Girls to Grow

Giving Thanks In Every Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." ~ I Thessalonians 5:18

Certain verses in the Bible always speak to my heart no matter how many times I've read them in the past. Those Scriptures seem to contain lessons of which I need to be continually reminded.

As I read I Thessalonians 5:18 yesterday, I decided to break down the first five words of this verse - the command, if you will, to give thanks.

In. While I'm in the midst of it, while it's taking place; not waiting until afterwards, when it might be easier to find the good in what's already happened.
Every. All; no exceptions; every single time.
Thing. This word covers a lot - unexpected circumstance, trial, relationship, spiritual battle, physical illness, emotional upheaval, etc.
Give. An act of my will; a choice; perhaps even a sacrifice.
Thanks. Not just acceptance or resignation, but thankfulness, appreciation, heartfelt gratitude.

If ever I saw the need for the Holy Spirit's help, it's right here. Choosing to be thankful through all the things that come into my life is not a fleshly reaction - that would be to complain or to sink in self-pity. It takes the power of the Holy Spirit to give thanks in every thing.

So whatever we face today, my friend, may we choose to have a thankful heart. Thereby, we will know that we are doing the will of God for us.

Saturday Salutes

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

I love the Super Summer Schedule that Emily created!

Kat shares A Mom's Guide to a "Geek-to-Chic" Summer.

At Living Well, Spending Less, I found 10 Tips for Getting More Done Every Single Day.

Judy created a Homeschooler's Guide to Free Kindle Books. (It looks like a great list, even if you're not a homeschooler!)

Last night I tried this Easy Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas recipe and it was another winner!

We've had an extremely busy week, so I'm looking forward to staying home all day long - with my husband grilling out for supper and the girls and I making homemade ice cream! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Judgement or Grace?

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

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I think we'd agree that most mothers want the best for their children.

We may differ in our child-rearing methods, our style of discipline, or the amount of structure in our homes. Yet we all want to see our children grow up safe and healthy, and - especially as Christian moms - with personal integrity, compassion for others, and a love for God.

I rarely know all that's going on in another mother's life as I see her struggling with her two-year-old in the grocery store or engaging in a heated debate with her teenager in the parking lot. Yet I can choose to mentally judge her or to offer her grace.

Perhaps judging makes me feel better about myself and my parenting. Yet I know how often I fail to say the right words or set the right example, so it only seems fitting that other moms are in the same boat.

One of the greatest lessons I've learned in parenting is that each of my children has a free will. I can teach and train and pray and influence...but ultimately, they may choose to disobey, to make foolish decisions.

Each season of parenting has its unique challenges. Having seen other kids in the junior-high stage my daughter's about to enter, I know there will be new trials ahead. I remember some of the dumb things I did at that age and am sure my daughter will repeat at least a few of those - or come up with her own!

As we encounter fellow moms in the trenches of motherhood - from sleepless nights with newborns to tantrum-throwing two-year-olds to young adolescents trying to find their place in the world - let's be patient, forgiving, and understanding.

I have to ask myself, which do I want extended to me - grace or judgement? May I readily show the same to others.

What Legacy Will You Choose To Leave?

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

I like the idea of leaving a spiritual legacy for my children.

While reading Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson, I found this at the end of chapter 12, "Living on Purpose."

"In your journal, list five ways you want to leave a legacy to your children. (For example: loving relationships, moral excellence, a vibrant faith, etc.) Under each area write at least two practical goals or ways you will implement your plan this year. Make a six-month plan for specific ways you will establish routines or traditions to build these goals into your schedule."

Since I know I have a better chance of following through on a shorter list, I decided to designate three areas in which I'd like to leave a legacy for my children.

1. A generous spirit.
- Every month, our daughters can do a few extra projects to earn money, with the specific purpose of giving the money to a needy family, a missionary, etc.
- Emphasize sharing with others - inside and outside of the family - with everything from possessions to candy to time.

2. A grateful heart.
- Buy the girls their own "gratitude journal" and each night before we do our bedtime reading, they can write down at least one thing for which they're thankful.
- Have the girls write at least one thank you note a month, expressing gratitude to another person. I need to assign this to the first day of the month so I won't forget!

3. A knowledge of who God is.
- During the summer, we can study an attribute of God each month and work together to memorize a verse about that attribute.
- Continue our after supper family devotional time.

What spiritual legacy would you like to leave your children?

Believe His Promises

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

"...what greater rebellion...or insult to God can there be, than not to believe His promises?" Martin Luther in Concerning Christian Liberty

I read this statement last week and have been considering it ever since. Do I really take God at His word?

I decided to study the promises of God during my daily devotions. It's a joy to search the Bible for promises that God has made. One that has been an encouragement already is found in Psalm 84:11c, "No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly." It reminds me that as I'm seeking to follow the Lord, He will not withhold from me anything that is for my good.

What's one of God's promises that's special to you?

Saturday Salutes

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Sat, 11 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

I had to be still and let the words of this post sink into my mind. My favorite line? "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." From Ann Voskamp, it's 4 Steps to Take When You're Not Ready for Change.

I recently wrote about how to plan a summer learning program for your kids. In a similar vein, Laura gives us Planning for a Summer to Remember.

Scarlet shares some great tips in Fabulous Decor Finishing Touches: Making a House a Home.

If you have a "meat-and-potatoes" guy living in your house (like I do), he may enjoy this Slow Cooked Cheeseburger Casserole. I tried it this past week and my husband and I both thought it was tasty. The only change I'll make next time is to set aside a bit of the grated cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over the top to melt during the last 20-30 minutes.

Our daughters have a piano recital this afternoon, followed by our traditional pre-Mother's Day Night Out which includes having supper at a nice restaurant, then walking on the beach. I'm quite excited!!

Wishing all of you a Happy Mother's Day! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

11 Reasons I'm Enjoying My 40's

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 10 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

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I have several friends who are turning 40 this year. As for me, I passed that milestone a few years ago!

In spite of the grayer (or in my case, whiter!) hair, slower metabolism, and dimmer eye sight, I want to assure them that it's not all bad. While I realize that we're each in different seasons of life in our forties, this list of reasons why I'm enjoying this particular decade may encourage others who are just now entering it!

1. My children are old enough to take care of themselves....mostly, anyway.

2. I find myself taking more time to realize - in the moment - how special are the memories I'm making.

3. I've come to a better understanding of what I like....and what I don't.

4. I recognize the value of a true friend.

5. I have a good reason for why I can't remember anything any more!

6. As heaven grows its population with more people I know, my thoughts of going there for eternity are even sweeter.

7. I'm learning to appreciate every day that I feel great and every night that I sleep well!

8. I love and admire the man I married more and more.

9. I no longer force myself to ride roller coasters.

10. Because of what's come before, I believe I'm learning that trusting God and His providence works for the best in every situation.

11. I'm not yet being asked if I want the senior citizens' discount!

What's one of your favorite things about the decade you're in?

Shopping in the Ladies Department

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

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It's the first page in a new chapter.

While I was shopping in the dress department of a store last week, my twelve-year-old spotted a dress she thought was cute. She held it up to see if I liked it (for me) and I suggested that she find the smallest size they had and try it on herself. (No, that smallest size wasn't for me. :) She's grown so tall that I suspected it would fit her.

After a moment's pause, she did; in fact, she entered her own dressing room with several dresses and a skirt. This was amazing, as a mere two weeks ago, she refused to look at anything in the Misses department, declaring it all too "old lady-ish."

It was a little strange, each of us in our own dressing room with my ten-year-old sitting in a chair outside, willingly providing her opinion on each piece of clothing.

After a couple of "fails," my oldest emerged in a darling dress. We all exclaimed over it...a minor miracle that all three of us actually liked it! We bought it and she wore it to church on Sunday.

Yes, her wearing a dress from the ladies department is the first page in a new chapter of her life. She'll become a teenager later this year. Don't get me wrong; she's still designing dresses for paper dolls and styling the hair on her American Girl dolls, so she hasn't left childhood behind altogether.

But she's taken another small step towards becoming a young lady. It's exciting and frightening at the same time...yes, for both of us!!

How Do I Walk Humbly With My God?

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

"...And what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:8b

I've been studying verses on humility over the past few days. I find myself struggling with pride in so many ways and want to meditate on Bible verses that teach about being humble.

As I read the above verse, I thought about what it means to "walk humbly" with God. Here are a few ideas that I wrote down.

Recognize that all I have (material possessions, relationships, talents, health) comes from God
Direct all glory, honor, and praise toward Him.
Have a spirit of gratitude, not entitlement.
See others as better than myself.
Ask for the Holy Spirit's help in spotting pride in my life and seek His grace and power to live in humility.

What else might it mean to walk humbly with God?

Saturday Salutes

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Sat, 04 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Lara encourages us to Worship This Day, Regardless.

If you want to do a better job of coordinating your clothes, read Trina's 6 Steps to a Mix and Match Wardrobe.

I enjoyed Michael Hyatt's tips on How to Set Yourself Up for a Productive Day.

I know I've been sharing a lot of cookie recipes lately (this week I made my own Oatmeal Cookies and added white baking chips to some of the batter :), but last night I tried this Crescent Chicken for supper. It was easy to prepare and totally delicious! I've added it to my recipe binder and look forward to making it often.

Have a wonderful weekend!

How to Plan a Summer Learning Program for Your Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Yes, I realize that we've just slipped into May, but I also know that in only a month, school will be done and those weeks of summer will be stretching out ahead of us.

Every year I plan a summer learning program for our daughters. It's an activity we look forward to; it allows me to continue educating them, just like during the school year, but at a slower, more relaxed pace.

It takes just a bit of organizing ahead of time to make this work. If you're interested in creating a program for your family, here are the steps I usually follow.

1. Define your children's interests. What do they naturally like to learn about? From airplanes to earthworms, castles to horses, make a list of topics they enjoy.

2. Lay out a simple, basic schedule for the summer. Decide how many weeks you want the learning program to include; perhaps you've already planned a family trip, summer camp, vacation Bible school, etc. Then determine how many days a week you want to do this; I typically plan for three days, leaving others open for swimming in the pool, visits to the library, etc. This will give you a framework for what you want to attempt.

3. Gather resources. Once you've decided the topics you want to cover, assign each of them to a particular week. Then see what books you can find to read together aloud (or on their own, if they're older), whether from your own collection or the library. Look for printable color sheets or simple worksheets. You may even find age-appropriate online games or research articles to use.

4. Add hands-on activities. Whether it's making a craft, building a sculpture with Lego's, painting, cooking, or another project, find a way to let your children actively participate with the subject.

5. Plan one to two field trips that coordinate with what you're learning. These can be simple - a trip to a local park to bird watch or study flowers, a visit to a local art museum, or a stop at a farmers' market.

6. Make it fun. Take a laid-back approach (advice to myself!) and see what your children can learn through loosely-structured activities - and even focused play. Lose any stress. If you miss a day, don't worry about it; just pick it back up the next day.

If you're looking for some topics, the following are a few suggestions: animals; a specific period in history; flowers/plant life; American presidents or First Ladies; weather; countries (you could get very detailed and do one country for the whole summer or do a different country each week); space; famous authors; Bible characters; music (composers, instruments, etc).

If you'd like to see what we've done in the past, here are links to previous summer learning programs:
2009
2010
2011
2012

I'll plan to share our 2013 summer learning program later this month.

Are you making any summer plans yet?

2013 Goals Update for April

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 01 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

April was a mix of successes and failures. I'm glad that I decided to post a yearly goals update at the end of each month as it helps me regain focus on what I'd like to accomplish during 2013.

Once again, I'll be basing my update on the first three weeks of the month. I was out of town all last week and am not good about tracking these things while on vacation!

Spiritual
1. Memorize praise passages: ~~Luke 1:46-55~~; ~~Revelation 5:8-14~~; Psalm 145; I Chronicles 29:10-19. I struggled with verses 11 and 12 of Psalm 145; it took me a couple of weeks just to master those two verses! I'm hoping I'll be able to move more quickly through the rest of the chapter.
2. Begin daily devotions with ten minutes of prayer. Consistent with this in April.
3. Send a note or e-mail of encouragement to someone every week. I missed doing this one week.

Personal
1. Read through my book list. I read three of the books on my 2013 book list; I have just five books left!
2. Publish an e-book. I made very little progress on this.
3. Try something new each month. Since we were out of town for a few days, we tried new restaurants on several occasions. I also made several new cookie recipes, of which these were the best.

Family
1. Continue monthly daddy/daughter date nights for my husband and each of the girls and quarterly husband/wife date nights for my husband and I. My husband and I had a date night this month, but we didn't manage to schedule date nights for the girls.
2. Plan one fun homeschool day each month. We went on a field trip to a honeybee farm.
3. Purchase a special dinner plate for celebrating accomplishments and use it for each family member at least once a month. Oh, dear; missed this one again!

Physical
1. Exercise for 20 minutes at least 4 days a week. Yes!
2. Eat 3 servings of fruits and vegetables at least 4 days a week. Did this for April as well.
3. Keep a food journal to track the goal above as well as to note if I'm continuing to limit my sweets to one per day. I have my spreadsheet hanging on the refrigerator door and it's working well!

Do you set monthly or yearly goals? How are you doing with them?

April Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Can I just confess that April's passed in a bit of a blur?

My husband and I spent the first half of last week in St. Augustine, Florida. We explored a few old churches, took a carriage tour of the historic district, browsed in used bookstores, walked through unique stores, discovered gourmet chocolate shops, and ate Kilwins ice cream (more than once). Our favorite find was actually a small restaurant in Jacksonville called The French Pantry; the sandwiches were amazing and the cake we shared for dessert was one of the best I've ever eaten.

While we obviously enjoyed our food on the trip, I also had some extra time for reading. Here are the books I read in April, three of which were on my 2013 reading list.

A Season of Angels by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer. I've always enjoyed the Cape Light and Angel Island novels.

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. A thought-provoking read that challenges the status quo of dating. I plan to read this again in a couple of years and will probably have our daughters read it when they're older. I've also added the follow-up book, Boy Meets Girl, to my reading list.

The Beautiful Home: Decorating Ideas on a Budget for Your Dream Home by Michelle Stewart (e-book)

The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee

How To Be Close To Your Children by Dr. Jeff Fugate

The Negotiator by Dee Henderson

Hope for the Weary Mom by Stacey Thacker and Brooke McGothlin

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn. This book gave interesting insights into the thought lives of men.

I finished reading Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson aloud to our daughters. Yet another classic that I never read while growing up, this was an exciting book for all of us. It was on our Read Aloud list for the year.

Have you read any good books lately?

13 Ways To Encourage Your Children

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Sometimes we could all use a dash of encouragement, even "little people" like our children! Here are thirteen ideas to help make their day just a little brighter.

Tuck a note into their lunchbox or book bag. Write a sweet thought or a short joke to make them smile.

Give them a big hug for no particular reason at all.

When you part in the morning, tell them that you will be praying for them today.

Put a small treat on their bed for them to find when they get home in the afternoon

Smile at them often.

Make eye contact and truly listen when your child is telling you something.

When they have completed a task well, praise them.

While they are close by, relate to someone else something good that your child has done.

If you see them struggling with a task, offer your help.

Watch for an area in their character where you see growth and spend a few minutes communicating to them how proud you are of how they're maturing.

Willingly do something they ask you to do - stop working and play a game, help them find a lost item, etc.

Allow them to help you with a project you're working on that they're interested in - cooking, cleaning, scrapbooking, or other chores or hobbies.

Every so often, allow them a special privilege, such as staying up late, having two helpings of dessert or taking a day off from chores.

I want to be mindful of encouraging my daughters on a daily basis. What are some other ways we can encourage our children?

This post was originally published on October 15, 2009.

Having Faith in the Promises of God

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

In our family Bible time as well as in my private devotional time, we have been walking through Hebrews chapter 11. Hebrews is often called the "Hall of Faith," giving examples of Bible characters who exhibited great faith in God. Verse 6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."

Faith in God, then, is believing that God exists, believing the promises He has given in His Word, and acting on those promises. Here are just a few of the things God has promised to those who believe.

Salvation. Many verses in the Bible delineate God's promise of salvation, but one of the most direct is Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." How wonderful that the plan of salvation is simple enough that even our children can understand and accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour at a young age.

Peace. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to be careful or anxious for nothing, but to take everything to God in prayer. He promises that His peace, which is unexplainable, will keep our hearts and minds. Everything - any concerns about our children, marriage, financial pressures, job uncertainties, health issues - can be laid at His feet and, if we will allow it, His peace will flood our soul.

His presence. According to Hebrews 13:5, God has said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." What a comfort to know that there is nowhere I can go, no circumstances I can face that will cause Him to leave me.

His provision. "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" from Philippians 4:19 lets me know that not only does God know the needs in my life, but He has the resources available to meet each and every one.

His power. I have access to the power of God. Philippians 4:13 states "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Not on my own will anything be accomplished, but through the Holy Spirit's leading, I can do anything that God calls me to do.

I enjoy reading about these men and women who were greatly used of God because they had faith to act on His promises. May we follow in their footsteps!

This post was originally published on March 11, 2009.

Saturday Salutes

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Amy has a great perspective on eating "real food" in Keep It Simple.

Lisa-Jo shares why It's OK if You're Not Enjoying Being a Mom This Week.

I always enjoy seeing the Fun Thrifty Treasures that Jen finds!

And the next dessert I want to try? This Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight. (And by the way, I made those Double Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies for my daughters to take to a meeting of one of their homeschool co-op classes and they were quite tasty!)

Hope you have a great weekend!

Getting It All Done

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

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Do you ever wonder how you can possibly accomplish everything you want to in a day?

I once heard Dave Ramsey say that "we shouldn't ask, 'what do I have to squeeze into my day to get this done, but what do I have to give up to accomplish this?'"

All day every day we are prioritizing our activities, both by what we do and by what we don't do. We often make those decisions "on the fly" rather than putting thought into the most valuable way to use our time.

Unfortunately, sometimes the tasks that are most important don't cry out for our attention - like Bible reading and prayer time, or even working on long-term projects that will benefit us and our families.

With the busy lives that most of us lead, it's hard to finish all that we want to do. Sometimes it's helpful to start the day by looking ahead to its end; in other words, when you go to bed that night, what will you want to look back on and feel good about having accomplished? Those responsibilities become your priorities for the day, so tackling them in the morning will ensure that you fulfill them. You may have to give up other opportunities, but you'll have made sure that the important things are completed.

I must confess that I'm writing this for myself today. I feel a bit overwhelmed by what I need to get done, so I will definitely need to put this into practice now!

4 Steps I Take When My House is a Wreck

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

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While I usually stick to my cleaning schedule and keep our house fairly neat, there are occasionally days when I feel like it's all out of control! While calling in a maid might be a nice first step, it's up to me to restore order to the chaos.

Here are some steps I usually take when my house is a wreck.

1. Clean up my kitchen. Maybe it's because our kitchen is open to the living area, but having dirty dishes piled in the sink and my counter tops stacked with items to be put away makes me a little crazy. For you, it may be the dining room table or the guest bathroom, but focus on one key area and get it clean.

2. Clear the clutter in the main living areas. I may not get to clean everything at first, but if I can straighten up the books, toss discarded magazines, and put toys back in their place, I at least get an overall feeling of neatness.

3. Call in the children to help. Since my girls are older, they can tackle larger tasks like vacuuming floors, folding and putting away clean clothes, washing dishes, etc. However, even young children can help sort laundry, take non-breakables out of the dishwasher, empty small trashcans, etc.

4. Create a list of what can be done today and what can be left for tomorrow. Yes, my personality craves lists, but it does help if I take just a few minutes and write down what needs to be done first. I know that I can't get to everything immediately, but at least I have a plan - and I get to cross items off my list when I'm done with them, which makes me very happy!

What's the first step you take when your house is a wreck?

Duty Can Lead to the Divine

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

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"Rebekah was able to meet God's divine appointment for her life because she was faithfully carrying out her current obligations." ~Gregg Harris

I came across this quote while reading Joshua Harris' book I Kissed Dating Goodbye. He describes the story in Genesis 24 when Abraham's servant comes looking for a bride for Isaac. The servant finds Rebekah - not on a big stage or performing amazing tasks - but rather as she's going about her usual duties, filling her water pitcher at the well.

Sometimes we look for God's direction by stepping outside of the ordinary, seeking a grand revelation. Yet it is often as we go about our normal tasks that we find God's calling for us - His will revealed. As we are faithful in what He's given us to do now, we can trust that God will bring about the opportunities that are meant for us.

Saturday Salutes

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Beth gives us 10 Truths You Need to Hear When You Feel Like a Failure as a Mom.

Jeff Goins reminds us that We Become What We Practice.

The next cookie recipe I want to try is these Double Chocolate Pudding Cookies.

My favorite saying of the week, found on Pinterest, from Crystal at Money Saving Mom:

After a busy week, we're looking forward to a restful weekend. Hope yours is great!

3 Simple Ways to Show Respect for Your Husband

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

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I am setting an example for my daughters every day.

This is true in many areas, but especially in the way I treat my husband. By my words and actions, I show them my respect (or lack thereof) for him and the God-given position he has in our family. Our girls will notice and treat him - and most likely their future husband - in a similar manner.

Here are three simple ways I'm seeking to set a right example of respect for my husband.

1. Speak positively about him to my children, parents, friends, etc. Yes, he does have faults, but the only person that needs to hear about those is the Lord when I pray. I want to notice and praise his good qualities.

2. Be totally honest with him in my words and actions. I should participate in the same activities whether he's at home or not. Hiding a purchase so he won't know how much I spent is not helpful to our relationship. I want to live my life transparently before him.

3. Trust his judgment. My husband has helpful insight on many matters - especially our children - and his input is valuable. When it comes to making decisions for our family, we discuss alternatives, then he ultimately has the final say. I want to be supportive, not second-guessing him or whining about not getting my way, regardless of the outcome.

In what other ways can we show respect for our husbands?

25 Lessons I've Learned about Having a Daughter

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

When it comes to rearing girls, I have so much to learn. Each stage brings its own unique blessings and challenges. However, in the twelve years I've been doing life with daughters, there are a number of lessons I've learned.

1. It will be very tempting to buy her more clothes and shoes than she needs.

2. She'll delight in hearing stories about when I was a little girl...at least until she reaches a certain age.

3. Her style may be very different from mine.

4. She can tell if I'm really listening to her when she talks.

5. Sometimes she'll need me to hold on; other times, she'll need me to let go.

6. I am thrilled to read aloud to her favorite books from my childhood.

7. Her idea of a clean room may not match mine.

8. I'm not the only female in the house who occasionally lapses into drama.

9. Nothing hurts my heart like seeing her heart get broken.

10. She will develop an opinion not only about her clothes, but also about mine.

11. She may say she's okay, but I should trust my instincts if I think otherwise.

12. Today I have to be her mother, not her friend.

13. She's always watching me. Always.

14. I have to let her be herself, not try to make her into a miniature version of me.

15. Teaching her to help around the house is more work at first, but so much help later.

16. She won't always know exactly why she's crying.

17. Her respect for her dad is directly related to my respect for him.

18. Some days she just needs time and space to breathe.

19. Having a daughter who's personality is just like mine might make her easier to understand...but harder to deal with.

20. She can usually do a whole lot more than I give her credit for.

21. She needs to know I love her unconditionally.

22. It's quite possible that I'll learn more from her than she will ever learn from me.

23. Loving her sometimes means setting limits that she doesn't like.

24. In ten or fifteen years, I'll not only have her as a daughter....I'll have her as a friend.

25. This precious gift from God brings more joy to my life than I could ever have thought possible.

When our oldest daughter becomes a teenager later this year, I'm sure my list of lessons will grow even longer!

Just One Decision

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

Time.

It's our most precious commodity.

How we spend it shows our true priorities. No matter what we say or what our best intentions may be, the activities to which we devote our time show what's most important to us.

It can be wasted or redeemed, used purposefully or frittered away.

May we take the time that we have been given and use it wisely today.

Saturday Salutes

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

While most spring breaks are over, these 22 Spring Break Boredom Busters can provide fun for your kids anytime!

Katie share some great tips in Real Food Diet: 3 Ways to Simplify Your Schedule by Scheduling Your Food.

These Ultimate Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Chip Cookies were a winner in our house! I did substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips for the dark chocolate chips used in the recipe.

And finally, my favorite saying of the week comes from Kristen at Capturing Joy.

Looking forward to a date night with my husband tonight! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Seven Keys to a Successful Field Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

On Tuesday, our two daughters and I joined a field trip to Bee City Honeybee Farm, Petting Zoo, and Nature Center. I visited the farm several years ago with our older daughter and was excited about going back.

We had a wonderful time learning about bees and honey, petting and feeding animals, walking through the nature center, and exploring the children's garden.

After going on field trips as a child myself, later as a teacher, and now as a parent, I've figured out seven keys that help make these outings successful.

1. Look for interactive features. You don't get much more interactive than feeding monkeys, llamas, goats, and ponies! The girls also got to fill their own bottles of honey, pour beeswax into molds, water flowers in the children's garden, and walk through a small fun house.

Feeding the llamas and alpacas

2. Ensure that the activities and information are age- appropriate. This can be difficult when your children are different ages, but try to find at least a few activities in which everyone will enjoy participating.

The girls used water pumps to race rubber ducks

3. Food is important. Either pack snacks and/or lunch or be prepared to buy food. Most places have a website so you can research ahead of time to see what food is available as well as the cost.

4. Highlight the educational value. While field trips are about having fun, it's nice if you learn something in the process.

Our ten-year-old was the only one brave enough to touch the snake!

5. Allow freedom to move from one activity to another. We had a set time to be in the farm's classroom for a learning session, but outside of that, we were free to roam the attractions at our own pace.

Pouring beeswax into molds

6. Try to determine in advance how much time will be involved. Bee City is a 50 minute drive from our home, so I wanted to be sure the drive was worth it!

7. Decide how to handle the gift shop ahead of time. I knew that the gift shop had small, reasonably-priced items, so I allowed the girls to take some of their own money to spend if they wished. At other times, we have avoided gift shops all together.

A final key is having beautiful weather like we had on Tuesday, but I'm afraid we can't control that one!

What's a favorite field trip you've taken with your kids?