Heart to Heart: Encouragement for Today

Hello, friends! I know, I know!! It has been forevah since I really took the time to blog. It seems that Mommy Dearest (aka teacher, mommy, wife, pastor's wife, blogger, resource creator, housekeeper, need I go on?) has been on a bit of a forced sabbatical from the blogging world as I have been keeping the roads HOT for the past few weeks. I have been traveling to be a part of birthday parties, family meals, and ministry events, two of which have involved yours truly as being the featured speaker. This added another hat to my seemingly mountain of hats. Don't get me wrong, each one is an honor! I have thoroughly enjoyed each trip, conversation, and service. But, it did mean that I placed some hats to the side to accomplish it.

This brings to mind the fact that I need to listen to my own words! Just recently I had the opportunity to speak to a group of ladies about the many hats that we wear. All of the ones I listed above as well as many more made it on the list. A great challenge for us "hat-bearers" is that we try to bedazzle and decorate each one. I want to be a nurturing mother and a supportive wife. I want to be an encouraging pastor's wife and an interesting teacher! A little bling here! A lot of bling there!

The problem with this is that we can only maintain the bling for so long before we fall into a cycle. I feel excitement along with utter exhaustion when I am getting it all done! But, I am feeling guilt and desperation when I can't seem to find a way. I begin to look at others, comparing myself and wondering what is wrong with me. I become a worry wort while my peace and joy fly out of the window!

Let me share with you the Scripture that I shared with those precious ladies. Perhaps it will encourage you and perhaps show you how I am trying to change my perspective. You will find it in Luke chapter 10. Here is the story we are given: 38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

I have really focused in on the last few verses. The one thing that is priority is my time with the Lord. All of the other hats truly do pale in comparison. Not that they aren't important; however, if I get my priority right, the rest falls into place. I become a better mother and wife just by spending time in the presence of Jesus. It also grants me perspective on which hats I need to continue wearing and which hats I need to lay aside. I am in the process of doing that now. There are things God has directed me to do and there are other hats that I have picked up along the way that albeit good only serve to distract me from my purpose. So, this Mommy dearest is trying to pay attention to her own words. I have been working to sort through my hats and never misplace my priorities. This is a process that I am still working through and I am sure I will need to listen up to my own words again in the future.

Just wanted to share my heart with you today and perhaps encourage you to look closely at all the hats you are trying to wear. Martha was so worried about good things; yet, she was missing out on the best things. I never want to settle for less than God's perfect destiny for my life. This is a lesson that I want to learn for keeps!

Taking the Plunge to Achieve a Dream

Hello, friends! I have a confession, a dream really that seems to have been placed in my heart around a year ago. It is one that I talk very little about and even stating it now makes my fingers tremble.

My dream is to be a published author.

There... I said it! I have been working to write reviews, blogposts, and educational resources. Each one of these have been such an enrichment in my life. Through blogging, I have met beautiful writers and families around the world. I receive feedback from teachers and homeschool parents that have valued my resources. I treasure them all in my heart! Yet, I know that there is a dream that remains unfulfilled, a purpose that has not yet been achieved.

About one year ago, I was given a story. This story is about a young pastor's daughter and her two best buddies. As the story began to unfold, I found myself completely taken with these characters and the events that I see playing out in their lives. They learn lessons from life and each other while applying Scripture in real situations. The passion to publish has grown but I find that fear and intimidation have become a companion. There are so many questions and road blocks! The more I research about publishing, the scarier and out of reach it seems.

How do we fight the fear as we stand on the precipice? From where can we draw the courage to close our eyes, take a deep breath, and take the plunge into the unknown?

Here are my Scripture companions for this season:

• Psalm 25:4-5  "Show my thy ways, O Lord: teach my thy paths. Lead me in thy truth and teach me: for thou are the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."  I know that God can direct and shine light upon the path that I should take. I choose to pray for His direction.
• Jeremiah 29:11  "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." I may not know the plan but I know Someone who thinks about me and has a place for me. I choose to trust in Him.
• Psalm 37:4-5  "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." God must remain the center of it all. I choose to delight in the Lord.

So, here I go my friends! I am officially beginning the journey. I am a firm believer that we are never too old to learn something new and reach for new dreams. We only have to be brave enough to Take the Plunge!

Four Lessons from a Field Trip

Yesterday was a pretty easy going day for Little Angels. Mom had been feeling a bit under the weather all weekend and so we took an easy day on Monday. School was completed but a schedule was not kept and we floated through the day. Or should I say, THEY floated? Mom busied herself with a few important deadlines that were coming up as a stomach bug had been a bit of a hindrance up till then.

Anyhoo, after their school day was completed and Dad got home from the office, we decided to take the kiddos to do something fun... out of the ordinary... brand new. We loaded up and headed to a place in town that is full of blown up bounce houses.

Here are a few of the important lessons learned from this educational field trip. ;)

1.) Sisters can really be your best friends in the whole world.

2.) Dad is a great driving instructor.

3.) Yes, you can conquer any mountain.

4.)  Mom and Dad love you so much they are willing to climb into bounce houses even when their bodies are screaming they shouldn't.

Have a great day everyone!

Cutting Without Fear

This week has been a great one here at Little Angels. We have been integrating new curriculum that have enriched each day and made it exciting! You will be hearing more about these resources soon in my reviews that begin in a week or two.

This week I have watched my girls blossom and grow each day. My oldest seems to be taking fertilizer at night as she seems a bit taller every morning. My Nat has lost some of that baby face that allowed me to pretend that she is stuck in time rather than growing up. My Lillee bud amazes me everyday with her new skills, vocabulary and eagerness to participate in whatever the rest of the family is doing. In fact, this eagerness is what I wanted to share about today.

It seems that as we get older, our willingness to try new things tends to waiver. Now, there is a reason I tend to stay away from cartwheels as gravity is becoming increasingly more unkind.  However, this fear of trying something new begins even before our chins begin to double. ;) In fact, I can remember being nervous to try something new when I was around my eldest daughter's age and I see this same hesitation sometimes in her as well.

What is it that stops us? Could it be intimidation? Maybe it is a lack of understanding and we don't want others to see us fail. Perhaps it is a fear of trying and then being ridiculed or mocked for doing it wrong. I, for one, have memories of this that still haunt me to this day.

I contemplated all of these things while watching my youngest hold a pair of scissors. Now, before you get all Child Services on me, she was sitting down and I was with her. Our focus during her school that day was cutting. Here she is when she begins:

Notice she has jumped in, scissors flipped, to tackle the difficult art of cutting. She did not ask for me to show her first. She did not worry about what I would think if she did it wrong. She was not a bit hesitant to try. This struck me as I am notorious for making sure I go with the flow. How does everyone else do it? What do they say I should do? Perhaps it is the need for success or to show that I have it all together... who knows? But I do know that a touch more of this determination to jump in and try would most assuredly expand my horizons and enrich my life.

I also considered how my daughter had someone looking over her and watching, ME. I was aware of how she was holding the scissors and making sure that her eyeballs would remain intact at all times. :) She was holding something that had the potential to hurt and I want what is best for her. This makes me consider how I have a Heavenly Father who is watching over me as well. I am holding choices in my hands that have the potential to hurt me if not made with care. However, the One watching over me is gently prodding me to proceed carefully and to handle my life with care. Eager to try while handling with care... hmmm.... this is the balance I want to have.

With each cut of my baby's scissors, she crept closer and closer to reaching her goal. Sure, I worked with her on correct finger placement and the correct manner to hold the scissors. Yet, my intention never changed: to assist my daughter in making something beautiful all by herself. Though she tried my way several times, she seemed to have better leverage by holding it the way she wanted and had much better control. So, I let her proceed as the goal would remain the same: to cut out her picture. This reminded me of how one method can work in some situations while another might be better for others. I need to be courageous enough to be different.

As you can see, she made it and I was there to share in the excitement! How beautiful to know that God is sharing in our triumphs as well! Notice the small bit of tape in the bottom corner? Yeah, me either. I like to think that God has a giant roll of that amazing invention sitting next to His throne just in case He needs to "fix" something and make it as good as new. ;)

Oh, the lessons I gleaned from my daughter's cutting lesson. Each day is an opportunity to learn something new... together. Have a fantastic day everyone!

The Promise of Mondays...

Hello, friends! This morning as I hid for my life under the covers, these were my exact sentiments...

In fact, my sweet hubby brought me a coffee in bed and I clutched it like a life line. Last night was one of those nights that thoughts kept me too busy to sleep. Ever been there?

But as a sipped the sweet nectar of Heaven (a bit dramatic I know... well, maybe not so much, lol) I began to consider the day. I pondered the promises of Monday:

It is a brand new week. I do not have to cling to my "Man, I should have's" or "If I had only's." I can mentally wipe my slate clean and create my calendar. Will I have a few things to bring over from last week? Sure! But, I don't have to feel behind schedule because this is the first day of my work week. I am free to simply begin again.

It will be what I make of it. I love to create lists. You can talk to my parents who will tell you that I have made lists since I was young.

"Which restaurant is your favorite, Leah?"
"Hang on while I create my list of pros and cons." tehehehe

So when I began to get organized for the week, I write lists. Monday's lists are full as I want to tie up any loose ends of last week and prepare for the new week. A clean house is a must on my Monday's list as well as washing some clothes before we have to begin a new kind of colony. ;) This Monday will be what I make of it and can determine the direction of my week. Put in some effort today and reap the benefits during the rest of the week.

It is a beautiful gift from above.  Mondays... a gift? I know! I know! But consider the many who will never see another Monday. I have another beautiful day to spend with my children, my handsome hubby and all of you!

After considering the promises of Monday, I began to feel a charge of adrenaline and was ready to meet this Monday. I began to feel more like this:

Of course, that might have been the coffee... yeah, it was probably just the coffee. ;) Happy Monday everyone!

Routines in the Chaos

Pour cereal, grab a few spoons, herd my little ladies to the table with groggy eyes and hair everywhere...

This is the beginning of a day at Little Angels Academy.

Open a Bible and read a Bible lesson, wipe up the milk that spilt, continue with the Memory Verse, snap in front of my daughter's eyes to make sure she is awake, ask a few review questions, pick up the spoon that falls on the floor and get a new one, ask for prayer requests, take turns praying, keep my three year old from interrupting someone else, everyone say Amen! Teeth brushed, hair combed, bodies dressed...

My day continues.

All books stacked neatly in front of each child, my three year old crying to use sharpies which I refuse, hunt down a crayon and princess pencils to replace the sharpies and bring peace, divide fractions, talk about weight measurement, find another coloring page for my three year old, trouble shoot a computer program, teach a new program, continue dealing with dividing fractions as that is never easy, assign handwriting work and writing assignments.

Let's take a break for lunch. Prepare hotdogs or grilled cheese, and popcorn for a treat.

Continue school by working on linking verbs and graphing sentences. Assign independent work so that I can begin my preschooler's lessons for the day. Sing our ABC's, sequence cards by size, count to five, read a few books and develop reasoning. Back to the whole group. Learn about the ocean, create mini books, and complete puzzles. Begin working on an ocean project.

Sound chaotic? As I type this my husband reads it over my shoulder and mentions that it sounds as if I had nothing pulled together. Maybe it does! But believe it or not, I had carefully written lesson plans on the table right in the middle of the chaos.

You see, homeschooling is more about living while learning. We don't cease to be together while we learn about the continental shelf. We might have questions about the animals or maybe even talk about the little creature on Finding Nemo that used his little light in the darkness to attract food. We have emotions to work on, activities to cooperate through, and disciplines to reinforce like hard work patience, and taking turns.

We learn together and we live together. In all of the chaos, there is routine...in all of the living, there is learning... and in all of the learning, there is love.

Just another reason why I love homeschooling.

Great Blessings Giveaway WINNERS!

Hello, friends! I am so excited to say that my family and I had a beautiful Thanksgiving together. Want a glimpse at our table?

On to other great news, we have winners for the Great Blessings Giveaway! Here they are!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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You should be receiving emails from me shortly as well as those who have generously donated. Thanks for participating! I hope you enjoy all of the great resources. Also, don't forget about the Cyber Monday and Tuesday sale at TPT!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

 And just a reminder... you can still enter the Great Blessings giveaway with over 50 teacher's resources available to win!! Just click the link below!

From my family to yours... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
~Leah

Disconnect to Reconnect :)

As you have probably noticed, I have disconnected from my blog a bit over the past few days. In fact, I would say that I have disconnected from my internet life over the past few days. :) Over the past few weeks, I have plugged away and spent more hours than I can tell working, publishing, networking, and writing. However, I noticed that I had been letting a few things slide. One in particular is the time I have spent with my girls. Sure, homeschooling was still being accomplished and we did things together. However, even while I was going places with them, I wasn't really WITH them! Do you know what I mean?

While I may be driving down the road with my little ladies, I would be contemplating my next project or blog post. While sitting on the couch with them to watch a movie, I was drawing clipart or sitting with the laptop in my lap making notes. So, it was time to restore a bit of balance in my little world. To do this, I decided to DISconnect in order to REconnect. How have I been doing this?

First, I have not created anything new in the past few days. I haven't drawn anything nor taken any notes. I have simply been giving my brain a little bit of a break. And my brain has replied, "Thank you very much!"  :)

Secondly, I have not been blog hopping or even really blogging over the past few days, even on into last week. What have we done instead? We have explored a few antique shops, been in the woods, driven around on a buggy, joked, played around, and laughed. I have enjoyed my church and the wonderful people there! We have been to a fall fellowship, played volleyball, and we are heading to a pumpkin patch in a few days. My older girls have been in the deer hunting stand with their Daddy and Papa while I have taken my little Lillee on a bit of a shopping spree with my Mom.

You see, in disconnecting, I have been able to reconnect with what truly matters the most.

So what have I learned:
hmmmmm...

1.  The Bloggy Universe did not implode from my absence. teheheheee Such a relief! ;)

2.  My store has still done well without me. Of course, that has been from my past hard work but now I am simply relaxing and letting my hard work actually work for me! Know what I mean?

3.  My family is still my most precious resource!

4.  God can do more while I rest than I could do from my hardest efforts. That is so encouraging and faith building!

So, my friends, just wanted to let you know that I haven't dropped off of the bloggy world and I am still looking forward to networking, connecting, writing and creating! However, I find that I work best when I have put all of my priorities in order. This is me having a priority check, which I am sure will need to be repeated in the future. LOL
Happy Blogging!

Out with the New... On with the Old! :)

Hello, friends! As you can see, my blog header has been through a bit of a change this week. :) I liked my new header with my caricature but to be honest.... I missed seeing my three angels' smiling faces as soon as I open my page. Call me sentimental but there you go. In many ways, this blog is dedicated to them. Homeschooling was never our first plan but it has become our favorite. The opportunity to spend time with my children every day is one that I treasure. Better yet, I get the privilege of using my passion for learning and reading to impact my own children. How cool is that?!

This blog has become a place for me to share, learn, and grow all while I seek to guide my children in their education and values. I love the fact that I have a smiling 6th grader rather than a moody and stressed middle schooler. I have a 3rd grader who is unafraid to be herself and never meets a stranger. My three year old gets to learn from two of the smartest young ladies I know and tries so hard to be just like them.  I enjoy watching my girls interact with one another in love (most of the time :)) and support each other throughout the day. I enjoy watching them learn something new and know that I would miss it if we ever needed to do something different.

The faces of my children bring joy to my heart and for that reason, I dedicate this blog to them. We seek to view everyday as an opportunity to learn... together. :)

Happy Blogging my friends!

Running from the Comparison Bug!

"Look at her! How does she manage to look amazing AND raise kids?!"

"Wow, her room is amazing! Why can't mine look as awesome?!"

"She is such a fantastic writer! If I could only have a blog like hers!"

"I wish I could insert talent here like she can! I am just not good enough."


How many times do we allow these types of thoughts to race through our head? We are constantly bombarded with perfectly attractive people on television, fantastic Moms or teachers online, and uber-talented craftiness on Pinterest. We see amazing talent in our churches and sometimes feel unequal to others. The side-effect is that we begin to compare ourselves to the pictures we have in our heads. As a result, we become a mathematical genius using such signs as

   OR   

I don't know about you, but this can be an exhausting process! Living our lives to continually become someone else is wearisome and counterproductive. The most amazing thing I have ever done is find my completeness in Christ. But even still, I have to fight the urge to compare myself with others who are more talented, better speakers, or (dare I say it!) more beautiful! But this is what I had on my heart this morning, and what I hope to keep in my mind! Comparison is a spiritual killer. When one looks at another to compare, it will only serve to lift up up in pride or destroy the confidence we have found in Christ. There will always be others more talented, likable, or attractive. But, the wonder of being a part of Christ's body and a part of this world, is that we are not SUPPOSED to be like another. We have been created to fill OUR role. We were made uniquely for this role and no one can do it like we can! 

There is great freedom in deciding to become the best me I can be, rather than the best copy of someone else. Today, I choose to run from the comparison bug! I will look for ways to continually move forward in my own journey without trying to jump onto someone else's path! I choose to leave the Math for finances, because comparison is a never ending staircase to a completely unsatisfying prize. 

Keep your chin up! As one of my favorite authors once wrote, "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You!"

Happy Blogging!

Rain Drops Are Falling on My Head!

Okay, be honest! Did you sing the title?! hehehe.... I sang it while I typed it out. :D In sunny Florida, we have  been having *notsosunny* weather! We have had rain falling non stop in my corner of the woods and I am loving it! Of course, it wasn't as thrilling when I went tearing out of the house yesterday with two children in tow!

My eldest, who I call my steel trap because she never forgets ANYTHING, reminds me at 10:35 that they have haircut appointments at 11:00.  O.O  And we live 20 minutes away. !!!!!!! Holy Moly, Batman! We met all sort of Olympic records as we got ready and jumped into the van. It was a gold medal showing, I am telling you! Of course, not if we were judged by our style. I was looking, let's just say...relaxed! hehehe....

An- Neee- wayz.... we got there just in time and let me say I am glad we did! JC Penneys is offering free children's cuts at their salon and we walked out of there without spending a penny! Love it!

Back to the rain... I love hearing the rain fall when I am snug as bug in my comfy clothes and working around the house. I have watched the rain and noticed how clean the air feels and how green nature looks on days like today. It is as if each raindrop is washing away a bit of the past; all of the residue the hot, sticky days seem to leave behind. It reminded me of this new school year that is before me. To be honest, I have had a bit of apprehension of starting a whole new year! It will surely mean new challenges, and questions always seem to come into play. Am I doing the best I know to do for my girls? Is there something more I can do? Was last year a failure?

As I sat and watched the rain, I thought of how important it is to let what has happened in the past wash away so that I can embrace this new year with a clean, fresh start. No, I didn't get to do everything that I wanted to and, yes, there were a few areas my girls didn't excel the way I would have liked. However, there was so much accomplished! I must not dwell on my shortfalls, but at what has been done! My girls may not be able to complete a world history timeline to perfection but they are fantastic readers and writers! They may not be able to name every bird of North America, BUT their musical abilities astound!  I have taken note of what they need this year, and we will be doing a great deal of focus in these areas.

So, I am allowing everything I have seen as my own shortcomings to be washed away, and I am starting a new year with zeal and excitement! We are using some new curriculum and we have a new classroom with a new theme! Sounds like "all things have become new!" ;)

Speaking of NEW.... don't forget to enter my Bloggiversary giveaway here! You could win $20 to Amazon so that you can get a few NEW things that have been languishing in that shopping cart. Come on! I know you have some because I do, too! The raffle closes Friday when a winner will be announced!! Good luck!

Happy Blogging! And here's to a new year!

Breathe In... Breathe Out!

This has been my mantra for a couple of days now. No, I am not doing yoga or dealing with insane amounts of stress. (Well, now that I think about that... hmmmm...) :)  I was actually diagnosed with asthma about 3-4 years ago and this week has not been good for me. O.o  Breathing has been a bit of a struggle and it seems small tasks become HUGE! My day begins to look like this: Get dressed, take a break, brush my hair and teeth, watch a few minutes of TV, vacuum my floor for 5 minutes, sit on the couch for 30. I think you get the picture.

Can I tell you, it can be very frustrating! But I am seeking to encourage myself.

• No, I haven't met my goal of having my schoolroom rearranged and decorated for our new school year. BUT, yes, I finished my DIY Barbie house for my birthday girl! (Which BTW reminds me to post some pics!) 
• No, I have not finished cleaning my house. BUT, yes, I have completed a few things and my family has pitched in! Can anyone say, HOME EC?! :)
• No, I have not gotten all of my materials organized. BUT, yes, with my down time I have had the opportunity to research and choose my girls' curriculum for the next school year. This took about 8 hours on the internet and several phone calls but I had the time. :)

All this being said, it is so touching to have a family: parents, husband, children, who all love and care about you. They have encouraged me, checked on me, helped me, and supported me when I am at my weakest. I can never tell them enough how much that means to me. It is another reminder of how blessed I am to be able to stay home with my loving husband (who does drive me nuts by leaving the lid off of the toothpaste... ugh) and with my gorgeous girls who have been so attentative to me. Now to get them to pay that close of attention when I need them to clean their rooms. ;) 

Happy Blogging!