Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Guest Writing for another Blog


A friend had asked me to be a "guest writer" on her blog and write a piece discussing my recent frugal-ness.   I'll get back to writing about homeschooling next post.   There is only so much I can say about it and still hold an interest, so I thought I'd sprinkle in a few of these every now and then.  This post holds a little more insight into our family.  Enjoy.   


Labor Day weekend came and went, signaling the ending of summer.  Time to send kids back to school, bring in the harvest and get busy with canning.  A few short months to prepare for the long cold months ahead called wintertime. 
In our 12 years of wedded bliss I've never been put in charge of the "Big budget".  That's the husband's department. I'm in charge of the families 'consumable' budget; ie, groceries, toiletries, kid's stuff.  Like everyone else on a budget, I've gotten creative with trying to make it stretch.  As you may well know that's not an easy feat in today's landmine of a ridiculously priced market.  

My husband, is a frugal under appreciated super genius.  He grew up in the land of sunshine.  Spending a lot of time outdoors and working with his hands.  He was only 17 when his home was devastated by a class 4 hurricane.  He lived for nine months without electricity and helped his father rebuild their house which was flattened.  I think the experience of living in the aftermath of a natural disaster played a significant role in shaping the person he is today.  I call him a "Redneck", or more affectionately, my "Professor  Gilligan".  We pride ourselves on recycling, repurposing and are huge fans of self reliance and sustainable stuff.   We plant a garden every spring from seed and make our own compost for it from worms.  We frequent the farm market through out the summer for fresh produce and visit the orchards in the fall to supplement what we don't grow.  I've only recently started canning but I enjoy the pay off of all that hard work.  Months worth of spaghetti sauce, canned diced tomatoes for cooking,  green beans and peas. My kids are crazy about the refrigerator pickles I make and enough yummy salsa to host many game nights.     
On any given weekend Professor Gilligan can be found in our backyard or in his garage building something, making something or trying to figure out how something will work.  Here's a picture of his latest thing he's built, it's some sort of waste oil burning stove.  He put it together from things he's had laying around the house.  




May I add, they don't just miraculously appear here, he actually drags them home from a curbside, junk yard or they come as gifts.  He's been affectionately nicknamed by friends as Sanford, from the old show "Sanford and Son".  Every time he brings home something new I hear the Sanford and Son's theme song.  I could go on about him for days.  Needless to say he's had an influence over me all these years too.  I frankly don't even recognize myself from the kid and young adult I grew up as.  I used to poke fun at the person I've become.  "Domesticated", married and old with kids.   I was the rocker chick wearing spandex with big hair of the 80s that never had a concern for the future or the environment.   I probably single-handedly  destroyed the ozone layer with all the Aqua Net I used back then.   

 Years ago, when I became a mother to my girls, I became very aware of all the chemicals that are in the products we use on a daily basis.  My first realization was the soap and lotion I used on them.  They have very dry skin and need lotion on a daily basis sometimes twice a day.   I started reading labels and educating myself on the ingredients which led me then to the use of organic products.  Believe it or not organic products still contain chemicals that can be toxic.  Being a member of the medical field since 1995 hasn't helped calm my quandary either.  Our skin is the largest organ of our entire body.  It's like a sponge, releasing and absorbing constantly.  Those trace chemicals applied every day to my babies for many years ends up looking like a huge amount if you consider what it actually means in terms of ACCUMULATION.  Which was enough for me to take action.  Now buying organic anything on average costs more in a retail setting.   For instance the lotion I started purchasing for the girls costs almost $7 for a 12oz bottle.  But I let it slide because I thought it was a small price I had to pay to feel better about my "future generation".   Until the day I stumbled upon recipes for making your own lotion and soap.  The Professor figured out the schematics of soap making for me, wrote the exact recipe down and Volia! my first batch of homemade soap was created.  The very next day came the lotion which is made from the same ingredients as the soap with a few added luxuries and I've never looked back.

    On top of my kids having very dry skin they're also very sensitive to laundry soaps.  I've had to use Tide for years because it's been the only thing that doesn't break them out in a rash.  I had stocked up on laundry soap over a year ago on a coupon shopping frenzy and I had noticed we were finally running out.  I absolutely loathe paying full price for it and I didn't have any recent coupons so I was dreading the purchase.  Which brings me to poking around on Pintrest one day.  Some random girl pinned one of my pins, so in turn. I was stalking her boards.  Come to find out this random chick and I had a lot in common!  She had a recipe for laundry soap,  I thought maybe I could try for all of us.  
 I could hardly believe how little it costs to put this concoction together and it only uses ONE TABLESPOON per load!    I said to myself,  "This can't be?!  No way!  I'll make a little batch to try and hopefully the kids won't turn into a gigantic hive".  I was so impressed.  It gets your clothes clean AND they smell good (I use the Fels Naptha version).  I'll never go back to buying commercial laundry detergent.  I'm picky about the way they smell so I haven't given up my dryer sheets just yet.   I was telling my bestie about the laundry soap find one day and how I wasn't prepared to ditch the fabric sheet and she suggested getting the liquid stuff, adding a little water to thin it out then spraying it on coffee filters to toss into the dryer!  I'm surrounded by super genius(S)!  I haven't tried it yet but she swears it works and that's good enough for me.  

The very same website also had a recipe for automatic dishwasher detergent which I've tried and like as well. My dishwasher is cheap and I've battled the post wash crud on my dishes for years.  Professor Gilligan won't take a dish down to use without pre rinsing it first because of the ensuing battle.  I hate stuck on filth and despite my best efforts of scrubbing the dishes before putting them into the machine it would continue.  Since the switch, I have to say it's gotten better.  I won't go as far as to say eliminated, but a difference for the better has been noted by the hubby and he never sugar coats anything.  Again both recipes share the same ingredients so they're easy to make and I love that!   If you have to have a rinsing agent, I've heard you can use one cup of vinegar and the dishes will come out looking like you've used a commercial rinse.  I have also discovered through trial and error if you put the dishwasher detergent powder in the freezer it won't clump up as Lemishine has a tendency to do.   Trust me on that one, it's not pretty.  Testimonies swear on both recipes effectiveness in hard water too.  Bonus!

I urge you to give these a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed.  Speaking only for myself, it gives me piece of mind saving a little money and possibly not using harmful ingredients.  That has been my biggest motivator for sticking with them.  I haven't tallied how much money I'm saving yet, but I do know I'm NOT missing listing these items on my shopping list.  
Now if only I could find a recipe on how to make my own toilet paper.  No matter how much I stock up, inevitably we're always on the last roll without a spare in arms reach!  


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Quick Update

Today was the kids first day back to their old school since they left last fall.  Three days a week they go in for extra curricular classes, Gym, Music and Art.  I took them in this morning to go to their Gym class.  They complained about their newly purchased big gym shoes and too small socks.  The shoes kept slipping off the back of their heel and their socks were slouching down as well.  If I would have bought stuff the other way; ie, shoes too small and socks too big they would have complained about it too.  What's a mom to do?
Back to our morning.  The school was well prepared for our arrival.  The kids were greeted by their most favorite literacy para.  She took them in and walked them to the Gym.  I went and briefly talked to the new Speech Therapist and we tentatively set reasonable goals for them the children to achieve this year.
Afterward I sat in the school office waiting for my two to return.  I got a report that while in their class someone spied them laughing and playing with the other kids.  YES!  Laughing!  I don't think they've really ever done that in front of the other kids before.  I'll have to do some asking around, but I'm pretty sure about the last statement.
Upon leaving the girls said they had fun and recognized a lot of the kids from their Kindergarten class.  I think that was a relief to them, seeing familiar faces.
Golden Garden Spider
We came home to have some lunch and to explore the back yard.  Look what my little scientists found!  They've always had an affinity to spiders for some reason.  They're fascinated by them and, as you can see, pick out some pretty amazing species!  My two know every creature that resides in our back yard.....all the way down to these big ugly guys.  This thing was the size of a quarter easy.  I googled it and found out it was a Golden Garden Spider.  Completely harmless and the females are almost twice as big as the males with the abdomen being wider.
Looking forward to the rest of the week to see how the kids will transition into our new fall routine.  Co op starts the 21st of this month and  I'm praying this is the good foot that will set the tone for the rest of the school year.  LAUGHING on the first day! YES.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Continuing Speech Therapy

Last week I was contacted by the kids' old school mainly because I left last year telling them I was still intending to keep the children in their speech therapy sessions.  They listened and inquired if I was going to bring them in this year.  I have to admit, I'm very impressed by their willingness to help my kids and to work with me and my families decision to homeschool.  I also have the opportunity to put the kiddos in extra curricular classes at their old school which would include PE, Art and Music.  I've been thinking and praying about this option all summer and I believe this would afford the kids opportunity to relate and socialize with their former and new class mates on a regular basis.  In their speech therapy, the therapist puts them together with kids out of their class to help with their 'being brave' work.  Since they're not in a 1st grade class per say, I thought that maybe if they were in the extra classes it wouldn't make them feel nearly as awkward when paired with their classmates.
SM kids need plenty of opportunities to 'be brave'.  My children had progressed a good deal last school year and family and friends were voicing they could see a significant difference in their attitude.  I'm hoping all the opportunities this year, especially with me being at a lot of them, will help settle their anxieties.
I have to report my pride.  The kids have been asking to 'be brave' when we go out on errands.  I will negotiate with reward cards or a candy bar if their efforts are turned into audible words strangers can hear.    The last few days when practicing they have been twice as loud as normal.  I've upped the ante and told them they have to 'be brave' to two people or say "hi and bye" to one person on our outings to receive rewards.  They've even been as loud and ambitious when out with their Father too.  It's a small gain, but I'm counting anything that looks like a giant one.
On a side note, I want to express my pleasure in the curriculum we're using.  We're on our second month of using My Father's World and on Friday the kids had to listen to and then draw the story they heard.  The story was of a fisherman, his boat and fishing lines getting tangled.  The fisherman leaned over to untangle the lines and fell in and then he sent up a balloon distress signal.  This story was meant to help the kids remember the bodies of water in the region we will begin to study.  They were able to recreate the bodies of water on paper and then we learned a way of labeling them.  It was incredible to see the light in their eyes turn on when I compared their drawn maps to the globe.  They kept asking if these places were in "real life"?
On Exploration Day we saw these two yellow finch .
In science this past week we've been studying rain, clouds, thunder and lightening.  We've read many books on the subject and now they've even been introduced on how hail is made.  They can answer questions intelligibly on how clouds are made or how you can tell how many miles away the storm is.    I'm amazed how fast they are picking up their vowel sounds and learning how to read.  I've read to them since they were babies and it's hard to tell if they just are remembering words they've seen over and over or if they can really sound the words out.  I think it's a mixture of all the above but leaning more toward calling it a growing ability to sound it out.  It's exciting to see them become critical thinking little people.
It's such a blessing to be able to be home with them and I'm so grateful that I've been given this chance to teach them.  Such a rewarding experience even on the days when they're being challenging and there have been a few so far.  They're all teachable moments.  Everyday we're gaining so much and looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.
Be encouraged, stay positive and look for the blessings that each day may bring.

 this post is linked to Homeschool Highlights in MFW at Discover Their Gifts or 2ladybugsandalizard

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Not Back to School

What a month it's been.  August is a month usually spent back to school shopping and getting ready for going back to school.  Two years ago I was sending the kids off to public Preschool.  I collected coupons, watched the sales fliers and gathered my courage to go brave the mob hungry crowds for deals.  I did a little shopping last year before Kindergarten because I bought the bulk of everything big enough for them to last thru two years.  Way to go me!  This year I've been mourning the passing of back to school shopping.  I did a lot of their 'school shopping' in spring time with tax return money.  Where am I going with this?  Frankly I don't know.  I think it's finally really and truly dawning on me that I'm a rebel and won't be sending the kids off to school this year.  That's a huge proverbial step in my parenthood journey.

A side story  to back up my choice;  we went out of town last week.  I attended my milestone high school class reunion paired with a few days spent with two other couples we adore.  I left the kids with their Uncle to watch overnight.  The kids love their Aunt, Uncle and cousins but have been spotty about speaking to them spontaneously.  In the past it usually takes a week or so for them to warm up on their own.  Their Aunt reported to me when I picked them up the next morning an I'm quoting.  "I figured I'd lay the law down, I was nice but firm.  I told them that we were eating in 5 mins.  If they couldn't tell me what they wanted for breakfast then I wouldn't know what to feed them."  She said it only took seconds for the pair to reply in unison "Pamcakes".    On errands we may run through out the week they ask me to "Be brave" to cashiers and clerks that we visit.  I've heard them in the backyard yelling and squealing delightfully with the neighbors kids outside too.  I don't know if it's a matter of maturity, therapy or the release of anxiety from having to return to 'school' but I think they're happier and feeling more secure.  I've noticed a more carefree attitude in their demeanor.  I'm not going to toot my horn too loudly yet.  Just wanted to put it out there for posterity.

On another very exciting note.  We finally got to register for our Co op classes.  The kids are in 3 different classes during a morning once a week.  They're taking a Geography class called "I love the USA".  Second hour will be occupied by Nest Entertainment videos.  I believe they are the Animated Hero Classic Series.   And Fun with Math will be presented in the third hour.   I'm really excited about the prospects of meeting other home school families in the area.  I feel like such a hermit.  I don't have time to make friends and I'll admit, I'm an older mom, some days I just don't have the energy to put into it.  Does that sound odd?  Is it just me?

I'm getting the HSLDA sorted out and I've registered the kids with the state so that they may still receive Speech Therapy and their specials, ie, meaning Art and Music classes at their old school.  I thought the interaction with old school friends would be good for them.  I've heard controversy before about sending the kids to ST, but the last two years have been good.  This year has yet to be seen.  The therapist that had diagnosed them and was so invested has returned to college a state away.  This year we will be experiencing a new therapist and they have pretty big shoes to fill, I'm hoping for the best.  I'm in for a lot of educating people on how to approach these two and bringing them up to speed so that they are useful to us.

A quick update I wanted to share about the homeschooling 'thang'.  We've took off last week because we were getting ready to leave mid week on our mini vacation and took this week off coming back home due to registering, doctor's appointments and just in general cleaning the house and putting things away from our trip.  I felt the 'good vibes' resonate that homeschooling doesn't have to be a pencil in hand pouring over text books or worksheets.  We did 'short school' this week where we've cuddled up on the couch, juice boxes in hand reading stories.  We reviewed the Godly Character traits and I started reading aloud  The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner.  (suggested from a friend)   We practiced computer skills at Sheppards Software which is FREE and is really good stuff!  We went over their memory verses, we're studying Proverbs.  I started teaching them some basic signs to help trigger their verses from memory. (yet another suggestion from a very good friend and veteran homeschool mom)
A foolish man gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.  Proverbs 29:11

 Have I stressed the importance of making friends with like minded people?  They have been a Godsend.  Literally.  God knows what He's doing when He calls your heart and will give you the tools to help you succeed.  If I can share one more thing I read from another homeschool mom on our Co op site;

"Dear Moms—especially new homeschool moms— 
this is a Public Service Announcement: Homeschooling should NOT be overwhelming.

If God has called you to homeschool your children, He WILL equip you for the journey. If your "core" curriculum is overwhelming, take a step back and really pray about how much work you are taking on for both yourself and your kids.

I fear we are focusing too much on the "3 R's" and we're forgetting the things that matter most. They will never be found inside a text book. They will be found in the most unexpected places-a bed time story, a conversation over breakfast, a steady guiding of conscience and spirit by a mom who is surrendered to the One who loves her children most.

Character before curriculum. Marriage before mothering. These are the things that matter most. ♥"

 So as August comes to a close and September is edging it's way in, I'm going to watch the school bus go by my house for the first time and that sinking feeling will finally reach the bottom of my toes.  The kids are being homeschooled.  With God's grace, He's gonna move mountains through me for them.  I hope and pray He has intended this all along and that these two will flourish confidently and find their voice.  Amen.