Yesterday, I shared what books we will be reading this summer together, as well as what school will look like for the next few months.
Today I wanted to share what is on my list. I love a whole range of genres, but am feeling right now in the mood for home school encouragement and spiritual encouragement. As well as some books related to a few goals I have, so let's get started!
Home school:
The 3 R's is a big one on my list. I've had moments to go through it, but have read it completely. I'm looking forward to using her ideas to teach (and focus) on the 3 R's with Brighton (Kindergarten). After looking through it, I really could of used this for Tristin (my little guinea pig).
Charlotte Mason Companion is one of my favorite books that I dabble in all throughout the year. It is SO full of the most inspiring reflections of learning. I set some goals, and read the chapters that will help with those.
The Well Educated Mind. This book is a guide to the classical education you never had. How to train your mind for classic literature. Something I was never taught, but really enjoy now.
Deconstructing Penguins. This book helps you to teach kids how to get the most of the books they're reading. I read it last summer, and can't wait to read it again!
For the Children's Sake. I've read this one a few times and am ready to tackle it again. I really love this book. If you love the idea of Charlotte Mason, you must read this!
I'm right in the middle of Simplicity Parenting and boy do I love the common sense in this book. It hits the nail on the head about what the effects of too much stuff (toys, media, activities) is having on our children.
When Children Love to Learn. I have never read this one, but have wanted to for so long...don't you just love the title? Also based on the Charlotte Mason method.
For homeschooling, I also love to listen to lectures, conventions, or read articles that keep me going. Some on my list are:
The Circe Institute. See the one down there on teaching boys who would rather be playing in forts?? Eh hmm
The Society of Classical Learning has some of they're recorded sessions from past conventions available for free. A ton of great info here.
The 21 videos from Ambleside Schools International (based on Charlotte Mason) are something I will be listening to again this summer for sure!
And Dr. Cyr's videos called The Pursuit of Maturity (though I haven't listened to all 3 hours) really made me think. You'll be inspired not to raise an immature child, and know the effect video games have in this roll. Plus a whole lot more I'm sure.
Summer is a great time for parents to reflect and get inspired to teach our children in a way God has placed in our lives.
What is on you reading list?
Next up: the rest of my summer reading.
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parenting. Show all posts
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Friday, February 22, 2013
Saturday Family Traditions
I have really fallen in love with creating our own little family traditions. I love getting ideas from all over the place, but as I wrote a few months ago, I was getting overwhelmed with "keeping up" with all the fun stuff there is out there. So, I pretty much dropped it. I took my own advice and went with what I knew would really make a difference in our boys' lives.
Remember the everyday things like books before bed, family devotionals, pizza on Fridays, chores on Saturday. Those are the things children will find comfort in. Those are the days they will remember.
Without even thinking about it, I started lingering in bed an hour later on Saturday mornings, slowly getting up to the sounds of boys playing in their rooms. I'd head down stairs for a cup of coffee and open my wonderful southern cookbook and find the most beautiful pictures and recipes. I started craving the biscuits and gravy, the brown sugar and buttermilk waffles, the honey pecan coffee cake. Although I cook breakfast most mornings, I wanted this to be different. So, around 9:00 AM on Saturday mornings, I start what we call our Late Saturday Morning Breakfasts. The boys make orange juice together and set the table while I whip up waffles, eggs, and bacon, biscuits and gravy, omelets, stuffed french toast, or sometimes just fruit salad and toast. Some other times, we make homemade donuts with our little donut maker.
It's all about enjoying each other, in no rush.
We read our Bible together, talk, and listen to old hymns or classical music. It has quickly become my favorite day of the week!
After we are finished, I go online to Lego Quest Kids and pick a challenge for the boys and their Legos. They spend the remainder of the morning coming up with their creations! They LOVE it! I also saw that Phyllis just started LEGO challenges on her blog too, so we'll add that one to our list.
I'm taking pictures for them and have plans to make a little book for him.
These are the traditions I love. It doesn't take a lot of effort and planning. It's not over the top or elaborate, and by no means an original idea. It is special and simple, and that's what makes it so amazingly wonderful!
Remember the everyday things like books before bed, family devotionals, pizza on Fridays, chores on Saturday. Those are the things children will find comfort in. Those are the days they will remember.
Without even thinking about it, I started lingering in bed an hour later on Saturday mornings, slowly getting up to the sounds of boys playing in their rooms. I'd head down stairs for a cup of coffee and open my wonderful southern cookbook and find the most beautiful pictures and recipes. I started craving the biscuits and gravy, the brown sugar and buttermilk waffles, the honey pecan coffee cake. Although I cook breakfast most mornings, I wanted this to be different. So, around 9:00 AM on Saturday mornings, I start what we call our Late Saturday Morning Breakfasts. The boys make orange juice together and set the table while I whip up waffles, eggs, and bacon, biscuits and gravy, omelets, stuffed french toast, or sometimes just fruit salad and toast. Some other times, we make homemade donuts with our little donut maker.
It's all about enjoying each other, in no rush.
We read our Bible together, talk, and listen to old hymns or classical music. It has quickly become my favorite day of the week!
After we are finished, I go online to Lego Quest Kids and pick a challenge for the boys and their Legos. They spend the remainder of the morning coming up with their creations! They LOVE it! I also saw that Phyllis just started LEGO challenges on her blog too, so we'll add that one to our list.
I'm taking pictures for them and have plans to make a little book for him.
These are the traditions I love. It doesn't take a lot of effort and planning. It's not over the top or elaborate, and by no means an original idea. It is special and simple, and that's what makes it so amazingly wonderful!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Parenting
If you read my post yesterday, you know that I have been in a bit of a rut. You can imagine the parenting that gets done in seasons like this, but I've been actively trying to stay on top of attitudes (mine included) and build relationships.
I have a hard time with this, and some days are even harder. *grin*
Every single day, I have to get up and get going to create an atmosphere that the boys are used to. I think all of the time. Think about ways to love them more, ways to spend more time with them, then ways to teach them that this life isn't all about them.
I was reading one of my favorite blogs this morning and she spoke exactly what I need to tell myself over and over, every day, fifty times a day.
"But, taking time to make pleasant children for their own benefit and the benefit of others means encouraging at a young age that the world doesn't revolve around them.
Which means I must stay calm, cool, and collected in my heart and attitude so that she knows in her spirit I don't think life is just about me either."
I've become intentional about my reactions or lack there of. Not always good at not reacting, but I do realize that if there is a problem, my attitude in that moment is the most important thing. After all, I wouldn't want to teach my boys that the world doesn't revolve around them, but it does in fact revolve around their mother.
I've also had to step back and look at the whole picture. At the world through their little eyes. Most all of the behaviors we are currently dealing with stem from something I could have done better. Did they get enough to eat, enough sleep, have I been consistent with routines so that when I ask them to do something it isn't like the end of the world? Have I paid attention to the way they treat each other, so I can gently correct them before they get too upset at one another?
This parenting thing is such a huge responsibility. One that most of us chose to take on. It takes consistency, time, and prayer.
Our children need us. They need to know we are not only here for them, but we are here with them. That we are are willing to put the effort it takes every single day. Whether it be a check in with them on their attitude according to scripture, or even letting them know how I'm here with them when life gets frustrating.
I need to set them up for success by checking my attitude, taking care of all their needs including spending time with them, and keep them plenty busy with necessary tasks so they don't have too much free time alone that they get selfish when asked to do something, but enough time to play and be a child.
I have to remember that being the authority does not make me the boss, it makes me a servant. It's important to understand that myself, so my children understand that as well.
A servant is one who attends to the needs of others. It's a selfless job being a mother. It's hard, it's rewarding, and it's a blessing. It's a gift to be in the company of The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mathew 18
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
This is how I chose to live my every day. These children are how God has blessed us so. He trusts us with them.
I have a hard time with this, and some days are even harder. *grin*
Every single day, I have to get up and get going to create an atmosphere that the boys are used to. I think all of the time. Think about ways to love them more, ways to spend more time with them, then ways to teach them that this life isn't all about them.
I was reading one of my favorite blogs this morning and she spoke exactly what I need to tell myself over and over, every day, fifty times a day.
"But, taking time to make pleasant children for their own benefit and the benefit of others means encouraging at a young age that the world doesn't revolve around them.
Which means I must stay calm, cool, and collected in my heart and attitude so that she knows in her spirit I don't think life is just about me either."
I've become intentional about my reactions or lack there of. Not always good at not reacting, but I do realize that if there is a problem, my attitude in that moment is the most important thing. After all, I wouldn't want to teach my boys that the world doesn't revolve around them, but it does in fact revolve around their mother.
I've also had to step back and look at the whole picture. At the world through their little eyes. Most all of the behaviors we are currently dealing with stem from something I could have done better. Did they get enough to eat, enough sleep, have I been consistent with routines so that when I ask them to do something it isn't like the end of the world? Have I paid attention to the way they treat each other, so I can gently correct them before they get too upset at one another?
This parenting thing is such a huge responsibility. One that most of us chose to take on. It takes consistency, time, and prayer.
Our children need us. They need to know we are not only here for them, but we are here with them. That we are are willing to put the effort it takes every single day. Whether it be a check in with them on their attitude according to scripture, or even letting them know how I'm here with them when life gets frustrating.
I need to set them up for success by checking my attitude, taking care of all their needs including spending time with them, and keep them plenty busy with necessary tasks so they don't have too much free time alone that they get selfish when asked to do something, but enough time to play and be a child.
I have to remember that being the authority does not make me the boss, it makes me a servant. It's important to understand that myself, so my children understand that as well.
A servant is one who attends to the needs of others. It's a selfless job being a mother. It's hard, it's rewarding, and it's a blessing. It's a gift to be in the company of The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mathew 18
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
This is how I chose to live my every day. These children are how God has blessed us so. He trusts us with them.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Kony 2012
Do you know who Joseph Kony is?
I didn't, but now I do.
And I think you need to know.
Please. Please, watch this video, and learn who he is.
Then...DO something about him.
This made me weep. I can't shake it. Jesus is in my heart, how can I not care?
I don't know if the man in charge of this is a Christian? He doesn't say.
But he..this man (Jason) is risking so, SO much by getting the word out.
He is working hard. Cover him in prayer please?
Then help him?
Jesus commands us to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
The question is, HOW do we love Him with all our heart, soul, and might?
The second command he gives might give us a good start.
To love others as we love ourselves.
If this was happening to you...how would you want to be loved?
30 minutes. Then help change the world.
I didn't, but now I do.
And I think you need to know.
Please. Please, watch this video, and learn who he is.
Then...DO something about him.
This made me weep. I can't shake it. Jesus is in my heart, how can I not care?
I don't know if the man in charge of this is a Christian? He doesn't say.
But he..this man (Jason) is risking so, SO much by getting the word out.
He is working hard. Cover him in prayer please?
Then help him?
Jesus commands us to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
The question is, HOW do we love Him with all our heart, soul, and might?
The second command he gives might give us a good start.
To love others as we love ourselves.
If this was happening to you...how would you want to be loved?
30 minutes. Then help change the world.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
A Day in My Life
I know. Very interesting.
5:45 AM Wake up to dogs barking. I love when they do that..
Check a few emails, say a prayer for our day and wisdom for Obama, and for Israel.
6:15 Fall asleep. I will regret this.
7:30 Get up. notice that the boys have turned on Curious George. Also notice the boy who LOVES tv is not in there...regret starts now. Find him laying in his bed. He wet the bed. If you don't make him get up in the morning...this is what you get.
7:35 Put him in the bath and go get dressed.
7:50 Boys get dressed and I make them breakfast.
8:10 Hop in car to take oldest to school. Get GIANT hug from his friend! Drop them off and stop by sonic for a coke and burrito...I know I know. Turn up NeedToBreathe extremely loud on my way home.
8:45 Come home start laundry, start watering outside, while boys pick up their room and feed dogs.
9:15 Play a math game with Tristin, he reads to me, writes some new words. Brighton listens to a story online and practices writing his numbers.
10:30 Send boys outside to clean dog poop and trash cans while I put brisket in crockpot and clean kitchen.
11:00 Do grammar lesson with Tristin, read History book, and a few Read Alouds.
12:00 Lunch (chicken salad sandwich) and Bible Study.
12:30 Make grocery list, while boys play outside with friend Jack.
12:45 Realize that I left the water on in one spot a little too long...I set the timer, that didn't help. I, apparently ignore sounds.
1:30 I straighten rest of house, do my laundry, and make grocery list.
2:20 Go for a walk with the family.
3:15 Go out for ice cream...
4:00 Boys play with friends while I pin...as in pinterest
5:00 Straighten up...again
6:00 Eat dinner, clean up, start baths.
7:30 Read to boys
8:00 Take a bath myself. My kindle comes along. Les Miserables.
8:30 Settle down for an evening of Downton Abbey!
Probably fall asleep somewhere around 11:00.
5:45 AM Wake up to dogs barking. I love when they do that..
Check a few emails, say a prayer for our day and wisdom for Obama, and for Israel.
6:15 Fall asleep. I will regret this.
7:30 Get up. notice that the boys have turned on Curious George. Also notice the boy who LOVES tv is not in there...regret starts now. Find him laying in his bed. He wet the bed. If you don't make him get up in the morning...this is what you get.
7:35 Put him in the bath and go get dressed.
7:50 Boys get dressed and I make them breakfast.
8:10 Hop in car to take oldest to school. Get GIANT hug from his friend! Drop them off and stop by sonic for a coke and burrito...I know I know. Turn up NeedToBreathe extremely loud on my way home.
8:45 Come home start laundry, start watering outside, while boys pick up their room and feed dogs.
9:15 Play a math game with Tristin, he reads to me, writes some new words. Brighton listens to a story online and practices writing his numbers.
10:30 Send boys outside to clean dog poop and trash cans while I put brisket in crockpot and clean kitchen.
11:00 Do grammar lesson with Tristin, read History book, and a few Read Alouds.
12:00 Lunch (chicken salad sandwich) and Bible Study.
12:30 Make grocery list, while boys play outside with friend Jack.
12:45 Realize that I left the water on in one spot a little too long...I set the timer, that didn't help. I, apparently ignore sounds.
1:30 I straighten rest of house, do my laundry, and make grocery list.
2:20 Go for a walk with the family.
3:15 Go out for ice cream...
4:00 Boys play with friends while I pin...as in pinterest
5:00 Straighten up...again
6:00 Eat dinner, clean up, start baths.
7:30 Read to boys
8:00 Take a bath myself. My kindle comes along. Les Miserables.
8:30 Settle down for an evening of Downton Abbey!
Probably fall asleep somewhere around 11:00.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Nature Study Inspiration
Part of Charlotte Mason's method (a large part) is nature study. I have to be honest. We live in a flat, treeless, and windy city. Nature study is a hard thing to get motivated about, especially when I long to see beauty all around me. But, my friends that is not my reality (or the reality of many really) and is NO excuse to give up the study of nature.
I'm always up for a challenge, so I challenge myself to find the beauty where we live. After all, God made this land too, so there is beauty to be found.
My other challenge is the weather. Just as above, I'm sure I could use it on every occasion as an excuse not to go outside (especially in the cold), but am challenging myself NOT to.
Plus, this life, this having children, and choosing to raise them, and school them in the comfort of home allows us the opportunities to show them God in everything. And what is more evident of God than His own creation?
Fist of all, I'm finding that having a bag prepared helps when we want to observe more carefully. Pack a backpack with pencils, sketchbooks, magnifying glass, baggies, books, and paints and a paper towel, and some trail mix just in case. You may not need the bag every time, but it's good to have.
Next up...go outside. Some days we go on a walk in our neighborhood and collect pine cones, berries, leaves, and acorns. Some days we look at the trees and talk about what kind they are or or how they change each season.
Other days, we may sit in our front yard and listen to birds, watch squirls, play with sticks, find bugs, or climb trees.
Some days we head out to a park with a creek, or ducks, or the Canyon to hike and climb.
We used to do this about 4 times a week. Now that it's been so cold, I haven't been motivated. I came across some wonderful ideas to help with studying nature, even when it's cold out!
1) Loved this whole post at the Common Room. I loved the idea of catching snowflakes with black gloves on and quickly observing.
2) I also love making a weather calender and writing what the weather is like each day. She mentions taking note of the moon too!
3)This post at The Educational Life is extremely helpful with getting started and fitting it in your routine.
I loved this idea of creating a bird watching station especially for the colder days.
And you could put a bird feeder right on your window.
Collect items and use them! There are so many neat ideas to put in your journal.
From leaf rubbings, to drawings, or even actual photographs with observations writtin in.
You can even make fun and beautiful crafts!
Have fun with it. It shouldn't feel pressured or hurried. Just enjoy God all around you!
I'm always up for a challenge, so I challenge myself to find the beauty where we live. After all, God made this land too, so there is beauty to be found.
My other challenge is the weather. Just as above, I'm sure I could use it on every occasion as an excuse not to go outside (especially in the cold), but am challenging myself NOT to.
Plus, this life, this having children, and choosing to raise them, and school them in the comfort of home allows us the opportunities to show them God in everything. And what is more evident of God than His own creation?
Fist of all, I'm finding that having a bag prepared helps when we want to observe more carefully. Pack a backpack with pencils, sketchbooks, magnifying glass, baggies, books, and paints and a paper towel, and some trail mix just in case. You may not need the bag every time, but it's good to have.
Next up...go outside. Some days we go on a walk in our neighborhood and collect pine cones, berries, leaves, and acorns. Some days we look at the trees and talk about what kind they are or or how they change each season.
Other days, we may sit in our front yard and listen to birds, watch squirls, play with sticks, find bugs, or climb trees.
Some days we head out to a park with a creek, or ducks, or the Canyon to hike and climb.
We used to do this about 4 times a week. Now that it's been so cold, I haven't been motivated. I came across some wonderful ideas to help with studying nature, even when it's cold out!
1) Loved this whole post at the Common Room. I loved the idea of catching snowflakes with black gloves on and quickly observing.
2) I also love making a weather calender and writing what the weather is like each day. She mentions taking note of the moon too!
3)This post at The Educational Life is extremely helpful with getting started and fitting it in your routine.
I loved this idea of creating a bird watching station especially for the colder days.
Source: playfulearning.com via Jeana on Pinterest
And you could put a bird feeder right on your window.
Source: store.imaginechildhood.com via Jeana on Pinterest
Collect items and use them! There are so many neat ideas to put in your journal.
From leaf rubbings, to drawings, or even actual photographs with observations writtin in.
You can even make fun and beautiful crafts!
Source: childinharmony.com via Jeana on Pinterest
Source: kokokokids.ru via Jeana on Pinterest
Have fun with it. It shouldn't feel pressured or hurried. Just enjoy God all around you!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
On Being a Mother and a Family
I have been so encouraged lately from a few posts I've read and videos I've watched. We are in the process of learning and listening to God and how He would want us to live our lives. It has brought us through some major (but exciting)changes that I can't wait to share with you over the next few months.
I am right now, so encouraged to stand up and be the mother God created me to be, and I wanted to share what I've been encouraged by with all of you!
Sarah writes a guest post today called The Three Important Lessons About Being a Mom. Number 3 melted my heart into a huge puddle of love.
Sally wrote a beautiful post about giving time to each child.
"I was pondering this event–him sitting still for this long and talking and talking and talking, and suddenly it dawned on me–”He is an extravert and he needs people, activity and wants to talk and be heard.”
I have a boy just like this, I know time being heard would win and keep his heart.
Just last night, before I ever read this article, I revamped our evening routine.
We ate dinner, helped clean up, the boys picked up toys, and one of the two little ones got in the bath. (Jaiden always takes his in the morning)
While one was enjoying his bath, playing with the tub toys all to himself, the other boys went on a night walk looking at lights with their daddy. We all met with brushed teeth and pajamas in their bedroom and read a book and a Proverb. 2 fell asleep and one was so happy. He had time, time spent with dad and all was well.
It's so important. Our role in mothering. We help mold these children. We help create a family. We have this one chance with each child, not that there isn't room for mistakes, but the overall objective is to know them, to love them, and to train them. It takes a LOT of time and a huge amount of dedication. It takes self denial. The end result will prove worth it. The time you spent with them will never have been wasted time.
This video was precious to me! I'd love to watch the whole thing. I hope this encourages you today as it has me. Be blessed!
I am right now, so encouraged to stand up and be the mother God created me to be, and I wanted to share what I've been encouraged by with all of you!
Sarah writes a guest post today called The Three Important Lessons About Being a Mom. Number 3 melted my heart into a huge puddle of love.
Sally wrote a beautiful post about giving time to each child.
"I was pondering this event–him sitting still for this long and talking and talking and talking, and suddenly it dawned on me–”He is an extravert and he needs people, activity and wants to talk and be heard.”
I have a boy just like this, I know time being heard would win and keep his heart.
Just last night, before I ever read this article, I revamped our evening routine.
We ate dinner, helped clean up, the boys picked up toys, and one of the two little ones got in the bath. (Jaiden always takes his in the morning)
While one was enjoying his bath, playing with the tub toys all to himself, the other boys went on a night walk looking at lights with their daddy. We all met with brushed teeth and pajamas in their bedroom and read a book and a Proverb. 2 fell asleep and one was so happy. He had time, time spent with dad and all was well.
It's so important. Our role in mothering. We help mold these children. We help create a family. We have this one chance with each child, not that there isn't room for mistakes, but the overall objective is to know them, to love them, and to train them. It takes a LOT of time and a huge amount of dedication. It takes self denial. The end result will prove worth it. The time you spent with them will never have been wasted time.
This video was precious to me! I'd love to watch the whole thing. I hope this encourages you today as it has me. Be blessed!
It Is Your Life: The Moss Family from Moore Family Films on Vimeo.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Creating a Home
When Fall comes around I seem to start nesting. It's something about the crisp air that makes me realize we will be spending a lot more time indoors and particularly in our home.
I love creating an atmosphere that will leave my children nosalgic. A comfort when remindecd of the home they grew up in.
When I was a little girl I would spend at least a week visiting my grandparents every year. I looked forward to that week more than anything. It was a time that I was surrounded by much attention and comfort.
I would wake up at 6:30 AM to smell coffee brewing and bacon crisping in the cast iron skillet. My Pa would be in his overalls and green John Deer cap heading out the back door for a day of hard work on the farm. My grandma, in her peach robe would be sipping coffee and reading the Bible.
I would sit in the little nook surrounded by windows at the table my dad had made with his own two hands. After breakfast, my grandma and I would set out for our morning walk. Walking on the brick paved streets we would wave at the women tending to their gardens in the cool early morning right before the sun came up. We would talk about what we would do that day and listen to the singing birds. We would take the long country road leaving the small town to say a quick good morning to the horses. Then heading back up the long country road peering through the trees at the big old houses behind them.
(a peek at those brick paved streets)
Arriving home she would tend to the ironing, bedmaking, and cleaning the kitchen, while I got out her teapots and china for endless hours of tea parties and pretending to own a restraunt. She would place her order and leave a tip for me as she cooked her second meal of the day.
In the afternoons she would tend to the garden and make sweet treats for that evening's dessert. We would carry some of the goodies through the dirt alley to the lady that lived behind her.
I would spend some afternoons with the girls next door, playing in their backyard, walking to get slushies, or swimming in the town pool.
(picture taken last year in the area they used to live)
Other afternoons we would drive out to Pa's farm where I would climb bales of hay and ride the three wheeler around the fields. Some days we would pick peas and I remember praying for at least the smallest breeze. I loved seeing my grandma in her big garden hat and loved the afternoons on the front porch; a big glass of iced tea with turquiose tinted bowls of peas to shell.
On the Friday of my week there we would head to a small nearby town to Ona Mae's. Ona Mae owned a tiny little beauty shop behind her house. It had two sinks and a hair dryer and smelled of permanents. It had a little sofa with a homemade afghan,a pile of magazines, and a little glass jewelry case sitting next to it with tiny rings and necklaces. My grandma would often buy one for me. She would also offer me a cold soda pop while I waited.
(old gas station)
After a dinner of fried chicken and gravy with a side of mashed potatoes and fried summer squash, we would clean up the kitchen and go in the living room with it's window unit air conditioner on full blast. They would turn on Wheel of Fortune and a few other evening shows until the 10:00 news came on. When the news came on, I would slip outside in the dark to sit on the big front porch swing and look at the night sky. I could hear the weatherman on the tv inside and knew that when he was done talking my grandma would join me outside. She would sit beside me and I would lay my head in her lap while she scratched my back and sang Animal Fair, Bushel and a Peck, and an array of old hymns.
She would then tuck me in the back bedroom on a nice, cool, and comfortable bed with clean sheets. And in the middle of the night I would sneak into bed with them. A few hours later, talk radio would blast from their radio alarm. My Pa would lay in bed listening an hour or so before getting up to start the fresh new day again.
Those memories sit in my mind like an old friend. I love to think of those days. The sounds, that white house with tons of windows and the big front porch, the smell of her laundry.
I want our children to see our home in such a comforting way. To create an atmosphere that they want to bottle up and share with their own children some day.
The days were slow paced and simply lived in. No need to rush and always time to lend a helping hand or make a treat for the neighbors. Time to strengthen relationships. Time with God. Time to sow and reap the harvest. Time to make a home.
I loved this post about Creating a Pleasent Atmospehre in the Home. It really doesn't have to be complicated. It's an amazing way to show your family love. A way to honor God. It's a new focus of mine.
I love creating an atmosphere that will leave my children nosalgic. A comfort when remindecd of the home they grew up in.
When I was a little girl I would spend at least a week visiting my grandparents every year. I looked forward to that week more than anything. It was a time that I was surrounded by much attention and comfort.
I would wake up at 6:30 AM to smell coffee brewing and bacon crisping in the cast iron skillet. My Pa would be in his overalls and green John Deer cap heading out the back door for a day of hard work on the farm. My grandma, in her peach robe would be sipping coffee and reading the Bible.
I would sit in the little nook surrounded by windows at the table my dad had made with his own two hands. After breakfast, my grandma and I would set out for our morning walk. Walking on the brick paved streets we would wave at the women tending to their gardens in the cool early morning right before the sun came up. We would talk about what we would do that day and listen to the singing birds. We would take the long country road leaving the small town to say a quick good morning to the horses. Then heading back up the long country road peering through the trees at the big old houses behind them.
(a peek at those brick paved streets)
Arriving home she would tend to the ironing, bedmaking, and cleaning the kitchen, while I got out her teapots and china for endless hours of tea parties and pretending to own a restraunt. She would place her order and leave a tip for me as she cooked her second meal of the day.
In the afternoons she would tend to the garden and make sweet treats for that evening's dessert. We would carry some of the goodies through the dirt alley to the lady that lived behind her.
I would spend some afternoons with the girls next door, playing in their backyard, walking to get slushies, or swimming in the town pool.
(picture taken last year in the area they used to live)
Other afternoons we would drive out to Pa's farm where I would climb bales of hay and ride the three wheeler around the fields. Some days we would pick peas and I remember praying for at least the smallest breeze. I loved seeing my grandma in her big garden hat and loved the afternoons on the front porch; a big glass of iced tea with turquiose tinted bowls of peas to shell.
On the Friday of my week there we would head to a small nearby town to Ona Mae's. Ona Mae owned a tiny little beauty shop behind her house. It had two sinks and a hair dryer and smelled of permanents. It had a little sofa with a homemade afghan,a pile of magazines, and a little glass jewelry case sitting next to it with tiny rings and necklaces. My grandma would often buy one for me. She would also offer me a cold soda pop while I waited.
(old gas station)
After a dinner of fried chicken and gravy with a side of mashed potatoes and fried summer squash, we would clean up the kitchen and go in the living room with it's window unit air conditioner on full blast. They would turn on Wheel of Fortune and a few other evening shows until the 10:00 news came on. When the news came on, I would slip outside in the dark to sit on the big front porch swing and look at the night sky. I could hear the weatherman on the tv inside and knew that when he was done talking my grandma would join me outside. She would sit beside me and I would lay my head in her lap while she scratched my back and sang Animal Fair, Bushel and a Peck, and an array of old hymns.
She would then tuck me in the back bedroom on a nice, cool, and comfortable bed with clean sheets. And in the middle of the night I would sneak into bed with them. A few hours later, talk radio would blast from their radio alarm. My Pa would lay in bed listening an hour or so before getting up to start the fresh new day again.
Those memories sit in my mind like an old friend. I love to think of those days. The sounds, that white house with tons of windows and the big front porch, the smell of her laundry.
I want our children to see our home in such a comforting way. To create an atmosphere that they want to bottle up and share with their own children some day.
The days were slow paced and simply lived in. No need to rush and always time to lend a helping hand or make a treat for the neighbors. Time to strengthen relationships. Time with God. Time to sow and reap the harvest. Time to make a home.
I loved this post about Creating a Pleasent Atmospehre in the Home. It really doesn't have to be complicated. It's an amazing way to show your family love. A way to honor God. It's a new focus of mine.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Habit/Character Training
I absolutely LOVE Charlotte Mason. I heard of her a few year back while reading up on homeschooling methods. Her's has stuck out to me more than any others. However, I really didn't quite know how to apply what I was learning until now.
I've been praying over certain aspects of our lives. Two very important ones, and God has led me to 2 really wonderful places to start.
The first one was getting to "know" the Duggars a bit better by watching the show and reading their books. Funny thing is, I know God wanted me to read their books, because I had just gotten into watching their show about a month ago, and a week later my friend said, "hey, do you watch the Duggars? We should each buy one of their books and then trade." Boy, am I glad we did. They have inspired me to dig deeper on training our children. I have really learned so much from them and have deep respect for them.
The 2nd place God led me to (again) was Charlotte Mason. Only this time around somehow He filled my mind with ways to apply her method.
One of my favorite books about her is For the Children's Sake. I read it about a year ago and thought I loved it then...I pulled it out the other day, and it was like I was reading it for the first time. I just couldn't put it down. I underlined things and then went back and reread it to my husband. He seemed to enjoy it. I think *grin*
Okay, so back to the 2 things I've been praying about.
1) Jaiden being homeschooled. That tug has never left my heart. As much as I've needed the break from the crazy year we had last year, we're definitely feeling he should be home again ONE day, and that's where God is leading us. I love this article on homeschooling special needs children.
My only problem is: TV. He loves it, I don't. I long for my children to play, to read, to use their minds. Children don't do that while they're watching tv, him especially. This problem has been caused by using tv as a rewarding system used by his old school using an ABA type therapy. He didn't get that type of reward at home, and that caused MAJOR meltdowns.
One of the first chapters in For the Children's Sake is about tv. She talks about children having space to play. Outside. Making mud pies, climbing trees, riding bikes. They need to make noise, make messes, and have access to raw materials like old clothes for dress up, and tables and sheets for forts. They need boudaries of course but they also really need space to be children.
We are now on a path to doing much better, but he still "needs" the tv to be "happy".
I had asked God, to help us with this tv situation and finding new things that he could be interested in at home like reading possibly?! Then I read this book and it just hit me right then.
He get's about an hour or so after school to watch tv. I would justify that he has been working all day at school and needed the break. Well, I'm sorry, we can all find ways to unwind without tv and so can he. Without quitting tv cold turkey, I am going to take it down 15 minutes at a time each week until after about a month it will be no tv and just playing. I'm praying it will have been so gradual he won't depend on tv and might not notice the transition as much. While we're doing that I have come up with plans to work with him on reading, baking, play games, outside time, and natural toys such as blocks, jump rope, playdough, legos, garden work etc. We started yesterday, and I could tell it made him a bit anxious, but we'll just keep going.
Please, if you don't mind, be in prayer with me about this?
The second thing I've had on my heart is character training. Charlotte Mason believes that children need to be trained for a about 2 months for each character trait. This could take years to finish all character traits, but she says they should be mastered. Once you master some of the most imporatent ones, the others will make easier habits.
The most important one? You guessed it...obedience. So, we are starting obedience training in our home and will be working hard on that for the next 2 months or until mastered. Meaning, when I ask them to do something, they do it, happily and quickly. Sound like a big goal? It is. It has been done by others many times, and I know our children are quite capapable of being obedient. It's biblical. Now, if you know me personally, you will say, "your kids are VERY well behaved." People say that to us all the time, but this runs deeper. At home, they are not in the habit of being obedient without whining most of the time.
Charlotte Mason also makes it very clear that children are people and should be treated and valued as such. I absolutely agree.
The two major things we will work on over the next 2 months is MY attitude towards them. Making sure I have their hearts. If I have their hearts then they are much more willing to be obedient. This depends more on the level of my heart than theirs. And I know it STARTS with my husband and me.
The second thing is reading and applying ideas and training in obedience.
Doorposts has a wonderful article with ideas and lessons from Deuteronomy.
First Time Obedience Really? I love that post. It really touches on the heart.
Love this blog, and this post about having your child's heart. It really is a huge aspect of raising children.
I've used this FREE character study before, but we will dig a little deeper this time around.
Notes From Sally Clarkson's Parenting Session
Books I hope to read/use soon:
Hints on Child Training
Plants Grow Up by Doorposts, I've heard great things about this!
Laying Down the Rails
Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
- Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.
Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, (9) for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
I've been praying over certain aspects of our lives. Two very important ones, and God has led me to 2 really wonderful places to start.
The first one was getting to "know" the Duggars a bit better by watching the show and reading their books. Funny thing is, I know God wanted me to read their books, because I had just gotten into watching their show about a month ago, and a week later my friend said, "hey, do you watch the Duggars? We should each buy one of their books and then trade." Boy, am I glad we did. They have inspired me to dig deeper on training our children. I have really learned so much from them and have deep respect for them.
The 2nd place God led me to (again) was Charlotte Mason. Only this time around somehow He filled my mind with ways to apply her method.
One of my favorite books about her is For the Children's Sake. I read it about a year ago and thought I loved it then...I pulled it out the other day, and it was like I was reading it for the first time. I just couldn't put it down. I underlined things and then went back and reread it to my husband. He seemed to enjoy it. I think *grin*
Okay, so back to the 2 things I've been praying about.
1) Jaiden being homeschooled. That tug has never left my heart. As much as I've needed the break from the crazy year we had last year, we're definitely feeling he should be home again ONE day, and that's where God is leading us. I love this article on homeschooling special needs children.
My only problem is: TV. He loves it, I don't. I long for my children to play, to read, to use their minds. Children don't do that while they're watching tv, him especially. This problem has been caused by using tv as a rewarding system used by his old school using an ABA type therapy. He didn't get that type of reward at home, and that caused MAJOR meltdowns.
One of the first chapters in For the Children's Sake is about tv. She talks about children having space to play. Outside. Making mud pies, climbing trees, riding bikes. They need to make noise, make messes, and have access to raw materials like old clothes for dress up, and tables and sheets for forts. They need boudaries of course but they also really need space to be children.
We are now on a path to doing much better, but he still "needs" the tv to be "happy".
I had asked God, to help us with this tv situation and finding new things that he could be interested in at home like reading possibly?! Then I read this book and it just hit me right then.
He get's about an hour or so after school to watch tv. I would justify that he has been working all day at school and needed the break. Well, I'm sorry, we can all find ways to unwind without tv and so can he. Without quitting tv cold turkey, I am going to take it down 15 minutes at a time each week until after about a month it will be no tv and just playing. I'm praying it will have been so gradual he won't depend on tv and might not notice the transition as much. While we're doing that I have come up with plans to work with him on reading, baking, play games, outside time, and natural toys such as blocks, jump rope, playdough, legos, garden work etc. We started yesterday, and I could tell it made him a bit anxious, but we'll just keep going.
Please, if you don't mind, be in prayer with me about this?
The second thing I've had on my heart is character training. Charlotte Mason believes that children need to be trained for a about 2 months for each character trait. This could take years to finish all character traits, but she says they should be mastered. Once you master some of the most imporatent ones, the others will make easier habits.
The most important one? You guessed it...obedience. So, we are starting obedience training in our home and will be working hard on that for the next 2 months or until mastered. Meaning, when I ask them to do something, they do it, happily and quickly. Sound like a big goal? It is. It has been done by others many times, and I know our children are quite capapable of being obedient. It's biblical. Now, if you know me personally, you will say, "your kids are VERY well behaved." People say that to us all the time, but this runs deeper. At home, they are not in the habit of being obedient without whining most of the time.
Charlotte Mason also makes it very clear that children are people and should be treated and valued as such. I absolutely agree.
The two major things we will work on over the next 2 months is MY attitude towards them. Making sure I have their hearts. If I have their hearts then they are much more willing to be obedient. This depends more on the level of my heart than theirs. And I know it STARTS with my husband and me.
The second thing is reading and applying ideas and training in obedience.
Doorposts has a wonderful article with ideas and lessons from Deuteronomy.
First Time Obedience Really? I love that post. It really touches on the heart.
Love this blog, and this post about having your child's heart. It really is a huge aspect of raising children.
I've used this FREE character study before, but we will dig a little deeper this time around.
Notes From Sally Clarkson's Parenting Session
Books I hope to read/use soon:
Hints on Child Training
Plants Grow Up by Doorposts, I've heard great things about this!
Laying Down the Rails
Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
- Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.
Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, (9) for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
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