How to love a book: Show-n-Tell

Love your book with Show-n-Tell

How can your share your book with your friends and family?  Does your book explore the habitat for the salmon for instance?  Maybe you could find a YoutTube video that talk about the salmon and their trip to the ocean (The River -- https://y3391.myubam.com/p/5731/the-river).  Or maybe your book talks about habitats (like Above and Below-- https://y3391.myubam.com/p/6129/above-and-below). You could maybe share a diorama of a habitat from your favorite animal.  Or you could discuss how the salmon leave for the ocean as baby fish and return as adults.  If you live where there are salmon, like I do, you could even take a field trip with family to see salmon in the fall as they return to spawn.  One time we actually saw a salmon finding a spot to lay eggs.  Nature is so amazing and when we are able to use a story to help enhance that, it’s a bonus. 

Maybe your book talks about creating computer games, you could share how to create a computer graphic, or gizmo.  The important thing is to share the love of your book with others so that they can experience why you love it so much!  

The River  You can more info here: https://y3391.myubam.com/p/5731/the-rive

The fish traveling down the river...

on his way to the ocean.

What book will you share? 

 *The links go to my web site, and I do earn a commission on all web sales. 

Journals for all of us....

 

What is Nature Journaling to me???? 

Its a way to record what we see, and how we see it.

Of course there are experts as in all things.  One web site describes a nature journal in this way:

Like a personal journal or diary, a nature journal is a place to record our observations and to reflect on them, but unlike a diary, a nature journal is used specifically to record our observations of, and thoughts on, nature. Take up nature journaling and you can end up learning more about nature and about yourself.

They used a lot more prettier words, but in essence the same philosophy.  We have played at Nature Journaling for a year in a half.  We still haven't fully arrived, but I think this year might be the year that it makes sense. Bear is attempting to draw and record what she sees in nature.  What she sees and picks up on may not be what I see and pick up on, but in my humble opinion, that's 100% ok.  In fact, I love that she is drawing something different from what I am.  We are journaling together you see.  What I draw is from my eye and standpoint what she draws is from her's and that is as it should be. 

You can make a Nature Journal very simply, or you can make it a complicated project in itself.  We tend to fall in the more simple lines.  For really young children I love the hard cardboard composition books that you can buy for under a dollar.  If you want to get a bit more fancy you can buy a non-lined sketch pad or book for under $10 (or more!  the sky--if you let it--could be the limit).    Its up to you what you do, and you can base it on the age of your child.  Get creative, make your own (gotta love pinterest!)....  But make it something you will use.  The best Nature Journal is the one that gets used.

As soon as he is able to keep it himself, a nature-diary is a source of delight to a child.

Charlotte Mason

What do you have for journaling?

In our nature journal stash I have included pencils, erasers, chalk pastels, crayons (broken ones work great for rubbings), water colors, and colored pencils.  We often include the things that we have in our nature bags as well.  This can include a ruler, magnifying glass, our loops, nature identifier books, clear bags, clear specimen cups, etc.  Let your nature bag help you if you want!  You can make your journal stash simple or more expanded, its really up to you and what you want.  A new item we will be adding soon is a backpack easel to encourage more art as well.  Plus it gives mom a place to stash supplies!  *smile*  Again, only have what you use and let your own needs be your guide.  Your journaling experience should be uniquely you. 

Grab a camera as well.  I am convinced that if Charlotte Mason were alive today that she would embrace digital photography.  I have plans to one day include photographs in my journal.  Nature journals are all about learning about the natural world that God created and enjoying it.  Through our desire to enjoy it, we will care for it as we are commanded as Christians. 

Children should be made early intimate with the trees, too; should pick out half a dozen trees, oak, elm, ash, beech, in their winter nakedness, and take these to be their year-long friends. ~~~ Charlotte Mason (Vol 1, II, Out-Of-Door Life For The Children, p.52)

Embrace the freedom of time.  Being in nature takes time.  Take the time that is needed to really examine the natural world.  So many times we rush through walks and this does a disservice to our children as well as our own beings.  We need to connect just as much as our children do.  At one time this connection was a given, but today we call playing outside a sterile playground where children play surrounded by dotting parents carrying hand sanitizer!   

If your child is older, try something I call Square Foot Nature Journaling.  I have heard it called other things as well, but the basic premise is that one take small natural stakes, jute twine, and measure off roughly one square foot of space and observe it for a period of time, recording in the journal what is seen and ones experiences.  I can't wait to try this. 

In your journal you will want to be sure to include the date, time, and location of where and what you are observing.  You might even wish to include the weather to help you record your observations.  Don't wait until the next day to journal about what you have seen, do it right away. 

Remember that your journal doesn't have to be perfect, just perfectly you!  Let it express you.  One mother expressed to me that she enjoyed going back over the years and seeing the growth she has made as well as the growth her children have made through the art of "journaling." 

Charlotte Mason had this to say about children in nature and embracing nature; its worth pondering as parents, "every child has a natural interest in the living things about him which it is the business of his parents to encourage; for, but few children are equal to holding their own in the face of public opinion; and if they see that the things which interest them are indifferent or disgusting to you, their pleasure in them vanishes, and that chapter in the book of Nature is closed to them."  Do you allow the wonder to infect them or do you look with scorn on dirty fingers and dangling worms? 

Get out there and have some fun and enjoy nature.  God created it for us to love and enjoy.  If we do this we will take care of it and make sure our own children will be able to love and enjoy it as well. Encourage and embrace the mess of being out doors.

Reposted from Last fall.

Unschooling and the Charlotte Mason Appoarch

A couple years ago I read the Unschooling Unmanual.  It had a profound impact on the direction I felt we needed to take at preschool and kindergarten years, and even beyond.  Yes, I am leaning toward Charlotte Mason's ideologies, but I still have an unschooly mindset as well.  The two can exist together.  Especially when you know the mindset our family has toward education. 

Similarities abound between the two philosophies.  They do.

I think Miss Mason's ideas on education were so profound that many methods (outside of the system generally in practice today in the United States) can happily coexist.  I have heard of many people that say classical education is very similar to Charlotte Mason as well.  Her methods are timeless.  They wrap around your soul like a warm soft blanket, inviting you to a place of refuge from a weary world.  Miss. Mason's practical wisdom and experiences stands the test of time. 

Both believe that children are smart; that they thirst for knowledge and can learn many things organically. 

Just listen to these two quotes:

Little children love the world.  That is why they are so good at learning about it.  For it is love, not tricks and techniques of thought, that lies at the heart of all true learning.  Can we bring ourselves to let children learn and grow through that love?  --John Holt

 The question is not, -- how much does the youth know? when he has finished his education -- but how much does he care? and about how many orders of things does he care? In fact, how large is the room in which he finds his feet set? and, therefore, how full is the life he has before him?--Charlotte Mason

Both are more than just an educational philosophy, they are a life style.

To fully experience the benefits of either educational philosophy I believe you need to embrace a life style that enables it.  

I love that her imagination seeks out the unknown

We knew, almost from the start that we would be homeschooling.  Of course we take it day by day and year by year, but we knew in our hearts that homeschooling was our preferred path.  She was just three years old.   That being said, we were not entirely convinced until it came time to search for preschools.  The thought of my baby girl being away from me and in school being taught by a stranger just didn’t set well.  I couldn't imagine stifling the freedom of learning that my young child possessed in abundance, like all children do. 

Thus, my daughter is six now and we have been actively encouraging a learning life.  We are proud of her many accomplishments and encourage her to expand and explore new depths of learning, all the while remembering that we have been entrusted by the heavenly father to educate and raise her.  We have been entrusted to teach her in the way she should go.  To many young people lack this at home and seek love where they can find it.  Alas, many times it's exactly where you don't want to see them go.  Drugs run rampant, and with it pain. 

Yes, two seemingly different educational paths that really are similar.  Both encourage a love of learning, and teach a time for each.  Both embrace a lifestyle of learning into the homes.  Both need the whole family on board and each member a participant on the Learning Path.  Both look at children as people, with a great capacity and thirst for learning.

Two different yet same ideologies.

The Natural Child Project—More information on Unschooling

Mid Winter Walk

Take the time to smell the roses they said.

I took that to mean that if the roses weren't in bloom I could substitute dandelions or fiddleheads. 

Spring is just around the corner, but winter is not ready to leave her throne yet.  Here is a recent stroll we went on to center our bodies and minds.

Being outside does that.

Yeah, we are enjoying exploring and learning in the great outdoors.

I had to stop Bear from clambering up the log before I got this picture.  She was sure she seen a blue fly that might have been a fairy.... 

Children in the woods

Children love the woods.  They love to invent, play, imagine, run, solve problems, and create whimsical palaces and castles with dragons.  Children love to play and that is an important job of childhood.  To often we don't see the value in unhindered, unstructured, unscheduled play.  Honestly, its invaluable.  Play for a child is worth rubies.  Play for children should be something we would sell our favorite ring to ensure that they continue to have this life force.  They can learn a lot about God through their play in the woods.

Here are a few images of some unhindered play time we experienced lately.  It really focused me and directed my thoughts to see the children, ages 4 through 11, all playing together.

Their play allowed me some time for myself.  I walked about, took pictures, and talked to God.  Its like Miss Mason said, my paraphrase, mothers need to care for themselves and their own spiritual needs as well.  When we structure so much into our day, we can lose sight of that.  We have constant loads of never ending laundry, dishes, lessons, emails to answer, squabbles to referee, and through it all we still need to get dinner on.

Its not about taking a "Moms Night Out", a class we enjoy, or even a date night with our spouse (although those are very nice indeed), it goes beyond this.  It goes to taking care of those parts we hide from everyone, including yourself.  We have to have time for us if we are to continue on with our own growth in God, in being a woman, being a wife, and in being a mother.  We are all those things but we are also living beings and we must take time and pursue things which help to quiet our souls so we can focus on the direction God would have us go.

I helped my gentle friend collect rose hips.  I knew I would not be able to take the time this week to make a syrup or tea so I gladly helped her. It was fun and encouraging.  God is bringing some very gentle spirited people into my life and I am welcoming the lessons they can teach me.  God has a way of doing that.  He clothes us with just what we need, when we need it, often times when we refuse to acknowledge that need. 

It was a delight for my heart to meander through the wooded path and spy signs of spring next to the obvious remnants of summer and fall.  Oh sweet fall, your scent lingers in my heart, but the taste of spring is on my lips. 

For now the Heavenly Power
Makes all things new,
And thaws the cold, and fills
The flower with dew;
The blackbirds have their wills,
The poets too.   

(the above is from Tennyson's poem Early Spring) 

\
I know we are still in the throes of winter, spring is still several weeks away, but the signs are there. 

Do you live in a area with urban woods?  Do you incorporate nature studies into your day?

A Winters Walk

Outside isn't an option for us, its a must.  Living in an apartment its very hard and to actually get outside we really have to get in the car and travel to a location.  It has been an adjustment.  Bear loves the outside and it has been particularly difficult for her to make the transition from playing at will outside to being cooped up or limited to a tiny playground. 

Recently I have sat down with myself and decided that while everyday is not feasible, we can 3-4 times a week make a trek to a park or nature area. 

Here are a few pictures from a couple recent expeditions into the urban wilds. 

 

Birds are a favorite thing to spy while we hunt for fairies.  Here we branched off the main path onto a small trail in search of the waters edge.  We wanted to see if we could find the any early sign of spring in the lake.

We spotted a tree that looked suspiciously like it had been visited by a wood pecker.  It very well may have been!  It was nice to see the ducks were still in residence, holding court on the lake.

All this activity made for rich discussions and searches through our field guides as well as a spot of journaling. 

At home again I put some small roses we bought in a vase to help brighten up the room a bit. 

It was a good day.

The Courtship of a Fish

Recently we went with friends to Kennedy Creek Trail  between Shelton and Olympia, Washington. 

This was a wonderful learning opportunity and one I hope we do again.  The children were able to spy salmon and they learned through interactive play about the Chum salmon life cycle.  The children were able to learn what they might see and how to observe spawning and "courting" behavior.  They learned about how salmon might lay thousands of eggs but one a few survive and return to the stream that they were born in to spawn their own eggs.  They learned about the single minded focus that the salmon have on their trek homeward; A focus so strong that they neglect eating.  The children learned of the end process after spawning and what happens to the salmon as they drift down the stream, gentle rocked in a natural rhythm as their lives are complete.    Rather than the children seeing the salmon dying as a sad end, they were encouraged to view it as a very important part of the ecosystem and cycle of life.



During the course of the outing the children witnessed several salmon on their journey up stream.  A few children swore the seen the "courtship dance" back and forth.  Who knows, they might have, children are more aware of the natural world than adults are sometimes.    Regardless, seeing this lifecycle was a special treat and many go through their entire lives not able to witness this part of God's wonderful creation.  Scientists still haven't figured out why salmon do what they do. 

When preparing for this trip we bought a book called Salmon Creek (this is an affiliate link).  Its a beautiful book!  It reads beautifully and Bear fell instantly in love with the rich illustrations.  It introduces young children to the life cycle of "Sumi" the Coho salmon. 

 

On the first page the author Annette LeBox wrote,"...if she pressed against the curve of her egg, she could hear her mother singing."  She gently introduces the salmon mothers passing with sweet gentle words, writing that they drifted gently away, their songs growing fainter as they drifted further and further.  If I wrote children's stories, this is the type I would dream of writing. Full of  gentle words introducing children to some wondrous marvels of God's world. 

If you are local, please pay a visit to Kennedy Creek.  They are open on weekends until Dec. 1.  If you don't live around here but still want to learn about a wonderful fact  in the natural world, go to your library and check out some books on salmon.  Find out about the local fish in your area.  How do they procreate?  Discuss with your child what spawning is and how the salmon work their whole lives for this one act of selfless love.  They swim, heedless of dangers, with one thought on their minds...  to return to the stream of their birth.  In some instances they return to the exact bend and spot to lay their eggs.  They don't eat or sleep during this journey up stream.  They spend the 2-3 years in the ocean preparing for this one act.  Spawning salmon alone could cover a myriad of educational topics. 

Have your child journal about what they are learning.  If you don't live in the Northwest, observe local creeks and discuss how fish might migrate in their depths.  What kinds of places would make good hiding spots?  What predators might they face?

Do you do nature lessons in your home?

Weaving with Natural Fibers

 

A couple weeks ago our homeschool group's Nature Club had the wonderful opportunity to do a workshop with Wolf College, a conservation teaching educational experience.  It really is.  Chris and Kim are wonderful with kids of all ages as well as adults.  In looking at their class offerings I have several on my wish list for the upcoming year.  Perhaps even a camp will be in Bear's future.

But back to what we were able to learn during our workshop ... 

The workshop our group did was in harvesting natural fibrous materials.  We learned how to weave a rope and make a mat for sitting on (although time was short so we learned how to make something smaller.  To make one large enough to sit on you would just use more materials and make it bigger.  Same premise, but on a larger scale).  The applications for these products, besides the obvious benefit of learning a lost art and connecting with nature and the people that historically used the local plants for weaving, are great.  The imagination is really your only limit. 

The children were able to learn about harvesting the wild plants, how the eco systems connect and the importance conservation and using only what is needed.  Harvesting, when done wisely, is beneficial for the ecosystem.    I was very impressed with how well Chris and Kim taught the workshop; they taught an age appropriate level that captured the attention of all of us. 

We used raffia (like what you can purchase at the craft store) to learn how to braid a simple rope that could be used for fishing or weaving.  We learned, historically, how the natives in our area obtained raffia for the most part, as well as what they used it with.  Raffia is not a native plant to our area.  It was imported. 

We also learned about materials used for making baskets and mats.  Chris had a couple of the children sit on the cement and then on a mat made from cat tail leaves.  The warmth provided by the cattail leaves was amazing.  I could easily see where this was a wonderful use for sitting and sleeping. He briefly explained why this was so for the children.  In one class we had history, art, science, and social studies!

 Many of the techniques taught and skills explored reminded me of a graduate level anthropology class I took before Bear was born.  In this class we learned about the ancient tools from one of the native tribes in Minnesota, and the class ended with three projects that you created using things found in nature or made with the tools that would have been available during the period of time we studied (I can't remember the exact time frame right now).  The only modern equipment we were allowed to use was a hunting knife and a bow string.    I have wanted to incorporate these lessons into Bear's education and I think I have found the platform for this.  Bear is very much into exploration and animals and their habitats, so this fits the bill nicely. 


The needed supplies for this type of activity is relatively inexpensive.  A hunting knife or good pair of pocket pruners, bag or backpack, sturdy shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and a guide book of plants for your area is a must as well as knowing when the best time to harvest the fibers might be. Sturdy gloves would be a bonus as well.   I would look for local sources; people that know the local plants very well.  Most people love sharing knowledge like this and jump at the chance to share with others.

Always remember to only take what you will use and to walk carefully.  Incorporating nature into the learning experience is beneficial on many levels.

Miss. Mason really understood the importance of connecting with God's creation and the formation of the whole child.  I imagine that classes like this and teaching young children in the natural world would warm her heart.  Everyday, think about this:  How can I incorporate some aspect of nature into our learning experience?  The more I slow down the more I find I have "TIME" to incorporate more of Charlotte Mason's teachings into our life as a whole; and the more I have time to reflect and grow, spiritually.  Being quiet and taking on the pace of nature helps that.  Try it!

What types of nature learning do you do with your children?  You can do this even if you don't homeschool.  Afterschool and weekends can be created to incorporate some nature learning, just get out there and explore!  Keeping a nature journal of these experiences can help both parent and child see just how important the world is to us, and how God created it just right.

Goals for 2013-2014

Wow, is it REALLY that time of year again?  The time of year when we begin to really start putting some learning goals and objectives in place for the upcoming academic year?  Yeah....  Learning never stops, but I do like the easy summer months to reevaluate and look ahead to new and exciting things to try and learn.

First off, I have let Bear pick a theme a couple times now for the year.  One year it was pirates.  That was fun and we really did do a lot of pirate things in Pre-k and K.  This year, we have decided we will be fairy hunters.  Its more a philosophy thing....  It might not make a lot of sense to those outside, but its a concept and idea of how we are treating our educational journey this year.  Expect and accept the unexpected glorious events that can make learning the wonderful journey that it can be.  Be Whimsical and Joyful.  Be Helpful and Kind.  Yep, that's our year ahead. 


Kinda..... 


For now anyway......

 

Some things we are planning to use......  notice I say planning.  Life happens (as does learning) when you are busy making other plans....

• Writing/Language Arts:  Narration and copy work, journaling, and A Reason For Handwriting (working on level K and moving into level A)
• Right Start Math Level A/Continuing with Living Math.  We will be kind of feeling the waters.  I am also looking for more information on "Trivium Concepts."  While not leaning one way or another it is interesting, while studying it will be continuing on with our living math as well as a bit more formal mathematics with Right Start. 
• Enchanted Homeschooling Mom and various units that work with things we are doing (I will list more in depth later on).
• Story of the World:  Vol. 1 Ancients --reading the book
• Early America History:  Reading books about specific people during our country's foundation.  Focusing on books about girls and boys that lived during the time periods.  This will of course include Felicity. 
• Expedition Earth (from Confessions of a Homeschooler)
• All about Reading OR Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons. 
• Nature/Science:  Bird walks, nature walks, learning about habitats, geology. Nature Club. Journaling.
• SQUILT (Super Quiet Uninterrupted Listening Time) Volume 1: Baroque Period
• Art:  The Complete Book of Art Ideas, journaling, and more independent studies right now.  Art is something we do a lot of, and I am still hesitant to push at this age.  I don't want Bear to mimic, but rather create.  We will just be really continuing to explore concepts.
• Foreign Language/Cultural Studies:  German Language School (this is still a "will the budget allow it" kind of thing so it may change).
• Swimming and Gym Class.
• We are still working on religion/Bible studies, but as it was last year, it will be incorporated into much of our studies.  We will be working on memorization of the commandments, days of creations and selected Bible verses as well. 

It seems like we are planning so much, yet it really isn't.  I am excited to get started.  Our start date is still open for discussion.....  Hopefully the second week of September we will be set and ready to open new books.  One big thing I promised Bear that she could do when she turned 6 was to let her get her own library card, with some rules attached of course.   

Now..... how about you?

 

Linking up with iHomeschool Network: Not back to school Blog Hop

Pond Viewers

 

Recently our homeschool nature club got together and made POND VIEWERS.  Oh, these were super fun and super duper easy to boot!

What is a pond viewer?  Well quite simply its a device used to view a small sample of pond or lake water (remember to always watch your child closely and never leave them alone when around water!).  When you use a pond viewer you can immediately view whatever organisms might be dancing about in the water.  The good... and the not so good.

First off, the needed supplies.

• A large can (a coffee can works great -- #10-- or a large metal juice can). 
• Duct Tape
• Clear Plastic Wrap
• Rubber band
• Scissors
• Can opener
• A pond or lake

First, remove both ends from the can. Clean the can well. Try to make sure that there are no sharp edges that will cu you or the child.  If there is, take some tape and carefully tape the edge. 

Step 1:  Cut two pieces of plastic wrap larger than the can.  Piece one will be snuggly placed on one open end (much as you would cover a bowl) and then place the second piece over the first piece.  Two pieces are to help ensure that no snags cause a pond viewer failure in mid view.

Step 2:  Use a rubber band to help secure the plastic wrap on your pond viewer.  Next duct tape around the plastic wrap. making sure its taut.  You may need to help the child with this part of the project.

 Step 3:  Make sure all the plastic wrap is secure and then get ready to view!  DONOT use your pond viewer to scope water.  To use your pond viewer, dip the plastic wrap covered end down into the water and look through the other end.

How and why it works:  Because your can is actually in the water and below the surface of the water it's easier to see what's going on below the surface.  The plastic creates a window in which you can view the critters in the water.  Think of it like snorkeling or wearing goggles in the water.  The plastic is smooth and, I am told, it kind of pushes the water away.  One thing I know for sure, the kids loved using them!  .

What kinds of things can you find living in the water of your pond?

Linking up with:

Fulfilled?

As I go forward on the quest for my "Mother Culture Sweet Spot" I am forced to examine a few things.  One of those things is "how do I take care of me?" 

BAM!  There it is.  Out in the open for all eyes to see.  The $100 question.  one of the most controversial topics there is in Mommyland. 

Ok, a little ranting on my part.....

We see mothers, as a society, as women who never think of themselves.  We see Motherhood as a "lot in life"....  Yes, we do; and we approach it far to often with an air of foreboding.  What we look forward to with anticipation and excitement when we first discover we are pregnant quickly turns to the idea that a little being has now attached itself to us and robbed us of our freedom along with draining us of all individuality. 

Oh Motherhood.... you dreadful lot in life...  Or at least society wants us to view motherhood as losing freedom, personhood, and individuality.  Motherhood is viewed as the end of a road and never would we tell a young girl it was a vocation she could do if she wanted.  When was the last time a highschool guidance counselor said a girl could be housewife and mother if she wanted to be?   Hang on....  we tell the young girl that she may will be a mommy one day, but we don't consider motherhood a viable "vocation."  We tell our daughters that they can be a mom AND something else... anything else but JUST A MOM. 

Does Motherhood rob the woman's soul?  Nope, and the mother that allows this to happen is doing a grave disservice to her family and herself.  The woman that looks upon her children as robbing her soul is a shell of a woman because she isn't allowing herself the room to find the joy in the "Mother Culture" that exists for each of us.

Society says that to gain control of her mind the mom needs to work; that a real woman must work to find fulfillment.  Lets look at this with open eyes..... 

Up at 6 am (or 4:30 am if you do shift work like I use to), rushing around, maybe bundling a baby or toddler up in blankets and rushing out into the frigid air to start the cold car (maybe scraping windows or removing snow).  Then you find yourself driving to a daycare or grandparents house and depositing the child.  While rushing back to the car you are surrounded by screams of "Mommy" and teary eyes haunt the rest of your drive to work.

At work you might face, if you're lucky, a pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.  Maybe you have meetings to attend, letters to write, reports to generate, or maybe you have angry patients or customers ready to scream at you for problems you didn't create.  Yes, this feels like fulfillment....  If you do make a mistake someone is real quick to tell you.  Unlike your child who might say in a sweet innocent voice, "Oh well, accidents happen" you can listen, in your fulfilled woman way, to a LOUD boss bark and threaten your livelihood, or worse pass judgment and make innuendos about your inability to do what they want.  I mean, you read minds ... right?  In threatening that, not only are they attacking your job performance, but they are tearing down your sense of self.  Trust me, I know.  I was a full time working wife and mom.  (I could be again if God deemed it so I am not trying to be holier than thou.)  This is the face of the fulfilled mom...

Yeah, fulfilled.  The only way a woman can be fulfilled is to work and satisfy her need for intellectual stimulation outside the home.  She MUST only be stimulated intellectually by other grownups and working 8-12 hours a day...... She must only find fulfillment when working for someone else.  If a woman says she is fulfilled and loves being a wife and mom she is deemed dimwitted and socially inept.  Yep.....  I know its true.  I was there once.

Oh how wrong this is.  How degrading such thoughts are to "Mothers" and the culture of motherhood.  Why do we wonder at how we have lost the concept of the "Mother Culture" when faced with this? 

Thus, in the midst of this search for my "Mother Culture Sweet Spot" I am examining how I take care of myself so that I might be a better wife and mom.  How do I take care of me?  Being a good wife and mom doesn't not mean neglecting yourself.  You need to take care of yourself so that you continuing to be inspired.  Maybe you get inspired from reading a good book, or gardening?  Do it!  Maybe you are able to relax and refocus when you are painting or drawing during a quiet time.  Do it!

The first step we are going to undertake is taking a Sabbath day.  Sabbath was made for mankind.  God gave us the Sabbath day of rest so that we could relax, refocus, and reenergize. 

I am at fault.  I see a day off as a day to get caught up on blogging, sewing, cleaning, preparing for the week ahead...  How is the Sabbath a day of rest and calming a day of peace when I am busy trying to get caught up?  This is the first step we are taking as a family.  We might hike, explore, read, relax, putter doing something we enjoy, but it will be about rejuvenating our hearts and souls so that we can focus on God, family, and being better people.  It will not be about getting caught up.

When I take care of me, I will begin to find that path toward my "Mother Culture Sweet Spot." 

I plan to read for pleasure.  Besides my Bible, I want to have 2 or 3 books beside my bed.  Each evening I can read the one I feel like reading that evening, but getting back to reading for pleasure is a must. 

We already try to do 20-30 minutes of quiet time each day, and we will continue that.  I also want to continue to use 30 minutes or so early in the morning for me to have time reading my Bible and thinking about my day.  This means getting up early, but its a nice habit that I have missed being able to do. 

So here I am heading down a road that hasn't been traveled in a while;  this road to the "Mother Culture" and finding my sweet spot is important for each mother.  Maybe you work, maybe you don't...  regardless you can find your "Mother Culture Sweet Spot."  I hope that you enjoy traveling this road with me.