Reading Aloud Is Right

Some of the very best homeschooling moments with my boys involved reading great books aloud to them.  I did most of the reading and I still remember how they would beg for "just one more chapter."  Our favorite books came from the Sonlight Curriculum catalog; every one we read together was a winner.  I remember in particular Carry On, Mr. Bowditch; Moccasin Trail; and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry.  These novels appealed greatly to my boys, who were about 13 and 10 at the time. The stories totally captivated all of us, so the history lessons and character-building were painless!   Sharing a great story and its frames of reference together is one of those relationship-building activities that makes homeschooling a precious blessing.  Looking back over the years, our read-aloud times comprise some of our sweetest memories.

If you need any ideas about which books to read at what age, the Sonlight Curriculum catalog is the way to go.  Click on the Sonlight banner to go to their website and order a free catalog.  You won't be sorry!!

Are You Sidetracked? Learn to Fly!

Were you born organized, or are you like I am – perennially sidetracked?  I really struggle with organization, but I am so much better than I used to be because of my very favorite website on organization:  www.flylady.net.  Marla Cilley, the FlyLady, is your online coach to help you overcome CHAOS (Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome).  FlyLady will help you get your home in order, but she will do much more than that – she will change the conversation going on in your head!  I no longer beat myself up constantly when things go awry or get messy.  Instead, knowing I can do ANYTHING for fifteen minutes, I set my timer and move forward.  I hope you will find that FlyLady is as much a help to you as she has been to me since 2001.  She has lots of great features and helpful cleaning products on her totally-free site.  I especially enjoy using the "Rubba" tools; they work great and are very affordable.  FlyLady TV is new.  It is so energizing to be able to see FlyLady and hear her talk to me!  FlyLady will change the way you look at housework, I promise! 

Write It Down

One of the most helpful things you can do to become an more efficient wife and mother is to keep a notebook and pen or pencil handy.  When something important pops into your head, write it down!! I know this seems ridiculously obvious, but sometimes we multi-tasking moms need a little reminder. In your busy world, you may be interrupted at any moment and that important task or great idea may be lost if you don't record it NOW!  Use a simple spiral-bound notebook or a small 3-ring binder with plain loose leaf (that's notebook paper for you young ones).  A dry erase board hung in your kitchen is also handy for those ideas you get while cooking or cleaning.  Don't laugh, but having something to write on in the bathroom isn't a bad idea, either.  I seem to remember important things in there!


If you happen to be on your computer, you can keep a running "To Do/Ideas" list in a Word document (or Wordpad, or whatever you have).  Just click and record, and then don't forget to look  back at your list! Don't get obsessed with the list itself - it does NOT need to be neat, alphabetized, or color-coordinated!


My DH asks very little of me, so I try to write down any specific request(s) he makes and then make that request a priority of my day. Again, do not forget to check your list often (at mealtimes or when you come out of the restroom, for example).  When you have done that task or followed up on that idea, you will feel so good when you check it off!!  Write It Down!

My Purpose

My purpose for this blog is to be a help and a blessing to young Christian wives and moms.  Titus 2 says that the aged women should teach the younger ones.  Well, I am in my fifties now and have been a born-again Christian for 30 years.  I have been happily married for 25 years and first became a mom in 1992. I have two precious sons and have homeschooled for more than ten years.  Along the way, I have made many mistakes and have also learned a few things. Let me help and instruct you through my experience so you won't have to make the same mistakes I have.  O Christian mother, I have so much I want to tell you!  Please visit often.  I pray that something I share here may be of practical help and a real blessing to you.

May I begin by saying that it is so important to read the Bible every day!  You probably don't go very long without eating actual food; I know I don't!  Job 23:12b says, "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food."  Let's give God's word its rightful place in our daily lives.  One way to quickly organize your Bible reading is to read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month.  Today is the 26th, so I would read Proverbs Chapter 26 today. I usually read a chapter from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament as well. 

Here is a helpful link to do your Bible reading online: 
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/