tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19161586763050891032024-03-13T03:53:45.089-07:00Three Kids & WeBethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-43928864093849332202014-02-06T12:23:00.000-08:002014-02-06T12:55:52.795-08:00Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones, but Words Can Hurt The Most<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome Buddy</td></tr>
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"I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14 (ESV)<br />
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I have become very aware of the fact that in a few months, I will officially be the mother of a tween. I realize this, not because of how big my little Buddy is getting, but because of the struggles he is starting to go through. (Sweetpea is only a couple of years away and Sunshine will be there faster than I want her to be). <br />
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You see, my son is much like I was at his age~very slim and not maturing as quickly as some of his friends. He is still shorter and skinnier than most of his friends, even those that are younger. Until now, it really hasn't bothered him. As I said, that was until now. Part of growing up is becoming aware of yourself and with that comes becoming aware of others, too. He is very aware now, that he is not as big or as strong as his friends, and it bothers him. That bothers me. <br />
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Buddy likes to exercise. He does push ups, sit ups, arm curls with 2 pound weights, (because that's all we will let him have right now), and likes to run. He is very healthy. Sometimes, he does these things a little too often and complains of hurting. We are trying to teach him a healthy way to exercise and take breaks. Unfortunately, that doesn't matter to him much right now. He wants to be as big as his friends and feels he will never get there. The other day, he pulled his shirt over his head because he didn't want to look at himself, because he "doesn't have any abs." My husband took him in the bathroom and lifted his shirt, then explained to him that what he thought was abs was fat. (Not to say anything bad about my handsome husband)! He explained to our son that he was the one with abs. That made his day. At least for the moment. My husband also very carefully explained to him that it's not fun to be made fun of, and that we also shouldn't make fun of others and to never talk bad about any one's body because God made us all different and that is a good thing.<br />
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Unfortunately, I know this new struggle is far from over and I pray he, and my two daughters who will no doubt be there soon enough, come through it unscathed. I did not. As I mentioned, I was very slim. Down right skinny. Let me describe how it was told to me... "You look like a toothpick, a bean pole, a {fill in the blank with any thing that had no shape or figure.}" Even better, many relatives and other adults told me, "you would be so pretty IF you just had a little meat on your bones." Shall I go on? I heard these things over and over and over, even Well into my adulthood. Did I mention over and over? I know these were not said to bring harm, but I want to tell you something....They can be very harmful! My parents are not to blame. They are not the ones who said these things, but their complements got drowned out with all the other teasing and hurtful comments from everyone else. <br />
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In college and as a young adult, I joined and gym and lifted weights for a while, thinking it would help me gain weight in a healthy way~muscle over fat, but it never changed anything. I would sit and eat jars of peanut butter, hoping it would help me 'get more meat on my bones.' But, it didn't work. Nothing worked. Every time I went to see a doctor, I would ask them if there was anything I could do to gain weight. They told me not to worry about it. I'm pretty sure being super skinny was a major factor in having trouble conceiving a child when my husband and I started trying to grow our family.<br />
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Even when I was pregnant, I was told I looked like "a toothpick with a wad of gum stuck to it." Okay, I know that was actually meant to be a compliment of sorts because the only place I really gained weight was in my belly, and it didn't bother me too much. But, don't think those voices inside my head weren't trying to tear me down. When everyone else on the face of the earth gets bigger boobs when they are pregnant, and I didn't, yeah, those comments only made my self-consciousness worse. I used to pray as I nursed my children that God wouldn't allow nursing to make my boobs any smaller because of it, because He knows my struggle. Thankfully, He listened and showed compassion. <br />
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I went out with a blue million guys before I met my husband. I thought that a guy showing me attention would prove that I was pretty enough. Or, that I owed it to this guy, or that guy, to go out with him at least once because someone actually noticed me. It never really proved anything to me, except that I went out with too many guys. I never wanted to be settled for. Sure, I have a 'great personality.' No, I'm not 'butt ugly.' No, I really don't want to enter any beauty contests. But, I wanted the one guy who asked me to marry him to think I was so beautiful that, even if he didn't know me, he would pick me out over all the models and 'bunnys' out there. That he thought I was the most beautiful girl he ever saw, just the way I am. One guy friend of mine said that some girls are like the nice cars that are good for families that you settle down with, but there are the other girls that are like the top of the line sports editions that guys actually dream of. I just wanted that one guy I married to think I was the dream, not the nice thing good for families that you settle down with. And although my husband has spent the last 17 years trying to convince me that he does think I'm perfect, the voices inside my head keep saying, "but you're never really pretty enough." "You would be so pretty, IF..." "You know he wouldn't pick you out just based on your body. You know he would prefer something better. It's a good thing you have a good personality."<br />
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I have laughed and joked with everyone, and even made jokes about myself to go along with them. I certainly never wanted anyone to know how much I struggle with body image. That's so shallow, right?? One would think that an adult wouldn't be bothered by it any more. But sometimes, those struggles just don't go away. I still tell myself, "you would be so pretty IF..." I still think I look like nothing but a toothpick, something with absolutely no figure. Except, now I have a new little flab on my belly, left over from having a 3rd child at the age of 39, that didn't go away as it did with the other two. Great. That's not exactly the figure I wanted to have. Now, I'm a toothpick with a booger stuck to it? (Sorry, it's gross. I just can't think of anything else that can stick to a toothpick that's not quite as big as a wad of gum, haha.) <br />
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I don't say all this to get attention for myself, or I would NEVER have said it. So, let's not go there with me. This is about children, and how the words of others, especially adults they look up to, affect them. I say all this now because this is what I fear for my own children. I know they will struggle with the way they view themselves. I know they will have pain, because no matter how perfect they are, they won't realize it. But, I pray and pray that they won't get stuck in this struggle. That they will somehow become comfortable with themselves and not constantly compare themselves to others in an unrealistic, unhealthy way. And I say this with all the love in my heart...if ANYONE says anything to them about being scrawny, or formless, or not pretty or handsome enough just the way they are....WATCH OUT!!! I will protect them fiercely. I will protect their feelings at the risk of hurting someone else's~no matter who you are.<br />
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I urge you to THINK about what you say to children, tween, teens, and even young adults. We all know it's not nice to tell someone they are chubby or fat. We know that hurts them and they often can't help it. But, no one seems to think that teasing someone because they are super skinny is harmful. Let me tell you from experience~That's A Lie!!! Teasing a child about their body shape, whatever that shape is, can be harmful. And, if heard often enough, those lies will become truths to them and those beliefs are hard to overcome, even when they become adults, long after they stop looking like toothpicks.<br />
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Do tell children how beautiful they Really are. Then, leave it at that. Don't tell children how pretty they will be IF they gain weight or lose weight, or eat all the food on their plate, or go on a diet. Urge them to eat healthy and exercise and take care of themselves, not because of how 'pretty' or 'handsome' it will make them, but because of how much we LOVE them!!! STOP teasing!! Do give sincere complements~without any Ifs, Ands, or Buts! <br />
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God's own Word says, "I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well." No ifs, ands, or buts. Let's teach our children, all the children of the world, this. They are fearfully and wonderfully made, just the way they are.<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-17727500294251254312014-02-01T18:03:00.000-08:002014-02-01T18:08:29.682-08:00Cherdo on the FlipsideHey, blog friends!! I know, I know...it's been a while. But, I wanted to take a quick minute to encourage you to check out a new blog called, <a href="http://www.cherdoontheflipside.com/">Cherdo on the Flipside</a>. I started reading a post the other day and couldn't stop at just one. I had to read them all!! It's witty, snarky, entertaining, and honest. The author is a personal friend of mine who has also recently started stand-up comedy, among her many other talents. <br />
I'll start you out with this one about <a href="http://www.cherdoontheflipside.com/2014/01/lie-101-you-can-cut-your-bangs.html">cutting your own bangs. </a> I also liked <a href="http://www.cherdoontheflipside.com/2014/01/flip-that-minimum-wage-job.html">Flip that minimum wage job</a> and <a href="http://www.cherdoontheflipside.com/2014/01/no-5kk.html">No 5K...K?</a> These are just to name a few. If you're a fellow blogger, let's help her out by reading, commenting, following, and perhaps even spreading the word. Thanks!!<br />
I'll meet you on the Flipside. <br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-28303638868820547152013-09-06T08:12:00.001-07:002013-09-06T08:13:26.294-07:00"Miley Cyrus & The Pharisees" Or "What About the Man?"I confess, I did not watch the music award ceremony that Miley Cyrus performed in and caused such a ruckus. I've never seen one of those ceremonies yet, in which someone did not try to 'push the envelope' either in their performance or their attire. I've seen enough of those award shows to know that I really don't want to watch any more of them. We complain every year about someone's 'shockingly crude act', yet we don't bother turning the t.v. off, and we keep watching it year after year and wonder why they don't stop? But, that's not what this is about.<br />
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What I have seen is Facebook status after Facebook status posting pictures and comments of the performance. I think I get the idea without having to watch the actual video. It was lewd, crude, vulgar, trashy,...am I forgetting a word? Using words I would tell my children, it was inappropriate and unacceptable. How could the Disney created image of Hannah Montana do something this low? Wait...what? Hannah Montana was a Disney created image, not who the actual person was? You mean we've trained our daughters to idolize a fictional character that just so happened to make concert appearances? And she didn't stay in that character forever? SHOCKER!!! Perhaps we ought not to put such fictional personifications on real life pedestals. But, that's not what this is about.<br />
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This whole situation has brought to my mind the story of the adulterous woman who was brought <img align="right" alt="Jesus writes on the paving of the Temple while the woman hides her face" border="1" height="216" src="http://www.womeninthebible.net/Jesus_writing_in_sand.jpg" width="288" />before Jesus. You can find it in the Holy Bible in the book of John, chapter 8, verses 1-11. Jesus had gone to the temple to teach, when the Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They reminded Jesus, (as if He needs a reminder), that the law states that a woman caught in adultery is to be stoned and tested His reaction, trying to find a reason to incriminate Him. Jesus bent down and started drawing in the sand, then said, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her," then continued to write in the sand. One by one, the Pharisees left. And Jesus looked at the woman and asked where her accusers were, then said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." (Quotes taken from the English Standard Version.)<br />
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When the Pharisees quoted the law about a woman being caught in adultery and the consequential stoning, they forgot something. According to the laws of the time, both the woman AND the man were to be stoned. Why did they not bring the man participating in this act of adultery to be stoned, as well as the woman? Why did they ignore the man's participation and not the woman's? Why did they incorrectly misquote the law that they knew all too well?<br />
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Getting back to Miley...everyone has been so quick to condemn her behavior, but NOT ONE status that I saw said ANYTHING about the man that was on stage performing with her. From the pictures I've seen, he wasn't trying to get away from her, but he was actively participating in the crass behavior and encouraging Miley to continue. He was just as guilty!! Why are we ignoring that?<br />
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I know we want to protect our daughters. We want them to act and dress respectably and tastefully. We are quick to point out how Miley failed and use her as a bad example. Should we not be teaching our sons how to act respectfully? Should we not be pointing out that the man that was with Miley failed, also? That a gentleman would not, should not encourage that kind of behavior of their female friends?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theblaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/600x4265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Dear Daughter, Let Miley Cyrus Be a Lesson to You – The Amazing Open Letter From Mom Set to Go Viral" border="0" class="size-full wp-image-649456 " height="227" src="http://www.theblaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/600x4265.jpg" title="An Alternative View - 2013 MTV Video Music Awards" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">The man is Robin Thicke, but it gets lost in all the talk about Miley.</td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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Thousands of years later, we are still acting like a bunch of Pharisees. We are still holding the girl accountable but not the boy. We hold our daughters to a standard that we don't expect our sons to rise up to. "Oh, but we do expect our sons to behave!" Then WHY did I not see ONE facebook status about HIS crude and trashy behavior? Thousands of teenagers have learned from our reaction that, yes, girls should not behave that way. But, I hope and pray that somewhere out there a parent was telling their children that boys should not behave that way, either. Otherwise, we have learned nothing in all these thousands of years.<br />
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I pray that Miley and her male counterpart will seek the Lord's forgiveness and find a more respectable way to represent themselves. And I ask the Lord to forgive us for continuing to hold double standards when Christ set the standards equally for us all. I pray that He forgives us for our part in encouraging these young stars to act in such sad ways and then condemn them when they do. I pray that we find ways to love them and encourage what is acceptable in His sight.<br />
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As always, tasteful and respectable comments are always welcome. <br />
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God bless,<br />
Beth<br />
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-24737700544875928292013-05-04T07:09:00.001-07:002013-05-04T07:09:33.614-07:00Run for the RosesToday is the 1st Saturday of May. It's a national holiday~if you are from Louisville, KY, that is. It's Derby Day. The day it feels like the whole world comes to my town. I used to say that I didn't go to the Derby, it came to me. Growing up, we lived so close to Churchill Downs that we could sit on our back porch and hear the start of the races...the music, the horns, the callers. Because of the enormous amount of traffic due to Oaks Day and everyone coming in for Derby Day, the school system always schedules school off for the Friday before. It was such an exciting time. <br />
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Mom and Dad would allow us to park cars in our backyard that Friday and Saturday to make a little spending money for ourselves. As a family, we would always go to my grandmother's house, who lived even closer. Aunts, Uncles, cousins...everyone showed up with all kinds of food. We would walk to Central Avenue, crowded with people, cars, and limousines filled with movie stars and mysterious people inside the black tinted windows. With our spending money burning a hole in our pockets, we just had to check out all the vendors selling their sunglasses, t-shirts, and feathered roach clips that we wore in our hair. (Had NO idea what they were really for, lol!) We all made sure to be back in time to gather around the t.v. to watch the Run for the Roses, then immediately head out to sit on the grassy spot across from the Downs and watch all the people leaving. You could always tell who won, who didn't, and who was too drunk to care. People watching at its finest hour. We never actually went to the Derby. My parents didn't really think it was a place for children. (They were right!!) My dad did <strike>sneak</strike> take my brother and I once, to see a race or two after the Run for the Roses was over. By then, most of the crowds were dissipating. <br />
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I will always look back on those days with the fondest of memories. Until I grew up and moved away, I just assumed everyone around the world stopped to celebrate Derby Day. It was exciting. It was electric. It was, (and still is to those of us from there,) a national holiday. <br />
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So wherever you are...Happy Derby Day!!!!! Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-6050632118826701442013-01-21T06:16:00.002-08:002013-01-21T06:16:37.661-08:00Easy Peasy Ruffle ScarfGasp! It's a new blog post! After a 4 month hiatus, I am back!! When my life gets crazy busy, (or I'm just busy going crazy), my blogging will go to the wayside. Just being honest. It is what it is. But, I'm happy to be able to post something new and I hope I won't be gone so long next time. I did miss you all. <br />
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That being said, I found this how-to craft on Pinterest from one of my favorite blog sites, <a href="http://hobbiesonabudget.com/2012/12/08/super-easy-ruffle-yarn-scarf/">HOBBIES on a budget</a>. The scarf she made is so colorful and super cute, that I took notice. (You'll have to check it out!) I watched the video she posted and thought to myself, "Wow, I could do that!!" </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the color I'm doing next!</td></tr>
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I just happened to be near a JoAnn's Fabric last night and ran in to see if they had any of the specific yarn for this craft. To my wonderful surprise, not only did they have a whole display of them, JoAnn's had just started a 3 day 25% off sale for Teacher Appreciation!! Woohoo! and thanks, JoAnn, for recognizing homeschool teachers as real teachers. I chose two different bundles of yarn at $4.99 a piece, but I walked out of there for a total of $6.81 (or somewhere around there.) </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how thin and delicate it is?</td></tr>
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I used the Red Heart Sashay yarn and my scarf is the Ballet color pattern. It took me about 2 1/2 hours, but it might not take you that long. This particular yarn is very thin and I kept missing loops when pulling the hook through and would have to start that particular part all over. Not to mention the fact that it was 10:30pm before I was able to get started, so I was a little tired, but determined. Now that I'm more familiar with the way the yarn is, I should be able to get the next one done even faster. I'm also going to experiment with different sized crochet needles. I used a 5.0 or 'H' size, this time. I chose to do 10 holes at a time, instead of 8. The video instructor said it would use up basically the whole package of yarn, but I did not find that to be the case. My scarf is quite long and I still have plenty left over to make another one, or at least a small one for Sweet Pea, (almost 7yo now), who said she wanted one just like it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My finished scarf!! </td></tr>
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This scarf is so easy to make, that it is a great project for beginners. Just watch the video posted <a href="http://hobbiesonabudget.com/2012/12/08/super-easy-ruffle-yarn-scarf/">here, at HOBBIES on a budget</a> and get started. That's what I did. I wore it to church tonight and got lots of complements and several "where did you get that?" questions. </div>
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I loved telling them I just made it last night! In fact, I'm taking my yarn with me next time so I can show them how easy it really is. (The ladies that asked are much more talented than I am, so I'm excited to share something with them!)</div>
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What are you waiting for? Go to the store and get started!! When you're done, make sure you share pictures of your creation with me or tell me about it! </div>
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God bless!! </div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-20994682172647658542012-09-24T05:47:00.000-07:002012-09-24T05:47:10.046-07:00Glade Expressions: A Review<br />
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As a Bzz Agent, I get to try new products from time to time and give honest reviews and feedback. I recently got picked to try and review the new Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist and Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser. I received coupons to pick up both starter kits for free.<br />
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For the Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser, I chose the Fuji apple and cardamom spice scent. It is a delightfully sweet and spicy scent I felt was just right for the start of the fall season. The holder is a decorative piece that comes in either white/black or wood/black to fit just about any decor. It requires no batteries and is NOT a plug in...which I love. The oil is in a container held in the bottom piece and the reed fits in the middle of the holder and just snaps right into the oil container. I do like that the oil is contained to prevent spills and damages. That being said, I have very curious children, so I played it safe and put it in our master bedroom. It didn't take very long for the fragrance to fill the room. I was really surprised, as I have tried other diffusers and I really couldn't smell anything unless I got right upon them. It's supposed to last up to 30 days, which means I only have to replace the refills once a month. It might last even longer...who knows? I'll end with this...My son took his shower tonight in our bathroom and when he was finished, he asked, "Mom, what smells so good in here?" Need I say more? I will definitely continue buying the refills and can't wait to try the other scents available.<br />
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Here is our diffuser sitting on the counter.</div>
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As for the Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist, I chose the cotton & Italian mandarin scent. I thought it was a light, clean fragrance good for everyday use. It comes in a sleek, decorative container that you can leave sitting out, instead of hiding it inside the cabinets. You just have to peel the plastic wrapping off of it when you get home, (and there is a perforated tab to get you started). When you purchase the starter kit, a refill container already comes with it, but when you need to change it out, you just tap on the bottom, unscrew the top on the refill and insert the new one inside the container. To use, you just squeeze around the top. It only takes just one or two quick sprays to work. You don't need to waist large amounts of it in order to smell it like other air fresheners and such things. I gave a couple of quick sprays in the living room after a diaper change. (Yeah, it was one of THOSE types of diaper changes.) It really freshened the smell in the room and lasted for quite a while. I have to say, I was very well pleased with the new Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist. It also has several scents to choose from and I can't wait to try them all out. </div>
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I chose to put ours on the shelf in the kids' bathroom.</div>
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The Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser and Fragrance Mist are definitely two products I can honestly recommend you try. I know I am glad I had the chance to try them out and will most certainly continue to use them in the future. I really think you will like them, too. </div>
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God bless!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*<i>I was given these products to try and review for free. I was not compensated nor required to give a certain spin. I am only required to be honest, and my opinions are just that...my own honest opinions. </i>*</span></div>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-74170965452688987552012-09-22T17:46:00.000-07:002012-09-22T17:46:27.086-07:00Enough Said Saturday: Career Day<div style="text-align: center;">
Our co-op had a day for the kids to dress up like what they wanted to be when they grow up.</div>
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So, of course, I couldn't pick just one picture. Enough Said. :)</div>
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My little ballerina.</div>
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My little soldier. </div>
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Ages 8yo and 6yo. </div>
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I don't know what God's plans for their lives are yet, but I'm thankful for the journey.</div>
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God bless!</div>
Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-30370083068882636172012-09-22T17:23:00.000-07:002012-09-22T17:23:02.221-07:00Our Homeschool ChecklistsOne thing I want to help instill in my children with their school work (and every area of their life,) is accountability and responsibility. I can't always be there to make sure they get all their work done. I do plan on them moving out of the house...one day. But, waiting until then to teach them how to be responsible is too late. So, I start now, when they are young and can form good habits.<br />
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Which brings us to the checklists. I like seeing a list, holding it in my hands, and being able to check it off. It just gives me a feel of accomplishment and helps me stay on task. So, last year, I made a check list of subjects for Buddy and Sweet Pea. I told them they could do the subjects in any order they choose, they just had to check them off as the subject assignments were completed.<br />
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The subjects go down and the days go across, so by Friday, they should have quite a few checks on their lists. Some subjects, such as History and Science, are not done everyday, so there will be some blanks, but there should be more checks than blanks on a consistent basis.<br />
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At the time, Sweet Pea was still fond of getting marker all over her body and her clothes, so we used the new Crayola Dry Erase Crayons. They are much friendlier with laundry than the regular dry erase markers and the kiddos loved it. They would use a different color for each day, and sometimes for each subject. It helped them to keep themselves on track instead of me having to do it for them. Of course, there were plenty of days when I had to stay on top of them to get everything done. Even on those days, though, it helped them to see the subjects getting checked off and the work getting finished so they knew 'quitting time' was getting closer. Even as adults, we ALL have those days that we just can't wait for everything on our list to be finished so we can stop for the day.<br />
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I haven't made this year's list for the kiddos yet because I just want us all to get 'in the groove' first, but I will be making them in the next couple of weeks. (Which will also allow me to continue feeding my laminating addiction.) <br />
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This year, I added a list for myself. Like I said, every year it seems the subject list gets a little longer and I found myself trying to remember what we had already done and what we still needed to do and who was doing what. Whew! So, even though the kiddos will have their own lists, I decided I need to make myself one to keep up with everything I need to do.<br />
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I, with the help of my husband~mostly my husband, created a checklist of each subject for each child and included small boxes to put my little checks in. (And, of course, I just had to laminate it!) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The names have been <strike>changed</strike> covered to protect the innocent. :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This has helped me so much, already. And I love that I can just wipe it clean and be ready for the next day. I leave you with this small confession, though. Only AFTER I made the list AND laminated it, did I realize that I, yes~the preacher's wife, forgot to include Bible study on the list!!! My husband said he is "so proud" of me. Hehehe. Never fear, I will make sure it is included on the kiddos' lists.<br />
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I would love to hear what you have done to help your kiddos with self-accountability and responsibility. Just leave a comment below.<br />
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God bless!<br />
<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-85182181962859085552012-09-18T08:05:00.001-07:002012-09-18T08:07:28.559-07:00Laundry Detergent, Homemade Style<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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I have used "all" detergent for years and I have no complaints about it. But, if I can do something to save a little money here and there, I will give it a try. I'm also trying to use things with more natural ingredients instead of the heavy chemical items. Trying another chemical filled detergent for less money wasn't an option. I have more than one child with extremely sensitive skin and messing with detergents is a big risk. However, when I saw some recipes for homemade detergent on Pinterest, and the ingredients seemed a little more natural and a little less harsh than the store bought detergents out there, I decided to take the plunge. <br />
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I found <a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/cheaper-and-better-diy-laundry-detergent/">How Does She?</a>'s recipe for laundry detergent on Pinterest and really liked it. (Plus, her bottle of detergent just looked so pretty!) I waited until I used up what I already had, then off to the grocery store I went. <br />
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<a href="http://www.howdoesshe.com/cheaper-and-better-diy-laundry-detergent/">How Does She?</a>'s recipe calls for Borax, Arm & Hammer's Super Washing Soda, 2 bars of Zote soap, and baking soda, with OxyClean and Purex Crystals as optional ingredients. The store I went to didn't sell Zote soap, so I used Fels~Naptha soap bars, instead. I decided NOT to use baking soda since I read several comments from others that it faded dark colored clothes. I think the baking soda is to act as an odor neutralizer, and the Super Washing Soda does that. I also decided to leave out the OxyClean at this point and add it as needed. It just seemed a little more harsh than I wanted in my everyday detergent. I DID opt for the Purex Crystals because, honestly, I love good smelling laundry. <br />
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I realized the Fels~Naptha bars were smaller than the Zote soap bars, but I still miscalculated how many bars would equal the 2 Zote bars called for. I bought and grated 3 (or maybe 4) bars and you need almost 6 bars of Fels~Naptha to equal 2 bars of Zote. (What? Me miscalculate something? Never! Hahaha!!!) But, after talking with a couple of friends on facebook, I decided to just go with what I already had instead of running out to buy more. <br />
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I followed the advice of the post I was taking this from in the way she mixed all the ingredients together. I mixed a little bit at a time, stirring as I went, then added a little bit more. That made it easier to make sure everything was equally mixed. <br />
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I tried to put some of it in the Purex bottle just like the blogger I got this from did, (it really looked nice)...yeah, that didn't work. The soap separated from the other ingredients and no matter what I did, (shaking, rolling, subtracting amounts,) it still separated itself. Since I only had a very small amount of OxyClean left, I decided to just pour that in with the mix, (it wasn't enough to amount to anything,) and use the OxyClean container and it seemed to work much better. The rest of it is kept in a large bucket with a tight lid until I need some more. I'm going to keep track of how long this batch lasts. Some say theirs can last 6 months to a year, but we are a family of 5, so we shall see how it goes. I am fairly certain it will still last longer and be more cost effective than continuing to buy detergent from the store.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLPihdFHjPo/UFiKvBR-9gI/AAAAAAAAAMk/aoRIXrEi4CA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gLPihdFHjPo/UFiKvBR-9gI/AAAAAAAAAMk/aoRIXrEi4CA/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a>It only takes 2 TBS of this detergent per load to use. Yes, you read that right...2 Tablespoons! That is exactly one coffee scoop full. Keep in mind that it doesn't suds as much as store bought brands, so don't be tempted to keep adding more. Suds are not necessary for cleanliness. From what I have read, this detergent recipe is also safe to use in HE washers and front loading washers. But, don't quote me on that since my washer is neither.<br />
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So far, we have been pretty satisfied with our clothes. They come out clean, smell GREAT, and are pretty soft considering I haven't used fabric softener since starting this new detergent. The only thing that didn't come out as soft were the towels. I may continue to add fabric softener when washing towels, and when I run out of what I have, I will probably switch over to vinegar as my softener since it is also more natural. <br />
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Don't be afraid to try homemade laundry detergent! I am glad I tried it and I think you might be, too. <br />
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God bless!<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-48401511915308429202012-09-17T19:07:00.001-07:002012-09-17T19:07:08.211-07:00Back in Action!!When we dropped Direct TV and our Knology accounts, they immediately closed the email account. Immediately. So, I have had to go through and change everything and I'm still working on it. I couldn't access my blog because it was under the old Knology address. I tried to change my email in my Google account but they won't allow gmail addresses. Go figure. The cable guy forgot to leave us the access code to set up an email account through our new provider, so we had to wait for it, taking even longer before I could finally get back to blogging. <br />
But, I am officially back in action!!! Woohoo!! Now, if you will excuse me, please...I've got some blog posts to write. :) <br />
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God Bless!!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-71205858210344195662012-09-02T12:04:00.001-07:002012-09-02T12:04:42.005-07:00Reorganizing: Master Bathroom StorageIf you haven't read my <a href="http://www.threekidsandwe.blogspot.com/2012/09/dont-judge-me-my-before-reorganizing.html">Don't Judge Me: My 'Before' Reorganizing Story</a>, then make sure you take time to do so either before or after checking out this post...it will help make sense of things.<br />
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We don't have a very big master bathroom. (We don't have a very big
house.) And in a small bathroom, there is even less room for storage.
Add 2 years of not doing anything to help, (like I said...read the linked post), you
get this: <br />
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I know, right!?! Hide your children's eyes, gasp, scream...but, I hope you can at least appreciate how hard it is to share the ugly truth with you. <br />
Yes, that is plastic wrap in there. I had to wrap my bandaged knee after my surgery and never took it back out...I just didn't want it back in the kitchen after being in the bathroom...know what I mean? And all the medication just laying around...again, read the Don't Judge Me article. This is what happened. But, as you can see, there is NOTHING functional and peaceful about this space. <br />
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So...on a Dollar Tree kind of budget, that's where I headed. I picked up several little baskets and utilized some we already had around the house. I threw away or recycled a bunch of stuff. Bunches and bunches. And it felt good.<br />
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My husband's items are organized on the left, and my things are organized on the right. There is a basket for unopened/unused items, (I found 3 unopened deodorant containers!), a basket for lotions and perfumes, a basket for bandages and ointment, and storage containers for other things and that hide all the o.t.c. medication a little better. Those containers were actually already there, but they weren't very accessible. (I properly disposed of the prescription meds that were outdated & irrelevant~and there was a lot because I don't like taking medication, so most bottles were pretty full.)<br />
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Now, I'm not Martha Stewart, and this space will keep improving as our budget allows and I get more ideas, but here is the after:</div>
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There's even room, now, for my Thirty One bags that I keep my hair and makeup supplies in. (Before, they had to sit on the counter, taking up valuable space.) I would still like it to look a little less crowded, but for now, say it with me..."Much Better!"<br />
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I also reorganized the only other storage compartment in the bathroom, a small cabinet that we purchased about 2 years into our marriage. It has served its purpose well. I didn't get 'before' pictures of it, but it wasn't much better than the previous space. I put all of my nail polish and related items in a basket and moved
it to the bottom open shelf. (My daughter, Sweet Pea, specifically
asked where it was), and stored the toilet paper on the top shelf where it's a little more covered. <br />
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For the shelves behind the door, I used a couple of baskets-one to store feminine items and one for sample/travel items. That seems to make the space flow much better than a bunch of boxes and bottles laying around.<br />
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I really like my bathroom space now. It's not perfect and like I said, will be evolving, but I can breathe easier and smile more with a space that's organized, functional, accessible, and sensible-to me. And that, my friends, is what it's all about.<br />
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God bless!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-47995915485069558602012-09-01T18:36:00.000-07:002012-09-01T18:36:13.116-07:00Don't Judge Me: My 'Before' Reorganizing StoryOkay, blogger friends, I have been in full-on, Pinterest inspired, reorganization mode, lately. But, before I can blog about it and before you see the 'before' pictures, I say...don't judge me, please!<br />
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A. I was not born with my mother's natural organizing skills. It has always been, and still is, a struggle for me to stay organized. I don't know why. <br />
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B. Some of the 'before' picture areas weren't always THAT bad. I did try. But, here's what happened...<br />
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1. Pregnancy. Yep, in late summer of 2010 and at 38 years of age, I found out we were expecting our third child...Sunshine. And for me, that means 6months minimum of at least a moderate-not mild-moderate level of all-day-long morning sickness. This round had the extra perks of a constant headache, often turning into an immobilizing migraine. Somewhere around the 34 or 35 week point, I was put on bed rest because of early labor contractions. You better believe no organizing happened during that whole time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was all I was allowed to do at Sweet Pea's birthday party. </td></tr>
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2. In my 9th month of pregnancy, about 2 or 3 days after I was taken off of bed rest of course, I broke my ankle. I stepped off of our back deck. But, that's not how it broke. I took a couple of steps on flat yard and my right ankle just twisted, breaking a chip of a bone. (This really isn't surprising to people who know me, lol.) Thankfully, it was a clean break in a place that would heal itself in time and didn't require anything other than me using a walker for a couple of weeks and wearing a boot for a little while. Nevertheless, it hurt, bad. All the extra, unbalanced, weight did NOT help. No organizing happened. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For Easter, I decorated the walker with bows...oh, yes I did! </td></tr>
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3. After little Sunshine was born in late April 2011, I had increasing pain in my left knee and it kept trying to pop out of place. It had been hurting for a while, but when I fell, obviously my left leg overcompensated a lot to make up for the weak left ankle. I think that just caused further damage in my knee, which resulted in surgery that October and physical therapy for several weeks after that. You guessed it...still no organizing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jalNm-yztdk/UEKpRC6tt-I/AAAAAAAAAIE/umKjJD1KpOY/s1600/Lily%2527s+birth+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jalNm-yztdk/UEKpRC6tt-I/AAAAAAAAAIE/umKjJD1KpOY/s320/Lily%2527s+birth+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine on her birth day. </td></tr>
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4. But, the last reason is why I think my house just stayed unorganized and got worse over time. After Sunshine was born and the newness wore off, I really just didn't care about anything. I continued to homeschool and care for my children, but all I wanted to do was...nothing, except maybe sleep. Or, cry. I wanted to cry and did quite often. I had no idea why I felt that way and often wanted to escape. I kept telling my husband that maybe if I just went away for a weekend all by myself, that would help me. But, with three children, one being a baby, that didn't happen. This went on for months. Through the surgery, through Christmas, and deep into 2012. I put up a good front, or at least I tried. Facebook posts were positive and funny, and I think I even got some blogging done. But, on the inside, I was really bothered by the whole thing. It just wasn't me. Somewhere around April or May of this year, I finally called my ob/gyn and scheduled a regular checkup and planned to talk to her about this, but the earliest appointment I could get was at least 3 months away in August. But, somewhere in the middle of that waiting, (and doing a lot of praying), I read an article about someone's experience with post-partum depression. Ding, ding, ding!!! Finally, everything made sense. I had never experienced post-partum depression before, and I don't suffer from depression in general, so I really had no idea what was going on with me until that moment. And, honestly, it was like a heavy burden suddenly lifted. The depression didn't leave immediately, but either it was about to end naturally, or just realizing what was going on caused it to fade away. (Or maybe both?) Of course, by the time I was ready and willing to care for myself and my house again, which was just in the past month, it was a wreck!!!! (Yes, 2 years of almost no organizing activity!) And of course, non-naturally organized people have no idea where to start, but Pinterest helped with that. <br />
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So, when you see some of the pictures I managed to remember to take in the 'before' stages, I say...don't judge me, please. Just look at the 'after' and realize how much I'm smiling now. <br />
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God bless!<br />
<br /><br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-9386894608718492692012-08-25T15:46:00.001-07:002012-08-25T15:46:51.488-07:00Enough Said Saturday: The Art of Sweet Pea<br />
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When she was three, the world was her canvas. Enough Said.<br />
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-4179529364849722582012-08-18T18:29:00.001-07:002012-08-18T18:29:17.869-07:00Back in the Books!!We officially started our new school year this week, on Monday, August the 13th. Since the 1st day of Buddy's Kindergarten year, a '1st day' tradition began. I wrap up some of their school workbooks, new supplies, and a few fun surprises and let my little students open them up to begin our 1st day. The kiddos love this and it makes what might seem boring, a little more exciting. So, here are a few pictures to capture our 'gifts of education'. <br />
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Sweet Pea & Buddy waiting to open up</div>
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Buddy finding a fingerprint art kit</div>
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He is super excited to get more of these books. He hasn't put them down!</div>
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Sweet Pea excited about her new Math U See workbook. (We are all excited about this curriculum!)</div>
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She also got a couple of books and very quickly found her way in my lap for me to read them to her. </div>
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Not to be left out, Sunshine also received some 'school supplies.' </div>
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She got new books, too. She loves to read. We just can't understand her, yet.</div>
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I also make signs that say "1st Day of __ Grade" and have the kiddos pose with their signs. For some reason, I had the signs ready but the pictures did not happen. So, I will have them pose this coming week and we will just 'pretend' it's the first day. But, it's a great way to capture how they change from year to year. </div>
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Children (at least in America), HAVE to go to school, it's not an option. But, whether they stay at home or go to a traditional style of school, education is truly a gift. So, make it fun! If you have any fun ways of celebrating the start of the school year, leave a comment and share them with us. </div>
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God bless! </div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-72103328481574163212012-08-18T17:14:00.001-07:002012-08-18T17:14:22.645-07:00Enough Said Saturday: Weeeeee!!! <div style="text-align: center;">
Sunshine's first time in the swing. Enough said. </div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-64857686856566690352012-08-11T06:47:00.003-07:002012-08-11T06:47:57.188-07:00Catching Up...I know, I know! It's been a little while since I've blogged about anything. I have been in full-on, Pinterest inspired, reorganization mode around the house. And trust me, if you knew how bad it was, you would understand. I have been taking pictures, though, and will blog about it as soon as I get it all finished, just the way I want it. <br />
I have also been busy getting ready to start our new homeschool year. I've been reviewing and looking over all of the curriculum I've chosen, planing our days, preparing the paperwork required for our umbrella school, and gathering supplies. Whew! <br />
So, I apologize for neglecting my blog recently. But, I promise, there will be posts soon!! <br />
Until then...<br />
God bless!!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-20007773787908721832012-07-20T18:25:00.000-07:002012-07-20T18:29:32.139-07:00No Funnies on this Friday: In the wake of a tragedyThere just isn't anything funny about this Friday. Last night, a 24 year old man walked into a sold out movie theater in Aurora, Colorado and within minutes, 12 people were dead and dozens were injured. My heart is heavy for everyone involved, and the community as a whole. I have seen differing views of this tragedy in regards to media and gun laws, all with valid points. But, we all agree that is was a horrible, senseless act of violence. In the end, no amount of arguing and debating about the what if's will change what has already happened. I do believe in the power of prayer, and more than ever, we need to be praying for the individuals and families affected by this tragedy and the community as they mourn the losses of loved ones and try to make sense of something that will never make sense. Like I said, there just isn't anything funny about this Friday.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-88933381153908749822012-07-14T09:52:00.000-07:002012-07-14T09:52:03.672-07:00Enough Said Saturday~A Love Affair<div style="text-align: center;">
A girl and her chocolate. Enough said.</div>
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<br /></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-77676927267238495762012-07-13T19:56:00.002-07:002012-07-13T19:56:40.983-07:00Funnies on Fridays: Cow Appreciation Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my family's favorite 'holidays' is the annual <a href="http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Cows/Appreciation-Day">Chick-fil-a:Cow Appreciation Day</a>. It's the one day a year that you get to dress up
like a cow and get your food for free. <br />
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<i>Three of the cutest little calves you'll ever see.</i></div>
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The first year we participated, (before Sunshine was born), I printed out the designs that the CFA website offers and just taped it to our shirts. It worked, but I decided to 'beef' it up a little this year by cutting out felt pieces and doing a quick hand-stitch. This makes it easy to remove later without leaving a lot of holes. The ears are just pinned on to headbands, scrunchies, (and a ninja mask~his choice), with safety pins. </div>
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<i>"Will moo for food!"</i> </div>
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Then, we 'hoofed' it on over, via the minivan, to join the other cows on this wonderful day of celebration. The clerks behind the counter even rang the cowbell when we walked in. It was so much fun to see all of the other herds that came in while we were there, each with their own branding. I would say that the entire meal order being free was the best part, but it wasn't. The best part was making fun traditions and fun memories with my little ones. There may come a day when they think they are 'too cool' to dress up, so I'm going to enjoy it every year that I can while it lasts. </div>
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Whether you dress everyone up like a cow or not, I urge you to make fun traditions with your family that they will remember long afterwards. I will leave you with one more picture...</div>
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<i>The whole "Three Kids & We" herd</i></div>
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If you can't laugh at yourself, laugh at me!! </div>
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God bless!</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-6984742604135035142012-07-12T10:11:00.000-07:002012-07-12T10:11:05.839-07:00My 2012-2013 Curriculum list and a few wishesIf you homeschool, or ever have, you know that there comes a time, every year, when you have to plan for the next year. For me, I start evaluating, researching, and planning after Christmas because I want to know exactly what I'm doing and exactly what I'm going to need before all those wonderful used curriculum sales start, come spring time. <br />
For this next year, our math curriculum is being totally switched up. While I'm excited about what it will offer my children, I confess that I'm totally nervous. It's a whole new concept and style of learning than neither my children or myself are used to. Language Arts and spelling will also be different this year, and...I'm also adding a foreign language to the mix. Yay, me, lol!<br />
So, here's what we will be doing when school starts...<br />
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<a href="http://www.mathusee.com/">Math U See</a> for both children at their appropriate levels <br />
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<a href="http://www.queenhomeschool.com/productpages/Language%20Lessons/Elementary%20Child.html">Language Lessons for the Elementary Child</a> by Sandi Queen (for the 8yo)<br />
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Explode the Code, Bob Books, and other readers (for the 6yo)<br />
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<a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-spelling">All About Spelling</a> for both children<br />
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Various real books and other reading material for the 8yo<br />
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The Holy Bible for both children (although I'm still looking for a specific curriculum) <br />
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<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/reason-handwriting-homeschool-guidebook-all-ages/9780936785813/pd/785810?event=1016ARF%7C1188280%7C87439">A Reason For Handwriting</a> for both children (continuing with print for the 6yo and continuing cursive for the 8yo) <br />
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<a href="http://g.christianbook.com/g/slideshow/3/337010/main/337010_1_ftc_dp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day: Exploring Creation with Zoology 1" border="0" height="200" src="http://g.christianbook.com/g/slideshow/3/337010/main/337010_1_ftc_dp.jpg" width="153" /></a><a href="http://www.apologia.com/">Apologia's</a> Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day and Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day for both children. The 8yo will do the Junior Notebooking Journals that go along with them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.welltrainedmind.com/store/the-story-of-the-world-vol-4-the-modern-age-hardback.html">Story of the World Vol. 4: The Modern Age</a> for both children<br />
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<a href="http://www.memoriapress.com/descriptions/prima.htm">Prima Latina</a> for the 8yo<br />
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The Usborne Piano Course Book One for both children<br />
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Since I homeschool on a budget, I'll leave a few things I wish I could be using and may incorporate if/when I get the money...<br />
<a href="http://www.wechoosevirtues.com/shop/images/3071/Picture21.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="cboxPhoto" src="http://www.wechoosevirtues.com/shop/images/3071/Picture21.gif" style="border: medium none; display: block;" width="197" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-spelling">All About Reading</a> ($99)<br />
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<a href="http://www.wechoosevirtues.com/">We Choose Virtues</a> character training ($70~$100) <br />
An extra Math U See Manipulative set ($35) so they can have their own sets or extras<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.rosettastone.com/selp03?pc=sefreeship12&cid=se-gg-5paybr3&gclid=CP_elerJlLECFQbonAodug9j3g#drpdown">Rosetta Stone Spanish</a> ($100+)<br />
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Prima Latina instructional dvd (around $40ish)<br />
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A 5 bedroom/3 bathroom house with a wrap~around porch leading to a sun room, a big, flat, backyard, oh... and a bonus room...for our homeschool, of course, and a piano. (I did say it was my wish list, so, I'm wishing!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/416503/Minnetonka-Shingle-Style-traditional-exterior-minneapolis" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/416503_0_3-5075-traditional-exterior.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/exterior" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Traditional Exterior design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/minneapolis" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Minneapolis Architect</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/tea2architects/tea2-architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">TEA2 Architects</a></small></div>
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God bless!!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-88687440512880362282012-07-11T07:06:00.002-07:002012-07-11T07:13:57.383-07:00Homeschooling: What About Socialization?<br />
"What about socialization?" I believe this question is probably made the biggest deal out of. And it is a big deal, but not the way people think. Let me explain...<br />
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The definition of socialization from Dictionary.com is as follows: "noun 1. a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position." <br />
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Based on this definition of socialization, do I want the current public educational system to be the standard for which my children acquire their personal identities, norms, values, behavior, and social skills? Not really. Except for a few individuals within the government and political arena, our government of today is void of standards and values that reflect my worldview. (I'm not saying they have no standards or values~they just certainly don't reflect my own.) Even with all of the Christian teachers and leaders that are in the public school system, their hands are mostly tied behind their back when it comes to bringing any of their worldview into what they are teaching. I personally don't want my children learning to base their identity, norms, and values on a system void of any reflection of Christ. I have the wonderful opportunity to show Christ in all parts of my children's education. That Christ is part of it, not something separated from it. The study of Christ isn't something we should just be learning at church or aside from school work. It should be integrated into all parts of it. I can't force my children to choose Christ. Ultimately, that is their decision alone. But, I can show them how Christ is in everything we say and do, every part of our world.<br />
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In the public school system, evolution is taught as the norm, as if it is fact, not theory. As Christians, we believe in Creation, which isn't even allowed to be discussed in most public school systems. Sex Education, and the various lifestyles surrounding it, different religions, and other sensitive subjects are being taught and exposed to the children at younger and younger levels. It should be my decision on when my children learn about different lifestyles, beliefs, and certain facts of life, as I believe they can handle it, not the government's. It should be my decision, not the government's, on how and when I teach them about the world around us. What message then, are we sending to our children when we send them to an 'expert' to educate them, but then tell our children when they get home, that what they are being taught is wrong, according to what we believe ? Or try to explain something heavy to them that they were exposed to at school, that, as a parent, I know they are not ready to shoulder yet? No wonder children don't have a firm foundation on who they are or what they believe. Perhaps I home school because I don't want my child 'socialized,' not in this way.<br />
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What most people mean by the word 'socialization' is the interaction with others and opportunity to make friends with others. Most people want to label home school kids as 'weird', or 'loners', 'socially inept.' I dare you to take a walk in any public high school hallway, or even a junior high school for that matter, and see how long it takes you to spot the 'loners' and 'weirdos'. You can even spot a few already developing in elementary schools. I would be willing to wager money that it won't take you very long, and I don't bet. I believe home life and/or school peers have more to do with being a 'loner' or a 'weirdo' than where or how a child is educated. School shootings and killing sprees are evidence of that. That being said, my children, as well as most homeschool children I know, are far from being lonely or being socially inept. <br />
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That thought brings me to the next point. I'm far from convinced that it is necessary for children to be forced to deal with bullying, teasing, and being stereotyped into a specific group, which often stays with you through the rest of your graded school years, as a 'normal' part of school and of growing up. In my own experience, it has no positive benefits. I was a skinny, buck-toothed girl growing up. Though my parents loved me very much, I was often made fun of by my school peers for being so skinny, among other things, to the point that I remember crying both during school and after school and it only got worse in the junior high grades. Once I hit high school, it wasn't so bad. But, because of the ridicule and rejection I had experienced for so many years, I constantly doubted myself and what others saw in me. I carried these feelings all the way through college. In fact, it made for a rocky start when I first started dating my husband and through his efforts and the wonderful grace of God, I have been finally able to shrug that lack of confidence and self doubt. (Although it tries to creep back in every so often.) I don't believe for a minute that any of this was necessary, except that I might have more understanding for others in that situation.<br />
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One of the frequently asked questions on the Focus on the Family website is, "Do you think home schooling might negatively impact the socialization process?" James Dobson had a lot to say on this issue, but this quote sums up my feelings on the current matter, "If acquainting them with ridicule, rejection, physical threats, and the rigors of the pecking order is necessary to socialize our children, I'd recommend that we keep them unsocialized for a little longer."<br />
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For the most part, (just as there are 'weirdos' in the school system, there are a few being home schooled too,) home schooled children are very well rounded and adjusted among their peers. Home school students are privy to all kinds of activities where they can learn to interact and become friends with others. They are usually busy with some kind of sport activity, music, dancing, 4H clubs, Boy/Girl Scouts, church...you name it, they do it. Home school kids are exposed to a wide variety cultures, backgrounds, family dynamics, and other situations that will help expose them to the wide world we live in. There are home school cooperatives, known as 'co-ops', that many home school students attend with others in a class-like setting. In fact, studies conducted over several years are now showing that home school students are actually more confident with themselves, more socially adjusted, and less peer dependent than their traditionally schooled counterparts. Contrary to popular opinion, home school is more than just sitting at the kitchen table. It is a very busy and active lifestyle that takes education out of the doors and into the real world. While traditionally schooled students are put in a class, behind a desk, for several hours a day with same age peers and not given much opportunity to interact with different ages, home school students often take classes and participate in activities with many different ages, giving them the social advantage of learning how to interact with peers of different ages and interests from early on, which I'd say is better preparation for the 'real world.' (I've yet to work in a job where they separated us by age, have you?)<br />
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To wrap up all the questions, I am in no way saying any of this is true of EVERY public school student or EVERY home school student. There are always exceptions to the rule, both for the good and the worse of the situations. I just want you, whoever you are reading this, to know that there is more to home schooling than what is on the surface. It is hard work, but, so is everything worthwhile in life. Even if you don't feel a calling to home school, educate yourself on it. There are a ton of good books out there on the subject of homeschooling. I will try to post a list of some of my favorites that you may find helpful to understanding this way of life. I'm sure you can find them in your local library, or from a friendly home schooling parent, so you don't have to purchase them.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-16429744690338945712012-07-10T11:32:00.002-07:002012-07-10T11:32:29.921-07:00Homeschooling: Missed Opportunities?<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Homeschooling: Aren't my children missing out on opportunities?
</h3>
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"Aren't my children missing out on opportunities?" This question was certainly a forerunner in our own list of concerns we had when deciding to homeschool. It is definitely something not to
be taken lightly when deciding on how to educate your children.
Ultimately, there are advantages and disadvantages to both sides of this
issue. In the end, you have to decide what opportunities are worth
giving up for the other opportunities, and which ones are not optional.
Obviously, this is a very personal decision because each child and each
family are going to be different, have different goals, values, etc. <br />
<br />
One
of the biggest opportunities that parents are often concerned about is
sports. If I home school my child, then he won't have the opportunity to
play on team sports and he also might miss out on a scholarship. I will
admit, this was a concern within my own household. However, if you know
myself or my husband, then you know that neither one of us went to
college on a sports scholarship. I would actually much rather my
children go to college on an academic scholarship because, in my
opinion, intelligence is more profitable than physical ability in the
long run. Just to be noted, many Ivy League colleges and universities
and other very elite schools are specifically seeking home schooled
students out and recruiting them to attend their schools. This is
because on average, home school students are mature, independent
thinking, creative, and oh yes, perform above the national averages on
the ACT and SAT. <br />
<br />
There are also other venues to play on a
sports team than just through a traditional school setting. Upward
Sports is a great way to get your young child involved and their are
leagues and other teams for the older child. Home school children are
often eligible to play on private or public school teams, as well. (We
do still pay taxes for public education, so I don't feel a bit guilty
about this.) Tim Tebow was home schooled all the way through high
school. A local private school allowed him to play on their football
team, he was recruited by University of Florida, and achieved the
Heisman Trophy as a college sophomore. <br />
<br />
What about band,
homecoming, and proms? Home school students have all of these. Well,
maybe not homecomings. But, they have winter formals and other
alternatives. Home school students also have opportunities that
their traditional schooled counterparts may not have. Did you know that
many local community colleges welcome home school students to take part
in their classes, as well? A high school level home school student can
graduate from high school with an associates degree, at the same time!!
(We happen to be friends with one such young lady!) They can also take
their dance lessons, music lessons, swimming lessons, and other lessons
during the day, instead of trying to work them around after school, home
work, and other after school activities. It is part of their education,
not something thrown in extra, if you can manage the time. The world is
their classroom! Every outing can be a field trip, an educational
experience. Oh, yeah...and way too much fun!<br />
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Because we are home
schooling, we didn't have to fit our vacation somewhere between June and
July, when everyone else has to fit there's in. We are actually on
vacation right now, the week after Labor Day. Since President Obama
recently went on what he called a 'working vacation,' I'm going to call
ours a 'schooling vacation.' We took Buddy's basic school lessons with
us, then used the great out doors, and our other visits we decided to
take, as hands-on learning time. (Our "sit down" lessons only took about
an hour, so don't feel too sorry for him. Sweet Pea had not yet started schooling and Sunshine was not even thought about when this was originally written.) We all observed a turtle in
it's natural habitat, went to a museum about the local history of
Waynesville, NC, then we spent a whole day on a 'field trip' to
Cherokee, NC to learn about the history and culture of the Native
American Indians. Who knows where our 'schooling vacation' will take us before
it's all over! What student is going to complain about a week of school like that? *(This actually happened a couple of years ago, now.)*<br />
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I
could go on, but I hope you get the idea that home schooled students
may miss out on a few opportunities, but there are so many more
opportunities out there for them, they really aren't missing anything at
all.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-59059384933529169892012-07-10T08:32:00.002-07:002012-07-10T09:00:47.237-07:00The Complete Idiot's Guide To Couponing GiveawayAre you overwhelmed by the coupon guru's out there? How do they do it? I love to save money and use coupons, but I confess...I am not a coupon diva. I have often wanted to sit at the feet of one and glean their knowledge about how they work the coupon world. Well, <a href="http://www.anniam.com/">Ann I Am</a> is giving away a free copy of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Couponing" to the winning contestant!!! This book has lots of tips and advice to help any novice learn how to make the most out of couponing and save LOTS of money. And who doesn't want to save money??? Enter here today!! (I already did!!)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2e635b30/" id="rc-2e635b30" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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</script></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-5687464993773133762012-07-10T08:16:00.000-07:002012-07-10T08:16:55.811-07:00Funky Monkey Snacks Giveaway (for kids of all ages!)If you have kiddos, then I know you are always looking for that healthy AND yummy snack to give them. Funky Monkey Snacks sounds like the perfect combination. They are freeze-dried fruit snacks with no extra additives, preservatives, or as I call it...'junk.' They come in a variety of flavors and are individually packed. My friend at <a href="http://www.anniam.com/">Ann I Am</a> will give away a set of these delicious snacks to one lucky winner!! To enter this giveaway, click on <a href="http://www.anniam.com/2012/06/funky-monkey-great-health-snacks-for.html#.T_w-FPW9x_N">Ann I Am: Funky Monkey Snacks Giveaway</a>. They also make a great healthy snack choice for adults. Try them today and enter the contest to win them for free!! Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1916158676305089103.post-32683130410490079602012-07-09T13:20:00.000-07:002012-07-09T13:21:53.773-07:00To Answer the Question: Qualifications<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
HomeSchooling: Am I qualified? </h3>
Inevitably, when I first tell someone that I home school, they usually start asking all sorts of questions. I really don't mind them, though, because how do any of us learn about something if we don't ask? I asked myself some of these same questions before making the final decision.<br />
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There are almost as many questions about home schooling, as there are homeschoolers. But, I'm going to focus this series on what I feel are the three most frequently asked questions. You also have to remember that these are my answers and my opinions. Although many of my answers are based on a lot of studying I have done to prepare my heart and mind for this mission, (my basis for answers are not just random and made up), and there are many who share my thoughts and views, ultimately, I'm only speaking for myself.<br />
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I also want to share something with you up front. Although I choose not to use the public school system, I do not believe that everyone should pull their children out the public school system and start home schooling. I sincerely believe that as a Christian, home schooling is a calling from God. I applause the Christian teachers that are out there in the class rooms every day, teaching and guiding the leaders of tomorrow. I also support the children that are in these classes as well. I shudder to think about a public school system void of all Christians. Schools are a wide open mission field, ripe for the picking. If all the Christian teachers and students would consistently stand firm in their faith and live out their faith for others to see, we would see a change unlike no other. So, the answers I give are not necessarily against those going and working in public schools. It's just perhaps, a view to the other side of the spectrum. An understanding of the other side of the story. So...<br />
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"If I don't have an education degree, am I qualified to home school?" We could even take this further and ask, "If I don't have a formal college education, or a college degree, am I qualified to home school?" I'm sure these questions alone have brought doubt and confusion to many home schooling parents, and perhaps, have caused a few to not do it at all. Therefore, I think this question is worth addressing.<br />
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Education degrees are vital and important and not to be taken lightly. I believe the overall purpose of an education degree (but not the only one) is to prepare the teacher to instruct several students at a time on a specific subject, in a designated amount of time. A degree does not mean they have to be an expert in all areas of education. Let's say the average teacher has 20 students per class. At the beginning of the year, she (and I'm going to use She to make it easy, but the He's are not forgotten), probably doesn't know much more about the students than the names on her list. And each of these students are beautifully different than the rest. They have different interests and learning styles, not to mention how different each family and home situation is. The government and school system tell the teacher what must be taught throughout the year, (not to mention the government decides when/what grade levels certain things are to be taught and what curriculum to use), and each lesson is given a specific amount of time to go over. This teacher also has to keep in her head that the test results of her students at the end of the year are seen, not only as a reflection of the student, but of the teacher, as well. This my friends, is not an easy undertaking, and that's just the "tip of the iceberg" of teacher responsibilities. This is why I support teachers and feel they are among the most underpaid professions in our world today. This is why they need an education degree.<br />
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ADHD. Their minds are ready to go go go, and they have to wait wait wait. At home, when I know my child fully understands and grasps a concept, we can just keep on moving at his speed, not someone else's, or someone else's system. It doesn't take a college educated person to do this. Just a parent, that knows their own child. <br />
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I know many college educated people that don't have any sense to them. I also happen to know several people, who never earned a 4 year college degree, who could better teach than some others. My parents and in-laws, for example. None of them have 4 year degrees. But, I believe they can teach my children how to learn many necessary concepts, such as math, spelling, reading, writing, history, etc. They are among some of the smartest people I know. My parents helped me with my homework and come to understandings that I didn't grasp in the hour of class at school designated for that subject. I can say for certainty that my in-laws are no exception to that. I have even witnessed them helping grandchildren learn. Teaching your own children doesn't take a degree. It takes understanding your child, a willingness to help them be the best they can be, and a love for your child that no teacher will ever have. The perks...you learn along with them! There is always something new to learn. Education and learning should be a lifestyle, not just a means to an end.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10195339612474039175noreply@blogger.com0