Whirlwind...

Life is a blur as of late...

Spring has sprung and everyone is restless, longing to drink in the sunshine. My kids grow bigger; and along with their increase in size comes an increase in appetites, a wider disaster radius post-playtime and continued development of independent thinking - consequently: more frequent arguments both with each other and myself. My husband has been diligently studying, excelling in all his classes; I am so proud!

L., my youngest, has started walking and is quickly graduating from that mundane skill to more exciting techniques for mobility...such as climbing. [Really, who wants to walk when you could just climb stuff, right?]

A few days ago I caught her sitting in the middle of the living room talking to herself, "No. Nooo. No. No Ma. No Mom. No. Mom. No no. Noooo." She was practicing telling me no. My heart was filled with delight at her sweet voice, pride for her working so intently to enunciate her words correctly...and slight trepidation as I considered the implications of her resolve to clearly communicate her defiance.

My oldest daughter is learning important and difficult lessons about the ugliness of lies. Meanwhile, her father and I are being tested in matters of patience and grace. She is also rapidly learning to read and write. She enjoys writing letters and often I find random letters on her schoolwork or art pages. Occasionally, her random letters happen to form words, much to her older brother's astonishment and delight. He is very impressed by her "skill" and they celebrate her accomplishment together with cheering, laughter and expressions of recognition: "Great job!" "Wow...you wrote ________!" "You are such a great speller!" This warms my spirit. I love to see my children loving and encouraging one another.

I am considering what to do for my son's education in the fall. Boarding school has been an attractive thought from time to time. New, unpleasant and frustrating phrases have been surfacing during our conversations lately; "It's not FAIR!" "I wish I had a different mom!" "Why do I have to...?!" I really dislike the attitude I see him developing and find myself praying often for an extra measure of love and grace to respond to it. While this new "big kid" personality dampens my excitement about home-educating in the coming school year, it also deepens my resolve to guide him, to instruct him, teach and correct him so that issues of character, discipline and integrity may be swiftly addressed and corrected, deterring poor attitude from developing into bad habits and unpleasant personality in later years.

I am just taking it all in. At moments, reminding myself to pause to breathe or to resist the temptation to react. Other times, digging deep to find motivation to tackle the dishes and laundry, or to mom-up and confront the arguing coming from the kids' room [instead of hiding in the pantry with a bar of chocolate pretending not to hear it]. Occasionally, ignoring those tasks that seem so pressing and important, but will still be there tomorrow and just holding my baby a little longer while she sleeps, or sitting on the floor playing dolls, or pulling out a messy art project to do TOGETHER or attacking my children with kisses and tickles while they still enjoy it - I know it will not last forever.

This season is full of unique joys and difficulties...and so will be the next. This is a sweet sort of whirlwind to be caught up in.

The Schooltime Skirmish

Does anyone else encounter this battle with their children?

My first child generally loves learning and looks forward to the time we spend together during our "school" hours. My second child does not share that sentiment. Educating her often feels like a battle.

She is strong-willed and very independent. A few days ago, I spent all day working on one lesson with her. It was simple, and she completely understood it, and once she was finally willing to participate, she completed it in a matter of less than 20 minutes. But she just flat out refuses to cooperate.

Sometimes, as much as I enjoy teaching my kids and watching them learn, I would rather just be mom. I spend enough time as it is in conflict with the kids, reminding them to pick up toys...make their beds...stop bickering...quit whining...eat their lunch. Do I need to/want to be the daily education enforcer too? It exhausts me.

Recently, after one of those days my child refused to finish school work, [this time, my older child] my husband suggested sending the kids to a public school.

I feel defeated.

Are these just the hard days...the hurdles and bumps that are bound to be met and need to be navigated to move forward? Won't they be encountered regardless of what academic choices we make?

I don't expect to be the best qualified teacher for my kids all throughout their education.  But I was once relatively confident that I was competent to school my 3 year old. Surely I don't need to send her to school to learn colors and letters and shapes and numbers...

Maybe I'm not a poor teacher...maybe I'm a poor parent, since I can't get my stubborn preschool age child to comply. I can't really pass off that responsibility to a classroom education - that will always be mine.

Selfishly, I hope some of you other moms have days like this...days when the work of simply reminding, and instructing and refereeing and holding and listening and responding to each little voice at any given moment feels far more difficult a task than it actually is. I hope someone else has days when they feel outnumbered and overwhelmed; when the very thought of the collective energy their children possess exhausts them, when they just really want to say "yes"...and "thank you", rather than "no!" and "stop that!".  Then maybe I can take courage that I am not slipping quickly out of control, but I've found myself in the heat of a battle I must be willing to win...not for my own victory, but for their best interest.

I'd rather feed them a cookie, flip on a movie and be the most favorite mom ever!
But reason tells me, we'd all loose if I raise a white flag at this point.

Well, I've spent enough time avoiding the front line...I'm going to crawl out of my trench now
[...and press on until nap time. :) ].

Valentine's Day Project

In the spirit of loving, my children and I crafted a fun project. 

We call it our "prayer chain", but you can call it whatever you would like to.

We wrote down names of people we know on strips of paper and linked them together.  Each evening at bedtime the kids tear off the end link of their chain and pray for that person.  As they get older, I would like to have them send an encouraging note or thoughtful gift to each person...maybe next year.   :)

For this project, you will need:
- strips of scrap paper - any color you choose.
- glue or tape
- pen, pencil or marker to write with

First, cut your paper into strips of similar length and width [no need to be precise for this activity].  I used blue for my son and pink for my daughter.

Then have your child[ren] write out names of people they know on the strips, such as family, friends, classmates or teammates, etc.  If you have younger children, you can write out the names for them or enlist your older children to help their younger siblings by writing them down.  Each strip should have only one name written on it.

Begin creating your chain by bending one strip of paper so that the two ends meet together.  Glue or tape the paper together at the ends, forming a circle.  You will continue to form "links" with each piece of paper, by looping the paper through the end link before forming and gluing your paper circle.  Once all your paper strips have been chained together, find a fun place to hang your chain. My children have a white board in their room where they can display all their art projects...so this was a perfect place for us to hang our chains.

Spend some time with your kids remembering to love the people who have been placed in your lives.

Interviewing Children

It has not quite been a year since I last interviewed my children, but since I'd like to make it a yearly event, I thought planning to interview in January would be a fun way to start each new year.  Now that January is nealy over, I'm already behind schedule...but when am I EVER not?!  Ha!

Here is a list of questions to get you started in interviewing your own children. Modify the list according to your own child's age level and if you come up with any fun questions I didn't think of, I'd love to hear them! 

I am looking forward to hearing my childrens responses...hopefully I'll be posting some of their answers soon.

Enjoy learning about your kids!

Clap-ping Par-ty

My son has been learning about syllables. Today, as he was "clapping" out each word, my youngest daughter [9 months] began to clap along with him.  She was so proud of herself...and he was delighted by her participation.  My other daughter chimed in and before anyone realized what was happening, the whole study session seemed to spontaneously erupt into an explosion of joyful clapping, laughter and various noise-making of all kinds.

Who knew syllables could be so much fun!?  :)

Pick a Project

If your home is anything like mine, you've experienced those moments when dinner is nearly burning, baby is crying - needing to be fed or changed, husband is still at work, dishes and laundry are piling up, and a seemingly endless list of other "to do's" are screaming to be accomplished...all while whiney, hungry youngsters are tugging at your feet complaining that they have nothing to do. 

This is often the moment that "snaps" me.  I've been tempted in those moments to grab a cardboard box and empty their room full of toys and activities into it - throw it outside and announce that NOW they have nothing to do. [Which I have not yet done, but do not be too shocked when it does happen.]

It's not that they don't enjoy their toys, rather kids just need direction.  They need guidelines and boundaries as well as a bit of space for creativity and imagination to flourish.  Small children not only need suggestions of what to do, but often need us to sit with them and participate...help them along and teach them.  And while it is a joy and privilege to be able to spend that time with my kids, let's be honest - it's also a bit exhausting and can be overwhelming at times [and I only have three - I know many of you are caring for more]. 

I find myself balancing the fine line between providing a healthy amount of structured developmental activities and feeding my children an overdose of entertainment as I try to keep their busy minds occupied.  At times I struggle with the question, "Am I creating a habit of needing to be continuously engaged and entertained to be happy?"  When my kids come to me complaining of "nothing to do", I wonder two three a few things;

1. Have I allowed them to become over-stimulated by an excess of entertainments [games, movies, toys - even "educational" ones] to the point where they no longer find any satisfaction in those activities?

2. Have I modeled for them what it is to be still?  Have they experienced moments of quiet relaxation - reading a book, taking a walk?  Do they know how to enjoy just BEING, rather than needing to be busy?

3. Have I established in them a dependence on someone else providing activity for them all the time...or have they learned how to creatively construct ideas and activities on their own?

4. Have I been neglecting to provide structured activities for them? 

5. Do they feel overwhelmed by the options I have made available to them?

6. How can I provide them with structure, yet teach them to think for themselves?

7. How do I establish in their lives the ability to accept and enjoy moments of business and of rest? 

8. Are my expectations realistic at their stages of development? 

9. How do I juggle all the responsibilities life places in front of me AND keep three little ones constantly entertained...is that even what is best? 

*sigh*

I'm exhausted just considering it all.

While I don't have any really great answers, I've come up with a helpful tool I use in those moments when I cannot stop everything else to find "something to do". 

We call it "Pick a Project".  I've used it since my son [who is 5 now] was just a little guy.  I already mentioned that he seems to need the most structure in our family.  This little system has been great for him. 

However, since I made it several years ago, the "projects" for him to pick have become a bit too childish.  So I revised the activities and we now have a new and improved "Pick a Project" system.

I used an empty spice container for this project.

I cut out strips of cardstock the length of my container. 

At the bottom of the strips I listed an activity [such as "coloring", "read a book", or "complete a puzzle"] which my children can do on their own. One activity per strip.

This time around I made separate strips for my 5 year old and my 3 year old.  Some of the projects are repeated but now they have ideas specific for each of them.  I marked my daughter's projects with pink paper hearts at the top of each strip...and my son's projects with blue stars.

I placed all the strips [shapes at the top, writing at the bottom] into the container.

When I need some time to complete a project of my own...or when the kids complain of boredom, I pull out the Pick a Project jar and each child picks one of their strips. 

Whatever project is picked must be accomplished. I do not let them pick until they find one they like. 

It's not the big solution...but it is useful.

I need to continue to ask the Lord for wisdom as I train my kids.  I know the patterns they establish during these precious years will affect the rest of their lives.  I also know that God is able to work in their lives even [and maybe especially] where I fall short.  As I navigate these years of parenting and teaching my children, I am so thankful for His grace.  Each of my children is a blessing and my role as their mother is a gift from the Lord.  If your home is anything like mine...you will experience moments today when you need this reminder as much as I do. 

Free Printable Chart System for Kids - Part2

In an effort to help keep myself and my kids focused and productive throughout the day, I designed an activity chart for each of my older children. My daughter chose a butterfly theme and my son asked for a firefighter theme. I'm happy to share these resources with you. Today I will post the fire engine chart pages.  Click the link to find the butterfly chart pages in my previous post.

[Some of the information in this post has been copied from the previous post and will be repetitious if you have already read part 1.  Just skim through.]

Part of the fun of this project is involving the kids as much as possible. Children [and adults too] tend to take more of an interest and ownership when they are involved in the process. Whether you're introducing a new food, welcoming a new family member, or learning a new schedule, try to find ways to include them. My kids may not like to eat zucchini...but when they planted, watered, harvested and cleaned their own zucchini, it became exciting and they had fun eating it - even though it's not their favorite vegetable.

My kids love coloring. I asked my kids to color in the pictures on a few pages and to help me think of activities we could list for them to accomplish. [I already had my own list in mind, but allowing them to talk about it with me and agree on our list was engaging for them, gave them an opportunity to analyze and negotiate their activities and enabled them to take ownership of our selection.] For older children [or if you're not a hopeless perfectionist like I tend to be] you could let them cut out their shapes too...and write out their objectives.

The objective we agreed on were: "get dressed", "make my bed", "exercise", "Bible time", "school time", "pick up toys", "help Mom & Dad" and "be kind and obey".

Use the chart for whatever projects you would like to. I've left them blank for you to add your own chores, daily activities, or school subjects - whatever you want.

To download the charts, simply click on each page and then right click the image. Select "Save Picture As..." and determine a destination and name for each file. Then save the file to your computer.

Print each page on cardstock paper. I chose two tones of a single color [red] for the fire trucks and the firetruck background pages and then I printed the remaining pages on white cardstock, with the exception of the calendar [or chart page, depending on your preference], which I printed on plain white paper.

Once the pages are printed, I suggest letting your children color first, then cutting out the shapes.  My son colored in his large fire engine and the fireman seals & badges as well as the small fire department seals.

In the banner on the first page, write in your child's name or a title for your chart [or have your child write it]. And cut out the small fire department seals along the bold lines, leaving you with 50 1-inch squares. Cut out the large fire engine along the outer edge of the shape.

Cut out the small bold fire trucks along the outer edge of each shape. Attach magnetic tape to the BACK of each bold fire truck.

Cut out the small faded fire engines along the outer edge of each shape and write out your objectives on the FRONT of your fire engines; one objective one each. Attach magnetic tape to the BACK side of each faded fire engine - being careful to align the magnets so that the polar attraction of all magnets line up with your bold fire engines' magnets, with both fire engines placed face up - bold on top of the faded.

I formatted the badges and seals so you can choose which to use as the pad to place your fire trucks on.  You could use just one type or any combination of 8 per set of fire trucks. Have your child color each badge or seal you have chosen to use. [You could write in your family name or your child's name in the blank space on the Fire Chief badges...or have your child do this.] Then cut along the outer edge of each shape. Attach magnetic tape to the BACK side of each badge [or seal]; as you do this, consider how you would like your fire engines to be positioned and align your magnets accordingly, with your bold fire engines face up on top of your badges/seals [also face-up].

Determine what type of grid you would like to use for your chart. I have provided several options; a January 2011 calendar [You can download more styles and other months from my Printable Calendars page.], a blank calendar, or a plain blank grid. You could trim these if you'd like to, or simply use them as they are.

I used double-stick tape to adhere my chart pieces to the inner door of our "school armoire". You could use a magnetic board, poster board, wall, inner closet door...or even place your chart on the fridge - use your imagination! Here is a picture of how I have mine set up, but you could certainly place yours differently. My placement was not very well thought through. [I kinda got excited and just started taping.]

Tape or glue all your faded fire engines and the large [not the small squares from page 1] fire department seals/badges face up to your chosen surface. Leave the bold fire engines unattached, but place one on top of each seal/badge.

As your child accomplishes each task [or at the end of the day - whatever routine you choose] let him remove a bold fire truck from a seal/badge and place it on the task he has successfully completed. At the end of the day or week [depending on your chart] if he has achieved whatever goal you set [i.e., completing all objectives or completing a specific number of objectives etc.] award him with a tiny fire department seal square to be placed on the appropriate box on his grid.

In advance you should determine if you would like to give your child a goal to work toward. My husband and I decided that for every 30 fire fighter seals [or butterflies for the butterfly chart] our children earn, they will be give a set amount of money to spend and be taken out for a special day with Mom or Dad. You can set your own award system for your family; maybe the kids earn collective "points" to get to plan a family activity, like a game night, pizza party, movie night etc. Rewards make it fun for the kids and give them something to work towards...it keeps them engaged which encourages their interest and consequently their participation. Plus, if you throw in a chore or two as objectives on their charts, their involvement in the program could end up being a load off of your shoulders too! :)

I hope you enjoy these activity charts and find them helpful in your own family, school or daycare! If you think of a fun & creative way to use them, would you let me know about it? I'd love to hear your ideas. You can leave a comment on this post or email me at homeeducationjournal@hotmail.com. Thanks so much!

credits:

fire engine image; banner image; fire department seal image; volunteer firefighter badge image; fire chief badge image; fireman image; AlexandriaFLF, by Casady & Greene; 101! Block LetterZ, by Nght's Place also: Fire & Rescue Decals

Free Printable Chart System For Kids - Part 1

I struggle with keeping my family on a schedule.  This is unfortunate, since I have recognized that my children thrive when they know what to expect next.  My son [who is 5] appears more relaxed, generally happier and functions with more efficiency when he has a clear understanding of what he is expected to do ahead of time.  He likes to look at the clock and see that it is 1:38...and prepare himself for whatever activity begins at 2:00.  We realized early on that he needs time to prepare himself for change.  I assume part of this can be attributed to his age, however I recognize that much of it is his own personality.  [Maybe it is a familiar trait...? :) ] A schedule is not just helpful for the kids; anyone can benefit from clear expectations and timed guidelines.

My husband's schedule has changed, which of course affects our family's routines.  One of my challenges these last few weeks has been to set a schedule that will work for my family.  I'm not terribly rigid - at least not as dogmatic as my 5-year-old about start and stop times for each activity; however, the structure our schedule provides is truly beneficial for all of us.

Along with writing out and posting a schedule [which includes wake up time, mealtimes, school time, playtime, family activities and a bedtime routine], I wanted to find a fun way to encourage my children's participation.

I designed an activity chart for each of my older children.  My daughter chose a butterfly theme and my son asked for a firefighter theme.  I'm happy to share these resources with you.  Today I will post the butterfly chart pages and I will post the fire truck pages later in the week.  [update: the fire engine chart is now available.]

Part of the fun of this project is involving the kids as much as possible.  Children [and adults too] tend to take more of an interest and ownership when they are involved in the process.  Whether you're introducing a new food, welcoming a new family member, or learning a new schedule, try to find ways to include them.  My kids may not like to eat zucchini...but when they planted, watered, harvested and cleaned their own zucchini, it became exciting and they had fun eating it - even though it's not their favorite vegetable. 

My kids love coloring. I asked my kids to color in the pictures on a few pages and to help me think of activities we could list for them to accomplish. [I already had my own list in mind, but allowing them to talk about it with me and agree on our list was engaging for them, gave them an opportunity to analyze and negotiate their activities and enabled them to take ownership of our selection.] For older children [or if you're not a hopeless perfectionist like I tend to be] you could let them cut out their shapes too...and write out their objectives.

The objective we agreed on were: "get dressed", "make my bed", "exercise", "Bible time", "school time", "pick up toys", "help Mom & Dad" and "be kind and obey".

Use the chart for whatever projects you would like to.  I've left them blank for you to add your own chores, daily activities, or school subjects - whatever you want. 

To download the charts, simply click on each page and then right click the image. Select "Save Picture As..." and determine a destination and name for each file. Then save the file to your computer.

Print each page on cardstock paper.  I chose two tones of a single color [orange] for the butterfly and the butterfly background pages and then I printed the remaining pages on white cardstock, with the exception of the calendar [or chart page, depending on your preference], which I printed on plain white paper.  My daughter colored in her large butterfly and the flowers.  She would have colored in the tiny butterfly "awards" except that I happen to have a handy little Martha Stewart butterfly paper punch and decided to punch out pink butterflies rather than cut out the squares.

Once the pages are printed, I suggest letting your children color first, then cutting out the shapes.

In the banner on the first page, write in your child's name, or a title for your chart [or have your child write it].  And cut out the tiny butterflies along the bold lines, leaving you with 50 1-inch squares.  Cut out the large butterfly along the outer edge of the shape. 

Cut out the medium sized bold butterflies along the outer edge of each shape.  Attach magnetic tape to the BACK of each bold butterfly.

Cut out the medium sized faded butterflies along the outer edge of each shape and write out your objectives on the FRONT of your butterflies; one objective one each.  Attach magnetic tape to the BACK side of each faded butterfly - being careful to align the magnets so that the polar attraction of all magnets line up with your bold butterflies' magnets, with both butterflies placed face up - bold on top of the faded.

Have your child color each flower.  Then cut along the outer edge of each shape. Attach magnetic tape to the BACK side of each flower; as you do this, consider how you would like your butterflies to be positioned and align your magnets accordingly, with your bold butterflies face up on top of your flowers [also face-up].

Determine what type of grid you would like to use for your chart.  I have provided several options; a calendar [you can download different styles and other months from my Printable Calendars page], or a blank calendar, or a plain blank grid. You could trim these if you'd like to, or simply use them as they are.

I used double-stick tape to adhere my chart pieces to the inner door of our "school armoire".  You could use a magnetic board, poster board, wall, inner closet door...or even place your chart on the fridge - use your imagination!  Here is a rather poor picture of how I have mine set up, but you could certainly place yours differently.  My placement was not very well thought through. [I just got excited and started taping.]

Tape or glue all your faded butterflies and flowers face up to your chosen surface.  Leave the bold butterflies unattached, but place one on top of each flower. 

As your child accomplishes each task [or at the end of the day - whatever routine you choose] let her remove a bold butterfly from a flower and place it on the task she has successfully completed. At the end of the day or week [depending on your chart] if she has achieved whatever goal you set [ie, completing all objectives or completing a specific number of objectives etc.] award her with a tiny butterfly square to be placed on the appropriate box on her grid. 

In advance you should determine if you would like to give your child a goal to work toward.  My husband and I decided that for every 30 butterflies [or firefighter seals for the fire engine chart] our children earn, they will be give a set amount of money to spend and be taken out for a special day with Mom or Dad.  You can set your own award system for your family; maybe the kids earn collective "points" to get to plan a family activity, like a game night, pizza party, movie night etc. Rewards make it fun for the kids and give them something to work towards...it keeps them engaged which encourages their interest and consequently their participation.  Plus, if you throw in a chore or two, their involvement in the program could end up being a load off of your shoulders too!  :)

I hope you enjoy these activity charts and find them helpful in your own family, school or daycare! If you think of a fun & creative way to use them, would you let me know about it?  I'd love to hear your ideas.  You can leave a comment on this post or email me at homeeducationjournal@hotmail.com.  Thanks so much!

credits:

butterfly image; banner image;  flower images; Broadsheet LDO, by Luke Owens; Baskerville Old Face, by Isaac Moore; AlexandriaFLF, by Casady & Greene; Lobster, by Pablo Impallari; Scartan Floaben, by P. J. Cassel

also:

abcteach; and The Coloring Barn

Teeny Tiny Tree Trimming

My Mother-in-law gave the kids a tiny little tabletop tree to decorate...and I had no tiny decorations...soooooo

We made some. 

I had a book the kids were uninterested in reading anymore and wanted to get rid of...

I loved the colors in the book, so I did the unthinkable and let them...*gasp*

...cut it up.

[I cringe a little even as I say it]

We used 2 different sized circle shaped paper punches and cut out various sizes and colors from the pages.  Once we had a big pile of them, 

we glued our paper circles to some thread using this method [just scroll down to the circle garland].

This would make a great ribbon for tying gifts too! 

So our tree went from ho-hum...

To so fun!

Yay!

What I Desire to Teach My Son

I came across this recently when I was cleaning out some boxes.  It didn't have a date on it, but I imagine I wrote it out before I had my girls...since I only found a page for my son.  It inspired me though.  I think it's easy to loose sight of what is REALLY important to teach our children.  I do think that academic education is important, but what our sons and daughters really need to grow to become healthy adults, they will never glean from a textbook alone.  What will enable them to live whole and satisfying lives; they will only learn by example and by God's amazing grace. 

I plan to go down my list and do 2 things for each item...1.  Come up with at least one comprehensive way I can intentionally teach him or prepare him in that area, and 2.  Pray for him. 

While my husband and I can and must instruct him...only God can do the work in his heart to establish his character.  We can train him how to act...but only Jesus can work in his heart...and mine.  

Jesus, give US wisdom as we teach our children each day...whether we are "educating" them at home or not...they learn from us each moment.  What a tremendous responsibility.


What I Desire To Teach My Son


Integrity: I desire for him to become a man who consistently makes choices to do what is right and honorable, not only when others may take notice, but when no one sees: not only when he views those decisions as beneficial to himself but even when doing what is right is not the popular or politically acceptable decision, and may be a detriment to his career or reputation, cause him loss, leave him disadvantaged or present a threat of harm.

Confidence: I desire for him to become a man who is comfortable with who God has made him to be and is unafraid to be himself and to boldly use the gifts and abilities he has been given to encourage and instruct others; who recognizes his strengths; who acknowledges his weaknesses, but does not allow them to discourage or hinder him; who is willing to try; who is undaunted by worthless criticisms; who is not intimidated by position or power, but views himself as God’s servant and lives life confidently, understanding his place and role.


Humility: I desire for him to become a man who understands and accepts his function as a servant of Christ, who values others and regardless of the social status others place on him, views himself as no more significant than anyone else; who is willing to be used by God to do great thing and little things alike; who values the life and assignments he is given and gladly and gratefully serves Jesus in whatever he does.


Honesty: I desire for him to become a man whose words can be trusted; who does not have a habit or reputation of lying or recanting his promises; who is able and unafraid to speak the truth both graciously and with confidence.


Generosity: I desire for him to become a man who is concerned for the needs of others; who understands everything he has was given to him from the Lord and belongs to God; who manages his time, possessions and his money with a caring and generous spirit.


Courage: I desire for him to become a man who understands that the Lord is His refuge and strength; who trusts in Him whole-heartedly; who, when faced with danger or difficulty, is prepared to do whatever is necessary and right even though he may be afraid; a man who places his confidence not in himself, or in worldly wisdom, but who places his confidence in the Lord and chooses to act bravely and courageously.


Consideration: I desire for him to become a man who respects others and thinks about their needs and feelings; who is sensitive to others and considers those around him as he makes decisions.


Wisdom: I desire for him to become a man who has the knowledge and education to consistently make informed, godly and healthy choices; who chooses and is able to speak appropriate words at appropriate times; whose advice is sought out and respected and who is able to discern matters both spiritual and worldly; who is not quickly fooled or easily manipulated; who is both smart and insightful.


Discipline: I desire for him to become a man who is not easily influenced or persuaded by popular opinion or coercion; who is accustomed to accomplishing a goal or finishing a task on his own initiative, without necessary oversight and direction; who chooses to control his own body and exercises discipline in his thoughts, not allowing himself to be governed by emotion, desire or appetite, but rather by the Lord; who trains his mind and body and who is not enslaved to impulse or addiction.


Purity: I desire for him to become a man who commits both his actions and his thoughts to the Lord; who guards his heart and his mind; who embraces what is good and pure and holy; who eliminates not only what is impure and corrupt, but also what is useless and unbeneficial; who intentionally seeks out what is wholesome and serves to edify his life; who rejects what is degrading or worthless.


Respect: I desire for him to become a man who regards authority as being given by the Lord; who willfully submits and behaves respectfully out of reverence to God; who recognizes and acknowledges the importance and place of authority in his life and is faithful to honor the Lord above any and all earthly authority; who is able to execute a role of leadership and authority well and is capable of leading and managing others respectfully; who is able to accept instruction and correction from others, especially those he is accountable to, and learn from it; who recognizes appropriate social boundaries and honors them.

Excellence: I desire for him to become a man who is diligent, determined and focused; who succeeds in not only accomplishing what is before him, but finishes well; who is able to prioritize what is important and determine what is trivial, and who commits to devoting his energy on what is significant; who is unsatisfied with lackadaisical and whose life and accomplishments both large and small, are marked by quality, consistency and excellence.

Labeled

Part of my children's education includes things like cleaning up their toys after playtime, clearing dishes from the table after dinner, bathing themselves and folding laundry. 

These are some basic life skills...necessary for them to eventually be able to function independently as adults...and also for my sanity during their childhood. I need them to help me out. It is healthy for them to learn responsibility and to take ownership of their belongings. And they gain confidence and feel that they are a valued and important part of our family when they are included.

One way I try to make it easier for them to be involved with these chores is by marking where items belong with labels.  Now that my son is reading, this is a simpler task.  When everything has a place, items are easy to find and easy to put away.  It eliminates the stress of wondering where "that thing" is as I'm heading out the door, 10 minutes late, crying children in tow.  Labeling allows me to hold my oldest a little more accountable when it comes to properly stowing his toys and clothing; no more "I didn't know where to put it" excuses.  It say's right on the drawer: "shirts".  And it is useful for my husband too.  Since he's not here as often as we are, he is sometimes unsure of where to find their clothes, toys or school books, and where to put them away.

Actually, I also kind of have an infatuation with letters and words...so I happily label whatever I can, I think words are pretty.  [Is that weird?  Idk...I've always liked words...I can't be the only one, right?]  In fact, I've often joked that it would be great to label EVERYTHING in our house sometime and invite our parents or friends over.  [You know, for fun.]  Could you imagine walking into a home where the tissue, the couch, the sink, the toilet, the door - everything - was labeled?  That would freak. me. out.  I label more than normal people do I think, and maybe freak some people out.  Anyways, I think my idea is funny...and I'm sure, one day, when I'm bored - you know maybe in 20 or 30 years, I will actually do it.

Ok, back on track...

I do not have a label machine.  So, what I do is format a document with text [for each item I wish to label] aligned in columns.  I set the font to a size that will allow me to cut my labels about 1/4 inch thick.

I print the page and cut each label out.

Next, I cut a piece of plain, clear tape just slightly longer than my label and center my label with the face of the label against the sticky side of the tape.

Then I press the tape onto my drawer [or wherever its destination may be] and that's it. 

When I label items in our wooden drawers, I place the label inside, or along the top edge of the drawer, so it can't be seen. You could also purchase hardware made to hold labels, and fix that to the front of your drawers. However, most of my children's items are stored in clear plastic drawers...so the tape is less obvious and the look of it doesn't bother me at all. [Remember, letter fetish...]

The labels come off easily, so I can change them when I need to. Because they are easily removed, I am cautions about labeling with tape when I have little ones around who will put things in their mouths - it can quickly become a choking hazard if a toddler removes the tape.

Well, it's nothing fancy, just a quick and easy organizational tip that is helpful to us...

What do you do to stay organized?