3 Simple Ways to Take Control of the Screens in your Home
Here’s a peak at my post for Hip Homeschool Moms this month — Most families have multiple screens in their home – between the TV, computers, iPads, iPods, cell phones, hand-held video games… for many, it can feel like the screens are taking over. Do not get discouraged though – there is hope and there are very practical ways you can take control. As a family, we decided to toss our TV almost a decade ago. It was one of the best decisions we ever made in the quest to tame the screens. This is always my first recommendation to families struggling with unplugging – get rid of the TV!…
How to Choose {Excellent} Living Picture Books
As a Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschooler, I do a LOT of reading with our kids. The spine of everything we do is literature. Well-written, Living Books are the name of the game in our home. And this includes everything from picture books to poetry to fables, fairy tales, famous stories retold, Shakespeare, non-fiction, novels… with one thing in common – I’m seeking LIVING BOOKS. I often talk to moms who are new to homeschooling and new to Charlotte Mason homeschooling. There are two things I usually encourage them to do. First, I have some favorite Charlotte Mason books I recommend reading to gain at least a good foundational understanding of Charlotte’s philosophies. Second,…
Finding Hope and Purpose in the ‘Ordinary Life’
Can I whisper something to you? Yep. There truly is no greater calling than the one God has already put you right in the middle of. I’ve learned this the hard way. We seek the big time before we’ve mastered little league. I’ve sought the big time, and boy have I sucked at little league. I’ve quested for the big dreams, the big calling, the BIG MINISTRY, the big business, you name it – I’ve lusted for it. It took me a long time to figure out what I thought I wanted wasn’t what I needed. God already has me right where He wants me. When you’re a stay-at-home Mom…
Three Ways to Choose Joy in the Everyday Homeschool
As homeschool Moms, most of us juggle about a hundred tasks every day (every hour?). With the feeling that there is just so much ‘to do’, there is also the struggle to maintain the atmosphere of peace and joy we all long for in our homes. We’ve had those days. Those blissful, wonderful, happy, joyful days. The sun in shining, the breeze is warm and all is well in this happy little home. And then, there’s the normal days. The ones where we’re happy most of the time but there is just that hint of argument between siblings or that lack of patience from Mom or that whiny, “HOW many letters to I…