How I learned to K.I.S.S

Then I learned to K.I.S.S. I shared my feelings with a friend and fellow homeschooler who was just as busy as me, but somehow managed achieve the in-achievable. Her advice? She told me I needed to K.I.S.S., or rather, I need to keep it simple, silly.

Pick something simple and achievable and do it.

This has turned out to be the best advice and much goodness has come out of embracing the keep it simple attitude.

Kids don’t need elaborate plans to have fun, learn or make memories. 

They are learning all the time!....it’s good enough. If it was fun and cozy and together, that memory will grow into the festival you had hoped it would be.

Since I’ve pulled off the pressure to go big I’ve noticed something. It’s actually easy to experience.

milly

I only had to slow down, keep it simple and pay attention to notice. So....

Even though Milly is usually "too old" for the preschool co-op, she has taken on this roll of helper.  She loves to take care of the littles and doesn't even need to be asked.  She we all went to have a fun day at Pumpkin Valley Farm!

AUD and IZZ (besties)

reffie, roo, lan & west

climbing on the fence to see cows eating pumpkins!

only half the group

 

One day, I hope my Kids remember.....

One day, I hope my kids remember:

- that they were loved

- that they were wanted and chosen

- that Mommy and Daddy worked hard to offer them an incredible childhood

- that we made sacrifices so they could have the chance to blossom in their own time

- that we failed (often) to be ideal parents, but that in our failings we asked for forgiveness (often)

- that Mommy wishes she could be perfect, but knows you need to see the need for grace as well

- that they have a mission and purpose in this world

- that God loves them and will guide and direct them in life

- that He gave them each other as eternal friends

- that our family is unique and precious

- that Mommy and Daddy will always be rooting for them, praying for them, and cheering for them to dream big, be faithful in the small, and relish being who they are

“I sustain myself with the love of family.”
~  Maya Angelou

Forever Friends

Well, me and the rascals went apple picking yesterday with Roo's "Home-Preschool Group".  The group was designed for moms to participate in educating their children socially and academically without paying a stranger to do it.  It is pretty genius!  As we were waiting for everyone to arrive the children greeted one another and looked for others to arrive.  Moms were trying to greet everyone, we have become really good at fast talking, you know.  It was very calm and normal.

It wasn't until I saw another school group, the same ages as all 20 of our children, that it hit me.  These women are amazing!  In the short time that I have known them, we have experienced loss, births, Godly transformations, sin, and forgiveness. We love Jesus and it shows.  This group of women think of each other and pray for each other continually.  Anyone of them will drop what they are doing and come to my aid (and they have)! We live in community with each other learning from one another, encouraging passing clothes, making each other dinners it is the best experience I have had with a group of women.

And the best part is the kids!  Because they are so use to seeing the mommies, they are comfortable around us, in case they need to ask for help or need reminders of how to behave.  None of the children try to act out to get attention, because they have all the mommies attention, so there is no need.

I just feel so blessed to be able to go through life with an amazing group, I love each and every one and thank God that you are here with me during this time.

(some pictures taken by J'na and M'nda)

"The Rascals"

Gearing up for a new school year...

I know many home school families are ordering their curriculum and that is something we are doing, but I am also focusing on my heart.  I came across a quote in my daily devotion, "Learn to enjoy life more. When you walk through a day with childlike delight, savoring every blessing you proclaim your trust in Me." 

I want to go into this new school year slow and calm, with the mind of simple.  I want to focus on the children and not the amount of activities we are involved in.  I am hoping to keep this mind all year no matter what comes. It was Ann Voskamp, who said, "Haste makes waste.  Life is not an emergency.  Life is brief and it is fleeting but it is not an emergency". 

I know that God will be there with me! "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for 

us through wordless groans." Romans 8:26

Thank you GOD! because honestly I don't think that slowing life down and focusing on simple beauty 

within my children comes naturally for me, so I will need God.

   

         

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

So here's to another YEAR, but slow and intentional!