Electronics for Kids

My kids are playing on the computer and watching youtube and more.  I don't like it, but what can I do about it?  I don't think it's good, but what proof do I have?  When I do take electronics away for a time, life is so much nicer at home.  Can I just say, "No more electronics."?  Yes, I can.  

Here are a couple podcasts to give you a good footing to say just that.

for kids - https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast-1/episode/c33b63fa/healthy-screen-time-habits-for-kids-podcast-534

for teens - https://www.durendawilson.com/podcast-1/episode/bc897dcc/healthy-screen-time-habits-for-teens-podcast-535

I ended up listening to the one for kids while my children were in the car.  My teenage boy turns to me and tells me that he wants me to stop listening to this.  He proceeds to tell me that he will probably use this when he has children.  Score!!!  My son already understands.  I decided to listen to the teen one on our next drive.  Then at the beginning of school this year, I informed them that electronics were not be allowed during the school week except for school use.

Now what to do for the breaks.  I just need to have a back bone and not back down.

A Time for Work and a Time for "Home" Work

Well, a new school year is upon us.  

I taught for ten years in the public schools before stepping into motherhood full time.  During my last year of teaching, I weighed the pros and cons of homeschooling.  I could only come up with one con for homeschooling, and that is, I would not have any time to myself.  I decided I could be "selfless" for eighteen plus years.  

Yikes!!!  What did I get myself into!  Don't get me wrong...  I thoroughly enjoy teaching my children and building a relationship with each of them.  But sometimes it would be nice to leave my "job" at work and come home to "home" work.  Well, I am putting that into place this year.  There is a time for teaching, a time for grading, and a time for tutoring.  If you try to get me to do "work" during my time of rest or "home" work, I say, "Plan better next time."  It doesn't always work, but it is working MUCH better this year.

Embrace the Want

A few days ago, my husband said something and left the room.  I immediately started bawling.  I mean, I was sobbing.  I couldn't figure out who I was.  I don't cry over hurt feelings.  He didn't even say anything bad; he just told me he was going to get a pizza for lunch.  I was so hurt, I actually thought about telling him I wasn't going to go to a wedding that afternoon.

About an hour later, I went into our room and decided to veg.  I didn't want to think of anything.  I watched a show I was able to get lost in.  After the first episode ended, I was fine.  I wasn't hurt.  I definitely wasn't crying.  Who was that girl?!  Then it hit me.  I was stressed.  I allowed too much stress in my life.  

On our way to the wedding, I told my husband about the incident and explained that it was due to stress.  So he told me to think of things that are stressing me out and take out the least important things.  I almost immediately respond, "I could get rid of the kids."  Obviously, that is NOT going to happen.  But most of what stresses me out has to do with them.  So what am I supposed to do?

I listed different things, but a lot of those things I "need" to do.  The things I could give up, I don't want to.  I find joy in them for the most part.  So he told me to embrace the "want."   Huh?!  The want?!  Yes, I want to do things that are adding to my stress, so embrace it.  Ok.  That actually makes sense.  Kind of 🤣

So here is to embracing "The Want."

Why Can't I Find a Good Man?!

I wish I was taught this when I was young...

Most girls grow up wanting to marry a man who is kind, giving, loyal, protective, and financially secure.

They tend to have a list that encompasses much more than that, but the things above are what they really want.

What those girls don't understand is that you need to be a woman that type of man wants.  

Are you loyal?  Are you caring?  Do you show your parents respect?  If you don't respect your parents, chances are you won't respect your man.  

Ladies, dress the part.  Are you dressing to attract lustful men or a man who desires a wholesome woman?  Act like a woman that type of man would want to wake up next to for the rest of his life.  

Respect yourself.  If you don't respect yourself, don't expect anyone else to.  

Know your value, your true value.  It's better to be single your entire life than married to the wrong man.

Ask your creator who your spouse is.  And wait for him.  While you're waiting, follow God's plan as a single person.  There is so much you can do when you don't have any ties to another.

  

Next School Year

Wow!!!  This summer has flown by.  It seems like next school year is almost upon us.  I am prepping to teach three classes that meet 1-2 times per week.  I've gotten two classes mostly prepped.  The schedules are done, but I still have some lessons to plan in one and recording in another.  The third class should be fairly easy to prep; fingers crossed :)

I don't think the children understand.  They get a break.  Teachers don't!

And with homeschooling, there are not many repeat lessons.  Each year we teachers start from scratch.  Well, at least the schedule is done, so that should make the following school year a smidge easier to prep as long as I teach the same types of classes.  But Lit will be more difficult to schedule for sure.  Remember:  One year at a time 😐

Direction

 What direction should I go?

Remember, whichever way you choose to turn, you can always turn back as long as you still have breath.

Steps to turn your life around:

1)  Humble yourself

2)  Ask for forgiveness

3)  Accept the free gift offered you

4)  Keep your eyes on Him; He won't leave you.

Hint:  If you notice your eyes have wandered, put them back on Him.

Much love 💞

That Time of Life

 Baby - all their needs are given to them; they can't do anything on their own

Toddler - the world is theirs; everything is new

early elementary - branching out; making friends

upper elementary - testing the waters; what can I do

junior high - pushing boundaries; what can't I do

high school - on top of the world; it's all about me

college/early 20s - it's a brand new world; I'm in charge

mid - late 20s - switch flips; seeing the dangers and downfalls

30s - a new way of life; starting a family

40s - best of times; but the body starts going down hill

50s - even better times; but losing family and friends more quickly now

60s - grandkids; saying bye to so many

70s - enjoy life; 10-30 more yrs

80s - settle down and live; let others come to you

90s - smile & enjoy all that you helped bring into being; giving others a chance to say goodbye

100s - nice; I've lived this long; what's stopping me now :)

No matter what stage of life you are in... Remember, God is always there; just ask.