Stepping Back

Do you ever feel like the ins and outs of your day are getting lost in the proverbial sauce? Sometimes things get so overwhelming that you tend to just run through them without even thinking.  This week I have felt this way about our homeschool routine.

We sit at our table with our books spread out and pencils in hand but it is always just paperwork.....where is the fun? What happened to the days of paper plate crafts, accordion folded legs on paper hearts and turkeys made from painted hands? When did school become so mundane? This is the real reason we stay at home, isn't it?

This week as I sat over coffee with a friend, she reminded me of something very important.  She reminded me that I needed to step back and that it's ok to do so! I need to put down the lesson plan and step away from the routine part for a minute. I need to put things into perspective and remember what it is that I am doing.  I went to school for education so I am not new to the concept of teaching.  So often I think we feel the need to get everything perfect and that everything has to be just right and just as it is written down in the lesson planning book.  We feel like we can't stray from what is written down. Come close because I'm gonna let you in on a little secret......it's called a pencil! See, there are no rules that say things can't be changed or erased and redone. There is no one standing over you saying, "you MUST do it this way" or "you MUST do it that way". So if this is the case, what do you do next? Well, after my coffee chat with my brilliant friend, here is what I have decided to do...

                                                                   STEP BACK

I have decided to step back and rather than push my kids through without having any fun, we are incorporating an art project and craft a few times a week. On Thursday morning, they woke up to Q-tip painting and a bible lesson on Jesus and the changing leaves. Their little faces lit up all because they were getting ready to paint a picture! Y'all, it's those moments when I realize that I need to do more by doing less. Less strategic planning, more craftful planning. Less paperwork, more paper plate art. Less being stressed about where they are in their books, and more being blessed by where they are in their hearts!

So, if you are in a rut and this sounds like you, I encourage you to take a step back and look at the whole picture. Figure out what you need to change and change it. Plan some fun activities with your kids. Put the life back into your homeschool.  It will be a good thing and you will be glad you did and remember......it's ok to do so!!

My Top Ten Favorite Things

Welcome back friend! 

As we climb into the beautiful season of Autumn and the month of October, we are getting ready for falling leaves, apple cider, hayrides and days of thankfulness! If you are anything like me, this is your favorite time of the year and the perfect weather to drink more coffee  (can I get a hallelujah?)

Along with fall being my favorite season, there are several things making my list of favorites right now, so let's take a look at the top ten things that are marshing my mellow right now!

MY TOP TEN FAVORITES FOR OCTOBER

1. Bandanas - if you know anything about me yet, you know I absolutely love my bandanas! I have every color imaginable and I try to wear at least one a day! I get them at Hobby Lobby for .99, which makes it even that much better! They fancy up my regular old ponytail and give me a little extra prettiness.

2. Mulled Cider Candles (Wal-Mart) - these fall scented candles have become my all time favorite fall scent. The aroma in my home is amazing with just the right hint of apples, cinnamon and spice! They can be found at Wal-Mart for around $4 in the candle aisle.

3. Flavored Coffee - I cannot say enough about the flavored coffee I have been ordering on Amazon! I have tried every flavor under the sun....you name it, I've tried it! Blueberry cheesecake - ✔, Chocolate Cherry - ✔, Peanut butter and Jelly - ✔.........I can't get enough and it is an amazing way to start my day! My Favorite Coffee right now

4. PB2 - If you have spent any time around anyone who is on a weight loss journey or following a diet plan, you may have heard about this magic in a jar! PB2 is a powdered peanut butter and with just a little water turns into the most creamy, deliciousness that I've ever spread on toast. I have added this treat to my yogurt, toast and even english muffins with granola! Way less fat and much healthier for you than regular peanut butter! It's a win-win! 

5. "Mom Set Free" by Jeannie Cunnion - This book is life changing y'all. It is slowly teaching me to slow down as a mom and enjoy my children. Life goes by way too fast to not enjoy your time with your precious gifts from God. They are only lent to us for a time and what you do with that time is totally up to you...will you spend it doing dishes? worrying about the laundry that will still be there tomorrow? or will you take the time to feed into your children and love on them daily?!

                                                                    Mom Set Free

6. Granola - I don't know why I have never been a big fan of granola before because it is delicious! I have recently bought the "Back to Nature" brand  in peanut butter flavor at Food Lion for around $3, which is not a bad price at all for the amount that you get. I have used this over my yogurt with strawberries or blueberries added and also on top of my english muffin with PB2! Game-changer for sure!

7.  Peppermint Essential Oil - This oil has a strange effect on me because it seems to serve multiple purposes. When I need a pick me up, I love to diffuse this scent. When I have some head discomfort, rubbing this oil on my forehead and temples, gives me relief. When I want to calm down at night, it somehow reminds me of warmth, maybe because I associate the smell of peppermint with Christmas, so it makes me feel cozy! I personally use Young Living Peppermint Essential Oil! 

8.  Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser - Ok ladies, have you ever taken your makeup off at night, dried your face thinking it was good and clean, only to look down at the towel and have Tammy Faye staring back at you, from everything your makeup didn't remove? I can't be the only one! So, about a month ago, I found a sample in the far bottom of my makeup bag that my sister had given me of this little gem and I thought to myself, "self- you need to use this up" and boy am I glad I did! Ya'll this cleanser takes it all off, and I know it isn't some fancy, high dollar brand which truthfully makes it that much better, right? It leaves my face feeling clean, smooth and it smells good too! Sidenote: wouldn't it be more fun to wash your face with something that smelled like chocolate or cheeseburgers?

9. Cheeseburger Cheez-Its - So, a few weeks ago (preweight loss journey) I was at Wal-Mart and I noticed that Cheez-Its had a contest going on for three new flavors, seems like everyone is doing that these days. They had pizza, loaded nacho and cheeseburger and while all three sounded incredible, I let my children decide and cheeseburger won it! Please hear me when I say, I ate the whole box by myself. Now it didn't happen in one sitting but it very well could have.....D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S! You can taste everything just like a cheeseburger...the mustard, pickle, ketchup and lettuce. So I was a little bummed when I went back to try the others and they weren't available. Have you tried them, what did you think?

10. Friends (re-runs) - I had forgotten how funny this show is. It makes me feel old watching it now because I remember when it first came out and I was in high school, that was 21 years ago. My best friend Julie and I used to get together every Thursday and watch new episodes. As years went by and seasons passed on the show, I missed a lot so now going back and watching it on Netflix or even on regular cable tv, I am seeing things I missed or didn't remember and am rolling with laughter. It is my guilty pleasure at night while I eat my snack! What are you watching right now?

So there you go, as we continue to roll through October, I pray that you will take the time to enjoy your families, go on a hayride, carve some pumpkins and try out something new that may just become your new favorite! Til' next time friends.....