New Year- New Goals

Happy New Year! I am excited because this is a fresh new year with new possibilities. Although we can not tell what this year is going to be like, we do know our God is unchanging and steadfast. We can have peace going in to this year with confidence.

What are your goals for your family? 
What is your long term vision for your family?

Let's talk about:
One word for the year
Taking baby steps
Recommitting to gentle parenting
Connecting with me

My one word, my goal for myself this year is ABIDE. I came across this work while reading John 15. Jesus reminds us to remain/abide in Him. I feel like the word abide is more impactful than remain. I will cling to, remain, stand firm in my faith to the LORD.

For my family my goal is CONNECTION. I didn't speak to this as much on the podcast episode. But I would like to have a deeper connection with my children and to help them work on their relationships with each other. 

After months of being together, they are starting to get more frustrated with each other rather than closer. I am planning to avoid our usual winter cabin fever this year!

Something we need to remember is that when we try to take on too many changes at once, we often fail, burnout, or give up. Try making baby steps, or doing one small doable change. 

In committing to be a more gentle peaceful parent you may face some challenges. Parenting is difficult. Add to that a pandemic and social distancing, it can be even harder. I wish you all the best this year. Let's make 2021 a year of growth, transformation, joy, and peace.

Christmas Treasures - Lessons from Mary

 

As we get closer to Christmas our thoughts turn towards Jesus' birth. Over the years I have considered different parts of the Nativity. Often wondering what it would have been like for each of the people involved.  There are many wonderful picture books written from a different perspectives. All of which still choke me up year after year at the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This year as I have been wrapped up in the middle of writing a devotional book for mothers, a single verse stuck out in the book of Luke. 

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

 

My mind has been focused this year on the connection between our relationship with God and how that is reflected in our relationship with our children.

Here we see Mary soaking in everything that has been going on around her. Remembering most likely her visit with the angel Gabriel, her miraculous pregnancy, Jesus birth, and the visit with the shepherds. So much to take in all at once especially having just given birth, and in a stable! God had come down and touched her life very personally. He was real and faithful in His promises. So Mary treasured this moment in her heart. There were no iPhones around to snap a photo. Mary could not even grasp the magnitude of all that had happened. But she knew it was a special moment and this was an incredibly special baby.

As a mom I can relate to Mary. The miracle of birth, even in all the chaos that follows, amazes us as we hold our precious new born. These treasured moments connect us to our little one and the One who created this little miracle.

In the busyness of life do you still take time to treasure moments and think about them?

Do you stand in awe of all God has done in your life? 

Do you pause during your day to be present with your children? 

To savor the moment and take a picture in your mind. There is so much more to remember than a photograph can show. The feelings, the events surrounding that moment and the significant meaning of it all. Some times as mothers we get caught up in the details of life, our to-do lists and work. Time passes all too quickly and we realize we rely on Facebook memories to remember special events in our lives.

Take a lesson from Mary. This Christmas I encourage you to take the time to thank God for all the blessings in your life. Consider the magnitude, wonder and events of the first Christmas. Worship Jesus, who came personally into the world to rescue, love and forgive us. And be sure to pause in the midst of your festivities to enjoy being with your kids. Treasure all these things. Store them in your heart and think about them.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

Matthew 6:21

Merry Midwinter (First day of Winter activities)

The first day of winter has been celebrated for centuries. Many different religions and beliefs have their own festivals and traditions. 

How do you celebrate the first day of winter?

We like to acknowledge winter, the coming of spring and also tie it in to Christmas which is only a few days from the Winter Solstice. 

Here are some activities you may wish to incorporate.

Nature Story:

Midwinter in the Forest by Meaghan Jackson

Christopher is a little brown squirrel who lives high in an oak tree. Below him, at the base of the tree, is his good friend Gareth a kind and gentle toad. Gareth hibernates for the winter along with many other forest creatures. Many birds have also migrated south to warmer locations. 

The air was chilly when Christopher woke up. He snuggled deeper into his warm nest and pulled a soft piece of moss around him. Finally, he got out of bed and had a good breakfast of warm acorn coffee and walnut bread. He was very excited because today was the first day of winter. Many of his forest friends would be celebrating that afternoon. They did not have to wait until evening as today would be the shortest day of the year and the sunset in the later afternoon. Christopher had noticed the moon was out even in the middle of the day.

After checking on his nut stores, the little squirrel went into his living room and pulled a glass jar from the cabinet. Carefully covering the jar in glue and tissue had crafted a beautiful lantern and left it to dry. He would need it later that afternoon. Then he spent some time in the kitchen baking cookies for the celebration. Spiral cookies took a lot of work, but it was a job he happily took on whilst singing Christmas carols. 

When he arrived at the clearing, Christopher noticed that the deer had already cleared away the leaves. Henry, the badger, had begun laying pine bows in a spiral shape. Christopher hadn't seen as much of Henry lately and was happy to help him complete the solstice spiral. Some birds brought in berries and bits of holly to add to the spiral. As the sun began to sink lower in the sky, Christopher could see lights twinkling among the trees like little stars, only they were moving towards the clearing. In little groups, more forest animals came to join them holding lanterns. Mrs. Fox had a basket of muffins and Abigail the grey rabbit looked as though she was carrying a large thermos and cups.  All the food was carefully placed on some flat rocks nearby.

A large barn owl called for attention. He welcomed the forest animals to the Midwinter celebration and said a prayer of thanksgiving. One by one they walked reverently towards the centre of the circle, placed their lantern in the spiral, and walked back out. Christopher thought about all his blessings on the way in, and how thankful he was for Jesus on the way out. The spiral was beautiful and lit up the whole clearing.

Afterward, everyone ate and wished each other well. Some animals would see each other in a few days for Christmas celebrations. Others they would see again at NewYears.  A few sleepy critters had woken only to greet their friends and would go back to hibernate until the spring.

The forest animals would continue to check in on each other over the winter to make sure that everyone had what they needed by way of warmth and food. That evening, Christopher walked home with a happy heart, grateful for all his friends.

Poems: 

The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper 

And so the Shortest Day came and the year died 

And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world 

Came people singing, dancing, 

To drive the dark away. 

They lighted candles in the winter trees; 

They hung their homes with evergreen; 

They burned beseeching fires all night long 

To keep the year alive. 

And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake 

They shouted, reveling. 

Through all the frosty ages you can hear them 

Echoing behind us — listen! 

All the long echoes, sing the same delight, 

This Shortest Day,

 As promise wakens in the sleeping land: 

They carol, feast, give thanks, 

And dearly love their friends, 

And hope for peace. 

And now so do we, here, now, 

This year and every year. 

Merry Midwinter From the The Secret Staircase, 1983 Brambly Hedge

‘When the days are the shortest, the nights are the coldest,
The frost is the sharpest, the year is the oldest,
The sun is the weakest, the wind is the hardest,
The snow is the deepest, the skies are the darkest,
Then polish your whiskers and tidy your nest,
And dress in your richest and finest and best…’
For Winter has brought you the worst it can bring,
And now it will give you
The promise of Spring!

Art appreciation: 

The Shortest Day by Carson Ellis 

Mid Winter Sunset by Joseph Farquharson

Picture books: 

Winter Solstice picture books

Brambly Hedge – The Secret Staircase by Jill Barklem 

First day of Winter by Denise Fleming

The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper

The Shortest Day by Wendy Pfeffer

Baking:

Bake bread in the shape of a sun

Spiral cookies

Yule log cake

Eat dinner by candle light

Nature:

Track the sun rise and sun set times this week then compare them to the summer solstice. 

Look for signs of winter

Notice shadows

Make an advent spiral

Have a bonfire 

Craft: 

Lanterns

Make candles

Advent spiral 

Creative: 

Paint with yellow 

Explore spiral shapes

Trace shadows

Game: 

Shadow tag

Tag in the dark with flashlights

Shadow puppets

Science:

Shadows

Winter solstice explanation 

Song: 

In the bleak midwinter by H Darke

Bible:

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:11-12 ESV 

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12 ESV

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. John 12:46 ESV

Parenting:

This may be a good opportunity to teach or be aware of reverence. 

Explain that some events are times of thoughtfulness and respect. You may wish to practice going on a reverent walk. If your child isn't sure what to think about, perhaps suggest they think of things they are thankful for.

In the months ahead your family may find you are spending more time inside. Be prepared, don't let cabin fever set in. 

• Think of fun ways to keep active both inside and out. 
• Make a list of activities you can easily prep for those longer evenings and bored days. 
• Connect with others
• Eat well
• Get outside if possible
• Keep a strong rhythm and routine
• Possible add in some fun days
• Plan special time or monthly dates with your children

More activities:

https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/winter-solstice-activities-kids/ 

 

https://www.backwoodsmama.com/2017/12/7-wonderful-ways-to-celebrate-winter-solstice-with-kids.html

How to Avoid Holiday Overwhelm and Burnout

The Holiday Season has arrived and with this crazy year of COVID-19 and social distancing, it is even more important than ever to care for your mental health.  Lets take a look at how to avoid Holiday overwhelm and burnout.

Here is another article I wrote about Holiday Meltdowns

And one on holiday meltdowns

I've included journaling and reflection questions for you to think about. These are meant to help guide you towards a more joyful peaceful holiday season.

Values and Priorities 

What holiday/celebrations are you wanting to plan for? 

What are your favourite holiday memories? 

Ask your kids about their favourite memories and what they are looking forward to? What are your top activities you want to include? 

Make a must do list and a nice to have list 

Reflect:

What are your priorities this season? (health, connection, faith, mental health, fun) What are your values? 

Overwhelm and Burnout

What causes you the most problems each year around the holidays? 

What are you anticipating to be your biggest struggles this year? 

The most common thing is burn-out. Moms put so much work into making this big elaborate holiday and end up disappointed or feeling sick afterwards. 

1. Limiting beliefs or what we tell ourselves. All the I shoulds and I have to. Let's change to I choose to or choose not to because… 

2. Over scheduling 

3. Self care is forgotten so make it a priority

4. Be at peace with simple, effective and joyful 

Reflect:

What is your list of I should, I have to? Rewrite the list with I choose to, or I choose not to. Take a look at your calendar does it reflect your values and priorities?

Creating a closer connection with your family 

So often the holiday season turns in to a bank account drain, anxiety about gifts and a lack of gratitude/thanksgiving. Remember the real reason for the season, what are your values and priorities. If connection or quality time is high on your list then make sure your calendar and budget reflect that. Look back at your lists from above. What are your big things you are aiming for this season? 

Kids really want you the most. How can you give of yourself and create connection? 

1. calendar of activities (I have a free one for my subscribers)

2. have a theme for the month 

3. create special traditions or rituals 

4. decide what your gifts will be and your mindset towards giving 

5. choose things most of you will find enjoyable 

6. Keep it simple. You can't do it all 

 

Reflect:

What activities do your family enjoy doing most this time of year? What is NOT going on the list?

What are your obligations for work, school, family events?

What traditions, activities, themes etc. do you want to include? Keep it simple.

What is your mindset towards gift giving? 

Boundaries and Meltdowns 

Okay these are two huge topics. I really encourage you to reach out to me if you want to figure out what you will say, write scripts, and roll play if that helps. 

What are your biggest struggles with boundaries and meltdowns/ attitude/ behaviour over the holiday season? 

Boundaries are important. It does take a lot of work sometimes to see both people’s point of view, honour needs and create compromise if possible. But ultimately this is your family and you are in charge of what you let into your lives. 

Remember you are modeling for your children what healthy adult relationships are like. Not everyone has the perfect life, so let’s get real. There are people who are going to push the limits. You need to decide which battles you will take on. Where do you draw the line? 

Pray, get a partner or family on board and be consistent and bold. Brave even. Be sure to respectful and gentle when dealing with others.

 

Meltdowns: Be consistent and keep it simple. Here are some areas to focus on

• Sleep 
• Eating 
• Exercise 
• Expectations 
• Rhythm 
• Overload (crap, toys and such)

• 

During a meltdown 

• Remember this isn’t an emergency 
• You have the right to your feelings (don’t feel bullied) 
• You are the parent, you handle it your way 
• Offer empathy 
• Create or find a safe space 
• Listen to your child 
• Understand that emotions are extra high this time of year 
• Regulate your emotions 
• Try to be consistent from how you are at home in dealing with a meltdown if you are out somewhere 
• Ignore the stares and comments

Reflect: Write about your biggest struggles. Start to craft a plan including what you’ll say.

Success and mindset  

You won’t see change if you don’t do the work.  

What is your vision of success? 

What is your new plan for the holidays? 

Choose Joy

Focus on the bigger picture rather than the small details 

Remember the reason for the season 

Reflect:

What more do you need to work on practically and mentally?  

What questions do you still have? 

What areas are you stuck? 

What is your new mindset? 

What are you going to do to keep that positive mental attitude? 

I wish you all peace and joy this season. 

Huge List of Christmas Countdown Ideas

Anticipation is mounting for Christmas day. Many families like to countdown the days until Christmas in a special way. Advent calendars are hugely popular and there are many other ways to count down...

Christmas Countdown Ideas

1. Treats in a store bought or homemade advent calendar
2. Small items in a store bought or homemade advent calendar
3. Notes of appreciation or love notes
4. Quotes and verses in an advent calendar
5. Holiday surprises (Sparkle stories has a wonderful Holiday Magic series) this involves receiving a daily hidden note with an activity to do.
6. Audio story countdown (Sparkle Stories has several that we enjoy)
7. Wrap 25 books to read one each day
8. Hang a special ornament on your tree each day
9. Jesse Tree - Reading parts of the Bible from Genesis to Jesus
10. Paper chain
11. Move the nativity figures closer to the manger scene
12. Advent Spiral
13. Do a different activity each day as an alternative to treats in your advent calendar. This could involve family activities, crafts, outings, movies and more.
14. Acts of kindness (donate, serve, volunteer, give, help, surprise)
15. Read a portion of the nativity story
16. Learn a new fact around a Holiday theme (check out our unit study ideas)
17. Watch a Christmas movie each day
18. Add pieces to a photo or scene each day
19. Reverse advent by collecting one item to donate each day

What my family is doing

Our family has a nativity set up and a pathway leading to the manger. Each day Mary and Joseph move closer. One each of the Sundays of Advent we add more to the scene. Week 1 rocks and minerals, week 2 plants, week 3 animals, week 4 people. We love seeing the display build up over the month. All the pieces have been lovingly made over the years by the boys and myself or purchased from very special markets.

We really do slow down on homeschooling in December but I like to make sure our focus in on Jesus. I have so many great theme ideas, so I asked the boys to vote on what they'd like to learn about.  This year we are learning about the different symbols you might see around the holidays. We will learn about one symbol a day along with some activity that relates (sort of, hopefully).

Below is a list of what I'm doing with my boys. It isn't in too much detail but there are links to some pages and my Pinterest board. If you'd like to hear more send me a message or follow us on social media.

Symbols of Christmas

Advent 1 – Rocks and minerals – Read part of nativity story 

Last day of November surprise note about our December theme and adventure 

 1. Candy cane – Luke 2:8 also story of Candy Cane, Jesus is our Shepard – candy cane experiments, hook candy canes game 

 2. Wreath – John 19:2 – Crown on Jesus’ head, God’s love never ends -make a wreath 

 3. Angels – angels appeared in several places in Nativity story – make angles out of nature

 4. Candles – Luke 1:79 – Jesus is the light of the world – make candles, go out to see lights 

 5. Bells – ring out to announce the coming of the Lord – play with all our musical instruments

 6. Advent 2 – Add nature, keep reading nativity story

 7. St. Nicholas – Fun symbol, read Santa story book, leave surprises in shoes, leave surprise treats for friends too 

 8. Holly – Matthew 26:28 Blood of Jesus, sharp like the crown, gather nature to decorate house  

 9. Fir tree – John 3:16 Represents eternal life and points to God – set up the tree 

 10. Star – Matthew 2:2 Star above Bethlehem – make origami or paper stars 

 11. Colours – red is blood of Christ, green is everlasting, gold symbol of royalty – art work, get out all our supplies, sensory bin

 12. Caroling – Luke 2:13-14 – listen to music- watch video about story behind a song, dance party 

 13. Advent 3 – add animals, read about shepherds in nativity story

 14. Christmas Crackers – read about them, how are they made, buy or make some. 

 15. Ornaments – make some ornaments, 

 16. Cookies and food – make cookies, try some Christmas food from a bakery 

 17. Cards – read about cards, make cards for friends 

18. Poinsettia – tell story of poinsettia, visit garden centre 

 19. Gifts – Matthew 2:11 – gift of the magi – wrap presents and go shopping 

 20. Advent 4 – Add people, read about Jesus

 21. Spiral, Winter – make our own spiral, read about spiral, maybe invite friends 

 22. Mistletoe  - read, find some silly Christmas games - new game  

23. Nativity scene – watch a movie, read a different perspectives 

 24. Stockings – tell a story about stockings, set out ours, Christmas eve gift to open

What does your Advent calendar or holiday count-down look like?

For more ideas check out my Pinterest board 

Holiday Season Unit Study Ideas

Many families slow down on their school work over the holiday season. But you don't need to completely stop (unless you want to, which is totally okay too). Here are some fun themes you could learn about or play around with. How deep you go is really up to you. You could even incorporate these themes into an advent calendar.

Holiday Season Themes

1. Different Names of Jesus or God

2. Holiday book novel study

3. Different winter celebrations and holidays

4. Holiday traditions around the world

5. Winter weather unit

6. Animal adaptations and how they survive (including hibernation, migration and adaptation)

7. Holiday symbols and what they represent

8. Study the story or history behind select Christmas carols

9. Christmas or holiday foods from around the world

10. Children's picture books, book study or even write your own

11. Jesse Tree - move through the bible from Genesis to Jesus

12. Character study of different people from the Nativity

Where to get materials? 

I'm not affiliated to any special sites. I keep it really simple and use what I find online. Others have put a lot of thought and work into creating fabulous materials. Sometimes I'll get a flash of inspiration and come up with my own ideas. I'm not one for spending too much on new curriculum or books but these are sites we like:

Teachers Pay Teachers

Pinterest

YouTube and Google

Local Library

This year I asked my boys what they wanted to learn about. After choosing their favourites from the list we settled on Christmas symbols and their meanings. You can Check out my Pintrest Board Here.

What activities do you do for a Holiday Unit?

This really depends on your own personal goals and priorities for the Holiday Season. I always recommend keeping things simple and focused on creating connections.  That said there are lots of activities you could include depending on your theme:

• Reading books
• Watching related videos
• Write a story
• Cooking or baking related to the theme
• Crafts
• Art projects
• You may find math activities
• Madlibs
• Writing prompts
• Getting physically active
• Sensory play
• Games
• Telling others about what you learn in some way

What is our family doing?

Below is a list of what I'm doing with my boys. It isn't in too much detail but there are links to some pages and my Pinterest board. If you'd like to hear more send me a message or follow us on social media.

Symbols of Christmas

Advent 1 – Rocks and minerals – Read part of nativity story 

Last day of November surprise note about our December theme and adventure 

 1. Candy cane – Luke 2:8 also story of Candy Cane, Jesus is our Shepard – candy cane experiments, hook candy canes game 

 2. Wreath – John 19:2 – Crown on Jesus’ head, God’s love never ends -make a wreath 

 3. Angels – angels appeared in several places in Nativity story – make angles out of nature

 4. Candles – Luke 1:79 – Jesus is the light of the world – make candles, go out to see lights 

 5. Bells – ring out to announce the coming of the Lord – play with all our musical instruments

 6. Advent 2 – Add nature, keep reading nativity story

 7. St. Nicholas – Fun symbol, read Santa story book, leave surprises in shoes, leave surprise treats for friends too 

 8. Holly – Matthew 26:28 Blood of Jesus, sharp like the crown, gather nature to decorate house  

 9. Fir tree – John 3:16 Represents eternal life and points to God – set up the tree 

 10. Star – Matthew 2:2 Star above Bethlehem – make origami or paper stars 

 11. Colours – red is blood of Christ, green is everlasting, gold symbol of royalty – art work, get out all our supplies, sensory bin

 12. Caroling – Luke 2:13-14 – listen to music- watch video about story behind a song, dance party 

 13. Advent 3 – add animals, read about shepherds in nativity story

 14. Christmas Crackers – read about them, how are they made, buy or make some. 

 15. Ornaments – make some ornaments, 

 16. Cookies and food – make cookies, try some Christmas food from a bakery 

 17. Cards – read about cards, make cards for friends 

18. Poinsettia – tell story of poinsettia, visit garden centre 

 19. Gifts – Matthew 2:11 – gift of the magi – wrap presents and go shopping 

 20. Advent 4 – Add people, read about Jesus

 21. Spiral, Winter – make our own spiral, read about spiral, maybe invite friends 

 22. Mistletoe  - read, find some silly Christmas games - new game  

23. Nativity scene – watch a movie, read a different perspectives 

 24. Stockings – tell a story about stockings, set out ours, Christmas eve gift to open

No matter what you choose for your focus this season I do hope it is full of Joy and Peace.

Mothers Encouraging Mothers

Mothers

Faithfully loving their children

Giving of themselves, their time, and resources

Giving unconditionally

Love

Moms I want to tell you personally how incredible you are. You are a wonderful, caring, powerful force in your child's life.  Just by showing up every day, doing your best and trying over and over again, you are a blessing. You are a great mom!

In giving so much of yourself I know that you often end up running on empty. Sometimes you may feel like you have nothing left to give, or that your patience is running thin. But you cannot give if you have poured out everything you have. I want to encourage you this weekend to recharge, refresh and renew that beautiful spirit inside of you.  I know your situation right now may not allow for much time, but there are so many ways to check in with yourself and meet your needs. It doesn't have to be a big gesture (although that is amazing if you have the time and resources), and you could ask of another person to help with it.

Some self-care ideas that come to mind:

• Take a shower or bath
• Have some quiet time to yourself (put the phone away)
• Read
• Pray
• Walk
• Get outside
• Colour
• Draw
• Create something (this can be done with the kids too like baking or painting)
• Dance party
• Yoga
• Listen to music
• Drink more water 
• Savour your favourite drink
• Meditate
• Skip some house work
• Watch a show without guilt
• Get takeout or have the family make dinner
• Focus on breathing
• Do one thing that you love
• Get dressed in your favourite outfit
• Call a friend

I know that sometimes you may feel weary. Or perhaps you have another mom friend who is feeling that way. This journey of motherhood can be full of challenges and joys (sometimes in the same half hour). I asked several groups of mothers what advice or kind words they would have for  struggling weary mom.  Their hearts poured out with these encouraging words of wisdom and love.

• Be kind to yourself and show yourself as much grace as you would show your best friend.

• Remember that Love is the greatest characteristic anyone could have.

• My best advice is to plug yourself into a support group of some kind. Even a casual coffee group with one or two others who can relate and offer support for each other. Makes all the difference in the world when you can hear that your not the only one going through struggles. Really it does!

• Focus on the moment.......be consistent; observant; persistent, understanding, and a good listener. 'No' is not a bad word....teach no from early on. Most of all, teach your children to walk with God, and trust Him, every moment of their lives.

• Lower the Bar. Anytime I feel like I am getting tired and frustrated to a point that I can see myself becoming a version of myself I do not like, I expect less. From myself, from my kids, for the day. I simply focus on love but throw everything else out the window until I feel recharged and dedicated to being intentional again. Laundry, cleaning, activities, schooling; all of it can wait until it can be done peacefully and happily, by all. Hang in there. Lower the bar.  

• Take it one day at a time

• Your best is enough in any given moment. Be sure to take even just 5 minutes for self care here and there throughout each day. Do something that makes you feel happy. When our cup is full, we can then help fill others cups.

• Give yourself grace

• Set yourself one goal for the day....I used to write a list of a million jobs a day and then felt like a failure when I didn’t achieve them...now it’s just one job, eg strip and make bed. If I get more done it’s great but if not I don’t worry about it. It’s tough sometimes. Getting out of our house helps too.

• Keep breathing. It’s never easy but rewarding. Remember to breath.

• Forgiveness is a huge factor in my life right now. Forgiveness of myself, of others, and others of me.

• Drop the balls. For real, no more trying to juggle everything. My advice is to stop trying to do it all, to stop trying to be that perfect mom (because she doesn't exist). Try to be present and love on your kids the best you can, and drop the rest of it like a hot potato. Oh, and get away from them... the kids, that is... for at least two hours a week. Knowing that break us coming makes it easier.

• Relationship trumps academics. Always chose relationship.

• You're not alone. We all have bad moments even if we only show the highlights to others.

• If your friend is feeling weary just listen

May you have a fabulous Mother's Day connecting with your family. Hopefully you will get a chance to rest and feel refreshed. Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

Christmas Reflections

Happy New Year!!  I truly hope that this year is starting off well for you.

How was your Christmas and December holidays?  I'd love to hear all about what you did and how you felt about everything.

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season ended I reflected on how things went and what I might do differently next year.

This is all I could manage to capture for a Christmas photo

Now don't get me wrong.  I love Christmas and had a wonderful time with my family.  The boys's excitement just makes it all so much more enjoyable.  Oh I wish you could have seen how thrilled TJ was opening his stocking.  It truly made my day.

What I did really like was talking about things before hand with the boys.  We made a list of their favourite Christmas activities and tried to fit them all in.  I also did my best to keep things simple and not to over schedule.  This all went very well. We also kept the gifting simple but perfect for each child.  They were so excited to give each other items they'd specially chosen too.

Another thing I loved was that their toys came alive this year!  No creepy Elf on the Shelf for us. It was just for the fun of it.  I had heard of Dinovember but we don't own any dinosaurs, so our stuffed animals had all the fun. You'll have to check our the FB posts on our page to see all the funny things the toys did for more than a month!! It was super fun at first, but there were some days that I wasn't in to it any more.  Perhaps a shorter time if we do that again.

Toys being silly

What got me thinking was that as Christians, Jesus was pushed aside far more than I'd have wanted.  We didn't really focus on Santa much, but just the silly toy, fun things to do, excitement over gifts and such took our focus away from the reason we celebrate in the first place.

Unless I made some major changes I'm sure this will happen again next year.  As the boys get older I'm sure they'll appreciate and understand more.  I mean they do know why we celebrate Christmas and we do try to focus on that, but...

Baking is so much fun

So I was thinking that maybe before Christmas we could do things as usual.  Just enjoy all the fun holiday activities and excitement that ensues.  But perhaps in the quiet afterwards we could turn towards Jesus and be able to give more attention to him.  I know that many families celebrate Epiphany and so we wouldn't be alone in that.

So what are your thoughts?
How do you balance it all??

 I think it's good to reflect on things. My hubby and I talked a bit too about how things felt a little different this year.  As we get older we recognize that the magic of the season seems more for the kids than us, and that felt oddly noticeable for me this year.  Hmmm...

How did your Christmas go?
Anything you'll be changing up this year?

Birthdays!!

This month TJ turned 8 and Daddy had a birthday a few days later. Later this month we have several more parties to attend too!  Spring is such a great party time.

This year the plan was to simplify and have a nice small celebration.  After discussions with the boys and what they wanted I decided not to over Pinterest things instead. I have offered to the boys to do something else instead of a party if they wanted to also.  Both older boys wanted to have birthday parties with their friends.  Of course MJ reminded me that they needed themes so that they could decide what to do for the cakes!

TJ chose an outdoor/camping theme.  He invited several friends and cousins.  All his grandparents wanted to come too and we all had a great time.

We used camping gear and marshmallows on twigs for decorations.  The boys' Playmobil was on the cake table along with a campfire looking cake. 

The take home was a glowstick and compass key chain.

Ikea has cute woodland cookie cutters that we used to make gingerbread cookies.  There was lots of snacks, trail mix supplies and our nature table items on the food table.

Outside we set out toys from the shed to play with like badminton, Frisbee, balls.  There is a sandbox, bubbles and swings too.  TJ created an obstacle course for his friends in the forest and we had a nature treasure hunt.

TJ's actual birthday was two days later.  We still had some cake left over so he ate that for breakfast!! 

Daddy and I saved our gift for this day rather than with the party gifts.  He had been asking for the Playmobil Luxury Yacht for over a year.  Oh boy was he excited and surprised that we bought it for him!! 

We also got the remote control for the yacht.  After playing all morning with his birthday gifts, we went to a pond near my mom's to try out the new yacht.  What a great time we all had!!

Daddy's birthday is a few days after TJ's.  This year I surprised my husband with an afternoon together to do whatever we wanted!  He is such a hard working man and needed a break.  TJ woke up first and baked the cake all by himself.  He also worked really hard on colouring a picture for daddy and warping a gift.  MJ helped me later with decorating.

It took three of us to light all the candles.  TJ wanted to see if we'd set off the smoke detector so he collected up every candle in the house and sent me out for more.  

Daddy and his helpers blowing out the candles!  These boys love their dad so much.  He always makes time for us all and works hard on our family business.  

Our babysitters were an awesome brother/sister team who played with the boys all afternoon.  They were sure busy from what I heard.  Jon and I went antique shopping (looking really).  We had dinner out, rented a movie and then came home.  We'd have stayed out longer but ran out of things to do.  The weather wasn't nice enough to be outside.

I love my family!!!!

End of Summer Party

A few weeks ago TJ came to me and said he wanted to have a party with his friends.  I've posted before about how he throws parties in the forest for his stuffies.  These little shindigs are complete with snacks, loot bags, games and decorations.  The guests are usually other stuffed toys, his brother and who ever happens to be visiting us that day. This time there were no friends over so we'd have to make some plans....

TJ was very clear that he was going to buy the items for the loot bags.  When I suggested that we could plan an actual party (bigger than his usual forest ones), he was thrilled!  We talked about themes, who to invite, activities, decorations, loot bags, and of course the cost.

Side note:
Now I have been reading a lot about project based homeschooling.  I tried to let TJ have complete control over this party project.  I did make some suggestions and encouraged him to keep working on it (once you actually invite people it's nice to follow through).  I am learning right along with my children here, so I won't say I wish I'd done things differently.  I know now for next time to ask more prompting questions such as "what else do we need for the party?, what is the next step?" rather than telling him what needs to be done.

Real math is counting your own money

I am so very proud of my son!  He decided to pay for the entire get-together.  He did some chores around the house and for others. Knowing that it could take a while to earn what he needed, TJ asked if there was a faster way.  We did some brain storming about how people earn money and he decided to sell some toys.  It would help us purge and be much faster than making items to sell.  So off he went to pick some toys to sell and take photos.  I posted the adds on Facebook for him.

Purchasing his own groceries

The week before the party we went shopping for food, decorations and loot bag items.  We had many days of counting money (each time something sold).  With his list in hand, TJ loaded up his cart and paid the cashier for his purchases.

TJ decided to individually decorate and personalize each loot bag.  With around 15 children coming to the house, TJ had a lot of work ahead of him.  He spread out the bag decorating over a few days, taking time to choose each item for the loot bag based on the kids favourite colours.  He also bought some streamers to hang up all over the house!!

Baking cupcakes by himself

Another awesome opportunity came with TJ reading the directions and baking the cupcakes all on his own.  I was simply his assistant and to monitor him using the oven.  I was asked to colour the icing and decorate the cupcakes because TJ was still working on the loot bags the morning of the party.  Poor TJ's interest was waning so we came up with a plan.  He'd decorate one bag, then help add sprinkles to a few cupcakes.  Going back and forth we finished up everything in no time.

Personalized party bags

The party was a huge success.  All the children played wonderfully.  They all brought snacks to share, and enjoyed the treats.  The sprinklers, water guns, and hose we welcomed on the hot day after jumping on the trampoline for a while.  TJ was a wonderful host.  He welcomed each guest and made sure everyone had something/someone to play with.  Some friends left after two hours while others stayed almost four hours and were very sad to have to leave.

Delicious cupcakes

Real learning takes places with the topics are relevant, meaningful and interesting to the learner.   I know TJ truly learned a great deal from  this whole experience. Besides the abundance of learning, and responsibility that took place, this was a whole lot of fun!!  I love the ideas my boys have and I love to be able to say YES to them!!

Have you said YES to your kids recently?  Share in the comments how that went...

This post is linked to:

Mom2Mom Monday linkup

Twinkly Tuesday