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Throwback Tuesday: 10 Challenges We Faced While Unschooling

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Originally shared February 11, 2013; life was very different 12 years ago. The boys were aged 8, 7, & 5 and we were doing lots and lots of learning through play and exploration.  Since yesterday's post seemed to be so popular I thought today I'd talk about what some are of the hardest parts of unschooling. The biggest challenges of unschooling:  Most of these are things I struggle with on at least a weekly basis, if not daily! I've developed ten little mantras to repeat to myself. Here are my mantras and what they mean: 1.  Don't panic!   Believe it or not this happens to me a lot (and yes, I know if you read my blog you do realize this!).  These two words have sort of become my internal mantra-- "Don't Panic!"  Earlier this morning I was sitting here thinking; "jeez, we haven't done anything in a while.  How can they possibly be learning?!" I struggled with this when we homeschooled actual lessons and I really struggle with...

Talking About it Tuesday #57

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We've had a very wet and snowy week that started with a small storm last Sunday night into Monday, another nearly all day on Thursday, and now one this past Sunday too. Tonight, tomorrow, Thursday, and Saturday all have possible snow showers in the forecast as well.  So I'm pretty sure it will be another week spent mostly at home. How about you? One good thing about our weather is that I have plenty of time to read ALL the blog posts linked up with us each week. I've tried quite a few new recipes too so thank you for the inspiration! Speaking of all the blogs linked up with us-- this past week we had a tie for "most viewed" so I only picked two others to feature.  The link with the most views from last week's party: It's a tie! A Brand New Month by My Seventies Split How One Thrift Purchase Sparked a Kitchen Overhaul by Thrifting Wonderland A few that caught my eye: Finding Joy in January by Is This Mutton? Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday-- February Chal...

Tips for Falling Asleep and Staying Asleep with Share Our Lives

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This month for Share Our lives we're looking at tips for falling asleep. Now, I rarely have any trouble at all falling asleep. I am and have been an "early to bed, early to rise" kind of person since long before I had kids. So if you're looking for a new bedtime routine don't look at me.  Most days, especially in winter when it's dark and cold out, I change into my pajamas and comfy clothes just before I start cooking dinner. In the spring and summer I typically don't change into comfy clothes until after 7 since we do go out and do things after dinner. But just the act of putting on comfy clothes gets me into a relaxation mode.  Then we watch TV or I a read a book for a few hours and I'm usually in bed by 9 the latest. I turn on the TV-- yes we have a TV in our room and yes I watch it to fall asleep. I know all the studies say this is awful but it's what works best for me. I try to watch a show I've already seen so I'm not really invested ...

Gratitude and Highlights Each Day in January

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Brr! January had some really cold days this year and those cold days feeling stuck inside made the month feel extra long. Luckily we had enough fun plans, puzzles, and good books to keep it interesting.  1. Thankful for a quiet, low-key day at home.  I got to work on some scrapbook pages today and ended our evening with a fire and some card games with my mother in law joining us. 4.014 steps.  2. So grateful to get all caught on my scrapbooking before the next batch of photos arrive!  Another fabulous day at home crafting and playing games with my sons and mother in law. 2,446 steps.  3. Evan, Alec and I had dentist appointments today and I am so thankful we all had no issues at all. I did find time for a quick walk before and while cold it was beautiful out. 8,154 steps. I spotted a bald eagle flying overhead; sorry it's so blurry but I had to zoom way in 4.  SO thankful for helpful YouTube videos!  I spent the bulk of my day teaching myself how to u...