It's interesting how even at the old age of 38yrs, I'm still learning about this world around me. I'm still learning about people and how they function. Sometimes the knowledge I gain is wonderful and uplifting, and other times it's just not.
Recently, I've come to an understanding about friendships. Some friendships are meant to be forever...meant to be eternal. I wouldn't be surprised if some friendships we have now began in the pre-existence, where we bonded together, hoping we'd see each other again in our Father's presence.
Then there are other type of friendships. In looking back on life, staring with my childhood, I am beginning to see sometimes friendships are just convenient. Sometimes friendships are beneficial to one side or the other. And sometimes friendships just don't seem worth fighting for, which is hard when you might be the one on the other side of that friendship.
There are several situations that I've experienced where, now looking back, I wonder why I "endured" it. Why did I allow the supposed "friendship" to last as long as it did? I don't have an answer...at least not right now. But I feel I've wasted a lot of time in several of these type of friendships.
A lot of my high school friendships were definitely only skin deep. Nothing that lasted too long because, let's face it, at that age there's too much selfishness. It's hard to stop and think about the other person in the friendship and what would be best for them. Many of my so-called friends from high school are my "facebook" friends but it's the same type of friendship. They don't know much about my family and I, what I'm going through, what good/bad things are happening in my life...unless I post them.
The other day I began thinking...if I stopped posting things about my life on Facebook, who would know what's really going on in my life? Who? Definitely not the "only skin deep" friends, possibly my "this is convenient" friends, BUT you better believe my "eternal" friends would know. Because they have invested enough time & energy into our friendship and they truly care about me, they truly care about what's going on in my life.
Friendship takes time, energy, desire, forgiveness, love, understanding, and most of all, unselfishness. I'm beginning to see that things such as Facebook, texting, email, even blogs like this, are only causing more "convenient" friends and separating us from one another.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this new found knowledge and this new understanding. I'm hoping it'll help me recognize the "convenient" friendships vs. the "eternal" friendships so that I can focus my attention where it needs to be...the eternities!
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Logic vs. The Spirit
I just want to quickly say that The Spirit and logic can be complete opposites!!
Sometimes logic gets into the way and disrupts the Spirit's guidance BUT if we stop and listen to that still small voice, no matter how impossible the situation may appear, we'll know the truth.
How grateful for I am for this knowledge...especially now!
Sometimes logic gets into the way and disrupts the Spirit's guidance BUT if we stop and listen to that still small voice, no matter how impossible the situation may appear, we'll know the truth.
How grateful for I am for this knowledge...especially now!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
I am Thankful for...
So, I've skipped a few days but I still have lots to be thankful for. Here they are...
First, I'm thankful for the fact that my husband is off until next Monday! He works so hard and deserves a long break...though this isn't long, he takes what he can get!
Second, I am thankful for disposable diapers. That may sound funny but when you have two toddlers on suppositories and Miralax to help get them unconstipated, it's 100% truth!!
Third, I'm so grateful that I have two adorable 16 month old twin girls today!! I can't believe they are that old. I know all moms say that but it's just so true. It just seems like yesterday that my water broke...in fact, it just seems like yesterday that I gave myself my first shot toward getting pregnant. How fast time flies!! How quickly the moments go by!! I'm so grateful that I'm desperately trying to "live in the moment & find joy in it"!!! I want to be happy in my current season, instead of focusing on the past seasons (glory years) and the future seasons (when things will supposedly be better or whatever). "FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY!!" :)
Fourth, I'm so grateful that the night before last, my little Emma kept me up until 4am!! Again, this sounds weird but let me explain. Emma was crying and crying and crying!! I tried everything but nothing worked. Finally @ 3:30am, I got to the point where I just scooped her up out of her crib and brought her to bed with me.
Now, I'm not one who can sleep with a baby next to me (I'm fearful of smothering them or something) so I didn't even attempt it BUT I thought maybe I could get her to go to sleep. As I lay there with her snuggled into my body, my arms wrapped around her and her adorable head near my shoulder, I swear I felt like I was in heaven. I couldn't believe the feeling of comfort and deep love that filled my soul. I could tell she wasn't asleep because she kept rubbing her little hand on my arm. I think she was enjoying it as much as I was. I wanted to stay in that moment FOREVER!!
But at about 4am, she started wanting to crawl around the bed so I had to put her back into her crib but as soon as I crawled back into the bed, without my precious baby, I instantly wanted to go back and pick her up again.
In fact, last night I almost went into her room, while she was sleeping, and scooped her up again. With her already asleep, I knew she would sleep for a while at my side. But since I was sleep deprived from the night before, I opted to just get some rest.
I wouldn't put it past me to do it tonight though :)
First, I'm thankful for the fact that my husband is off until next Monday! He works so hard and deserves a long break...though this isn't long, he takes what he can get!
Second, I am thankful for disposable diapers. That may sound funny but when you have two toddlers on suppositories and Miralax to help get them unconstipated, it's 100% truth!!
Third, I'm so grateful that I have two adorable 16 month old twin girls today!! I can't believe they are that old. I know all moms say that but it's just so true. It just seems like yesterday that my water broke...in fact, it just seems like yesterday that I gave myself my first shot toward getting pregnant. How fast time flies!! How quickly the moments go by!! I'm so grateful that I'm desperately trying to "live in the moment & find joy in it"!!! I want to be happy in my current season, instead of focusing on the past seasons (glory years) and the future seasons (when things will supposedly be better or whatever). "FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY!!" :)
Fourth, I'm so grateful that the night before last, my little Emma kept me up until 4am!! Again, this sounds weird but let me explain. Emma was crying and crying and crying!! I tried everything but nothing worked. Finally @ 3:30am, I got to the point where I just scooped her up out of her crib and brought her to bed with me.
Now, I'm not one who can sleep with a baby next to me (I'm fearful of smothering them or something) so I didn't even attempt it BUT I thought maybe I could get her to go to sleep. As I lay there with her snuggled into my body, my arms wrapped around her and her adorable head near my shoulder, I swear I felt like I was in heaven. I couldn't believe the feeling of comfort and deep love that filled my soul. I could tell she wasn't asleep because she kept rubbing her little hand on my arm. I think she was enjoying it as much as I was. I wanted to stay in that moment FOREVER!!
But at about 4am, she started wanting to crawl around the bed so I had to put her back into her crib but as soon as I crawled back into the bed, without my precious baby, I instantly wanted to go back and pick her up again.
In fact, last night I almost went into her room, while she was sleeping, and scooped her up again. With her already asleep, I knew she would sleep for a while at my side. But since I was sleep deprived from the night before, I opted to just get some rest.
I wouldn't put it past me to do it tonight though :)
Friday, November 18, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today I am thankful for the good friends that Hannah surrounds herself with. I'm so happy that she realizes, even at the age of 11yrs, that her friends will influence her for good... or for bad.
Hannah had a "friend" birthday party tonight and I was just amazed that the wonderful girls she invited. It's moments like this when I realize that the future is bright for our church & country (a few girls were not members of our church, but are amazing followers of Christ) and that Satan will never win!!
Sometimes when I look around the world, especially if I'm watching the news, I become terribly sad at all the bad things going on BUT I have to keep in mind, that as the bad are getting more wicked...the good are getting more righteous!! I'm go grateful for that knowledge!! :)
Hannah had a "friend" birthday party tonight and I was just amazed that the wonderful girls she invited. It's moments like this when I realize that the future is bright for our church & country (a few girls were not members of our church, but are amazing followers of Christ) and that Satan will never win!!
Sometimes when I look around the world, especially if I'm watching the news, I become terribly sad at all the bad things going on BUT I have to keep in mind, that as the bad are getting more wicked...the good are getting more righteous!! I'm go grateful for that knowledge!! :)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Just an FYI...this was suppose to be yesterday's post BUT with all of the celebrating, I never got to it....so now, it's my thankful for today! :)
Today I am thankful for my daughter Hannah. She is such a wonderful light in my life! Yesterday she turned 11yrs old, which I CANNOT believe. How does that happen?!?
I'm so so thankful that my Father in Heaven entrusted me with such an amazing and special spirit. She teaches me how to be a better person...everyday!! She's such a wonderful example to me and to her endearing siblings. Speaking of siblings...can I just say how AMAZING Hannah is with her little (over-active) brother and her twinner baby sisters!?!?! I can't wait to see the wonderful mother that she becomes....her children will be so blessed by her, as I am!!
I can honestly say, I don't have a clue where I'd be without Hannah. When she came into my life, I needed her desperately!! She truly was my miracle!! To state it simply, she saved me!! Oh, how loving and gracious our Father in Heaven is, to send one of his choicest daughters down to a woman who in no way deserved her...to a woman who was lost and found herself in the beautiful face of a newborn miracle!!
I can never give Hannah as much as she's given me. She is my everything!! <3
Today I am thankful for my daughter Hannah. She is such a wonderful light in my life! Yesterday she turned 11yrs old, which I CANNOT believe. How does that happen?!?
I'm so so thankful that my Father in Heaven entrusted me with such an amazing and special spirit. She teaches me how to be a better person...everyday!! She's such a wonderful example to me and to her endearing siblings. Speaking of siblings...can I just say how AMAZING Hannah is with her little (over-active) brother and her twinner baby sisters!?!?! I can't wait to see the wonderful mother that she becomes....her children will be so blessed by her, as I am!!
I can honestly say, I don't have a clue where I'd be without Hannah. When she came into my life, I needed her desperately!! She truly was my miracle!! To state it simply, she saved me!! Oh, how loving and gracious our Father in Heaven is, to send one of his choicest daughters down to a woman who in no way deserved her...to a woman who was lost and found herself in the beautiful face of a newborn miracle!!
I can never give Hannah as much as she's given me. She is my everything!! <3
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today I am thankful for finally finding out the reason why my tiny little Ellie, is so tiny & little! I'm so glad that its an easy fix and that we don't have to do any more testing.
I'm so grateful for something as simple as an Xray machine, which I'm sure most of us take for granted, because that's all it took to FINALLY diagnose what the problem is.
You may ask..."Is it really possible for a baby to be extremely constipated for almost an entire year?!? For her to be extremely tiny because her body is not at all digesting the food she's eating because her body's just squishing it past the compacted stuff in liquid form?!? Is it possible that a pediatrician can be so oblivious to the obvious signs, even when I'm constantly expressing concern?!?"
And to all of those questions, my answer is..."Yes!"
In fact, when she was just a few months old, Ellie got really constipated and I took her in several times for it. Once the diarrhea started, they assumed she was all better....guess not!! :( Poor little thing...I feel so bad for her!!
The only good thing about this situation, which consists of lots of suppositories, lots of Miralax & lots of very messy diapers, is that Ellie doesn't have to face it alone....Emma is also extremely constipated!
Oh, the fun!!!
I'm so grateful for something as simple as an Xray machine, which I'm sure most of us take for granted, because that's all it took to FINALLY diagnose what the problem is.
You may ask..."Is it really possible for a baby to be extremely constipated for almost an entire year?!? For her to be extremely tiny because her body is not at all digesting the food she's eating because her body's just squishing it past the compacted stuff in liquid form?!? Is it possible that a pediatrician can be so oblivious to the obvious signs, even when I'm constantly expressing concern?!?"
And to all of those questions, my answer is..."Yes!"
In fact, when she was just a few months old, Ellie got really constipated and I took her in several times for it. Once the diarrhea started, they assumed she was all better....guess not!! :( Poor little thing...I feel so bad for her!!
The only good thing about this situation, which consists of lots of suppositories, lots of Miralax & lots of very messy diapers, is that Ellie doesn't have to face it alone....Emma is also extremely constipated!
Oh, the fun!!!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today I am thankful for having an evening with my family. I'm thankful that the Sabbath day is set aside for worshipping our Savior and for spending time with our loved ones. How grateful I am!!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today I am thankful for the knowledge that miracles still exist and that nothing is impossible with God!!
Friday, November 11, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today I am thankful for this being Veteran's Day! Not only did it give me another chance to share my feelings about our wonderful nation with my kids, but it also gave me a chance to tell them how much support and respect we should give those who serve in the Armed Forces. I took the kids to our local Veterans Memorial. It was raining (go figure) so we didn't get to linger as long as I would have liked but I told Gabe we could go back another day so he could climb on the real tank they have there. The kids and I all wore red shirts to celebrate such a special holiday!!
"Oh, thus be it ever, when Freemen shall stand, between their loved homes and the war's desolation. Blessed with victory and peace, may this heaven rescued land, praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer me must, when our cause it is just and this be our motto: "In God is our trust". And the star spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!"
My endless thanks and gratitude to those who lost their lives keeping my family and I safe!!!
"Oh, thus be it ever, when Freemen shall stand, between their loved homes and the war's desolation. Blessed with victory and peace, may this heaven rescued land, praise the power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer me must, when our cause it is just and this be our motto: "In God is our trust". And the star spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!"
My endless thanks and gratitude to those who lost their lives keeping my family and I safe!!!
The Veterans Memorial in Auburn
The plaque reads..."In lasted memory of these dear departed souls, who gave their lives for peace throughout the entire world. These gleaming white arches are their highways to heaven, after they fell. We know they went to heaven because they spent their time in hell.
All gave some...some gave all!"
Hannah :)
Gabe...notice he had to wear his "Army jacket"! He's so cute!! :)
Thursday, November 10, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today I am thankful for my fun little book club. I've never been a part of a book club because I've never been much of a reader BUT since instituting A Thomas Jefferson Education in my home, I've come to understand how extremely important reading truly is!! I've found a love for reading that I NEVER would have imagined I'd have. I'm grateful that I mustered up enough courage to start a book club and that there were many ladies interested in joining it. I love finding joy & thankfulness in the simple things in life!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today I am thankful for my wonderful church. I'm so grateful for the complete gospel in my life and for the direction and guidance it gives me and my family. Where would I be without my Savior as my guide?!? I'm eternally grateful for His atonement!!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today, I am thankful for the opportunity that me and my kids have to serve those around us. Each Tuesday, we go to the church building to help prepare baby wipes or tie quilts. Hannah is getting to be quite the little quilter! And today, Gabe even did some tying, which he really liked.
I'm so grateful that my kids are with me during the day and that I can guide their education...not just "facts" but how to live their lives and become the best person they can!!
I'm so grateful that my kids are with me during the day and that I can guide their education...not just "facts" but how to live their lives and become the best person they can!!
My wonderful kiddoes :)
My little Gabers learning how to serve others!
Beautiful Hannah who was born with a heart created to serve others. She was born with the kindest and tenderest heart I know!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today I am thankful for my wonderful Hannah. Sunday mornings can be so stressful but this morning, Hannah made sure to do all the things I hadn't gotten to yet and....we were on time to church!! I was so happy when I realized she was putting together the diaper bag and then again when she was getting the girls into their car seats! She helped Gabe with his shoes and gathered all of our scriptures!!
What would I do without her?!? She's my miracle!!!
What would I do without her?!? She's my miracle!!!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
I am Thankful for...
Today I am so excited and grateful for the "Lakeshore Learning" store that's only about 25mins away!! Since there's only one store in the entire state of Washington, I'm so thrilled to have it so close. I LOVE that store!!! I found the website while I back vacationing in Houston and I thought I was in heaven BUT when I found out the store was nearby...I knew I was in heaven!! ;)
Anyway, it's a wonderful store for educational toys/items. Check it out if you're interested!!
www.lakeshorelearning.com
Anyway, it's a wonderful store for educational toys/items. Check it out if you're interested!!
www.lakeshorelearning.com
Friday, November 4, 2011
I am Thankful for....
Today I am thankful for modern medicine. I love the fact that we have the ability to see issues within our bodies that not too many years ago would have gone unnoticed and ended up badly. Ellie's kidneys are still not 100% but the fact that we can watch them and fix them if needed, is a complete miracle!!!
"I Was Only Eating Two a Day!!!"
Yes, I am now one of them!
I am now one of the MEAN parents that told their kids that they had eaten all of their Halloween candy!
Jimmy Kimmel had asked parents to do this and showed the results on his show. He said he was surprised at all the crying.
I have to admit, I didn't think my kids would cry BUT I was curious how they would react so....I just had to find out!
Here's Jimmy Kimmel's clip...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YQpbzQ6gzs
Here's my clip...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbY_JIzWDuQ&feature=youtu.be
I'm so grateful that my kids are so forgiving!! They were such good sports about it all :)
I do want to say that I was as a doctor's appointment with Ellie all morning so I am not personally responsible for the appearance of my house or the fact that my kids were still in their pjs at 11am....not that I'm throwing Greg under the bus or anything!! ;)
I love you Greg!! <3
I am now one of the MEAN parents that told their kids that they had eaten all of their Halloween candy!
Jimmy Kimmel had asked parents to do this and showed the results on his show. He said he was surprised at all the crying.
I have to admit, I didn't think my kids would cry BUT I was curious how they would react so....I just had to find out!
Here's Jimmy Kimmel's clip...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YQpbzQ6gzs
Here's my clip...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbY_JIzWDuQ&feature=youtu.be
I'm so grateful that my kids are so forgiving!! They were such good sports about it all :)
I do want to say that I was as a doctor's appointment with Ellie all morning so I am not personally responsible for the appearance of my house or the fact that my kids were still in their pjs at 11am....not that I'm throwing Greg under the bus or anything!! ;)
I love you Greg!! <3
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Lovin' the Groove!
It's been almost exactly a year since I began homeschooling my kids. I year-and-a-half ago, I never would have assumed I'd be where I am today. Not for the lack of "wanting" to homeschool (because I've thought about it MANY MANY times) but for the amount of "stuff" going on in my life.
When I began homeschooling, our family had just moved to the Seattle area, where we had no friends nor family. I had just given birth to our twinners, who were 4 months old. Our lives were far from "the normal" because everything was new!! But I had a relentless pull, tugging on my heart (the Spirit) to make the change...and I'm so very grateful I did!
Right now, I am finding our little family in a wonderful groove. Things seem to be just coasting along. The kids really enjoy "learning time" and I really enjoy mentoring them on different subjects.
At first, I was really stressed about doing things "right" and now I realize that "right" is different for every home....especially in a TJEd home. I had to simply relax, stop listening to ignorant people, and start believing that, as a mom, I'm inherently the best person to educate my children...do I not know them better and anyone else?!?
I'm finding so much joy in turning our home into a place of constant learning and I'm absolutely addicted to buying good books and adding educational items to our "Learners Closet"!! This Christmas may be the best one ever because of all the fun items I've purchased that I can't wait to use with the children!!
It's completely AMAZING how fun it is to learn when you're not being forced to... and when you're in an environment that is individualized and filled with the Spirit of God!
I'm so blessed to not only call myself the "Mother" of my four amazing children, but also their "Mentor"!!
When I began homeschooling, our family had just moved to the Seattle area, where we had no friends nor family. I had just given birth to our twinners, who were 4 months old. Our lives were far from "the normal" because everything was new!! But I had a relentless pull, tugging on my heart (the Spirit) to make the change...and I'm so very grateful I did!
Right now, I am finding our little family in a wonderful groove. Things seem to be just coasting along. The kids really enjoy "learning time" and I really enjoy mentoring them on different subjects.
At first, I was really stressed about doing things "right" and now I realize that "right" is different for every home....especially in a TJEd home. I had to simply relax, stop listening to ignorant people, and start believing that, as a mom, I'm inherently the best person to educate my children...do I not know them better and anyone else?!?
I'm finding so much joy in turning our home into a place of constant learning and I'm absolutely addicted to buying good books and adding educational items to our "Learners Closet"!! This Christmas may be the best one ever because of all the fun items I've purchased that I can't wait to use with the children!!
It's completely AMAZING how fun it is to learn when you're not being forced to... and when you're in an environment that is individualized and filled with the Spirit of God!
I'm so blessed to not only call myself the "Mother" of my four amazing children, but also their "Mentor"!!
I Am Thankful For...
Today...I am thankful for my wonderful husband who works hard for our family...and for his work ethic that continues to amaze me!! I love you Gregory Lee <3
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Here Comes the Gray!!
It's that time of year where I begin preparing for the nasty, gray weather that the Seattle has to offer. I wish there was some way to capture the sun we do get (for about 2 months of the year) and save it for the oncoming glume. But, as we all know, that's not possible....so I suppose I'll stock up on Vitamin D and hope for the best!
Last year I made it until about March before I thought I was going to go insane but I have a feeling this year is going to be different because....I'm already going insane!
I think I have a VERY LOOOOOONG fall/winter/spring ahead of me!!! :(
Last year I made it until about March before I thought I was going to go insane but I have a feeling this year is going to be different because....I'm already going insane!
I think I have a VERY LOOOOOONG fall/winter/spring ahead of me!!! :(
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Recovering FB Addict
Well, my whole "I'm not gonna get on Facebook" thing, didn't go over as well as I had hoped BUT that fact has made me realize two things.
First, Facebook does have some very good things about it, mainly keeping me connected to my family. Would I prefer a different form of communication? Of course, but when everyone else prefers FB then I need to "do what the Romans do".
Second, I have figured out that Facebook truly does have an "addictive" factor to it. I noticed it seemed very similar to when I was addicted to caffeinated drinks....it's the first thing I want to do in the morning, I have to have it at every meal, I need it before I go to bed, and I can't seem to get enough of it.
Now I know that sounds like I'm trying to be funny but the truth is, that "I need it" factor felt the exact some way the "I need it" factor felt for Pepsi. Those of you who don't believe you're addicted to either Facebook or Caffeine, I suggest you go without them for a long period of time and see how many moments a day are filled with thoughts of them. If you are true to your own feelings and thoughts, you'll see exactly what I mean.
So, now I am officially labeling myself as a "recovering Facebook addict". I'm not sure how well my detox will go since I still communicate with my family on there. I think what I'm going to do is set some very firm limits that I must follow.
Now, you may think things like limiting the amount of time I'm on there will be on my list, but it won't. I feel that's like only having one cigarette a day....it becomes that much more important and that much more needed! No, what I'm going to do is put firm boundaries on my thoughts about Facebook (how I view it) and also on my feelings concerning it's importance.
Over the past little while, I've realized that Facebooking is very time consuming with nothing to show for it. At least with my blog, I create a book from it to keep as a type of history of my life.
So the question is...Will I still post random thoughts on Facebook...probably. Will I still read other people's random thoughts...more than likely. Will I begin finding my worth by the amount of "likes" "reposts" and "comments"....I sure hope not! Will I begin comparing my life to the censored posts of others...I better not! Will I remember that reality is in my home & actual life and not in the virtual world...you better believe it!
First, Facebook does have some very good things about it, mainly keeping me connected to my family. Would I prefer a different form of communication? Of course, but when everyone else prefers FB then I need to "do what the Romans do".
Second, I have figured out that Facebook truly does have an "addictive" factor to it. I noticed it seemed very similar to when I was addicted to caffeinated drinks....it's the first thing I want to do in the morning, I have to have it at every meal, I need it before I go to bed, and I can't seem to get enough of it.
Now I know that sounds like I'm trying to be funny but the truth is, that "I need it" factor felt the exact some way the "I need it" factor felt for Pepsi. Those of you who don't believe you're addicted to either Facebook or Caffeine, I suggest you go without them for a long period of time and see how many moments a day are filled with thoughts of them. If you are true to your own feelings and thoughts, you'll see exactly what I mean.
So, now I am officially labeling myself as a "recovering Facebook addict". I'm not sure how well my detox will go since I still communicate with my family on there. I think what I'm going to do is set some very firm limits that I must follow.
Now, you may think things like limiting the amount of time I'm on there will be on my list, but it won't. I feel that's like only having one cigarette a day....it becomes that much more important and that much more needed! No, what I'm going to do is put firm boundaries on my thoughts about Facebook (how I view it) and also on my feelings concerning it's importance.
Over the past little while, I've realized that Facebooking is very time consuming with nothing to show for it. At least with my blog, I create a book from it to keep as a type of history of my life.
So the question is...Will I still post random thoughts on Facebook...probably. Will I still read other people's random thoughts...more than likely. Will I begin finding my worth by the amount of "likes" "reposts" and "comments"....I sure hope not! Will I begin comparing my life to the censored posts of others...I better not! Will I remember that reality is in my home & actual life and not in the virtual world...you better believe it!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
To Facebook or Not to Facebook...That is the Question
Seriously thinking about not "facebooking" anymore. With all of their new changes and the increase in "lack of privacy", I'm beginning to wonder if it's just best to blog.
So, I think what I've decided to do is just to take a break from Facebook and instead, create short blog posts about what's going on in my life.
After the week, I should know if it's Facebook I'm needing or if it's just "recording my moments".
So, I think what I've decided to do is just to take a break from Facebook and instead, create short blog posts about what's going on in my life.
After the week, I should know if it's Facebook I'm needing or if it's just "recording my moments".
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Our TJEd Home
I just wanted to announce my new blog that will follow my family while we institute "A Thomas Jefferson Education" in our home! I feel overly blessed that the Lord has brought this into my life and I'm so grateful that I'm not only able but willing to build our life around it.
CHECK IT OUT!!! I'm so excited!!!
www.ourtjedhome.blogspot.com
The link is also on the left side of this blog, in my "other blogs" section :)
CHECK IT OUT!!! I'm so excited!!!
www.ourtjedhome.blogspot.com
The link is also on the left side of this blog, in my "other blogs" section :)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
My New Camera
I broke my camera a while back and had to get a new one. The first replacement I bought didn't work out so I took it back. I then began looking for the "perfect" camera. The looking process took longer than I would have wanted it to (the whole...Nikon or Canon thing) BUT in the end, I ended up with a wonderful camera that's perfect for me!! The Nikon D5100... it was just released earlier this month.
My favorite thing about my new camera? IT TAKES VIDEOS!!!
Nikon must have been thinking about me when they thought up that feature!
So needless to say, I am now a "whole" person again...just felt like a fish-out-of-water without a camera hanging around my neck! Hopefully, I won't drop this one! :)
<3
Monday, April 18, 2011
Something to Think About
"On the first day of school, the little boy waved to his mother and turned to run down the bright hallway to class. His teacher smiled and pointed out his desk. "This is going to be great," he thought. "I love to learn new things." After a few fun stories, the teacher handed out crayons and paper and announced that it was time to draw a picture. The little boy enthusiastically grabbed the crayons and began to imagine all the things he could draw: moutains, lakes, airplanes, his family, his dog, the ocean, the stars at night...
Hundreds of ideas raced through his creative little mind.
His teacher, seeing that he had started drawing, stopped him and said that today the class would be drawing flowers. The boy's mind again ran wild: daisies, daffodils, roses, carnations, violets, lilacs, pansies, mixed bouquets, green gardens full of rainbows of color...
The teacher again interrupted, informing the class that today they would be drawing a certain kind of flower.
Taking colored chalk, the teacher went to the board and drew a green stem, with two leaves, and four identicle pink petals. The little boy, eager to please, dutifully copied her drawing.
After several attempts, his drawing looked exactly like hers. The teacher congratulated him for doing such good work.
As the school year passed, the little boy became a very good student; he learned to listen, obey instructions and get the right answers on tests. His parents were very proud of him, and his teacher was impressed with his excellent progress.
When the next school year arrived, the boy had done so well in his classes that he was enrolled in an accelerated program. During the first week of class, the teacher handed out crayons and paper and announced that it was time to draw a picture. The little boy, still in love with art, enthusiastically picked up his crayons and waited for instructions.
After several minutes the teacher noticed that the little boy wasn't drawing. "Why haven't you started?" she asked. "Don't you like to draw?"
"I love to draw," responded the little boy, "but I was waiting for you to tell us what the assignment is."
"Just draw whatever you want," the teacher smiled and left thet little boy to his creativity.
The little boy sat for a long time, watching the minutes tick off the clock and wondering what he should draw. Nothing came to mind.
Finally, in a burst of creative inspiration, he picked up his crayons and began to draw:
A green stem, with two leaves, and four identical pink petals."
The story is indicative of an entire generation of American education, which has been called "the cloning of the American mind." Fortunately, the tragedy is not complete because many parents across the nation are reaffirming their role in educating their children."
"A Thomas Jefferson Education" by Oliver Van DeMiller
Before someone asks, this is about education in general....public, private & homeschool...in all these arenas "the cloning" might be happening. It's our job, as parents, to ensure it's not happening in the arena we have our children being educated.
Hundreds of ideas raced through his creative little mind.
His teacher, seeing that he had started drawing, stopped him and said that today the class would be drawing flowers. The boy's mind again ran wild: daisies, daffodils, roses, carnations, violets, lilacs, pansies, mixed bouquets, green gardens full of rainbows of color...
The teacher again interrupted, informing the class that today they would be drawing a certain kind of flower.
Taking colored chalk, the teacher went to the board and drew a green stem, with two leaves, and four identicle pink petals. The little boy, eager to please, dutifully copied her drawing.
After several attempts, his drawing looked exactly like hers. The teacher congratulated him for doing such good work.
As the school year passed, the little boy became a very good student; he learned to listen, obey instructions and get the right answers on tests. His parents were very proud of him, and his teacher was impressed with his excellent progress.
When the next school year arrived, the boy had done so well in his classes that he was enrolled in an accelerated program. During the first week of class, the teacher handed out crayons and paper and announced that it was time to draw a picture. The little boy, still in love with art, enthusiastically picked up his crayons and waited for instructions.
After several minutes the teacher noticed that the little boy wasn't drawing. "Why haven't you started?" she asked. "Don't you like to draw?"
"I love to draw," responded the little boy, "but I was waiting for you to tell us what the assignment is."
"Just draw whatever you want," the teacher smiled and left thet little boy to his creativity.
The little boy sat for a long time, watching the minutes tick off the clock and wondering what he should draw. Nothing came to mind.
Finally, in a burst of creative inspiration, he picked up his crayons and began to draw:
A green stem, with two leaves, and four identical pink petals."
The story is indicative of an entire generation of American education, which has been called "the cloning of the American mind." Fortunately, the tragedy is not complete because many parents across the nation are reaffirming their role in educating their children."
"A Thomas Jefferson Education" by Oliver Van DeMiller
Before someone asks, this is about education in general....public, private & homeschool...in all these arenas "the cloning" might be happening. It's our job, as parents, to ensure it's not happening in the arena we have our children being educated.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patty's Day!!
Today, Hannah wanted to wear the shamrock I made for her 1st St Patrick's Day. Once we found it, I felt guitly that the other kids didn't have one. So inbetween feedings and diaper changes, I finally got them all finished!! The kids looked so cute in them...I'm glad I made some time to make them!! Oh, and I also made the flower clips for the twinkies!!
It was a good day!! :)
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| Emmalie giving her chubby little smile...too cute!! |
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| Who says us women aren't born multi-taskers? Little Ellie shows right here that she can teeth and smile for the camera at the same time!! |
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| Hannah wearing the shamrock pin I made her for her 1st St Patty's Day!! |
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| My handsome little man, Gabers!! He wasn't about wearing the shamrock but I forced him to for the picture!! He's such a boy!! |
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| All four miracles!!! Hmmmmm...not sure what Gabe's doing. I guess he was done with all the picture taking!! |
<3
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Got Milk?
Turns out my body is deciding that it wants me to switch to formula!! I'm so so so so bummed!!! This may be the only experience I have with this type of stuff and I really wanted it to last at least until the year mark.
Sure, pumping several times a day isn't what I would consider fun, but I do it for my little ones. I love the fact that I can feed them. It's just so amazing to me!! Plus, its so wonderful to be able to breastfeed them when they're upset or really tired to help calm them down.
Until a little over a month ago, I could've opened my own dairy farm and now, it's all but gone. It makes me so sad.
But I guess sometimes nature makes our decisions for us, no matter if we want it to or not. So, I'll hang on just a bit longer while I try to get up enough courage to let that season of my life go...even though I may never experience it again :'(
<3
Sure, pumping several times a day isn't what I would consider fun, but I do it for my little ones. I love the fact that I can feed them. It's just so amazing to me!! Plus, its so wonderful to be able to breastfeed them when they're upset or really tired to help calm them down.
Until a little over a month ago, I could've opened my own dairy farm and now, it's all but gone. It makes me so sad.
But I guess sometimes nature makes our decisions for us, no matter if we want it to or not. So, I'll hang on just a bit longer while I try to get up enough courage to let that season of my life go...even though I may never experience it again :'(
<3
Vacation Time?
I need a vacation!! That's what I've decided. I need to just get away and not have to deal with the day-to-day stuff around the house.
In April, we're off to DisneyLand...not my favorite place BUT Gabe hasn't been in a couple of years and is just dying to go! It should be a new experience with the twinners but I'm hopeful it will go well. I know we're staying on site so if I need to take the twinkies back, it won't be a huge ordeal.
In July, we are heading back to Utah to spend some time with family and friends. We will probably be staying up in ParkCity for both weeks but aren't 100% sure yet. We do know we'll be in PC for at least one week, over the 4th of July.
I think the reason I'm NEEDING a vacation this year, instead of just wanting one, is due to the fact that I'm always in the house. It's such a big ordeal to leave with all four kids that I usually chose not to. And I think the total lack of sun during the winter up here, has definitely taken a toll on me, which I'm surprised by. I didn't think it would bother me.
I'm hopeful a nice get-away will be rejuvenating so that when I get back, I'll be ready to get back into the groove!
Wish me luck!!
.
In April, we're off to DisneyLand...not my favorite place BUT Gabe hasn't been in a couple of years and is just dying to go! It should be a new experience with the twinners but I'm hopeful it will go well. I know we're staying on site so if I need to take the twinkies back, it won't be a huge ordeal.
In July, we are heading back to Utah to spend some time with family and friends. We will probably be staying up in ParkCity for both weeks but aren't 100% sure yet. We do know we'll be in PC for at least one week, over the 4th of July.
I think the reason I'm NEEDING a vacation this year, instead of just wanting one, is due to the fact that I'm always in the house. It's such a big ordeal to leave with all four kids that I usually chose not to. And I think the total lack of sun during the winter up here, has definitely taken a toll on me, which I'm surprised by. I didn't think it would bother me.
I'm hopeful a nice get-away will be rejuvenating so that when I get back, I'll be ready to get back into the groove!
Wish me luck!!
.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
One Day Like This
Got to bed last night BEFORE 11pm....YIPPEE for me!! Little Emmalie decided to go to sleep abt 10:30pm so I took full advantage of the situation.
I woke up about 6:45 to feed the little ones and did so in complete solitude! My other two kiddos didn't wake up until about 9am!!! YIPPEE for me AGAIN!! I was able to feed the twinkies, relax in bed for a few minutes (enjoying the SILENCE), do a load of laundry, and a load of dishes, before the "day with 4 kids" began.
I was completely beside myself!! It was so relaxingly wonderful... but now, I'm gonna want it to be like that every morning!! Though I know that isn't about to happen, I do know how grateful I am that I got at least one day like this!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...........
.
I woke up about 6:45 to feed the little ones and did so in complete solitude! My other two kiddos didn't wake up until about 9am!!! YIPPEE for me AGAIN!! I was able to feed the twinkies, relax in bed for a few minutes (enjoying the SILENCE), do a load of laundry, and a load of dishes, before the "day with 4 kids" began.
I was completely beside myself!! It was so relaxingly wonderful... but now, I'm gonna want it to be like that every morning!! Though I know that isn't about to happen, I do know how grateful I am that I got at least one day like this!!
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...........
.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
ThredUp Posts
Incase any of you were interested, I moved my "ThredUp" posts (the clothes I'm posting) onto a new blog. That way I can keep my normal blog, just that...normal! :)
Here's the link to the other blog...
http://www.frugal-n-fun.blogspot.com/
Here's the link to the other blog...
http://www.frugal-n-fun.blogspot.com/
Thursday, March 3, 2011
ThredUp.com
I've been looking into a site called ThredUp.com
Since I'm such a frugal person, the site has really got me interested. The idea is to swap boxes of your kids old clothes, with other people.
So the site sends you the boxes (just USPS Priority Flatrate boxes) and you're suppose to stuff them full. Then you go online and list your box. Then someone who wants your box, purchases it for $5 plus shipping, which in a flatrate box is like $10.95. I then go online, print off the prepaid mailing lable (the buyer paid the site and the site purchased the shipping) and then I leave the box on my porch for the mail carrier to pick up (the site sets all that up as well). And when it's my turn to want a box, it's the same process. Along the way they offer credits and discounts, along with PRO (VIP) memberships.
The biggest issue I have is that there arent any pictures of the items listed so you have to go purely off of what someone else has written about their items. Some, though, have been putting links to other places to view the clothing, which is what I would be doing.
I went on today and ordered my first box. It's clothing for the little twinkies. It should be here in about a week so I'll keep you posted on how it all turns out. I think this is a great idea and I'm hoping it works out ok. I decided to bring you along for my trial run. If you decide to join in on the fun, then make sure to sign up under me cuz you'll get a $5 credit toward your first box!
Here's the link...
http://www.thredup.com/175375
If you check it out, make sure to leave your comments about it here so we can all decide if it's as good as it appears!!
I'm hoping to put my first box on the site sometime tomorrow. I will make sure to put a pic on here first, incase someone out there is interested in it. Then you'll have a headstart once I post it to the site. And when I get my first box, I'll make sure to post a pic of the items I received on here as well.
Being frugal is so fun!!! :)
Since I'm such a frugal person, the site has really got me interested. The idea is to swap boxes of your kids old clothes, with other people.
So the site sends you the boxes (just USPS Priority Flatrate boxes) and you're suppose to stuff them full. Then you go online and list your box. Then someone who wants your box, purchases it for $5 plus shipping, which in a flatrate box is like $10.95. I then go online, print off the prepaid mailing lable (the buyer paid the site and the site purchased the shipping) and then I leave the box on my porch for the mail carrier to pick up (the site sets all that up as well). And when it's my turn to want a box, it's the same process. Along the way they offer credits and discounts, along with PRO (VIP) memberships.
The biggest issue I have is that there arent any pictures of the items listed so you have to go purely off of what someone else has written about their items. Some, though, have been putting links to other places to view the clothing, which is what I would be doing.
I went on today and ordered my first box. It's clothing for the little twinkies. It should be here in about a week so I'll keep you posted on how it all turns out. I think this is a great idea and I'm hoping it works out ok. I decided to bring you along for my trial run. If you decide to join in on the fun, then make sure to sign up under me cuz you'll get a $5 credit toward your first box!
Here's the link...
http://www.thredup.com/175375
If you check it out, make sure to leave your comments about it here so we can all decide if it's as good as it appears!!
I'm hoping to put my first box on the site sometime tomorrow. I will make sure to put a pic on here first, incase someone out there is interested in it. Then you'll have a headstart once I post it to the site. And when I get my first box, I'll make sure to post a pic of the items I received on here as well.
Being frugal is so fun!!! :)
A Clarification
So, I've had a few people ask me about my last post. They wondered if I was only talking about "blogs" or if there were other items on my mind.
The truth is, I was speaking about many areas of my life. Of course, blogging, was one of them (I'd love to have a nifty fun blog that others flock to but this is not my season) but there are other areas such as, "work". I'd love to be doing photography but it's not the right time. Sure, I could force my desire into our lives but it wouldn't be what's best for my family. I believe that when the Prophet continues to ask us to not work outside the home (he knows we DEFINITELY "work" in our homes with our kids and spouses, etc) that they mean NOT to work outside the home (if at all possible). I don't want to be a "cafeteria" member of the church...just to take what I want and leave what I don't.
Another area is "doing stuff for me". There are SO SO SO many things that I would LOVE to be doing right now. SO many interests and activities that I'd LOVE to be participating in. I would probably faint if I found myself with an afternoon to do whatever I WANTED to do. You know, Greg just handing me the keys and saying "wake me when you get home" kinda thing....BUT again, it's not my season. And also again, I could "force" those type of situations but I'm choosing not to.
Sometimes, I look at others Facebook statuses and find myself daydreaming of that being my status. How silly is that?!? I know it's totally ungrateful and completely unacceptable...but I do. It only takes a couple seconds before I slap myself in the face (not literally) and take a step back so I can look at the MAJOR blessings in my life!!!! I'm sure there are people out there who look at my life and find themselves daydreaming about being me....WELL....except double-duty on diaper blow-outs!! ;) But you know what I mean. As a wonderful Stake President of mine once said..."If the grass is greener on the other side....then start watering your own grass!!!!" Such a wise man...I miss you Pres. Draper!!!
Then there's the one that bothers me the most....getting the things I want done around the house, done. I look at other moms, with more kids than me, and they seem to be organizing and reorganizing, decorating and redecorating, crafting, sewing, cooking, baking, etc., etc. I just don't know how they do it!! I have a list a mile long of things I want done, within my own home, and when I actually mark one of those items off....it's like I won the lottery or something! I get so excited and I feel so good BUT it's rare...very rare!!
So, to all these items and to those I didn't even list, I say the same things...."it's not my season" and "I could do it but at what cost to my family?" I'm not playing the "poor me" victim. I know I could do all these things...I may not be sane by the end of each week, but I could do them. My family may be in shambles, but I could do them. It may not be the Lord's season for it...but I could do them. I have my agency...we all do!! I'm just choosing to wait for the correct season in my life (time in my life...however you want to say it) to do those things. I believe that since I'm waiting, I'm learning a lot about sacrafice, service, and patience.
When we do things the Lord's way, we always come out with greener grass than we started out with!!
The truth is, I was speaking about many areas of my life. Of course, blogging, was one of them (I'd love to have a nifty fun blog that others flock to but this is not my season) but there are other areas such as, "work". I'd love to be doing photography but it's not the right time. Sure, I could force my desire into our lives but it wouldn't be what's best for my family. I believe that when the Prophet continues to ask us to not work outside the home (he knows we DEFINITELY "work" in our homes with our kids and spouses, etc) that they mean NOT to work outside the home (if at all possible). I don't want to be a "cafeteria" member of the church...just to take what I want and leave what I don't.
Another area is "doing stuff for me". There are SO SO SO many things that I would LOVE to be doing right now. SO many interests and activities that I'd LOVE to be participating in. I would probably faint if I found myself with an afternoon to do whatever I WANTED to do. You know, Greg just handing me the keys and saying "wake me when you get home" kinda thing....BUT again, it's not my season. And also again, I could "force" those type of situations but I'm choosing not to.
Sometimes, I look at others Facebook statuses and find myself daydreaming of that being my status. How silly is that?!? I know it's totally ungrateful and completely unacceptable...but I do. It only takes a couple seconds before I slap myself in the face (not literally) and take a step back so I can look at the MAJOR blessings in my life!!!! I'm sure there are people out there who look at my life and find themselves daydreaming about being me....WELL....except double-duty on diaper blow-outs!! ;) But you know what I mean. As a wonderful Stake President of mine once said..."If the grass is greener on the other side....then start watering your own grass!!!!" Such a wise man...I miss you Pres. Draper!!!
Then there's the one that bothers me the most....getting the things I want done around the house, done. I look at other moms, with more kids than me, and they seem to be organizing and reorganizing, decorating and redecorating, crafting, sewing, cooking, baking, etc., etc. I just don't know how they do it!! I have a list a mile long of things I want done, within my own home, and when I actually mark one of those items off....it's like I won the lottery or something! I get so excited and I feel so good BUT it's rare...very rare!!
So, to all these items and to those I didn't even list, I say the same things...."it's not my season" and "I could do it but at what cost to my family?" I'm not playing the "poor me" victim. I know I could do all these things...I may not be sane by the end of each week, but I could do them. My family may be in shambles, but I could do them. It may not be the Lord's season for it...but I could do them. I have my agency...we all do!! I'm just choosing to wait for the correct season in my life (time in my life...however you want to say it) to do those things. I believe that since I'm waiting, I'm learning a lot about sacrafice, service, and patience.
When we do things the Lord's way, we always come out with greener grass than we started out with!!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Moments Like This
Well, for the last little while I've been contemplating my last post and what I've decided is that I can't focus on stuff like that right now. And, to tell you the truth, I'm really embarrassed that I wasted any time on the situation.
Right now in my blessed life, I have four wonderful kids and one wonderful husband to care for. I have a new home and two new babies. I'm in a new state and making new friends. I have a new role as "teacher" and I have a new calling in my church. There have been lots of new changes in my life and I need to make sure that I'm using all of my energy to deal with them, in the best way possible.
I can't worry about what others are doing. I can't spend more time trying to figure out how they are doing the things they're doing. I'm not assuming they're neglecting other areas of their lives to accomplish what they do, but I know for sure that I would be, if I were to do those same things.
I need to not be "wanting" for more when I clearly already have it all. I need to be thankful and feel very blessed to have the life that I've been given. I need to enjoy this season in my life. I need to focus on what's important. I need to do the "best" things first and if I have time for the "better" things (Good, Better, Best Conference talk-Elder Oaks) then great! I need to let go of "what I can't do" and be overly thankful for "what I can".
Before I know it, all of my children will be grown and gone. I will be sitting in my empty house wishing I could hear their baby cries and their "Mommy? Mommy?" (repeated 100 times) as they come to find me. They may live far away and I may only get to hug them a couple times a year, if at all. These moments I have right now, are priceless. They truly are gifts from my Lord.
I know this all to be so true...I know it deep in my heart. I'm just so very thankful that my brain has finally caught up to what I already knew, to what I've probably known from the preexistence. We are here for our family...we are here to serve our family...and as a mother, I get a million opportunities each day to do so.
So, I apologize for my selfish post and I know now where my focus needs to be. I'm so grateful for moments like this that allow me to grow as a person, as a daughter of God.
Right now in my blessed life, I have four wonderful kids and one wonderful husband to care for. I have a new home and two new babies. I'm in a new state and making new friends. I have a new role as "teacher" and I have a new calling in my church. There have been lots of new changes in my life and I need to make sure that I'm using all of my energy to deal with them, in the best way possible.
I can't worry about what others are doing. I can't spend more time trying to figure out how they are doing the things they're doing. I'm not assuming they're neglecting other areas of their lives to accomplish what they do, but I know for sure that I would be, if I were to do those same things.
I need to not be "wanting" for more when I clearly already have it all. I need to be thankful and feel very blessed to have the life that I've been given. I need to enjoy this season in my life. I need to focus on what's important. I need to do the "best" things first and if I have time for the "better" things (Good, Better, Best Conference talk-Elder Oaks) then great! I need to let go of "what I can't do" and be overly thankful for "what I can".
Before I know it, all of my children will be grown and gone. I will be sitting in my empty house wishing I could hear their baby cries and their "Mommy? Mommy?" (repeated 100 times) as they come to find me. They may live far away and I may only get to hug them a couple times a year, if at all. These moments I have right now, are priceless. They truly are gifts from my Lord.
I know this all to be so true...I know it deep in my heart. I'm just so very thankful that my brain has finally caught up to what I already knew, to what I've probably known from the preexistence. We are here for our family...we are here to serve our family...and as a mother, I get a million opportunities each day to do so.
So, I apologize for my selfish post and I know now where my focus needs to be. I'm so grateful for moments like this that allow me to grow as a person, as a daughter of God.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Dilemma...Being Left in the Dust!!
I am obviously SO out-of-the "how to blog" loop that it's completely pathetic!! I haven't done much of any "blog surfing" since the very beginning of my blogging life. And even then, it was a very limited.
So fast-forward about 4 or so years, and I just thought..."hey, what the heck, lets see what others out there in the blogging world are doing" UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM......yeah, again, IM COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH when it comes to blogging.
People out there have fun blogs that look like they've been scrapbooked, they have advertising on their blogs, they have awards they've earned and awards they are giving out, they cross out the words that they don't want to shareor do they and they like to write really BIG and really little to express their emotions and may even add a little color for anger and sadness. They have "themes" (photography, handmade gifts, savvy shoppers, etc), never-ending contests and give-aways and they seem to be trying to be the person with the most "followers" (kinda like Facebook...who can have the most friends). So, to say the least, I was totally baffled by it all.
Now it looks like I'm gonna have to keep up with the Jones'. I mean, I can't be left in the dust, right? I'm too competitive for that! The dilemma....I have no additional time to invest in my blog. Not sure what I'm gonna do yet... but "do something", I must!!
Stay tuned!
So fast-forward about 4 or so years, and I just thought..."hey, what the heck, lets see what others out there in the blogging world are doing" UMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM......yeah, again, IM COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH when it comes to blogging.
People out there have fun blogs that look like they've been scrapbooked, they have advertising on their blogs, they have awards they've earned and awards they are giving out, they cross out the words that they don't want to share
Now it looks like I'm gonna have to keep up with the Jones'. I mean, I can't be left in the dust, right? I'm too competitive for that! The dilemma....I have no additional time to invest in my blog. Not sure what I'm gonna do yet... but "do something", I must!!
Stay tuned!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Homeschool Update
Many people have been asking me how "Miller Elementary" is going and I've finally found a couple of minutes to answer that question (if the girls continue to cooperate).
First and foremost, I have got to say, with the greatest of fervor, that homeschooling my children is definitely the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my entire life. I would never have guessed the positive effect that it would have had on me when I first started. Every single day, I can look back and say that I have changed my children's lives in a positive way, I have taught them something new, I have given them more and I have spent quality time with both of them and they are better kids than they were a few short hours before. I have been able to use the scriptures in my teaching with reading, spelling, verbal communication, history, personal development, etc, etc.
I have been able to teach US History in a very Christian kind of way, explaining that God is the founder of our Blessed Nation and that is was by the guidance of the Holy Ghost that man came to live on the American Continents. It was a wonderful experience to teach about how Christopher Columbus used only the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not his knowledge nor tools, to find his way here (from his own words). How amazing is that? Do you think they teach that to the children at public schools? Ummm...I think not!!
I have been so blessed by this change in our lives, far more than I ever could've imagined. I had assumed it was going to be "hard", that I wasn't "qualified", and that I would get resistance from the kids, but again, I was so wrong. It seems to come so easily, like when I'm teaching them a good choice from a bad choice. I'm able to counsel with them as I teach them and it's only made the bond between us that much stronger. I, without a doubt, feel the presence of the Spirit in my home while teaching. I know I'm doing the right thing even if I had doubted myself in the beginning. The Lord knew what I needed to do and I'm so so so glad that I opted to follow His guidance. I know it has been a blessing in my life and I'm hoping it's a blessing in the lives of my children, as well.
Now, as for those of you who are curious about my methods and curriculum, I have pretty much stayed the course that I had planned in the beginning.
I still REALLY like the Charlotte Mason method. I've found a wonderful website that I've gotten some curriculum off of and I've found it to work perfectly with the way I want to teach.
The areas where I have altered things a bit are...the schedule (I was trying to fit too much into one day and feeling stressed if we didn't get through it all) and using the Thomas Jefferson method.
I really like the Thomas Jefferson Education...I love the idea behind the method, but sadly enough, it doesn't work out with my schedule. I can't be that "follow me" type of teacher because I'm usually dealing with the twins while the kids are doing their work. BUT I do think I may go back to that method, to some degree, once the twinkies aren't so demanding and I have time to sit down and learn right along with them. I'm sure that as we continue through the remainder of the year, I will continue tweaking my method here and there, to make it a perfect fit for our family.
Again, I'm so grateful for this opportunity to teach my children. It's a priceless experience. I hope to continue to do homeschooling for Ellie and Emma, as well, just as long as that's the way that the Lord would have it.
Oh, one WONDERFUL thing about homeschooling....NO LAME SCHEDULE TO HAVE TO FOLLOW AND NO MORE HAVING TO ANSWER TO SOMEONE ELSE ABOUT MY CHILD!!! I've never liked it when the school's would call wondering why Hannah was late or absent or why we decided to take her out for a week to go on vacation.....UMMMM...she's my child, NOT THEIRS!!! I'm much happier now that I only answer to myself :)
First and foremost, I have got to say, with the greatest of fervor, that homeschooling my children is definitely the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my entire life. I would never have guessed the positive effect that it would have had on me when I first started. Every single day, I can look back and say that I have changed my children's lives in a positive way, I have taught them something new, I have given them more and I have spent quality time with both of them and they are better kids than they were a few short hours before. I have been able to use the scriptures in my teaching with reading, spelling, verbal communication, history, personal development, etc, etc.
I have been able to teach US History in a very Christian kind of way, explaining that God is the founder of our Blessed Nation and that is was by the guidance of the Holy Ghost that man came to live on the American Continents. It was a wonderful experience to teach about how Christopher Columbus used only the guidance of the Holy Spirit, not his knowledge nor tools, to find his way here (from his own words). How amazing is that? Do you think they teach that to the children at public schools? Ummm...I think not!!
I have been so blessed by this change in our lives, far more than I ever could've imagined. I had assumed it was going to be "hard", that I wasn't "qualified", and that I would get resistance from the kids, but again, I was so wrong. It seems to come so easily, like when I'm teaching them a good choice from a bad choice. I'm able to counsel with them as I teach them and it's only made the bond between us that much stronger. I, without a doubt, feel the presence of the Spirit in my home while teaching. I know I'm doing the right thing even if I had doubted myself in the beginning. The Lord knew what I needed to do and I'm so so so glad that I opted to follow His guidance. I know it has been a blessing in my life and I'm hoping it's a blessing in the lives of my children, as well.
Now, as for those of you who are curious about my methods and curriculum, I have pretty much stayed the course that I had planned in the beginning.
I still REALLY like the Charlotte Mason method. I've found a wonderful website that I've gotten some curriculum off of and I've found it to work perfectly with the way I want to teach.
The areas where I have altered things a bit are...the schedule (I was trying to fit too much into one day and feeling stressed if we didn't get through it all) and using the Thomas Jefferson method.
I really like the Thomas Jefferson Education...I love the idea behind the method, but sadly enough, it doesn't work out with my schedule. I can't be that "follow me" type of teacher because I'm usually dealing with the twins while the kids are doing their work. BUT I do think I may go back to that method, to some degree, once the twinkies aren't so demanding and I have time to sit down and learn right along with them. I'm sure that as we continue through the remainder of the year, I will continue tweaking my method here and there, to make it a perfect fit for our family.
Again, I'm so grateful for this opportunity to teach my children. It's a priceless experience. I hope to continue to do homeschooling for Ellie and Emma, as well, just as long as that's the way that the Lord would have it.
Oh, one WONDERFUL thing about homeschooling....NO LAME SCHEDULE TO HAVE TO FOLLOW AND NO MORE HAVING TO ANSWER TO SOMEONE ELSE ABOUT MY CHILD!!! I've never liked it when the school's would call wondering why Hannah was late or absent or why we decided to take her out for a week to go on vacation.....UMMMM...she's my child, NOT THEIRS!!! I'm much happier now that I only answer to myself :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Catey's Give-away
check it out...Free stuff!!!
http://randomthoughtsfromthezoo.blogspot.com/2011/01/cinch-by-cynthia-sass-review-and.html
http://randomthoughtsfromthezoo.blogspot.com/2011/01/cinch-by-cynthia-sass-review-and.html
Saturday, January 1, 2011
FYI
Just so everyone knows...the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge doesn't work if you don't participate. I thought...maybe, just maybe if I thought a lot about doing the things required in the challenge, I would use enough braincells to burn a little weight BUT NO...didn't work!!
So, for those of you who plan on doing it next year, don't fall into the same trap as I did....thinking doesn't burn fat!! :)
Though, I did do Zumba on the Wii today and had a blast. Made me realize how much I miss dancing!!
So, for those of you who plan on doing it next year, don't fall into the same trap as I did....thinking doesn't burn fat!! :)
Though, I did do Zumba on the Wii today and had a blast. Made me realize how much I miss dancing!!
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