Sunday, January 8, 2012

Really? Seriously?

So, I have been obsessed with Pinterest.  I know obsession is a strong word, but really it is like my creative secret lair.  I see a million things on there daily that I think I could pull off myself.  I am a visual person, so the pictures really are very appealing to me.  Some things have really caught my eye and some things really have made me think twice about the whole "cyber alternate reality" idea.  Let me explain...

Some things are just too good to be true, you know?  I mean, how do these homeschooling moms of 2+ have the time to have a perfectly organized home, perfectly organized homeschool; where they make their own bread, and games for their kids and have a part-time sewing business.  It seems impossible, or highly unlikely at least.  I can't seem to get it together enough to get every subject done during the day, not to mention clean my house and cook dinner.  Now, before I get hateful comments from all the Homemaker Hollys out there, let me just say that I know that there are those who are VERY organized and who pride themselves on keeping everything neat and tidy.  But sometimes I see posts and pictures from people that make me go, "Really?  That is REALLY what your pantry/playroom/bedroom/schoolroom looks like?  Like a magazine spread?"  I just feel sometimes with the internet we have the option of putting our best face forward, when really I think people hunger for people to be real with them.  I remember looking at some of the magazine ads of the SUPER skinny models and thinking I could never be like that.  I remember thinking that my life was never what it seemed like from shows on TV.  I think the same way about the internet and sometimes I think that we need to be very careful not to present ourselves as perfect, because we are not.  I also don't want to develop this disconnect between the way my life REALLY is and the way my life is portrayed on my blog.  I do like to remember the good times, and write about special things that touch me during the day, but I don't want to ever make anyone wonder if I am some sort supermom.  I am not perfect or anything close.  I am a sinful, prideful, selfish, woman who prays to be better, minute by minute.  You may see my sweet projects, or my cute children and wonder what the true me is like.  I'll tell you:  I am tragicly flawed in more ways than I can count and if it were not for my precious Savior, I would be NOTHING, NOTHING, I tell you.  He allows me to show my real side, scars and all, because it is Him who gives me strength. (I'm still waiting for Him to bless me with talent to get "everything" done!)  I hope that you enjoy the things you read or see here, but please bear in mind, that even though I sometimes seem really put-together (maybe I don't, I don't know...) I am just another person doing her best with what's she's been given.  I try to live up to the dreams that God has for me and be true to him and myself in the process. 

"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
~Traditional Gaelic blessing~

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

American history for us...

Today was our first official day of school in 2012.  We will continue studying American history.  We are nearing the American Revolution.  We also have added a new part of our studies.  We had been doing another geography program that wasn't much fun, nor was it getting finished, so when my favorite bookstore went out of business, I snapped up all of the Which Way USA items that they had.  We started it today and it was great fun!  It took us a couple of pages to get going, but when we did, we had a ball.  It sparked all kinds of discussions that took us to the computer to do research!  I'd call that a success!  I'm not sure if it will continue to fascinate, but we have about half of the states, so by the time we finish those, I'll know if I should find the rest.  For inquiring minds, I'm providing the link!

Which Way USA?

We are rolling along with the other parts of our curriculum.  By the end of this week Noah will be right on track with his math.  I think that is a record for us.  Caitlyn is doing great, learning subtraction and working on learning to read.  Aiden is a tornado.  I can't keep enough activities on hand for him.  He blows through everything.  Chris' parents got the kids a trampoline for Christmas, that should help everyone with getting out the energy we all have!

I'm trying to come up with creative ways that we can organize (read "throw stuff away without the kids knowing") our school room.  I have so much stuff that HAS to go.  I also am a little sad to get rid of some of the pre-school stuff, but Aiden has far advanced the colors and shapes items, so I guess they will have to find a new home, sigh...

By the way, Noah will be setting up a new blog soon.  It will be a private blog, so if you'd like to be included, let me know.  Also, we would love to have other homeschoolers to follow as well, so if your homeschooler blogs, just let us know!

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Thoughts on the new year...

I hope this year will be better than the last.  I hope that I will work everyday for a closer walk with the Lord.  I hope THIS year I'll learn patience.  I hope that this year I will do a better job at keeping the Florida house organized. I hope this year I will not fall behind on school planning, or grading, or teaching.  I hope this year I will be able to enjoy cooking more, since it seems that I won't be able to afford a personal chef anytime soon.  I hope that this year I will be able to USE that one room a day cleaning sheet that I made up two years ago to keep my house clean.  I hope that this year I will workout more than I have in the past and lose that baby-weight before I officially have no more babies.  And, I hope that this year I won't beat myself up when I don't get past my first two wishes for the new year...

Blessings Y'all!

Happy New Year Everyone!

New Year’s Card 2011