This Week's Carnival

Corn and Oil is hosting this week's Carnival of Homeschooling--Post Olympic Carnival of Homeschooling.   

Head on over to see some really cool articles including Eclectic Momma's Grocery Store Math post. 

 

Change

On Monday, our lives change in a very big way.

You see, for the past 7 years, JP has worked 2nd shift.  He's slept in and worked late for 7 years.  We've been quiet in the mornings, so we wouldn't wake up Daddy.  We've eaten our big meal of the day at lunch for 7 YEARS!!!  

Now, everything is changing.  

With his new position the past year, he's been working into the wee hours of the morning.  It's been hard on him physically.  We've seen less of him and he is just tired all the time.

Months ago, he was chosen to change to 1st shift on a new line in the same department.  Finally, the move is happening this week!  

We will be spending quite a few weeks adjusting to earlier rise times, earlier bed times, nightly routines that include Daddy, trying to figure out alone time, and the change in our meal schedule.  I know it's going to be rough to start.

I also know this is going to be great for JP and our family and I just can't wait!!!!

Michael's Birthday

 When  you are sick on your birthday, you have to blow out the candle away from the cake!

One happy little boy!

Validation

I saw this great short film a while ago (You really need to watch it!)   and it came to mind today as I have been pondering this whole issue of validation and social media. 

In this online world, we often put conditions of our feelings of being worthy, having "arrived" or being "validated"--

If I have so many subscribers to my blog...

If I get this many page views in a month...

If my facebook page has this many likes...

If my posts are retweeted by someone more "influential"....

If I make money from my blog....

Then, I'll be happy.... Then, I will have made it....

It doesn't work!  It shouldn't be like that! 

Sometimes, we look for validation and affirmation from people who don't even know us.   We take our self worth from the number of likes we get on a status or how many retweets we get.  We can so often miss out on the experiences and people in real life...

I enjoy writing this blog and I used to not care how many people read it.  Somewhere along the way I got a bit more concerned with stats, followers and how to reach more people on facebook.  A lot of my online acquaintances are "professional" bloggers, so I got caught up with all the ins and outs of the business side.  

When all I really want is an outlet, a hobby, a way to express things to whoever stops by and wants to read.  I still can find myself thinking about things, comparing myself....

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with people making a living from blogging. It's great if that's your desire.   But I need to remember I'm not one of those people.  

I want to get back to my original purpose...to journal our life's journey and try to help people when I can!  Writing what I want, when I want, being true to my calling instead of trying to gain "validation".  

Encouraging others and validating them--not for their accomplishments, but for who they are and why they are special. Getting my validation from the Creator and fulfilling my purpose in HIM!  

So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please HIM.

 2 Corinthians 5:9

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Colossians 3:23

Several things have sparked  this thinking...Frontline's Generation Like episode (There is some disturbing, sad content in this film concerning what some teens are doing to gain validation.)  and the blog post- Destroy the Pedestals

Happy 5th Birthday, Michael!

Where has the time gone?  

We cannot believe you are FIVE already!  

You can do so many things--read, add, build things, make up stories, help out with chores!

You asked Jesus to come into your heart!

You are a good brother!

You are fun to be with!

We love you!

Happy Birthday, Michael!!!!!

Hey, I was featured...

I was featured this week over at Hip Homeschool Moms blog hop for this post: 

How to Make a Pinwheel Window Star

Hip Homeschool Moms said:

 

"Marcy from Ben and Me loved Eclectic Momma’s – How to Make a Pinwheel Star.

Marcy shared “Loved the tutorial from Eclectic Momma — Snowflakes are growing old this winter. I just love how colorful this craft is! The perfect way to brighten up a dreary winter day!”

Thanks Marcy and Hip Homeschool Moms!

 

So glad I was able to share this tutorial!  It's a beautiful way to make spring feel like it's on the way!  

Thoughts

• Sickness, it comes in spurts.  One year, we'll be well for an entire year.  Then, other times like this winter, we've been sick 3 times in the past few months.  

• I love spring weather!  I'm airing out the house this afternoon with SEVERAL windows open!

• I'm definitely an extrovert.  Sometimes I doubt this fact and swear I'm becoming an introvert.  But I'm about to lose my mind after a week of being home with 3 sick children.  I decided one more day for the kids to get back to normal with the coughing and then we're back to our normal activity schedule.  I need some people energy!  My children are ready for some different people, too. 

• I'm a home body.  I love my children and spending time with them.  But cranky, coughing children are wearing on my nerves.  

• I love making these and hanging them in my windows!
  
• These flowers have definitely made my week.  I'm not a roses-kinda girl.  Daisies and carnations are more my style.

• My baby, my last baby turns 5 this week.  That's hard for me to think about. 

• Change, good change is coming our way in a week's time.  I'll post more about that another day.  

• I'm ready for spring weather...wait, did I already say that? 

• I'm very blessed, and I truly know it!  I'm sure I don't act like it all the time, but I do realize it.  I'm thankful for all the people, experiences, and "blessings" in my life.  It can be overwhelming when I stop and meditate on the fact. 

Some favorite verses that are on my mind right now:

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Isaiah 43:2-3a

Every good and perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, 

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 

  

Valentine's Day

Even though all the kids were sick and our party was canceled, we still decorated and had our own celebration.  Our home is filled with love every day of the year and for that I am thankful!  

 Party games...

Our sweet friends brought us valentines and cupcakes!

We are reminded this day and every day....

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son 

that whoever believes in Him shall never perish, but have eternal life." 

John 3:16

Weekly Wrap-Up: Plans? What Plans?

 

We had so many plans this week--lessons, chess club, a Valentine's Day party. Well, things rarely go as planned. I thought I had learned that lesson already. Guess not! 

Tera and Daniel started the week with what seemed like allergies, then morphed into a horrible cold.  Coughing, blowing, stuffy heads have been their week.  Michael woke up with it today.  I'm hoping my lack of sleep is why I'm not feeling quite 100 % today.  

On top of not feeling well, a winter storm that blew in 7 inches of snow sealed our resolve to cancel all plans and stay at home.  

Michael had his first piano lesson with Tera this week.

Snuggling with Daddy...

We took yesterday off from school totally.  A snow/sick day.  With all the snow, the kids only wanted to be out less than an hour.  We now have two decapitated snow men in our yard and the last vestiges of the "most snow Michael has ever seen."

Today, we're taking a relaxed approach to school--reading, audio dramas, games, etc.  It's hard to focus on math when you're sneezing your head off.  

We'll still have some Valentine celebration today, but it will be quite calm.  Hopefully, everyone will be better next week and back to normal.  We've got quite the week coming up! 

Snow Day--It's Official

We all took guesses yesterday about how much snow we'd get.  I said an outrageous 7 inches and I wasn't too far off the mark.  Maybe I missed my calling as a meteorologist.  Probably not.  

Officially, this is the most snow Michael has ever seen in his short, little life.  Tera and Daniel have seen some 2-footers from their days in Southern Illinois, but are still impressed with any amount of snow.  

Anyway, the two older kids have some kind of cold.  Daniel was coughing half the night.  We went out anyway, just didn't stay out too long.  When Daniel got tired, he actually asked to go in.  Everyone else soon followed.  

We still managed to have some fun!  

 My little snow angels...

The kids realized that this snow was better for snowmen than sledding.  They tried to pack some down, but got wore out in the process.

We've all had our hot chocolate and tea.  They are watching Mr. Bean's Holiday and I'm getting ready to start a hearty soup for a late lunch.  I'm not sure I've ever called a snow day in all our years of home schooling, but today, it's official.  We're having a SNOW DAY!!!!