Planning mode

I have a lot of goals that I am looking to set it motion very soon. Gone will be the days of spending the morning on pinterest or snuggling with Britton while watching Bubble Guppies until 11 in the morning. There are going to be so many changes and it is a bit overwhelming.

First, there's homeschooling. This in itself is going to be a full time job for me. Right now, I ship Anistyn off to school and then its just me and Britton. I can let her play while I catch up on laundry or whatever else I'm working on. Once homeschooling starts, I'll be spending a lot of time, especially in the beginning, staying on top of her and her work, teaching her things, lesson planning, and everything else that goes along with it. I'm extremely excited about starting, but it will be a big change for me.

Then, there's cooking. We haven't always been the healthiest when it comes to our eating habits. I've been doing a lot of reading and have decided that I really want us to cut out as many processed foods as possible. I want to do my best to eat as many whole foods as possible. This is going to require more time and preparation in the kitchen. Again, more time and effort on my part, but its something that I feel is best for my family.

So, I'll be juggling homeschooling and spending more time in the kitchen. What am I getting myself into?!?

On top of that...there's this housework stuff. Ugh.

Somehow, in between cooking and teaching my kids, I'm supposed to keep my house maintained? I'm not OCD about my house of course, but I'm spoiled and like clean underwear. I dunno...just a thing of mine.

I'm a fan of keeping my house maintained and at least presentable. I adore structure and I work best when everything is written and planned. It helps me keep myself accountable and remind me what I need to do next. I figure that these next couple of months are going to be my 'planning' phase. I'm getting curriculum together, collecting all of my recipes, and making a list of things that I'll need to make sure all of this goes somewhat smoothly. 

I'm extremely excited about all of this though. I know that my life is going to be a lot busier...but it will be so worth it to me. 

And if anyone knows of a REALLY good planner...send it my way!

The World of Homeschooling

Did you ever get into a new hobby or interest and discover that there is a whole new world full of information about a topic that you never knew about?

Like if you've never been into fitness and then decide one day...you want to look into the best way to get fit. So you look into it and discover a world of diets plans, work out routines, and a whole list of things you never knew existed?

That's what I discovered when I decided to look into homeschooling.

I cannot  tell you the amount of time I have spent this week researching just about everything there is to research about homeschooling.

Did you know there are types of homeschooling methods? Yeah...I sure didn't.

It seems overwhelming at first. There's classical homeschooling, unschooling, the Charlotte Mason method, eclectic, unit studies...phew!

They all offer different methods and strategies to your approach on homeschooling. It really made a newbie like me really have to dive in and ask myself some serious questions I didn't even think about. At first, it was just a decision. I am going to homeschool. Pretty simple.

Now, I was asking myself...HOW do I want to homeschool? What point am I trying to get across to my daughter, not just about a subject, but on learning as a whole?

As I read through each method, I was thoroughly intrigued by each and every one of them. They all have such great and valuable points. I can understand why someone would teach under ANY of those methods. I like them all so much that I have put myself under the 'eclectic' group. Eclectic homeschooling is when you pretty much mix and match the different methods. I dig it.

I really had to think about what was best for Anistyn. She's been in public school ever since she's started. She's used to structure. She's used to schedule. She's used to textbooks and tests and quizzes and all of that. And...she's done extremely well in that environment.

So, does that mean I want to confine her to a chair and throw textbook after textbook at her? Not at all. But I also don't want to throw out everything that she has known the past few years and try to restructure her learning process all at once.

I do think that the core subjects are important. I also think (and have researched. Don't forget the research!) that homeschooling opens up doors to learning in ways that I never thought of! Learning should be fun, exciting, and intriguing!

I learned that on top of all of her core subjects...there's a whole world out there that I get to help her discover! How exciting and nerve wracking!

I have decided that the best way to go with Anistyn, is to start off with a schedule. Oh, its good for me too...best believe. In the morning, we can cover all of her core subjects. Science, Math, Social Studies, Language Arts, Reading, etc. (time permitting of course.) Then, in the afternoon it frees us up for extra learning. The fun part? She can learn about whatever she wants! If she wants to learn about starfish...we can get into that. If she wants to learn about how clothes are made...we will! The options are limitless and exciting.

I never knew how much I would learn just by looking into homeschooling. Its not just a choice. Its a lifestyle change for our whole family. Its one that we're all on board with and I'm so incredibly blessed to have the support of my amazing husband who has dubbed himself  'The Principal.' Fitting, ha!

No matter what method someone uses to teach their child, in every forum or blog or discussion I have read about styles of homeschooling, there is one common denominator. The children. They are the core of it all. You get to decide what works best for YOUR child. Whether its unschooling, or Classical...as long as your child is happy, learning, and thriving...then its the right method for them.

I am so excited to learn more and to share with anyone willing to read. I can't wait to get started, but know I have more steps to take before we finally take the plunge!

Changes!

I have made a decision that I honestly never thought I would. 

Anyone that knows Anistyn, my eight year old...knows that she is very smart. Don't say she got it from her mama, because she most definitely did not! LOL.

Anistyn has loved school ever since she stepped foot through the doors. She is in the third grade right now, and has been in public school every year although she is in a charter school this year. I never had a problem with any of her schools nor did I have any complaints about her education or teachers. Especially in second grade when her teacher loved her ALMOST as much as me! 

The first point I'm trying to make is that I have never had a problem with the public school system or Anistyn's education because she simply thrived. She has excelled and is in gifted classes. She is creative and thinks outside the box and is loved by her teachers. I never had a problem with her education. Until now.

Its not the teachers. Its not the schools. Its not even really the public school system's fault. Its the government's. 

I'll spare you all of the details, but in a nutshell, after researching the Common Core curriculum I am just not comfortable with what they are pushing into public education. I've seen samples of it and I just simply can't agree with it. Its a debatable topic, however, I feel that my children are not up for debate. They, along with their education, are extremely important to me. I don't want their education to suffer because of a debate. 

It took a lot of thought, but I have decided to homeschool Anistyn. I never thought I would, not because I thought there was anything wrong with homeschooling. I just simply never had a problem with public school as far as Anistyn went. 

I am extremely fortunate to have a sister in law who homeschools her children so she has a lot of experience with it. Also, my mother in law is a retired schoolteacher and has a vast amount of knowledge! So between the two of them, I have a lot of insight to help get me started!

I am very nervous, but excited about this new venture...and Anistyn is too! So, it looks like this will become a homeschool blog as well!

Role Models

It seems like Miley Cyrus is a trending topic these days with her 'twergage' all over the internet these last couple of weeks, followed by a new video now of her on a wrecking ball dressed in, well, nothing. You can't seem to escape talk of her somewhere, even if you aren't looking for it. It seems to have sparked the concerns of parents everywhere, criticizing the star on the example she is setting for the teens and children these days.

All of the opinions that I've read seem to be one of two categories. The first, in so many words, is "Miley Cyrus is a horrible role model for kids these days." The other is "Why does everyone care so much? Let the girl do her thing!"

I'm the mother to two amazing little girls and not only is it my job, but my life's work to guide them in the right direction. I can't say I'm the best mother there ever was. I am, however, the only mother that they have and I don't take it lightly. I want my girls to grow up happy and healthy, with a strong set of morals and standards  for themselves. I want them to be independent women with compassion, kindness, and the ability to humble themselves when needed.

When it comes to the two statements above...I'm going to say...I'm more with the latter of the two.

See, I don't care what Miley Cyrus does. You do you Miley. You twerk that little booty of yours across every stage in America if that's what you want. You stick your tongue at every camera they put on you girl...if that's what makes you feel better about yourself.

I don't judge Miley. I can't put myself in her shoes. I don't condone it...but I don't condemn it either.

My oldest daughter Anistyn is 8 years old and we're getting to the point where our conversations are getting a lot more serious. Its no longer about whether the Tooth Fairy is real. Now we're talking about where babies come from, why do people cuss, and why do kids get cancer? Yeah. Not so easy topics.

I can't say that I overly shelter her from things I don't want her to see. Obviously, I didn't want her to watch the MTV Music Awards...so she didn't. I won't let her watch a Miley Cyrus performance. I can't shield her from the world though. We go out. She sees magazine covers at the store. But she knows that if she has any questions, she can talk to me about it.

I don't force all of my opinions on her. I want her to have her own thoughts, while still upholding the values that we instill in her. I don't push her though. The great thing about that is...that she forms her own opinions and she asks for mine as well. This leads to great discussions that I thoroughly enjoy having. If she sees some girl dressed provocatively on a magazine, she tells me what she thinks, and I ask her why she feels that way. I love seeing where her mind is at. When she asks for my opinion, I give it to her, but not in some harsh judgmental way.

The other day I saw a picture of Sadie Robertson at New York Fashion Week. Sadie is from the show Duck Dynasty. In case you never watch TV or read the news, Duck Dynasty is a very popular show right now. Its about the lives of the Robertson family who design duck calls. Their story doesn't end there though. They're a family who, instead of using their wealth and fame to exploit their bodies or to promote worldly things, give their glory to God and are incredibly grounded in their faith and their strong family values. The show is a breath of fresh air. It promotes the bonds that a family should have, all while giving thanks to God. This is evident in Sadie, who is the granddaughter of Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander.

Sadie is 16. She could be relishing in the wealth and fame that being a part of the Robertson family has brought to her. She is incredibly beautiful and I'm sure the boys are lining up for her. She could easily use her looks and go against what her family has brought her up to believe. Instead, she goes against the grain.

See, Sadie went to New York Fashion Week to promote her new prom dress line. Her goal is to market dresses that are fashionable, while being modest. She's also set up a youtube channel with her friend which talks about girls being different and not doing what the world thinks is right. In my opinion, I am first off, utterly impressed by her.

How beautiful and amazing is it that this young girl is using her fame to help other girls realize that they can be different. That they don't have to promote their bodies to feel beautiful or worthy. That we are all beautiful in our own way. She oozes confidence as she talks about about her morals, her faith, and her belief in herself.

My family already watches Duck Dynasty together. Its a great family show, which is hard to find these days. She's already noticed Sadie. We've watched her videos and talked about her. THIS is the stuff that I will encourage my daughters to notice. THIS is what you will find on at my house. Things that show my daughters that its okay to go against the grain. Its okay to not do the things the world wants. That beauty comes from within and that you can be anything you want to be in life.

My daughters number one role model is...me. The scary thing is that, believe it or not, the girl wants to be just like me. So she watches me. She wants my opinion. She wants to know what I'm watching, wearing, saying. So I want her to see things that will uplift her and inspire her. Just like they uplift me.

So go ahead Miley. You wear any kind of bear suit you want while you shake your butt around for millions of people to watch. Some people might cheer you on and good for them.

My family will be too busy watching Duck Dynasty.

I'm baaaaack.

Well hello there blog world. What's new?

I took a break from blogging, but as always...I am pulled back in. Its been over a year and a half since I last blogged, and so much has changed, which is why I really wanted to get back to blogging. So where to begin? How about an update?

In May of 2012 we decided to buy our first home. When Josh signed a new contract with the Army, they told him we would be stuck in Augusta for awhile. So we decided to make it a home and moved off base into a great house. It was a steal and we were so very excited!

I got Anistyn enrolled in the local school and also got her into cheerleading and she adored both! Then, I also got a great job at a new doctor's office in town. We also went to Disney World! Things were great and we were finally settled in. It was home to us. 

But...my husband is in the Army.

A little while after we were all settled and happy...they decided that we should move. Gee, thanks. Normally, they're good about moving you during the summer, which is great with kids out of school. But they wanted Josh to be there at the beginning of February. It was a difficult decision because Josh and I have always had an understanding that as long as he is not deployed, we want to keep our family together as much as possible. But with a new house, my job, and Anistyn adoring her teacher...we just couldn't go. So, he packed himself up and took off to San Angelo, TX without us. 

So I stayed in GA for the next 3 months. I had my sister with me helping for about a month and a half and we attempted to sell our house. Let me tell you. I HATE having to live in a house and show it to people. I'm pretty sure its high up on my list of the most annoying things in the world. Definitely in my top 5. I was working, taking care of kids, and at the drop of a hat someone would want to see the house. But it had to be spotless. Is that ever possible with children? I don't think so. 

After three months though, school was over and we headed out to Texas to be with Josh and start our life out here. We ended up renting our house out and renting out here as well. 

We've been here since the end of May and its still an adjustment. I miss my house in Georgia. I had my best friend living 4 houses down from me who had a toddler the same age as Britton. We were inseperable. 

I haven't really had a chance to make new friends, but I'm sure that will change now that school just started back. I got Anistyn into a great school here so I'm so excited to see how that goes.

I also became a Disney Travel Agent a few months ago and am loving it so much. Its definitely more fun than work.

Britton and I are now in the process of finding friends and the local "hangouts". San Angelo doesn't have much to offer, which is a little bit of a letdown...but hopefully we'll find some fun things to do.

Josh just got promoted to Staff Sergeant and we are just so proud of him. He is so amazing and I fall in love with him a little more every day. If you read my earlier post about him being promoted to Sergeant, you'll be happy to know that I did NOT mess up when I pinned him this time. 

Well, there are a lot more things to talk about, but I think this is enough babbling for now!

Til next time,

Good-bye Sweet Man

Last weekend my family and I said good-bye to one of the most incredible men I've ever known. My sweet grandfather. He was 90 years old and had achieved so much in his life. So, the least I can do is write somewhat of a "tribute" blog to him.

My grandfather was born in  the 1920's on a farm. He was one of 14 children born into the home. He worked as soon as he was old enough to on the family farm. The food they ate was a product of all of their hard work. It was a humble life, but they were proud of it.

The Army called my grandfather to serve his country. He fought in WWII. When he came home, he married my grandmother whom he was madly in love with. Together they had three boys, including my father.

He opened up his own auto repair shop in 1962. He lso taught classes for women...teaching them how to change tires and such. Things that would be useful knowledge to them since their husbands  were at war.

My grandfather was an honest and hardworking man. He was a man of honor, dignity, and respect. He believed a handshake was as good as a signed contract.

When I was in the 8th grade, I interviewed him for a school paper. At the time, I thought it was just a simple task. Now though...I cherish those moments I spent with him, learning about his life. 

About how he would trade eggs for pencils. 
About how he built his very own bicycle.
About how when he was in the war, they took a ship to France. On the way there, he was so very seasick. When he got off the boat, he asked someone how you would get a citizenship in France. They said "Well...it wouldn't be hard, but why would you want to?? There's nothing here!" To which he replied "I'll do it if it means I don't have to get back on that boat!"

There was a moment though, when he began talking about my grandmother, who had passed away when I was 4. He could hardly get through his choked up tears to talk about her. He missed her so very much.

I have so many great memories of him. We would go to his house every single Saturday when he lived at his house. Even in his 80's, you would find him sweating up a storm in his garden. While most of us would whine at that kind of work, it was so inbred in him. I will always admire him for that. 

He would plant fake snakes around the garden to "scare" us. He would give us candy that I'm sure had to have come from the WWII era. He left his house the exact way my grandmother had left it, never wanting to erase her presence. 

The last thing he said before he passed away was..."I'm happy." What great words. 

At his funeral, I learned that my dad and uncles were going through some of his possessions. They found that not only had he received a Bronze Star in the war, but that he had turned down a purple heart. He never spoke of any of this to anyone. Ever. Just one last way to show that his humbleness. 

I'm a Christian person and I adore my God. He made an incredible person when he presented the world with Frank Holcombe. May we all strive to be as humble and hard working as he was. He was a true example of what a real man is supposed to be. I know he is reunited with the love of his life, and I am so at peace knowing that he doesn't have to miss her anymore.

I love you Paw Paw. 

Dinnertime

I think most families these days have many forms of technology in their homes. TV's, computers, DS's, cell phones, Wii...the list goes on. I loooove technology. It helps me in so many aspects of my life. I mean...hello...pinterest alone is a reason for me to stay online all day, right? My Iphone is my right hand man, and I'm pretty sure my daughter thinks its hers too. My house, like many other, is FULL of technological gadgets for everyone.While I do love it, I think there is a time and place for everything.

I don't know how everyone's schedule is, but mine is out of control hectic. I have a child in school, another one with a lot of appointments these days. Homework, dinner, laundry, military gatherings...the list goes on. Its so very easy to get caught up in the hustle of day to day life. Its easy to feel overwhelmed. I also think its very easy to get disconnected from your family.


I'll be the first to admit...I have totally, without a doubt, 100% used technology to keep my children entertained while I handle other things. Really...who doesn't? There is one time during our day though, where technology is not allowed. All devices are turned off and out of sight. Dinnertime.


I think its sooo easy for families to get in the habit of eating in the living room in front of the T.V. Or eating separately in their bedrooms instead of altogether at a table.


I'm not saying I instituted a rule and outlined it in red on the front of our house that enforces dinner to be together at the table. It honestly just happened. Growing up, my family ate at the table together. My husband's did as well. So it seemed so natural for us to always eat together. Really...its one of my favorite times of the day. 


I just think that there are so many things that keep us distracted from the people that matter most in our lives. To me, its so important to take that time to turn everything off and give all of your attention to your significant other and children. Learn about their day. Be invested. Give them all of your attention. You won't regret it.


At dinner, we have a game that we play. Anistyn has called it "Good thing, Good thing, Bad thing." Basically, everyone goes around the table naming off two good things that happened to them that day. Then they name one bad thing that happened. There are two good because you have to keep things more positive than negative. It gives everyone a look at how your day went and to ask questions and be involved. Really, my daughter adores it. Its the first thing she says when we sit down to eat. 


I don't think there's a right or wrong method to raising your children when you have their best intentions at heart. For some families, eating separate might work them. If you think it isn't though, try eating together and playing the game. You'll never look back and think "I wish I had spent more time on the internet." But you might say "I wish I had spent more time with my kids."