Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Great Little Saying!
I saw this little saying when I was in Texas and just have to share it!!!
" Shopping with my man is like Hunting with the game warden!!"
Now, how many of you agree with that?
" Shopping with my man is like Hunting with the game warden!!"
Now, how many of you agree with that?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
New Tuesday Blog Hops
Check these new Tuesday Blog Hops! A great way to meet new friends, find new ideas and just have fun! Click on the buttons on the right to hop your way to fun!
Happier Marriage
How many of us at times become very frustrated in our marriages? Probably, if we were all honest, we all have been VERY frustrated, many, many times. Sometimes it gets to the point where we just want to give it all up! I know that in my own marriage many times I thought that if HE would only change then things would be better... I didn't look at how I could change to make things better. Let's look at this from a different angle...
I was talking to someone recently and she was commenting on the fact that many times her husband didn't tell the truth to her. Now I don't think it was about major things.. lets assume it wasn't. She mentioned that she had asked him to pay a bill... he said he would... she asked hime again if he had... he said he did... then she found out that he hadn't paid the bill. I don't know all the ins and outs of this scenerio so I am going to just use this incident as an example.
Does this wife habitually nag and fuss at her husband? Does she criticize him about the way he does or doesn't do things? You know, he may have had a lot on his mind and just forgot to pay that bill. Then when she asked him again if he had paid it, he mentally weighed his options.... "Which is better, for me to tell the truth and have her fuss and yell at me because I forgot, or for me to not tell the truth and say I paid it, even though I didn't. I can go pay it real soon and she will not know."
I am not saying that the husband should not be honest, he should always tell the truth. However, if she is constantly on his case, he might think that lying is the lesser of two evils! We, as wives, can do our part in keeping a marriage in harmony by biting our tongues when we catch ourselves starting to fuss and nag!
Lets try this scenerio instead.... There's a bill to be paid. The wife comes to the husband and says," Honey, I know you are busy, but do you think you could pay this bill that is due? It needs to be paid right away!"
He responds,"Sure, I will try to remember to do it tomorrow."
She says," Thanks, I will call you to remind you, just in case you forget."
Guess what? I bet he remembers!... but just in case, she can call an jog his memory and there is no conflict.
Did I always do this? NO! I wish I could say that I did, but I too often failed. It would help to create a peaceful happy home if we, as wives, remember to do our part in communicating with our husbands.
Just a thought.....
I was talking to someone recently and she was commenting on the fact that many times her husband didn't tell the truth to her. Now I don't think it was about major things.. lets assume it wasn't. She mentioned that she had asked him to pay a bill... he said he would... she asked hime again if he had... he said he did... then she found out that he hadn't paid the bill. I don't know all the ins and outs of this scenerio so I am going to just use this incident as an example.
Does this wife habitually nag and fuss at her husband? Does she criticize him about the way he does or doesn't do things? You know, he may have had a lot on his mind and just forgot to pay that bill. Then when she asked him again if he had paid it, he mentally weighed his options.... "Which is better, for me to tell the truth and have her fuss and yell at me because I forgot, or for me to not tell the truth and say I paid it, even though I didn't. I can go pay it real soon and she will not know."
I am not saying that the husband should not be honest, he should always tell the truth. However, if she is constantly on his case, he might think that lying is the lesser of two evils! We, as wives, can do our part in keeping a marriage in harmony by biting our tongues when we catch ourselves starting to fuss and nag!
Lets try this scenerio instead.... There's a bill to be paid. The wife comes to the husband and says," Honey, I know you are busy, but do you think you could pay this bill that is due? It needs to be paid right away!"
He responds,"Sure, I will try to remember to do it tomorrow."
She says," Thanks, I will call you to remind you, just in case you forget."
Guess what? I bet he remembers!... but just in case, she can call an jog his memory and there is no conflict.
Did I always do this? NO! I wish I could say that I did, but I too often failed. It would help to create a peaceful happy home if we, as wives, remember to do our part in communicating with our husbands.
Just a thought.....
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Consistancy
Why is it so hard as mothers to be consistant with our children? When mine were young it was a constant battle to follow through when I was attempting to discipline or instruct my children.
To often we say,"if you don't do "such and such" I am going to ____. Then when the particular action happens we forget to follow through.When that occurs over and over, the children very soon learn that mom does not really mean what she says. then the mery-go-round starts. Children misbehave, we threaten, children misbehave again, we threaten again, and so on and so on...... Our frustration rises... we don't understand why our children don't listen.... we get mad.... children get frustrated....
What is wrong here? It is the lack of consistancy. When we tell our children to so something or not do something we should expect immediate obedience. If that is not forecoming then proper discipline should be promptly applied. It will not take too long before the child realizes that we mean business. If we tell our children that they are going to be punished if they do something, then that punishment should happen the first time, not the third, fourth or fifth time.
Life will be so much more orderly, pleasant and much less stressfulfor you and for your children. Many parents do not realize that their children like order, continuity, and structure as much a we do. It gives them a great sense of security.
Any thoughts?
To often we say,"if you don't do "such and such" I am going to ____. Then when the particular action happens we forget to follow through.When that occurs over and over, the children very soon learn that mom does not really mean what she says. then the mery-go-round starts. Children misbehave, we threaten, children misbehave again, we threaten again, and so on and so on...... Our frustration rises... we don't understand why our children don't listen.... we get mad.... children get frustrated....
What is wrong here? It is the lack of consistancy. When we tell our children to so something or not do something we should expect immediate obedience. If that is not forecoming then proper discipline should be promptly applied. It will not take too long before the child realizes that we mean business. If we tell our children that they are going to be punished if they do something, then that punishment should happen the first time, not the third, fourth or fifth time.
Life will be so much more orderly, pleasant and much less stressfulfor you and for your children. Many parents do not realize that their children like order, continuity, and structure as much a we do. It gives them a great sense of security.
Any thoughts?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Are We "Good" Grandparents?
Have you ever wondered if you were a "good" grandparent? By that I mean a grandparent that nurtures the grandchildren and supports the parents. We often see that little saying, "If momma says "NO" ask Grandma." While it sounds cute, that is not the way a grandparent should operate. Now, I am talking about normal circumstances... not cases where the parents are not fit to parent their children. When children come to visit Grandma and Grandpa, the parents should have the confidence that the grandparents are going the support their values and methods of childraising. The grandparents should be willing to abide by the same standards and principles that the parents are trying to instill in the children. What do I mean....? Here are a few examples.
If the parents don't want the children to have candy then that should be the rule at Grandma's.
If mom and dad don't want the children to watch TV, there should be no TV at Grandma's.
If mom and dad want their kids to eat all their food on their plates then Grandma had better make sure those plates are clean!
If bedtime is at 8 o'clock, then the pjs go on at 7:30 and the teeth are brushed and prayers said by 8:00.
You get the idea?? This is so important if there is going to be a healthy and happy relationship between parents and grandparents. It really isn't that hard either!
Happy Grandparenting!
If the parents don't want the children to have candy then that should be the rule at Grandma's.
If mom and dad don't want the children to watch TV, there should be no TV at Grandma's.
If mom and dad want their kids to eat all their food on their plates then Grandma had better make sure those plates are clean!
If bedtime is at 8 o'clock, then the pjs go on at 7:30 and the teeth are brushed and prayers said by 8:00.
You get the idea?? This is so important if there is going to be a healthy and happy relationship between parents and grandparents. It really isn't that hard either!
Happy Grandparenting!
Friday, September 17, 2010
* Etiquette En Vogue: HOW TABLE MANNERS BENEFIT KIDS LATER IN LIFE
Check out this great blog. We need more of this kind of wonderful advise!
* Etiquette En Vogue: HOW TABLE MANNERS BENEFIT KIDS LATER IN LIFE
* Etiquette En Vogue: HOW TABLE MANNERS BENEFIT KIDS LATER IN LIFE
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Going Camping!!
We are going camping tomorrow!. I can't wait! My family including my husband, 4 of my 6 children and their spouses and children, my 2 brothers, their spouses, children and grandchildren... for a total of 38 people!!! Are we crazy? Maybe, but it is a fun crazy! We are all so close and always have so much fun together!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Homeschool! Yes or No
Help!! I don't know what to do!!
I homeschooled my children for 19 years from start to finish. IT IS A BIG JOB!!! It is a job I have never regretted, but it can be overwhelming. Maybe you are not ready to take the plunge yet. You might be hesitant to take that BIG step. There are so many things to think about, especially if you are going to teach several grade levels. Now is the time to start planning for next year.Where do you start?
If you’re new to the idea of homeschooling, you will have questions. I am sure you have been overwhelmed at the different choices you have to make. How can you possibley prepare for the school year and all that comes with it? Do you have to buy a specific curriculum, or do you even need one? Before you allow yourself to get too stressed, the following guidelines might help to make the process easier.
1. Learn your state’s homeschooling laws. Each state has their own laws concerning educating your child. Some states require the curriculum to be submitted and approved before the school year begins. Some require testing every year. A few states require a weekly of bi-weekly check of a child's progress.It is the parents responsiblity to make sure you understand and obey the laws in your state.
2. Write down your educational goals for your child. Is your child one who will want to go to college or not. Are they more interested in working with their hands or is math, English and history what excites them? Taking the time to think about this will help you decide which curriculum will best meet those goals. It will also give you a guide to see if you’re on track throughout the year.
3. Develop an educational philosophy by determining what you believe to be important. While we believed that our children's academic education was important, their spiritual, moral and emotional development were even more important. Are you concerned just about academics, or do you consider character development to be equally important? Do you want your child to be able to learn for a test, or do you want them to learn to think for themselves?
4. Decide what type of personality your family has – do you normally schedule everything down to the minute, or are you more spontaneous. Knowing this one piece of information can make a big difference in choosing the style or method of homeschooling you choose. Many curriculums are very structured and allow very little "wiggle room", while others offer greater flexibility.
5. Know your child’s learning style? Are they a hearing, seeing, or doing learner? Knowing their learning style will help you determine what items you will need to best meet their ability to learn.
If your children are very young, you don’t have to purchase the latest curriculum. Spend time with them helping them learn to write their alphabet, learn simple math, and prepare them to learn to read. Small workbooks available at most discount stores. Making school fun when they are young will help form their outlook for school later in life. Use candy or beans to teach math concepts. Teach them to form their letters properly, use shaving cream or rice on a cookie sheet. As you can see, you don’t need to spend a great deal of money to teach the basics.
After teaching the basics, make sure your child has an opportunity for fun. Get involved in a support group with other homeschoolers. These groups can be a great help to you and to your children. Each mother can take turns hosting a day with the kids. By teaching something collectively while the children interact with each other, the children are learning to experience healthy competition. Plan some play days or field trips. let the children run and work off some of their pent-up energy. Having a support group helps moms, as well, especially when you have questions or need guidance.
Subscribe to some homeschooling magazines or newsletters. This will also help when you have questions because you’ll be able to see how other people homeschool and learn how they handle the different aspects of daily life while homeschooling. It will help you to know that you’re not alone.
Plan on going back to school yourself; continue reading and learning as you teach your child. When my kids got to the middle school years, I realized how rusty my algebra was. I decided to go to our l ocal junior college and take a course in algebra. I was so glad I did! There will always be new things to learn, so plan on becoming a life learner. As your child grows you may need to try a different approach. By reading and learning along the way, you’ll be better able to make the necessary changes.
Choosing to homeschool is not always an easy decision to make. However, when you realize that you can do it and follow these basic guidelines, you’ll soon realize that you made the right choice. Homeschooling is an awesome opportunity for you, your family, and your children to learn and grow together.
I homeschooled my children for 19 years from start to finish. IT IS A BIG JOB!!! It is a job I have never regretted, but it can be overwhelming. Maybe you are not ready to take the plunge yet. You might be hesitant to take that BIG step. There are so many things to think about, especially if you are going to teach several grade levels. Now is the time to start planning for next year.Where do you start?
If you’re new to the idea of homeschooling, you will have questions. I am sure you have been overwhelmed at the different choices you have to make. How can you possibley prepare for the school year and all that comes with it? Do you have to buy a specific curriculum, or do you even need one? Before you allow yourself to get too stressed, the following guidelines might help to make the process easier.
1. Learn your state’s homeschooling laws. Each state has their own laws concerning educating your child. Some states require the curriculum to be submitted and approved before the school year begins. Some require testing every year. A few states require a weekly of bi-weekly check of a child's progress.It is the parents responsiblity to make sure you understand and obey the laws in your state.
2. Write down your educational goals for your child. Is your child one who will want to go to college or not. Are they more interested in working with their hands or is math, English and history what excites them? Taking the time to think about this will help you decide which curriculum will best meet those goals. It will also give you a guide to see if you’re on track throughout the year.
3. Develop an educational philosophy by determining what you believe to be important. While we believed that our children's academic education was important, their spiritual, moral and emotional development were even more important. Are you concerned just about academics, or do you consider character development to be equally important? Do you want your child to be able to learn for a test, or do you want them to learn to think for themselves?
4. Decide what type of personality your family has – do you normally schedule everything down to the minute, or are you more spontaneous. Knowing this one piece of information can make a big difference in choosing the style or method of homeschooling you choose. Many curriculums are very structured and allow very little "wiggle room", while others offer greater flexibility.
5. Know your child’s learning style? Are they a hearing, seeing, or doing learner? Knowing their learning style will help you determine what items you will need to best meet their ability to learn.
If your children are very young, you don’t have to purchase the latest curriculum. Spend time with them helping them learn to write their alphabet, learn simple math, and prepare them to learn to read. Small workbooks available at most discount stores. Making school fun when they are young will help form their outlook for school later in life. Use candy or beans to teach math concepts. Teach them to form their letters properly, use shaving cream or rice on a cookie sheet. As you can see, you don’t need to spend a great deal of money to teach the basics.
After teaching the basics, make sure your child has an opportunity for fun. Get involved in a support group with other homeschoolers. These groups can be a great help to you and to your children. Each mother can take turns hosting a day with the kids. By teaching something collectively while the children interact with each other, the children are learning to experience healthy competition. Plan some play days or field trips. let the children run and work off some of their pent-up energy. Having a support group helps moms, as well, especially when you have questions or need guidance.
Subscribe to some homeschooling magazines or newsletters. This will also help when you have questions because you’ll be able to see how other people homeschool and learn how they handle the different aspects of daily life while homeschooling. It will help you to know that you’re not alone.
Plan on going back to school yourself; continue reading and learning as you teach your child. When my kids got to the middle school years, I realized how rusty my algebra was. I decided to go to our l ocal junior college and take a course in algebra. I was so glad I did! There will always be new things to learn, so plan on becoming a life learner. As your child grows you may need to try a different approach. By reading and learning along the way, you’ll be better able to make the necessary changes.
Choosing to homeschool is not always an easy decision to make. However, when you realize that you can do it and follow these basic guidelines, you’ll soon realize that you made the right choice. Homeschooling is an awesome opportunity for you, your family, and your children to learn and grow together.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Two darling granddaughters!!
I learned something new last week.. or should I say, I relearned something new last week. Something I had forgotten when my children grew up. Do not leave two 3 years old girls unsupervised for more than 30 seconds!!! I had 2 of my darling little granddaughters at my house for 2 days and 2 nights. It was so much fun and I enjoyed it thoroughly, but I had forgotten how fast children that age can find "fun" things to do. Three year olds can empty a toy box, unroll toilet paper, change their clothes and find candy faster than I can turn around!
God designed us to have children when we were young for a reason!!
God designed us to have children when we were young for a reason!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Hello Everyone!
I know you all thought I had fallen off the face of the earth!! I didn't... I really didn't! I have just been orbiting the earth in high speed the last several months... or so it seems.
I am committed to blogging again.... between bookselling, my Etsy store, my grandchildren, coaching laboring moms, trips to Texas to see my grandchildren, etc, etc I AM going to try to be a consistant blogger again.
You all tell me what you want to hear. Is it raising children, birthing children, living with teenagers, finances, making money? I have done it all at one time or another. Most everything I did imperfectly, ask my husband and children, they will tell you! I did learn from my mistakes, most of the time... Have you heard the old expression; "A wise man learns form his mistakes, but a wiser man learns from other's mistakes." Learn from my mistakes so you don't have to make them yourself!
There are so many things I want to share with you all that I don't know where to start. Let me sleep on it and I will get back to you tomorrow.
I am committed to blogging again.... between bookselling, my Etsy store, my grandchildren, coaching laboring moms, trips to Texas to see my grandchildren, etc, etc I AM going to try to be a consistant blogger again.
You all tell me what you want to hear. Is it raising children, birthing children, living with teenagers, finances, making money? I have done it all at one time or another. Most everything I did imperfectly, ask my husband and children, they will tell you! I did learn from my mistakes, most of the time... Have you heard the old expression; "A wise man learns form his mistakes, but a wiser man learns from other's mistakes." Learn from my mistakes so you don't have to make them yourself!
There are so many things I want to share with you all that I don't know where to start. Let me sleep on it and I will get back to you tomorrow.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day
On this day when we take the time to honor our men and women in the Armed Forces who have and still are serving our country, let us do so in a practical way by giving to the Fisher House organization.This non-profit organization is offering a wonderful service to our wounded heroes!
Copied from the Fisher House website: http://www.fisherhouse.org/
"The Fisher House™ Program"
"The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program serves more than 10,000 families, and have made available nearly three million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!
In addition to constructing new houses, Fisher House™ Foundation continues to support existing Fisher Houses™ and help individual military families in need. We are also proud to administer and sponsor Scholarships for Military Children, the Hero Miles program, and co-sponsor the Newman's Own Award."
You can go to their website and give online: http://www.fisherhouse.org/
Or, you can mail a donation to:
Fisher House™ Foundation, Inc.
111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420
Rockville, MD 20850-5168
Make checks payable to: Fisher House™ Foundation
Thank you for your support and thank you to each and every service man or woman to is serving to protect our country!
Copied from the Fisher House website: http://www.fisherhouse.org/
"The Fisher House™ Program"
"The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.
There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program serves more than 10,000 families, and have made available nearly three million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!
In addition to constructing new houses, Fisher House™ Foundation continues to support existing Fisher Houses™ and help individual military families in need. We are also proud to administer and sponsor Scholarships for Military Children, the Hero Miles program, and co-sponsor the Newman's Own Award."
You can go to their website and give online: http://www.fisherhouse.org/
Or, you can mail a donation to:
Fisher House™ Foundation, Inc.
111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420
Rockville, MD 20850-5168
Make checks payable to: Fisher House™ Foundation
Thank you for your support and thank you to each and every service man or woman to is serving to protect our country!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
To All of Our Servicemen ~ In Honor of Memorial Day
To All Our Veterans That are Serving and Have Served!
It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,
It is
the VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,
and women in the service no matter where they serve.
God Bless Them All!!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Responsibility
Responsibility? My child is too young to try to teach him to be responsible!! He is only two years old... he won't understand that.
Think again. At a very young age you can begin to instill a measure of responsibility in him. When you tell your child to pick up his toys you are teaching him to be responsible for his belongings.
Helping him learn to dress, eat, bathe and groom is teaching him to be responsibile for his own health and well being.
Expecting obedience and disciplining your child will teach him to be responsible for his behavior. If you ignore misbehavior or excuse it, your are letting your child know that ther are no consequences for his behavior and he does not have to take responsibility for his actions. That is disaster waiting to happen!
The foundation for responsibility starts at a very early age.
We will talk more about this soon....
Think again. At a very young age you can begin to instill a measure of responsibility in him. When you tell your child to pick up his toys you are teaching him to be responsible for his belongings.
Helping him learn to dress, eat, bathe and groom is teaching him to be responsibile for his own health and well being.
Expecting obedience and disciplining your child will teach him to be responsible for his behavior. If you ignore misbehavior or excuse it, your are letting your child know that ther are no consequences for his behavior and he does not have to take responsibility for his actions. That is disaster waiting to happen!
The foundation for responsibility starts at a very early age.
We will talk more about this soon....
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1 Precious Daughter, 2 precious Grandaughters
I am blessed!
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