“I believe in kindness. Also in mischief. Also in singing, especially when singing is not necessarily prescribed.” – Mary Oliver

Ken keeps life interesting. Whether he’s singing some Australian folk song about a kangaroo (he’s a Georgia boy; where does he get this stuff?) or laughing with me about crazy things kids do, my life will never be boring married to this man.

from around the web

• Make fitness fun for the whole family :: Getting the kids involved can help you with motivation, and can help them learn exercise can (and should) be enjoyable.
• 5 confessions every parent should make to their kid :: All you perfect parents can skip on past this article, but it’s a good read for the rest of us.
• 2 thing homeschool parents need to stop saying :: A really good reminder about respect from my friend Kris.
• That thing (in your head) that might change everything :: This is the post I most needed to read this week, but it’s going to have to bounce around in my brain a bit before I can make this mental switch.

on the blog (in case you missed ’em):

• Beach Activities for Kids
• threadUP online thrift store shopping

right here at home

We’re taking ALL THE DOGS with us on vacation: our two plus my mom’s dog Mocha. Yes, we might be a little crazy. Daisy and Mocha are already good buddies; they’re both 8 years old, have grown up together, and already vacationed together once. But before we hop in the car for 7ish hours, we needed to make sure Mocha and Piper got to know each other. Side-by-side walks are one of the best and safest ways to do that. Bonus: they’re adorable.

Kathryn has wrapped up science this week, and Scout finished her spelling. They both have just a few more subjects to complete before I call the homeschool year done, but we’re close! Continuing on with math doesn’t bother me at all because it allows us to keep a relaxed pace but not feel like we’re starting over next year.

Flowers are still blooming all over my yard, which makes me happy. Another happy: coming home one day to an AMAZING smelling house because Kathryn had been making a fresh batch of bath salts scented with essential oils. {I love a good soak!}

To all the mama’s out there: Happy Mother’s Day! Here’s a gentle reminder to try to keep a little dose of perspective because we all know things rarely go perfectly when real humans are involved. {I’m talking to myself here, too!}

Please also keep in mind those who are longing to be mothers, as well as those who have lost their own mother. This weekend can be extra-hard. If that’s you, please know you are on my heart and in my prayers.

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Linking up with Kris and Mary.

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »