We have had so much fun seeing your #tfmskirts pictures over the last 2 weeks!  We have learned some new things and perhaps developed some new attitudes.  So, the following are our thoughts about the last 15 days.

What can I say? We got a little distracted and silly while writing this post :)

Tootle Bug: I feel a lot better about wearing skirts than I did at the start, because I didn’t wear skirts as much before.  Lots of my skirts are very comfortable.  With most of them I wear shorts under, so I feel better about wearing them, because I have pants on ;)

Sugar Belle: I was kind of bummed that there weren’t more people participating in the 30 Day Skirt Challenge, especially people my age. :(  But, I’ve had fun seeing all the pictures you guys have posted! We’ve had over 100 pictures posted on Facebook and Instagram, and that it is awesome!  Don’t stop now, we are half way through the challenge!  If you haven’t joined us yet, please do, it’s not too late!  We have some really awesome prizes lined up for you all, and all you have to do is wear a skirt(and post your picture with the hashtag #tfmskirts)  to be entered to win.  We will be posting all about our fabulous prizes and sponsors next week.

The Frazzled Mama: I am thrilled with the response for the skirt challenge.  I know that skirts are not a popular clothing choice and that getting a picture taken or taking a selfie can be a pain, and even a little awkward.  So the fact that we have over 100 submissions at the half way point is exciting to me.  I’m also super excited about the prizes we are offering.  So many great companies have been extremely generous in supporting our #tfmskirts challenge.  As Shug said, next week we will be posting more specific details about the prizes and our wonderful sponsors.

I’d like to encourage you to upload and tag your photos, even if you only wear a skirt/dress one day.  It would be so encouraging to the girls here in Frazzled Mama Land.

On to my thoughts. First, I have more clearly realized that I have a tendency to take myself way too seriously.  Trying to get pictures taken that don’t make me view myself as a total dork has been a little daunting.  When I posted the following picture collage, I had given up on getting a decent pic and just decided to go with the silly vibe.

What’s funny is that I had so much feedback about that set of pics and how everyone loved them.  Yeah, so first lesson learned, I need to be silly more often and not take myself so seriously.

Lesson two, has really hit me on two levels, first,  as someone who has struggled with weight and body image issues for the vast majority of my life. And second as someone who has lost roughly 80 pounds over the last 7 years.  Having to look at full body pictures of myself everyday has really helped solidify in my head that I am no longer “over weight.”  Sure I wouldn’t mind dropping a few more here and there, but 80 pounds is quite a bit of weight. Some of the pictures literally startled me, because in my mind, I’m still 80 pounds over weight. I would literally just sit and stare at the camera and think, “Wow, that’s me…..”

Lesson three, Skimmies are my new best friend.  Seriously, check them out!  I want to order a pair in each color!!! Of course, if I did, I would have some serious explaining to do to Mr. OverKill.  Yes, they are pricey, but they work wonders!

I’d like to encourage you to upload and tag your photos, even if you only wear a skirt/dress one day.  I t would be so encouraging to the girls here in Frazzled Mama Land.

If you’ve been a reader here for very long, you know how much I love lists. There are some days that I live and die by my list.  If I didn’t make lists, I would never accomplish the many tasks that require my attention each day.  I have a list for my morning routine, school routines, and even cleaning routines.  The thing about lists is that they help me focus and remember all the little things that need to de done.  I feel less frazzled because I know that if it’s on the list, I won’t forget it.

I’ve used lists for the kids for years, but this year, I took things up a notch.

These are the kids folders.  I chose 1 inch 3 ring binders.

We use the front right pocket for work that is “to be completed.” We use the pocket on the left for work that is completed, but needs grading.  We also attached these cool little gadgets we found called a “Pen Pal.”  Very handy for keeping their dry erase pen…handy ;)

Here’s a shot of the tabs.  We have one for daily checklist, one for memory, and the final one for maps.

Here you can see Bubba’s daily school checklist. The Littles also have a morning routine checklist so things, like brushing teeth or feeding chooks do not get forgotten.

In the memory tab we have a multiplication practice sheet,

catechism questions we are working on memorizing,

Bible verses we are memorizing,

and character traits we are studying in our devotions.

In the maps tab we have several maps for the kiddos to work on tracing with goal of memorizing them in mind. 

All these pages are in vinyl page protectors which makes for less copying for mom :)  The kiddos just use a dry erase marker to trace their maps, check off their checklist, and practice their multiplication drills. Once I check them over, the pages get erased and they are all ready for the next day.

The back pocket is where I put all their graded papers. Once a week or so, the kiddos transfer those papers into the appropriate binder for that subject.

They got creative decorating the covers.

Tootle Bug

Little Man

Bubba

Sugar Belle

We’ve been using this system for several months now, and it has been so helpful!  How do you organize and keep track of your homeschool tasks?

I am totally overwhelmed and humbled by the response I’ve received from my first post in this series, entitle, “The Truth About Panic Attacks.”   Today I’d like to share with you some of the things that have helped me to deal with my panic attacks.  I’m not going to go into all the medical jargon or give lengthy explanations about how/why these things help because, I’m not a medical professional.  What I am sharing here today is just my personal experience.  My hope is that I can help others who may be struggling with panic attacks.

Help in Preventing Panic Attacks

Vitamins/Minerals:

• Vitamin B- Not only is it great from energy, but it supports your adrenals, and helps you deal with stress. 500-1,000 mg daily
• Vitamin C- We all know about the great immune boosting power of vitamin C, but it is also a HUGE helper for stress.  During high stress situations, I have been known to carry a bottle of vitamin C and pop them frequently throughout the day.  Vitamin C is great because it will let you know if you are taking too much ;)
• Selenium- Selenium is actually useful for helping to balance hormones, which will help your panic attacks, and balance out your whole body.

Supplements:

• High quality Fish Oil- I know, eww, gross.  I’ve been taking Whole Mega brand for about 8 months now, and it isn’t horrible, especially if you take it in the middle of a meal.
• L-Theanine- I’ve been taking a brand called Theanine Serene for about 8 months now.  I take it daily, as part of my regular routine. This complex contains amino acids that supports relaxation, eases tension, and promotes calming.

Sleep:

• 8 hours minimum.
• The more hours you can log before midnight, the better.
• Sleep in as long as you can, as often as you can, up to 9:00am.  The adrenals are one of the last systems that your body repairs at night, so the longer you can sleep, the more help they are given.
• Make sure you are sleeping.  I know, duh!  But honestly, I didn’t realize how poorly I was sleeping until I actually got a good night’s rest.  Try to find a natural sleep aid that works for you.  I am still working on finding something that works well for me.

Exercise:

• Get out and take a walk.  Walking is one of the best things you can do if you are having hormone imbalance.
• Yoga is a great relaxation tool and is helpful in reducing stress.
• Steer away from high intensity exercise for a time.  Give your body a chance to heal.

See Your Doc:

• You need to see a doctor if you are having panic attacks, simply to rule out any serious medical conditions.
• Ask for an adrenal panel, to see where your levels are at.
• Try to find a Doc that will work with you on homeopathic and natural options before writing you a prescription.  I know, some of us need an Rx strength to conquer the issues we are having, but know that every prescription comes with a side effect.

Check Your Diet:

• Try to make healthier food choices.  Avoid processed foods, foods with high fructose corn syrup, white sugar, and excessive caffeine.  Eat more fruits and veggies, especially green leafy vegetables.
• Get checked for food allergies.  Sounds odd, I know, but food allergies bring down your entire body, and can be the cause of panic attacks.

Reduce Your Stress:

• Yeah….that is going to have to be a post all on it’s own ;)

In the Moment

If you have suffered a panic attack, you know you can feel it coming on.  You are familiar with that small subtle indicator that lets you know it’s going downhill, and fast.  These are the things that I find most helpful when in the midst of a panic attack.

• Pray!
• Focus -Remind yourself Who is in control, and focus your mind to remember that even though it feels like it’s going to, a panic attack isn’t going to kill you.
• Relora- This is the best thing I have come across yet. If you don’t try any of the other things in this list, try this!  Relora basically tells your body to stop making cortisol and to turn off your adrenals.  This is my go to when I feel a panic attack coming on.  Within a few minutes of taking it, my symptoms start to ease, and it is a lovely feeling.  Seriously, I don’t go anywhere without this stuff.
• Breathing exercises-  Wouldn’t you know, I can’t find the nifty video I learned my breathing technique from.  It’s pretty simple.  Using your thumb and pointer finger you alternate plugging one nostril at a time, and breath in slowly for a count of 3.  So, say you start using your right thumb, plug your right nostril and inhale for a count of 3.  Before exhaling, plug your left nostril with your right pointer finger then exhale slowly for a count of 3.  Now inhale for a slow count of 3 with your left nostril still plugged.  then, switch.  Clear as mud, right?  The point is, slow and careful breathing can help to slow down a panic attack.
• Alcohol- I know, it’s not an option for everyone, and definitely not in every setting.  But, sometimes a glass of wine is just what the doctor ordered.  Especially if you are out to dinner and left your purse, with your relora, at home :0

So, there you have it.  These are the things that have been a huge help for me in reducing and coping with panic attacks.  Stay tuned for my third post in this series on reducing stress.

A few weeks ago I learned that one of our friends of many years was about to publish a book.  I was floored, and super excited for him.  I was clueless that he even had an interest in writing.  When he asked if I would like to receive an advance copy, I jumped at the chance!

I was only a few pages in, and couldn’t put it down!  This book is filled with imaginative and vivid descriptions of a pre-flood world, with a touch of fantasy.  The Vessel is an exciting tale which follows siblings as they embark on individual journeys which test them in unimaginable ways.  The hero of the story, Thayden, is a proud and revered warrior, who suffers a great tragedy.  Through his experiences, he is transformed into a vessel that can be used as part of God’s greater plan.

The author did a wonderful job of preserving the Biblical integrity of the time while encouraging the imagination to visualize what life might have been like on pre-flood Earth.  The Vessel would be appropriate for readers of all ages.  My only complaint is that book 2 isn’t ready to be published yet.  I can’t wait to read the conclusion of this exhilarating story!

Enough from me, how about an interview with the author?

Want a copy for your Kindle?  Enter the giveaway.  Entries close at midnight on Friday, August 8th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*All opinions are my own, and the giveaway is sponsored by The Frazzled Mama.

Day one of the 30 Day Skirt Challenge.

Are you in?

Even a little bit?

I just want to clarify, even if you can’t/won’t/don’t want to do all 30 days, please still post your pics on Facebook and/or Instagram with the hashtag #tfmskirts on the days you do participate.  Every day that you post a pics WITH the hashtag you will be entered for one of our fabulous prizes.  The more days your post pics of your skirt of the day, the more entries you get, it’s that simple.

But, your pic must use the hashtag, #tfmskirts, or we won’t be able to find it.

And exactly what are you entering to win with all your skirt selfies? We have had some wonderful prizes donated by various vendors, and there may be more to come!    So far, we have prizes from the following sponsors:

www.koshercasual.com

http://daintyjewells.com/

http://www.modestapparelusa.com/

Not to mention what I’m going to throw in!

So get busy posting those photos!  Here is a copy of our first day outfits.  It was a casual kind of day for us  ;)