Recently I was asked to purchase some ‘Poo Spray‘. We have one small bathroom to share among all of us and the idea was a good one however when I researched the prices on Amazon they were rather expensive. So rather than flushing all that money away, I decided to make my own. Continue reading “Homemade Poopourri Spray”
I know this is a subject that many of us don’t like to talk about but truth is we do need to talk about it as it affects many of us or people we know.
The holidays are stressful and this can bring out the bad side of people. I know, I’ve been there, and sometimes it can result in an increase of domestic violence. I know from my own experience that the holidays can be very hard, especially when you have kids, to try to get through on your own.
It can be so hard in so many ways. You see all of these happy couples doing all of those wonderful holiday things. They are walking hand in hand while shopping for gifts or your best friend is gushing about how her husband is so perfect and he has picked out the best early Christmas present for her.
Sometimes loneliness can lead us into rash decisions like letting an ex back into our life that we probably shouldn’t. Sometimes parents, I’ve been guilty of this, feel bad for separating and possibly ruining their children’s Christmas. Or sometimes they try to hold off the inevitable breakup until after the holidays have passed. They attempt to hold it together and pretend to be the perfect couple/family while everyone is around.
Then there are times when things seem fine but under the surface one person or both have issues that they haven’t let out. They may hold certain expectation for Christmas or expectations of what others should or shouldn’t be doing. When things don’t go as planned then everything boils over.
Sadly, too many times, this results in domestic violence. The police may be called, and in some states both parties are taken to jail, or someone may end up in the hospital or worse. I can’t go back and change the memories that some of my kids have from previous holidays however I know this season will be so much different and better but I also have a heavy heart for all of those who are currently in that situation.
There were many holiday events I have attended where no one knew about the bruises I had covered or trying not to wince every time someone came to hug me. I can’t forget the one where I actually had a fractured disc but forced myself to make my expected appearance at his family dinner. There were other times I was humiliated because I couldn’t afford fancy or expensive gifts like other someone wife’s had purchased.
So please, I ask that if you or someone you know may be a victim of DV please don’t try to be brave and hold it together. Think of yourself and your family and don’t take the chance of having something like this happen. If you know you are in a violent situation or you aren’t sure then please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.
Don’t be afraid to dial 911 if you are in a true emergency.
When God Made You, written by Matthew Paul Turner, is a book that I recently read with my kids. I was immediately impressed when I saw the book for the first time as the cover was beautiful as is the whole book. Continue reading “Book Review: When God Made You”
**Please note this post does contain affiliate links to which I may, possibly, earn a small commission from if you click on and purchase an item. For full disclosure click here.
I’m excited to tell everyone that I am now an affiliate for Cozi which is an online calendar that I have been using for years! The great thing is that you can sign up FREE and when I say FREE it is FREE. I’ve used it for many years, FREE, and it has helped me keep my family organized and running smoothly! GO check it out!
Every year has four seasons, and each season has its own set of holidays. While homeschooling I try to take advantage of the holidays to research and teach my children about them. We have the flexibility to take time and study these important dates.
Holidays or special days that were set apart for remembrance started way back in Genesis. We use a lot of biblical references and studies in our homeschooling so it is important to me to that my children learn about the true meanings and origins of these days. As a teacher I can also have some control over what they are exposed to as well.
We don’t generally do an in depth study on any particular date. If the kids are more interested in one holiday then we may do a little extra. We can usually turn these into mini units and work them in with our regular school work. I will also leave out seasonal or holiday themed items for the kids to explore independently.
The key in our house is to keep it simple. We don’t have to decorate for every holiday. We don’t have to go overboard with learning about it. Sometimes just a brief discussion or a couple of YouTube videos is all we do. However there are some holidays that hold more importance here at our house. Christmas and Easter are two of those holidays. I have always wanted to try to do an Advent calendar or study so this year I am attempting to begin one.
I will try my best to keep this page updated and post resources that we are using as well. Please feel free to leave suggestions in the comments too.
Others:
This site, A to Z Kids Stuff, has a list of special days and activities that you can check out for more ideas.
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