family life — See Jamie blog

Couple Getaways: Why bother?

on November 30, 2011

In a recent conversation, a friend told me she has never had even one night away from the children for a romantic couple getaway. That made me sad! Because she and her husband have six young children, a couple getaway just seems entirely too difficult. I’ve thought that way before, too, in my first – and failed – marriage.

Since then I’ve learned that couple time is absolutely essential! In fact, in our pre-marital counseling, our pastor emphasized this time and urged us to make it a priority. Ideally, he recommended once a quarter, but there are definitely seasons of life where that frequency is not do-able. (Photo at right is Ken and me smooching on our wedding day.)

In thinking about writing this post, I asked some of my friends for input. These are all wonderful, godly women who prioritize their family and their marriage. I’m sharing some of their thoughts:

One homeschooling mom of three said,

“It is important to remember God made you one and a family when you married — having children is not what made you a family. Your marriage becoming GREAT is the best thing you could ever give your children. Time away from your children for you and your husband to regroup, re-engage, and reconnect can ultimately save your marriage from the tentacles of the devil’s schemes. Satan wants your marriage to fail; it is up to you to make your marriage a priority and make your husband a priority over your children.

Every time we get away, I have 2 or 3 girlfriends praying specifically for us during the weekend. I make sure I have bathed our time alone together in prayer prior to getting there; Satan wants you to have a dreadful time and for everything to go wrong. On the other hand, God wants to bless your union beyond your wildest imagination!”

I love the advice to have friends praying for our time away! The last getaway Ken and I had was horrid. We were terrible snippy with each other before the trip, then spent the day before we left in the urgent care clinic with Kathryn for a dog bite; to top it off, within hours of our arrival at the B&B, Ken and I both fell victim to the worst stomach virus (or food poisoning) we’ve ever had! So next time, I’ll be recruiting some praying friends!

Another mom of four children, including one child adopted at 10 years old, says:

“Getting away with our husbands is essential. We need time alone from the kiddos to recharge our relationship and remember what it is like to be a couple in love and not only Mom and Dad. I think men also need to feel like they are important and worth being ahead of the children. Also, our children need to see that we put value in our relationship with each other. They are not to be the center of our world. It is good to model a healthy marital relationship for them. We cannot do that if we never take time to invest in each other.”

From a mother of two and wife to a pastor:

“I do think getaways for couples are important even if it is only an overnight getaway. One reason why I feel it is so important to continually connect with your husband in a time for just the two of you is so that you can remain best friends and remember what you love about “the two” of you. One day those kids will move out and if you haven’t stayed connected, you will have nothing in common at that point. Another reason is that I find myself so much more willing to serve my husband and my family when my “love” tank is full. We are so much more in sync and our house is a much more fun, loving, and happy place when Mom and Dad are staying connected and in love with one another.”

Yes! I’ve seen that personally in my parents’ divorce after I graduated high school. They had nothing in common after 25+ years of a marriage that didn’t prioritize their connection as a couple.

Ken and Jamie

One mom shared this about the change in her marriage since they made getaways a priority:

Here is what we noticed: our romance increased; our memories of our time away were treasure troves for bleak months in between; my husband feels special because my mind is not divided between him and the kids; getting away made us realize how important it was to get away! It is amazing how tenderness and romance can increase when a mom is rested and feels doted on… the same is true for a husband.

Have we convinced you yet that this is important? If you have more good reasons to getaway with your hubby, please leave that in the comments for the rest of us!

Please come back tomorrow, when I’ll share some great advice and ideas on how to actually make these getaways a reality!

(Also find more marriage-related posts on Wednesdays at To Love, Honor and Vacuum)

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life Tagged With: marriage

Thanksgiving Reflections

on November 28, 2011

We’ve had a delightful Thanksgiving week. I’ve been thinking about the importance of traditions, and I’ve realized that I tend to not want to make a big deal of special occasions because in my mind, it’s merely setting us (or maybe just me) up for disappointment. However, with our mixed-up, crazily-blended family, we need those things that identify us as family.

In all my growing-up years, every big holiday was celebrated at my grandparents’ house. When their health began to fail, the hosting jumped around from various aunt’s or cousins’ homes. Thanksgiving seems to have fallen by the wayside. So I hosted this year, and I’d like this to become a tradition. Besides the fact I enjoy it, when we host at our home, it allows the flexibility of time. If we hadn’t hosted this year, we wouldn’t have seen Brandon and Diane at all, but they squeezed in a visit with us on Thanksgiving morning before heading to Diane’s parents’ home for lunch and then Brandon’s mom’s house for supper.

I was very excited we managed to get a family photo done while Diane and Brandon were here, too! I’d given up on the possibility for this year because our schedules have been so whacky. There weren’t going to be any Christmas cards from us this year, but now they’re ordered and on their way here. They totally reflect our family’s personality. (I’ll share after I’ve mailed them out!)

My dad came to visit, even though he couldn’t enjoy the feast. (He did, however, take some coffee through his feeding tube. I’m not sure how good an idea that was, but he wanted some SO badly and it smelled so good. I just wish he could’ve tasted it, as that’s something he’s always enjoyed.) Here my dad is showing my mom and my Grandmama pictures on the back of his camera of the bear he skinned, and the resulting bearskin rug.

Friends have asked if it’s difficult having my divorced parents at the same get-togethers. They’ve been divorced for about twenty years, so the wounds are not fresh, and I think they’ve learned to appreciate each other again. And in recent times they’ve gotten along even better since they’ve both had reminders about how short life is. My mom’s side of the family still loves my dad just as much as if my parents were still married. My Granmama, who has been in poor health lately and knew about my dad’s health issues, really wanted to see Dad. When they hugged when he first came in, they both got emotional for just a minute, which made me get teary-eyed. I realize, at times like that, that this could easily be the last Thanksgiving I have with either of them. But then again, that could be said about any of the rest of my family or friends – or myself. I must live this life!

I’m thankful for my daughters, and for their hugs!

Lacy the WonderDog spent much of her Thanksgiving quietly (and effectively) begging for a bite of our feast. She has honed her subtle begging into an artform.

I enjoy the times of just hanging out and chatting with the family after our bellies are full, too. (And I’ve recently rearranged my living room again!)

I shot a maternity session on Friday, but other than that, we had a relaxing day, ate leftovers, decorated the tree, and watched Christmas movies. (Instagram photo.)

By Saturday, we were all ready for a little time out of the house, so we ran errands, and went out to eat something other than turkey. Ken and I hardly ever have photos taken of the two of us together, and since we ended up having an unplanned coordinating-but-not-matching-outfit day, it seemed like a swell day to ask Lindsey to snap a few photos of us.

And then I turned the camera around on the girls. I love-love-love those times when my girls laugh and enjoy each other. These sisterly moments don’t happen all the time, but I believe that on those occasions when they do, it’s more genuine now than it was a couple of years ago. It’s still hard to believe that we’re just now coming up on the second anniversary of Lindsey’s adoption; we all keep thinking it’s been longer than that.

I hope you and your family enjoyed a blessed Thanksgiving as well, and that we all learn to cultivate a heart of thankfulness every day of the year. In that spirit, I’m adding to my thousand gifts list again…

1131- a home and food and things that make it possible to host a feast
1132 – hugs from my daughters
1133 – sisterly moments
1134 - how time and love has made Lindsey a true daughter of our hearts
1135 - holiday traditions
1136 – kisses from Ken
1137 – the look on our girls’ faces when we kiss; I believe it reassures them all is well
1138 – old emotional wounds that are slowly healing
1139 – reminiscing over the stories behind sentimental Christmas ornaments
1140 – another layer of happy memories added to my own storehouse, and my childrens’
1141 – hearing my dad laugh, even though he can’t talk
1142 – photographing milestones like a first pregnancy
1143 - a very cute dog who is delightfully happy with a morsel from my plate
1144 – my new grand-niece, born two weeks ago
1145 – watching cheesy old Christmas movies with my family

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life, thousand-gifts Tagged With: ALS, holidays, older-child adoption, reminiscing, WonderDog

Top Ten Tuesday

on November 22, 2011

I’m not blogging much on this Thanksgiving holiday week, but Oh Amanda’s “Top Ten Tuesday” sounded like a fun little idea for a post. (Psst! This is my first time joining in her top ten fun!)

I’m sharing the top ten ways my husband blesses me (in no particular order):

He listens to me.
He has learned not to immediately try to “fix” whatever I’m talking to him about.
He makes me laugh. Often. Every day. (Exhibit A.)
He supports and encourages me in just about everything I want or try to do.
He still has the power to make we weak in the knees with his kisses.
He kills the big icky bugs. (As long as he’s home, that is.)
He thinks I’m “hot.”
He is a wonderful father, devoted to our children, whether they are biologically related to him or not.
Thanks to his photography, I always have a good profile picture.
He really is my best friend.

Have a happy, happy Thanksgiving, y’all!

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life Tagged With: marriage

I hate boring workouts.

on November 5, 2011

Get fit, eat well, feel swell!

I hate boring work outs. There, I said it. Walking outdoors, walking on a treadmill, riding a stationary bike, workout videos… all mind-numblingly boring. I typically have a rather long attention span but when it comes to work-outs, not so much.

So I’ve been doing nothing at all. Which, I’ve found, does NOT magically get me fit.

Of course I already know a thousand reasons it’s important to get fit and stay fit, but it took two more key things for me to finally, finally get motivated enough:

#1) When my dad was diagnosed with ALS, I learned about an annual fundraising and awareness walk. The slogan on the t-shirts says, “I walk because I can” — because most people with advanced ALS cannot walk. And here I was complaining. Ouch. My dad has surprised his doctors with how strong he still is because he has spent his life as a very active man in work (brick mason, auto mechanic, construction) and play (hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities), as well as intentional exercising by jogging and working out regularly at the gym.

#2) Hearing of another sudden and unexpected death of what I consider to be a young mom reminded me that I have an obligation to my family to take the very best possible care of myself. Working out and being fit do not guarantee my longevity, and I can name off several very fit people who died unexpectedly. But that’s no excuse not to be as physically fit as possible.

After much deliberation, I finally decided to go back to doing the ONLY workout I have ever enjoyed:

I had a hard time making peace about forking out $38 each month, but as long as it doesn’t cause a financial hardship for us, then I’m going to keep doing it. I’ve worked out a schedule where I can do it at least three times a week, and could probably eventually make it four or even five times most weeks. The place I go is only about three miles from my house. These dance-aerobic workouts kick my tail — in a good way. I started two weeks ago, and I’m sore in places I forgot I had. It’s an awesome cardio workout, but it includes a good bit of weight work as well. And best of all, Jazzercise is FUN!!!

I am back on the workout wagon and planning to stay on it!
What is YOUR favorite sort of workout program?

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life Tagged With: fitness

Powerful Words

on November 3, 2011

I’ve long known that the written word is powerful. God’s Word is the most important example that comes to mind. But also things like handwritten letters and thank you notes — particularly in this technological, text-twitter-email-facebook world we live in!

More recently, I’ve learned that the spoken word is immensely powerful as well.

Please join me at Raising Homemakers to continue reading “Powerful Words”…

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life Tagged With: Raising Homemakers

ALS Awareness

on October 18, 2011

I’ve recently added this little sunflower logo to my sidebar: Defeat ALS

After being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a woman named Shirley noticed that there was no symbol for ALS awareness; nothing like the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness. So she proposed the sunflower as a symbol of hope, grace, and dignity.

Shirley explains: “The sunflower stands tall and strong, ever hopeful and ever reaching higher. Sunflowers grow in clusters and support each other as they grow, just as family, friends and community offer support to those who live with ALS.”

Most people don’t seem to know much about ALS unless they have personally known someone affected by the disease. In fact, most people have a rather blank look when they hear the term “ALS” until I tell them it’s also called Lou Gehrig’s disease.

I didn’t know much about it either. Years and years ago, I remember watching an old black and white movie about Lou Gehrig. This award-winning movie, made in 1942, was called Pride of the Yankees, and starred Gary Cooper as the famous pro baseball player. It was the only reason I’d ever heard of this disease — until my dad started having some odd medical issues that caused him to have a bit of difficulty swallowing, and friends and family began to notice that his speech was slurred. ALS was mentioned as one of the possible causes, but it seemed more likely to have been something like a mild stroke. None of us, not even the doctors, it seemed, wanted to think of ALS as a real possibility.

Now, it’s two years later. After multiple specialists and countless tests, my dad has recently been given the diagnosis of ALS.

In reality, nothing has changed with this diagnosis. It’s still just a matter of dealing with whatever issues come up. There is no way to know how this may progress. Right now, my dad still lives in the mountain, splits wood for the stove that heats the house he built by himself, hikes several miles up his mountain nearly every morning, and rides his Harley-Davidson whenever the weather is good. Last Sunday, he spent the entire day skinning a 250-pound black bear (shot by a friend) to make himself a bear skin rug.

But he can’t talk anymore. I never thought about it until all of this happened, but it makes me very sad to think that I won’t hear him call me silly nicknames or make the funny noises he always used to make.

And he can’t eat anymore. He got a feeding tube a few weeks ago because he was having so much trouble working his lips to be able to drink, but he was still able to eat a bit of pureed food. Now he can’t swallow at all.

Humor me for just a moment, and try to wrap your mind around all the implications of no longer being able to speak or eat or drink.

The harsh reality is that if this is indeed ALS (and there really is no reason to believe it is not), then at some point the disease will begin to affect the muscles in his extremities. Not an easy thing for anyone, but particularly not for a man as stubbornly independent and physically active as my dad.

Walk to Defeat ALS is coming up later this month but I’ve decided not to participate in it this year; my dad has not come to terms with this diagnosis, so I don’t want to make a big deal of fund-raising and such right now. I’m only writing about this because he doesn’t have internet, and doesn’t read my blog. When I do write more about this in the future, I will do my best to find a balance of being real, but respecting his dignity in regards to what I share.

If you’d like to find out more about ALS, or if you’d care to make a donation that will go towards research and awareness, you can do that at the ALS Association website.

And if you’d remember my dad in your prayers, I’d appreciate that greatly.

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life Tagged With: ALS

Tradition of a Thankful Tree!

on October 17, 2011

“To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything He has given us — and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence a gift of grace.” ~Thomas Merton

I believe that developing a real habit of gratitude is a wonderful way to grow our faith and to keep our focus where it should be – even in the most difficult of times. As we navigate life in a blended family, including a teen daughter adopted just two years ago, and now as we face a very difficult medical diagnosis for my father, this has become even more important. I also believe that family traditions are a delightful way to anchor us together, giving our children warm memories to look back on fondly many years from now. I treasure those memories of my own growing-up years, and I want my children to have many of their own special memories of family times and traditions…

After quite a long hiatus, I’m back as a contributor at Heart of the Matter. I’d love for you to click on over there and read the rest of today’s article: “Tradition of a Thankful Tree“

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life Tagged With: Heart Of The Matter

Guest Post: Carey at “Cravings”

on October 11, 2011

Carey is the fabulous winner of my Flat Jamie contest, which means she gets to play hostess for my flat self at Relevant 2011; if you’re going, be sure to look for us there! Rumor has it that Flat Jamie will have her very own Instagram account for all her Relevant ’11 adventures. And – ahem! – don’t miss the giveaway in this post!

______________________________________

Saturday morning is girl time. The boys always manage to sleep late. Despite my dreams of one day remembering what it feels like to sleep past 8:00 am, I cherish this time with my baby girl.

I make our favorite breakfast of scrambled eggs, sliced fruit and toast while she plays under my feet with aprons and measuring cups. She always seems to know the exact moment breakfast is ready and heads to the table politely “asking” to get up into her highchair. I settle into my seat and without fail she waits for me with her little hands folded. She is waiting to pray. As I bow my head and say a prayer for us I will often open one eye to peak at her. Is she eating or playing? No, she is watching me. The end of the prayer comes and she reaches her hands to the sky declaring “AMEN!”

She impresses me with her commitment to prayer. But if I am honest, the way she watches me is a bit intimidating. If she is watching me pray what else is she watching me do? She is watching me be a mother, a wife, a daughter, and an employee. She is watching me love, discipline, care, minister, play, cook, and clean. She is watching me be patient, joyful, kind, gentle and (let’s face it!) she is also watching me be the opposite of all those things.

The way her eyes fix on me has made me keenly aware of who my eyes are fixed on. Cravings devotional cards

Yet as a mother I find my eyes darting in a thousand directions rather than being focused. Honestly, motherhood has provided quite the distraction to my daily devotional time. In fact, I went through a spell where it went extinct.

But there came a day I had to face the facts: The diversions that come with the “mom” routine are here to stay. And if I can’t change the ways of motherhood, then I decided to figure out how to make sure my daily “eye fix” happened. I had to do something to create change. If my life needed this kind of change, I imagined there were a lot of moms in my same situation. So I decided to make the moms of the world something that would allow God time to be easier. Not less meaningful, just easier.

I created a set of 40 devotional “flashcards” focused on the needs of moms using the books of Psalms. These flashcards provide valuable God nuggets on the go. It can happen while prepping lunches, while brushing teeth, or while sitting in a carpool line.

Cravings: desiring God in the midst of motherhood devotional cards have hit stores. You can find out where to get yours here: store locator. I would love to give one lucky reader a set for free! Simply leave a comment below and a random winner will be selected at the end of the week.

With Joy,
Carey

About Carey: I am a lover of grace through Christ, a wife to the hilarious Mr. Bailey, and a mother of two precious children of God. I host an online community for mothers called Cravings: desiring God in the midst of motherhood. After having kids, I realized I had to make a shift in my personal devotional time. The days of chillin’ in my comfy chair reading my Bible, journaling, and sipping hot tea were gone. I had to make it easier. Not less meaningful, just easier. My goal at Cravings is to walk with moms in creating a powerful relationship with God in the midst of motherhood. I want you to be able to walk in and out of each day satisfied because The Bible, not cupcakes, has filled you up.

*Be sure to visit Carey at Cravings-the blog, and find her on facebook and twitter, too!

Filed Under: family life Tagged With: giveaway

Changing Hats

on October 5, 2011

We were invited by one of the venues we’ve worked with to be the preferred photographer at an open house for brides who are planning their weddings. We loved the folks at this venue, so we were excited about this, and we’re hoping to work with some of the great couples we met there. (There’s me, looking friendly, and not realizing when I chose my outfit that I would coordinate with the wall color!)

This Bridal Showcase was held on a Thursday evening, after a full day of homeschooling for me. After we’d set up our little table, I updated my twitter status with this:

And switching gears from #homeschool mom to #wedding photographer starting... NOW!

September 22, 2011 5:47 pm via txt ReplyRetweetFavorite

@jamieworley

Jamie Worley

I love it all, but sometimes it really is hard wearing so many different hats. I never know what to list as my occupation: Wife, Mama, Homeschooler, Photographer, Writer, Blogger, Adoption Advocate… and that’s not even touching on any volunteer positions at church, etc!

This dilemma is not exclusive to my life. We all wear different hats sometimes. From mommy-of-toddlers to wife who uses grown-up words. From office manager to mommy when you come home. Work-at-home moms have to switch gears mentally, maybe when the kids are napping, in order to get work done. Our husbands have to switch gears mentally, too, from office guy to family man. Some “hats” require more effort to switch to and from than others, but it’s a challenge just the same.

I’ve been asked how I handle this challenge. The answer is that I still struggle, but I’m learning.

Prayer is essential! One of my frequent prayers is that I will be able to prioritize my schedule the way God wants me to. Wife and Mama have to come above all the other jobs, but I also must set an example of following through with what I have committed to do elsewhere. Time alone with God helps me keep sane, which is totally necessary when I’m doing all this multiple hat-wearing.

Our children see that we have lives outside of our immediate family — and they see that we order our priorities in a way that means family comes first. They see us say no to many things we’d like to do, and they hear us talk through which ones are most important. This means that when we veto one of the activities they want to do, they know we do the same thing to ourselves, too. It takes all of us working together to create family time.

What about you? How do you effectively manage your own “hat switching”?

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life Tagged With: photography

Homecoming Dance

on October 3, 2011

Lindsey asked me to do her and her friend Sarah’s hair and make-up for the Homecoming Dance. She has asked me to do this for every “big” event, and I’ve gladly turned our bathroom into a make-shift salon. I feel pretty special that she (and her friends!) trust me enough to do this for them! I sincerely hope that this getting-ready stuff , though rather frivolous, will become a fond memory when she is grown; I’m reminded so very often that I have so few years to make these kinds of memories with her. {sigh}

Sarah’s mom stayed and chatted with us while the girls got ready, which was a nice way to get to know her a little better. Lindsey and Sarah hit it off as friends right away when they met at school. Sarah reminds me of one of my own best high-school friends, Meagan.

Once everyone was ready, it was — of course — picture time!

Me and my pretty girls…

It amuses me that with her heels, Lindsey is taller than Ken. She was afraid of being taller than her date if she wore heels, but I told her to embrace that beautiful frame God gave her! I’m happy that she’s been working on improving her posture; I think many early-blooming girls get in a habit of slouching because the boys take so much longer to catch up height-wise.

Although entirely NOT planned, Sarah and Lindsey both ended up with silvery dresses with black accents. Kathryn wore a grey dress this day, too, so she coordinated as well!

Brief aside: If I want Lindsey to have a longer hem length, I’m going to have to learn to sew fancy dresses.

Any boy who wants to take our daughter on a date must have a sit-down interview with Ken before we will consider it. We haven’t spend much time with him yet, so there is much left to learn about him, but he is a respectful young man who is very involved in the NJROTC (Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp) and wants to be a Marine after he finishes high school. In fact, he transferred to this school specifically because wanted to be part of the Navy JROTC program. Both Sarah and Lindsey are in the NJROTC as well, but this is their first year, while it’s his third year.

Lindsey says he’s intimidated by Ken. I believe that’s a good thing.

It’s hard, being the parent of a teen. Maybe even more so a teen girl because there seems to be so much more to protect her from. This has been very much on-the-job training for us! Although there is still a long way to go, and so many more things we want to teach Lindsey while she is under our roof, she has come such a long way since she became our daughter just two years ago.

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life

Weekly {Camera Phone} Report

on September 30, 2011

I’m completely off kilter after the past week. So my post today is nothing profound, but I’m linking up with Dawn’s Camera Phone Friday, which is always fun. I’m linking up with Kris’s Weekly Wrap-Up, too.

A brief explanation:

Sock Monkey (christened “Nora” by Kathryn after we made her a couple of years ago) wearing a Bethany Adoption Services t-shirt. Last Monday we had our home study visit for a possible subsequent adoption. I say possible because we are being rather specific in age, and there are many variables in our lives right now (like #2, below), so although we started the process, we really have no idea if this might legitimately happen in the foreseeable future.
Kathryn with my dad on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle at her birthday party two years ago. This wasn’t actually taken with a camera phone, but I instagramed it last week because we finally got a diagnosis for my dad’s health issues, and it isn’t good. ALS will likely limit his Harley-riding days.
It’s fall. Finally. Which means apple-oat muffins once again feel appropriate. (Here’s the recipe.)
Lacy the WonderDog intently staring down a squirrel. Shortly after this, I let her out to chase it; totally made her day. (And yes, I was purposefully loud in opening the door to give the squirrel a head start!)
Kathryn’s birthday was this week. I still can’t believe my baby is 11 years old.
I thought this “guest services” booklet seemed out of place in my dad’s hospital room: isn’t he a patient, and not a guest? Whatever. Anyway, he had a g-tube put in yesterday for feeding because he can no longer swallow well enough to eat or drink. We hope he can come home from the hospital tomorrow.

This week was also Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Kathryn is required to attend all the high holy days as part of the bat mitzvah classes she’s taking, so she went with her dad to the Wednesday night service, and I took her to the Thursday morning service; this was my first experience in a Messianic Jewish service, and it was fascinating.

Kathryn did have her enrichment classes this week, but in the midst of everything else, we’ve not done much “school.” We are still learning, though. Every day.

(Note: post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.)

Filed Under: family life, homeschool Tagged With: weekly report

Weekend Inspiration Around the Web

on September 17, 2011

I snapped this photo with my iPhone one morning this week while I was settled in my big green chair with a Bible in my lap, hot tea by my side, and a cute dog snoozing in the corner of the room. It’s how I love to start every day.

And this delightful little sweater for my tea mug? It came from an etsy shop called Knit Storm which I found on Pinterest. (Yes, I do in fact have an entire “pin board” devoted to all things tea.) I adore this little tea mug cozy and I am now totally inspired to learn to crochet just so I can make these adorable little things!

(Tangent alert: why the store is called Knit Storm if this cozy is actually crocheted? I’m really rather clueless about the difference, other than you use one needle to do one, and two needles to do the other. Clearly I need help in this department!)

Back on track. Life in my brain has a lot of detours, which are usually edited out of my writing, but are always present in real-life conversations!

Now then… Need something to read for a bit of inspiration this weekend? Check out these great links:

50 Rules for Dads of Daughters – by Michael Mitchell at From Dates to Diapers. As a mother of daughters, I loved this sweet list.
You Set the Pace – be free from “catch up” syndrome – by Stef at Educating Layton. Even in my sixth year of homeschooling, I struggle with this sometimes. A wonderful reminder.
Homeschool Blindspots – by Reb Bradly at JoshHarris.com. The most challenging thing I read this week. I wrote two pages in my journal after reading this, and I’m still mentally chewing on it.
For a different kind of inspiration, take a minute or two to watch this little video on YouTube. It’s guaranteed to make you smile: Elderly Couple of 62 Years Plays Piano.
And in case you missed it earlier this week, I posted a list of 25 Prayers for My Husband that might give you a good starting point for praying for your own husband.