tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17864573313758114312024-02-19T00:53:29.255-06:00Present in Each MomentBlu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-59068440594742048042016-04-01T23:34:00.000-05:002016-04-07T14:06:46.447-05:00A New Year, A New Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey look... Another post I forgot to actually post. It snowed here in Wa this winter. That made me so happy! </div>
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If anyone is still reading this old blog. I'm thinking about making weekly blog posting one of my new habits. I know a daily post situation isn't happening right now, but weekly seems super reasonable. Is anyone out there still reading?</div>
<br />Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-29863804353254333062015-07-11T23:46:00.004-05:002015-07-11T23:48:29.479-05:00annnnd... I fell apartHave you ever been lost? How about alone and creeped out late at night?<br />
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I remember one time when I was walking home from youth group at like 10 pm in late fall. I grew up in northern Arizona. It is the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world. We have ski resorts up there. It isn't what people typically think of when they think of Arizona. Anyway, in the fall, the air becomes really crisp and it gets REALLY quiet at night. I should also mention that we had black bears, coyotes, and a lot of skunks in my neighborhood. I chose to walk home rather than call my parents to pick me up, because I was angry (about something stupid probably... I was THAT kind of teenager. Sorry Mom!) and I needed to blow off steam. I didn't realize that a couple of miles in the stillness with some pretty big fears could be such a panic creating thing. It was. As I was walking, I realized there were no cars out, there were hardly any lights, and no one knew I was out there. I felt so alone walking down the roads of empty summer homes. I was afraid I would run into a bear. It was the time of year they were desperate to finish fattening up, so they were coming into the neighborhood more to get into trash cans. I thought I might be able to scare off the skittish coyotes, and I was making enough noise shuffling my feat to not scare the skunks. I was the only noise in the neighborhood. There haven't been many nights since then that I have heard such stillness and quiet back home. It was as if the world was quiet with anticipation of some great moment. All I could feel was fear. I am NOT a fan of the dark. Really terrible things have happened in my life in the dark. I really shouldn't have made the choice to put myself out there. With each few steps, I let my fears take deeper root and start to twist my perceptions. It was as if trees twisted into terrifying shapes. Each leaf caught by the slight breeze caught my eye. <br />
Have you ever had that alone and paranoid feeling? It makes your heart pound, and your stomach drop. It makes you stop thinking clearly, and forget any boldness you once had. It could completely consume you if you let it. <br />
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It has been probably 17 years since that night, and I had completely forgotten about it.... until 2 weeks ago. Since I moved to Washington, I didn't realize how much I had given into my fears. It hasn't been the same fears as that night; but rather loneliness, worry about my marriage, feelings of inadequacy as a parent, hopelessness, and lack of faith. The strange thing is that one day I realized that I was being consumed by my fears, and my mind immediately flashed back to that moment so many years ago. It was the same physiological response. <br />
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I suppose it is true that every experience we go through teaches us something we will use later. This was one of those moments that statement was true. When I had experienced that fear earlier, I calmed my fears by singing every hymn I could remember from our Lutheran hymnal. I sang songs we had taught the children in VBS. I sang church camp songs. I sang through my neighborhood and by the time I got home, I was freezing cold and very happy. Part of the way through my songs, I had realized that I wasn't seeking the Lord about my fears. I had completely forgotten every verse I KNEW about not fearing, or about His protection. The words of those hymns had soothed my soul and pointed my heart heavenward. As I sang, I prayed words of praise. I was so thankful for that beautiful, peaceful night and the chance to have quiet worship. I completely forgot about anything that had almost pulled me under moments earlier. It was amazing. That transformation was something I remembered clearly in the moment the memory had flooded my mind this month. I was in the same situation of letting my fear consume me, and all I needed to do was remember to whom I belonged. I needed to remember that my purpose is not to wallow in self pity and hide in my home. I needed to get out and live my life of worship. <br />
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I am trying to spend more moments in gratitude. Even times when I am feeling so much fear and uncertainty, I am trying to seek the Lord and his peace. Singing those same hymns have brought me so much peace and hope. Obviously I needed to be reminded that I have been walking off the path I should be. I have been making choices that have put me in the dark. I have pushed everyone away so that I am alone in the dark. I needed to remember that I am not a victim and I am the one who chooses how things affect me. I am very fortunate to have some friends who have reminded me of that as well. <br />
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I feel like I am finally walking back into the light. Fear is still here, but it isn't consuming me. My friend reminded me that I am not going to drown. I don't know if I have found hope, but I have found gratitude.<br />
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So there we are. I thought I was going to be this great blogger and write really interesting and fun things the whole year my husband is gone. I didn't expect to fall apart and then blither for an unusually long time on my blog. It is a process, I guess. Maybe I will learn something from my failed blogging attempts, and one day offer you a really interesting and useful blog. In the mean time, thank you. Thank you for sticking with me, for taking some time to read about my experiences. <br />
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Blessings,<br />
MandyBlu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-35923997315859165572015-05-04T23:57:00.000-05:002015-05-04T23:57:53.632-05:00This is the new "normal"Yesterday, my world changed. I said goodbye to my beloved for a year and put him on a plane headed toward the Middle East. As he walked out of sight beyond the checkpoints, this strange thing happened. It felt as if all of the air was completely sucked out of my lungs. Normally, when I feel dread or another strong emotion, it feels like a drop in the pit of my stomach. This was different. For a moment, there was no air, no way for me to breathe. I was trying to hold it together for the children, but it came in waves. <br />
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We walked to the escalator, *no air.* </div>
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We walked to the parking garage, *no air.* </div>
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We got into the van, *no air.* </div>
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We got onto the freeway, *no air.* </div>
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We walked into the house without him, *no air.* </div>
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Every step I took was farther away from him.</div>
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I still catch myself, and remind myself to fight for that breath.</div>
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It isn't like this is our first time being apart. We spent almost 2 1/2 years apart in the early years of his Army career. We have spent months apart. When we added it up this last year, we haven't spent even half of our marriage together because he has been gone for military related things. It felt completely bizarre to be so affected by this separation. </div>
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The thing is... We haven't had an easy marriage. We have struggled through a lot of not so wonderful things to get to this point. We have had a wonderful couple of years, though. These last 2 years have definitely been my favorite as far as my marriage is concerned. I love my husband so much more than I could have imagined several years ago. I think that is probably why it hurts the way it does. </div>
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I am going to have some extra time in the evenings for a while.... so I am going to post more. I'll put my discombobulated thoughts out into the world, and hope that every once in a while, I can be an encouragement, or can be someone to relate to. </div>
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Today, I am just being someone who is coping. </div>
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I am determined to make this year worthwhile. My amazing husband is making this sacrifice so that we can have this life. I refuse to not let it inspire us to do our best each day.</div>
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For anyone out there who is hanging in there with me, thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read about my day. </div>
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Tomorrow, I will tell you about my move to the most beautiful place I have ever lived. </div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Mandy</div>
Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-48182816693966926552015-01-03T19:44:00.001-06:002015-01-03T19:51:23.321-06:00GoalsI have a lot of really big things happening this year. I feel like I am standing at the bottom of a really huge mountain, getting my gear ready to climb. Only a week ago, I would have told you that there is NO WAY I could make it to the top, that I could never find out what is on the other side. Fortunately, I have great friends who challenge me, and hold me accountable for things when I am feeling incapable. <br />
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Here are the challenges from friends that I have accepted for this month:<br />
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*Do a book club challenge. This is what we are reading. It is great! It has both cleaning and heart related challenges. I am on day 3, and I find it to be a good combination of encouragement and assignment. On a side note, I was encouraged by one of my dearest friends to start reading more, because it is always something that was a part of me. I am so glad she reminded me of who I am at my core. I read a book this afternoon, A.S. and it brought me serious joy. I don't think I will be feeling quite so desperate. ;-)<br />
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*Joining my bestie in encouragement, prayer, and fasting. We are keeping each other accountable for our attitudes as well as our to-do lists. We committed to not allow ourselves to have a rotten 2015. <br />
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*Working out on a regular basis. I have the best beach body coach...ever. This year I am saving my life and kicking butt. I actually lost weight over the holidays. That is how awesome beach body is. Now that I know what I have been missing, I plan on becoming completely addicted to my daily workout.<br />
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*Making church and Christian fellowship a priority. It is going to be one of those years that I really need to make sure I don't retreat into my shell and stop talking to people. I FINALLY found a church that we all really love, which makes me incredibly happy. Our next semester of PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel... a non-denominational Christian women's Bible study and service group) is about to begin, and I am not going to let myself become invisible there. I have been going for 2 years, and still have people I have had several classes with asking me if I am new. Nope... just quiet. I will be the one getting involved, volunteering, and helping others this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1mWuoateShaJavzHPYZ5n1WRj-_LDsCc5pm2CBn-Xza-P2dTf4BSdQaKLQRS2GGHZVdejp3yl-QQkFjq-I_TxjVdUN18uQaINAwC-ZYcuSBPJEs3AGmqGhWMwKv2UInB_yktFPMbi2Qf/s1600/10639480_847535255264706_4349794953600207142_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1mWuoateShaJavzHPYZ5n1WRj-_LDsCc5pm2CBn-Xza-P2dTf4BSdQaKLQRS2GGHZVdejp3yl-QQkFjq-I_TxjVdUN18uQaINAwC-ZYcuSBPJEs3AGmqGhWMwKv2UInB_yktFPMbi2Qf/s1600/10639480_847535255264706_4349794953600207142_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>*Blogging. This is kind of one that I am doing for myself a bit. I don't know if people actually read all this craziness, but I know that it helps me to get it all typed out. You are my therapy. Thank you. I can keep sharing pictures of my favorite people if I keep blogging. Seeeeeeeee....<br />
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*Blogging a once a week recap of school. One of my homeschooling friends who has children in preschool through college helped me reevaluate my homeschooling. I was surprised to hear how much more we do than most other families. It is encouraging to know that I am not just ruining my children. She thought it would help me to see the good things happening (looking over that failure wall) if I blogged about that. I'll try to keep my homeschooling craziness on my homeschooling blog. ;-)<br />
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So, even though I know I am still in a war with depression, and I have many more difficulties ahead of me, I am gearing up for the trip up the mountain. For the first time in a long time, I am looking forward to the view from the top. <br />
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Do you do resolutions or annual goals? Those who fear failure as I do, generally don't make resolutions knowing there is a chance they will be broken. You can't fail if you don't try, right? WRONG!!! You miss out on so much if you don't try. I've missed out on a lot.<br />
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My Sister-in-law reminded me that we need to live with no regrets. She is absolutely right. Looking back, feeling sorry for oneself, and regretting the past will do no one any good. <br />
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I need to have the accountability in place to keep going with positive things, so with challenges accepted, scheduled, and in process, I am ready to move FORWARD.<br />
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How can I encourage you in your goal making/keeping?<br />
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Let's move FORWARD together!!!<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Mandy<br />
#forward15
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If there is something I have always clung to... it is hope.<br />
It is something I always remind my struggling friends of. It is something I always remind my children of. It is something that I lost complete track of.<br />
Without hope, everything is dark. Darkness breeds scary things. It allows loneliness and depression to creep in and take over.<br />
It is completely consuming.<br />
I am not allowing it to rob me of joys in my life.<br />
I am not allowing it to keep me from being thankful for the great things I have.<br />
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My family isn't quitting. <br />
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I am not quitting.<br />
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There really is hope. <br />
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I needed to be reminded of that. I needed to be scolded a bit and prayed for a lot. I remembered that it is what keeps me going.<br />
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I was looking for hope in all the wrong places. Working towards impossible goals won't bring hope. <br />
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I am so thankful I have amazing people in my life to remind me of how truly blessed I am. In my hopeless state, I didn't even see a point in living. I feel like my eyes have been opened and I can see more clearly. Everything in life isn't going to be pretty or easy. It may be hard every day for the rest of my life. What has to change is my perspective. <br />
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Here is what I have to live for. Here is who I hope for....<br />
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Where does my hope come from???</div>
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My hope comes from the Lord.</div>
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He is the one who held my head above water, while I have felt about to drown this last year. He is the one who placed stubborn and encouraging friends in my life who refuse to give up on me. He is the one who extends me the grace I don't deserve, and reminds me to do the same with my family. He is the one I am turning to, focusing on, now. My hope comes from the Lord, and I hope one day soon my life brings Him glory.</div>
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It is happening. </div>
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#FORWARD15</div>
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Blessings, </div>
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Mandy</div>
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<br />Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-89594061220856491052015-01-01T21:06:00.002-06:002015-01-01T21:06:43.300-06:00FAILINGnotfailingFailure.<br />
There it is. My constant fear, my constant nemesis if you will. It haunts me in every area of my life. The little voice in the back of my head telling me that if it isn't perfect, it is failure.<br />
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Another year, barely blogged....<br />
<b>Failure.</b><br />
Another year struggling in homeschool...<br />
<b>Failure.</b><br />
Another year constantly working to change things in my marriage...<br />
<b>Failure.</b><br />
Another year, still fat and completely insecure...<br />
<b>Failure.</b><br />
Another year feeling like I am ruining my children....<br />
<b>Failure.</b><br />
Another year, barely holding on to my faith....<br />
<b>Failure.</b><br />
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What is this? <br />
It is like a wall. Each perceived failure becomes a brick in this wall that blocks my view of what great things are happening in my life. It's so much more than having blinders to the positive things, it is not being able to see them at all! All I can seem to see these days is the shortcomings. Life is so much more than that. We are so much more than the sum of things we don't excel at. We don't have to be perfect all the time. We can't!<br />
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Yeah, I didn't blog this year. I missed the last 10 years as well. No one is just DYING to know what is going on in our lives. It is okay if I keep my ramblings to myself for a year or two (or ten), right? I spent more time playing games (am I the only one addicted to Words with Friends?) with my husband online. That is what I needed. We had fun. I don't regret not focusing on blogging. I may actually have failed at that, but good came out of it.<br />
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The never ending homeschool struggle. Is there a book I read somewhere that made me think this would ever be easy? Being responsible for the education of four very different children is a lot of work. It is thankless work. They have the memories of parakeets. They get that from me. Do I double fail because of that? What I struggled to see was that J has an 'A' in math. My son, who used to cry every day for years about math, is succeeding. M is finally (FREAKING FINALLY) remembering his parts of speech. Who knew he needed hands on reinforcements. Homemade games work wonders! N is actually comprehending what he reads and listens to. Take that Colin Powell Preschool special ed department. Not only can he "function like a typical person," but he is thriving. A is taking off and finding her passions. She kicked dyslexia's butt and spends hours and hours READING. They are finding such huge successes. The day-to-day stuff is tough and we all get frustrated, but those things are huge... and that isn't even all of the major stuff they have accomplished.<br />
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I didn't expect to be married right now. I thought for sure, this was the year we would finally give in. The fact that we are still together, and that we are even stronger says an awful lot about the things I couldn't see in my marriage. There is not failure there. It feels that way sometimes. I am not the dream wife I have in my head. I still haven't <strike>tricked him into saying</strike> <strike>convinced him to say</strike> heard the three words I have longed to hear from my husband for more than 13 years.... "you are beautiful" My marital unicorn. I want to be whatever my husband thinks is beautiful. I am not. I may never be. There will always be that broken hole in my heart longing for those words to be spoken sincerely. I am working. I am working to become what I think he wants me to be. Someday.... Maybe everything I see over the wall still points to failing as a wife, but not failing in doing this marriage thing. Is that possible?<br />
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My children. They are amazing. They deserve better. That is an area I am constantly failing. There is no way to master this whole being a mother thing. There are always one million ways to approach any situation. I could have reacted differently to one situation, or been more proactive in another. I say hurtful things or enable helplessness. Moment by moment, I have to get on my tip toes to see over that dang wall and peek at the good things they learn from me. They are just the best people. If you haven't met them, you will someday. They are going to change our world.<br />
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Fat. Fat and insecure. That is a failing duo of dysfunction. I have a beach body coach. I have a plan. I have more determination than ever. I am failing, but I WILL NOT always be.<br />
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It is hard to see the good in so many complicated areas of our lives. I know I am not the only person who struggled in 2014. There are many, many reasons I chose the word of the year that I did. My word is FORWARD. I don't want to look back. I want to keep moving forward. I want to set better goals and never stop working to accomplish those goals. This is not the year for quitting anything. I have some things going on in my life that make me want to just lock myself in my room and cry all day. I absolutely will not let myself get to that point this year. This is not a year to be depressed. This is not a year to be thinking dark thoughts. This is not a year to dwell on the negatives. This is a year to move FORWARD.<br />
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It doesn't matter how much I failed or didn't fail in 2014. I am moving FORWARD in 2015, and nothing can stop me.<br />
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Won't you join me in my plan to make 2015 a year of FORWARD momentum?<br />
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Thank you for putting up with me.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Mandy #forward15Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-65860348873636732852014-06-11T19:23:00.000-05:002014-06-11T19:28:50.823-05:00Memory Making is BEAUTIFUL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the beginning of the year, my husband had to go to Virginia to attend a military school. He went last year, and I really missed out on a lot of experiences with him, so this year I asked if we could join him. Sending the whole family out for several months during school wouldn't be practical. We decided to fly the children and I out for his graduation. We figured we could take the children to D.C. and have a lot of really cool experiences. I have ALWAYS wanted to see the Smithsonian museums. I couldn't be more excited about the whole thing. We also decided to keep it a secret until the day we flew.</div>
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Most of the plans worked.</div>
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We told the children about the trip the day before we left, so that we could pack together. We flew out there without any issues. It was most of the children's first time on a plane! We were able to upgrade my husband's hotel room so that there was enough space for us. What made it really special was that my husband's sister and her family were able to come down for his graduation. They are a really fun family to be around, and I can't even tell you how SUPER excited the children were about having some cousin time. You know how every family has that one really fun couple that are totally creative and everyone wants to be around them? That's not us, that's them. It was so good to be with family. I wish so often that we could live closer. What made it EVEN MORE SPECIAL was that my Beloved's parents flew in as well. I don't know how it works in your family, but having parents present to say we are proud of you and we love you means the world to my husband. It was a surprise that meant more than we could ever explain. We had a family reunion, graduation, and family vacation all in one weekend! It was truly amazing. </div>
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We were able to spend time in several of the museums, walk the museum mile, and even spend some time in Williamsburg. </div>
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We even got to stop for a quick break to see our favorite TV stars! </div>
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If we wouldn't have taken the moment to dare to ask each other if we could pull it all off, we would have missed out on so many amazing memory making experiences. We would never have walked the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. We wouldn't have stared in awe at the amazing sights in the Air and Space Museum. </div>
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We wouldn't have been able to visit the memorial walls and honor the fallen. We had so many once in a lifetime experiences, I am so glad we were both bold enough to dream. Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in the schedules, budgets, and time constraints. If we don't boldly run towards those new experiences and make those memories, we will have regrets. </div>
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I don't EVER want to live with regrets.</div>
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Please, dear readers, don't miss out on those opportunities with your children. Big or little, it is worth it to make time to give them those memories. It is worth it. It is beautiful</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Mandy</div>
Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-14144859191405644482014-06-10T18:12:00.001-05:002014-06-10T18:12:35.580-05:00Grace is BEAUTIFUL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I started this series with the intention to blog every day for 30 days. Part of choosing to be PRESENT in my family life means that they come first. I have been gone for a few days enjoying my family. <br />
The perfectionist side of me wants desperately to type up some kind of post for each day and back date it, but the grace-embracing side of me says... LET IT GO. {Seriously, enough with that dang song, right?}<br />
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My last few days have been spent celebrating, reading with, and enjoying my children. My two Cub Scouts moved up in rank. I have a Webelo 1 and a Webelo 2, now. Guess who the Den leader and Assistant Den Leaders are? ;-) My Beloved and I are looking forward to making this next year super fun for them. We enjoyed a slow day, pool time, and family cooking on Sunday. This week, the children started VBS. They so enjoy Vacation Bible School. It is such a great outreach ministry.<br />
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I have no words of wisdom to share with you other than STOP, SLOW DOWN, BE PRESENT, AND ENJOY THE LIFE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN.</div>
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Thank you for allowing me the grace to take a break to enjoy these amazing young people!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Mandy</div>
<br />Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-31668547817773638442014-06-06T19:36:00.003-05:002014-06-06T19:36:45.053-05:00Being an Imperfect Mother is BEAUTIFUL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Imperfection.</span></b></div>
I feel like I know an awful lot about imperfection. <br />
<br />
As a person crippled by perfectionism, it can be a complicated thing. I am beginning to have a really ugly relationship with Pinterest. I go back and forth between LOVING how easy it is to organize information for reference later, and HATING how frustrating not being able to do MOST of the things I pin is. Inevitably, I will end up going back and pinning a million more things I want to do, and hating my inability to manage time to do six million things a minute. But hey, I've probably got a pin for increasing productivity. <br />
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Who said we had to do weeks of crafts before every single holiday? Some holidays, when I am really on top of things, we do a lot of crafts and activities. Some holidays, I am thrilled to just make it through without my children noticing we did nothing.<br />
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Who said we had to spend hours and hours baking and decorating every single birthday cake? You know what? I bought ice cream cake for my daughter last year. I LOVED how easy it was, and how very happy it made her.<br />
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Who said we have to live up to other people's ideas when it comes to mothering?<br />
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<b><u>We don't.</u></b><br />
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Why do we do that to ourselves? Each of us is going through something completely different than the person next to us. We all have different children, who are in different stages, dealing with life differently. WHY on earth would we think we have to do everything as well as, or in the same manner as someone else? Why is there so little encouragement and grace in the mothering community? Why are we not celebrating our differences and reminding each other to just do our best. My best may look a lot like your worst. Your best may look pretty similar to another person's worst. There is no point in comparing. We won't get anywhere with that.<br />
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Can you imagine a world where we all got together and celebrated each other's parenting. I'm not talking about congratulating a mom who beats her children for being mother of the year. I am talking about most moms. Moms who are waking up each day with the intention of doing their very best for their family. The mothers who spend each day giving of themselves again and again in an effort to fill their children's love tanks. I am talking about all of the moms out there who go to bed at the end of the day feeling guilty for not being able to do more, give more, create more. I believe in my heart that most mothers go out of their way almost every day to make the world a better place. So often, at the end of the day they feel like they haven't been successful.<br />
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Mama.... you are enough.<br />
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You will never be a perfect mom, but you are the perfect mom for your children. The fact that you have the child or children you do is not a mistake. Every day you make the choice to do your best, every time you start over (even the days when that has to happen hourly), you are doing something great for your children. Childhood goes by so very quickly. If we don't invest early and often with our time and our love, we will miss it. You don't have to get it right every time. <br />
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Let them see you fail. <br />
Let them see you struggle. <br />
Let them see you broken.<br />
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<b>BUT...</b><br />
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Let them see you try again.<br />
Let them see you choose to not give up.<br />
Let them see you ask for forgiveness and accept help.<br />
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Embrace imperfection. Celebrate it in each other. Love on another imperfect friend. Allow your children to be imperfect as well, and show them how wonderful it is to get back up and try again.<br />
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Imperfectly yours,<br />
Mandy<br />
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<br />Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-73447141426788224062014-06-04T21:41:00.000-05:002014-06-05T07:41:43.477-05:00Books are BEAUTIFUL<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I receive a small portion of the proceeds. I do not collect any of your information.</span></div>
<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oOBWKx9NDChDmUiFXF-MdqwfX2yldWDZ6qY9hQDoaylQ15llkjMxNQDcJieRpeXZqEc3vpPN5DVXUn9sra3Dik2RxGmGQ2XjwXIqZp1CjvY6-KmkfXrB-YZfTHrZ0gj4r1E-HpXv3JFx/s640/blogger-image--1279106453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oOBWKx9NDChDmUiFXF-MdqwfX2yldWDZ6qY9hQDoaylQ15llkjMxNQDcJieRpeXZqEc3vpPN5DVXUn9sra3Dik2RxGmGQ2XjwXIqZp1CjvY6-KmkfXrB-YZfTHrZ0gj4r1E-HpXv3JFx/s640/blogger-image--1279106453.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">I love books!!!!</span></u></b></div>
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Remember books? The things with paper. The ones you have to turn the pages, not swipe them on a screen? The ones you buy and excitedly sniff? <br>
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Wait...doesn't everyone sniff books? </div>
(My mother-in-law and I had that discussion once. I was thrilled to know she to sniffs books and touches the pages to feel the texture.) <br>
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Don't get me wrong. I love that books are more accessible on every electronic device we use constantly. I have been incredibly thankful for my kindle app on my phone during long waits at the doctor's office many times. I just don't like reading a screen that much. I want to feel the pages in my hand while I turn them. I don't want a screen glowing at me while I read.<br>
I would definitely consider myself a bibliophile, a person addicted and obsessed with books. I love them. I carry them in my purse and my car. I have several in every room of my house. They are just a part of every day in our lives. When the children were younger, we would read in each room for at least 3 hours a day! <b>{How are they not sick of my voice, yet?}</b> I am thankful we have chosen a homeschool program that focuses on great literature. We have read biographies about Christopher Columbus, Pocahontas and several others at Jamestown, members of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and Johnny Appleseed. My children and I feel like we KNOW these people. History has become real to them. *THE MAGIC OF READING* We have read many, MANY other stories this year. We read great poetry, fairy tales, and faith stories together every day. It isn't something the children question. Even with 3 reluctant readers, they all snuggle into the couch and listen to any story I tell. You can see when they become excited over the adventure of a plot or emotionally connected to the characters in a story. I think that is beautiful. I thought I would share a few of our favorites from this past school year.<br>
We read <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1846860652/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1846860652&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=C5AW2L43JFDRP53F%22%3EFireside%20Stories%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1846860652%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Fireside Stories</a> every year. It has stories from around the world for Winter Solstice, Christmas, New Years, and more. We love our Barefoot Book stories.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1846860652/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1846860652&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=Z37AJESYLR7RBPSE"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1846860652&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ponderiofasim-20"></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1846860652" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">
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We also started the Legend series that began with Nicholas St. North. We really enjoyed the adventure of <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442430508/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1442430508&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=6BQRN2XJWRTKZJ27%22%3EE.%20Aster%20Bunnymund%20and%20the%20Warrior%20Eggs%20at%20the%20Earth%27s%20Core!%20(The%20Guardians)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1442430508%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">E. Aster Bunnymund</a>. The series is very imaginative and well written. <br>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442430508/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1442430508&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=ZIAHUCYZWATALFSP"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1442430508&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ponderiofasim-20"></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1442430508" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"> <br>
The biggest hit out of our required reading for the year was <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561451908/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1561451908&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=MGGT3XCRFK66XW32%22%3ESeaman:%20The%20Dog%20Who%20Explored%20the%20West%20With%20Lewis%20and%20Clark%20(Peachtree%20Junior%20Publication)%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1561451908%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Seaman</a>. It is a story about the sweet Newfoundland dog that traveled with Lewis and Clark. We learned a great deal about the journey taken from the book, but there were several of us who teared up at the end. It is a touching story and suitable for everyone who loves silly dogs and adventure! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1561451908/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1561451908&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=T52RK7FPL6NXEUKQ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1561451908&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ponderiofasim-20"></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1561451908" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"><br>
Anah wanted to focus on poetry, so we started with one of my favorites, and have been reading <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434608352/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1434608352&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=ALJAYGWCGDZMT3PJ%22%3EThe%20Children&apos;s%20Own%20Longfellow%20and%20the%20Golden%20Legend%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1434608352%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">The Children's Own Longfellow</a>. I have part of Haiwatha's Childhood memorized from when I was a little girl, and have been reciting it to the children their whole lives. I love to see them fall in love with poetry.<br>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1434608352/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1434608352&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=CBTZQWWG7KKP3W25"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1434608352&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ponderiofasim-20"></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1434608352" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">
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Another favorite from my childhood that we have enjoyed is <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1849025711/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1849025711&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=VUMGKQHNBH3U6DAM%22%3EThe%20Complete%20Adventures%20of%20Blinky%20Bill%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1849025711%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E">Blinky Bill</a>. It is a story from Australia about a very easy to relate to koala. It was my favorite book then, and the children all have enjoyed it now. Books are timeless. <br>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1849025711/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1849025711&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=GJRSIEUMTFIZGK4D"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1849025711&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ponderiofasim-20"></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1849025711" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"><br>
I have three favorite books that I read throughout the year, every year.<br>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801493846/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0801493846&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=BK36UDLZTWF53C3V">Handbook of Nature Study</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0801493846" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"> which I would carry with us at all times if I could. It has stories, facts, and great questions to ask about everything out in nature. The children can identify most types of local ducks and geese because of it.</div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801493846/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0801493846&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=MBNVGTMMDGPBRVAO"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0801493846&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ponderiofasim-20"></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0801493846" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684835770/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0684835770&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=DZIKHHEN4QUNYMAP">The Book of Virtues</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0684835770" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"> is a book full of great character building stories and poems. When we are all having difficult days, it is great to be able to pull out this book and use the stories to offer a different perspective. There are a million awesome activities to do with it online. If anyone needs resources for that, please let me know in a comment. I am always happy to share resources.<br>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684835770/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0684835770&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=6LP3PU7Y4RYAOEMQ"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0684835770&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ponderiofasim-20"></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0684835770" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">
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Finally, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1889209023/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1889209023&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=TENEUEXXFD7G3S4N">A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on The Gentle Art of Learning(TM)</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1889209023" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1"> is a treasure. Charlotte Mason was an educational savant. I have enjoyed her writing, but it would take an awful long time to make it through all of her books each year. I LOVE this book by Karen Andreola. It condenses the ideals of Charlotte Mason into an easy to understand and very practical book. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has ever considered homeschooling. <br>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1889209023/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1889209023&linkCode=as2&tag=ponderiofasim-20&linkId=YAJL3LXZSA6QFQP2"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1889209023&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=ponderiofasim-20"></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=ponderiofasim-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1889209023" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">
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There you go. I love these books. They are all worn and loved. They are unique and intriguing. They are beautiful.<br>
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Read on my friends.<br>
<br>Blessings,<br>
Mandy<br>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mandy Ferguson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com</span></span>Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-42931975608224784412014-06-04T17:35:00.002-05:002014-06-04T17:35:44.797-05:00Dreaming is BEAUTIFUL<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you a dreamer?</div>
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I don't know if I am what one would consider a dreamer. I have a lot of type A tendencies, so I am more of a goal oriented person. In the midst of my constant goal setting, I have these dreamy ideal ideas in my head.<br />
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Our someday dream home... a craftsman style home in the country, away from the noise and chaos of city life.<br />
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My dream homeschool... a place where the children LOVE to learn and are pursuing their passions while learning incredible things about our world.<br />
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That moment I figure out how to become Stepford...when my home is perfect and I accomplish everything I want to every single day while looking an awful lot like someone who isn't me.<br />
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It isn't real, but I tend to stay focused on those things and they offer me hope. Maybe I will never accomplish the things I hope to, but I sure will enjoy the journey.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dreaming offers us a chance to imagine the impossible, then reach for it.</span></b></div>
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I didn't realize how important having time to dream was until I started talking about it with our children. I love hearing their plans for the future. I know that they may not end up doing the things we talk about, but until they have to face that, I am going to do my very best to encourage them to pursue their dreams, to embrace their passions, and to never loose hope.</div>
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My Josh is an avid reader. I may be wrong, but it seems that people who read a lot have much more vivid imaginations. Readers have to picture the lives of the characters in their books in such detail that they know them well. Having to create such imagery in their minds must make them more imaginative. Doesn't that make sense? <span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Is imagination a mental muscle that has to be flexed? </span> </span></div>
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Anywho... He is a young man who has a passion for science. I caught him a few years ago having a lengthy discussion with a little boy on our front porch about creationism. He explained both the viewpoints of creationists and evolutionists, then described the scientific evidences for both cases. It was truly impressive. He would love to become a paleontologist. He thinks there needs to be a greater stance for creationism in professional science. He knows there will be a lot of hurdles to accomplish this dream because it is so counterculture, but he is doing everything he can to learn about the sciences so that one day, he can confidently pursue that passion.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My Matthew has wanted to be a police officer as long as I can remember. He is the boy who clapped when President Bush came on television, who watched c-span, and who has always been quietly determined to do whatever he wants. He is the kind of serious kid who will do what he sets out to do. He even spent time doing research on what he would have to do before police academy, so that he would have the requirements filled before he finishes high school. He is 10. This boy dreams of dressing in blue and serving and protecting. I stand behind him 1000%.</div>
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Nathan is a wild card. He has no idea what he wants to be. He isn't sure what he loves to do. He is quite content just being a little boy. I am going to have to work hard to convince him that he can not just be a cute little boy for the rest of his life. He is a sweetheart, and I am sure he will be able to charm his way into whatever he dreams of. He does love math. I have thought about doing some activities with him to see if he would like engineering. I can totally see him finding a lot of success there. I guess his dream is to live each moment to the fullest.... and to beat his high score on the video games against the older boys. Priorities</div>
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people! ha!</div>
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Anah is totally a dreamer. She is my left-handed, super creative, totally blonde, only girl. Sometimes, I have no idea what to do with her. Her over-analyzing, uptight, tomboy mom is a little clueless. The great thing is, she loves to just lay outside with me, watching the clouds and talking about the future. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these moments. Anah wants to go to college to become an artist and teacher, get married to a handsome soldier, have 3 girls and 1 boy, and happily paint with her children for the rest of her life. She wants to own horses, and learn how to do equine vetrinary stuff. She absolutely loves horses. She didn't know she had such an inclination until she did a horse badge at girl scout camp. I completely believe horses and little girls belong together. </div>
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Their dreams are so different. I love seeing their plans and their hopes evolve. Everyone should spend time dreaming. We just need to remember that they are just dreams... We need to spend time enjoying our reality as well. </div>
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If we live in a state of contentment, our dreams never seem too far away.</div>
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Blessings to you dear dreamer,</div>
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Mandy</div>
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PS: I love comments.. good or bad, I can take it. I hope these words aren't just going out and disappearing into cybernothing.</div>
Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-29107432311772886382014-06-03T08:01:00.000-05:002014-06-05T07:40:34.901-05:00Change is BEAUTIFUL<div style="text-align: center;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7gznBxkxszjDW0phrSJOOz2LnCkyXVnsLzoJmY0aE6VIEs2Tafg8c8aqWeqKCEq_TTFSdrJrgB0LNDJWldCatmuGmP4QSrO2XrTzrHmhe9mHRWD_qPpcXlG9eawPqO-pnb2EW48qMCOH/s640/blogger-image--76304680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7gznBxkxszjDW0phrSJOOz2LnCkyXVnsLzoJmY0aE6VIEs2Tafg8c8aqWeqKCEq_TTFSdrJrgB0LNDJWldCatmuGmP4QSrO2XrTzrHmhe9mHRWD_qPpcXlG9eawPqO-pnb2EW48qMCOH/s640/blogger-image--76304680.jpg"></a></div><br></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Do you resist change?</b></div>
In times of change, people often offer us great advice. My favorite statement made to me when I was freaking out about my life being uprooted again was "The only thing you can count on is change." Well, thank you.... I had no idea. How about "Pull up your big girl panties and soldier on." That one was really helpful. It just conjures images of granny panties and drill sergeants. Nope. Not helping. "Just keep swimming." Yes, I know that perseverance often pays off. I will actually admit to saying this to someone. *facepalm* Sorry, poor stressed out friend. I ran out of useful things to say that day. Please forgive me.<br>
Change comes in many forms. Children growing older, adding to your family, loosing members of your family, moving, changing careers, making better life choices, and finding a new normal are only a tiny sampling of the changes going on in the lives of people around me. In my life, we are settled in and trying to change habits, live differently, constantly improve as a family, waiting on the next thing the Army has planned for my husband, and trying to figure out where we all belong. It feels like we only have moments of stillness in between our lives getting shaken up.<br>
It isn't always easy to see the good in the changes we go through. Some things are so difficult to go through, we can't even imagine what is on the other side of the hurdle. Sometimes we can't see that a future is even possi<span style="font-family: inherit;">ble. Why do we think that in the midst of the most stretching parts of our lives, we are alone? Where is God in the middle of change? He reminds us in Hebrews 13:5 that He will never leave us, or forsake us. Does that mean that we won't experience frustration or stress? Nope. That means that we need to press in, to lean on Him even more. Psalm 55:2 says cast <span class="highl" style="background-color: #fff4ec; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. If it seems like a situation is too crazy to handle alone, it's because it is. We aren't meant to live this life alone. We are meant to live it in and with the Lord, and with the people He placed around us. Allowing friends and family to come in and love on us in the midst of life change is a good thing. Some of us just need to feel useful. Just sayin'.</span></span><br>
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That is a promise that you can hold on to. I know this to be true.</div>
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The thing that I have found to be beautiful in change is that I am never the same person. Duh, right? Stay with me here. There is such a rich experience in taking whatever we have gone through and learning from it. We become stronger, we love more, we realize what is truly important in our lives. I am in the middle of trying to change a lot in my life. The process is long, and rarely ever easy, but I know that every step I take toward becoming the woman I hope to be someday, is worth it. I know that even in the middle of the process, I am a better wife, a better mother, and a better friend. It is never comfortable, but who said life was going to be simple? We would never have the saying "that's life," if it was easy. </div>
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I think we would all struggle with our lives so much more if everything always stayed the same. How could we ever appreciate how amazing life is, if things never got shaken up? </div>
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I am so thankful that my life has changed so much in the past few years. I have had healing in relationships in my life that I never ever thought would be restored. I have learned to see others through God's eyes. I took of my judgmental legalistic lenses and saw with fresh eyes. Amazing. </div>
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Life is beautiful.</div>
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(but that's another day's topic)</div>
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Thanks for sticking with me and reading my blog. I tend to type as I speak, which is pretty disjointed and awkward, but I hope you can see the sincerity. I really hope you are noticing the beauty around you. There is a lot of it.</div>
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Blessings,<br>
MandyBlu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-25281182301099896102014-06-02T07:03:00.000-05:002014-06-02T07:37:43.755-05:00Belonging is BEAUTIFUL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My children are all in Scouts. We have completed a full year of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts (Bear and Webelo), and Girl Scouts. I don't always agree with the overseeing foundations they are a part of, but our local groups are great. My children have all found success, challenges, and a place they belong in Scouts. My husband and I had both participated in Scouts when we were younger. In fact, our children are third generation Scouts, which is pretty cool.<br />
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It took a while to settle into our new troops and packs. We got the boys all started in scouts as soon as we found out about the membership drive. Josh and Matthew had done Cub Scouts back at Fort Irwin and loved it. It seemed like the natural thing to plug the boys in here. I like that Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts focus on teaching the boys how to be honorable, resourceful, and respectful men. It places emphasis on duty to God, family, and country, which is something we believe is important. It offers them opportunity to learn more about the world around them, discover new passions, and have fun with friends along the way. It is a great way for boys to work through these age nine to teen awkward stages. It helps us to find new and interesting ways to bond with our boys. <br />
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It took me longer to get Anah involved in Girl Scouts. In general, I have been against her joining since she was young. I had to look outside the box a bit. I don't avoid voting or participating in civic opportunities because I don't agree with how our government is being run. I don't boycott the government because I am pro-life. Even though I don't agree with a lot of the stuff going on with the people running Girl Scouts, I can allow my daughter to participate in a troop that focuses on moral, fun, educational, and appropriate things. I don't think we are doing anything terrible by selling cookies. It isn't blood money. It is my beautiful daughter having an opportunity to learn about running a business. This year, she has thanked us EVERY SINGLE TIME she had a meeting or event. This girl LOVES Girl Scouts. She is finding success. It is helping her learn to schedule and work through badges. She has learned so many great skills already, I have no doubt she will be better off every year she participates. She has found a place she feels like she belongs.<br />
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I love knowing my children feel like they are a part of something bigger. They feel like they can make a difference. They feel like they will be missed if they aren't able to attend. They know that they are taking steps to make themselves better people. I love that they have scouting friends. It is a brotherhood and a sisterhood that they can carry anywhere we move. It is a good thing.<br />
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Blessings,</div>
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Mandy</div>
<br />Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-76892170716684656742014-06-01T05:00:00.000-05:002014-06-05T07:51:37.511-05:00Art is BEAUTIFUL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am not going to pretend that I know ANYTHING about art. </div>
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I remember my poor mother trying to expose me to "culture" when I was young. She took me to the ballet, to see different museums, and to view different works of art. I have to admit, I didn't really get it when I was younger. Even now, most abstract or modern art baffles me. I just don't understand it. I can't do out of the box thinking like that. </div>
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I took an art history class in college. It was crazy. I had an ENORMOUS textbook that weighed more than at least one of my children at the time. I learned about the different types of art, where their influences came from, and how to tell the difference between them all. I remember almost nothing.</div>
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I do remember thinking how beautiful impressionist artwork seemed. I love how the colors seem to blur harshly together when you look up close, but they almost magically come together to create almost a perfect story once you step away. I love the texture of the brushstrokes. I love that my brain adds many of the details that aren't included in Impressionism. Truly, I would fill my home with pictures of the great Impressionists if I could.</div>
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My tastes are all over the place. I do tend to focus on watercolor or chalk pastel work. I like whimsical or unusual things, just because they make me laugh or smile more. My Pinterest boards tend to reflect whatever is inspiring me at the moment. One thing is for sure... I am completely in love with acorns and foxes. Yes, I do know that is weird. That's okay. I wouldn't want to be overly normal anyway.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mandymferguson/art-i-love/">Pinterest: Art I love</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mandymferguson/acorns-and-foxesobsessed/">Pinterest: Acorns and Foxes</a></div>
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My FAVORITE art is Katie Daisy's stuff. Every single thing she paints is like a breath of fresh air... a cup of great coffee...the feeling of sunshine on your skin after you step out of air conditioning. It is good. Her etsy</div>
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store is like a candy store. Go take a peek! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thewheatfield">The Wheatfield</a> I'm going to be honest... I'm not sure about posting pictures and copyright infringment, so I am not posting any pictures of her work, but seriously.... it is cheerful, meaningful, fun, and perfect. I would have a print in every single room if I could.</div>
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I have several artists in my family. One is my Aunt Janet. She painted one of my very favorite paintings of my grandmother and I at a picnic. It is a treasured memory and captures everything that was amazing about my grandmother. She really was something. I am thankful to have the painting as a reminder of both her and my Aunt who lives so far away. </div>
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Another artist is my Great Aunt Libby. She paints china, and it is beautiful. She has made cups or piggy banks for my cousins and I and all of our children. I inherited a Libby collection of items from my grandparents and I love them dearly. I am often inspired by the delicate details she captures. </div>
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My grandmother Libby on my father's side was an artist as well. I have no memories of her, but I have a box full of hand painted cards that she made for each one of my birthdays. They are simple and whimsical, but treasures none the less. </div>
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My brother-in-law is an artist. His art is very different than what I would normally be drawn to, but there is an honesty to and story told by each piece. The link under the picture sends you to his website. ;) This is my favorite of his more recent work... </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.benpattersonart.com/p/biohumanoid.html">Love Polarity by Ben Patterson</a></span></div>
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Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM0aknS9LiI&index=3&list=FLdr3ZYxm9HHUOGi8P51lS1Q">Ben's amazing video</a> in which he creates a work of art in 7 days on camera. He is truly gifted, and it's because of him that I am making sure to expose my children to ALL kinds of art. I want my daughter, who loves to draw and paint, to explore her creativitiy as often as she wants to. She has always wanted to be an artist, and I will make sure she has that opportunity.</div>
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Are you inspired by art? Do you think art is beautiful?</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Mandy</div>
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<br>Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-74979761031231047062014-05-28T20:25:00.001-05:002014-05-28T22:54:54.562-05:00What is beautiful?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I have decor ADD. </b></div>
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I can't stand to have my house the same for longer than 3 months.<br>
I know I am not the only person who has this problem, right? One of my besties and her mom have the same issue, so there are at least 3 of us in this big ole world with this issue.<br>
Having the desire to change things constantly makes me reevaluate everything in my home constantly. That is a good thing most of the time. I still don't know what I want to do with my home.<br>
When I first got married, I had no idea how to even keep a home. We had hand-me-down furniture, an unholy amount of clutter, and everything I used for decor was country and Americana. That is a perfectly fine style, but it didn't grow with me very long. My home style remained the same for our first 4 homes. I wanted to have a house that reflected me a bit more. The clutter continued... {Anyone else come from a family that was terrified of minimalism? If you know what I mean. *wink wink*} but the style changed to reflect the current love of cottages, but the Americana remained. <br>
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We lived in that home (in the desert) for 5 years. That was when I realized how much I loved architecture and structure. Living in rentals doesn't really lend itself to a lot of architectural change possibilities. Things got more simple after another two moves into a beautiful big and awesome house! I explored color and style more there than anywhere else. My home was comfortable, less cluttered, and reflected not just me, but my whole family. Another move, and I found myself in an awkward little house with broken furniture. We started over thanks to Ikea. Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out my style starting from scratch, so everything we bought from Ikea was black. Almost everything in my home is black or white. I know how weird that is for someone who really LOVES color. The thing is.... I have a serious crippling case of color phobia. What if I put the wrong color all over? What if my house starts looking like a child's room, or some weird experiment? What the heck is beautiful???<br>
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Do you understand how stressful that is???????<br>
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This year, I have decided to tackle this color issue. I am realizing how important beautiful things are to me. I know my idea of beautiful and yours might be very different, but it is the first time in my life, I am making sure to pay attention to the beauty around me. It is a priority in my life to surround myself in my home with simple beautiful things... to give my children a beautiful childhood... to give my beloved husband a beautiful place of rest at the end of each day.<br>
My goal, for the month of June is to share with you some thoughts about beauty. I will share my favorite art, my favorite quotes, my favorite people, and my favorite decor. I can't wait to share some beauty that has touched my life with you.<br>
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I am looking forward to it!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Mandy</div>
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<br>Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-38875405960820683452014-05-15T20:40:00.003-05:002014-05-28T22:56:27.175-05:00Moving kicked my rearI was thinking about a title for this post, and I thought I would just be honest. Moving kicked my butt, last year. I moved a whole dang year ago. How could it be that I am just NOW starting to feel like I am in my groove again? I had a lot of personally devastating things happen before I moved here. In all honesty, I feel like part of me died in the months prior to our move. I thought it would be a new start. I thought it would be a wonderful new, exciting, beautiful place full of adventures. It was! Well..... almost and not at all at the same time. <br />
Part of the joy and frustration with military family life is that you move around a lot... in theory. We haven't moved a lot. In fact, I moved 3 times while my beloved was gone for 2.5 years at Basic, AIT, and Korea. We then moved to Fort Irwin. The post 37 miles away from the closest "town" in the middle of the Mojave desert in California. I heard many people say they cried on the drive in because it was so devastating. I LOVED it there. My family thrived there. We had an incredibly tight knit community there. In fact, almost all of my closest and dearest friends were made there. We lived there for almost 7 years. There were people who moved shortly after we got there, went to 2 other duty stations and got back before we moved. That was an eternity in Military life time. We went to Fort Bliss in the desert of Texas after that. Our 2 short years there felt like an eternity. I was challenged in really great ways, and shaken in really terrible ways there. It really was a place of extremes for me. Then on to Fort Hood. The tag line for Hood is "The Great Place." After a year here, I really think they are referring to the size of the post rather than the quality. What I am learning is that if you look, you can find some really amazing people here. It just took forever for me to take the time to look.<br />
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These awesome people adjust so quickly to moving... they make themselves at home anywhere. </div>
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Once we got settled into our house, we didn't know where we would fit in. I have always been a part of PWOC (Protestant Women of the Chapel) on post, but I wasn't sure if that would work with our homeschooling schedule. I didn't know if we should get involved in one of the co-ops here because they usually require a lot of extra time and money, and we end up having to speed school on co-op days. We knew the boys wanted to do Scouts again. After quite a while, we ended up signing all of the boys up for Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. Anah talked us in to putting her in Girl Scouts. (I know... I was very against it also. She loves it. She is using the skills for good things. I do not want to argue about the political and spiritual correctness of Girl Scouts.) I tried attending PWOC, but wasn't able to make it work in our schedule. I also signed on to be a mentor mom at our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) on post. We made lots of friends in the neighborhood. I have AMAZING, FUN, AWESOME neighbors. <br />
Today was our last MOPS meeting. I knew it was coming, but I wasn't prepared for the emotion of it. I had only a few ladies in my group that were able to attend on a regular basis. I thought maybe, just maybe, I could answer their questions and encourage them and that would be good enough. I had the HONOR to get to know these ladies... to see their world, their struggles, their victories. I celebrated potty training victories, cried and prayed with someone struggling with awful circumstances, and offered advice about organizing and planning. These women gave me the opportunity to love on them and to enjoy their wonderful children. I have had an entire afternoon to look back on the meeting and think about the year we had. I have learned SO much from these women. They have such amazing strength. I will never, ever underestimate the strength of MOPS Mamas again. These are generous, kind, brave, selfless women who are doing everything they can to provide the best life possible for their children. I thought I would say good bye, keep up with them on fb, and that would be it. I think my heart hurts a little thinking about not seeing them every month. Those women, who I was supposed to mentor, touched my life in ways I couldn't imagine. They helped heal my heart. They gave me purpose and hope. They held me to a high standard, and that made me step up my game. I am a better mother today because of MOPS. I am beginning to heal from my off year because of the love and friendship I found there. <br />
It seems that hope and healing often come from unexpected places. I know we are to be on the lookout for miracles. I know there are big ones and little ones happening every day. My MOPS group was that miracle for me. The Lord knew that is exactly what I needed. I wasn't a particularly good mentor mom. I was myself though, and they accepted me and allowed me to be their quiet cheerleader. <br />
Now I know, just as I have learned at every single duty station.... The very best way to get over a moving funk is to get involved.... to serve someone else. We often reap so much more than we sow.<br />
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Do you have good opportunities for fellowship in your community?<br />
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Blessings,<br />
MandyBlu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-86778878977648189032014-05-06T01:30:00.000-05:002014-05-06T03:33:24.801-05:00Two Inconsistent Blogs<div>
Now you don't have to hear me talk about homeschooling all the time if you don't want to! I have a homeschool blog that I will keep all the edu-speak on while focusing on family and faith on here. I will post the link on here, and you can head over if you want. :-) </div>
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Here's to hoping my plan works!</div>
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<a href="http://presenthomeschooling.blogspot.com/2014/05/another-one.html">http://presenthomeschooling.blogspot.com/2014/05/another-one.html</a><br />
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Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-14845630425081532022014-05-05T18:14:00.005-05:002014-05-28T22:55:24.789-05:00My Dirty Little SecretThis post is a difficult one to write. I feel like it is time to write it though. I know there are a lot of mothers out there struggling. I remember how many times I spent Mother's Day feeling completely guilt ridden because I didn't feel like I deserved recognition. I often feel like I have failed. Why would someone so happy with everything all the time feel that way? That is my secret. I feel like I guarded it long enough.<br />
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I haven't always liked my children. </div>
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Truthfully, there were times I questioned my love for them.</div>
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I have felt they would be better off without me.</div>
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There have been some phases of motherhood that have been more than I could handle. There have been so many times I have questioned what on Earth I was doing raising children. There were so many times I felt like giving up.</div>
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There was the having a baby, toddler, and preschooler stage, immediately followed by the pregnant and sick with a baby, toddler, and preschooler stage. That merged into 3 in diapers (Hello 4 under 4), 2 not walking, and me completely overwhelmed trying to pretend I had it all together. How about 3 potty training at the same time? Thank goodness my last baby was a girl who got to underwear first and inspired her older brother to give up his diapers! I am pretty sure they all did half a decade of the "terrible twos" together, and then have some moments now that remind me of those times. We have spent most of their lives without their father in the house, but we are all thankful for our military family. The children didn't really get to know their father until we moved to our current home, a year ago. It has been a long journey for our family already. We are finally in a really good place. </div>
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I spent most of their childhood being the only person taking care of every aspect of their lives. They have spent some time in public school, but never all at once. I thought it was my job to take care of all of their needs, maintain a spotless home, cook incredible meals, keep a well stocked freezer full of meals to share, bake up a storm to share at my husband's work to make him look good, volunteer anywhere and everywhere I could, say yes to anyone's plea for help, take care of all of my friend's families and their children, have extravagant holidays all year round, do crafty things daily with the children, teach and participate in every Bible study offered, and somehow be happy all the time. At times, I could pull some of that off, but never, ever all of it. That isn't possible. We aren't meant to do everything for everybody. we aren't mean to be everything to everybody.</div>
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You know who is? God<br />
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Trying to take the reins and control everything cost me so much. I was worn out. My body, mind, and soul were just done. I didn't want to be home with my children. I didn't want to spend time with friends. I just wanted out. I thought I wanted to work, to have my own life, finally. I thought that everything I had ever done at home meant nothing. I still struggle finding the value of being a stay at home parent. I just was lost. I missed out on so many opportunities to get to know my children. I missed out on experiences and fun I could have had with my husband. I was living a wasted life. No wonder I felt like every day was just a race for survival.<br />
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You can't live like that.<br />
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Boy, is that the truth. It is impossible to maintain that. I HAD to change. I HAD to find a way to make my life worthwhile. I had to find a way to see my children differently, and to be involved in my marriage.<br />
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One baby step at a time, I started to get better.<br />
I gave over the things I had no control of to The Lord. Guess what? He handled it! All I had to do was realize that I am weak and broken in my humanity, and give up the control.<br />
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It sounds simple. <br />
It wasn't. <br />
It was worth it.<br />
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I began speaking truths over my children. I referred to my most frustrating child as my "dependable and big hearted" one. My absent-minded child was called "smart and creative" when introduced to new people. I started making sure that I took what I was frustrated with, or what I saw as weakness was turned around to be positive. The result? I started seeing my children in a different light. I think they started seeing themselves and each other differently. Our home became more peaceful. We had harmony. <br />
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I began looking for things to be thankful for in my life. It's funny how much more you love your life when you constantly see little things to be thankful for. Look around? Even in the trenches of motherhood... when you haven't had a moment to yourself in days, and you smell like baby vomit, there is something to be thankful for. I asked The Lord to show me, to make me completely aware of the things in my life I should be thankful for. He has remained faithful.<br />
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So What is the point? I am not the most amazing mother. I might not even be a particularly good mother. I love my children. I like them now that I have a different perspective. Hearts can change. People can change. Life is beautiful, if you look for the beauty. Turn to heaven... often.<br />
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That is all.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Mandy <br />
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Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-66039239963222167062014-04-08T06:58:00.004-05:002014-04-08T06:58:50.265-05:00The Dang Junk Drawer<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"It's in the dang junk drawer." </b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Please</span></b> tell me EVERYONE has at least one junk drawer. You just thought about your drawer, right? The one that doesn't always close? The one where every random item in your house disappears and breeds to create more random messy chaos.<br />
Here's where I may loose a few of you.... Do you ever feel like you are changing your life when you maintain an organized junk drawer? Does a clean drawer make you feel.... complete?<br />
Still with me?<br />
I have two random item breeding drawers. They started out as harmless places to hold things we needed often, but didn't have special containers for. They quickly, and often turn into drawer sized pits of despair. Too dramatic? It feels that way to me. You can easily tell how in control of my life I feel by the state of these drawers. I have one that holds pens, tape, sticky notes, matches, random 3m things, and a lot of those kind of useful everyday items. I have another that holds all of the measuring and serving spoons, and other fun kitchen gadgets. You have those drawers, right? Right? See...<br />
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Cleaning those drawers and being able to open them and find EXACTLY what I am looking for without having to dig.... heaven. That kind of order brings me all kinds of joy.<br />
My life is kind of like that. Sometimes I let so many junky things pile up, I can't seem to find myself underneath it all. I forget the important things, and can't focus on what I need to. I become easily distracted by one mess or another. We all have times like that. We feel like we are in a fog, as if life keeps happening around us, but not to us. Sometimes we just need to dump everything out and start again. Taking the time to empty the junk out and to keep the important things in order is important. It is worth the time. <br />
My first year here at Ft. Hood wasn't so awesome. I was depressed, insecure, and hopeless. It has taken almost a year to pull myself back together. I had to sort through a lot of things in my life in order to put the important things in the forefront. I had to deal with a lot of things that have been messing with me for decades. <br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I am not done figuring things out yet.</span> </span><br />
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In the middle of my mid-life clean out, I figured out I had no idea who I really was. How does one get to be um... older than 29... *cough* and not have a CLUE what their passions/hobbies/preferences are? I'm figuring it out. Things are falling into place. I can finally SEE exactly what I need to see. <br />
I cleaned out the junk drawers today. Organizing makes me happy. Order is important to me, because it makes my home more peaceful. Creating a peaceful, organized, happy home is a passion of mine. I learned that this past year. Want to see how I feel about my life these days?<br />
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<b>Busy. Full. Organized. Useful. Purposeful. Blessed.</b><br />
Clean out your junk drawers... it just might help you figure out a bit more about yourself.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Mandy<br />
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Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-8757245047618348532014-04-07T19:59:00.000-05:002014-04-07T19:59:22.826-05:00let's be real...<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever felt like you had to fit into a certain mold? Have you ever let other's expectations of you take over and force you to loose who you really are? </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I have. </b></span></div>
I have wanted to be a blogger for years. I always promise I'll get back to it, then get all caught up in the what kind of blogger are you thing. Am I going to be a blogger who actually makes money from their blog? Probably not. I don't have a lot of serious wisdom, I am not incredibly talented in any area, and I am not overly passionate about any one thing in particular. I have felt almost crippled by the whole process. I don't want to ONLY write about one thing or another. I am not that kind of person. I am a little all over the place sometimes, but in a relatively orderly manner. That might just work for this blog. I am giving myself permission to write about WHATEVER here. You know what that means? It means I will actually blog. It means you will get to see a little more real, and a little less ideal, and I am okay with that. <br />
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Here is the deal: </div>
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<b> I am a Soldier's wife</b>. I am not the "Army wife, toughest job in the Army" kind of person. I am INCREDIBLY proud of my husband's service, but I do not have a cammo brag bag, wear pt's to the grocery store, or have a million military related stickers on my van. Military life is difficult. Soldiers have crazy lives, and it is our job to support and encourage them so that they are able to do their best. Some things like moving away from your favorite people often, or explaining to your children that their Dad will not make it to their birthday again makes it a challenge. This is our life. We chose it. I know that life in general is a challenge, so I am trying to focus on the positive things and enjoy this time in our lives. My husband will not be in forever, and I will miss the unity one has with Army sisters. </div>
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<b>I am a Soldier's wife with 4 children</b>. My children are older now, so I am able to do more things away from my home. We really love parks and exploring new places, so I focus on those things. When they need extra time at home to remember what being a part of a family is all about, or they forget how to behave in public, I take that time regardless of what we have going on. I am responsible for doing my absolute best to equip these young people with the skills and tools they need to be the very best versions of themselves. It is time consuming and completely overwhelming sometimes. These are real people. We have real experiences. Some days are awful, and some are so good it feels like we experience a taste of heaven. </div>
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<b>I am a Soldier's wife with 4 children who I homeschool.</b> That means a significant portion of my brain is CONSTANTLY occupied by lesson plans, curriculum, and random weird historical or scientific facts. I am constantly planning, researching, or working on school related things. It is something that I feel very knowledgeable about, and am passionate about talking about. Homeschooling isn't for everyone. It isn't easy. It isn't always fun, or as fruitful as I would like it to be. Other times, it is amazing. I love learning new things with my children. It is what works for us, and I will probably talk about it a lot. I am not going to apologize for that. </div>
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I am the kind of person who collects information, a true researcher. I want to share so many things with everyone. Why not use this blog as a place for that? I chose { Present in Each Moment } as my title, because that is how I want to live. Sharing more of my real experience, my knowledge, my passions is part of that process. </div>
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Still with me? Good. Thank you. Thank you for letting me be real, for letting me let go of the constant need to apologize for being myself, for not fitting into the mold. Why would we want to be the same anyway? Life is meant to be an adventure, a collection of a great many random and unique experiences. Now, you get to hear about the ones I have, and I hope to get to know some of you in the process.</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Mandy</div>
Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-88326791253698782862013-11-16T18:09:00.002-06:002013-11-16T18:15:53.582-06:00Nature Study-ishThis time of year is fantastic. The children and I are able to FINALLY go outside and enjoy our community. Any time it is over 85, I don't go outside much. I have had heat stroke several times, and get very ill when I am overheated. I don't really think passing out or puking in front of my children equals fun outside time, so I have to wait until evening, or push them out early if I want to hang out with them in the summer. I am so thankful for the time we get to spend outside now.<br />
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Because we are out more, I figured I would finally get a chance to do more of a traditional Charlotte Mason type nature study. The concept is simple... Go outside, spend time observing, ask questions about what you see, use a guide to learn about what you experience, and then journal/record the info with a drawing. That seems reasonable, right? I had envisioned my children and I sitting on our picnic quilt, reading stories and drawing together. I anticipated them having eager and intelligent questions that provoked really wonderful discussion. I thought I would be patient and have all kinds of enthusiasm.<br />
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Then there was the reality of it all.<br />
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My children are so distracted outside, I end up with one child practically memorizing the nature guide, one drawing pictures of stop lights, one rolling down a hill, and one pouting and glaring at me. Pretty close, right? Of course, I handle it with grace and love every time.... orrrrr I loose it for a few minutes, and threaten public school, chores, and dictionary copying. Maybe I chill and switch topics, and we end up searching for shapes in the clouds and forgetting our frustrations. Sometimes, it actually goes well. It works even better when you don't all get eaten by fire ants. Sometimes nature study works when you aren't necessarily OUT in nature.<br />
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We had an animal scavenger hunt, in which the children had to learn about the habitats, physical characteristics, and anticipated care of many pet shop critters. Thanks to an experience with a large green lizard this spring, I have 4 little reptile obsessed students. I have never seen (read:paid attention to) so many reptiles in a pet store! There is a chameleon at our PetCo that I couldn't stop looking at. It was beautiful... ish. Have you ever seen their feet? This little guy was having a blast showing us how his weird feet worked. He even changed colors twice!
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Later, we ended up at this super cool duck pond at the local college. We fed and watched the ducks (They even identified the different breeds!) and geese for quite some time. I can definitely see more of my ideal nature time out there. Did you know that geese are considered one of the smartest birds? Did you also know that they used to be kept by wealthy little girls because they were loyal and protective like dogs? Now you do. ;)
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Even if things don't go as planned, it is still wonderful to be out, and learning new things this season.
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Blessings,
MandyBlu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-9876094865310878162013-10-11T16:28:00.001-05:002013-10-11T16:28:35.659-05:00Where did you go?I got an e mail from a friend who reads my blog, but isn't on Facebook. She asked, "Where did you go?" Has it really been a month since I posted on here? I feel like it flew by and took ages all at the same time. Am I the only one who feels that way about how time passes? <div><br><div>In the past month,</div><div><br></div><div>My second son was attacked by a dog and was left with a hole in his leg and a deep fear of dogs.</div><div><br></div><div>All 4 Ferglets became scouts. I have one Boy Scout, one Webelo, one Bear Scout, and one Girl Scout. Yes, I have issues with Girl Scouts in general, but we are in a troop with high moral values and a lot of flexibility. I don't want to argue with anyone about Planned Parenthood and GS.</div><div><br></div><div>My beloved drove to Va, turned around and drove back in a week because of the shut down.</div><div><br></div><div>My oldest son turned 12. Seriously? I have a 12 year old. *faints* <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURbxZGZv-Q6R1qG1S-UlsqGmRX6cMYWGcLUR5HQm0R5Q5cFo6O7KLd9urJBiYKWFRJiV_oqELvJHcLQmqJkSZvJhp-zloobA3pGYn8dU_ISBJ3u7BaT0RMeBaKU-7rbIy5kw2b2AVWrou/s640/blogger-image-1689364304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURbxZGZv-Q6R1qG1S-UlsqGmRX6cMYWGcLUR5HQm0R5Q5cFo6O7KLd9urJBiYKWFRJiV_oqELvJHcLQmqJkSZvJhp-zloobA3pGYn8dU_ISBJ3u7BaT0RMeBaKU-7rbIy5kw2b2AVWrou/s640/blogger-image-1689364304.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div><br></div><div>I turned 31. I'm an honest person. That number freaks me out. I feel old, but I feel like I have earned the right to say my age. If you ask me in public, I might not admit to anything older than 28. I'd like to think I can pull off 28 still. ;-)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdngNupVrDc6EWj_x3hMU5FcriDRPMlZmCiGlj5jUxTydcxY0vuW5e2zocW9J9u_Zu00y3KUgETruyy_dpKUKN1pvOvYPWFn0PPWcTOqvPWXhU_-knLUfSrq9KW2I3KKwZSZ0Hn_RARP1b/s640/blogger-image--66627889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdngNupVrDc6EWj_x3hMU5FcriDRPMlZmCiGlj5jUxTydcxY0vuW5e2zocW9J9u_Zu00y3KUgETruyy_dpKUKN1pvOvYPWFn0PPWcTOqvPWXhU_-knLUfSrq9KW2I3KKwZSZ0Hn_RARP1b/s640/blogger-image--66627889.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>We all got more frustrated than I would like with school and are reevaluating our school plan. </div><div><br></div><div>I read 32 novels. I like to read one every night or several on days that we aren't really doing a lot. I have been enjoying reading through some of my required reading from previous college classes. I'm still rockin' my nerd banner!</div><div><br></div><div>I am sure there are so many other things I could include, but it seems like things have been awkwardly busy. </div><div><br></div><div>My beloved got me a keyboard for my iPad, which is seriously the best invention since the iPad (although I'm digging the other kind from the comparison commercial). Now that I don't have to sit in the corner to type, and I don't have to fight with autocorrect, I don't have any excuses for not keeping the blog up.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_HWWXmpp5BvWcVUOZfD2BYHARo3lSGRPJw6qxCL9a5rnSRhCIwMshp-FAzd0dURxPyi-kB-dwlFYQJ4YKStIIFRfcGCNDQWhi0fZTWs2nTWnVmcB8w9ogfpF1WNuw9X9d88Q_d7nu5Fe/s640/blogger-image-1381570411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_HWWXmpp5BvWcVUOZfD2BYHARo3lSGRPJw6qxCL9a5rnSRhCIwMshp-FAzd0dURxPyi-kB-dwlFYQJ4YKStIIFRfcGCNDQWhi0fZTWs2nTWnVmcB8w9ogfpF1WNuw9X9d88Q_d7nu5Fe/s640/blogger-image-1381570411.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The picture has nothing to do with the blog. It just made me laugh That is my Beloved's super visible helmet.</div><br></div><div><br></div><div>SOOOOOOO here is where I need your help. I have every intention for this blog to be a lifestyle kind of blog... a mommy blog with a nerdy homeschool twist if you will. What kind of topics would you like to see? I am an organization freak, obsessed with Christmas, a vegan recipe junkie, bibliophile to the max, and consumed with scouts. If that helps, I know a lot about those things. ;-) </div><div><br></div><div>PS.. if you are actually reading this, and I am not talking to myself online, HI! I'm totally waving at you and I appreciate you reading this far and not thinking I am some sort of nut job. Everyone needs a crazy friend, right? Anywho. Hi. I appreciate you taking a moment of your day.</div><div><br></div><div>Blessings, </div><div>Mandy</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> </div></div>Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-25437246960916657632013-09-07T19:16:00.001-05:002013-09-07T19:16:47.018-05:00Homeschool Organization (Part 2)<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's the one that I enjoy talking about the most...</div>
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PAPERWORK. </div>
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I have a serious addiction to organizing paper. I love file folders, hanging folders, labels, tabs, and binders. It's a sickness. Truly.</div>
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Anywho, our core curriculum this year has no workbooks, but has a million (not really, but at least several hundred per child) pages that we printed out for this year. It is set up in six week units. This is how I keep all THAT paperwork straight.... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlrOrsrtykrsJbCEyYPyll5_E8winw8wUMeMR17JwBvWlTA98CWvnB18vGVTVYZd0sKpN42oS0EdlS8TuvfNlrAGkrkh6vZXHVyA6zVpHvZbLVyMx5i8X0M1Yy-Ka54AJ3A52oVEq1s9J/s1600/20130907_183237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlrOrsrtykrsJbCEyYPyll5_E8winw8wUMeMR17JwBvWlTA98CWvnB18vGVTVYZd0sKpN42oS0EdlS8TuvfNlrAGkrkh6vZXHVyA6zVpHvZbLVyMx5i8X0M1Yy-Ka54AJ3A52oVEq1s9J/s320/20130907_183237.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have one file folder for each week, for each unit, for each child! At the beginning of each unit, I take the hanging folder and move it to my on the go school bag that my AHmazing friends from Fort Bliss gave me when we moved here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnEVGn8_X1g2H4OJpKXRoNPZrii0T4vIZl2BKllfT9_ELFwQse9An3f4QGPgdHOF5dUIc0KG49gG8dlrt38CGWeJPuvKOPw8vsjjfn5dZ5gG1F-HTV2T55TpjVX78y7FtCi6-cD-zTWfb/s1600/20130907_183306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnEVGn8_X1g2H4OJpKXRoNPZrii0T4vIZl2BKllfT9_ELFwQse9An3f4QGPgdHOF5dUIc0KG49gG8dlrt38CGWeJPuvKOPw8vsjjfn5dZ5gG1F-HTV2T55TpjVX78y7FtCi6-cD-zTWfb/s320/20130907_183306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I keep the 24 folders, our main TM, the readers, my lesson plan folder, and all of my teaching supplies in this bag. If we were to go on vacation, I could bring everything we would need for school just by grabbing <a href="https://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/noshopping.aspx">this bag</a>. I am pretty sure I couldn't live without it! </div>
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I mentioned my lesson plan folder. I'm on my second homemade lesson planner this year. The first one was totally overwhelming, so I started to shop for a planner again. I found one that I LOVED, but I didn't have the cash to invest at this time, so I sort of copied it. I am still deciding whether or not my guilt about copying the idea is logical or emotional. </div>
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I keep a lot in my planner. It has spaces for each subject, and lines I can separate the children's assignments on. Yes, I know it is still pretty empty. I just printed these yesterday! All of the planner pages come from <a href="http://donnayoung.org/">DonnaYoung.org</a> That site is FANTASTIC and has a lot of options. They also have household planning/organizing pages that I use in my huge household binder.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKFZSIqwiT8Tbx0NwsFwaLv8MtNsNLIXb6oaCPsKhlDDeegsJKGAlsYsDtans85mOy22A_w2EuM1KwgWDS5YonlEdrNLpSEC1pJD0c2sSda37gFjUubB8LoC4nmEG_hWcEKd2LE3HlkNn/s1600/20130907_135359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKFZSIqwiT8Tbx0NwsFwaLv8MtNsNLIXb6oaCPsKhlDDeegsJKGAlsYsDtans85mOy22A_w2EuM1KwgWDS5YonlEdrNLpSEC1pJD0c2sSda37gFjUubB8LoC4nmEG_hWcEKd2LE3HlkNn/s320/20130907_135359.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZfcvZ_6_VzTv2uxbewPknjcx5W8PRTtO0TY3AsMe4km6xGI9lT5uHANu5-xVgfCs5vT_Nv4SoF3r1-VtKiILx9Cpdfe6ilecdB0O_zHgkTsWJUQZUqDlmXfFHM3tBZRPJjJOjQmCcl5r/s1600/20130907_135517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZfcvZ_6_VzTv2uxbewPknjcx5W8PRTtO0TY3AsMe4km6xGI9lT5uHANu5-xVgfCs5vT_Nv4SoF3r1-VtKiILx9Cpdfe6ilecdB0O_zHgkTsWJUQZUqDlmXfFHM3tBZRPJjJOjQmCcl5r/s320/20130907_135517.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknQFDPsIebCdWKxuL_wfv919paRiqDEJ5cdoVJSN6IIFnu2M6D0ZUdYra7zCOw_OR71L9Yoy7xkvDAwh8KfpkRabrF972OTyMwWZ0-kic3ApZP_ZeYBQG6_lkDukMIJYwjrcuyOhVgKbA/s1600/20130907_140310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknQFDPsIebCdWKxuL_wfv919paRiqDEJ5cdoVJSN6IIFnu2M6D0ZUdYra7zCOw_OR71L9Yoy7xkvDAwh8KfpkRabrF972OTyMwWZ0-kic3ApZP_ZeYBQG6_lkDukMIJYwjrcuyOhVgKbA/s320/20130907_140310.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi2MmTS-iK41gwZF3O58wLr_vs_1gP5d2VGJk-AYqVs-F-cDGNxJRv3eIi25duOG0YP4FEtR_zZ0jRwn5ZgYbHkO5migQ6wyWNCR9tPBVZ0VSomLR-XbPxdevWnVKPYITWjq0HaFb-t7Q/s1600/20130907_135655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi2MmTS-iK41gwZF3O58wLr_vs_1gP5d2VGJk-AYqVs-F-cDGNxJRv3eIi25duOG0YP4FEtR_zZ0jRwn5ZgYbHkO5migQ6wyWNCR9tPBVZ0VSomLR-XbPxdevWnVKPYITWjq0HaFb-t7Q/s320/20130907_135655.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
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Like I said earlier, our state doesn't require we keep records, but I prefer to because I like to make sure we always go above and beyond anyone's requirements or expectations. </div>
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So there it is. It's not as fancy and professional as I would like. I didn't take the time to type everything in. It's just the reality of changing everything after a month of school! </div>
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A MONTH... Is it just me, or is time going WAY WAY WAY too fast.</div>
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We better make each day count!</div>
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Blessings, </div>
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Mandy</div>
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Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-73736202840764171532013-09-05T19:31:00.000-05:002013-09-05T19:31:16.976-05:00Homeschool Organization (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday I mentioned that I was frequently asked the same 5 questions again and again. The second most common question is "Where do you do or put your school stuff?"</div>
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I don't have great pictures. Please forgive me. I am working on saving up for a new lens for my camera, since mine broke last October. :-( I do have enough pictures to show you a basic idea though. </div>
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When you homeschool, you have a lot of stuff. When you homeschool 4 children, you have a LOT of stuff. This is how we keep everything organized.</div>
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This is a peek at my "school room." It is the second half of my kitchen. It isn't super fancy, but we did just get AWESOME <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40244850/">desks</a> from Ikea to make sure everyone has functional space. We also got huge maps because I never really learned geography as a kid and I want my children to have a firm understanding of where things and places are in their world! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijjj8j2q3AY/UikZTG0pR2I/AAAAAAAAAiI/0t9ku1e_TMI/s1600/20130905_110621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijjj8j2q3AY/UikZTG0pR2I/AAAAAAAAAiI/0t9ku1e_TMI/s320/20130905_110621.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have one book case near our desks that holds our current curriculum and daily supplies. We are studying early American history this year, so have a lot of books about Native American culture jammed in one of the cubbies. At any given time, anything the children need for any subject other than some science, will be either in their desks or in this book case. I love these 9 square things. I get them at Target, and they put up with a lot of abuse!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gf2oXDG2wpI/UikZj3qXgNI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/7DrqkkUAKcc/s1600/20130905_110647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gf2oXDG2wpI/UikZj3qXgNI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/7DrqkkUAKcc/s320/20130905_110647.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have a storage room off of my laundry room that I use for holidays, excess kitchen stuff, and our books and supplies. We call it the homeschool storage room. I told you I love the 9 cubby things. You'll see a few more ask I blog more! Anywho, this light colored one holds the boys' book series. We have all of the Magic Tree House books, which helps when I need a quick read for someone on the go. The bottom shelves are used for my Bible study stuff. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACLz3DXMcbsw-HijGTeyIRyR43b0tJ4uRRpJ0MyDuhgiSE3HWiN0e7vN-a6IFhmFnMm5mEnkxSkayvUvpiLbzmPlDyC2HNf3ahGrulwYVdud3Q2yKTb67Bm06fc5UEzttvA3rn2R1m47v/s1600/20130905_115820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACLz3DXMcbsw-HijGTeyIRyR43b0tJ4uRRpJ0MyDuhgiSE3HWiN0e7vN-a6IFhmFnMm5mEnkxSkayvUvpiLbzmPlDyC2HNf3ahGrulwYVdud3Q2yKTb67Bm06fc5UEzttvA3rn2R1m47v/s320/20130905_115820.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This is our non-fiction shelving unit. The cubbies are organized in the same order as the ones in our actual "school room." the boxes on top hold readers by grade level for my younger three. I rotate the books in the reader boxes so they don't just memorize the books!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6Uf4Z8Dnrs/UikaDggOgPI/AAAAAAAAAig/KiVylqG1Boc/s1600/20130905_115826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P6Uf4Z8Dnrs/UikaDggOgPI/AAAAAAAAAig/KiVylqG1Boc/s320/20130905_115826.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The tall bookcase holds our fiction books. I used to keep all my books in alphabetical order, by size, and by color. OCD much? You can see I've let go of that control issue. I have given away, sold, and donated several thousand books in the last 4 years, which has been almost painful. I do like that it forces us to explore the library more often. Libraries make me so happy. :-) I keep 3 tubs of Christmas books in our Christmas side of the room (aka most of the room), but all the other holiday books are in order at the bottom so we can bring them out by season/holiday. The black box contains extra school supplies, and the blue box contains the second semester books and supplies for our curriculum.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AArsq4vRt8Y/Uikaesk7IUI/AAAAAAAAAio/0HFa_Hs0HlA/s1600/20130905_115833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AArsq4vRt8Y/Uikaesk7IUI/AAAAAAAAAio/0HFa_Hs0HlA/s320/20130905_115833.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I am WAY more organized with the schedule/paper stuff. I will post on that tomorrow. </div>
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Now that you've seen all that, I'll admit that I would be a HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY girl if I had cupboards to hide all the chaos in. I don't like open shelves. The colors all over make me twitch sometimes. I don't like seeing school supplies in my home at all. I'm trying to remember that the home isn't just mine, and that the children will read more if they can see the books. They will take out more books if I am not being all controlling about where they go after they are borrowed. This is a functional home. This is their school. Order is important, a great learning environment more so.</div>
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I'll catch you tomorrow.</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Mandy</div>
<br />Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1786457331375811431.post-49108379150275586142013-09-04T16:25:00.000-05:002013-09-04T17:18:15.114-05:00Homeschool year 2013-2014I can't believe we are over a month into our school year already. Everyone is still alive. Things are actually getting better again. I have a lot of friends and family who ask the same 5 questions about homeschooling, so I thought I would do a homeschool mini-series! That's right. We are totally getting fancy here.<br />
I might actually be able to do this blogging thing now that I have a real computer again. I love having my ipad for a few things, but the darn thing is impossible to type on! Anywhooooo..... 5 questions. The question I am asked the most is "what curriculum do you use?"<br />
First of all, I live in Texas. If you're not a homeschooler you don't understand the significance of it, and if you are, you probably know that we have some of the most lenient homeschooling laws in the country. You don't have to notify anyone unless your child is already in a public school and you plan on disenrolling. There are no time or day requirements. No work samples, tests, or attendance records have to be turned in to anyone. Having said that, I keep ALL of those records, and we do around 200 days of school each year.<br />
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Sooooo... What do we use? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYVMpcVlTVU/UieoKrJB4ZI/AAAAAAAAAh4/qEzjqRVd_8U/s1600/20130903_101157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KYVMpcVlTVU/UieoKrJB4ZI/AAAAAAAAAh4/qEzjqRVd_8U/s320/20130903_101157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This year we changed it up a bit, but I'll try to keep it all simple in the list...<br />
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Bible: <a href="http://www.calvarycurriculum.com/curriculum.php">Calvary Curriculum</a>. We are starting with Daniel and then working through the New Testament. Why Daniel? So much of the prophesy comes to pass in the NT. I want the children to see it unfold!<br />
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Math: <a href="http://www.teachingtextbooks.com/">Teaching Textbooks </a> We will be using levels 3-6 this year with the children. 2 of my boys LOVE math and would do it for fun any day of the week. (weirdos! ;-) )<br />
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Language Arts:<a href="http://www.milestonebooks.com/#fwd=www.rodandstaffbooks.com"> Rod and Staff</a> We will be using levels 3,4,and 6 in their English series. We will be doing our own spelling and plugging lists into <a href="http://www.spellingcity.com/">Spelling City</a> for practice. Josh and I will be working on creative writing projects together using a curriculum I am writing for him. Anah and I will be reading through <a href="http://librivox.org/grammar-land-by-m-l-nesbitt/">Grammarland</a> and illustrating our own version of the story. We loved the activities for Grammar Land found <a href="http://www.halfahundredacrewood.com/2011/05/free-grammarland-unit-study.html">here</a>. <br />
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History, Science, Geography, and Reading: <a href="http://www.home-school-curriculum.com/learning_series/Paths_of_Exploration/">Trail Guide to Learning: Paths of Exploration</a>. It contains everything we need except math, but I really feel like my children need a more rigorous Language Arts program. TGTL uses living books and has a very Charlotte Mason feel to it. I have found it to be a bit of a challenge with 4 children so far. We have learned more geography this year than in the past few years because it blends with the history study seamlessly. We are emotionally invested in the lives of the great explorers of our American past, and that helps us all learn more. I will go more in depth and add to the science using books we have collected because we are science nerds.<br />
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Art: This is a HUGE one for me this year. We will be doing a very thorough study of artists, technique, and styles. We even plan on interviewing several artists. We are fortunate to be related to several artistically talented or connected ;-) people! Most of our formal work comes from the <a href="http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/blog/2011/06/worlds-greatest-artists-unit-study.html">World's Greatest Artists</a>, <a href="http://www.artisticpursuits.com/">ARTistic Persuits</a>, and various Usborne art books.<br />
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Music: We will be learning how to play the recorder this year. I learned how to do it in Australia when I was a kid, and I still remember how to play. I am looking forward to impromptu concerts from the children often. We are also studying composers, hymns, and music genres. It is time to expose the children to something other than classical, classic rock, or christian music. <br />
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Creative Arts: We will be weaving, knitting (yes, even the boys), woodworking, and gardening.<br />
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Of course we will be READING, READING, READING and celebrating all kinds of feasts, festivals, and holidays Waldorf style! <br />
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There it is folks. Eclectic to the max.</div>
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Now you know.</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Mandy</div>
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<br />Blu Greyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03616862718367488946noreply@blogger.com0