The Unlikely Homemaker

Homemaking During a Pandemic?!

2021-01-19T11:38:00.002-08:00

Hi.

We are now almost a year into this pandemic, and there is not a whole lot of "homemaking" going on here. You'd think it would be quite the opposite...with no plans, and nowhere to go, we should have all the time in the world to do ALL THE THINGS we have ever planned to do around the house.

The cherry tree that needs to constantly be sprayed because it always attracts fruit flies and other weird bugs, the apple tree that needs to be shaded and watered regularly, but not too much, the plum tree that needs to be trimmed, the avocados that need to be picked...and that's just a little bit of my to-do list outside.

We have basically been living in survival mode since last March. I mean, I'm really glad we "survived", and we've been able to have a bit of fun at the same time...but after a whole year of pandemic anxiety (did we take enough vitamins today? Did the kid wash their hands? Did the husband sanitize properly at work? Are we going to unknowingly get family sick? Did we stay out too long? Someone coughed...do they have Covid, or are they just choking?) we are DONE. We are actually beyond done. My 6 year old cried and asked me just a few days ago if we're allowed to have fun yet.

It's time to take control. This year, unlike last year, we KNOW what we're facing. We know all of our plans are fluid. There should be less disappointment knowing things can change for us daily.

Today I'll be printing out schedules for the kids and myself. We might even put on the Matilda Broadway Musical soundtrack and see if we remember our dances (my kids and I were going to be performing in a Matilda play that got canceled due to the pandemic).

However you are "homemaking" today, I hope you see a little light at the end of the tunnel!

Disneyland Tips We Love!

2015-06-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

That's my husband's hand, not mine ;)

When I was pregnant with my third child, we took our first two children to Disneyland. My son was 3 at the time, and my daughter was almost 2. That trip awakened our love for all things Disney!

We've been annual passholders for going on 2 years now, and in those two years, we have discovered so much useful (and completely useless yet fun) information and facts on all things Disney.

Here's the my top 3 Disney Fun Facts:

Those ridiculously overpriced balloons Disneyland sells? So worth it! We actually have one here at home right now, that still has air...and it's been one full month since we came back! My advice is, buy one on your first day there, tie it to your stroller, and you'll have something to catch your eye as you're searching for your stroller in the craziness that is "stroller parking".

The best Sleeping Beauty Castle photos are taken just to the right of the castle if you're facing it, head towards Snow White's wishing well. Of course, it's not a centered castle photo, but there aren't crowds of people walking around right there, and often, you can angle your camera just right, so that no one else shows up in the background!

You can find a "Hidden Mickey" anywhere in Disneyland. Seriously. Your kid is having a meltdown in line? Find a kid with pigtails and show your kid that Hidden Mickey! Your kid spilled their drink and is now crying over it? Dump a little more until it's the shape of Mickey!

I should add, we go to Disneyland with 5 kids. Currently they are all 6 and under. And yes, we LOVE it. Lots of fun times are had at the parks, the Lego store, Downtown Disney, and even the hotels.

I'll be posting a little more about our trip planning, our Disney themed birthday parties, and Disney on the cheap(er), so stay tuned!

Stay tuned for a makeover

2014-08-11T17:32:00.001-07:00

It's been quite a while since my last post! Oops.

Just wanted to stop in and say I'll be revamping by blog, so stay tuned :)

When you have more ideas than time...

2013-12-05T12:29:00.001-08:00

Advent season is here. This is the the year we were going to have an awesome advent. We were going to print out a calendar, make a cute fabric bunting to go along with it, complete with a scripture for every day, along with a craft for every day.

We were going to bake cookies to give away. Make gingerbread houses. Make homemade marshmallows (we may still do this, they sound yummy!). Bag up some goody bags for the homeless. Fill some boxes for Operation Christmas Child....

My list was endless.

It's December 5th today, and you know what we've done? We've watched some Christmas movies. We pulled out and set up our fake tree (it has about 10 ornaments on it so far), and set up our Disneyland Railroad to ride around the tree. I bought the kids some peppermint mocha cake pops from Starbucks, because making anything in my kitchen right now is out of the question. And let me just say, I NEVER buy the kids sweets from a bakery, or coffee shop. I didn't want them to know that the same place I get coffee has stuff kids like :)

I see my Facebook newsfeed, and feel a bit like a failure when I see that someone's elf did an amazing thing overnight, or got into some fun mischief, and I think of our elf stuffed in a box. I wasn't planning on doing the elf thing this year, but I did find a great Christmas Star theme I was going to follow. I see crafts these moms are making with their kids, and I feel bad that my kids are just making tents in the living room.

Then I was reminded, I am in a different season of life. I tend to forget (or try to work against) the season I am in. I am in the season of dirty diapers, diaper laundry up to my ears, hungry kiddos who are too young to cook, bathe or really help out around the house on their own. The moms that I see doing all this great stuff have kids a little bit older, or less kids. That fact slips my mind when I see how their advent plans are going.

So this year, and probably next year, and quite possibly the year after that, it is our season to just.slow.down. I'm okay to pop in a Christmas movie and call that our advent celebration. I might go ahead and buy cookie dough from my neighbor to make our Christmas cookies, because making cookies with 4 extra sets of helping hands just does not appeal to me.

I read this amazing blog post yesterday, and it literally made me cry. I read it just after I had posted a question in a group I'm in, asking how moms of a lot of little ones manage to get anything at all done.

Moms of little ones, remember, you can't do it all, and you are not expected to do it all. I'm going to try and remember that too.

Once Upon a Time - Second Star to the Right, and a bit more

2013-05-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

Well! Bae met Wendy. Could he be Peter Pan? I called it :)

What a great episode.

I had planned on posting recaps/fun ideas for each episode, but with the lack of sleep that's been going on here, that just was not happening.

So...what'd we miss?

This is probably out of order, but it's all past episodes, so I don't care.

Belle is now her alter-ego, Lacey. She just went from a quiet librarian type, to...well, the complete opposite.

I have to admit, I do like the new Belle just a little bit. Or I guess Lacey. Did it come from years of frustration, being locked up? I just like that there seems to be a real personality. Maybe she'll turn to the good side when whatever is attaching Storybrooke comes, and since she's Lacy, she'll still keep her spunk. Anyway, I did not like the evil that she is bringing back out of Rumple. Bae almost had his father back...and then he turned evil again. Sad.

The flashback of The Evil Queen posing as a peasant girl with Snow White was very sad. The look on her face when Snow told her she could be forgiven, and there was good in her, was pure joy. Then the two had to happen upon the village the Queen just had destroyed. I wonder what kind of relationship they would have had? I am also wondering why Regina (as the queen, and Regina) didn't see her actions as evil. So much like her mother!

Second Star to the Right was fantastic. And not, at the same time. I just don't think Regina would have held out that long, only to tell Greg that his father was dead. There was really nothing to gain by lying. I don't think he's dead, and I'm not sure where I think he is. So, who's body was that buried in the forest?

I loved the flashback of Bae meeting Wendy. Was it just me, or did she resemble young Cora? I am loving Neal/Bae's character. He is selfless. Basically giving up his life, to keep another family together. Then later, giving up his true love, to save Storybrooke. Yup, I love him! And Hook and Bae on the boat! He had to have known that was Rumple's son, right? Can't wait to see where that story goes.

Now everyone knows Greg and Tamara are working together. And now we know there are more people who are working with them. Are they going to be coming to Storybrooke? And how did they all find out about magic? Did Tamara come from a land with magic too? She knows an awful lot about magic, and different lands.

Oh Emma and Neal. Of course, they profess their love for each other, then one has to leave. I wonder which land he goes to? Neverland? It would make sense, since we've just been introduced to those flashbacks. Or will he go back to the Enchanted Forest? We have to go back there sometime.

And where's Robin Hood? And what ever happened to the child that Rumple spared the life of (or the pregnant mother, I guess)? All the characters seem to be intertwined, so I'm sure we'll find some more stories of the baby. Can't wait for next season!

And my favorite theory of all...

A few episodes ago, Rumple had a dream. We saw an image of his shop in Storybrooke. And if you looked closely, you would have seen the camera briefly pause on...a lamp! I am wondering if Rumple will have to summon a Genie in the near future? Maybe the Genie is going to save Storybrooke from the self-destruction in Regina's ring. The season finale is coming, not the series finale, so we know everyone is not going to die.

Just one more thought...who do you think Henry is, or do you think he's a fairytale character at all? I am still wondering how he plays a role in Rumple's undoing. Those aren't very specific words, so I am wondering if that simply meant the boy will change him forever. Undo the evil, and turn it to good. After all, he did help bring the rest of his family back together, and he definitely brings the "good" out of Regina.

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

28 Days to Mary and Martha-Work on the kitchen

2013-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a printable for you.
How much better my days would go
if I would think on this, all day!

I hope you’ve been washing your dishes every day! I have, and it has helped so much!

Once my dishes were washed and put away, it was easier to see the empty spaces in my kitchen. It was also easier to see everything that didn't belong!

Clutter takes away so much from a room. So, before you go any further on cleaning your kitchen, start the declutter process. Just the kitchen for now.

Get a box, and fill it with everything that doesn't belong in the kitchen. Don't worry about putting any of that stuff away right now, just get it out of the kitchen. This includes the 15 extra toddlers cups you may have, that you have been putting away on a daily basis! Or is that just me? I kept 3 plastic cups out for the 3 kids that actually drink out of cups. They will just have to keep better track of their cups now.

Now your dishes should be out of sight (put away, or in the dishwasher)
Here are some tips to get you started on the rest of the kitchen:

1. When using the dishwasher, place one cup right side up in the top rack. Add a small amount of vinegar. When the cup fills up, vinegar water fill pour out into the bottom of the dishwasher. The upside-down cup will catch all the extra bits of food swishing around your dishwasher, so that your dishes aren’t caked with dried food crumbs.

2. If you have any fruit sitting out on your counter, cut it up and make a fruit salad! We buy lots of fruit, and it clutters the counters. And usually goes bad. But, if it is cut up, the kids will eat it in less than a day.

3. Keep a small basket or box in the kitchen, to stick everything in there that doesn’t belong. Have one in there on a regular basis. It helps

4. If you don’t use the item at least once a week, it does not belong on the counter (toaster, blender).

5. If you can get the counters cleared enough to spray and wipe down the whole thing, go for it. Otherwise, just worry about what you can see. We aren’t deep cleaning here!

6. How often do you bake? Do you really need all 5 baking sheets in your oven at all times? And how many baking dishes do you really use? Get rid of the extras (as I’m looking in the mirror).

7. If you know you aren't going to use it, get rid of it. I tend to save glass jars, "just in case"...well, time to get rid of them. They are just taking up counter space.

8. Vinegar, water, (50/50) and a little bit of Sweet Orange Essential Oil is great for cleaning the kitchen! That same mixture, with just a little bit of olive oil is great to clean wood floors and cabinets.
9. Last kitchen tip for now: Once the kitchen is fairly clean, light a scented candle. It just makes it look so much nicer.

How does your kitchen look?

And just as a side note, sometimes, life happens. Your kitchen is not going to stay looking great. Just remember that the minimum is your dishes. Keep doing those, and you'll be fine.

28 Days to Mary and Martha

2013-04-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

First off, Amanda is the winner (and the only one who entered :) ) the giveaway for these two books. Enjoy, Amanda!

Now, the beginning of our 28-Day Challenge…28 Days to Mary and Martha

By the end of the 28 days, I hope that I am in the regular habit of reading my bible first thing in the morning (I'm joing Red and Honey's 30 for 30 for this), and doing the basics around the house, every.single.day.

During these 28 days, I will be following the book 28 Days to Hope for Your Home, in addition to working on some extra assignments to get things in order around here.

I can only pick one habit to share from the book, so you'll have to buy the book to learn all the awesome tips Dana has to share…here's the one habit I'm sharing…

Do your dishes! Now, and every single day. Make that your first habit. As simple as that sounds, it works!

I feed 4 kids, 3 or more times a day. I cook every meal (okay, there are days where I just stick a Pizza Pocket in the microwave!), and I have lots to wash. I don’t normally wash dishes as we use them. I let the dishwasher get full, start it, and let clean dishes sit, while we are dirtying more dishes. I let dishes sit in the sink, or on the counter, overnight. Most nights.

After reading the first, and most important habit of the book, I got up, and washed my dishes.

Before

I focused on doing only my dishes, and you know what? Once they were all clean and put away, I could actually get to the counters to wipe them off! And you know what else? I wanted to clean the rest of the kitchen.

After

Day 1: stop reading, and wash some dishes :)

If you have little ones you need to keep occupied, a dumped out Battleship game does wonders for keeping them busy!

I didn’t dump the game out myself, the kids gladly helped with that last week, but I’m thinking that the next time I have a time-consuming project, I’ll either be dumping the game, legos, or puzzles. Not kidding.

Here are the areas I’ll be working on during the next four weeks:

Kitchen
Laundry
Playroom (or wherever you keep the kids toys)
Spare bedroom/craft room/home office

I will probably not go in order, and some days I'll work on the master bedroom, or the kids room, because my cute little tornadoes are very sporadic on the rooms they ~~destroy~~ customize.

If you are joining me, I'd love to year about your journey in the comments throughout the challenge! And if you're a blogger, please share your link if you are document your "spring cleaning", whatever that may look like for you.

Congratulations!

2013-04-03T12:26:00.001-07:00

Amanda (the only one who entered :) ) be on the lookout for your books!

A giveaway, and why I can't "Spring Clean"

2013-04-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

I am seeing all these posts about spring cleaning...checklists, books, calendars...

As much as I would love to join in on someones Spring Cleaning challenge, I cannot.

Why?

Well...In order to wipe down my refrigerator, I'd be forced to empty it completely, of all the leftovers. Then, I have extra dishes to wash, and put away. On top of the dishes that I already didn't wash from yesterday and this morning. And probably some pans from before that. So, a simple task like wiping out the refrigerator turns into a huge project for me.

And somewhere in between all that, I have a baby to nurse, and 3 preschoolers to watch. And laundry. Can't forget those cloth diapers that need attention!

I've been following the blog A Slob Comes Clean, for a while now, and love all her great tips.

After much internal debate (I am trying to curb my e-book addiction), I finally bought a book that might actually help me. At least I hope so! It's written by the author of the above mentioned blog.

In 2 days (April 3rd) I will be starting a 28-day challenge, following the book 28 Days to Hope for Your Home and would love for you to join me!

(written by Dana):28 Days to Hope for Your Home includes:
•Twenty-eight days of specific instructions to help you develop four basic (but essential) home management habits.

•Insights into why these concepts seem foreign to you.

•Practical tips to keep you from giving up.

•Bonus sections with realistic strategies for laundry management, meal prep, and decluttering.

•More than 45 pages of all new, exclusive content!

Before I write my first post about the 28-day challenge, I'll be announcing the winner of this PDF version of the 2 E-book set: 28-Days of Hope for Your Home and Drowning in Clutter?

To enter, just leave me a comment in this post telling me your name and your most challenging homemaking task.

If you want to by-pass the giveaway, you can buy the set here, and use the code SPRING13 to get both books for only $5.00, pdf version.

*There are affiliate links in this post, but I have not been paid for promoting the book, nor have I been given any free product. I purchased this book myself to review and share...and hopefully to learn from! I've already started reading some of the tasks, and it sounds doable, even for me, with 4 little ones at home all day with me!

I will announce the winner Wednesday morning. Please don't forget to check my first post of the day, and also Facebook. The winner will need to e-mail.

Encouragement for the week ahead

2013-04-01T09:29:00.001-07:00

Behind my shower curtain - Cheap and Natural Beauty Routine

2013-03-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a fairly slow journey, but I've managed to make my shower/beauty routine very simple and natural.

I wash my face with oil, then I moisturize with coconut oil. Sometimes, when I don't accidentally add too much Tea Tree Oil to my Olive Oil/Castor Oil mixture, I swish some in my mouth for a while before I brush my teeth in the morning. Washing my face with oil was the one thing I was very skeptical about, but it is my favorite part of my routine now. My skin has honestly never been healthier. Well, except maybe when I was a baby. And it's a little bit relaxing, massaging the oil onto my face. If you are looking for a new face wash, this is what I recommend. It seems to be the best facial cleansing option, for all skin types! FYI-I use Bella Pierre mineral make-up, and it washes off just fine with oil. I also do not always wash it off, and my skin doesn't get mad at me the next morning.

Then I sprinkle some of this on my hair (on the left), sometimes when my hair is wet, sometimes when it's dry. Then I rinse very thoroughly. And no, it's not cheese :) It's filled with baking soda.

After rinsing with water, I squirt this (on the right) across the front of my hair, on the roots. Then I squirt a little on the back of my head and the bottom of my hair. This bottle works great for my vinegar rinse...I just need to remember to search for a sharpie to write that it's vinegar, to make sure it never gets put on a set of contact lenses!

For body wash, I switch between a natural oatmeal bar soap that is placed in a soap cozi, and some Castile Soap . I am currently working on making a felted soap bar out of an old sweater. I'll let you know how that turns out!

If you are considering switching up your beauty/bath routine, let me just warn you, the baking soda and vinegar routine is the hardest to get through, because there is a period of adjustment for your hair. Don't start this if you plan to go to a salon soon, or they'll advise you to stop. It can take up to a month before the oils in your hair naturally adjust to your new cleansing routine.

All of the items above cost pennies per use, and except for the castor oil, I already keep every other item stocked up for other uses. I do not buy anything extra in order to green up my shower routine. I love that.

Here are some more great resources:
Simple Mom
Sorta Cruncy here and here
Wellness Mama

This post is linked up with Your Green Resource!

Homeschooling for the Newbie- Q and A

2013-03-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

If you missed the rest of the posts, here’s Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

As I said before, I did not support homeschooling when my son was born. My husband was even more against it. My transition from not approving of it to gung-ho ready to start home schooling my own kids was much, much quicker than my husbands. And even now, even though he is for it, he still has some issues, and some questions.

Here’s a quick Q and A based on some of the conversations my husband and I have had, and some questions that I personally had (that I googled the answers to like a madwoman).

Q: Don’t you need to be a real teacher?

A: Well, yes, and no. Here in the United States of California, there were attempts to put into place a law that would only allow for certified teachers to homeschool their children. Obviously, many parents opposed that, and the law did not pass. And as for the “real teacher” part, with or without public school, I teach my children anyway. I believe all parents are their children’s first teacher.

Q: Will they be able to get into college?

A: My very simple answer: I attended public school, did ok, and did not gradate from college. Going to public school does not assure one that their child will go to college. But, for those of you who need a more in depth answer…This is a great article. Here’s a small excerpt: “Homeschooled students seem to be more likely to participate in college-level education. As reported by the Homeschool Legal Defense Association, more than 74% of home educated adults between 18-24 have taken college level courses. This rate is much higher than the general US population, which comes in at 46% for the same age range.” Also, from my research, homeschooled students are more prepared for real life than those who attended public schools their whole life, thus making them a slightly better candidate (assuming their academics were equal to a public schooled applicant).

Q: Won’t you be too busy with other house stuff?

A: Yes. Yes I will. But priorities here J If I am homeschooling my kids, I will have to homeschool them. The dishes may sit in the sink longer, the dogs might possibly skip a meal, and I may kill another plant. But, the kids will learn.

Q: How do you know you’ll be teaching them enough?

A: I don’t think that is the right question. I should be focused on what they are actually learning, not how much I’m teaching them. I can be like teachers that I had, and keep on teaching, or I can really homeschool, and teach as they are ready to learn. And to appease any worried minds, I do plan on having a very rough school year outline to follow.

Q: Wouldn’t it just be easier to send them to school?

A: Yes! Yes it would! And I have thought about that. Believe me, the thought of not only teaching 3 at the same time, but with the ages of our kids, teaching the same subject, same grade, 3 years in a row (once for each kid) does not sound very appealing. However, it is very important to me to teach my kids values. I want them to have higher morals than the general population. I want them to think for themselves, not be told what to think, and when. I want them to experience life beyond a desk and whiteboard in their younger years, before they settle down with a career.

Did/do you have any preconceived notions on why homeschooling just won't work?

Once Upon A Time-Selfless, Brave and True

2013-03-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

Eeek! So much happened in this episode. And we have so many questions.

Let’s just get this out of the way real quick…why in the world did Pinocchio turn into a little boy, instead of the August that we know?? That made me sad. But I was so happy that he redeemed himself, and turned back to save Storybrook. And Mary Margaret slapping Gepetto? Sad too. She looked so remorseful.

So here’s where we are, and what we know…and what we think. Or what I think.

The “stranger” is not a stranger to the town, as he was first there as a young boy (Owen). I still don’t understand why him and his father could see Storybrooke, and when Owen left and came back with the officers, they couldn’t see any town. The second “stranger” or “outsider” to enter the town is apparently very familiar with our first stranger. This is not a coincidence. He was receiving calls from “Her” when he first got there, and we know he sent her the video of the fire ball that he saw when he crashed his car. We are missing a whole lot of back story…if she was already with Neal, and knew who he was, what association does she have with our stranger? She didn’t need him in order to find magic.

Tamara (the fiancé) mentions in the flashback that she has been searching for magic in “this land” for a very long time. So, has she been to another land?

Now here’s some fun insight…Rumple is the Crocodile whom Hook hates. We know this. Hook (from the story, we don’t this on the show) also hates…Peter Pan. It would make sense for Hook to hate Rumple’s son because of association…but it makes even more sense if his son is Peter Pan!

And the end of the episode, when she meets up with Stranger #1 (Owen/Greg)…I’m thinking a Lost Boy and Tiger Lily?? She obviously knew who Neal was when she bumped into him in New York, so maybe she knew of him in Neverland?

Now here’s what I’m wondering…Everyone seems to have a role. Who are Emma, and Henry? Emma could be a sort of Wendy character, if Neal is in fact Peter Pan. Except that she apparently has powers. And I know Henry wasn’t born in the Enchanted Forrest, but both of his parents originated from there, so he has to be someone, right?

Now, just to throw your brain into over-drive mode…because that’s where mine is…maybe Neal isn’t Peter Pan…Maybe Henry is! He hasn’t been to Never Land yet, but that doesn’t mean he won’t. After all, wasn’t Rumple told that “the boy” (who will lead him back to his son), will be his undoing? In the Peter Pan story, who else has issues with the Crocodile, besides Hook? Peter Pan! This scenario would mean Greg (actually the lost boy Owen) could still be a lost boy, and maybe Neal is one also…and fiancé Tamara can still be Tiger Lily…and Emma could be a Wendy figure and Tinker Bell?

Oh the possibilities.

So, which scenario seems more likely?

And, where do you think Robin Hood fits into all this?

P.S. I am so excited about Reawakened: A Once Upon a Time Tale

This is the written story of the t.v. series...and I can't wait to read it!

This post is linked up to HopefulLeigh's What I'm Into.

Encouragement for the week ahead

2013-03-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling for the Newbie-Our Decision

2013-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

I do believe that children are capable of learning certain things, if it catches their interest. This is the main idea behind unschooling. However, I also believe that children need to be guided towards some subjects that should be learned, whether or not they are actually interested in them.

We have decided on sort of a combination of homeschooling themes here. We will unschool in the sense that the children can explore what interests them, and we will gently guide them towards learning more about whatever subject they want to know. We will school them in subjects they need to know (basic reading, writing, arithmetic), unless it just comes naturally. Math did not and will never come naturally to me. Reading did.

My son is a very hands-on little boy. He has never been into having me read to him. He does, however, love building things. Knocking things down. Re-building. You know, the boy stuff. He learned how to count, learned his colors, and shapes, all from a set of wooden blocks. I let him do what interested him in order for him to learn. He is 4, and he can build real stuff (like a birdhouse) using a hammer and nails. And a drill (under supervision of course). He can follow plans and diagrams in order to accomplish whatever it is he is building, as long as he has something physical at the end to show for it. He put together my Ikea laundry hampers all by himself, with the help of the funny looking diagrams they include with their products!

My daughter (who is only 2 1/2) loves books. I imagine I will do a lot more reading with her, and there will be many, many trips to the library. She can memorize a book after reading it to her once. She can go through a Dr. Seuss book and "read" it to me by making a story out of the pictures.

Some true unschoolers would not agree that the approach I am taking could be considered unschooling at all, while some homeschoolers do not agree that unschooling is any type of schooling to begin with. You just can't please everyone :)

That being said, we may decide to homeschool via a local charter school. Mostly for the financial benefits, a little bit for the accountability. I will choose my own Christian-based curriculum, give lessons based on how my kids learn, and allow my kids to roam and learn on their own as well. We will do field trips, we will have quiet days, and there will be some days where the math lesson will probably be done at the grocery store, making sure we don't go over budget. They will have fun, and they will learn. And I'm sure I will, too.

And if a "true" homeschooling family disagrees, that is okay. That is the benefit of any type of homeschooling. You decide what type of learning works best for your children.

What works for you?

Dear Distracted Parent

2013-03-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Distracted Parent,

I know you are busy. There are things you really do need to do. I’m busy too, so I get it.

I also know that that littler girl over there, the one crying? She’s too young to understand what it is you need to do. All she understands is that she needs you, and you’re not there. Physically maybe, but not mentally. You are there with your computer. Your work, your schoolwork. You are more “there” with the person you are texting on your phone than with that precious little girl of yours. You are with the hundreds of Facebook friends who just saw your updated status. The status you took time out of your very important task, to update. Rather than pick up your girl and hold her for those 5 minutes.

The little girl crying in the corner, or on the other side of the playground, or right at your feet, she needs you. Yes, what you are doing is urgent (hopefully that’s what it is), but the heart of your child is more important.

One day, that little girl who bothers you so much right now, when you are so busy, will not be crying at your feet. She won’t be a room away. And one day, she will return the favor, and be too busy for you.

She will be too busy to tell you how her day went. Who her friends are. Who her crush is. Where she is going. She will be too busy to be held when she gets a broken heart, when she fails a test, when she is just a hormonal emotional teenager who needs love.

You won’t be the person she runs to with joy, or sadness, for your arms are not open to her when she needs them the most

Right now, while she still needs you, and still needs to be held, please stop pushing her away. Stop telling her to leave you alone. Stop telling her “not right now”…because that is all she has with you, “right now”. That is when she needs you.

Show her that even though what you are doing is important, and does need to get done, she is even more important.

Show her that she is loved, and treasured.

Respectfully,

Another Busy Mom

Encouragement for the week ahead

2013-03-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling for the Newbie-Homeschool Options

2013-03-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am completely overwhelmed by all of the homeschooling choices offered, and amazed (not in a good way) by all the controversy that not only surrounds homeschooling, but by people's different opinions regarding what homeschooling should and shouldn't be.

Here are the basic types of homeschool options that I've learned of so far (and a little bit about the controversy):

Homeschool via a certified Charter School-You would enroll your child in the charter school, but you would teach them. You choose curriculum (either provided by them, or your own). A home visit takes place every 20 days to make sure your child is on track. You are also given an allowance for extra-curricular activities! "True homeschoolers" are not fond of this at all. Some will not consider this homeschool, they call it school at home. I am in complete disagreement. If I am choosing my children's curriculum and I am teaching them, then I am homeschooling them.

Homeschool on your own-I'm not sure what all the laws are in other states, but here in California, you need to have your home registered as a private school before your child turns 6. There's lots of paperwork involved. You pick whatever curriculum you want, you can go as slow are as fast as you want when working on curriculum. You are not monitored by the state. There's not much controversy that I've heard of regarding this, but the downside is, if you are planning on moving your child through grade levels like at public schools, you really have no basic model of what to follow. Most people like this, because they go at the pace the child is comfortable.

Unschool-You don't do formal lessons. You don't do curriculum. The world is your child's classroom. You try to focus on their interests, and guide them a little towards what they like, but you do not teach them. The basic idea is, kids are born to learn. If/when something interests them, they'll explore that on their own. Of course, there are ways you can help them in their exploration. I imagine lots of trips to museums, zoos and aquariums. Unschooling does lack the structure of the other two types of homeschooling. Some people think unschooling gives far too much control to the child. Unschoolers do not agree with choosing what a child should and shouldn't learn. It is all interest-based (on the child's part).

If you homeschool, which option did you choose, and why? I'll answer next week :)

Encouragement For The Week Ahead

2013-03-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Homeschooling for the Newbie- The Why

2013-03-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I sat down, and wrote two posts as a start to a small homeschooling series. A few minutes ago, I re-read the first post, for the 5th time, and deleted the whole thing.

Not because I didn't like what I wrote, or because what I wrote wasn't true; it was because I left out so much of what I should have been sharing.

The original post talked a lot about learning styles and the need to foster a love of learning in my kids. While that is true, that in and of itself can be done while still attending public school. There are lots of very involved parents that do something called "afterschooling".

The main reason we chose homeschooling for us is because we feel called to it. Everything I have learned, everything I thought I was going to be when I grew up, has led me to be right where I am: at home, teaching and raising my kids.

I have prayed lots about this. I knew a few homeschooling families growing up, I met a few more before I had kids, and it was always something so foreign to me. I remember having a conversation with my husband when my son was about 2, about how neither of us believed in homeschooling.

After much prayer, lots of research, and long conversations, we have chosen to homeschool our kids. It is our goal to train them up to be genuinely good, Christ-following people. We feel that there is no better way for us to truly train up our children outside of homeschooling them. I do not believe this is true for everyone. Some people choose to send their children to public schools (or private), and that is their calling. It is just not for us right now.

Homeschooling fits us. My husband and I both love to travel, and homeschooling fits right in with that. That may sound like a selfish reason to some. On the other hand, maybe our love for travel was given to us so that we can share that with our children, while teaching them about the places we go, the cultures we learn. The people we encounter.

Of course, I am also looking forward to the fact that while childhood is really very short, by the time my children are grown I will be able to say that I spent as much time as I could with them while they were young.
Now for a little bit of the nitty gritty of our decision. Most students are taught subject matter based on tests they need to pass. I did okay at tests in school, but once the test was over, the information that I had "learned" was gone. I learned basics, but most of my learning came after high school. I have self-taught myself so much since I graduated from high school, and I hope to teach my kids in a way that they will not only enjoy learning, but learn how to do it on their own, before they graduate high school. Schools are geared to educate based on certain learning styles. I love the idea of choosing my own curriculum and following a lesson plan that is tailored specifically for my children's learning styles.

Next week: Homeschool Options

How did you choose how your kids are schooled?

Inspiration For The Week Ahead

2013-03-04T10:12:00.001-08:00

How to be a morning person (or how to fake it)

2013-02-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

I am NOT a morning person. Not even close. I have never been a morning person, even when I could go to sleep as early as I wanted, and sleep until I felt like getting up. It bothers me when my phone rings before, say, 11, because the people on the other end are usually way too chipper.

When my husband and I worked together, he knew I needed food and coffee as soon as I woke up. And I couldn’t have a conversation until I was up for at least an hour.

Fast-forward a few years and a few kids later…I am still not a morning person, but 2 of my 3 kids are (and my niece). That makes for a crazy mom J

The kids wake up ready to run, literally. They need conversations. They need to play. They can’t tell that I’m still in zombie mode and am really trying to get them to just leave me alone for a second. Not to mention, I am an introvert at heart, and I need my space. But that’s a different story.

I signed up for this Hello Morning’s challenge, and the idea is to Pray. Plan. Move. I did kind of fell off the wagon again, because I wasn’t able to keep up with the “Bible in a Year” reading plan I wanted to do. When things don’t go as I planned, I give up.

This week, I decided to re-start my “plan”, after making some changes. And I have to say, it has helped my attitude so much! Not just the whole waking up early part, but my daily life.

Here’s what seems to be working for me:

Instead of fighting my kids on what time they want to get up, I embrace it. I have 3 kids, and they don’t always get “mommy time”. Unless, of course, they happen to wake up at 4 am when everyone else is asleep J I’ve decided to look at this as a gift. I can spend quality time with once kid, and it won’t interfere with the other two.

I changed my reading plan. In my zombie-like morning state, I can’t comprehend the really in-depth bible scriptures. I am doing the very basic “Read 1 Chapter of Proverbs a Day” plan. It’s amazing.

I pray quickly. Sometimes for 30 seconds, sometimes 10 minutes. Even just glancing at my prayer calendars quickly and saying a quick prayer over my husband and kids feels like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders.

Exercise is not my priority right now. I try to move around when I can, but in reality, setting time aside to exercise with 4 little ones around, and a husband who works a lot, is just not doable here.

Glance at the day’s tasks to see if anything needs to be moved around (more about where the tasks come from later).

That’s basically my morning. And I’m happy with that. Notice I have given up trying to be up and dressed before the kids. I’m glad my eyes are opened and I am semi-functioning before them. Baby steps.

What works for your Good Mornings?

Hello Mornings, Goodbye Stress

2013-02-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

I don’t like mornings, or challenges.

So, I got this brilliant idea to sign up for Hello Mornings.

And you know what? It is great. I love it. Not the mornings part, of course, but since I have to be up in the morning anyway, I might as well figure out how to make use of my time, right?

I have been reading the bible more consistently, reading my bible study book This Girl’s Still Got It, and praying over my husband and my children. You can click here and scroll down to "Downloadable Resources" for a prayer calendar.

It is a great feeling, knowing that you are praying for your loved ones consistently.

Even if I don’t get to the dishes, or even get dressed, before the kids get up, just those few things I am able to do seem to help me be ready for the day by the time my kids get up. Prayer is truly amazing.

I was introduced to Laine's Letters a few years ago, and have only recently been appreciating her words. She has taken the verse referenced in the picture to be her "Life Verse" in a way. The "food" she provides to her children before sunrise is spiritual food. Prayer. She prepares the day for her family, with help from the Lord. Amazing. You will also find, if you read her letters, that she utilizes modern appliances as her "maidservants" and gets all those going first thing in the morning. What a novel idea. Dishwasher, laundry, crockpot...

If you aren’t already, I encourage you to try to put in place a morning routine. Just make a list of a few things you’d like to do (examples: read the bible, pray, exercise, plan your day, meal prep). Try to limit your list, for those days where your kids are up with you (it happens here very often) or come up with an alternate plan.

I don’t aim very high for my morning goals J If I can read a few bible verses and pray using these calendars, I’m good. If I am able to do more, even better!

We have a playroom, so lately I’ve been taking my bible, by binder, and my Kindle into the playroom, along with my 6-month-old daughter and 3-year-old niece. They play, and I read and pray.

As I’m reading, I have also been writing out scripture cards to place around the house. I could really use some God-encouragement during the hectic days!

Do you have a morning plan? What are your tips for meeting your morning goals?

Life Happens

2013-01-25T10:41:00.002-08:00

I had planned on being done with Tsh's 10-day challenge by the end of this month.

That is obviously not going to happen :o)

My kids have been sick for....ever, I think. And my 5 month old is working on some new teeth. Ouch. Needless to say, the house is a mess, and I haven't started my 10-Day challenge yet!

Looks like there's going to be some sanitizing going on around here along with the decluttering. And tea drinking.

How do you manage your household and sick kids, at the same time? This is the first time in 4 years that everyone has been sick at the same time! Except me. I don't get the luxury of being sick and staying in bed :o) which is definitely good for my family. Someone needs to take care of them!

Ten Day Challenge-Simplify Day 1

2013-01-18T08:54:00.003-08:00

I was searching fo a picture, and came across this post. She sounds like me!

If you do not own Organized Simplicity, I highly recommend it. You can purchase it here. You can still do this challenge without it, but there are some great words in the book. It truly is inspiring!

To quickly summarize the first 8 chapters of the book (because I am already behind :) ) here you go:

Stuff weighs you down. It is a time waster. A money waster. An object of many sleepless nights, for some.

Once you eliminate all the extra "stuff" you have in your home, you will be able to make better use of your time and resources.

The first step to determining what to eliminate is to figure out a family purpose statement. I have read this book about 3 times (not the challenge part, just the first portion) and still have not come up with a purpose statement.

I have some ideas of what I would like, but putting it into words is hard. We'll save that for next month.

I do know what my ideals are. I want a simple home. I would like to be able to invite people over, without stressing out about finding a home for all this stuff I have around the house. I would like to be able to go to the park with my kids, and actually enjoy it, because I am not worried about the home I should be cleaning.

I would love to not worry about finding homes for so many miscellaneous items that we really do not need. I would love to pass up great sales, because I know that that particular item has no place in my home.

You can follow my Organized Home Pinterest board for some inspiration.

Day 1 of the Challenge:

Per the book, you have 5 receptacles. Give, Sell, Maybe, Garbage, Recycle. I am using 3. Give, Garbage, and Recycle.

Tsh advises you to create a garage sale box, and start preparing for a garage sale. That does not work around here. The kids (ok, and I) tend to look through "garage sale" boxes again, just in case there is something we want to keep. And there always is. So, we're boxing things up, taping the boxes, and donating them. Feel free to do whichever would work best for you.

Go through your whole house, getting rid of every item you know has no business there. If you pick something up and think about it for more than 5 seconds, toss it in your "maybe" box and move on to the next item.

Today, you are dealing with the items that basically take no thought. They are visible as soon as you enter a room. Garbage, junk mail, coins scattered throughout, figurines you have on your mantle that are just not that beautiful to you anymore. Do you have a half finished project that has been sitting around for a year? Unless you are positive you are going to finish it, just toss it out today.

I have lots of baby items sitting around my house that my 5 month old has outgrown. Those, I will be selling. If you can, carry your phone around, take pictures of the bigger items you want to sell, and post them on Craigslist or another type of classified in your area. Try doing that by the end of the day.

Just a side note, keep your family members in mind. Don't throw their stuff away, unless you have seriously reached your limit! If they are old enough, give them the tasks, and have them help you go around the house. My 4 year old is helping me. He isn't emotionally tied to much right now. I should learn a thing or two from him!

At the end of the day, take your trash and recycle boxes to the bins outside, and tape up your other boxes. Done!

Ready? Go!

Since it's Friday, you can extend this task a few more days. Monday we'll start on the Living Room.