One thing you can't deny is that when God wants your attention, He'll be sure to get it. It's really just up to you to pay attention to what He is saying. God has been gently nudging me for a while now and no matter how much he nudged, I wanted to make every excuse about it not being time. "I'll do this after this happens...", "I'm gonna start that in just a bit...", "I'll clear my plate a little when...". However, recently, God said, "NOW!" He didn't ask me to make the move in a little while after every thing fell into place perfectly, He asked me to make the move NOW...actually, He asked me a few months ago, but I'm just now getting around to it.
I've been carrying a lot on my plate. More than I can handle. I didn't want to let anyone down, I didn't want to lose a little income, I didn't want to let go and just trust that just maybe God knew what He was asking of me. At the end of 2014, I prayed to God to give me a word for this year. The word he gave me was TEACH. At the time, I had no clue what that meant. I went on to volunteer for things at church, I put forth more effort in teaching my kids little trades, etc. It wasn't until I entered into the New Year that I came to realize that he wanted me to teach my daughter. I pulled her out of school and began homeschooling her. The amazing thing is that she began to learn like she had never learned before.
Ironically, at the same time, I knew God was asking me to pull my youngest son out and homeschool him as well. I didn't feel fit. I made up every excuse. He was speech delayed, he needed the extra help, the professionals knew better. However, in the last few months, it has become more and more obvious that God wanted him to be home with me. My sons behavior changed, he began to hate school, he would cry and beg to not go, he constantly asked when I would start homeschooling him.
The time is NOW.
I had this idea in my head that things all had to line up just right. That things had to be perfectly organized and all my ducks had to be in a pretty, little row. The reality is, like the saying goes, "God doesn't call the prepared, He prepares the called."
In 2 short weeks, we are going on a new adventure. One where I will be working from home, studying for a Real Estate exam, and teaching my children in the way God has asked me to...for a while now. I'm excited and so are my kids. We are embracing the NOW that God has given us.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Monday, October 12, 2015
The Ramblings
I've recently embarked on the journey of homeschooling my daughter...again. After a few weeks in Middle School, she decided that it just wasn't for her. I'm a single mom, I work several odd jobs, and am currently studying for my real estate exam. You would think homeschooling in and of itself would be overwhelming, but if anything I find that it has helped me to become more organized, thus keeping my sanity.
Confession: I am addicted to office supplies. Washi tape. I mean, what is the genius that came up with that stuff? It's wonderful. Not only is it pretty, it is so versatile. It does everything from decorating to crafting to labeling my otherwise not-so-pretty notes. Also, I feel that there must be something going on with my abundance of binders, but I'm not sure what that is all about yet. I'll be sure to update as soon as they find their purpose.
Back to homeschool. I have created a mixed curriculum for my daughter. We are utilizing Abeka books, as well as many other materials that we have picked up here and there at yard sales and Goodwill. I'm absolutely in awe of the plethora of curriculum pre-built for us on the internet, as well. My daughter is an art fool and we recently discovered CurkovicArtUnits which have already prepared the curriculum along with videos. My daughter is digging it and honestly, I'm quite the fan of anything already prepped and ready to go. We make modifications when necessary, but so far, things are going quite smoothly.
Anywho, the ramblings were necessary in order to properly procrastinate the continuance of studying, organizing, filing, prepping, and babysitting the 5 kids that are running around my house. Wish me luck! I'll include pictures of what's going on in our homeschool and organization techniques next time!
Confession: I am addicted to office supplies. Washi tape. I mean, what is the genius that came up with that stuff? It's wonderful. Not only is it pretty, it is so versatile. It does everything from decorating to crafting to labeling my otherwise not-so-pretty notes. Also, I feel that there must be something going on with my abundance of binders, but I'm not sure what that is all about yet. I'll be sure to update as soon as they find their purpose.
Back to homeschool. I have created a mixed curriculum for my daughter. We are utilizing Abeka books, as well as many other materials that we have picked up here and there at yard sales and Goodwill. I'm absolutely in awe of the plethora of curriculum pre-built for us on the internet, as well. My daughter is an art fool and we recently discovered CurkovicArtUnits which have already prepared the curriculum along with videos. My daughter is digging it and honestly, I'm quite the fan of anything already prepped and ready to go. We make modifications when necessary, but so far, things are going quite smoothly.
Anywho, the ramblings were necessary in order to properly procrastinate the continuance of studying, organizing, filing, prepping, and babysitting the 5 kids that are running around my house. Wish me luck! I'll include pictures of what's going on in our homeschool and organization techniques next time!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
What Is It About Kids!?
Yesterday, when my kids got home from school, I sat them down and we had a "talk". I handed them each a chore sheet (the two older ones, my youngest would have drew me a picture on it) and explained their new chores to them. I told them that it was required they keep their room clean in order to have privileges and that their other chores earned them allowance. I explained they have to try hard to complete their chores in order for me to give them their allowance. I also explained that if they lost privileges (such as dance class), then they'd have to pay me the money I was out for that week. Fail proof, right?
Wrong.
It gets to be 8 o'clock at night and my oldest son has yet to touch his room...nor has he completed ANY of his chores. I ask him, "Hey, have you done any of your chores?" and he had the nerve to reply, "yeah, the kitchen!"...OMGolly...he didn't touch the kitchen, I had cleaned the kitchen SPOTLESS yesterday before he even made it home from school. So, then I say, "Listen, I know it's getting late, but you're gonna go clean your room. I want at least half of the clothes put away; that is the minimum!". I leave.
20 minutes later he is in my room flopping around. I said, "Is your room clean?" and the child replies, "I put 1/2 my clothes away."..................What!? What?! Half? Half is good enough? I don't think so! So, I sent this child, this boy, this son of mine back to his room to clean...until he fell asleep, of course.
My daughter on the other hand, jumped right on her chores. Not only did she complete one of them, she also nearly got her room clean, and she asked if I had stuff that she could "scrub the bathroom with" and that's not even on her list!
So, what is it? Is it age? I mean, they're only 17 months apart! Is it sex? Is the fact that my daughter is a girl automatically make her more willing to clean up after herself...and others!?
However you go about it and whatever you believe, regardless, my kids both completed enough of their chores to go to dance today and lucky for them, but I really could have used the extra $20 in my pocket.
Wrong.
It gets to be 8 o'clock at night and my oldest son has yet to touch his room...nor has he completed ANY of his chores. I ask him, "Hey, have you done any of your chores?" and he had the nerve to reply, "yeah, the kitchen!"...OMGolly...he didn't touch the kitchen, I had cleaned the kitchen SPOTLESS yesterday before he even made it home from school. So, then I say, "Listen, I know it's getting late, but you're gonna go clean your room. I want at least half of the clothes put away; that is the minimum!". I leave.
20 minutes later he is in my room flopping around. I said, "Is your room clean?" and the child replies, "I put 1/2 my clothes away."..................What!? What?! Half? Half is good enough? I don't think so! So, I sent this child, this boy, this son of mine back to his room to clean...until he fell asleep, of course.
My daughter on the other hand, jumped right on her chores. Not only did she complete one of them, she also nearly got her room clean, and she asked if I had stuff that she could "scrub the bathroom with" and that's not even on her list!
So, what is it? Is it age? I mean, they're only 17 months apart! Is it sex? Is the fact that my daughter is a girl automatically make her more willing to clean up after herself...and others!?
However you go about it and whatever you believe, regardless, my kids both completed enough of their chores to go to dance today and lucky for them, but I really could have used the extra $20 in my pocket.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Operation Get-My-Kids-To-Be-Clean...er
Maybe I'm having a mid-midlife crisis. Maybe I'm just a big bad meanie. Maybe I am the problem. Maybe I'm just like everyone else. Whatever it be, it be. I'm Jess, aka "Supermom", "Mom of the Year", "Crazy", well, just pick one. Just don't tell me which one you choose; I'll pretend I already know.
Kids! Right? Ha. If only that summed up all that was on my mind. It doesn't, but what will is this:
My kids are the messiest critters in the house, no! State!, no! Everywhere!...they're the messiest kids out of the everywhere! Ya ever feel that way?
My kids are ages 4, 9, and 10. Two boys, one girl, with the girl in the middle. My house looks like something between Better Homes and Gardens, the local swap meet, and Hoarders. It really just depends on the day, time of day, and which room you just walked in to.
I've yelled until my voice has grown a horse, or gone hoarse, but either way...it's a mess on top of a mess. My kids have been grounded from everything, including life, sometimes breathing, but they always laugh when I say that! I've helped clean their rooms, the den, the toys, the yard, the kitchen, the bathrooms, the laundry, their rooms, their bathroom, the hall, their rooms, well, you get the point. I've helped! I've shown them where this and that and the other looks best and where it should and needs to go. I've explained that it could only take 20 minutes to do what they do in 7 hours, because they won't just focus and get it done. I've even used bribery! (Don't lecture me.)
I. am. at. the. end. of. my. rope! Where is my rope, anyway?! Who would know in this mess!?
All this to say, today we will start Operation Get-My-Kids-To-Be-Clean...er. It has to be an "Operation", because things MUST be removed, some may even need to be sewn back up... you just never know in my house! Stick around and follow this adventure. Pics will follow. Some will be very scary, but stick around, you might learn something...like, "What not to do!". :)
Kids! Right? Ha. If only that summed up all that was on my mind. It doesn't, but what will is this:
My kids are the messiest critters in the house, no! State!, no! Everywhere!...they're the messiest kids out of the everywhere! Ya ever feel that way?
My kids are ages 4, 9, and 10. Two boys, one girl, with the girl in the middle. My house looks like something between Better Homes and Gardens, the local swap meet, and Hoarders. It really just depends on the day, time of day, and which room you just walked in to.
I've yelled until my voice has grown a horse, or gone hoarse, but either way...it's a mess on top of a mess. My kids have been grounded from everything, including life, sometimes breathing, but they always laugh when I say that! I've helped clean their rooms, the den, the toys, the yard, the kitchen, the bathrooms, the laundry, their rooms, their bathroom, the hall, their rooms, well, you get the point. I've helped! I've shown them where this and that and the other looks best and where it should and needs to go. I've explained that it could only take 20 minutes to do what they do in 7 hours, because they won't just focus and get it done. I've even used bribery! (Don't lecture me.)
I. am. at. the. end. of. my. rope! Where is my rope, anyway?! Who would know in this mess!?
All this to say, today we will start Operation Get-My-Kids-To-Be-Clean...er. It has to be an "Operation", because things MUST be removed, some may even need to be sewn back up... you just never know in my house! Stick around and follow this adventure. Pics will follow. Some will be very scary, but stick around, you might learn something...like, "What not to do!". :)
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Ramblings - Thought Vomit - To Do's To Don't - Girl Talk
It seems every time I start to blog something, I stop. Or, every time I say I'll blog, I don't. So, today, I'll blog. I'm due some brain vomit time. I've had so much on my mind and my plate lately, that I want to sit and do nothing...just stare at a blank wall and try in a desperate attempt to sort out all of my to dos. The unfortunate part? Nothing gets accomplished.
I think I need an accountability partner for my to-do lists. Whether it include working out, cleaning, running errands, shipping, feeding my kids...ha, whatever it may be, I need someone who can keep me in line!
That said, allow me to flush my brain on a blog and get on with life.
1. I started my day in an argument with my mom. I hate arguing with my mom. I hate that she thinks I'm being "hateful" just because I disagree with something she says. It doesn't matter how sweetly I explain my defense, my defense still remains a defense, which would have to mean she offended...and well, let's face it, she would NEVER say anything offensive. (Insert sarcastic wink wink nudge nudge here.)
2. My original plan for this day was to go to my mom's and clean house for her. I got the kids off to school at 7 and planned to leave and go to her house. At 7:14, the argument was in full bloom. Needless to say, I suddenly didn't feel like cleaning house for her. Does that make me a bad person? Probably. SO, instead I worked on social media stuff for my businesses.
3. My mom is...not exactly well versed in technology. Well, she does fine without assistance, but she needs a little help. I enjoy it, so, I don't mind. SO, today I created a Twitter and Pinterest for our flea market. I linked everything together with our Facebook. Through out a shout out or two for each, plus eBay and Etsy, and felt real cool. Then, I added apps of everything to the business iPhone in *hopes* to teach my momma how to utilize each one. I'm hoping she enjoys it.
4. I am sick. My nose is pouring a Kentucky rain, my throat is sprouting quills, my chest has definitely got an elephant birthing another elephant, and my eyes...well, the elephants have surely spit hot sauce in them. That said, I haven't felt like dealing with much today. I've piddled and done dishes, picked up the den, and even made food, but that's really just about it. I feel lazy.
5. Freeform, yo! I think I'm gonna give it a whirl. I have so many different types of yarn. I've cosidering listing them online and letting 'em go, but when it comes down to it...I want to use it! So, I will. I think I'll start tonight.
Tomorrow will be a better day. I know this. Breakfast and then taxes with the bestie! I reckon if you're gonna have to do taxes, it's best to have a friend to do it with?
A freeform follow-up will happen! Just wait and see. Also, I may do some before and after pics around the house and flea market. :) Stay tuned.
I think I need an accountability partner for my to-do lists. Whether it include working out, cleaning, running errands, shipping, feeding my kids...ha, whatever it may be, I need someone who can keep me in line!
That said, allow me to flush my brain on a blog and get on with life.
1. I started my day in an argument with my mom. I hate arguing with my mom. I hate that she thinks I'm being "hateful" just because I disagree with something she says. It doesn't matter how sweetly I explain my defense, my defense still remains a defense, which would have to mean she offended...and well, let's face it, she would NEVER say anything offensive. (Insert sarcastic wink wink nudge nudge here.)
2. My original plan for this day was to go to my mom's and clean house for her. I got the kids off to school at 7 and planned to leave and go to her house. At 7:14, the argument was in full bloom. Needless to say, I suddenly didn't feel like cleaning house for her. Does that make me a bad person? Probably. SO, instead I worked on social media stuff for my businesses.
3. My mom is...not exactly well versed in technology. Well, she does fine without assistance, but she needs a little help. I enjoy it, so, I don't mind. SO, today I created a Twitter and Pinterest for our flea market. I linked everything together with our Facebook. Through out a shout out or two for each, plus eBay and Etsy, and felt real cool. Then, I added apps of everything to the business iPhone in *hopes* to teach my momma how to utilize each one. I'm hoping she enjoys it.
4. I am sick. My nose is pouring a Kentucky rain, my throat is sprouting quills, my chest has definitely got an elephant birthing another elephant, and my eyes...well, the elephants have surely spit hot sauce in them. That said, I haven't felt like dealing with much today. I've piddled and done dishes, picked up the den, and even made food, but that's really just about it. I feel lazy.
5. Freeform, yo! I think I'm gonna give it a whirl. I have so many different types of yarn. I've cosidering listing them online and letting 'em go, but when it comes down to it...I want to use it! So, I will. I think I'll start tonight.
Tomorrow will be a better day. I know this. Breakfast and then taxes with the bestie! I reckon if you're gonna have to do taxes, it's best to have a friend to do it with?
A freeform follow-up will happen! Just wait and see. Also, I may do some before and after pics around the house and flea market. :) Stay tuned.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
30 Days of Being Thankful - Days 2-4
I don't want to go all cliche here. I think there is the obvious - "I'm thankful for my kids...dog...cat...family...friends...home...etc."... SO, here we go...
Day 2: I'm thankful for being self-employed! Woot! While it means more work, headaches, heartaches, and stress...it also allows for freedom to do things my way! That, I love. I love being able to spend days playing in and working with things I thoroughly enjoy.
Day 3: I'm thankful for genuine friends. I can honestly say, I am not the kind of friend that makes phone calls to check in or anything of the sort, but if you need me - I'll be there. I am blessed with friends that check on me...I'd honestly be in trouble if it weren't for them. :)
Day 4: I'm thankful for my son's daddy. He's a wonderful daddy and they are blessed to have each other. While he may have missed the first several years of little man's life...he is there now and that's what matters. I can tell me son adores him and that in itself makes my heart overflow.
Okay, that's it...day 5 will be here...tomorrow, maybe??
Day 2: I'm thankful for being self-employed! Woot! While it means more work, headaches, heartaches, and stress...it also allows for freedom to do things my way! That, I love. I love being able to spend days playing in and working with things I thoroughly enjoy.
Day 3: I'm thankful for genuine friends. I can honestly say, I am not the kind of friend that makes phone calls to check in or anything of the sort, but if you need me - I'll be there. I am blessed with friends that check on me...I'd honestly be in trouble if it weren't for them. :)
Day 4: I'm thankful for my son's daddy. He's a wonderful daddy and they are blessed to have each other. While he may have missed the first several years of little man's life...he is there now and that's what matters. I can tell me son adores him and that in itself makes my heart overflow.
Okay, that's it...day 5 will be here...tomorrow, maybe??
Thursday, November 1, 2012
30 Days of Being Thankful - Day 1
First, let me begin by saying, I generally don't do this, but if there is something I have fully realized in this last year - I HAVE LOTS TO BE THANKFUL FOR! Sometimes, I have had to remind myself of what I have to be thankful for, just so I wouldn't focus on the things that make me want to cry, kick, scream, and come unglued!
Second, the things I am thankful for will be in no particular order. Mostly because I could just see me saying one sister before the other and oh. my. stars! ...you can just imagine.
Now then...
DAY 1:
I am thankful for Grace. I'm pretty sure I could sum up all of the things I am thankful for with that one Word. In some way it envelops everything I have and do and have done. If it weren't for the Grace of God, I would not have made it through this last year, let alone this last week. And, very likely, not even today. My God is bigger, My God is greater, My God is higher than any other ... and boy-oh-boy, "thankful" is an understatement when it comes to the Grace he has provided for me.
I'd tell you what I've been through this last year - the mistakes I've made, the tears I've cried, the fights I've had, the "unglued" moments, etc. - I'd tell you, but none of it matters, because God's Grace has wiped it clean, He has given me a new slate and a new way to look at things...and He'll do it again tomorrow.
Second, the things I am thankful for will be in no particular order. Mostly because I could just see me saying one sister before the other and oh. my. stars! ...you can just imagine.
Now then...
DAY 1:
I am thankful for Grace. I'm pretty sure I could sum up all of the things I am thankful for with that one Word. In some way it envelops everything I have and do and have done. If it weren't for the Grace of God, I would not have made it through this last year, let alone this last week. And, very likely, not even today. My God is bigger, My God is greater, My God is higher than any other ... and boy-oh-boy, "thankful" is an understatement when it comes to the Grace he has provided for me.
I'd tell you what I've been through this last year - the mistakes I've made, the tears I've cried, the fights I've had, the "unglued" moments, etc. - I'd tell you, but none of it matters, because God's Grace has wiped it clean, He has given me a new slate and a new way to look at things...and He'll do it again tomorrow.
“Intoxicated with unbroken success,
we have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming
and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
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