Oct. 20, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Healthy Eating
Mondays On Mothering
Healthy Eating
I don't know about you, but I love to see my little ones eat a healthy amount of food. I don't like it when they stuff themselves, but I also don't like it when they eat like birds. I get worried they are going to stop growing if they push their food around, or that they will have terrible health when they refuse vegetables. In fact, my current toddler is a very little guy, and every time I take him to my Pediatrician, he says "Quit worrying about his size. He's going to be small, but he is staying on his curve." Our doctor also says a toddler will play with a meal, pick at a meal, and eat a meal and this will be on average over the course of a week. So, he might play with six meals in a row before he starts picking or eating, but it all works out. That's encouraging!
These last few weeks, I have been watching all of my children eat large portions of healthy foods. I think they are all ready for a growth spurt at the same time! My oldest two have suddenly developed a love for lettuce on their sandwiches, and in fact my daughter actually had tomato on hers yesterday! That is a huge victory for a child who wouldn't touch a tomato one year ago. My son, who professes to "hate" vegetables, has actually been enjoying the green beans and corn on his plate of late. A few days ago, my husband baked two six pound chickens, and we added green beans, corn, and 15 red potatoes. Of 12 pounds of meat and bones, we only put two pounds back in the freezer for later. Even if the bones weighed six pounds, that means we ate four pounds of meat in one meal! What is up with that? I eat very little meat, so I know it wasn't me! They also cleaned up all the veggies and potatoes...
I love knowing my children are eating well, now all I have to worry about is how to pay for all these growth spurts at once! What brings you joy as a mother? What do you love about being a mother? What makes you smile?
Celebrate the Joy!
To post a Mondays On Mothering ( a Meme for You) blog entry, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering, something about mothering that brings you joy.
2. If you want to use my graphic; you are welcome to upload my graphic.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post or send a message to the new M.O.M. group on Facebook so that others can read your post and be encouraged! You are welcome to put a link back to this entry in your post as well, but it is not necessary :).
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged!
Oct. 13, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Spending Time With The Cousins
Mondays On Mothering
Spending Time With the Cousins
What brings you joy as a mother? What parts of being a mother do you love? One thing that brings joy to my heart is watching my children play and enjoy their cousins. We have had lots of time with cousins this summer, meeting our newest cousins, and visiting family several times. It has been wonderful, and our little ones are beginning to bond more each visit. We are approaching the end of a visit with one little cousin right now and I know my children will be mopey the day she leaves to head home. Oh how I wish we could live close enough to enjoy those cousins more often!
I wanted to share a few pictures of the fun times we have been having.
Celebrate the Joy!
To post a Mondays On Mothering ( a Meme for You) blog entry, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering.
2. If you want to use my graphic; you are welcome to upload my graphic.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post or send a message to the new M.O.M group on Facebook so that others can read your post and be encouraged! You are welcome to put a link back to this entry in your post as well, but it is not necessary :).
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged!
Oct. 12, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- A New Graphic
If you are participating in Mondays on Mothering, here is a new graphic for you! You can copy this graphic and host it however you wish. I have the graphic hosted here at homeschoolblogger. I believe both PC and MAC users can right click (control click) and copy this to their desktop and then upload it to photobucket or to your favorite image host.
Oct. 6, 2008 - Mondays on Mothering -- The Toddler Cuddle
Mondays on Mothering The Toddler Cuddle
One of the greatest joys of mothering that repeats frequently in my day is the toddler cuddle. Mind you, I have been nursing or pregnant pretty much constantly for the last ten years, so I haven't been very long without a toddler to hold. My current little guy is the most cuddly little one I have ever had! He just loves to come get a hug or kisses, or rock in the rocking chair for a bit. In fact, I can't hardly sit down in the rocking chair without either him or the five year old (or most often both!) clamoring to be on my lap.
Even on the hardest of days, this is a great encouragement for this weary Mom!
What brings you joy as a mother? Lord help us focus on the joy this week, and not the hard things!
To post a Mondays On Mothering ( a Meme for You) blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Sep. 29, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Family Time
One of the things I really enjoy as a Mom is the time we spend together as a family. This generally happens on the weekends when my husband is home. This weekend, we ate at Pei Wei and it was fun to see people stare in amazement when our kids were eating Mongolian Kung Pau Chicken, Lettuce Wraps, and Japanese Teriyaki with gusto. Apparently, most children are a little more picky. We also had a family movie night on Saturday night and watched the animated version of The Sword in the Stone while we munched popcorn and peanuts and grapes. Those old animations are pretty funny! Times spent together in unity helps me recharge for the times when days are full of bickering. We are working on that one; but children do love to bicker don't they? For us, it seems like Mondays are always full of bickering. Why is that? It's a good day for me to write about the things I love about mothering! Remember the joy,
How have your children inspired you to be a better Mom? I hope you will join us encouraging each other with an M.O.M. post.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Sep. 15, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Inspired by Kindness
After returning home from surgery this week, I was inspired by the kindness and gentleness of my children. From the moment I arrived home, they gathered around to make sure I was okay and to offer help. My seven year old was hanging around a little after everyone else wondered off, and I asked if he was okay. He just got a cute little happy grin on his face and said, "No, I am just glad your okay, glad to have you home." For the first few days, I needed a little extra help with gopher type errands (go for this, go for that)... my nine year old daughter was so sweet to help without complaining all day long. It seemed like every time I needed something my son was busy with another task and she ended up doing the running.
It seems odd, and just a little sad to me that my older children have had to actually ponder my death. With my illness being so very obvious, they have not been able to ignore my lack of oxygen. We have had to train them about using 911, and what to do in an emergency. I know that with this surgery in particular, the older two were more aware of how serious the situation was. While I worry that this is a bad thing; I can see our situation shaping their character in positive ways. That, at least, is one positive aspect of a generally negative experience.
How have your children inspired you to be a better Mom? I hope you will join us encouraging each other with an M.O.M. post.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
I am having unexpected, last minute surgery tomorrow, and did not get a chance to post an M.O.M. post today. I am always so encouraged by my friend Pam -- she posts every Monday, sometimes before I do! This week is a case in point, and you can read her Mondays on Mothering post, and be encouraged!
Aug. 25, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- First Day of School
Mondays on Mothering
First Day of School
We had a fantastic first day back! Well, I should clarify. We had a fantastic morning, and a terrific afternoon. Right about 3 p.m., everyone fell apart and started fighting, but I am not counting that as part of our first day of school. So we did have a fantastic first day!
After opening our new school supplies, which I set out the night before at each place, we started our day with Bible. Then, various children did Math, Grammar, and Handwriting. Finally, we completed our traditional back-to-school project. Each year, on our first day we compile a notebook of our best work from the previous year. Each child gets to pick two or three pages or drawings from each subject, and then we three-hole punch them and put them in a binder. Each person then draws their own cover. We have a great time reminiscing as we put our notebooks together! This year, my little two year old insisted on designing a cover and putting papers into a notebook even though he didn't have any work from last year -- What a cutie! After this, I suggested that my children go take a break and then we would finish up with lunch and Science.
Guess what they decided to do on their break? Listen to an audio book!
I love those moments! My children spent three lovely hours listening to someone else read aloud, while I worked on my new website (under construction) and the launch of my book -- about using audio books in your homeschool! How ironic is that? We never even got back around to Science (we did break for lunch!) unless you count the fact the audio book was science related.. which I do.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Aug. 18, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Seeing My Parents With My Children
Mondays On Mothering
Seeing My Parents With My Children
I can still remember the first time I watched my father rock a baby to sleep. I must have been fourteen or fifteen, as my nephew was born in January and I turned 15 in August. Sometime during that first year, we were babysitting the little fellow (hi Justin!) and we could not get him to settle down. I tried, my Mom tried, my Grandma tried (she lived with us then). Nothing worked. Finally my Dad took him to the old rocking chair and just rocked until he fell asleep. Do you remember that Dad? I remember thinking, WOW! My Dad can hold babies!!! Being the next to youngest child in our family of seven, I had never seen my parents really interact with little children before that time. Fast forward ten years or so, to the time my Dad held my baby for the first time. I also still remember watching my father-in-law pace around our tiny townhouse with my tiny, colicky daughter, crooning a song as the rest of us desperately tried to block the sound of her wailing and get some rest. I think he paced for hours! I know she cried for hours. How I wish I had pictures of those moments. What a difference ten years can make in a life!
Recently, my children were privileged to ride the tractor with Papaw, disc the corn, and even ride around the neighborhood.
My children also spent a lot of time in the garden, picking corn and tomatoes, and digging potatoes, and my son even even helped plant beans. For my suburban children, this was sheer delight. In fact, my seven year old son expressed disappointment that we did not come at the right time to help break beans! Oh how I hated breaking beans when I was growing up! At any rate, it is always fun to observe my parents and my husband's parents as grandparents in action. Definitely, these are precious moments in my mothering days.
What do you love about mothering? What can you share that might encourage other Mom's to take joy in the moment?
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Aug. 11, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Sweet Chaos
Have you ever just looked around you and wondered how in the world so few children can make so much noise and mess? Today was such a day in our household. On days like today, I have to just take a deep breath and remind myself that in 20 years, my husband and I will be missing this chaos -- sweet chaos made by precious gifts from God. Hopefully, we will be close enough to invite the grandkids over frequently!
What do you love about mothering? Please share a post with us.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Aug. 4, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Take Me Out To The Ballgame
We are having a great time while we are on vacation! Tonight, we went to see the Columbus Clippers play baseball. My nine year old is the only one that remembers going to a game before; and she was pretty excited. She was singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when we got up this morning and several times throughout the day. We did not stay for the whole game, as we left around 9 p.m. for home and bed... Still we had tons of fun! It was Dime A Dog night, so we had hotdogs, nachos, and sodas; and then shared peanuts and cotton candy with my sisters and their kids. I love taking my kids for special treats that we don't normally enjoy, its so fun to see how they make simple things special in their minds. Tomorrow night, we are going to enjoy Kids Eat Free night at a local restaurant, and then Wednesday we will head home to Daddy and our own beds.
What do you love about mothering? Please share a post with us.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Jul. 21, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- The Endless Why
I have had little ones who asked why before. I am on my fourth toddler; so you might think I have experienced the endless why before. I vaguely remember my oldest going through a "why" phase. I honestly don't think my two middle children ever did. Maybe they pestered my oldest! My current two year old has perfected The Endless Why. Every answer receives another why! It just goes on and on; and he is only two. Can I tell you a secret though? I love those whys! I really do. I have purposed in my heart that I am going to enjoy this little one. He may very well be my last baby, my last toddler; and I am trying more then ever to savor every moment. I'm not saying I never get frustrated after fifteenth why in a row; but I am trying to be characterized as the Mom who willingly gives answers with a smile. Maybe two months from now I will be singing a different tune :). For now, I am enjoying these whys while they last.
What do you love about mothering your children? Whatever it is, I hope you will share something this week. Monday is a great time to focus on the joys of mothering don't you think?
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Jul. 14, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Missing "Cardy"
Mondays On Mothering
I am missing my baby. I mean, she is not my baby anymore, she's my oldest. But she's still my baby. She is on a 15 day trip with her Aunt in the Rockies, and we are only on day 2. Yikes! What's more, my little guy (age 2) is missing her in a big way. He keeps looking up at random times with a confused expression on his face and asking "Where's Cardy?" That's not really her name, but it is what comes out when my two year old tries to say Clara. Bless his heart! I hope he is still asking in two weeks when we go to pick her up...
As a Mom, I love seeing the relationships my kids have with each other. It is such a blessing to see them growing up as friends. I have "stairstep" kids, each 2 years apart; and they do fight. But, they also love. After reading Love in the House, I have been trying to encourage all of us to respond to everything with love! That seems like a long row to how with some of the tempers we struggle with; yet the children really do love each other. We watched The Incredibles last night; and I think my seven year old boy is starting to get it. Seeing Dash punch someone for "messing" with his sister. That was a good thing. I mean really. If you love your sister, act like it!
I am thinking about reading Love in the House aloud to my kids when they get home.
What do you love about mothering your children? Whatever it is, I hope you will share something this week. Monday is a great time to focus on the joys of mothering don't you think?
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Jul. 7, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Happy Hearts
Mondays On Mothering
On Happy Hearts
I love seeing my children respond to discipline, instruction, or chore time with happy hearts. I think one of the reasons this has had so much of a positive impact on me recently is because of the very bad attitudes we have been dealing with when chores become necessary. I have started really noticing and praising when any of my children do approach a chore with a happy, cheerful attitude. One child in particular struggles to find joy in spite of chores. I am hoping that by noticing and cheering those times when he comes willingly and with a smile; I will encourage more frequent positive behavior! Another child, I have noticed, almost always comes to chores or school time with a cheerful obedience. Still, I have started drawing attention to her right response with praise. All of my children could use some work in this area! I truly do love it when my children come with a smile and a willing, happy response.
What do you love about mothering? I hope you will share something with us! To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Jun. 30, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Care and Feeding
Time and again, I realize that I can either take joy in all of the care and feeding that goes into four children; or I can consider it a hardship. Joy smiles, laughs, and generally makes things pleasant. Hardship frowns, groans and fusses until everyone is miserable. I am often sad at the end of the day to realize that I have leaned all day towards the latter.
We mothers can take joy in cooking, cleaning, and laundry, if only we would choose to do so. Yesterday evening, I asked each of my children to estimate the amount of time it would take to pick up the main floor. Whoever had the closest estimate would get a prize. We have a small, open floor plan, so we are really just talking about putting away the mess in three rooms: living room, dining room, and sunroom. My oldest daughter looked around, and estimated 10 minutes. My middle son looked around and guessed 24 minutes. My littlest girl giggled, and said 15 minutes. I decided that only my oldest would be the only child motivated to work hard and fast; and then as soon as we passed 10 minutes she would stop working hard. So, I turned it up a notch. If you are closest to 10 minutes, you all get a prize! If you are closest to either of the other estimates, only the closest gets the prize.
Wow! You should have seen them hustle. At the end of 8 minutes, the entire floor was straight and neat with no fussing, no arguing, not fighting, pushing, complaining. This is a vastly different outcome then what I saw last week in the same situation. What made the difference? The only difference in this situation was my attitude. I was working with the same children, the same mess, and the same floor. My approach changed from one of driving job boss to one of cheerful instigator. All of us enjoyed the challenge, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the promise of reward.
After my children had picked their "prizes", we headed outside for an added bonus. Since I wasn't stuck inside cleaning up after everyone we were able to enjoy the last daylight hours with a family walk and bike ride around the neighborhood with Daddy. I'm not planning on offering chocolate at the end of every family chore; but I am hoping and praying to focus on the joys of a job well done more often. Choosing joy at the start brings it's own reward.
I confess, I don't love cooking, cleaning and doing laundry. But, with a better attitude, and an eye towards results, I am getting there. I love the lessons we are all learning on the way. What do you love about mothering?
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Jun. 23, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Loving the Challenge
Most of the time the challenges of mothering get to me. Sometimes, I remember to Love the Challenge. Loving the challenge of well-behaved children, clean children, and good food on the table helps keep my attitude in check. When I think of it as a challenge, instead of a chore; I am more excited about tackling it!
This week, my challenge is vacation. How do I balance time with family and keeping the children cheerful, obedient, and sometimes quiet, while still enjoying our time here with family. It is quite a challenge.
Do you love the challenges of mothering? Please share something you love about mothering!
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Jun. 16, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Father's Day
We had an interesting Father's Day on two fronts. First of all, we weren't even supposed to be here; as I was on the way to my mother-in-laws house out of State, to pick up the three oldest children on Saturday when my car broke down. My father-in-law ended up driving the ten hours to bring them back to us. My car went to the shop on Saturday, and won't be finished until who knows when, which brings up the second part of our day that was weird -- we couldn't all go to church together. My vehicle is the only vehicle that holds all of us; my husband drives a much smaller more fuel efficient car for his long commute. So the older three children went with him to church, while the toddler and I stayed home.
Since we were expecting to celebrate "Father's Day" when we returned next week, we didn't have any gifts. Since we didn't have a car to take all the children in, we couldn't go pick out a gift together. Since we weren't expecting to be here; I didn't have the necessary soy milk for my dairy allergic little girl.
So, at about 3 p.m., I loaded up my oldest and youngest and drove to the nearby Harris Teeter. We shopped, and picked up a free balloon on the way out. As we arrived home and unloaded the car, my little two year old guy insisted on helping carry in the groceries. I warned him, "Don't let go of your balloon or it will fly away."
As the balloon was floating into the sky, this is what we heard. "Go get Daddy! Daddy go get my balloon! Daddy can get balloon! Need Daddy now!!!"
Bless his heart! He still thinks Daddy can do anything.... This made mine and my husband's Father's Day as no other gifts, desserts or church service could have. Our toddler's words reminded us both of the precious place we have in our children's hearts; and our need to preserve and care for that relationship as much as we can.
As a Mom, I love seeing how much my children esteem their father.
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps: 1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Jun. 9, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Goodbye Hugs
As you might guess from my title, I hugged three of my children good-bye this morning. They are on the way to Grandma's house with both grandparents in attendance. I am staying home with my youngest having a bit of a break. It is interesting to discover how much my two year old needs me when his siblings go away! Anyway, hugging my children good-bye was a precious moment for me. Knowing that I will have a brief respite, yet also realizing how much I will miss the chatter and busyness that three children add to a household! What a great reminder for me to enjoy motherhood while it lasts; and to enjoy this special time with my littlest guy, because next year he will be old enough to go to Grandma's!
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps: 1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Jun. 1, 2008 - Mondays on Mothering -- Summer Break
One thing I love about mothering my children is the ebb and flow of our changing seasons and how it effects our days. I get so wound up to start full time school in the Fall. Yet, our Christmas break for Advent brings a new rush of excitement. Every change in season reminds me of the things I want to share with my children and gets me excited all over again. This summer, I look forward to days spent with just a little school in the morning and a lazy afternoon at the pool. We have so much fun, and I know I am blessing my children by being available to take them for swimming. Plus, we enjoy inviting friends to share our time at the pool! Today marked the start of several different summer reading contests, and the beginning of my son's Cub Scout adventure as a Wolf Cub. This season of life promises to be loads of fun.
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps: 1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
I would just like to take this time to apologize to my regular readers and my Mondays on Mothering posters ( Hi Pam!). Monday just slipped right by, swallowed up in the Memorial Day priorities of getting to the pool opening, grilling steaks, and spending time together. My blog got shoved to the bottom of the priorities; and I didn't even think to post a quick announcement! I will do better the next time a Monday holiday comes around.
May. 19, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Seeing The World Through A Child's Eyes
Seeing The World Through A Child's Eyes
Do you know about dandelions? I mean, do you really know about dandelions? My children have been bringing me dandelion bouquets since my oldest was two years old. At first, I accepted them with delight and joy; thrilled to accept this gift of love. However, in recent years I have gotten a tad impatient. These are weeds after all, and they make me sick. I thought for sure my oldest at least ought to be able to understand why I didn't want them! I have taken to leaving my dandelion bouquets outside to decorate my the hood of my suburban, to decorate the table out on the deck, and to decorate the bushes. Finally, this year, my nine year old announced to her younger brother, "I don't pick dandelions any more." "Why not?" he asked in astonishment. "Because they are weeds." was her emphatic reply. He, at age seven, was completely bewildered by this response. But neither one of them has brought me a dandelion bouquet this year.
This experience has taught me something. I have learned to savor those tangible moments of childhood, I miss them now that they are gone. When my four year old brings dandelion bouquets, I respond with a kinder and gentler heart. After all, who created dandelions? And for what purpose? Surely, they are good for something besides the delight of a four year old child! Well, did you know that dandelion greens are actually very healthy for your liver! Personally, I prefer to concentrate on the delight they bring to my children; and not concern myself too much with the health benefits. This, for me, is reason enough to look at dandelions with a different perspective.
What joy is brought into my life; when I look at things through the eyes (and hearts) of my children. When I take the time to think about this; it is one of the things I love about mothering. What do you love about mothering?
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps: 1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
May. 12, 2008 - Mondays on Mothering -- Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Well, you knew my Mondays on Mothering post would have to be about Mother's Day didn't you? Speaking of which, here is an aside: Hi Mom! I forgot to call today (yesterday, but its just after midnight here and I am still awake...); but I sure did call on you birthday again this year and forget that it was your birthday. I figured it out today when we were sitting at McDonalds talking about all the May birthdays in the family. I'm sorry!
Okay, so that's one cool thing about mothering is that you suddenly understand your own Mom so much more.
We had an extra special day here as always. It all started when my oldest daughter was two. She and her father began the tradition of buying my container garden for Mother's Day. The children help me choose and plant the flowers for my garden, and my husband buys a smart new container or a cool watering wand or something special to add flair. I've never been to good at keeping flowers alive in the ground; but container gardens I can manage! (I know, go figure...)
So, this year my good husband had the foresight to look at the forecast. When he noticed thunder and lightning on the horizon; he talked the kids into taking me flower shopping and out to eat on Saturday, a day early. Since they are really big on tradition, this was no small task! We went to The Cheescake Factory; an indulgence we almost never allow. We went to Sears and replaced our dead microwave after almost four months of no microwave popcorn. Then we went to Betty's Azalea Ranch for flowers. Same place we went the first time 7 years ago!!! It is good to be back. We decided to do lots of vegetables this year; for fun and to see if we can do it. Tomatoes of course, and green peppers, red peppers and jalepenos, lettuce and basil. I am really praying for some nice juicy tomatos this summer! We planted Marigolds with the tomatoes because I have heard that helps with insects. We also got some Zinnias, some Rose Moss, and my standard petunias. We also got at least three other flowers whose names I can't remember, but no matter because in the morning I am going to add pictures to this post.
The best part was the planting of course. I love watching my littlest guy being extra "tarfoll" with the plants. (That's careful, in case you can read my Caleb-ese). He loved helping plant the pots, but his favorite part was the watering! I loved how capable my oldest two were, and how much they absorb these days. My four year old was equally adorable of course, and very industrious. Everything has to be "just so" for her and she did an excellent job.
So, altogether Saturday was a wonderful day! Then, I got to celebrate twice!! You can't beat that can you? Sunday we went to McDonald's for breakfast which is one of my favorite things to do; but something we don't splurge on very often anymore. Then, we went to church and came home for a nice relaxing afternoon. Well, I relaxed while my husband cooked lunch and installed the microwave . Then, we went back out for supper at McDonalds. We then enjoyed Strawberries in Sugar and Pound Cake with Whipped Cream at home for dessert and finished the evening off watching The Greatest Game Ever Played (a movie) and eating popcorn. Anna had her strawberries on some yummy chocolate gluten free brownies. I will share more about that in another post. The littlest ones finally fell asleep during the movie and had to be carried to bed. It rained all day; but not a bit of damper did it make for us! I am so glad Dan planned ahead, for more then on heart would have been broken had we waited to buy flowers.
Sharing special traditions are one of my favorite things about being a mother. What are your favorites?
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps: 1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Sometimes, our children do things that deserve punishment don't they? Last week one of my children forgot to clean the bathrooms during the week, which is this child's one job for pay. The "rule" is that this child has to clean them before Saturday or she cleans them on Saturday for no pay. Well, Saturday came and went and this child did not do the bathrooms. As Sunday afternoon was waning, I mentioned this to my husband and said something about sending this child to go clean them. He decided a bit of grace was in order. The child forgot, Saturday has passed and we didn't make sure the child did it Saturday; time for grace. I was certainly afraid that this child would then decide this week not to do the bathrooms during the week again; since we didn't enforce the rule. However, when Thursday came; the task was completed without complaint. I am so glad! I love being able to share grace with my children as an example of God's grace in our lives. It is such a relief to know that he will not be delivering the punishment we so grievously deserve, isn't it? And, with a little bit of grace in our parenting; our children can experience a small taste of that grace before they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.
What about you? Do you have something you love about mothering? Please share on your blog! I love reading the other Mondays on Mothering posts each week.
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Apr. 28, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Gentle Motivation
Gentle Motivation
What a challenge it is to motivate our children gently! I am wanting always to push and pull them to where I want them to be. This simply doesn't work! One of my favorite parts of mothering is watching my children rise to the challenge with just a bit of gentle motivation. A few well placed words of tinder, a little spark from Dad to help ignite the flame. We experienced just such a moment this weekend, when my oldest son came to us with a problem. A good problem! He has finished his AWANA book for the year; and finished the extra book at his level. Last week, with only two weeks to go; he was given the Bronze Packet challenge. This little packet is only given to clubbers who complete all of the work available at their level, or to leaders who want to complete a challenge. It contained 60 verses, and they must be completed in 15 verse segments spoken in one sitting, with only two helps for the entire 15 verses!!! So, on Saturday night my little seven year old came to me for clarification on the rules. Once he found out he had to do at least 15 verses in one sitting in order to get any credit, he was floored. "Mom, I just can't do it. I'm done. I already did my book and the extra book, I am not doing anymore. I don't even have time to do 15 verses by next week, let alone the whole packet." (and yes, he really does talk like that...) I just calmed him down gently, and said something like "You're right, you probably can't learn the whole packet by next week, but I know you could earn the first 15 verses. If you don't want to that's fine (as he interrupted me with wails of "I can't") but I know you could at least do the first 15 verses by next week." Then, a few minutes later, as I read the information on the packet, I mentioned how few people at AWANA ever get a chance to earn this extra Bronze pin and wear it -- only a few clubbers complete both books in one year and then finish the packet. And, how I hated to see him not even start working on it; when it was such a privilege to even have that pack of verses. Then, I let it drop. I didn't say another word to him. The next day, he brought it to his Dad to put back in order; and his Dad talked to him very quietly about it. I never did hear what was said, just a little bit from Dad when he said -- "I know you can do it, but if you don't want to you don't have to." By the time AWANA came around at 6 p.m., my son had his first 20 verses ready to go! And, he was super excited, pleased with himself, and ready for the challenge of completing the other 40 verses by next week. He wants to win the "water challenge" which means he gets to throw water balloons at a leader I think. Whoever says the most verses in the last 3 weeks wins the Water Challenge. I was in shock; but so glad I didn't PUSH and PULL harder when I wanted to. I never expected him to learn more then 15 of the verses, and that by next week -- not this week. You see, when we motivate gently and let our children motivate themselves from within, they set the bar much higher!!! Wow, I gotta remember that next month when start working on Cub Scout achievments...
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Apr. 21, 2008 - Mondays on Mothering -- Delayed Entry
First, let me just say, I am so sorry my Mondays on Mothering (a Meme for You) entry is so late! And I am the host -- So sorry! I kept thinking this morning that I had something to do on my blog, but I was feeling a bit scattered after my dear husband left for a week long trip to New Mexico.
My children and I spent the morning "teaching to the test" in preparation for their upcoming mandatory standardized testing. Ick! How did you spend your morning? This morning reminded me how much I love teaching my children what they want to know! Isn't that the most fun as a mother; when a child approaches you from a stand point of Wanting To Know? They learn so much more that way don't they? It starts when they are tiny, and want to Do It By Myself. Pretty soon, that can extend to things such as cursive writing, whale research, and reading every book in every library within fifty miles on Trucks. My son decided to "teach himself" cursive, but wasn't really getting the transition from guesswork. So this weekend, I printed off several Italic cursive sample sheets; and this morning after we finished "teaching to the test" we spent thirty minutes or so working through the ins and outs of connecting cursive letters. Talk about a captive audience! For me, teaching my children what they want to know is a highlight of my day... What about you? What activities remind you how much you love being a mother?
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Apr. 14, 2008 - Mondays on Mothering -- Making Memories
Making Memories
Do you know what Saturday was in the Blevins' Household? Well, of course you don't because you weren't here! Saturday in the Blevins' home was the very first 2008 -- Wash The Car Celebration! Every year, on the first warm weekend we are able; we wash the cars as a family. We take pictures. We get messy!
I have pictures of Wash The Car Celebration every year since my oldest child was only Two Years Old. It is so fun to watch little ones dip their cloth deep into the soapy water, and go at it right next to Dad -- following him around the car. Unexpected fun this year was observing how industrious my nine year old was -- she was actually helpful! I think this might be the first year a child has actually contributed in a real way to the finished cleanliness of the car .
As I was reflecting on what I love about mothering for my Mondays on Mothering post; I thought about the memories we make as a family. What a precious legacy those memories will be! Memories are one thread that helps knit us together as a family. I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Apr. 9, 2008 - Mondays on Mothering -- The New Graphic!
Here it is! The new graphic for Mondays On Mothering is ready. My husband is working on another one; a more generic one that doesn't have my face in it. But for now; this is it!
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Apr. 7, 2008 - (Just Another) Mondays On Mothering post
Hi! Today we are having a few squabbles as my crew settles back in to school after a Spring Break with Neena (my Mom). Every child wants to go and do their own thing. Therefore, I am choosing to be very encouraged by the picture I took just last night. My two older children were reading the same book at the same time. They were SHARING!!!! Victory. Those precious moments remind us why we do the job we do. Moments of victory will come. As a Mom, I love seeing my children working together on a project, reading a book together, playing at a cooperative drama together, building lego castles together. Those are the Mothering moments I love and long for. Have you had any special moments like these this week? I read a great article at Training Hearts which I found speaks to this very idea, focusing on the good and not the little frustrations. Go read it for extra encouragement today! I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
-- What a cutie! After this, I suggested that my children go take a break and then we would finish up with lunch and Science. 
. Then we went to Betty's Azalea Ranch for flowers. Same place we went the first time 7 years ago!!! It is good to be back. We decided to do lots of vegetables this year; for fun and to see if we can do it. Tomatoes of course, and green peppers, red peppers and jalepenos, lettuce and basil. I am really praying for some nice juicy tomatos this summer! We planted Marigolds with the tomatoes because I have heard that helps with insects. We also got some Zinnias, some Rose Moss, and my standard petunias. We also got at least three other flowers whose names I can't remember, but no matter because in the morning I am going to add pictures to this post. 
. Then, we went back out for supper at McDonalds. We then enjoyed Strawberries in Sugar and Pound Cake with Whipped Cream at home for dessert and finished the evening off watching The Greatest Game Ever Played (a movie) and eating popcorn. Anna had her strawberries on some yummy chocolate gluten free brownies. I will share more about that in another post. The littlest ones finally fell asleep during the movie and had to be carried to bed. It rained all day; but not a bit of damper did it make for us! I am so glad Dan planned ahead, for more then on heart would have been broken had we waited to buy flowers.
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I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own 
Have you had any special moments like these this week? I read a great article at 
