Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Friday, October 20, 2017

To Every Thing There is a Season...


"To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven..."
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Dear reader, the time has come for me to step away for awhile. I don't know the length of my departure but I feel it is necessary at this time in my life. In order to practice what I preach (for I shrink at the thought of being a hyprocite!), I am going to take a rest from this keyboard. 

"a time to speak..." (Ecclesiastes 3:7)

Thank you for all the kind and encouraging words that you have shared with me over the recent years. I have really enjoyed the online fellowship and it was a balm for me during the past 5 years when a large change had come into my life. Another season is now brewing and my home needs 100% of my attention... As the late Jim Elliot had summoned up brilliantly, “Wherever you are, be all there!"

So for the present, it is "a time to keep silence"... (Ecclesiastes 3:7)


Until next time! -- Happy Homemaking!

With Love, JES


Friday, January 20, 2017

Children's Gardening Resources for Your Homeschool


When I first saw this series of unit studies (Lessons From the Homestead by Carol J. Alexander) , I was in love as they are just the style we use in our classroom. Because I appreciate this kind of real life learning, I am going to do a giveaway on my favorite unit study from her set (giveaway has ended and has been removed from this post).


Lessons from the Homestead by Carol J. Alexander

"Lessons from the Homestead is a series of unit studies written for homeschooling or involved parents who want something that turns everyday life into learning lessons. Each unit study includes lessons for math, language, science, geography, home economics, art and more for each grade level. Each study includes a reading list for further study, literature suggestions and vocabulary words."

These are all wonderful unit studies based on farm life but my favorite is "Lessons from the Seed Catalog". I can imagine the fun of cutting and pasting up those cute catalogs for a fun crafting hour too! The lessons are arranged according to age—elementary, middle, or high school. They are grouped according to subject and there is much room for flexibility with more than 50 lesson plans using your seed catalogs... for math, language, science and more (how economical is that)! The best part is that it is a SIMPLE study to do that will not overwhelm mother.


Along the same lines, I have prepared some additional goodies to supplement these homestead-like studies (or use alone for fun). First of all, there is this "Children in the Garden ~ Coloring and Activity Book" that might be helpful to inspire your children to dig in the dirt this spring!  ~ Find your free printable HERE! They are featuring the old-fashioned regency images that I adore! 


I am also sharing a vintage "seed envelope" template that can be used in many ways to inspire a love for gardening. You will find the free printable HERE! Start crafting some envelopes now to use in the summer! 


-- Other posts we shared which also compliment these studies is our Garden Unit Study, Pumpkin Seed Packet Printables, Peter Rabbit Seed Packets and this Gardening with Peter Rabbit round up. Happy homeschooling! Love, JES
All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making MondaysModest Mom Monday'sMonday's MusingsMake Your Home Sing MondayGood Morning Mondays,  The Scoop, Tuesdays with a TwistRaising HomemakersThe Homesteader HopWise Woman Link UpHomestead Blog Hop Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and ConversationHomemaking ThursdaysHome Sweet HomeOur Simple HomesteadAwesome Life Friday Link UpFive Star Frou Frou Friday, and Shabbilicious Friday. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them). 

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Benefits of Mother Reading Aloud to Her Older Children


"My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck."
~ Proverbs 1:8-9

As mothers, we feel like we are always teaching, preaching and lecturing (and rightly so!). However, I wanted to share a more peaceful and enjoyable approach to instilling values into our children. What I have found to be very beneficial, is saving some of my "little sermons" for our special reading time together.  For once you enter that world of literature, much instruction from mother can take place in a natural and non-invasive way. The bonus is all those wonderful memories being shared together with wonderful books which also imparts a broader knowledge of vocabulary, history and human nature. And please don't forget that a cup of tea always nurtures a cozy and peaceful atmosphere which sets the stage lovingly.

Radient Morning by Lisa Auger

I am not merely speaking of children who can not read but more specifically, those that do. Older children have a lot of physical, emotional and spiritual needs which reading time with mother can help to nurture.  Reading a variety of literature, inspirational and instructional books help to place experiences and ideas in front of our children prior to them experiencing them in the "real world". This is so helpful because we can not follow our children around all through their life (though some may want to!). They are eventually going to be unleashed and left alone in this wicked world. We may wonder if we taught them enough? Are they prepared for what is ahead or what situations may lie in their paths? This is where the beautiful bonding of reading together comes in!

Through the pages of noble books, we are placing thousands of different scenarios in front of our dear children and, we are available at that moment to offer gentle instruction in a "should this happen to you, sort of way". We are placing a scene detailing the importance of honesty, purity, mercy or perhaps even safety before them! We are watching a character from a book being introduced into a potentially harmful situation. Or, perhaps the girl in the novel is facing a spiritual dilemma. Now, at that point, we can discuss the appropriate way to handle the obstacles that are placed before the main character in the book. What does Scripture teach about this certain situation?  This would be applicable for all ages and reading, whether it be picture books, chapter books, classics or instructional books. We have the perfect opportunity to share the wisdom of God to our children through carefully chosen literature.

Reading by James Shannon

For example, in the book, Dear Princess: A Book for Girls by Mary M. Landis, the author places some girls in a situation where they are alone, walking on a country road when a car of strange boys drive by and start to interact with them. There are many safety lessons at that point that can be discussed with your daughters. What would they have done in a similar situation? What would you suggest is a good approach to their predicament? You are able to place the seed of safety into your young maiden's heart prior to experiencing something on her own. She is that much more prepared and wise for the outside world.

When reading Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale, the "Dreams" chapter beckons us to ask our daughter's to share their dreams. Have they changed since she last spoke of them?  Are they godly goals? If so, what preparations can be made in order to facilitate them? If they are lacking in noble direction, your motherly instruction described in Proverbs would be in order.

Another example would be, when reading something as pleasurable as Anne of Green Gables together, we can stop at the chapter when Anne loses her temper and hits Gilbert over the head with her slate. We can ask our daughter casually, "what would you have done?" We can talk together about a more "fitting" way to have handled that test of patience and we can laugh about how we may have wanted to handle it like Anne!

A Story Read by James Tissot

Reading together gives you the opportunity to see how your children react to certain circumstances. It is the perfect time to talk about situations hypothetically instead of waiting for something to happen in "real life" when you may not be available to help them. Discuss different scenarios with them so that if they ever experience it in "real life" they have your loving insight to fall back on should the need ever arise.

As I don't have a son, my examples are geared toward young ladies. However, it is worthy to mention that the same concept applies to your young men. Books can foster the development of character of a true, godly, courageous, noble gentleman who will one day lead a home of his own in honor to God.

Mother and Daughter by George Goodwin Kilburne

"My son, keep your father’s command,
And do not forsake the law of your mother.
Bind them continually upon your heart;
Tie them around your neck.
When you roam, they will lead you;
When you sleep, they will keep you;
And when you awake, they will speak with you."
~ Proverbs 6:20 - 22

Dear mothers, this message of "teaching" is written TWICE in Proverbs which only stresses the importance of passing knowledge down to your children. What better way than by your example, the influence of good and proper books and the Scriptures to guide you through life's lessons. It prompts the question in your child's mind, "What would Jesus do?" and by God's grace and your diligent instruction, the Holy Spirit will strengthen them to do it!


All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making MondaysModest Mom Monday'sMonday's MusingsMake Your Home Sing MondayGood Morning Mondays,  The ScoopTitus 2 TuesdaysTuesdays with a TwistRaising Homemakers, The Homesteader HopWise Woman Link UpHomestead Blog Hop Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and ConversationHomemaking ThursdaysHome Sweet HomeOur Simple HomesteadAwesome Life Friday Link Up, Five Star Frou Frou Friday, and Shabbilicious Friday. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them). This article has been slightly adapted from our original article here.

Greetings, dear ladies! For the new few months, I will be sharing a few pre-scheduled posts (and round-ups) as I prepare for and enjoy a wonderful extended visit with out-of-town family. With that being said, I will not be able to do much online "visiting" and commenting but would still love to hear from you in the comments should you desire to share. Thank you for understanding and have a lovely week!
Love, JES

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

DIY Projects Based on Books ~ Gentle Summer Schooling and Bonding


"Furthermore, most children will find greater satisfaction and demonstrate greater learning from things they make and do with their parents or other people than from elaborate toys or learning materials."
~ Raymond S. Moore, School Can Wait

Here is another ode to a no television summer. With so many books to read and memories to be had cuddled and huddled around the couch, I wanted to encourage a lifestyle of reading and doing. Here are some books to be enjoyed and some fun and useful projects and ideas to accompany them. I would like to think that there is a little of something for everyone here!



Sense and Sensibility 


Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Project Based on Book:




Winnie-the-Pooh


Project Based on Books:



The Tales of Peter Rabbit

                


Projects Based on Books:











                


The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse by Beatrix Potter

Projects Based on Books:







“A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children
is not a good children's story in the slightest.”
~ C.S. Lewis

Note: I have always found useful projects made together for the home to be wonderful employment. As time is often a factor, I noticed I found more of "it" to craft together when I knew the things we created would actually be used. For example, children will enjoy making labels or cutting them out for a "Raggedy Ann Room Spray". They would enjoy counting out the drops into the spray bottle and smelling each scent. They would enjoy exclaiming how delicious or strong each fragrance is. They would appreciate spraying the aroma and knowing they made something productive! And as they do prepare it, explain the "little things" to them along the way (that the peppermint oil is made from the peppermint plant, that it has many medicinal properties to kill germs, that they must never ingest the potent oils and so forth). They will associate that little spray with those moments of reading together. Your books will come alive! This is the type of home education and bonding that blesses everyone involved.
All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making MondaysModest Mom Monday'sMonday's MusingsMake Your Home Sing MondayGood Morning Mondays,  The ScoopTitus 2 TuesdaysTuesdays with a TwistRaising HomemakersWise Woman Link UpHomestead Blog Hop Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and ConversationHomemaking ThursdaysHome Sweet HomeOur Simple HomesteadAwesome Life Friday Link UpFive Star Frou Frou Friday, and Shabbilicious Friday. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them).

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Return to the Hiding Place ~ Family Movie Night


The Return to the Hiding Place is the latest addition to Our Wholesome Video List. It has been quite awhile since I have had the opportunity to recommend a movie (you will find our last entry here)! I will advise that the PG-13 rating is for thematic elements that may be disturbing for younger children because of the atrocities committed during Hitler's reign (though nothing too vivid is shown, there is obvious violence and peril but besides this, the movie is quite refreshingly "clean" without vulgar language, intimacy or nudity!). 

What I found most inspiring in this "based on a true story" was the courageous young people in the Dutch resistance movement! They were fighting for lives (and not a later curfew, the latest clothing trends, or an updated iPhone)! Full of suspense, conviction and worthy causes, this "edge of your seat" sequel to The Hiding Place will leave you encouraged. If you have seen neither movie, then I recommend the double feature of both DVD's in one. Due to some disturbing World War II content, (nothing too extreme), you may choose to show this to older children of 12 and up. These young people are an excellent role model for today's youth!

What is it about?

"Corrie Ten Boom's Secret Student Army. The Untold True Story. In WWII Holland, Corrie ten Boom leads a secret resistance army of untrained university students who navigate a deadly labyrinth of hijackings, rescue missions, and underground networks to save and transport over 880 Jewish people in their panicked exodus from death. Watch this harrowing true tale of ordinary students who dare to resist one of historys cruelest tyrants, risk their lives for total strangers, and prove that a handful of devoted young people can change the course of history."
~ Summary from Amazon.com

Homeschool categories:
  • Geography: The Netherlands/Holland
  • World History: World War II
  • Character Building: Courage (Joshua 1:7)/Laying Down Your Life for a Brother (John 15:13)

To see our criteria for choosing media for our family, visit here.
For our wholesome video list, visit here.

Friday, January 8, 2016

The Purpose of this Blog ~ Your Creative Calling


"What a grand and auspicious work a woman is called to; how significant and far-reaching is the scope of her vision. When she understands the breadth of her calling, generations will have their faith ignited, and those who seek truth will find it within the walls of her home."
~Sally Clarkson, Own Your Life:

This has been on my mind for some time to write (especially with all the Pinterest-perfect perceptions out there). I hope to clarify some things with you, dear reader. The purpose of this blog is to create an excitement to be "a keeper at home". I have heard many young ladies in the last few years claiming they were "bored" at home. This always broke my heart because the Christian home is everything but boring! It is the beginning of a godly union, a place where future Christians are discipled, where merry meals are created and the body is nourished, where God is studied and the soul is nourished, where man can rest his weary body at the end of a toilsome day. It is our sacred place to care for and "keep" as given by the Almighty. Being a "keeper at home" is quite the creative calling!

This blog is meant to inspire you to love your home, to create in your home, to nourish in your home, to actually enjoy being home. But by all means, I am not saying that all the things I share must be done in your home. The last thing I want to do is overwhelm or discourage you! My desire is to light a candle of love in your heart, to burn a desire to serve in and illuminate your home. If you are in the season of small children, then I do not wish to add any more to your plate other than a smile and a cozy place to rest during a short break.

And lastly, to remove any "perfect" appearance, I do not do it "all" (and neither does anyone). We all lack in some areas and are strong in others and each with different family dynamics. But I will share a little bit more about myself so you understand.



#1 ~ Homemaking

Our home is never "sparkling" but always tidy, neat and organized. I don't make fancy meals, sprout my own grains or grow my own wheat. We aren't involved in gymnastics and soccer or any other extra curricular activity. We don't go to church functions during the week. We rarely go to town to shop, especially to window-shop for things we can't afford. We don't take lavish vacations or partake in expensive amusements. A large part of our life right now is spent at home which gives me time to invest in it.

Our days with little one's has been at a standstill for some time. Though my heart is open, my arms remain empty (so please remove the idea that I write this blog with a little baby in my arms, a toddler playing quietly in the corner and a dozen children sitting obediently or mischeviously at school desks). God has given us a small family.


#2 ~ Homeschooling

Our schooling does not resemble the public school system but embraces much learning from the reading of lots of books, real life experience and much grace. You will find our eclectic style of home education here. By noon, our "school day" is complete and there is time to pursue other interests (such as this little blog).


#3 ~ Homesteading

On our homestead, my husband does the gardening (it is his joy), my oldest takes care of all the animals (it is her joy) and I take care of the rest (it is my joy). Many hands make light work.


Because I am home most of the time, I have the time to write this blog. Any project I share will take less than 10 minutes (unless it is canning related) because that is all I have time for and I assume that is all you can manage as well. And so, with this "behind the scenes" information, I pray this website doesn't discourage you but only encourages you to love your home and the glorious opportunities we have in our creative calling.


"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places
where other people see nothing."
~ Camille Pissaro

Dear ladies, your family can use your talents and gifts! They will serve to embellish your home life. What better investment of your time than contributing to your surroundings and the ones that you love!

For the accountant mind, it is the most important place to do financial planning and management, prepare a budget and practice economy.

For the doctoring soul, it is a place to treat minor sickness, learn about natural healing and the wisdom of prevention.

For the gourmet cook, it is a place to prepare beautiful meals that physically nourish the souls in our care and a place to practice healthy nutrition.

For the writer, it can be a place to journal your life. Perhaps something to publish and encourage others when things slow down in those later years.

For the pre-planner, you can maintain a storehouse pantry, preserve foods for the future, practice meal planning and make home schedules and charts.

For the organizer, you can fine-tune your home, your inventory and every cabinet and file drawer can be a place of perfection.

For the teacher, it a place to educate your children and educate yourself on all kinds of valuable information that would benefit and bless your household.

For the artist, it is a place to beautify, a canvas for you to create your own private paradise.

And yet, the world portrays the homemaker as a mundane job!?

Why then does Martha Stewart get glorified for her career in home economics?

My only guess is that she is paid.


But you should already know your worth. You needn't a weekly pay-check to prove your value. For your price, virtuous homemaker, has already been assessed by God and you are worth "far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10).

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
She looketh well to the ways of her household,
and eateth not the bread of idleness."
~ Proverbs 31:10, 27

"The aged women likewise,
that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

That they may teach the young women to be sober,
to love their husbands, to love their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands,
that the word of God be not blasphemed."
~Titus 2:3-5

Friday, December 11, 2015

Be Still This Season... {Repost}


“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

After all the hard work in the previous months of sowing and reaping, it is no wonder God created winter. Like the seventh day is given as a day of rest, one may consider this snow-filled season as a sign to move indoors and give your family its much needed repose.

Sadly, it is so easy to get caught up in all the “so called deals” and marketing strategies that the media has designed to keep us out of our peaceful parlors and into the mall parking lots. There is a mad rush in the streets when there should be a cozy calm.

Your presence at home is the best blessing you can offer your family. Keep these months sacred and special by spending time inside your God given sphere. Light your scented candles, prepare your baked goods, fire up the tea kettle and grab a stack of inspiring books and board games. Meet your loved ones in the family room. Choose to really live this season out by spending your precious time at home.

Life is short. Every day a beloved soul is nearing their last breath. Slow down and show them their importance through simple family fellowship.

Our heavenly Creator does not want us running around town, fighting for parking spaces, going to debt over gifts and exhausting ourselves until we drop. The best thing you can give your Lord and your family is you and your undivided attention. Don’t allow yourself to be caught up in this overwhelming, commercially-created, chaotic, and frenzied rush for our instructions are clear.

“Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

Friday, October 23, 2015

Theodore Roosevelt's Tough but True Child Raising Advice



"Into the woman’s keeping is committed the destiny of the generations to come after us. In bringing up your children you mothers must remember that while it is essential to be loving and tender it is no less essential to be wise and firm. Foolishness and affection must not be treated as interchangeable terms; and besides training your sons and daughters in the softer and milder virtues, you must seek to give them those stern and hardy qualities which in after life they will surely need. Some children will go wrong in spite of the best training; and some will go right even when their surroundings are most unfortunate; nevertheless an immense amount depends upon the family training. If you mothers through weakness bring up your sons to be selfish and to think only of themselves, you will be responsible for much sadness among the women who are to be their wives in the future. If you let your daughters grow up idle, perhaps under the mistaken impression that as you yourselves have had to work hard they shall know only enjoyment, you are preparing them to be useless to others and burdens to themselves. Teach boys and girls alike that they are not to look forward to lives spent in avoiding difficulties, but to lives spent in overcoming difficulties. Teach them that work, for themselves and also for others, is not a curse but a blessing; seek to make them happy, to make them enjoy life, but seek also to make them face life with the steadfast resolution to wrest success from labor and adversity, and to do their whole duty before God and to man. Surely she who can thus train her sons and her daughters is thrice fortunate among women."
~ Theodore Roosevelt, On American Motherhood, 1905
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