Finding the JOY in a Quick Walk

This little frog was a fun part of our afternoon walk last month.

 

 #homeschoolEVERYWHERE #catchandrelease  #Homeschool #thislifeisbeautiful #washyourhandsplease #YesWithSoap

 

Happy Mom Moments:
The toddler rode her bike the whole time.
We had only one meltdown.
I didn't have to carry her bike even once.

Were making progress here.

 

 

 

Real Life:  The above post was a draft I started on August 3rd, and shared on my social media, but not here.  It's now nearly October, and I'll have you know that August 3rd was the last time the toddler rode her bike for our whole entire walk.  She's been starting on her bike and I end up carrying it for some amount of time each and every time we get out. 

 But you know what?  That is just fine with me, because we're still taking daily walks, and we're enjoying them just as much as we can before the freezing cold weather sets in. 

 

#FindTheJOY

 

The JOY is that I have happy healthy children who LOVE the Lord, and who LOVE being physically active.  Through them, I'm learning to love the physical activity too.

My Spicy Reality Check

If you follow my Instagram, or know me in real life, you know I’ve been reading Jen Hatmaker’s new book, For the Love.   You know this because I’m obsessed and bring it up way too often.

I’m sorry, okay?

It’s just this is what my soul needs right now, and I’m excited about that.

One chapter I’m really relating with this week is the one that talks about SWEET and SPICY families (starts on page 57).

As much as I want everyone to THINK we’re a sweet family, we are pre-tty darn spic-aaaay.

We’re loud and other people don’t always get our off-the-wall humor.

We’ve been booked solid for a month.  In this past week just about every single hour has had something scheduled into it, and we’re not even getting our normal dinner time together.

Last night my husband worked late as usual, we rushed to get the kids somewhere they had to be, and once that was over I sighed and smiled as I thought about how we were actually getting to have a night out to eat dinner as a family.  We went to Perkins for the Give Kids The World Pancake Day.  The kids had been looking forward to this for WEEKS (and you know when a kid is excited about something because it actually feels like they’ve been asking about it for months) and couldn’t wait to eat a free short stack and make a donation to the charity. 

Then I got a text asking if I was coming to a meeting…………

I thought to myself “What meeting?!”  I checked my calendar quick and found nothing. 

For the record- I really appreciated that text.  It’s exactly what I needed right then to wake up to what was happening.

I am a ‘schedule it down to the minute, list maker, don’t lose track of nothing’ type of person.  I can organize anything for anyone and I’ll do it for free, because that’s how I have my fun. 

But when I screw up and don’t put something on my calendar, it’s not fun at all.  It’s pretty ugly actually.

I cried and prayed out loud “Oh Lord, forgive me right here and now for being so busy, so scatter-brained, so negative”. 

But that didn’t release the tension.

I was angry that I was 30 minutes from home and couldn’t make it to the meeting.  I was angry that I didn’t have it in my calendar.  I was angry because I was angry when I should’ve been fine.  Everyone else was so excited to be together, and I just couldn’t find the JOY.

I wanted to just leave them there and rush to my meeting.

But I physically couldn’t.  And I mentally knew I shouldn’t.  I knew in that moment that I had been making everyone and everything else a priority, and not my family. 

So I wiped my tears, unloaded the kids from the van, and as we all walked into the restaurant I said, “This is bad, guys.  This is a big deal that I’m missing this meeting.  And not just because of the meeting, but because I’ve been forgetting things lately and letting people down because I’m too busy.  Mom is in a crappy mood, but we are NOT going to let that mess with this dinner!  Got it?” 

I was counting on them to cheer things up.  They agreed.  And they provided {keep reading}.

I took a few deep breathes when we sat down. 

Then my phone rang while.I.was.ordering. 

Well played, Satan. But you DO NOT mess with a hungry mom.  Jesus, help me get through this in a happy way.

 Another call, about another different meeting.  I silenced my ringer and went outside to talk, because it really was important and couldn’t wait.

When I got back my family smiled at me SO BIG from across the room.  I walked up to the table feeling like a celebrity the way they were looking at me.  Even people from other tables looked up and smiled at me.  Life was good, in that second.  I saw so much joy.

Then my son crawled under the table, sat next to me and whispered in my ear what his toddler sister had just said about the waitress while I was away “She has to go potty because she’s holding her penis”.  He chuckled, and then went back under the table and to his spot.  I imagine she was just resting her hands in her apron, or grabbing for a straw, but a 2 year old wouldn’t understand that. 

I looked at my husband.  He was holding back a smile and his eyes confirmed that really did just happen. 

I laughed… almost cried...

How inappropriate! But we ARE a spicy family I thought to myself.  So I embraced the weirdness, and we moved on. 

 

You see about a month or two ago I got a couple discouraging, judgmental, and unwelcomed comments about our homeschooling, and the way I was running my home/parenting.  These were outsider comments from someone we’re not even close with.  But it made me feel like we weren’t a “sweet” enough family and that I wasn’t good enough.  We don’t have our kids enrolled in a ton of activities, or let them spend hours on end in front of their devices.  I’m okay with that, until someone comments and makes me feel like I should be doing something differently.

If I had been thinking about Jen’s book, I would’ve just disregarded the comments and been like “whatev’ girl. We are a spicy family, but I assure you we love each other and we LOVE Jesus and THIS is just how we roll”.

You aren’t wrong.  We aren’t wrong.  We’re just different, and thank you Jesus for that!  Because I don’t think you could handle my obsessive labeling, and I couldn’t handle the bleachers you take on every week. 

I had been so tense that I had just about hit my breaking point.  You know, where you finally decide it’s not worth being down.  You SNAP; then start climbing your way back up?

That happened in the next sentence.  “Mom!! The syrup is free here, so I can use a BUTTLOAD, right?”

Oh Lordy. 

That buttload comment, combined with the 2 year old’s comment, and someone drawing a canon shooting off fireworks that looked sort of inappropriate on a kids menu….

Well, folks, NOW we were/are officially on the upward swing. 

 

I smacked the table and yelled “BAM!  I BEAT ALL Y’ALL!” when I finished my food before my husband.  My pre-teen daughter was mortified. Not really, she laughed her butt off, but doesn't she look freaked out here?  Perfection.

Yep, we’re spicy.

I unsubscribed from about 15 email subscriptions today.  I left a few Facebook groups that I’ve been really involved in, and started praying for mental clarity again.

If you’re interested in Jen’s book, which talks about “Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards” I’ll be hosting a giveaway for one very soon, because all of us women need to read it.  And some of us spicy gals need to read it a few {dozen} times. 

 

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

 

 

Sweet Relief For a Tough Day

Oh Goodness, My Dear #hsmomssecretpals,  
You don't know this, but I've had such a tough day.  I've broke down in tears multiple times, felt so ill-equipped and positively overwhelmed.  I've mapped out my weekly schedule 3 times today, and can't even fit one more thing in, no matter how hard I try.  I've felt like a crappy friend, a distant momma, and a nagging wife.
Then something happened.. My son brought in the mail and I saw this card and charm from you...

The tears flowed again, but this time tears of joy, and relief.

The charm says "A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17"

Yes!

Dear Husband and Friends,
Even on the days when I can't do life well, and be there for you how you need me to- I still love you. 

Tomorrow is a new day.  I love fresh new days the way a little boy loves a new set of legos, or how a teenage girl loves her first cell phone. 

There's nothing quite as sweet as a another day to practice being Christ-like and giving Grace to others, AND YOURSELF.

Practical advice for when you're having a tough day:

Pray, breathe deep, & delegate.

After that:

Eat chocolate, drink cheap wine {or expensive beer} & curl up on the couch for some meaningless TV.

Where's the Tote Bag?

Hey guys!  So @apologiaworld's word for the #ihsnet instagram challenge today was TOTE BAG. 
Last night I was fully prepared, already thinking about which tote I'd take to the homeschool group meeting, and where I'd photograph it for the best shot. 

Then guess what happened?  I left the house without it!!  Yes, really, even after all that thought!

  I had everything in my arms on the way out the door and set my load on the passenger seat, not even thinking.  I got the kids in the van and away we went, 35 miles from home. 

It hit me when I pulled up and saw another #homeschool mom toting around an adorable green bag with her paper peeking through the top. 

So I quick dumped out a random pink zebra kid's backpack/diaper & threw my stuff in there.

After the meeting I hit Target looking for another tote bag and a planner.  I "toted" this fuzzy new blanket home with me.  I also gave it's 3 closest friends a new home.

Guess what I forgot to look for while I was there?  Yep, a tote bag!  Maybe I'll have to head back tomorrow. Haha!

JOURNALING

I used to keep an actual paper journal back in grade school.  I mostly used that so I could keep track of which boys I liked and which boys I despised in a particular week.  There wasn't much other content in there, but it was therapeutic nonetheless.
Then I graduated to an electronic journal where I typed everything into a Word document on our computer.  With that I documented what we did each day; as if it were some sort of contest to prove I was a busy, important person.

Then I became a smartphone user and started keeping a journal in a color note file.  Still documenting our days. Eventually I wiped my phone clean and unknowingly deleted it along with everything else on my phone.  It didn't matter anyway.

From there I would email it to myself and sometimes add it to my already started word document; sometimes not.

Now I have done less 'documenting my days' type of journaling, and way more praising Jesus type of journaling.  I keep a plain old spiral notebook handy and just write down my praises.  It can be little things like 'the mountain of laundry on the bathroom floor, because it means I have children who go out and have adventures and come back home messy, and happy.' It's things like my husband pacing the house at night checking each room to be sure everything is turned off.  A once annoying trait, has turned into something I admire, thanks to giving thanks.
It's amazing how much writing praises down, using real pen and paper can soften and calm our hearts.  It eases my anxiety and puts me in a place I like to linger.
God is present, in the good and the bad.  Praise Him through it all.

@apologiaworld #ihsnet #homeschool #homeschoolmom #thankfuljournal #praisehim #mommyblogger #realtalk

Shopping Hungry

This Apple Butter is the best impulse buy I have made all week long!

Yes, I just bought it today. And yes we have already almost devoured half the jar.

Hey, there ARE 5 of us here.  Just sayin'.

The baby says it's good enough to drink; She's totally right!

#BillsFamilyFoods #BlackberryHillFarms

Reviewsio

I ran across a new site that will be launching called Reviewsio.com.  The site will go live on October 1^st, but I was able to sign up early.  Woo hoo! 

 

Reviewsio’s homepage says this: “Interested in receiving Amazon products for FREE in exchange for your honest opinion?”

 

When I first saw that I was like ‘Seriously?!  You want MY opinions, and you’re going to give me free products!?’ 

Of course I was all over that; I signed up right away!

If you’re like me and LOVE doing product reviews in exchange for free or deeply discounted products, give Reviewsio a try! 

Or if you are an Amazon addict.. Not that I know anyone like that or anything. ;)

It does take a little time to test a product and write the review, but over the past few years I’ve found product testing/reviewing to be really enjoyable and a fun hobby of mine.  After your first couple reviews it gets much easier.

You can check it out Reviewsio here:

Quincey B.’s Reviewsio ReferralLink

 

If you sign up using my referral link I’ll get 100 points, or if you aren’t ready to sign up yet but want more info you can do that through this link as well (and I’ll get 10 points).   Thanks guys! 

2015-2016 Curriculum Choices! 7th Grade, 2nd Grade, and Pre-Pre-School

2015-2016 Curriculum Choices! 

The Fashionista- 7^th Grade 

My oldest daughter has dyslexia, which we see as such a blessing.  It means she is so much more inventive than the rest of us; she has an eye for art, and is a lover of all things that take any amount of creativity.  Dyslexia is not a curse, it is not a lack of intelligence.  Dyslexia is a language processing disorder that I have studied for 4 years.  I never thought it’d be something I’m so fluent in, but God has all sorts of surprises for us, doesn’t he?  The Fashionista is the ‘Stop and Smell the Roses’ kind of person.  She points out beauty for the rest of us to see, and appreciates landscapes, design, and like her momma, loves FOOD. 

She needs directions explained clearly, but then can run off and do her own thing. Most kids are this way though, aren’t they? 

For her we are using:

Math

Teaching Textbooks Level 7.  We have used Teaching Textbooks for a few years now and really REALLY enjoy it.  I can’t wait until my middle child can graduate to it (they begin at level 3).  This is a computer based program with an optional workbook.  For her, she prefers to use the workbook, and only uses the CD-ROM instruction when she really needs it.  Buying just the workbook is considerably cheaper, so we did that last year. But this year she is getting into more difficult operations, so we bought the CD to go with it.  Luckily Teaching Textbooks has an incredible resale value, better than any other homeschool materials I’ve ever seen.  The good in that is when it’s time to sell, but buying used for a good price is next to impossible. 

Language Arts

This year we are trying something totally different, and so far it has proven to be worth the switch.  These books are really inexpensive, and super thorough.  I am so bummed I didn't find these and start using them years ago! 

We’re using Climbing to Good English Level 6.  We chose level 6 over 7, because it focused more on composition, which is an area we needed to work on.

 Pathway Readers StepBy Step

Step By Step Workbook

Working with Words Level 6, for vocabulary. 

These were written for Amish Parochial Schools, and are a very thorough.    Be sure to get the teacher's manuals for easy grading, and helpful teaching tips!  I don't normally think the teacher manuals are necessary, but these really are. 

The pages are distraction free, which is more beneficial for my middle child, but still great for everyone.

I bought the full set of Pathway Readers on Amazon

 

Spelling

All About Spelling level 4 (almost level 5).  I’m not rushing this, as I am not as concerned which level she is at, as I am more concerned that it is clicking and sticking. 

I purchased every level of AAS, so I can effortlessly move the kids onto the next level whenever they are ready, or go back and review when we need to.  I also did this because our kiddos have such an age gap between them that I wanted to be sure we had the right books when they needed them.  This program is not cheap, but I think a good spelling program is fundamental.   I did purchase two levels first, and then bought the rest; so don’t feel like you need to do it all at once.

 Ps.  This program is highly recommended for children with dyslexia.

Science

For Science we are continuing on using Curriculum from Apologia, because their books are laid out so nicely.  The workbooks are incredibly educational, but still fun.  We also purchase the Audio CD, which I transfer as MP3 files to my phone; this helps save my voice. 

According to Iowa law, for the type if instruction we chose, I am required to teach Science.  But even if we weren’t required to, we’d still do science, and we would still use this very same curriculum.  This year we are going through Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day -- Young Explorers Series.  We may also get to Zoology 2 yet this year, since we find ourselves doing more lessons than suggested, since it is so fun!

We are also members of the Minnesota Zoo, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.  Both of these places are well worth their memberships!  I can post more about each of these later if anyone is interested.

 

Social Studies is another required subject.  We have a hodgepodge of Geography/Social studies materials, games, and apps, because we haven’t found one complete program that I feel covers it all in a way the kids will retain. 

We have lots of free reading books that fit this category, we have workbooks, and we are using Confessions of a Homeschooler's Road TripUSA again.  I printed out her PDF’s, hole-punched them, and made each of us our own binders (teacher and two students).  It took a ton of ink, and SO much time, but I needed the paper form to follow along with it.  Many people use just the PDFs on their computers and that works well for them too.  Do what works for you.

Keyboarding

Keyboarding, to me, is a necessary skill.  I know all the phones and tablets have speech-to-text capabilities, but I still think formal training in keyboarding is a good idea.  We use Handwriting without Tears’ program called Keyboarding without Tears.  They only go to level 5, but it’s a great program even as review for older kids. 

There are FREE keyboarding web-sites, and we've used many of them.  I even linked one or two of them on my homeschool resources tab at the top of this page.  I still believe those are good, Keyboarding without tears is just better.  So if you have the funds and are able to, check into Keyboarding Without Tears.  It's about $10/student.

 

We have several other materials that we use, like Daily Oral Language books, Unit Studies on specific topics, Hands on Learning, Specific Homeschool field trips/days to local (and not so local) places, etc.  Homeschooling is really just a way of life for us.  We take each opportunity and say “how can we learn from this” (not really, but you get it). 

 

The Ball Player- 2^nd Grade

This guy is a ball of ENERGY.  He’s on turbo mode almost every minute of every day.  He does not enjoy things that take precision or long amounts of time to complete, as he gets bored easily.  For him we focus on short blocks of time, and doing things that really interest him.  He’s the one that keeps this family moving along and getting to places on time.  We’re grateful for his energy and enthusiasm, most of the time. J 

Math: Singapore.  We’ve tried it all with this kiddo, and we keep going back to Singapore.  Singapore is confusing to me, but he gets it, so that’s what we’re sticking with until he is able to fully move on to Teaching Textbooks.  He already enjoys doing the TT for fun.

 Language Arts: We’re also doing the same program with him as we are with The Fashionista.

He’s using:

Pathway Readers First Steps $7.00

First Steps workbook $2.55- Again, these books are SO inexpensive, but their quality and content are great. 

Climbing to Good English Level 1 $5.20 (we could’ve gone to level 2, but wanted a little review first after summer break).

 We’re also still going through the First Langauge Lessons Level 2 book, because the stuff in there is SO good!  If we hadn’t found the Pathway Readers and C2GE we would still be using the FLL full time, so don’t count it out- it’s a great program!

Spelling: Allabout Spelling Level 2.  There are also apps with this program that are helpful, even if you aren't' using AAS.

Keyboarding: Keyboarding without Tears.  We started this with him because it wasn’t much more expensive to add it to our Handwriting without Tears book order.  I’m so glad we tried it!  We discovered what a great program it was, and chose to do it for the other kids as well. .

Handwriting: We’re using Handwriting without Tears (you already guessed that, huh?).  I’ve read lots of blogs, and heard from other moms and teachers that say only do handwriting until they can form nice clear letters, then stop because it’s not necessary any more.  I’m not sure that I agree, so even though he does have legible penmanship, we are still continuing on with the handwriting.  He will finish up his second grade book soon and then move on to the cursive, which he has wanted to try.  His sister has shown him how to write in cursive, and he’s pretty sure it’s the language Spy Kids use, so he’s all over it! Ha!

 

Subjects We Do Together:

Art:

We’re trying something new in this area also. We’re using Home Art Studio!  Erica, from Confessions of a Homeschooler recommended it through Instagram, and I happened to see it was on sale through the Homeschool Buyers Co-op.  Again because of the age gap of the kids, I bought all the levels.  It was actually much cheaper to do this than buy them individually.  And now I won’t need to buy it again each year, because we’ll already own it.  It’s a DVD with instruction that also includes PDF lesson plans, material lists, etc.  Home Art Studio combines art with other subjects too, such as social studies, science, that sort of thing.

Thankful Journals: 

Maybe you remember from past years or previous posts, but I have the kids keep a “Thankful Journal”.  It’s a place they just write down what they are thankful for.  For one child she could do this all day long, for another child, it’s just short of torture.  The Fashionista is doing this in a planner book this year, to be sure she covers all of her days.  The Ball Player is still keeping his in a spiral notebook. The baby (she needs a new name soon!) and I are also using notebooks to document our joys.   I think she’s very thankful circles and scribbles, because she writes those each day!

Sometimes I assign how many things to write, or give them prompts like all things ‘red’ or ‘in nature’.  Other times we put on some soft music and set a timer.  Most of the time they just do their own thing with it, and it’s really cool! 

Social Studies:

We do the Road Trip USA all together, but they each have their own workbooks and what I expect of them is different depending on their skill level and abilities.  It's recommended for K-4th, so for my oldest this is just a starting point and we add more research, reading, and writing into her studies.

Science:

I explained this earlier, but the materials we use for this are the Zoology 1 Textbook, Audio Book, Notebooking Journal, and JuniorNotebooking Journal.  The Notebooking Journals aren’t required and neither is the audio book, but they are working well for us.   Yes it’s way more expensive to add the extras, but a good education is ever so important!

The Baby- pre-pre-preschool.  2 yrs.

She’s learning alongside of the big kids by listening, taking “notes”, and just being with us.  We’re focusing on letter sounds, colors, shapes, kindness and character with her.  Whenever it’s safe or feasible she joins in on experiments and art classes.  The amount of information she is picking up is really incredible! 

Homeschooling with a baby/toddler is challenging, but not as challenging as you’d think. My advice is give the little ones attention first, get them set with something to do, then quickly get to the big kids.   

I feel like I need to put a disclaimer here, because each time I post our curriculum choices I get a few messages in my inbox that I’d rather not have to deal with.  So here it goes:

I’m not anti-public school, or saying only homeschooling is the only right thing to do.  We are taking it each half year at a time doing what we feel God is telling us is best for each child individually, not as a whole family.  One year that meant we homeschooled one child and the other was in public school.  Sure I got plenty of questions and judgement from people (even strangers!) thinking I must care more about my HS child, or be playing favorites.  But I just let that ridiculousness roll out, just as quickly as it comes in. 

I watched a cute video on Facebook where a little girl is saying “You just worry ‘bout you.  You just worry ‘bout you-self”.  I think of that sweet little voice so often when it comes to homeschooling.  We’ll do what works for us, you do what works for you, and if we can encourage each other along the way that’s awesome.  And if we can’t, let’s not get in each other’s way.

Should've waited in the car

This is what happens when I have to wait 12 minutes inside a gas station to pick up my pizza:

  I blow $3 on king-sized candy bars because they have chocolate and peanut butter in them, AND I buy the biggest size of cinnamon graham cracker cappuccino that they offer; at 8pm.

Which is why in writing to you at nearly midnight.

I only took in 24oz, but I'm guessing I've peed more like a couple gallons out due to this sweet drink. 

It had been a long time since I had a cappuccino, and it made me think maybe it has been for you too. So, my advice? Don't break your streak.

I can't believe I bought those things and consumed 1/3 of them, after I bragged up my Fitbit telling me I was 3,000+ steps over my goal, & bragging about my jeans fitting better, AND telling myself I'd finally got the vision of what healthy looks like.

My lack of balance is what keeps me humble.

Pursue Peace

For many of you this is the start of a 3 day weekend with the extended family. 

Maybe it's the aunt who you only see a couple times a year but has to remind you she does.not.agree with your vaccine schedule you posted 6 years ago and immediately deleted. 

The sister-in-law who brings her grain-free, dairy-free, no nut, and absolutely no flippin' flavor, dessert to the picnic and makes you and your peace offering of Cheetos feel bad. For crying out loud, I'm sure you paid full price for those cheesy puffs on your way out of town; how dare you let anyone make you feel bad!

The cousin with the world's worst work ethic that just got another surely undeserved promotion...What is this world coming to??

The bratty little third cousin that tagged along with another relative because his parents are 'too busy', and keeps disrespecting everyone but there is no one there to correct him.

Whoever it is, remember these words (write them on your hand with permanent marker if you have to):
"Pursue peace with all people..."
You can read more in Hebrews 12:14.

Nothing but LOVE

This post from Naptime Decorator​ really hit home with this momma! --->http://www.naptimedecorator.net/diy/we-need-to-talk/

I get "You're so happy", A LOT.  And really, I *am* happy a majority of the time, but I've got issues brewing on the back burner that NO ONE wants to read about. 

There are situations I don't know how to handle, people that can't stand me, I'm blocked or have been deleted on FB by a small army of once-upon-a-time real life friends, and I have a house full of half started (or is it half finished) projects. 

*THIS* tiny little corner of mine on the web though?  This place is for encouraging and inspiring. So that's what I'm going to keep focused on.

If you've been around here awhile you know that I do share plenty of real life, and real messy posts too, but just know- you're not alone in this crazy womanhood thing.  We're all just doing the best we can. 

Written with nothing but LOVE.  xoxoxo