Juggling

I've often viewed life as a juggling act.  You know, putting all the different roles that you are in a day all thrown into a juggling rhythm that you try to keep going, even if you drop one.  Ah, wouldn't it be nice if it was really that easy.  Hmmm....until you actually try to do it!  So how is it possible to be a wife, mother, teacher, photographer, cooker lady, house cleaner, doctor appointment taker, and grocery shopper???!!!   Well, there are no easy answers, but there are solutions to time efficiency!  (thank you Lord!)  I thought I'd share a few time efficiency tips that would bring you encouragement and humor while you juggle through your busy day!

1) Take a deep breath!  The extra oxygen helps to clear your mind and focus.
2) When the kids color with marker on your dining room table, google search for remedies BEFORE the husband comes home.
3) Cook dinner during the day while you have energy so that all you have to do is heat it up later when you're ready to eat.  The kids can help too!
4) Keep a schedule and set time limits...kids and adults thrive better with consistency.
5) Know your responsibilities and manage obligations. (learning to say no is important for this one)
6) Purchase food and cook meals in bulk to save time and money.
7) Spend at least 5 minutes a day either tickling or dancing with your kids. :)
8) Always kiss and hug your husband when he arrives home from work!!!  (one of the best rewards after a day of work.)
9) Take walks around the block as often as you can for as long as you can.  Exercise is good for the body and soul.
10) Take the last half hour of the day to prepare for the next day, if possible.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."  (Proverbs 17:22)

"Save, we pray!" (Psalm 118:25)

  

"The best and most beautiful things in this world 

cannot be seen or even heard,

but must be felt with the heart."  

(Helen Keller)

Recently, my thoughts and prayers have been for two of my friends who have both experienced a miscarriage of twins.  For these two wonderful ladies and their families, please know that I am thinking and praying specifically for you during this time of grief and surrender.  

Please join me in praying for these two ladies.

As we enter into the month of October, I am reminded of Hosanna, our son who did not survive in October 2007.  Throughout this month, I'll share more about our family's experience and about what the Lord Jesus has done in our hearts and lives through the past 3 years.

The above image is

in memory of Hosanna and the many precious little ones
 that are safe in the arms of Jesus.

Friday's Favorite

This was going to be my post last Friday until "Stitches" got his stitches.

With homeschooling, comes the ability to structure our days around learning and fun.

So Fridays are (usually) field trip days!

Earlier this month, we spent the day learning about farm animals at
The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead.
This is one of our favorite places because there is so much to do.
Not only is there a petting zoo, but there's a pond to go fishing in, pony rides,
baby goats to feed, hayrides, and lots to explore.

Isn't that the goofiest caterpillar face ever?!!  What a silly boy!

Anna enjoyed Charlotte's calves (below), and learned about milking a cow.

We got to watch Charlotte the cow being milked.
And even learned about cows having 4 stomachs.
Anna also learned that a male chicken is called a rooster,
and a female chicken is a hen.
(What?! Why does a male and female have to have different names?
Aren't they all just called chickens????
I know she was thinking this by the puzzled look on her face.)

We spent the day on one side of the park,
just to give you an idea of how big and how fun this place is.
We look forward to going back again soon.