Showing posts with label other blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label other blogs. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

Treasures of April

I didn't do much blogging this month, but thankfully, many others did!  These are some excellent posts from around the web this month.  I didn't get a chance to list all that I had found!  It was a good month for encouragement and food for thought!

Counting the Hours at Five in Tow

A Cheer for Small Things at Mom Heart

How to Live a Life that Matters at Women Living Well

For When You Think You're Failing Motherhood at gypsymama

Stay at Home Moms "Don't Work a Day in Their Lives".  Really? at ...to Love, Honor, and Vacuum

We've Shown Them the Proof at Vactruth.com

Protecting Boys from Pornography at The MOB Society

Your Children Want YOU! at The Power of Moms

The Clean Air of Gospel Mothering at Grace Full Mama

Be Holy Because God is Holy at A Christian Worldview of Fiction

Spirit-Led Parenting: How Motherhood Calls Us to Lay Down Our Lives at Keeper of the Home

The Everyday Question of Motherhood at Desiring God Blog

Home Apprenticeship at Small Town Simplicity

A Tangled Web - {When You Feel Like You Have to Do it All} at The Better Mom

Ready to Fight the Real "War Against Women"? at lifesitenews.com

The Bad News about Homeschooling at Encouraging Beautiful Motherhood

Ten Days of Intentional Parenting at finding joy

Monday, January 02, 2012

Treasures of November and December

Because November was a pretty busy month for me, I never got around to posting my favorite blog posts from that month!  So this month's treasures will include posts I found over the months of November and December combined.  Enjoy and be blessed!

Why Does the World Hate the Duggars? at Get Along Home

From Raising Homemakers:

From Raising Arrows:

When You Wonder if You Disappoint at holy experience

What I'm Never Going to Tell You at In the Heart of My Home

10 Ways NOT to Raise Your Toddler at Shine

When White Turns into Gold at home & harmony

Congratulations, You Married Mr. Right at pursuing titus 2

The 5 Best Toys of All Time at Wired

At What Cost?:  Social Media, Behave! Day 3 at Like a Warm Cup of Coffee

Preschoolers, List of Must-Haves at Educating Laytons

From The Better Mom:

How to Break Your Child's Heart in Five Easy Steps at Jezamama

The Return of the Washerwoman at Traditional Christianity

Exchanging the Natural for the Unnatural at challies.com

How to Be an Amazing Mom Today in 3 Simple Steps at Inspired to Action

The Tyranny of Advice-Column Christianity at The Resurgance

10 Ways to Encourage Your Children at The Homeschool Classroom

To Mary... or To Martha?  The Pendulum Series Continues at Visionary Womanhood

Loving My Large Family at Large Family Mothering

Enjoying the Simplicity of Staying Home at passionate homemaking

It's All a Lie at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Motherhood & Work:  The Vocation of Motherhood at canonwired.com

An Open Letter to Suze Orman at Smockity Frocks

31 Days {Day 5}: It's OK at Bits and Pieces from My Life

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Treasures of October

I haven't had much time this month for blog-browsing, so I know I've probably missed a bunch of really great posts!  However, here's a few that I've enjoyed!

Good Mom, Good Kids? at Owlhaven -if you only read one post in this list, this needs to be it!

Living By Whose Standards? at Preschoolers and Peace

Imperfectly Perfect at No Greater Joy Mom

Why I {still} Homeschool at lifeingrace

From Steady Mom:
The Do Not Forget Things at BOOKS and BAIRNS

When the Milkshake Runs Low at Femina

Ask Auntie Leila:  Six Strategies for Sibling Rivalry at Like Mother, Like Daughter

Three Things I've Learned About Homeschooling for Kindergarten at The Homeschool Classroom

From The Happy Housewife:
Toddlers, Tiaras, and Fig Leaves at Give Them Grace

15 Ways to Affirm Your Kids at Encouraging Words

An Honest Look at the Postpartum Period at Lambs In His Arms

All Work and No Play:  Why Your Kids are More Anxious, Depressed at The Atlantic

From Passionate Homemaking:
From Better Mom:

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Treasures of September

Freedom at Sonlight Blog

When the Gentle Words Won't Come {Hope for the Weary Mom} at MOB Society

What Our Husband Needs More than Sex at Ordinary Inspirations

Raising Kids is Heart Work at Family Matters Blog

From The Better Mom:
Abundant Grace and Teaching Moments at Preschoolers and Peace

Heart Talk at (in)courage

The Tunnel of Parenthood at One More Soul

Taking the Fear Out of Your Year at Heart of the Matter Online

10 Things to Do Every Day to Stay Organized at Organizing Your Way

Homeschool Blindspots at JoshHarris.com (I have loved Reb Bradely's ministry, Family Ministries, forever - he and his wife have blessed me tremendously through their teachings!)

From Smockity Frocks:
Clarfying our Ministry as Moms at Encouraging Moms who Homeschool

Calm in a Storm:  How to Stay Peaceful while Childrearing at Ladies Against Feminism

A Few Introductions at Parenting Post (Parenting.com)

Ask Auntie Leila:  How Do I Tell People We're Having Another Baby? at Like Mother, Like Daughter

Does Peeling an Orange Exhaust You? at Wizzley

The Ripple Effect of One Grumpy Woman at True Woman

From Raising Arrows:
Ungraceful Parenting at Femina


Magnifying God's Glory through My Weakness at Doorposts of Your Home

Are You Raising Warriors or Refugees? at I Take Joy


    Thursday, September 01, 2011

    Treasures of August

    August was a treasure trove of excellent blog posts! There's a lot listed here, I hope you can make the time to check out them all - you will be blessed!

    Motherhood is Application at Desiring God - if you only read one of these links, read this one!

    Three Under Three with a Newborn at Large Family Logistics

    Are Moms Adequate for the Task of Raising Sons? at thatmom.com

    25 Ways to Provoke Our Children to Anger at Counseling One Another - Ouch!  I have failed this test many, many times! :(

    Impacting Eternity at Making Home - beautiful!

    As a Mom at Graceful Abandon

    A + B ≠ C {a parenting equation} at Brooke McGlothlin

    Trust Your Body? or Control Your Birth? at Birth Sense

    Consolation at Thoughts from an Overthinker - SO good.  Read it!

    Gossip at The Gospel Coalition

    From At the Well:

    Don't Forget Your Purpose at Large Family Mothering

    Guest Post:  7 Keys to a Successful Homeschool at Charlotte Mason Home Education

    The Mission Field in My Yard at Lambs in His Arms

    The Not Really Kindergarten Post at In the Heart of My Home - Yes, yes!  Love this!

    Do You Have Time to Home School? at Heavenly Homemakers 

    Is It Worth It? at The Better Mom 

    Dangerous at Books and Bairns 

    From Raising Arrows:
    Fitting it In at A Family Revised

    What My Pre-K Student Needs to Know at Christian Homeschoolers Taking a Stand

    If Feeling Inadequate Was an Olympic Event... at True Woman

    You Can Never Afford Them at The National Catholic Register

    From Passionate Homemaking:

    A "Jump Start" to a Joyful School Year at Crosswalk.com

    God Will Never Give You More... at Femina

    What Kids Really Need at God Made... Home Grown

    Not a Kid Person? at Get Along Home

    From Like Mother, Like Daughter:

    Uncertainly Certain at (in)Courage

    Preparing our Daughters for Real Life (Hazaq V'Amatz!) at Raising Homemakers

    5 Highly Effective Habits Homemakers Have to Keep a Clean House at Joyful Mothering

    a harvest in my lap at For Kith and Kingdom

    Monday, August 15, 2011

    An Apron Giveaway!

    I know I've said this before, but I love aprons!  I love how useful they are, not to mention how domestic they make me feel.  The kids love it when I put my apron on, because they know something fun (and usually messy!) is about to happen in the kitchen, and they run to get theirs!  The only problem I have with my apron is... I only have one!  How have I made it so many years with just one?!

    Leah, a sweet young woman from my church is having a giveaway for a homemade apron to celebrate 2 years of blogging at The Narrow Path... this might be my big chance to double my apron supply!  Or... for you to win it for yourself, and enjoy the apron love!

    Want a sneak peak?

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    I *heart* this apron!  I really love the colors and pattern - pretty and feminine without being impractical. I don't wear an apron as a fashion accessory, I actually use my apron.  Which means it gets dirty!  So whenever I daydream about getting another apron (and yes, I do daydream about that, and window shop, too!) I definitely bypass the lighter, easier to stain ones.  This apron fits the bill perfectly!

    Drop by Leah's blog and leave a comment over there to congratulate her on two years of blogging, and to enter her giveaway!  It ends on the 23rd, so don't dally!

    Monday, August 01, 2011

    Treasures of July

    The Truth About Preschool at Simple Homeschool - this gets a hearty amen! of agreement from me!

    To All the Mamas:  It Gets Better at Small Town Simplicity - this is so, so true!  I was really apprehensive about the newborn stage for my first few kiddos, but the next few have barely rocked the boat.

    Why Homebirth? at in other words...

    Relaxing in Our Homeschooling at Angela's Analysis - the video shared spoke right to my heart!

    Tips for Having a Successful Homeschool at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

    to break the circle at To Love - Oh, have I been there.  On the giving and receiving end - both equally as painful.

    Happiness and Holiness at A Christian Worldview of Fiction

    Another Reason to Homeschool:  So You Can Treat Your Boys Like Boys and Your Girls Like Girls at Why Homeschool

    Motherhood Is a Calling (and Where Your Children Rank) at Desiring God Blog - I LOVE this!!

    The Hardest Part of All at Small Town Simplicity - This is an absolute jem - so, so true!

    Time Saving Ideas at Doorposts - great tips!!

    5 Dangerous Things You Should Let Your Kids Do at TED - I liked this video and the points he made.  I'm happy to say that we've let (most of) the kids do all 5 things (actually, there's 6)!

    From Encouraging Hearts at Home:
     From Raising Arrows:
    One on One at Preschoolers and Peace

    laundry devotions (on approval seeking) at Biblical Homemaking - this is exactly what the Lord has been speaking into my heart as of late!! Convicting, and confirming!

    What I Didn't Know:  Reflections on Motherhood at Clean.

    HOW to Read to Your Child - Valuing Interruptions at Real Child Development

    5 Secrets to Being a Super Fun Mom at Motherhood Your Way 

    From Passionate Homemaking:

    From Making Home:
    From Getting Down with Jesus:
    What I Learned About Motherhood from Watching Millionaire Matchmaker at Faith Barista

    In Which Life Gets Messy at Divine Calling 
      Hands-On Projects from A-Z at Heart of the Matter Online

      Listen to Them or Lose Them at True Woman

      From Large Family Mothering:
      How Do We Become Readers? at The Happy Housewife - great points!  Some of my fondest memories are of my parents reading to me, and I'm sure that plays a part in how avid a reader I am today, as well as how much I love reading aloud to the kiddos!

      You Are Not Managing an Inconvenience... at Homeschool Jungle
        Children Will Remember at Backwoods Mom - very good!

        Spiritual Maturity at ~Around Here...

        Sunday, July 31, 2011

        Slim Down Sunday

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        Heartfelt Homeschool holds a weekly "Slim-Down Sunday" that I thought I'd join in on since it's been a little while since I've updated my exercise progress!

        Goals:  Ultimately, my main goal is to be able to run 3-5 miles easily on a regular basis, and complete a 5K race.  I also would like to lose 15-20 pounds of baby weight!  However, since I am exclusively breastfeeding Rachel (meaning, her only source of nutrients!), I am not willing to restrict calories, so weightloss is not my main focus.

        Progress:  I am following a plan from a book called "Run Your Butt Off".  I wanted something different from the normal Couch-5K program that I've done in the past, and I've really enjoyed this program!  It's similar to C25K, but different enough to suit me.  The book also has lots of great nutrition and running tips.  I had a few set backs since starting, so I'm not as far along as I originally hoped, but I have stuck with it and am about to start Phase 6, which means I'll do 3 minutes of walking followed by 7 minutes of running, repeating that 3 times.  Overall, that puts me running a little over 2 miles total!  By mid-September, if all goes well, I should be ready to give a 5K a try!

        I run 3 days a week, and on the in-between days do a strength training exercise video.  I have several I got from the library, so I mix it up to keep from getting bored.

        And for some exciting news, I've actually lost about 2 lbs from my starting weight!  Considering I had actually gained a few pounds when I first started, that makes my total weight loss about 6 pounds in 2 months!  Since that hasn't been my main focus, I was pleasantly surprised!  Of course, when I see that just the small amount of running I've been doing burns almost 400 calories each run, I guess it makes a little sense.

        Future Plans:  Just to keep on keepin' on.  I am trying to focus on making better food choices (bypassing the MnMs in the check-out line, fitting in more salads, and so on), and staying consistent in getting to bed on time so that I am able to get up early enough to fit in my workout and not be a zombie all day!

        Is anyone else trying to get more fit and/or lose some weight?  How's it going?

        Thursday, July 28, 2011

        Moms of Boys Blog Hop!

        Mothers of Boys
        The MOB Society (short for "Moms of Boys") is having their first annual Boy Mom Blog Hop!  Seeing that I probably qualify as a mom of boys, I thought I'd jump in for some fun!

        If you are new to my blog or joining me from the Blog Hop, let me introduce myself and my kiddos!  I am Erin, married to my wonderful husband Michael for almost 13 years.  We are blessed with 5 boys, and were recently surprised with our first girl in February! (I say surprised because, after 5 boys... I just figured a girl wasn't possible!  It was the shock of a lifetime! A joyous one, of course!) My blog is mostly about every day life, homeschooling, and my faith in Christ.  I also do reviews for the TOS Homeschool Crew.

        Well, that's enough about me - now to introduce the boys (and girl, I have to include her - she's the cutest one of the bunch!  Although there are some close runners up!):

        Isaac is 10.5, and such a helper!  He is my second set of hands and eyes, and loves being the biggest brother. He's also getting way too big for my liking!

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        Ezra is going to be 9 years old soon, and he is our class clown!  He loves to have fun and make others laugh, and he is also a wonderful encourager.

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        Joel is 6.5 and always in motion!  He's a chatterer, too, so there is rarely a dull (or quiet) moment with him around.  He has a tender, gentle heart, is very artistic, and is growing up so fast!

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        Next up is Nathan, who is 4.5.  He's our quiet one, and is often found off by himself playing somewhere - who knew there could be an introvert in a big family?   But once he comes out of his shell, he's got a fun, quirky sense of humor and it's fun to see what goes on inside that quiet self of his!

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        Judah is 2, and second star of the "cuteness" show - and he knows it!  He's our resident musician (he takes after my husband) and always keeps us laughing.  He's still in the cuddlebug phase, which makes this mama's heart happy!  The first six months of his official status upgrade to "big brother" has gone wonderfully as he adores his little sister, and I am excited to see how close they grow over the years.

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        And while she doesn't fit into the "boy" category, here's the little miss of the household, Rachel - she's already stolen Daddy's heart and has the rest of us well wrapped around her finger, as well!

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        One of the topics suggested in the Blog Hop was a list of my boys' favorite books.  I'll try to keep it brief, although we tend to read a LOT around here!

        Isaac loves all sorts of books (he's a bookworm).  He has read the Lord of the Rings trilogy a few times, he loves missionary stories (such as the Christian Heroes series) and stories about martyrs (such as the Jesus Freaks collections).  His top favorite series, however, are The Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins (which I also really enjoyed!), and The Terrestria Chronicles by Ed Dunlop.  There are many others, and he has a list over on his own blog, A Full Family, if you want to see more!

        Ezra loves books about Indians.  For school this year we studied early American History, which included reading several books detailing the lives of Native Americans, and he devoured them.  He's not really into reading as much as his brother, so it really says a lot when he sits down to read a chapter book non-stop!  He especially enjoyed Om-Kas-Toe and Naya Nuki.  He also read and enjoyed the Underland Chronicles, as well.

        Joel is a beginning independent reader, (for which I recommend Bob Books!) so he still enjoys being read-aloud to.  His latest favorite stories are from Make Way for McCloskey - the number one choice being "The Doughnuts" from Homer Price.   Another top-read-aloud among the little guys is anything and everything from the Harper Collins Treasury of Picture Book Classics - this collection I consider a must-have for little ones!  Nathan's top pick is always something from A Family Treasury of Little Golden Books - he adores these stories.  Judah enjoys listening in on anything - he doesn't have a favorite book right now!

        Life with a bunch of boys is pretty wild!  I only had a sister growing up, so I am learning quite a bit about snips and snails and puppy dog tails - and I love it!  While I am glad to have a little bit of pink in the house now, I thank God every day for the blessing and privilege of raising up men for His glory!  My prayer for them is that they grow to be men who follow hard after God, stand strong amidst adversity, and humbly serve and love those around them.

        Thanks for stopping by!  I'd love it if you'd leave a comment to say hello, and please be sure to drop in on the other moms participating in the MOB Blog Hop!

        Wednesday, July 13, 2011

        Not-Back-to-School Blog Hop - 2011-2012 Curriculum Plans!

        Not Back to School Blog Hop
        I'm joining in with Heart of the Matter Online's "Not-Back to School Blog Hop"!  Week 1 is Curriculum Week, so here's a look at what our plans are for the 2011-2012 school year!

        We've officially completed our 180 days of school, as required by our state.  Since we prefer to school year-round, we're jumping right into another "year", starting next week.  We still have odds and ends of our 2010-2011 curriculum to finish up, here are our plans for the upcoming year for each of the boys!

        I've mentioned this a ton of times, but our main source for Bible, History, and Read-Alouds will be Sonlight's Core E.  We also do Science as a family, and once we've finished up Apologia's Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology, we'll be switching gears and studying electricity, inventions, magnetism and magnification with Sonlight's Science E.  This will be our first year away from Apologia and trying something new, so I'm excited to see how it goes! 

        Isaac is 10, and technically be starting 5th grade!  (That's so weird to me, because I have very vivid memories of my 5th grade year, how is it possible that I have a child there now?  Is this how old people feel all the time?)

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        Here are the subjects he'll be studying in addition to the above:
        I won't be having him do any more formal handwriting, as his subjects include enough written work now that he gets plenty of practice through that.

        Ezra will soon be 9 and is considered a 4th grader now!

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        He's actually doing almost all of the same things as Isaac, except the levels are different, of course!  Here are the adjustments... everything else is exactly the same:
        Joel is 6.5 and is now officially on our Attendance Form!

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        I consider him going into 1st grade, so he's got a little bit more "real" schoolwork, but not much.  As I've mentioned before, I prefer to keep things light in the younger years, so they have plenty of time for imaginative play and exploration.  Here's what's on his plate this year:
        • Reading and Phonics - he's going to start Rod & Staff's Grade 1 Reading!  He's also chugging along with Reading Kingdom online.  He doesn't particularly care for it anymore, mostly because it is a challenge for him... which I consider a good thing!  Our subscription for that is up in February, and I'm not sure if we'll do anymore online programs after that.
        • Math - Math-U-See Alpha
        • Handwriting - A Reason for Writing, Book A
        • We might venture into All About Spelling, Level 1... depending on time and need
        • He'll also be joining in with Nathan's Kindergarten plans (listed below!)
        Nathan is 4.5 and sort of Pre-K-ish, I guess?

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        He spent last year sitting in on Joel's K activities, which has put him a little ahead of the game.  While I don't push a lot of academic stuff at this age, I do love getting into their world through lots of reading aloud and fun activities.  I have to admit, Preschool and Kindergarten are my favorite years to "teach"! Here's what my (very flexible) plans are for Nathan:
        The great thing about homeschooling several children is that I didn't have to buy anything except the Code workbooks for Nathan, and his subscription to Click N' Read (which is a lifetime subscription, so it will be used for all following children!).  If I were trying to afford everything I just listed above in one purchase, it would easily be close to my entire year's homeschool budget!  But I've picked all of them up as we've gone along over the years, and he, being child number 4, is reaping the benefits (as is our bank account!)

        Judah is 2,

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        and will be working on potty training!  Honestly, I think potty training is my least favorite parental duty. But, once it's done, it's always good.  So I have to bite the bullet and get it done!  He's definitely ready now!  He's also at the age where he's into everything (did I say everything?  I mean everything!!),  so we'll be spending our days keeping his little hands and mind busy.  Lots of stories, drawing, music, blocks, outside time and attention!

        Rachel will just be doing her thing - growing, learning, eating, sleeping, and getting lots and lots of love!

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        We're so excited about the upcoming year!

        If you are curious to see how this all falls into place during a typical day, be sure to check out my post, "Fitting It All In" - where I explain!  If you're interested in seeing how I organize everyone's assignments, I've got a post on my homemade homeschool assignment sheets, too!

        Thanks for stopping by and have a great 2011-2012 homeschool year!

        Saturday, July 02, 2011

        Treasures of June

        From Books and Bairns:
        Learn to Love the Child you Don't Like at The Homeschool Post

        The Pitfall of Perfectionism at The Gospel Coalition

        Summer Activity Jars and Grab Bags {Free Printables} at The Crafting Chicks

        From Raising Homemakers:
        Moms, Do You Take Your Own Advice? at Bring Birth Home

        What You Don't Know About Your Cervix can Ruin Your Birth at Birthologie

        I Can't Do This Homeschooling Life at Preschoolers and Peace

        Not So Quiet Time for Moms at Confessions of a Homeschooler

        Words of Wisdom (?) Whether Running or Breastfeeding at Dr. Jen 4 Kids

        From Heart of the Matter Online:
        Raising Sons: Shaping Their Masculine Identity at The Male Domain

        From At the Well:
        From Raising Arrows:
        6 Points I Would Have to Believe Before Resuming Vaccinations at Life on the Franco Farm

        Why My Husband Deserves Father's Day at Amber Dusick

        Dear Mr. Atheist, Please Know That All Christian Homeschoolers aren't Alike at thatmom.com

        Wifey Wednesday - In Need of Conversation at ...to Love, Honor, and Vacuum

        Motherhood as a Mission Field at Desiring God

        The Word, Godly Counsel and Personal Discernment at Making Home

        Make Your Own Wrap Carrier at Barefoot Buttercup

        Perfect Mothers vs. Balanced Mothers at Inspired to Action (I believe this made it to Treasures when it was originally posted, but it's worth repeating!)

        From The Feminist Breeder:

        Wednesday, June 08, 2011

        She Wears Skirts

        ImageI'm joining in with Amy at Raising Arrows and Caroline from The Modest Mom as they conclude a series they've done all about wearing skirts (entitled, appropriately, "She Wears Skirts"). The series has been great - talking about why one might choose to wear skirts more often, how to accessorize, how it can be done frugally, how it can be done while pregnant and breastfeeding, even how to do it during various seasons! There are so many topics they've covered, and they've all been fun and interesting to read.

        For their final post for "She Wears Skirts", they've offered a link-up for others to share some pictures of... well, skirt wearing! Since I tend to wear skirts, probably 95% of the time, I thought I'd join in!

        First, I want to give a little background behind why I wear skirts so often. I wouldn't say it's a conviction, necessarily, because I don't believe there's anything wrong with a woman wearing pants. Skirts and pants alike can be either modest or immodest, depending on various factors, so when the Bible speaks of a woman being adorned modestly, I don't personally interpret that to mean "skirts only".

        However, here's my background - I was a complete tomboy as a child/young woman. On top of that, I was also very feministic in my thinking (that may not be a word, but I think it can be understood what I mean!). I often felt very awkward in my female skin and rarely wore skirts or dresses. My main attire was short shorts, blue jeans, baggy sweats or exercise clothes.

        Fast forward to becoming a wife, and then a mommy - to one boy, then another, then another... I started to become more comfortable in my calling as a woman. I started to desire to be more feminine! I was surrounded with masculinity and wanted to be the softer, gentler one of the family. I clearly remember an evening when I was standing in the yard with my husband while we watched the boys playing, and saying to him "I think I'd like to wear skirts more often. Would that be weird?" and he said "No! That would be great!"

        And so I slowly started building my wardrobe of skirts. I remember so well the first time I ventured out in a nice, long skirt (one of my husband's favorites, which has sadly worn out due to many years of wearing!)... and a man held the door open for me at the store! That had never, ever happened to me before! Coincidence? Perhaps... but I have found over the years that I've been wearing skirts more regularly that men actually do take notice - not in the way that they take notice of short, barely-there type skirts and shorts, but take notice in a way that causes them to treat me more... like a lady! Fascinating, really, that a feminine-looking woman can bring out the chivalry in a man! (That, of course, is not the reason I wear skirts, but it has certainly been an interesting observation)

        So for me, wearing skirts is a way to feel more feminine, and to remind me of my femininity. Just dressing the part doesn't naturally make one more lady-like, but it can help serve as a reminder of my role and calling, and that God has created me distinctly female, with gifts directly related to that aspect of who I am. So! That is why I prefer to wear skirts.

        Now, on to the pictures! These were not all taken this week, this month, or even this year - it's actually hard to find pictures of me, since I'm usually the one taking the pictures. But I was able to get some volunteers to help me for a couple shots this week, and the rest are examples of my basic skirt wardrobe, which hasn't changed much over the years.
        ImageImageI try to keep things pretty simple - sticking with basic, solid colors, or color themes that match my wardrobe. I like earth tones, so there's a lot of tans, browns, blacks, olive green, with some brighter pinks and blues thrown in, too.

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        ImageIt took me a while to get up a good collection of skirts. I was really blessed to discover a local thrift store that offers 1/2 off coupons every so often, which happens to have a very nice selection of skirts. My first visit there I was able to get 8 skirts for less than $30! That made my collection quite complete, and I haven't needed to shop since!
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        Michael calls this my "homeschool mom" skirt, because, well, it's denim!
        I'll admit, most of my skirts are elastic-waisted. I know, I know! But since I am always in the pregnant-nursing-gaining weight-losing weight cycle, it's just more practical to have skirts that can adjust with my body, instead of having to have skirts for each phase. However, I tend to wear pants when I start to get really big pregnant, just because elastic can only stretch so far! Here are two of my maternity skirts:
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        The day Judah was born!
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        That's Rachel in there!
        Speaking of skirts and pregnancy, did you know there are "labor skirts"?  I actually wore one during Rachel's birth, in the birth pool!  I *loved* how it helped me to stay modest and comfortable, even during delivery!


        I think this is officially the most pictures of myself ever on this blog!  Now if you run into me at the store, you'll have to say hi, because you'll definitely recognize me.  I'm the one wearing a skirt, with all the kids! ;-)

        Be sure to hop over to Raising Arrows to join in the She Wears Skirts fun!

        Thursday, June 02, 2011

        Treasures of May

        Re-Thinking Mother's Day at True Woman

        From Raising Arrows:

        Raising Girls who Long to be Keepers at Home at Raising Olives

        Five Reasons You Should Read to Your Kids at The Happy Housewife

        If You Had Known Me Then... at Storing Up Treasures - I could have written this post!

        How to Love Your Kids (When You Don't Really Like Them) at Steady Mom

        From holy experience:From Passionate Homemaking:

        minimalist influence: homeschooling at thatmom

        Oh, if I Could Only Do it All Over Again! Homeschooling, That Is... at Mommy, Esquire

        Five Manners Your Preschooler Should Master at Heart of the Matter

        "I'm Never Inviting You to MY House!"
        at Hooked on Houses

        Parenting 001 at The Gospel Coalition

        Snappy Answers for Stupid Questions About Your Big Family at National Catholic Register

        If you Nurse Your Baby...
        at peaceful parenting

        Advice for Young (& Old) Wives at life as a mom

        25 Manners Every Child Should Know by Age 9 at Shine

        On Motherhood and Profanity at Ladies Against Feminism - excellent words from Elisabeth Elliot!

        3-Year Old and 4-Year Old Boys at Preschoolers and Peace

        The Contempt Shown to Parents of Large Families at World Net Daily

        "Tell Her Mama!" at Raising Homemakers



        Throwing the Baby Out Instead of the Foreskin at A Christian Worldview of Fiction

        A Welcoming Haven for Your Man at Parenting Miracles

        Sunday, May 01, 2011

        Treasures of April

        Babywearing Through the Ages at Nine Davids

        On Reading at Homeschool Musings

        At the Feet of Jesus
        at Large Family Mothering

        The Colicky Baby at Raising Arrows

        Just Kiss Him! at Heart to Heart with Diane

        There is no Rewind Button in Life at The Cathy Family

        The Best Homeschool Curriculum at Grateful for Grace

        How to Braid 6-Strand Challah Bread at Tammy's Kitchen

        How to Make Homemade Bread Dough at Faithful Provisions

        Is God Good? at Rosecommon Acres (warning - be prepared to cry)

        Softened by Love at Large Family Mothering

        The 7 Habits of People Who Place Radical Trust in God at Conversion Diary

        We are Tested by Our Falls and Failings at David Wilkerson Today (Rev. Wikerson passed away this month. His book, "The Cross and the Switchblade" affected my walk with God tremendously. I know he has now heard the words "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"! Please pray for his wife as she recovers from the car accident that took his life and left her in critical condition, as well as his family as they mourn their loss.)