Spring cleaning becomes Spring Planning for homeschoolers! Everyone is talking about next year's curriculums, assessments, testing, etc. Planners are on sale and I can't wait for mine to arrive in the mail!
I love to plan. I love to fill in blank spaces in spiral bound books. I love dreaming of plans and imagining what we will do. Having something to look forward to is a good thing!
Over the years I have learned how often I plan unrealistically. My goal with this year's planner is to set up a good foundation for the coming year: organizing and making general plans, but leaving the detailed planning for later as I get closer to actually needing it. My current planner goes through June, so I don't truly need to start using my new one until then...I just need to have it ready to go.
There aren't many planners created specifically for homeschooling moms, but the most popular two on the market happened to be my favorite. I spent way too much time drooling over them and trying to decide which one would most realistically fit my style of planning.
The first one I discovered was called "the Well Planned Day" by www.wellplannedgal.com. It has a lot of floral designs which actually looked nice and not too flowery for my laidback personality. What I loved most was the tabbed months and the double boxes on the weekly lined lists where I could plan for 6 subjects of curriculum. Along the side of each weekly two-page spread was a place for notes, priorities, and the week's menu plan. I loved it because it very closely fits what I have adjusted my current planner to look like. I liked how complete it was and ready for use. Some of the added features included bible verses, quotes, shopping lists, and articles to read each month.
My current planner is a nice Office Depot weekly/monthly academic spiral bound with a hard cover. I like it a lot, but it is plain to look at and I found myself wishing for some additional features that it didn't offer.
The second planner I found was called "The Ultimate Homeschool Planner" by Debra Bell. Several websites sell it, but the best view of it I found is on www.rainbowresource.com. It is an undated planner in a simpler, more basic floral design which I like okay. It didn't have the monthly tabs that I like, and it had the monthly pages separate from the weekly pages. Two things that in the past I have rejected planners for. The weekly pages are blank with six columns and six rows, along with a seventh column with space for notes, supplies, and appointments. I loved the flexibility of the many ways I could use the blank columns and rows to fit my needs and adjust as the year progresses. Some of the additional features include a user guide at the front with tons of tips and suggestions, areas to evaluate your school year, and a weekly two-page spread for a bible reading, battle plan, and space to write memorable moments and moments of God's grace. I liked the reminders and space to encourage a more godly train of thought in my planning, but it wasn't a feature I was necessarily looking for and I'm not sure I would actually use it, to be honest.
Planners are expensive and I wanted to purchase the best one for my needs...but I could see myself using both planners. I poured over video reviews and repeatedly went back to look at the views of the planner pages. I hated not being able to walk into a store and touch them and flip through the pages to make my decision. Online shopping is a challenge to me in that way. Ultimately, I chose the second planner. It was the one that made me the most excited to use it because I get to set it up my own way. I can use my colored pens and markers to make it my own, and if I need to adjust something as the year progresses, I can. The pages offer so much usable space and nothing is set in stone. I also like the idea of having a reminder to start the week consulting the Lord and plan to have Him be part of our school year. I am excited for it to arrive so I can start planning how to set it up!
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Burdens and Blessings
Disability: a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
Few people realize the extent that disability impacts our lives...and rarely do I share due to my husband's preference to live life as normally as possible and not burden others. The word is one I've avoided using, but is becoming more accepted by both my husband and I as his arthritis continues.
His arthritis is genetic, and often many people are carriers of the gene, but only a few actually develop the disease. As with all arthritis's it attacks the joints causing pain, but this particular arthritis also causes inflammation which results in fusing of joints, muscle spasms, and bones to move out of place. The pain is chronic, never a day without pain. Some days are worse than others.
He works hard and takes great care to provide well for our family so that I can be home and we can provide our children with our best. I am grateful for the opportunity to be home for our family and for him.
I like my traditional role of wife and mother. That is the role I feel called to be in; as well as a role that I flourish in. I love to serve others; especially my husband and children. I give of myself and it makes me happy. I appreciate the sacrifices my husband makes so that I can be home. I understand how his arthritis limits what he is able to do. I understand it is exhausting to be in pain all day...simply being in pain takes an immense amount of energy. So I make it my goal to be his help-mate. I work alongside him in the home as he works outside the home to provide.
School, most shopping, and housework are all generally done during his working hours. When he comes home, we all relax as a family. I'm not so great at being a housekeeper, but my culinary skills are growing in leaps and bounds! Tonight I made him sloppy joe stuffed peppers and cooked the children their favorite macaroni and spam since they're not so fond of sloppy joes -even ones not made from a can! (A no starch/low carb diet reduces the inflammation from his arthritis, so we try to keep his meals that way.) I have learned how to cook all kinds of meat and often cook from scratch using recipes I've found until I am familiar with different methods and flavors we like. I make my own cheese sauce without a recipe for the macaroni, and I microwave a tasty baked potato (potatoes are my current favorite food on my strict diet), but no longer do I cook the whole chicken in the microwave like when we first got married! I try to keep up with the laundry and am pretty good at keeping it clean. Sometimes it makes it out of the basket to the closet, but it is at the very least, clean.
The hardest part is of course that the responsibilities at home with young children are never-ending. While the bulk of our daily work is done during the day, a mother's work is truly never done. I spend evenings balancing time with family and time cooking, tidying up, parenting, caring for the baby, etc. Alone time for me is rare. My hubby supports me in getting out at least once a month to go to my mom's-night-out bible study which I always enjoy, even if getting out of the house is challenging. I'm also starting to attend more homeschool get-togethers which forces me to socialize more. I never realized how much women talked before...maybe it is the fact that we are all homeschooling moms and need adult interaction, but every event I've attended I am surrounded by chatting women. Lots of them. They are very friendly and I enjoy the conversations...and then get home all "peopled-out". This introvert can only handle that much interaction for a short time!
Ultimately, I love where our life is right now. I'm grateful for our blessings and strive to accept and overcome the burdens as we can. God is good. He always has our best in mind even when we don't see it. Have a great night!
Few people realize the extent that disability impacts our lives...and rarely do I share due to my husband's preference to live life as normally as possible and not burden others. The word is one I've avoided using, but is becoming more accepted by both my husband and I as his arthritis continues.
His arthritis is genetic, and often many people are carriers of the gene, but only a few actually develop the disease. As with all arthritis's it attacks the joints causing pain, but this particular arthritis also causes inflammation which results in fusing of joints, muscle spasms, and bones to move out of place. The pain is chronic, never a day without pain. Some days are worse than others.
He works hard and takes great care to provide well for our family so that I can be home and we can provide our children with our best. I am grateful for the opportunity to be home for our family and for him.
I like my traditional role of wife and mother. That is the role I feel called to be in; as well as a role that I flourish in. I love to serve others; especially my husband and children. I give of myself and it makes me happy. I appreciate the sacrifices my husband makes so that I can be home. I understand how his arthritis limits what he is able to do. I understand it is exhausting to be in pain all day...simply being in pain takes an immense amount of energy. So I make it my goal to be his help-mate. I work alongside him in the home as he works outside the home to provide.
School, most shopping, and housework are all generally done during his working hours. When he comes home, we all relax as a family. I'm not so great at being a housekeeper, but my culinary skills are growing in leaps and bounds! Tonight I made him sloppy joe stuffed peppers and cooked the children their favorite macaroni and spam since they're not so fond of sloppy joes -even ones not made from a can! (A no starch/low carb diet reduces the inflammation from his arthritis, so we try to keep his meals that way.) I have learned how to cook all kinds of meat and often cook from scratch using recipes I've found until I am familiar with different methods and flavors we like. I make my own cheese sauce without a recipe for the macaroni, and I microwave a tasty baked potato (potatoes are my current favorite food on my strict diet), but no longer do I cook the whole chicken in the microwave like when we first got married! I try to keep up with the laundry and am pretty good at keeping it clean. Sometimes it makes it out of the basket to the closet, but it is at the very least, clean.
The hardest part is of course that the responsibilities at home with young children are never-ending. While the bulk of our daily work is done during the day, a mother's work is truly never done. I spend evenings balancing time with family and time cooking, tidying up, parenting, caring for the baby, etc. Alone time for me is rare. My hubby supports me in getting out at least once a month to go to my mom's-night-out bible study which I always enjoy, even if getting out of the house is challenging. I'm also starting to attend more homeschool get-togethers which forces me to socialize more. I never realized how much women talked before...maybe it is the fact that we are all homeschooling moms and need adult interaction, but every event I've attended I am surrounded by chatting women. Lots of them. They are very friendly and I enjoy the conversations...and then get home all "peopled-out". This introvert can only handle that much interaction for a short time!
Ultimately, I love where our life is right now. I'm grateful for our blessings and strive to accept and overcome the burdens as we can. God is good. He always has our best in mind even when we don't see it. Have a great night!
Monday, January 16, 2017
Baby Update
Wow, two posts in the same month! I must be on a roll! Hahaha.
Tonight I have the privilege of blogging because we actually got all three kiddos to bed at a decent time and my hubby's arthritis is flaring so we're hanging out on the computers so he can heat his shoulders in his ergonomic chair.
Our little guy is growing in leaps and bounds! He successfully started solid foods this month with homemade oatmeal baby cereal (we put the old-fashioned oats in the blender to make oat powder and then add water). He absolutely loves eating real food! If we feed him too slowly, he starts grunting at us in anticipation of his next bite. If we are at the table eating, he wants to be with us eating too. I often eat with him on my lap and he watches every move I make. Sometimes I will sneak him tastes of my applesauce...he loves applesauce!
We've started letting him cry-it-out in his crib now that he is a little bigger and a bit more mature. When he gets to the point where he is crying in his crib, but instantly snuggles into your arm and falls asleep when picked up...that's a big clue he is ready to learn to deal with being in his crib on his own. He doesn't like going to sleep in his crib, but is learning. He's gotten really good at napping in his chair or swing. We got him a super soft blanket at Christmas and he loves to snuggle in it to nap with. Too bad we can't let him snuggle with it in his crib...and he's awake again! See you next time!
Tonight I have the privilege of blogging because we actually got all three kiddos to bed at a decent time and my hubby's arthritis is flaring so we're hanging out on the computers so he can heat his shoulders in his ergonomic chair.
Our little guy is growing in leaps and bounds! He successfully started solid foods this month with homemade oatmeal baby cereal (we put the old-fashioned oats in the blender to make oat powder and then add water). He absolutely loves eating real food! If we feed him too slowly, he starts grunting at us in anticipation of his next bite. If we are at the table eating, he wants to be with us eating too. I often eat with him on my lap and he watches every move I make. Sometimes I will sneak him tastes of my applesauce...he loves applesauce!
We've started letting him cry-it-out in his crib now that he is a little bigger and a bit more mature. When he gets to the point where he is crying in his crib, but instantly snuggles into your arm and falls asleep when picked up...that's a big clue he is ready to learn to deal with being in his crib on his own. He doesn't like going to sleep in his crib, but is learning. He's gotten really good at napping in his chair or swing. We got him a super soft blanket at Christmas and he loves to snuggle in it to nap with. Too bad we can't let him snuggle with it in his crib...and he's awake again! See you next time!
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Mombie ramblings
I miss blogging, but life and responsibilities keep me away for this season. Even right now, I'm just barely squeezing in some time because the baby is actually asleep in his crib and my hubby fell asleep on the couch. I could either go to bed or blog, and I've been missing my writing so here I am.
I'm learning to squeeze in little moments here and there. For example, while my older children worked on a project and the baby slept, I hand-washed a couple pans. I didn't have time for a whole load of dishes, but two pans, I had time for that. In fact, I think I washed one, answered a couple school questions and then washed the other. The life of an involved mom is a busy one. I have no idea how my mother ever kept up with the laundry with four children...mine do their own and I still can't keep up with it...and my hair...I barely ever actually brush it unless we're leaving the house. Some days even brushing my teeth in the morning is a true accomplishment.
I'm learning to accept the necessity and the gift of flexibility. Being home I have the "time" to handle many phone calls and appointments that would otherwise be squeezed into a lunch break or weekend if I were working. Today we took the dog to the groomer. It threw off the whole routine for the day, but we got things accomplished that needed to be done for our home. We used the time out of the house to also get the week's grocery shopping done, which now leaves us our full day tomorrow for being at home.
I'm also realizing what a perfectionist I am. I expect perfection of myself and unconsciously often seek perfection in others and the world around me. I'm learning to give myself grace and find that I'm often reminding myself that imperfections are okay. Letting go of the mom-guilt is another constant mental battle I wage. The ideal situation in my mind is rarely reality and I have to remember that it's okay to take care of me; it's okay to take a break or be lenient when everyone is tired; and it's okay to let go of all the day's plans in order to focus on the relationships instead.
My brain is turning into mush...my blogging desires must be replaced by the physical need for sleep. Good night, everyone. Don't forget that Jesus loves you.
I'm learning to squeeze in little moments here and there. For example, while my older children worked on a project and the baby slept, I hand-washed a couple pans. I didn't have time for a whole load of dishes, but two pans, I had time for that. In fact, I think I washed one, answered a couple school questions and then washed the other. The life of an involved mom is a busy one. I have no idea how my mother ever kept up with the laundry with four children...mine do their own and I still can't keep up with it...and my hair...I barely ever actually brush it unless we're leaving the house. Some days even brushing my teeth in the morning is a true accomplishment.
I'm learning to accept the necessity and the gift of flexibility. Being home I have the "time" to handle many phone calls and appointments that would otherwise be squeezed into a lunch break or weekend if I were working. Today we took the dog to the groomer. It threw off the whole routine for the day, but we got things accomplished that needed to be done for our home. We used the time out of the house to also get the week's grocery shopping done, which now leaves us our full day tomorrow for being at home.
I'm also realizing what a perfectionist I am. I expect perfection of myself and unconsciously often seek perfection in others and the world around me. I'm learning to give myself grace and find that I'm often reminding myself that imperfections are okay. Letting go of the mom-guilt is another constant mental battle I wage. The ideal situation in my mind is rarely reality and I have to remember that it's okay to take care of me; it's okay to take a break or be lenient when everyone is tired; and it's okay to let go of all the day's plans in order to focus on the relationships instead.
My brain is turning into mush...my blogging desires must be replaced by the physical need for sleep. Good night, everyone. Don't forget that Jesus loves you.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Body Image
Each pregnancy I gained 40+ pounds and only lost some of that pregnancy weight. Each pregnancy I was another pant-size larger after delivery. I reached my highest weight ever with this last pregnancy.
At 5'3'' tall, I weighed in at 207 just before my baby was born. My body was massively swollen and every movement was uncomfortable. I couldn't do a complete shopping trip or even walk around the house without swelling to the point of my skin feeling like it might burst if I bent my limbs too sharply.
I've since lost over 60 pounds of that baby weight. I haven't been this light since before my second child was born! While I love to see the numbers on the scale, looking into the mirror is a different story. I don't look like I did when I was younger. Yes, I am thinner, but my body sags. I still have a mushy-gushy belly that my daughter tells me makes me look pregnant...even after losing 60 pounds. I have zero muscle tone and my body shows it.
The body is a curious thing. It doesn't matter who you are or how you look to others. Each person has their own struggles with their physical self. I am glad to be where I am and I know full well that I have only lost this much weight because of the extreme diet I am on...nursing my son also probably plays a role as well. So I am thankful for the weight loss and admit that while content with who I am, it would be nice to be in better shape physically.
Yet, I cautiously share about my thoughts about my body-image. In the past others have rolled their eyes and told me that they only wished they had my problems when I have shared my desire to lose some weight. Don't say that. You don't want my problems or my diet. Appreciate your body for what it is, we are all living in broken vessels, awaiting Christ's soon return and to receive our eternal bodies.
At 5'3'' tall, I weighed in at 207 just before my baby was born. My body was massively swollen and every movement was uncomfortable. I couldn't do a complete shopping trip or even walk around the house without swelling to the point of my skin feeling like it might burst if I bent my limbs too sharply.
I've since lost over 60 pounds of that baby weight. I haven't been this light since before my second child was born! While I love to see the numbers on the scale, looking into the mirror is a different story. I don't look like I did when I was younger. Yes, I am thinner, but my body sags. I still have a mushy-gushy belly that my daughter tells me makes me look pregnant...even after losing 60 pounds. I have zero muscle tone and my body shows it.
The body is a curious thing. It doesn't matter who you are or how you look to others. Each person has their own struggles with their physical self. I am glad to be where I am and I know full well that I have only lost this much weight because of the extreme diet I am on...nursing my son also probably plays a role as well. So I am thankful for the weight loss and admit that while content with who I am, it would be nice to be in better shape physically.
Yet, I cautiously share about my thoughts about my body-image. In the past others have rolled their eyes and told me that they only wished they had my problems when I have shared my desire to lose some weight. Don't say that. You don't want my problems or my diet. Appreciate your body for what it is, we are all living in broken vessels, awaiting Christ's soon return and to receive our eternal bodies.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Free Time? What's That?
The baby is actually asleep before my bedtime for a change! We just started working on teaching him to self-sooth in order to go to sleep on his own. He's too young for the "cry it out" method, but has already learned to love being held and rocked to sleep...if he can nurse to sleep he's even happier...but all that is bad news for mommy!
He already sucks his hands which was one suggestion for self-soothing techniques, so now instead of swaddling him tight for naps, we leave his arms free so he can use his skills to sooth himself. He doesn't sooth to sleep yet, but he will when getting hungry or upon waking rather than going immediately to a scream.
At bedtime he sleeps in a sleep-sack because it isn't safe to swaddle babies and leave them alone. A baby of any age can inadvertently flip over while swaddled and suffocate to death...a huge risk for SIDS too. He only gets swaddled when napping in the same room I'm working in so I can keep an eye on him.
I was wanting to do an Advent type of lesson for Homeschooling on prayer and I found a devotion of 25 days of Advent Prayer. I'm excited to go through it with my girls and learn more with them about prayer and the power they have in the blessing of being able to pray directly to God!
In other news, I continue to pray for my hubby's arthritis. It causes chronic pain and this fall it just seems to be constant struggle for him. Love you all, have a wonderful night!
He already sucks his hands which was one suggestion for self-soothing techniques, so now instead of swaddling him tight for naps, we leave his arms free so he can use his skills to sooth himself. He doesn't sooth to sleep yet, but he will when getting hungry or upon waking rather than going immediately to a scream.
At bedtime he sleeps in a sleep-sack because it isn't safe to swaddle babies and leave them alone. A baby of any age can inadvertently flip over while swaddled and suffocate to death...a huge risk for SIDS too. He only gets swaddled when napping in the same room I'm working in so I can keep an eye on him.
I was wanting to do an Advent type of lesson for Homeschooling on prayer and I found a devotion of 25 days of Advent Prayer. I'm excited to go through it with my girls and learn more with them about prayer and the power they have in the blessing of being able to pray directly to God!
In other news, I continue to pray for my hubby's arthritis. It causes chronic pain and this fall it just seems to be constant struggle for him. Love you all, have a wonderful night!
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving dinner on a TED is interesting indeed! We changed the ingredients of our turkey brine and I bought an all natural turkey, minimally processed as well as an all natural, uncured ham. My sides were butternut squash mash and green beans. I tried a vegan pumpkin "pie" with no crust and made with potato starch and evaporated coconut milk, but something in it upset my son's stomach. Not sure what exactly, so I stuck with my fake banana bread and coconut milk ice cream after that. ;)
I've been enjoying my early morning nursing sessions with my son, that is when I have a quiet devotion time using the "YouVersion" Bible on my phone. I did a devotion on Prayer and now I'm doing one on Busyness...this new one is much more attention grabbing because I am good at finding ways to be busy -to a fault. I want to find a good way to do an Advent celebration with my girls as we prepare for Christmas, not sure if I'll make one up or find one to follow yet.
Homeschooling is coming along. I'm discovering patterns in our curriculum and am able to look ahead more often now to add in activities and be more prepared for our learning content. I still haven't found a homeschool group to join with the kids, but I did try out our church's Mom's Night Out bible study for homeschooling moms. It was awkward to go because I am such an introvert, but I knew it would be good for me. I'm glad I went.
Sorry this is short, motherhood calls...have a wonderful rest of your day!
I've been enjoying my early morning nursing sessions with my son, that is when I have a quiet devotion time using the "YouVersion" Bible on my phone. I did a devotion on Prayer and now I'm doing one on Busyness...this new one is much more attention grabbing because I am good at finding ways to be busy -to a fault. I want to find a good way to do an Advent celebration with my girls as we prepare for Christmas, not sure if I'll make one up or find one to follow yet.
Homeschooling is coming along. I'm discovering patterns in our curriculum and am able to look ahead more often now to add in activities and be more prepared for our learning content. I still haven't found a homeschool group to join with the kids, but I did try out our church's Mom's Night Out bible study for homeschooling moms. It was awkward to go because I am such an introvert, but I knew it would be good for me. I'm glad I went.
Sorry this is short, motherhood calls...have a wonderful rest of your day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)