My 29th Birthday: Part 1, RSVPs, Phonebook, Cigarettes, Disappointment, and a Surprise

by Leave a Comment

29. I turned 29 yesterday.
When I was in 5th grade I invited every girl in my grade to my birthday party.  I hand wrote invitations and my mom drove me all around town to stick the cards in each girl’s mailbox.  Back then RSVP’ing was practically legally binding, and everyone did it.  Guess how many RSVPs I got back???  0.   ZERO.  Nada.  NONE.
Still, I held out hope that some of the girls would come.
My mom said if I had gotten back any RSVPs she’d stay and help me throw a party.  But since no one was coming, she was headed off to a motorcycle rally with my dad.  This was their yearly get-away for just the two of them, they’d been
attending this for years.
Sometimes it fell directly on my birthday, sometimes my birthday was their recovery day.
Either way, I felt screwed.
Just to be sure I covered all my bases- I got out the big heavy black and yellow phone book, looked up the phone numbers of each girl, and called them myself.
Dial tone… The beep of each number being pressed.. The ringing… Oh the anxiety.. Then the “Hello?”
I got the same answer each time.  They were sorry, but they couldn’t attend.  Some even felt like they needed
to let me know it was 4th of July weekend, so they would be spending it with their family.
Bastards. 
I wanted to spend the day with my family.  Or their family, I didn’t really care.  I just hated being alone.
When party day came my parents were out of town. I have no idea where my older brothers were, but they weren’t home.  I’m guessing with friends.
 I cleaned up the house, tried to gather snacks from the cupboards, and penned birthday signs out of notebook paper and taped them to the door.  I did all I could to make it seem like a real PARTY.
Two girls showed up, hours after the official party time had ended, and not even because they knew it was my
birthday.  They were at my house for a total of about 15 minutes.   The first girl was a classmate who came because she was out wandering the town on her own (uninvolved parents?), and the second was the little neighbor girl who just came over to play.  The first girl tried teaching us how to roll our own cigarettes, which was pencil shavings and that
same notebook paper that I had made into my birthday sign.
I still get flashbacks to that day when I use our electric pencil sharpener.
Although the skill seemed interesting, I knew it was wrong, wrong, wrong.  I knew my parents would beat my butt (really, and it was legal back then) if they found out, so I kicked her out.  She said I was stuck up, and she never liked me after that. To this day I have a strict no drugs of any kind policy.
You know what though?  Now at 29, looking back, she never liked me before that, so I suppose it’s no biggie.  Ugh,
why did I waste tears on that?
I’m pretty sure she’s still rolling her own cigs today, although from what I know (thanks Facebook) she’s upgraded from pencil shavings to the hard stuff.  Poor girl.  I really do wish I could’ve helped her.
The point is, even though that “party” sucked, I tried my best using what my 10 year old self had available.  That’s important in all areas of life.  Parties are not excluded.  They don’t need to be big and fancy; they just need to be real.
I did get one surprise that birthday…  I actually still have it.  Stay tuned, I’ll take a picture and share it with you in my next blog post.

Thanks Mom

by Leave a Comment

Warning, Real Life Post:
I just hit an awful reality. After walking past this humongous nasty dust bunny a couple times (after I already cleaned the floors), I realized no one else is going to pick it up.
I’m the mom now.
Ugh, so not fun.  This may be a little late, but THANKS MOM, for always picking up the dust bunnies.  And for everything else.  I know now that you did far more than I’ve thanked you for, and surely more than I’ve even realized yet.

One of the Most Overlooked Essentials in the Parenting Tool Bag

by 1 Comment

Parents of littles, if you don’t own an otoscope yet, I highly suggest you order one now.
Like RIGHT NOW, before it is 11pm on a Friday and you need to check your 2 year old’s nose
to :
A) Figure out which nostril the popcorn kernel is in, if she did in fact put one up there.
B) Be sure she didn’t stick more than one popcorn kernel up her nose, even though she’s denying there
are any up there at all, but you’re sure by the look on her face there IS at least one. <– How’s that for a run-on sentence?  Pretty good, eh?  I just want you to read it fast and feel the anxiety I did for a sec.
The verdict:  One kernel, easy to dislodge after spotting it in her tiny little nostril, covering the opposite nostril and asking her to blow hard.
#toddlersmakemesweat
The thought of trying to explain at the ER why my 2 year old is even up at 11pm, that was just unfathomable.  I don’t think they’d be that understanding of my honest excuse:  “Uh, well Doc, because it’s summer and any sort of regular evening routine or schedule has been completely thrown out the window.  Tonight it’s 11:30pm, tomorrow may be 7:30pm.  Oh, and the popcorn? Well right now she’s terribly picky, so we just feed her whatever she wants to eat so she doesn’t die of starvation or something.  I mean how long can a kid live off of Larabars, popcorn, pineapple, and marshmallows?”
Just save yourself the trouble and order an otoscope, okay?  Now I do have a slight background in nursing which helps slightly with checking for ear infections, but anyone can use one of these.  They do come with a handy visual chart that is all sorts of helpful.  We’ve also used our otoscope recently for checking out a bee sting to the eye, a sliver to the foot, and details on bugs.

I’ve had mine (the same one in the link) for just over 3 years now, and it’s still working just like it did the day I opened it.

Purchasing through my affiliate links will not cost you any extra. Amazon gives me a small portion of each sale made through my referral links, which helps me run this blog, and support our homeschooling.

I’m Feeling Well Prepared

by 1 Comment

Today I’m cleaning the homeschool room and preparing our materials for our summer session AND the fall school year.  I’m actually having FUN with this.  I don’t know that I’ve ever been THIS prepared, or enjoyed the planning and prepping this much.  I’m actually smiling as I page through our new workbooks.  I can already pick out the parts that I think each child will especially enjoy.

Homeschooling prep was overwhelming for me at first. I knew it was what God wanted for our family, but I resisted it and was often consumed by it all.

I prayed through it, talked through it, and lived through it.

Thankfully I’ve had a few great homeschool moms and teachers to bounce ideas off of, get encouragement from, and help support us on this journey.

Maybe some of you are in the stage that I was a few years ago?  I just wanted to share tidbits of advice I’ve been given, or have given to others:

“Homeschooling gets easier, better, richer, the more you do it”
 “There’s no perfect curriculum, find what works and stick with it, if it isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try something else”
 “Ask questions”
 “Don’t focus so much on the big field trips and impressive studies, but focus on the everyday learning”
 “Build their confidence and watch them grow”

I am thankful for the confidence I’ve gained, and the passion in my heart for education.  I have the 2015-2016 school year just about planned out.  I’ll do a post with our curricula choices like I did for our 2013-2014 school year.

Satisfying the Sweet Tooth: Local Honey

by Leave a Comment

This little girl of mine has a definite sweet tooth. There is no doubt she got it from her mama.  oops!

 While I don’t mind enjoying a treat now and then, and believe me I do, I realize how important it is to fill our
bodies with real food.
 She and I both like the sweetness of pitted dates, but the other 3 people in the house can’t even tolerate them (their loss!).  Honey on the other hand, has never been turned away by any of my little (or big) sweeties.

We can all agree that there is nothing better than a spoonful of honey.  Except maybe that same spoonful of honey spread on a slice of warm toast, with a smear of our homemade peanut butter.  Oh my word.  Is your mouth
watering yet?

The benefits of honey are plentiful.
Here are my top 5 favorite reasons to indulge in the sweet treat (not a doctor, not medical advice):

1. It’s natural.  Not like the processed foods in the store that are labeled “natural”, but loaded full of junk.  This honey is
actually pure.

2. It’s antibacterial and antifungal.  Before you think I’m going overboard, would you let me explain?  I have little kids, some of which put everything in their mouth and touch everything in sight.  I can use all the immune-boosting properties I can get, and so can they!

3.  It’s a natural cough suppressant and it works far better, and much quicker, than over the counter remedies.

4. It can be used to fight allergies.  Only one of us really suffers here, but the local honey helps immensely!
5. It’s delicious.  Really that’s the only reason I need, the other benefits just help me to enjoy it guilt free.

This particular bottle of honey was a birthday gift given to my husband from our pastor and his wife. The brand is called Hopp-N-Honey and is available for purchase through them.  Message me if you’d like their contact info.   

The flavor of this honey compared to other brands I’ve tried is richer, sweeter, and overall more flavorful than the majority of store-bought honeys that I’ve sampled.  It’s safe to say this is our new favorite. 🙂

Home Educator Tip:
I like to tie everything into Home Educating that I can.  When I cracked open the lid on the honey today I also decided we’d watch a show or movie about bees.  We’ve already watched The Bee Movie over a dozen times, so I wanted something different. I found Reading Rainbow’s “The Life Cycle Of The Honeybee” on Amazon.  It’s episode 8 on Season 1, you can watch it with Amazon Prime Video.

Fun Friday at The Gynecologist’s Office

by Leave a Comment

Okay folks, here it comes… The most awkward post that you will run across all day, or perhaps even all weekend!
Here I am waiting for the doc to come in and do my *ahem* annual lady parts exam.
As uncomfortable as this subject is, and as uncomfortable as I physically am right now (is it hot in here, or is it just me?), I need to let you know that these visits are so important for detecting a variety of conditions.
Oh, and just a friendly word of advice: Ladies, schedule your appointment SOON, before it is 90 degrees out and you’re worried that your butt will sweat and stick to this thin film that is supposedly keeping this table sanitary. 
That’s all, you can go about your day now.

The Scare; Finding Peace

by Leave a Comment

It rained all day yesterday.
My hubby took the day off of work to take me to my doctor appointment, the one for the breast exam.  I told him I could’ve went on my own, but he knew better.  I needed him there with me.
My mom watched the kids, and for that I’m so thankful, since it ended up being a whole day ordeal.
As we left for the doctor and made it about half a mile down the road, I remarked that it rained just like this, the morning of our wedding day.
That made me begin reminiscing all of our days together.  We married young.
While I’ve been waiting to get my test and results and just embrace whatever stage I’m in, I questioned one thing.
Was I satisfied with our days together? Was he? Was I a worthy wife to this man who loves me so deeply?
I felt at peace knowing that yes, I was very satisfied with our relationship.  Even though the toughest of tough days, horrible days, hopefully unlike many of you have ever had to face, I was satisfied knowing he was on my team.
I use the “leave it better than you found it rule” everywhere, even in my relationships.  I don’t always succeed, but I do give it an honest effort and pray through the ones I’m struggling with.
I decided over the weekend that yes, I could leave my family now, knowing they were better than when I found them.
I heard my oldest daughter singing hymns and worship music multiple times last week.  I saw my youngest (2) praying for her meals and shouting “GOD MADE ME!” to anyone who would listen.  I witnessed my son, our middle child,  practicing communion and mentioning that he was the man of the house when dad was at work.  He prayed for selfless things that most kids his age would never think of. I felt as if they were each mature for their age and stage, and that they were doing things that would glorify God.
I was at peace.
Then I learned that my breast tissue was healthy, and that I needn’t worry.
Which means I get to keep teaching my children, my husband, myself, and everyone else about God’s good news.
I am still waiting for the results from one more test.  I’m hopeful that will turn out just fine also.  The doc didn’t seem concerned, so unless the test comes in and tells me otherwise, I’m claiming I’m healed, in Jesus’ holy and life giving name!

All Are Welcome

by Leave a Comment

Last weekend we hosted a birthday party celebrating another year of Mr. Awesome’s life.  We closed off the bedrooms, and opened up every other door in our 1500 sq. ft home.  We swept the garage, moved a few things, and welcomed in over 90 of our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family.  There were even a few people we hadn’t yet met, but were delighted to serve anyway.
Yes, truly delighted.
You see we prayed for this party for weeks.  We prayed hard for clear skies, so we could use our spacious backyard.  That wasn’t in God’s plan.  Early in the afternoon there were massive sheets of rain rolling in, and we learned we’d be hosting this party indoors.  We were away at a volleyball tournament that morning and couldn’t prepare our home fully, but we trusted it would be okay.  Above all we prayed for our home to be a safe gathering place for everyone to come and make connections.
This party wasn’t about us. This party was about God. It was about connecting His people.
It’s so cool to sit back and watch people from all different walks of life, and different social groups come together and converse.  Some of these people we’ve known our entire lives, others we have known far less, not known extremely well, or not known at all. Regardless, they were all so kind to us, and to each other.
At one point during the party I took a breather in the bathroom, I fell to the floor and thanked God for His marvelous works in orchestrating what was happening.
As I walked around our home Saturday night listening to bits and pieces of the conversations that were happening, I was humbled and my heart was bursting with Joy.  There were so many smiles, and so much laughter.  There were so many good, helpful, deep conversations happening within the walls of our small ranch home, basement, and our garage.  I felt a sense of Pure Joy.
I hadn’t stressed over cleaning for the party (which was evident this morning {4 days later}, as I realized the amount of things I spaced off cleaning- the piles on top of the fridge, the smears on the windows, toys & mail laying around etc.)  It’s not that I’m a bad housekeeper, or a great housekeeper, it’s just that those things didn’t seem important to me at the time.
I didn’t stress over the food.  We did a simple menu of Sub Sandwiches, Chips, and Cake.  Our drink menu was 2
liters of soda, bottled water, and a keg of beer.  All served from simple disposable dinnerware.  I wasn’t sure how many
people we’d have (my ball park guess was about 30 short), but somehow the 24 feet of subs that we ordered were almost entirely devoured and we had minimal leftovers, which we were able to disperse and still have enough to enjoy two extra meals from.
From the time we decided this party needed to happen, until the time we closed the last folding table and put a clip on the final bag of chips, everything just worked out.  I trusted that God would provide, and He did.
I serve a faithful, loving God who delights in seeing us open our homes to everyone, not just those who will invite us to theirs, or pay us back in some way.
What would hold you back from hosting a
gathering where All Are Truly Welcome?

Sweet Graycie’s Baptism Anniversary

by Leave a Comment

Happy 2nd Baptism Anniversary to this little cutie! 2 years ago we dedicated you to the Lord in front of our great big church family. We had no idea that just three days later we’d almost lose you. This day reminds me to love you while I can, because even though I say you’re mine, you’re not. You belong to Him, Our Gracious God, and I am just the lucky one who has gotten to spend my days watching you grow. I love you, Sweet Baby Graycie.

Homeschooling at the Grocery Store

by Leave a Comment

Hello All!
Today I wanted to share with you my Quick Tips for homeschooling at the grocery store.

Toddlers/Preschoolers:
Ask them the colors of the fruits and veggies.
Ask them to identify various foods. “Do you know what this is?”  When they get it right, praise them AND say back the name of the food.  If they get it wrong, still tell them the name of the food “Close, it’s actually a ____”
“This is a B-B-Banana.  What letter does BANANA start with?” “What was the last sound you heard when I said the word banana?”

Elementary:
Read Labels “What brand is THIS yogurt?”  “What flavor is this?”
Read Isle Labels. “What isle number is the cereal in?  Cereal starts with a C-e-r-…Can you find it?”
Simple Math:  “These are 4/$1.  How much would one cost?”

Older Kids:
Pricing–
Have them weigh cantaloupes, melons, bananas, etc.  “This cantaloupe costs 80 cents per pound.  Can you weigh it and let me know how much it will cost?”  If you have one that struggles with two step math facts, work with them.  Bring a notebook and pencil so they can work the problems out right there in the store.
“How many pounds of meat will we need if we are serving XX people and each person eats about half of a pound?”
“I’d like 36 oz. of cereal.  How many of these 18oz boxes would I need to get to equal 36oz?”
Keep these older kids reading too!
“Hey can you read the ingredient list to me on that jug of orange juice?”
“Can you check to be sure there isn’t any Red #40 in this box of crackers?”

I know there are tons of other ways to learn at the grocery store, and I am so thankful that we have a grocery store who gladly accepts our homeschoolers coming in and taking their sweet time to explore and learn.  The manager has even given us an impromptu field trip to the back of the store to see the boiler system and how they heat the store!

I try to take the kids during non-peak hours, so we aren’t holding anyone up.  An hour before closing is usually a pretty slow time.  We avoid the hours of 4-7, because it’s just swamped then!

Do you have any Schooin’ in the Grocery Store tips to share?  Post them in the comments section!

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This site contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting A Slightly Better Life!