room, and began to play with the baby's swing. He pushed it roughly, and switched on buttons, and music played, while the swing rocked quickly forward and back without the weight of a baby in it. <br />
<br />
"Stop messing with the swing!" I snapped, more interested in getting back to my conversation with my husband. <br />
<br />
The three year old switched the buttons off, and then on again in a flash, and ran out of the room.<br />
<br />
"Little turkey!" I yelled. <br />
<br />
"I not a turkey!" he yelled back.<br />
<br />
"Did he just say he's not a turkey?" my husband laughed. "You can have what you say, you know."<br />
<br />
That phrase. "You can have what you say." I know it to be true. But how often do I observe outward appearances and call it as I see it? Had the stress of motherhood made me forget to speak good things over my children, rather than just labeling them by the looks of their behavior? <br />
<br />
Our culture applauds those who "say what's real", and so we value people when they make seemingly accurate observations. As Christians, though, we're called to go beyond that. To see beyond the see-able. To see what God sees. <br />
<br />
In Genesis, we see the universe in chaos. Thankfully, God chose to see past that. He said, "let there be light."<br />
<br />
My son came back in the room. "You're a blessing," I said to him. <br />
<br />
"OH! Thank you, mom!" he beamed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku60mtagb_LuqjyNP-GanIYJN-tM9Lv5DIgTfYuSC12ojUdk8fVGaQXPXMtGDjVCiGQkW3-RS9tibL5MCH2rD9WdV5gvrhHtVucOdskXJ-zAyDnwscjGHghsgvmN4l0U7awxVvhm9T53_/s1600/build+him+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhku60mtagb_LuqjyNP-GanIYJN-tM9Lv5DIgTfYuSC12ojUdk8fVGaQXPXMtGDjVCiGQkW3-RS9tibL5MCH2rD9WdV5gvrhHtVucOdskXJ-zAyDnwscjGHghsgvmN4l0U7awxVvhm9T53_/s640/build+him+up.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
Our children need us to remind them how God sees them- not just how their behavior causes them to appear- and certainly not how they make us feel in a moment of tension. <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/12/30/shiny-reflection-2015/" target="_blank">God's word is a mirror</a>- to us, and to them. <br />
Let's build up our children to be the awesome men and women God has called them to be!<br />
<br />
<b>What phrases can you speak over your children to affirm who they are in Christ?</b><br />
<br />
<b>Linking up with:</b><br />
<a href="http://amamasstory.com/2015/08/mama-moments-monday-link-up-18.html" target="_blank">Mama Moments Mondays</a><br />
<a href="http://teachingwhatisgood.com/146-where-is-our-trust/#comment-38511" target="_blank">Teaching What is Good </a><b><a href="http://amamasstory.com/2015/08/mama-moments-monday-link-up-18.html" target="_blank"> </a></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-35463660757283886112015-06-29T22:49:00.000-07:002015-06-29T22:49:21.499-07:00What I'm Into- June 2015Welcome to another very sporadic edition of What I'm Into! The last time I tried writing one of these was exactly a year ago. I never published it! I haven't published much since then- as I've been busy as a contributor on <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/" target="_blank">Donna Perugini's blog</a>, AND growing a new baby! We welcomed our fourth baby this past May- a little girl, and we are feeling so blessed. She is awesome, and everyone seems to be adjusting fairly well. These past couple of months have been spent getting settled in, figuring out our "new normal", and we seem to have established nap routines, so for me that means I'm able to think about blogging! Just in general. Maybe not <i>regular </i>blogging. Maybe not super-intentional blogging. But blogging...sometimes. I'll take it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<h4>
Books</h4>
Since our new baby arrived, I've been on the couch a lot! That has afforded me the opportunity to read! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/1FMo0b7" target="_blank">Dad is Fat</a>: Written by the hilarious Jim Gaffigan, this book is all about his experiences as a parent. Seems like most of it is basically universal. His observations are laugh-out-loud funny and spot-on as usual. If you like his stand up comedy, you'll probably enjoy his book, too. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/1Lz8uGP" target="_blank">The Bean Trees</a> (Barbara Kingsolver): I'm not much of a fiction reader. I have a really hard time picking stuff out that I think will be appropriate but also entertaining and meaningful. I had heard about another of Kingsolver's books from a podcast, and decided to look up her other books. Naturally, I was compelled to start with her first book. Well, it did not disappoint! The main character is a young, single woman moving west from her small town. She manages to unintentionally adopt a young child along the way, and starts a new life after she winds up in Tucson, Arizona. I especially liked that it takes place in the Sonoran Desert (where I just happen to live).<br />
<br />
<h4>
Want to Read</h4>
More of Kingsolver's books, for sure. Also on hold through my e-library service, <a href="http://amzn.to/1g4JpHN" target="_blank">A Walk in the Woods</a> by Bill Bryson, <a href="http://amzn.to/1Hrqbq6" target="_blank">What Alice Forgot</a> by Liane Moriarty and <a href="http://amzn.to/1ROt5Xl" target="_blank">Wild</a> by Cheryl Strayed (see? I'm trying to squeeze in more fiction!) Also, I may give To Kill a Mockingbird a re-read so I can join in a book discussion on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thehollywoodhousewife?fref=ts" target="_blank">The Hollywood Housewife's Facebook</a> page. We'll see. The baby <i>does </i>eat a lot, so it <i>could </i>happen. ;-)<br />
<br />
<h4>
Television </h4>
I haven't watched a bunch of television, as my kiddos have kind of staked their claim on the TV right now, but a couple of notable things I've watched have been a documentary called <i>On the Way to School</i> and an Adam Sandler flick called <i>The Cobbler</i>. <br />
<br />
<i>On the Way to School</i> is a film that follows children from around the world on their voyage (yes, voyage) to school. This is not a metaphorical voyage- but a literal one. Most of them coming from remote villages and traveling (most of them by foot) unattended for hours through rugged and wild terrain. To get to school. It really had me thinking about how people in our society are apt to call CPS when children are walking down the street alone to get to school, or just playing in their own yard. (Those are thoughts for another post though!) <br />
<br />
<i>The Cobbler</i> was about, well...a cobbler who discovers that he has the ability to walk in other people's shoes- literally. It was interesting to see how he made use of that ability- but also a little silly. And weird. It has some really good parts, as Sandler's character really tries to do good with his new found power, and the ending actually made me say, "what?!", but overall, it was just okay. (I rated it three stars). I admit, I'm not a big watcher of independent movies, but thought I'd give it a chance because of Adam Sandler. <br />
<br />
<h4>
In My Kitchen </h4>
Since having a new baby, this month I'm just starting to get back into my kitchen. It's a huge blessing to have meals provided by other people, and take-out is great (but expensive!), but it is so nice to get back to normal! I did try my hand at making a <a href="http://pioneersettler.com/diy-recipe-sourdough-starter/" target="_blank">sourdough starter</a>, which I failed at! I didn't feed it frequently enough, so ended up with a sloppy mix of flour and water that smelled like nail polish remover. Ha. (How you know you're doing it wrong!)<br />
<br />
<h4>
Family Learning (AKA Homeschooling) </h4>
Goodness, it's been a whole lot of informal learning around here lately! But I was able to turn my kids on to <i>Bindi's Bootcamp</i> on Netflix, and we watched <i>Charlotte's Web</i> since we've been reading the book- hopefully I can finish this book with them very soon! <br />
<br />
My children have also been noticing cursive writing in various places and my five year old daughter asked me to read something to her that was written in cursive. I asked her if she wanted to learn how to write that way, and she said yes! I brought out some <a href="http://amzn.to/1g4LByP" target="_blank">worksheets</a> with cursive letters, and let her trace them. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Internet Favorites </h4>
I have been learning more about <a href="http://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test" target="_blank">Myers-Briggs personality types</a>. I finally discovered my own type- <a href="http://www.16personalities.com/intp-personality" target="_blank">INTP</a>. It has been eye-opening to finally figure out my actual type. (I kept getting different results when taking the test- and they didn't seem to fit me at all!) It's amazing how it has made some things about my struggles and strengths make <i>so </i>much sense. Do you know your type?<br />
<br />
Something that piqued my interest in that has been the <a href="http://sortaawesomemegan.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Sorta Awesome Podcast</a>. It has been <i>more </i>than sorta awesome in my opinion! <br />
<br />
Last but not least...my wonderful husband has launched out and started a radio show! I'm super excited for him. I listen to the podcast version of <a href="http://ragingsanityradio.podbean.com/" target="_blank">Raging Sanity Radio</a> though, because his show airs at 7:00 am. I ain't gonna lie...I don't remember the last time I voluntarily woke up that early (except for church)! Give it a listen if you're into politics and current events. <br />
<h4>
<br /></h4>
<h4>
What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month</h4>
Hopefully getting back into the swing of homeschooling. We don't usually break for summer since it's so hot where we live.<br />
<br />
<b>So tell me, what are YOU into this month?</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">contains affiliate links</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-191076634728176942015-01-19T04:00:00.000-07:002015-01-19T04:00:00.417-07:00My Bible Reading Goals for 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotsqDOKMKFgJBI-0zE0atdhQZkVRo5QgeVKi77WfbqBnpvthumOpANpQ9WUqqaoa2ZD8YNCbLqguD8X_yMjzkhUtH27bVawMDYmcwCKsuWL3Tck1X6tavA9cwtx5jUoyaOfsTDvgP_Khu/s1600/Bible+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotsqDOKMKFgJBI-0zE0atdhQZkVRo5QgeVKi77WfbqBnpvthumOpANpQ9WUqqaoa2ZD8YNCbLqguD8X_yMjzkhUtH27bVawMDYmcwCKsuWL3Tck1X6tavA9cwtx5jUoyaOfsTDvgP_Khu/s1600/Bible+2015.jpg" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Recently I wrote about <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/12/30/shiny-reflection-2015/" target="_blank">the Bible being our spiritual mirror</a>.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have you ever let that reflection get
so foggy, you hardly recognize yourself? If so, you are not alone!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I know as moms, we can get so bogged
down with every day life that we get away from the most important
thing. The reason we do anything at all: God! His Spirit. His Words.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They are life-giving, and every time I
read them, I see myself a little more clearly.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Once upon a time, I wasn't yet a wife,
I didn't have children, and I pretty much only had myself to think
about. Whoo! I was <i>so </i>spiritual! Can you relate to that? I thank God
that I had time to myself early on to dive deep into His Word and get
to know my way around the Bible, but thankfully, He had more in store
for me!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was soon married and quickly (<i>really</i>
quickly!) became a mother, and then became a mother again...and
again, and now I'm expecting our fourth blessing. I can be exhausted
sometimes. It can be so hard to get up earlier than everyone. It can
be a challenge to get to bed at a decent hour, because I spend time
catching up on things after everyone else is in bed. In the most
recent times that I've gotten up and have been able to spend
uninterrupted time in His Word, it has been glaringly obvious to me
that I've become distant from Him.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't want that to be the case in
2015! So, I'm pressing on. <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-smartphone-keeps-me-connected-to-god.html" target="_blank">I mentioned a while back</a> that I had found
a great Bible reading plan in the <a href="https://www.youversion.com/" target="_blank">YouVersion</a> app on my phone. Guess
what? I'm still plugging away at that plan! Project <a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/12-project-345-plus" target="_blank">345 Plus</a> is a 365
day reading plan, most days having four chapters to read. Needless to
say, it's taken me much longer than 365 days to read through it! But
that's <i>okay</i>. I was pregnant with my third child when I started
it, and that plan has seen me through a pregnancy, a postpartum
period, a growing infant turned busy toddler, all while homeschooling
my two older children, and now another pregnancy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My plan is to be purposeful about
waking up earlier than everyone so I can have that uninterrupted time
to read and soak in His Word. I <i>need</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that time to replenish my spirit! I need it to give me the mental,
emotional, and spiritual energy to keep things going smoothly around
here (I plan to do a better job at that this year! Only by His
grace). </span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Will you join me?
Pick out a Bible reading plan on YouVersion or somewhere else (even
the back of your Bible might have one) and just get started. You
won't have to waste time hemming and hawing over your Bible in the
morning about what you should or shouldn't read. You'll know what's
next. And amazingly, so will God. I'm always astounded that whatever
I'm reading is exactly what I need for today. He is so good!
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What
Bible-reading goals do you have this year? Share in a comment! </b>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-37746467661185169132015-01-02T03:00:00.000-07:002015-01-02T03:00:03.660-07:002014- That's a Wrap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbJqvJ5QriaSf21VGfGh-k8OJ51-DlKsb8IDqsQRP5G6ayDnpF9x7k4L7CNm_Zh8eel4uFFS06xWBwCq2EVV2xlV_gx8IM7a3aiqArPDZme6n9tw2Ylf2u3dLDoKS3YGHyIwgl-cie60L/s1600/2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbJqvJ5QriaSf21VGfGh-k8OJ51-DlKsb8IDqsQRP5G6ayDnpF9x7k4L7CNm_Zh8eel4uFFS06xWBwCq2EVV2xlV_gx8IM7a3aiqArPDZme6n9tw2Ylf2u3dLDoKS3YGHyIwgl-cie60L/s1600/2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've been silent for several months
here on Happy Christian Home. And I've been silent before. I realize
there probably aren't many people still reading along, but somehow I
still feel compelled to keep this blog going. Something in me says to
keep sharing, and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is so easy to get overwhelmed in
this great sea we call the internet and social media in general. It's
a challenge to <i>not</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> compare oneself to everything else happening online. Feeling small here is
pretty much effortless. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I
guess I don't care about feeling small, per se. I just want to </span><i>know</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that I'm called. And doing the thing I'm supposed to do with this
space. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">It is
my goal this year to just be more consistent here, whatever that
might look like. Either with monthly postings, or weekly postings-
just </span><i>consistent. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Gradual.
Realistic. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">As you
know, if you've been a reader for any length of time, I am a wife and
a mom. I have three little ones, and for the past two and a half
years, we've been <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/reflecting-on-our-first-year-of.html" target="_blank">homeschooling</a>. This year, we are expecting a new
little one to join our family, so that blessing will add a new
dynamic. And of course, when we are busy with finding the "new
normal" as a family, things like blogging tend to take a back
seat. That's okay. (I'm sure you understand!) </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOCx2LUJYPaSlhH8N6lJ4CLD0KligC0HosbfPHAV2eILJJubReb5rZO6fe-hSY4SOrT33rv7x6vcJ1D_nVBfLJCrXDzeNKYSlHvfTMRr02SZ7aQBA0Ml12D4WbUvUhq5OiFaZKkr385O1/s1600/prego.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOCx2LUJYPaSlhH8N6lJ4CLD0KligC0HosbfPHAV2eILJJubReb5rZO6fe-hSY4SOrT33rv7x6vcJ1D_nVBfLJCrXDzeNKYSlHvfTMRr02SZ7aQBA0Ml12D4WbUvUhq5OiFaZKkr385O1/s1600/prego.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Also,
this past August, I teamed up with children's author <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/reflecting-on-our-first-year-of.html" target="_blank">Donna Perugini</a>
to be a contributor on her site. That has been an exciting
opportunity for me, and I've really enjoyed working with her, and
being sharpened as a writer. So, I guess you could say I haven't been
totally silent online. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">So,
what's ahead for this space? Well, I hope to continue to share things as God places
them on my heart, and also follow up with <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/unburdened-introduction.html" target="_blank">some of my writing from last year</a>. I'd love to reach out to more of you via social media,
like <a href="https://twitter.com/MommyHubbard3" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HappyChristianHome" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mommyhubbard3/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. I don't want to spread myself
</span><i>too</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> thin, though since
I feel called to focus on writing, but at the same time, I need to go
where readers are. I've learned I can't just click "publish"
and kick back with my feet up and wait for the people to start
rolling through here (if only!) There is a </span><i>work</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
side to this whole blogging thing! (File that under "things
nobody tells you about starting a blog".) ;-) </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I hope
I can continue to connect with those that come through here as I have
in the past, and get to know </span><i>more</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
of you! </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I hope that you had a wonderfully blessed 2014, and pray that your year ahead is awesome! </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">If
you're new around here, here are links to three of my favorite blog
posts this year, and also links to a few of my favorites on Donna
Perugini's site! </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><u>Happy Christian Home posts</u>:</span></span></span></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;"></span><a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/reflecting-on-our-first-year-of.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Reflecting on Our First Year of Homeschooling</span></a></span></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/read-aloud-chapter-books-weve-enjoyed.html" target="_blank">Read Aloud Chapter Books We've Enjoyed this Year</a></span></span></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/07/unburdened-9-ways-to-create-uncluttered.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Unburdened: 9 Ways to Create an Uncluttered Atmosphere</span></a></span></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h4 class="post-title entry-title">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><u>Donna Perugini posts</u>: </span></span></b></h4>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A Shiny Reflection for 2015</span></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/12/30/shiny-reflection-2015/" target="_blank">A Shiny Reflection for 2015 </a></span></span></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/11/18/homeschooling-beginner/" target="_blank">Homeschooling as a Beginner</a></span></span></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/10/07/hosting-community-baby-shower/" target="_blank">Hosting a Community Baby Shower</a></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"> </span>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-2887386392787409442014-08-26T11:20:00.001-07:002014-08-26T11:21:01.400-07:00Five Ways to Show Support for Children's Ministry Workers<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have you ever wondered how you can take care of the ones who care for the children? Today, I'm sharing some ideas about how to do just that! Point number two: "Value their time. If you must have a
meeting, be prepared and keep it as brief as possible." <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/08/26/5-ways-to-support-childrens-church-volunteers/" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE TO READ MORE! </b></a></div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Value
their time. If you must have a meeting, be prepared and keep it as
brief as possible. - See more at:
http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/08/26/5-ways-to-support-childrens-church-volunteers/#sthash.k49RQk2m.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Value
their time. If you must have a meeting, be prepared and keep it as
brief as possible. - See more at:
http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/08/26/5-ways-to-support-childrens-church-volunteers/#sthash.k49RQk2m.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Value
their time. If you must have a meeting, be prepared and keep it as
brief as possible. - See more at:
http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/08/26/5-ways-to-support-childrens-church-volunteers/#sthash.k49RQk2m.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
Value
their time. If you must have a meeting, be prepared and keep it as
brief as possible. - See more at:
http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/2014/08/26/5-ways-to-support-childrens-church-volunteers/#sthash.k49RQk2m.dpuf</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2xAIJYS2qoRUs-i77NGjJBG2Uhluc-XQM3rByL764RfHibQNSS6J_W-F7U9C1VPMJzeeKv7AQ2ayWgBUVyiDEpUQDBUafIvvI-owe0MuR1m4Z8uZPEHjk5s8LQ6B23tU6UMPgoQGyM31/s1600/5+ways+to+show+support.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2xAIJYS2qoRUs-i77NGjJBG2Uhluc-XQM3rByL764RfHibQNSS6J_W-F7U9C1VPMJzeeKv7AQ2ayWgBUVyiDEpUQDBUafIvvI-owe0MuR1m4Z8uZPEHjk5s8LQ6B23tU6UMPgoQGyM31/s1600/5+ways+to+show+support.jpg" height="320" width="298" /></a></div>
I'm honored to be featured at <a href="http://donnaperuginichildrensauthor.com/" target="_blank">Donna Perugini's website</a> (the author who brought you great books like The Flight of Orville Wright Caterpillar), so won't you join me over there and weigh in on the topic? I look forward to hearing your ideas!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-58439579175897181292014-07-14T21:24:00.001-07:002015-08-24T09:44:26.725-07:00K-3 Free (and Inexpensive) Homeschool Resource Round-Up<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Are you just starting out with your
homeschool planning, but not knowing where to turn? I was like that a
couple years ago when we began! I knew we wanted to homeschool, but I
didn't have a set "philosophy" to guide me through those
uncertain first months. Also? I didn't have the budget to just go out
and buy the curriculum that most appealed to me (any of them!)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here are some of the (free) resources
we've relied on for the past couple of years, and one of the
relatively inexpensive things we've used too!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tccW7xAzpht-GKPsyljU08cQUd7EQRPYJ6CQYAU2av5f7QaTcGxK3Yprz9rQf0bDhPxK1KDso5yCMNA6VCczwyZmWlRWdf4JLGln_iSDC54lgO8I7Yti8S1NE4z62PCCC3OBvYvn4CwM/s1600/homeschool+roundup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tccW7xAzpht-GKPsyljU08cQUd7EQRPYJ6CQYAU2av5f7QaTcGxK3Yprz9rQf0bDhPxK1KDso5yCMNA6VCczwyZmWlRWdf4JLGln_iSDC54lgO8I7Yti8S1NE4z62PCCC3OBvYvn4CwM/s1600/homeschool+roundup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u>Free Resources</u>:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://amblesideonline.org/" target="_blank">Ambleside Online</a>- This is a website
that is based on principles of a Charlotte Mason education.
Admittedly, the first few times I explored this site trying to figure
out how this might work for my brood, I kinda got a little bit
cross-eyed trying to figure out what we were supposed to actually <i>do</i>.
Then I started reading about Charlotte Mason and her ideas on
education. Ah, it made so much more sense after that! That being
said, I don't recommend trying to use this without having read a bit
about Charlotte Mason. This is one you can use for all ages.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://allinonehomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Easy Peasy</a>- Easy Peasy has every grade
laid out from preschool through high school. It is a site that is put
together by a Christian mom of many. She wanted the curriculum to be
online to keep track of what her children had done year by year (and
also so it could be reused by her younger children), and made it
available to other parents and caregivers. I like the concept, and
you don't need much more than an good internet connection to use it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://education.com/">Education.com</a>- This is a great resource
for worksheets and projects to do. I believe you are allowed five
free downloads per month. I've found it easy to locate a good
quality, grade-level worksheet on various topics.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.homeschoolshare.com/" target="_blank">Homeschool Share</a>- Lapbooks and Unit
Studies galore! (Also, they have many resources for Five in a Row, if
you're using that.)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.ixl.com/" target="_blank">IXL</a>- IXL is math and language arts for
K-12. This is very kid-friendly, and I like that they allow your
child to do 20 practice questions per day. You don't have to sign up
and pay for their service, though if you want to go beyond the
practice questions, you will have to. It is nice to use in addition
to another math program just to gauge where your child is at
currently.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/" target="_blank">Khan Academy</a>- Khan Academy is a
non-profit that has teaching videos and exercises for math, and many
other subjects. For math, it is the most basic arithmetic all the way
to stuff I never learned, like calculus and other difficult-sounding mathematic disciplines. (Can you tell I'm not a math buff?) I haven't
spent very much time exploring their other resources, but it does
look rather extensive.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.lessonpathways.com/" target="_blank">Lesson Pathways</a>- This is a good one if
you want a fully guided custom curriculum (for K-5). I like how you can simply
click on certain units to remove them (if say, your child has already
mastered that lesson) and you can move the units around to put them
in the order you want. You can even combine grade levels in a certain
area of study. The only caveat I would offer for this resource is
that many of the outside links are no longer good. This makes it a
little frustrating, but you can easily find alternate projects or
worksheets elsewhere (and you have the option to report any links you
find that don't work). It does help when you want grade-level
appropriate ideas. We've discovered many favorite books and authors
through the ideas on this site. To use it, you only need to register
with an email address. (They have never contacted me or sent me
emails, in case you're worried about that!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://simplycharlottemason.com/" target="_blank">Simply Charlotte Mason</a>- Can you guess
what we're doing this year? Yep, we're inspired by Miss Mason and her
excellent ideas concerning education. I actually have found this to
be a great deal simpler than using Ambleside- at least for the way my
brain works! If you want to incorporate her method into your
homeschool, you just need to figure out what works better for you
(whether Ambleside Online, Simply Charlotte Mason or any other
Charlotte Mason website). I like the more modern books recommended
here, and I like their free curriculum planner. Yes, it still takes
planning, but it is totally guided and they offer sample schedules as
well. (Also, both Ambleside and Simply Charlotte Mason have online
forums for all of your questions!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><u>Inexpensive</u>:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1888659009/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1888659009&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=RWZF26C7GMZFICZN" target="_blank">Five in a Row</a>- I wanted this list to be
full of FREE resources, but I couldn't leave this one out. It is not
free, but you can find the volumes of this book at Amazon for
relatively cheap and find most of the recommended books at the
library. So it's <i>almost</i> free. We love using Five in a Row,
because, well...we love reading. It is not intended to be a <i>full
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">curriculum, but it does open the
door to many cool educational things to share with your little ones!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>(If you like these resources, feel
free to follow my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mommyhubbard3/homeschooling-ideas-resources/" target="_blank">Homeschooling Ideas and Resources</a> board on
Pinterest!)</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*Contains affiliate links</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Have you used any of these
resources? Which one is your favorite?</b></div>
<span style="font-style: normal;">Linking up with these fine blogs:</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.littlerandr.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Little R & R"><img alt="A Little R & R" src="http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t393/jukiczr/LinkyButton-sidebar_zpsea1d45f2.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://gospelhomemaking.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="GospelHomemaking.com" src="http://gospelhomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thrive-at-home-button.jpg" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /><br /> </span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-style: normal;"></span></b></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-6191012204738312322014-07-07T19:01:00.005-07:002014-07-14T21:28:19.544-07:00Unburdened: 9 Ways to Create an Uncluttered Atmosphere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3ZQ4xRNep89M1cCBpbLobYUkTkFdkRrDi2_qDAMFXs0UgGUIkBDK5FAq0NfIwwZf6r8UPF6CbdokOg2MKl5sHCFZ7mlCmX1Uo-bw71SJD8Jj-E8NzGqeo7tn0O1t_esXlIqvCYNiYsiE/s1600/unburdened.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3ZQ4xRNep89M1cCBpbLobYUkTkFdkRrDi2_qDAMFXs0UgGUIkBDK5FAq0NfIwwZf6r8UPF6CbdokOg2MKl5sHCFZ7mlCmX1Uo-bw71SJD8Jj-E8NzGqeo7tn0O1t_esXlIqvCYNiYsiE/s1600/unburdened.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
Recently, <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/06/unburdened-introduction.html" target="_blank">I started writing about my word for 2014</a>, "unburdened." God laid this word on my
heart, and it filled me with so much hope, showing me so many
possibilities for the new year.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
One way that He is unburdening me, is
through the physical decluttering of our home. I don't know about
anybody else (actually, I <i>do,</i> because I watch Hoarders!) but I
have <i>way </i>too much stuff in my life! A few years ago, we moved
from a small apartment to a smaller apartment, and I think now, we're
rocking about 700 square feet! In the mean time, our family grew
larger, and our surroundings...didn't (or haven't yet).
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
Over the past seven months, I've really
begun to question my relationship with <i>things.</i> I know for me,
personally, my relationship to my stuff was influenced in part by my
upbringing, and the fact that we moved about every year or so when I
was growing up. When I turned 18, I realized that I had moved more
times than I had had birthdays! So, stuff was the constant in my
life. Usually. (Things tend to mysteriously disappear when you move
frequently, and you're a child and you don't pack all your own
things, but I digress!)
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
I came to understand that I had a
tendency to hang on to <i>things </i>because I didn't have roots
anywhere- I think I was just grabbing on to whatever was in my reach!
Crazy, right? Plus, I have also confronted the fact that I struggle
with attention issues (but that's a whole 'nother blog post!) and
don't always have the focus to realize when objects are overrunning
my life.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
I'm on the path to a decluttered
lifestyle. I've made a lot of progress over the course of this year,
but I'm not yet where I want to be. I'm encouraged because of how
much I've unloaded, and I've learned a lot in the process and had
many "a-ha" moments. I'm getting there!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx08bCkII26gta6J2JkjGsDJPsvj16nNPOtFrY7XA_ktT9bWzH82cfyBCPhb2fqZHErQHo_VDTIsjzAWw8Xt0_xm6iPA-DBQXosJHTbQwD4ClRGUPhY3Am8XBFcMOxxLibYfIJRMHlEuo/s1600/uncluttered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx08bCkII26gta6J2JkjGsDJPsvj16nNPOtFrY7XA_ktT9bWzH82cfyBCPhb2fqZHErQHo_VDTIsjzAWw8Xt0_xm6iPA-DBQXosJHTbQwD4ClRGUPhY3Am8XBFcMOxxLibYfIJRMHlEuo/s1600/uncluttered.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal;">
Are you also struggling with the amount
of stuff (or the wrong kind of stuff) in your life? Here are some
ways to help you get started on the journey of unburdening yourself
via your environment.
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Confront your junk!</b>
Literally and figuratively. Reflect on </span><i>why</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
you have so much stuff. Have you recently downsized and now your
belongings don't fit your new environment? Do you, like me, have any
deep-rooted reasons for hanging on to things you don't need any
more? Figuring out the </span><i>why</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
will go a long way in helping you declutter and actually </span><i>stay</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that way.</span><br />
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal;">
<b>Get inspired:</b> Peruse Pinterest for
decluttering tips, join a Facebook group with people who are also on
a journey of decluttering, read <a href="http://nourishingminimalism.com/" target="_blank">blogs</a> <a href="http://www.becomingminimalist.com/" target="_blank">about minimalism</a>. Minimalism
is a good key word- don't be intimidated by that word, either. It's
not just about sparse decor and furniture, but more like a way of
life!</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal;">
<b>Set a goal for yourself:</b> Setting a
number of items you wish to get rid of helps. <a href="http://www.flylady.net/" target="_blank">FlyLady </a>has some <a href="http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/flying-lessons/decluttering-15-minutes/" target="_blank">great pointers</a>- like using a timer everyday to keep you on track with
daily decluttering. Or set a lofty goal like <a href="http://nourishingminimalism.com/2013/12/2014-in-2014-decluttering-challenge.html" target="_blank">2014 in 2014</a> where you
get rid of (you guessed it) 2,014 items in one year (that's what I'm
doing, by the way).</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal;">
<b>Get real: </b>Do you really need a
certain item? Does it get a lot of use in your home? Is it something
you're hanging onto because it was a gift, and it never really
worked for your particular style or needs? What would it take to
replace it if you ever needed it again? Just being honest with
yourself will really help you in the long run to get your space
under control.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal;">
<b>A place for everything, and
everything in its place!</b> I keep saying this to myself when I'm
organizing. If it doesn't have a place, maybe it's time for that
item to go! Or maybe you really need it, and something else needs to
go to make room for it.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal;">
<b>Keep it movin'!</b> Pack up a box or
bag, and <i>immediately</i> put it in the car to be donated. Don't
let the stuff pile up in boxes or bags, or worse, keep them around
so that you can reconsider getting rid of it. Trust me, you will
feel <i>awesome</i> once you start doing this.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal;">
<b>Stop bringing stuff into your
home.</b> This one is <i>so</i> hard to do, but you must learn to become
disciplined with yourself and your family. This is one area I'm
struggling with too, especially since the children seem to attract
stuff from every corner of the Earth (I'm totally being silly, but
sometimes it seems every time we leave the house, they come back
with <i>more stuff</i>!) Learn to say no to yourself and others
sometimes! You have to figure out what this means because everyone
is different- but don't shop for unnecessary items, and if you go to
places where the children accumulate stuff (like little toys),
develop a system for dealing with it right away to keep it under
control.
</div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Get your children on board.
</b>You don't have to completely clear their room of toys and have them
play with sticks (though this might appeal to some, ha ha), but
explain to them why they should pare down their possessions. They
will have more space to play with the things they love, and more
time to play with them since they won't be spending so much time
cleaning up their belongings. I had my three children each select 10
things (or sets of toys, like train tracks or blocks, for instance)
that were most important to them. We managed to get rid of so much
this way. When Christmas or birthdays come around, re-evaluate. If
people ask what they want or need for gift-giving occasions, point
them in the direction of adding to existing collections- it's much
easier to organize toys that are related than to have to find a way
to store some completely new kind of toy. Maybe even ask for
experience gifts like passes to the zoo or the movies. </span>
<br />
</li>
<li><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Don't get frustrated.</b>
Remember that you didn't accumulate so much stuff overnight, so it
might stand to reason that it will take time and changing
perspective to really declutter your life. Every little bit of
progress helps! And if you lose momentum, just get going again. </span>
<br />
</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">Are you on a journey of
decluttering, too? Share your experience in the comments! </span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: normal;">Linking up with these fine blogs:</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.littlerandr.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Little R & R"><img alt="A Little R & R" src="http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t393/jukiczr/LinkyButton-sidebar_zpsea1d45f2.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://timewarpwife.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.artbookbindery.net/timewarpwife/TWWbutton.jpg" /></a></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://gospelhomemaking.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="GospelHomemaking.com" src="http://gospelhomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thrive-at-home-button.jpg" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /><br /> </span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"></span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-style: normal;"></span></b></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-79297385287886984172014-06-16T18:14:00.000-07:002015-08-24T09:41:32.498-07:0015 Love-Inspired (Non-Fearful) Reasons to Homeschool<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Once while reading a Christian
parenting book, I realized how many of my parenting decisions were
based on fear. It was kinda crazy to think about, but many choices
have been made because I <i>didn't want a certain thing to happen</i><span style="font-style: normal;">!
I was afraid. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">The
Bible has much to say about fear. One thing I've read said that the
Word addresses the issue of fear 365 times! A daily reminder from God
to </span><i>not</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> fear (by the
way, I've never <i>counted </i>references to fear in Scripture, so I don't know
for sure if that estimate is exact- does anybody want to confirm?)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tnwFznNw3apgvFLJfSnzqaWRM3S1vimq4gNX5IXMnD_LrOz6aQfSZ3lfAcgZF5Eg62DpO6Ds0CLoI_ymIVPbEd-aIqpZdCD5VMk7kuQkuKZSe5hyphenhyphenHBiGsiXyoyEzua7REs3kp7YYsEdS/s1600/love+inspired+homeschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tnwFznNw3apgvFLJfSnzqaWRM3S1vimq4gNX5IXMnD_LrOz6aQfSZ3lfAcgZF5Eg62DpO6Ds0CLoI_ymIVPbEd-aIqpZdCD5VMk7kuQkuKZSe5hyphenhyphenHBiGsiXyoyEzua7REs3kp7YYsEdS/s1600/love+inspired+homeschool.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">When
we made the decision to homeschool, I'll admit, much of it was due to
fear. (Some fears can be healthy, though, so I'm not saying the
reasons aren't valid!) Fear about bullies or other negative social influences, fear about (for us) our
son getting a hold of some kind of problematic food (he is outgrowing
a few minor allergies), fears that his educational needs would not be
met and he would grow to dislike school. There are more, I'm sure, if
I really think about it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-NKJV-30622"></a>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"There is no fear in love; but
perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he
who fears has not been made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18 </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">As
homeschooling moms, we need to look to love for our motivation in
everything! Here are some of my favorite love-inspired reasons to
homeschool. Some of them fun, some of them serious. What reasons can
you add to my list?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I
get to be with my babies all day!</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I
get to learn alongside my children (yay, me!).</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">My
children have the opportunity to experience the real world as we
move through our day together, rather than only interacting with
their peers. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">No
alarm clocks! (Unless we have some place we need to be).</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Our
mornings are calm, and we all (usually) get as much sleep as we
need.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Education
is tailored specifically to my child's needs. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">If
they have mastered certain material, we get to move on- no waiting
for others to catch up.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">If
they need (or want) more time with certain concepts, we can "camp
out" there for as long as we need (or want) to. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">My
children eat home-cooked and lovingly prepared meals all day. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We
have a ton of freedom to explore our community resources (parks,
museums, libraries, etc.) while they are not busy. </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I
get to read (and re-read) lots of favorite books with my children!</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We
can learn in our pajamas!</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Nobody
has to raise their hand to use the restroom. :-)</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">More
time for (godly) character development! </span>
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Time!
Time to be together, time to develop our relationship, time to
explore their interests and hobbies, time to be creative! </span>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVss6qil9lND6nZ9UCERM-dxg8Sid_O3AE06x_-xLcFXEJbvBaZ7B5fZWZOJmWDeFngbGSH651eWYhiaJ-mdMusc0vIZRYAMpNa1Z-GHIJL5t2nMjWmiCPedEXMmsEOqIgCA6iSL5XWaE/s1600/love+inspired+reasons+to+homeschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfVss6qil9lND6nZ9UCERM-dxg8Sid_O3AE06x_-xLcFXEJbvBaZ7B5fZWZOJmWDeFngbGSH651eWYhiaJ-mdMusc0vIZRYAMpNa1Z-GHIJL5t2nMjWmiCPedEXMmsEOqIgCA6iSL5XWaE/s1600/love+inspired+reasons+to+homeschool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">I'm
sure there are many more love-inspired reasons to homeschool! What
are your favorites? Share in a comment!</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Linking up with these fine blogs:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-fridays-underdog/" src="http://christianmommyblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FF-Button-Final.png" height="150" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.littlerandr.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Little R & R"><img alt="A Little R & R" src="http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t393/jukiczr/LinkyButton-sidebar_zpsea1d45f2.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://gospelhomemaking.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="GospelHomemaking.com" src="http://gospelhomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thrive-at-home-button.jpg" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /><br /> </span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"></span><br />
<b><span style="font-style: normal;"></span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-55923887847928157422014-06-16T04:00:00.000-07:002014-06-16T18:25:20.232-07:00Inviting Cooperation from Young Children<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I just celebrated my youngest guy's
second birthday this month! Could it already be? I swear I was <i>just</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
telling you all that I was expecting him! </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3TMXcQOGV_FY8KV8NCpaQsIGi3CucFP9y_N2wzrtd5LvLqx4x6a7ptr_e_uwoXHGSVp8vB6aAoV_TUJbZaY9rhiW6UEPNemKKuLqzbTH0J_fb_cj28LTTtwTEVRxmQeNxSnMFaJyuy82/s1600/j+upside+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3TMXcQOGV_FY8KV8NCpaQsIGi3CucFP9y_N2wzrtd5LvLqx4x6a7ptr_e_uwoXHGSVp8vB6aAoV_TUJbZaY9rhiW6UEPNemKKuLqzbTH0J_fb_cj28LTTtwTEVRxmQeNxSnMFaJyuy82/s1600/j+upside+down.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">At any
rate, he is quickly gaining independence and communication skills and
reaching other important milestones </span><i>so</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
fast. It can be hard to keep up with all the changes, am I right,
moms? I feel like I was just getting the hang of mothering this baby,
and now he's already into "young child" territory! </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Are
you in the same season with your little one(s)? Or maybe you work with toddlers or preschoolers on a regular basis. Whatever the case, we could all stand to take a minute and see things from a young child's perspective for a minute to figure out ways to best communicate with them to make our days run a little more smoothly! Today, I'm revisiting
some of the ways that have helped me deal gently, but effectively my little guy (and that I still
frequently use with my older children now ages 4 ½ and 7). I'm
honored to share these tips as a guest on my friend <a href="http://www.jennimullinix.com/" target="_blank">Jenni Mullinix</a>'s
blog! Join me over there today and share any additional ways you know
of to <a href="http://blog.jennimullinix.com/5-ways-invite-cooperation-young-children/" target="_blank">invite cooperation from toddlers and preschoolers</a>!<b> (Click the link to continue reading!)</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-fridays-underdog/" height="150" src="http://christianmommyblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FF-Button-Final.png" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.littlerandr.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Little R & R"><img alt="A Little R & R" src="http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t393/jukiczr/LinkyButton-sidebar_zpsea1d45f2.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://timewarpwife.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.artbookbindery.net/timewarpwife/TWWbutton.jpg" /></a></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://gospelhomemaking.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="GospelHomemaking.com" height="125" src="http://gospelhomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thrive-at-home-button.jpg" width="125" /></a><br /><br /> </span></span><br /><br /><center>
<br /><br /><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</center>
</span>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-75039091548803103692014-06-09T04:00:00.000-07:002014-06-09T15:33:07.567-07:00Unburdened: An Introduction<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I hinted back a few months ago in
<a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/01/what-im-into-this-month-january-2014.html" target="_blank">another post</a>, about having chosen a word (or rather it choosing ME)
for 2014. This is my first time just meditating on a single word for
the year, rather than setting a bunch of goals of things I wanted to
focus on for the year. Both ways are great! Both ways keep you from
drifting through the year, and both things can be used as a filter
for decisions to pass through so that you don't waste your time and
energy.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
At the beginning of this year, though,
I think I was feeling overwhelmed, and just needed to find that
"laser-focus" and clarity to come out ahead when all is
said and done (something that seems to have eluded me in some
seasons).
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrEIHa9iR4ktXe5xP1b_dUX5lOd1hI-WXRZE7lcziVDydadCsMQc-yzyc72xKi_Ye1i-1MQlghB6PZlPpYxpcsbETvZiYEIPswVUg8VYHq9EyCXyJMYjM4fHfqWE6AOEWw6yD58NfWIUz/s1600/unburdened.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrEIHa9iR4ktXe5xP1b_dUX5lOd1hI-WXRZE7lcziVDydadCsMQc-yzyc72xKi_Ye1i-1MQlghB6PZlPpYxpcsbETvZiYEIPswVUg8VYHq9EyCXyJMYjM4fHfqWE6AOEWw6yD58NfWIUz/s1600/unburdened.jpg" height="321" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
The word that settled in my spirit is
"unburdened". I know, six months into it, that this is
God's path for me this year. He has been faithful to show me so many
ways that He is indeed, unburdening me. And it's awesome.<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Come to Me, all you who
labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke
upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My
burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30</span></span></div>
<br />
Through this process, I'm beginning to see how "heavy laden"
I am. Or was. I don't know that it is totally obvious that I have
been crouching under the weight of spiritual, physical and soulish
burdens- and the fact is, I don't even think <i>I</i> realized it!
But God knows. Of course He does. And as He is peeling back those
layers, I have been able to breathe easier, stand up a little
straighter, and see His vision a little more clearly.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud
of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so
easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is
set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne
of God." Hebrews 12:1-2</span></span></div>
<br />
Some of the unburdening has been simple, little changes. Others,
much bigger and more complicated. Some things, a little silly, and
"why didn't I think of that sooner?" But all woven
together, and totally evident that God is at work in me!<br />
<br />
This unburdening is part of the reason I've been able to get back
into blogging! I have renewed purpose for this space, and I hope
you'll join me here as I continue to share what God has been doing
over the coming weeks!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Did you choose a word for the year? How's it going? Share in a
comment!</b><br />
<br />
Linking up with these fine blogs:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-fridays-underdog/" src="http://christianmommyblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FF-Button-Final.png" height="150" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.littlerandr.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Little R & R"><img alt="A Little R & R" src="http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t393/jukiczr/LinkyButton-sidebar_zpsea1d45f2.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://timewarpwife.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.artbookbindery.net/timewarpwife/TWWbutton.jpg" /></a></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://gospelhomemaking.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="GospelHomemaking.com" src="http://gospelhomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thrive-at-home-button.jpg" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /><br /> </span></span><br />
<center>
<br /><div align="center">
<br /></div>
</center>
<b> </b>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-54672740469724317062014-06-02T12:58:00.000-07:002014-06-05T23:05:33.880-07:00Changing my Filter<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I got a "check" in my spirit the other
day. You know how that goes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was writing a blog post last week
about <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/what-im-into-mostly-may-2014.html" target="_blank">What I'm Into</a>. Typically, in that kind of post, I (and the many
others who write these kinds of posts) will list certain categories
and then share things that held my interest or occupied my time. It's
all for fun, and to show more of the personal side of the blogger on
the other side of the screen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The "television" category
came up. I started to recall what I had watched all month. I typed. I
stopped. I read what I wrote. <i>Hmm</i>. Really? I quickly realized
that I didn't really want to share that with the world! *</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not that I was afraid of being
authentic so much as I realized that sharing what I watched wouldn't
be <i>helpful</i> to anyone. I certainly didn't want to encourage
anybody to then go and actually <i>watch</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
the programs or movies I had watched (or at least to the extent that
I had). A thought popped into my mind: </span><i>if I don't think I
it would be beneficial to share this with my readers, maybe I
shouldn't be watching it! </i>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As Christians,
we're called to wisdom!
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-AMP-16652"></a>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The foolish woman is noisy; she is
simple and </span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>open to all
forms of evil</b></span><span style="font-style: normal;">, she
[willfully and recklessly] knows nothing whatever [of eternal value].
Proverbs 9:13 (Amplified, emphasis added)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>This woman has no
filter on what comes in or what goes out!
</b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Adhering to this
idea of filtering and discerning what we take in or allow into our
airspace kinda goes counter-culture. It's pretty much seen as a
virtue to be open to all things. But God wants us to be vigilant, and
protective of our minds and hearts!
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.49in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="en-AMP-16514"></a>
<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you
guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23
(Amplified)</span></span></div>
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Entertaining though
it may be, we need to be mindful of what we watch on television. The
content as well as the quantity. I don't say this to be legalistic,
of course, but we need to be aware that some things can easily drown
out the voice of God. It doesn't happen right away. It's gradual. In
hindsight, I saw this happening with me.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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I don't know about
you, but I need to be aware of His presence and actually hear His
voice more than I want to be amused. I don't want <i>anything</i>,
whether television, movies, music, or whatever, to dull my appetite
for Him!
</div>
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How about you?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*For anyone who
simply <i>must</i> know, I watched a couple <i>seasons </i>of<i>
</i>House, M.D. and a romantic comedy or two. I realize there are
worse things, but with everything, we need to think, "am I
helping my spirit?" If the answer is "no", it's time to adjust accordingly!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Linking up with these fine blogs:</span></span><br />
<a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-fridays-underdog/" src="http://christianmommyblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/FF-Button-Final.png" height="150" width="150" /></a><a href="http://www.littlerandr.org/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A Little R & R"><img alt="A Little R & R" src="http://i1057.photobucket.com/albums/t393/jukiczr/LinkyButton-sidebar_zpsea1d45f2.jpg" style="border: medium none;" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://timewarpwife.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.artbookbindery.net/timewarpwife/TWWbutton.jpg" /></a></span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://gospelhomemaking.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="GospelHomemaking.com" src="http://gospelhomemaking.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/thrive-at-home-button.jpg" height="125" width="125" /></a><br /><br /> </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-25266919993839021322014-05-30T19:56:00.000-07:002014-05-30T20:41:17.565-07:00What I'm Into (Mostly)- May 2014<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Happy nearly June! I wasn't sure if I was going to create one of
these posts this month. <span style="font-style: normal;">I kept
trying to make it happen, and then...it didn't. Then, I "made up my mind" (yes, in quotations!) that I would go ahead and just do it, only to stop half way and decide that the world would be okay without knowing what I did in May. (I mean, right?) But then I remembered I had already worked on editing some photos for this post, and thought maybe, just maybe, I'll type up a slightly modified version of What I'm Into. And here we are! </span><span style="font-style: normal;"></span></div>
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May was an eventful month. I launched back into blogging after a
long, unintentional hiatus. I'm happy to report that I managed to
publish something almost every week this month. I've been busy with
trying to figure out how it is that we're supposed to promote the
blogging these days. So much has changed! I've decided to venture
into the land of Twitter! You can <a href="https://twitter.com/MommyHubbard3" target="_blank">follow me there</a> too (no, really! You
can!) ;-)</div>
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<u><b>Books</b></u>- I'm currently very
close to finishing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DEKLSHW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00DEKLSHW&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=DOOPY2ZHCIBENAEJ" target="_blank">Beyond the Sling</a> by Mayim Bialik. Yes, I'm a
crunchy mom. Well, mostly. I think I fall in the mid-range of
maternal crunchiness (if you didn't gather that already). This is one
of those books that has me nodding in agreement most of the time.
Lots of good research about birth and infancy and beyond. It would
have been awesome to read when I was expecting for the first time
(so, you know...look into it, if you are going to have a baby soon!)</div>
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Also read: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399537600/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399537600&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=RZDK33HM23AG5XVB" target="_blank">The Year of Learning Dangerously</a> by Quinn Cummings. I really, really related to this book,
a memoir of a woman's first year homeschooling her elementary-age
daughter. She humorously looks at many different approaches to
homeschooling, sharing her different experiences trying to find her
"tribe". She sometimes goes to great lengths to immerse
herself in the lifestyles of certain kinds of homeschoolers with
hilarious results. One thing I did not appreciate about this book,
however is the author's criticism of certain sects of Christianity.
If you're also sensitive to that kind of thing, there are a couple
chapters in which you will want to "chew the hay and spit out
the sticks". If you are just starting out on your homeschool
journey, or even if you've been at it a while, I think you will enjoy
this book. I was utterly surprised at how quickly I got through this
one! (Being that I've been reading most books at a snail's pace lately!)</div>
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<u><b>Want to Read</b></u>- A big ol'
pile of books! Including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310338131/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310338131&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=C3NURJLWKIWKSGQF" target="_blank">Hands Free Mama</a> (I impulsively grabbed this
one from the library, because...well, it was there!) I think I may
need to return it and come back to it later since it seems so
<i>involved</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and meant to be read
slowly to take everything in. I also found an </span><i>old</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
copy (like from the 1930's old) of How to Win Friends and Influence
People at a library sale a while back that I really want to read. I
read the paperback version while I still worked at the church, but
it's definitely a good book to re-read from time to time. This
printing of it includes a chapter on marriage, which I'm looking
forward to reading.</span> </div>
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<u><b>Television</b></u><b>- </b>Umm...let's just say in an earlier draft of this post, I realized that I probably need to re-evaluate my viewing habits! It's not that I've been watching total <i>trash </i>or anything, just nothing particularly edifying! </div>
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In other media-related news, we observed a Screen-Free Week for probably the third time. It was so awesome. The children actually <i>loved</i> it, and we were inspired to get outside and savor the last of the lovely (Sonoran Desert) weather until probably October or later. The children enjoyed a nature scavenger hunt in the park (found items pictured), and also found a new passion for card games- more specifically the game "war". </div>
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<u><b>Learning with
the Family (AKA homeschooling)</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>- </b>This month, we've revisited the beauty of lapbooks. We've done Five in a Row (as I mentioned in <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/reflecting-on-our-first-year-of.html" target="_blank">another post</a>) and some of them go along with that, but I found a wealth of free resources for other titles (lapbooks as well as unit studies) in <a href="http://www.homeschoolshare.com/" target="_blank">Homeschool Share</a>. I love that it's all laid out for me. No real planning required (yippee!) We love exploring all the little avenues of learning opportunities that present themselves in children's literature. So much fun.</span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none;">One of the books we read was Make Way for Ducklings. We later had an awesome visit to a riparian preserve in our area- I knew there were ducks there, so I hoped we'd get a chance to sit and observe them for a bit. They were so cool! We brought along some bread crumbs and we made instant friends (pictured). Apparently the sound of a Ziploc bag opening is to ducks what the sound of the can opener is to cats! My children named them Mr. and Mrs. Mallard after the ducks in Make Way for Ducklings. We later walked along one of the lakes and found even more ducky friends. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: none;"><u><b>Other News</b></u><b>- </b>We celebrated a birthday- my oldest is now seven! (Note to self: find some way to slow this down a bit!) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: none;"><u><b>Next Month</b></u><b>- </b>More birthdays!<b> </b><a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2012/06/hes-here.html" target="_blank">This guy</a> is turning TWO! Hardly believable! I blinked and he sprouted up into a toddler. </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Well, those are the highlights! What have you been up to? Share in a comment!</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Contains affiliate links</span><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Linking up here:</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: none;"></span><br />
<div class="What-I'm-Into-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 250px;">
<span style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.leighkramer.com/blog/what-im-into" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="What I'm Into" src="http://www.leighkramer.com/What%20I%27m%20Into%20button.jpg" height="188" width="250" /> </a></span><br />
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<b> </b></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-86963179385906604052014-05-26T21:04:00.000-07:002015-08-18T09:34:48.928-07:00Tips for Visiting the Library with Little Ones<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've always heard that one should write
what they know. Haven't you heard that? Well, <i>this</i> knowing has
come by much trial and error, and frazzledness at the end of a trip
to the library with my three little ones, ages 7, 4 and (almost) 2. I
began to think of ways I could streamline our trips and make it so it
didn't turn out to be a stress-filled frenzy where I crazily tried to
manage the needs and desires of my three children and myself. I know
it probably sounds melodramatic, but it can be that way sometimes!
(Being outnumbered in public is <i>no joke, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">people!)</span><br />
</div>
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Being homeschoolers (and avid readers), our regular library trip has been an important part of our week for a
long time. We go <i>at least</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
once a week, if not more. We also have library cards at more than one
library. (I know, I'm really </span><i>asking</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
for the crazy-making). ;-)</span></div>
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<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whether you're getting ready for the Summer Reading Program, or you simply want to make visiting the library a regular (and stress-free) part of your week, here are some tricks I've discovered that go a
long way in keeping the weekly library trip an enjoyable experience
for all of us!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">Before you head
out:</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Make a list!</b>
Yep, Type-A's rejoice! Do you know what books you are after? Take a
few minutes to write them down to keep your time searching focused.
(I've learned the difficulty of the having my head tilted sideways
and sometimes bending over looking for interesting, good quality
books while trying to keep track of three little people, who are
sometimes going in three different directions!) Get inspiration from
lists like <a href="http://happychristianhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/read-aloud-chapter-books-weve-enjoyed.html" target="_blank">this one</a>, or <a href="http://flavorwire.com/416006/50-books-every-parent-should-read-to-their-child/20" target="_blank">this one</a>, or <a href="http://www.sortacrunchy.net/sortacrunchy/2013/11/turn-the-page-tuesday-five-all-time-favorite-board-books-for-babies.html" target="_blank">this one</a>, if you don't know
where to start! Which leads me to my next tip...</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Utilize your
library's website!</b> You can search online to find out if a book or
other item is currently available. You can also place a request for
the item if you know you need it and can't get there right away, and
the library staff or a volunteer will retrieve it and put it aside
for you. Some libraries even offer a mobile app. See if your library
does! Oh, and two words: interlibrary loan! You probably can't go to ALL the libraries, but they can come to you! Sometimes other libraries in your county will have an important book that you need and your local library can borrow it from them for you. There is usually a wait of a few days, but it's totally worth it to not have to drive across your county (or city, in some cases) to get a certain book. </div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Collect any
items that you've borrowed during previous trips.</b> If your child has
gotten their own books, they can gather what they checked out and
place them in a reusable bag (I don't recommend grocery bags because
books have pointy corners that like to poke holes in grocery bags).
Everyone can carry their own stuff to the car.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<h3>
At the library:</h3>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>At the book
return, each child can practice putting their own books in the slot</b>
(except for maybe the ones who can't reach yet- but at least seeing
their older siblings do it will make them want to do it later on,
and create that expectation that they will eventually take on this
task).</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Each child
that is able can</b> <b>grab a basket to carry their selections around the
library</b>. This is one I just recently discovered, and my littles are
loving it! Our library has the same little hand baskets that you see
in grocery stores. If yours doesn't, maybe they can collect their
books in the reusable bag they brought. I like that they use the
baskets because they each keep their materials separate, and it also
deters them from getting more items than they can carry- which means
fewer items to keep track of at home. It's a win-win. Plus I don't
have to carry everything! Yay!</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Get them their
own card.</b> The rule of thumb that has worked for us so far, is if the
child can read independently, then they can have their own card. Our
library has no age limit, so it's up to the parents to make that
call. Of course, we are still financially responsible, but we
haven't had too many charges on their cards. Once, when my son
neglected to take care of a book, he got charged for it. I had him
roll coins to pay the fee. I don't know if this really made an
impact on him or not, but we haven't really had any issues since.
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When wrapping
up your library adventure, <b>each child can bring the items they wish
to borrow to the checkout desk.</b> (We have self-checkout kiosks, and
you might like to take advantage of that option, but I really like
the opportunity afforded to my little ones to practice their people
skills while they check out their materials.) They get their items
checked out, put the borrowed things in their bags and carry their
own stuff to the car, and back inside the house.
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<h3>
At Home:
</h3>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Find a special
location for borrowed library items.</b> We have a rule that library
items are not kept in bedrooms. It's way too easy for something to
get lost under a bed or in a closet or under a pile of clothes or
something. That was a hard-learned lesson after spending 45 minutes
looking for a board book. <i>Ain't nobody got time for that! </i>Keep
library books on a designated shelf or in a basket in a main living
area in your home. Trust me! It's so worth creating this habit. This is a good way to prevent damaged items too!</div>
</li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Make a plan to
visit the library again very soon!</b> Most libraries allow items to be
out for three weeks, but why wait that long? Set a day each week
when you will visit. Tuesday has become our day to visit our local
library. Sometimes we visit for various events on another day of the
week, but we usually don't return or check out books on that day,
just to keep things simple. </div>
</li>
</ol>
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Most important: have fun! Children love visiting the library, and it's one of the best places to go when it's too hot to play outside. And it's FREE! You never know what awesome resources you will discover when you visit. Happy reading!<br />
<br />
<b>What tips would
you add that have helped you have a pleasant library experience? Tell
me in a comment!</b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<b>Linking up at these fine blogs:</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2815779928391803078.post-22032155717713421872014-05-12T23:16:00.000-07:002015-08-24T09:38:59.527-07:00Fun Read Aloud Chapter Books for Young Children<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Did you know that this week is
Children's Book Week? I didn't (until this morning), so it's by happy
little coincidence that I'm writing this blog post (that I started
working on last night). :-)</div>
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<br /></div>
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In our house, we love books! Oddly
enough, we have never really developed the habit of bedtime story
reading with our children until now. I have an almost seven year old,
and a four-and-a-half year old (plus a toddler; who's NOT yet reading) who are both independent
readers. So, aside from our school time reading together, the
majority of their reading is solo. Enter chapter books! They don't
yet read longer, more involved material by themselves, so it has been
a wonderful way for me to bond with my big littles, <i>and</i> a way
for me to get to read some classics that I somehow didn't get around
to reading as a child. It's a win-win!
</div>
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We started reading a chapter at bedtime
<i>most</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> nights. There were times
when we fell out of the habit of reading at night when dinner was
served too late too many nights in a row, but for the most part, it
has been a habit we've come to really look forward to.</span></div>
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Here is a list of the books we've
covered so far this school year, and brief(ish) thoughts about what
we liked (and didn't <i>quite</i> like) about them!
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDHqKZLCflX2kxrvH-TzrSXYv4U9NrjVBuyE06K62j5QSAMvSZkR1GU6diIJ19QgJbu6c7wIQAgOK3I3qzHS0Wc3hKGsS-DbB4owy4eTmAweWohNf8w25uXFgQpdg3F9htlQBNjrAAnZd/s1600/chapter+books+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDHqKZLCflX2kxrvH-TzrSXYv4U9NrjVBuyE06K62j5QSAMvSZkR1GU6diIJ19QgJbu6c7wIQAgOK3I3qzHS0Wc3hKGsS-DbB4owy4eTmAweWohNf8w25uXFgQpdg3F9htlQBNjrAAnZd/s1600/chapter+books+graphic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142410314/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142410314&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=GQSFK4EZA7LUYPAQ" target="_blank">Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</a>- This
is one classic on this list that I actually read (and more than once
at that) during my childhood. I always dreamt of visiting the
chocolate factory, and this did not fail to inspire chocolatey
dreams in my offspring, either. It was easy to read, because we were
eager to see what happened next. Would little Charlie Bucket find a
coveted Golden Ticket? Oh, the suspense! ;-) (There is some mild
language in this one- but if I remember right, it's of the
donkey-inspired variety).
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/075695911X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=075695911X&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=RIHHVXSB56ZUDJYX" target="_blank">James and the Giant Peach</a>- We liked
this one too, but the book about Charlie is still the favored of
author Roald Dahl in our collective opinion. I wasn't a fan of James'
aunts or the manner in which he came to live with them (parents were
eaten by a rhinoceros or something). I felt that it was a tad brutal
(okay, a lot of Dahl's stories include things along these lines, to
be fair), but the children didn't seem to get caught up on it
(probably due to the ridiculousness of being eaten by a wild animal
on a city street), though I may have purposely raced past that part!
(Ditto on the language- I actually don't remember <i>what</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
but just be warned that it's there!)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525444432/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0525444432&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=ESHQMQVCHLLXFTIH" target="_blank">Winnie the Pooh</a>- Oh, my! What a
wonderful book. It was equally pleasing to my six year old boy and
four year old girl. They of course were already familiar with the
characters in the book because of the Disney movie adaptation, The
Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, but it did not fail to delight
them in any way. That "silly old bear of very little brain"
is even more endearing to me in print than he is on screen, and you
get to see even more of the sweet and silly machinations of his
fluffy brain in the book.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZODPOC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002ZODPOC&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=LHPCIUEGHZSEMRK4" target="_blank">The House at Pooh Corner</a>- More Pooh
songs and delightful interactions between these beloved characters.
It's a must-read if you like the first one (I should say if you've
<i>read</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> the first one- of course
you </span><i>liked</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> it)</span>.
I love the humor and wit that AA Milne weaves through these stories.
And we all loved getting to know these friends even more. Consider
yourself warned, though, I teared up at the end!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0803281781/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0803281781&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=N74LIIDP7PK6LH27" target="_blank">Little Britches</a>- While I really liked
this story, it was definitely a challenge to get through! I think the
material was a bit mature for my children, and a semi-tedious book
for a four and six year old to sit through, but they still enjoyed it
quite a bit despite this (I should note that it was not located in
the children's section of the library- also, there are some instances
of swearing in this book, but was easy enough to substitute "darn"
for " !@#$%^&*" and stuff like that.) I had come across this
title in a thread about chapter books somewhere on Facebook. I think
it was recommended to someone who was looking for a book similar to
Little House on the Prairie books, but for boys. It was definitely
that, but a little later chronologically. What I really liked about
it, personally, was that it kind of gave me a glimpse of what life
was like for of one of my great-grandfathers. He actually lived in
this area around the time set in the book (1906). Anyway, there are
lots of character-building lessons in this story, but admittedly,
many of them were kind of over the heads of my babies at the time.
Needless to say, this one might be a good one to save for your older
littles.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142402494/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142402494&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=4KG7TIA3BEVIPCDZ" target="_blank">Pippi Longstocking</a>- Oh, Pippi! How we
loved your amusing antics. I remember watching Pippi Longstocking on
television as a child, but never really read the book. She appeals so
much to my unconventional side, and I really appreciate how she
boldly "lives her truth". Ha. True, some probably won't
appreciate the trouble she gets into, but it also can open up a
dialog with your children of why certain behavior probably isn't a
good idea or very realistic. Still, there were plenty of laughs while
we read this book- and the children were definitely captivated by
Pippi and her adventures.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0380709244/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0380709244&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=TH72EDL7WZEQAHWM" target="_blank">The Mouse and the Motorcycle</a>- This
favorite by Beverly Cleary was fun for us to read. The children
especially enjoyed the sound effects (enthusiastically provided by
yours truly). Ralph is certainly a charming character, and I think we
can all relate to his story! (I also appreciate some of the questions
that came up because of the time period of this book...like, "Mom,
what is aspirin?" Ha ha!)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152017178/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0152017178&linkCode=as2&tag=happychrist0e-20&linkId=4BYLKO7D6PEFFRJT" target="_blank">Mary Poppins</a>- I almost didn't start
reading this book to the children because of some of the mixed
reviews I read. Actually, we are not quite finished with it, so
hopefully we don't run into any of the negative things people have
said about this. Most of them being related to Mary's attitude- they
found her to be mean and nasty in some parts. Well, she's definitely
not like the character in the movie version of the book, but mean and
nasty? Not really (in my opinion)- especially after seeing shows like
Super Nanny, it's easy to see that British nannies commonly take a
no-nonsense approach (unless that's just a made-for-TV stereotype)
and Mary Poppins would naturally NOT be the "Spoonful of Sugar" offering peach of a caretaker as portrayed in the Disney movie. They have many
adventures, for sure, and it's really a fun read for the children and
I (at least so far- I hope I don't run into any zingers in the last
couple chapters!)</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What are some of your favorite
chapter books for kids?</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17984317175966495986noreply@blogger.com0