Teachable {MOM}ents

I want to say a big "Thank You" to all of my readers and facebook 'fans'!  You are all awesome! I hope you enjoy this summer fun giveaway :) Wham-o Slip N Slide Hydroplane Double  With 2 Slide Boogies Designed For Ages 5-12. Slip 'N Slide Double Hydroplane 18' Sliding Surface Catch The Wave With The Classic Wave rider Included Bonus Water Boogie Designed Patented water mechanism *Item will ship directly from Amazon a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today, I am sharing my first post as a contributor over at Holy Spirit Led Homeschooling ! This is such an incredible opportunity for me - it has already been such a blessing to get to know the lovely and talented group of contributors - you will not want to to miss a post from these ladies !  When I first started homeschooling, I felt that I needed to  do  school.  My former preschool teaching days came flooding back, just like second nature. I set up a preschool classroom and created engaging (labor intensive!) lesson plans.   Day one  came and I scheduled every moment. I was in my preschool teaching glory, and my star pupil was excelling... So, why did I feel so much pressure and frustration? Why weren't we enjoying it more?  Find out the answers and read the rest of "Letting Go of the School Mentality" here . 

Dear Friends, I shared over on  facebook the other day that I would be sharing some BIG news for my family - well, here it is! Actually - I'm gonna make like Ryan Seacrest and drag it out for a while ;) My husband used to be the high school bible teacher at a Christian school. He is a Pastor, but our church only provides a part-time salary, so this was his "day job". He loved teaching - he loved his students. He even told me that if he wasn't supernaturally called to be a Pastor - he would totally love being a teacher for the rest of his life. We were comfortable in our little life. And God surprised us with the joyful news that we were expecting baby number three. Life was good. Famous last words - right? It was four days before school was supposed to start that my husband got the call. We knew that the school was making budget cuts - but my husband had gotten a contract so we though that we were safe. I walked into the kitchen while he was on the phone an...

I was recently sitting in a mall food court with my fifteen month old daughter, as my husband waited in line for the carousel with our older two. As the ride came to a stop, there was a group of young girls riding on horses directly in front of me. I noticed that the one little girl (who was maybe 8 or 9) was wearing very short shorts - as in you could not even tell she was wearing anything when she was sitting on the horse. To make matters worse, when she raised herself up off the horse, her entire bottom was exposed! I cringed and felt sick to my stomach as I peered around at the hundreds of people in the busy mall food court who may have just witnessed it as well. The little girl adjusted her shorts and went on her way, but I couldn't shake the sick feeling I had - the thought that someone in the mall could have enjoyed seeing that little girl like that... I know that "wardrobe malfunctions" may happen sometimes. Even when dressed modestly, the wind can blow up a...

Is splashing in mud puddles on your summer bucket list?!? My friend had her sweet baby girl - and I got to take some pictures of her tiny cuteness :) Thanks for stopping by of Wordless Wednesday! Please leave a comment & share :)

*This post contains affiliate links* Beyond Ordinary:  When a Good Marriage Just Isn't Good Enough I am going to be honest - I snagged  Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn't Good Enough  last week because it was free on Kindle and planned to just store it away for future reference. I thought, my marriage is great - I definitely would not label it as ordinary - so this book is probably not for me . But, as a Pastor's wife, I thought the book might be a good resource to have.  When I opened up my Kindle later that day, I saw the book staring back at me and felt prompted to open it up. I'll just read the first few pages and see what it is all about . I couldn't put it down . I finished the book that night!  Beyond Ordinary is written by Justin & Trisha Davis. They are college sweethearts, who jumped right into ministry after they were married. As I read through their struggles and trials in ministry, I found I could relate to ...

I am a mom of three rambunctious little ones. My life (er, lack there of!) revolves around these tiny beings living in my home and their constant demands. I mean seriously - a backstage celebrity is probably less demanding. They expect to be fed a few times day, cleaned, changed, engaged, entertained, etc. Can you believe that?!? ;) Truthfully, it is the greatest joy and work of my life. But it can be overwhelming and exhausting at times. And in the midst of night-time nursing sessions and "Mommy, I'm thirsty" and never-ending math lessons and "What is on your hands?" and constantly wiping down the counters and "Absolutely NOT!" and mountains of laundry and "Mommy, I peed in my bed"...it is easy to morph into "Mommy-Bot" - aimlessly drudging through the day, meeting demands, doing chores and simply waiting for the day to end. Add to that the countless other demands of a not-so-recovered people pleaser who says "yes...

1. Straw Grouping Simply use some type of colored plastic or paper straws  and have child sort and organize based on color.   2. Candy Sorting  You can use any type of colored candies (m&m's, skittles, etc.), provide bowls  (colored ones are great!) and have child sort candy by color into the matching bowl 3. Color Scavenger Hunt Place color flash cards (you can make your own with index cards and crayons/markers)  on table  and have child find household items/toys to match the color/flash cards.  Thanks for stopping by on Teachable Tuesday! Please leave a comment & share :)

*post contains affiliate links* I recently shared my Summer Bucket List with 50 ideas for summer fun - including service projects and rainy day activities! There are so many wonderful Bucket Lists out there - but, before you jump into your bucket list and head out on your adventures, there are a few important items that will make your summer more safe, fun and memorable! Here is my "Bucket List" Survival Guide. You will want to have these items on hand before you head out on excursions this summer { this bag would be a great way to carry all of the items!}... 1. Sunscreen:  Getting a sunburn is the most sure-fire way to ruin summer fun! Here are a few options (some sunscreens do contain harsh chemicals - so choose wisely for your family). You can always just buy some coconut oil and make your own ! Here is a great deal on a "traditional" sunscreen >  If you are looking for a more natural option >  Or you can just buy some Coconut Oil ...

My sister and her husband are expecting their first baby ! My mom and I helped them plan a gender reveal party - planning parties is one of our most favorite things :) My brother-in-law enjoys golf and my sister is a hair stylist - so the theme was "Tees or Teaze" ...and the winner was Tees - It's a Boy! Thanks for stopping by on Wordless Wednesday! Please leave a comment & share :)