Tips about sleep

 This past fall, I downloaded an app's free version for a week, and it focused on getting better sleep. I wanted to share some of the things that I learned on the app, along with other things that I've learned over the years.

1. One of the most important things that I learned was that caffeine can stay in your body for TEN hours! I learned years ago that if I drank coffee after noon, I would have a hard time sleeping at night. Caffeine comes in many forms, such as coffee, soda, and energy drinks, and even chocolate. Even decaf coffee has some caffeine! If you have a tough time sleeping, you may try to give up caffeine in the afternoon and see if it makes a difference.

2. If you haven't slept well at night, you may have sleep debt. You can make up some of your sleep debt by going to bed earlier or waking up later, especially on weekends. Everyone has an ideal amount of sleep they need each night. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. Many people are chronically sleep-deprived, and we tend to underestimate the amount of time that we spend in bed.

3. Your circadian rhythms (your energy levels) change slightly from day to day. Most people are groggy for about 90 minutes after waking up. After that time, you can have an energy peak where you are more alert and focused. We may have an energy dip in the early afternoon, which can feel like a post-lunch slump. We can have an energy peak again around dinner, and then a wind-down period in the evening. You can read more about circadian rhythms here. Your brain naturally produces melatonin, and your body begins to power down. Your body knows when it wants to go to bed; you just need to heed the call and prioritize sleep.

4. Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet. Many people have found blackout curtains or a sleep mask helpful. Light plays a vital role in regulating your circadian rhythms. Many of us have heard of blue light that is emitted from screens, so it is a good idea to wear glasses that block blue light, especially in the 90 minutes before bed. Also, getting sunlight into your eyes during the day will help you sleep at night. Wearing sunglasses every time that you are in the sun may be affecting your sleep patterns!

5. Taking naps can be a great way to pay back some sleep debt. Power naps (15-25 minutes) or full-cycle naps (60-100 minutes) are good lengths. If you take a longer nap, you may feel groggy afterward, similar to how you feel in the morning. You can use earplugs or a sleep mask if you need help sleeping during the day. You may not feel groggy after a power nap. But the best quality sleep needs to occur during nighttime.

6. Relaxing your mouth and jaw will help you sleep. A relative told me years ago that you won't sleep if your tongue is shoved into the roof of your mouth. I thought, "I don't do that..." but I did! Test it yourself tonight! Also, don't do a workout within a few hours of your bedtime. You can also relax the muscles in your body, beginning with your head and going down to your toes.

7. I have found that deep breathing will help me go to sleep. I do box breathing, which means that I take a deep breath for 5 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, breathe out for 5 seconds, and hold for 5 seconds. Breathing out longer than 5 seconds can help too. I do this three times in a row, and it helps me most of the time! If you can't fall asleep after 30 minutes, get up and read a book or do other calming things to make you tired. Also, DON'T look at the clock; it helps increase your frustration and sleep anxiety.

This is my favorite melatonin!

8. Take supplements to help calm brain activity, such as magnesium and melatonin. There are others that help, but these are the ones that I have used with the most success. Some people have success with using essential oils before bed. Others think that writing in a journal helps them sleep. I think this would be helpful if your mind is racing or anxious about something. I have a few family members who listen to white noise or calming music when they go to sleep.

What can good sleep do for my body?

Sleep sharpens your focus and memory and helps you learn new skills more easily. Sleep can also boost your reaction time. It helps your body's systems run more smoothly, especially hormones and insulin production! If you sleep well, you will not get as sick as often. Sleep loss can affect your moods too- making you grumpier and your temper flare more easily.

How about you? Do you have anything to add?

Psalm 121:4
Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 127:2
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Proverbs 3:24
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Tips for living in "the desert"

 We talk in our family about living in the desert. We don't really live where there are sand dunes, walking for miles without water... that's what I think of when I think about the desert. Where we live on the western side of Colorado, the air is dry (low humidity), and the summers are HOT... often up to 105 or 107 degrees. I have some family that lives in Phoenix and Las Vegas, and it is even hotter there! Some people move to our area and often comment about needing to use lotion and lip balm a lot. Yep, that is part of life here!

Here are some things that I have found that help me and my family...
Ways to cool off your car:

1. You can take advantage of fluid dynamics to cool a car down by opening a rear window and using the opposite front door as a fan to draw hot air out. This forces hot air through the window.

2. Once the air feels noticeably cooler, press the recirculate button. Your A/C will cool the cabin air more efficiently, and your engine won’t have to work as hard.

3. Park in the shade. Obvious, yes, but it works. Even if it means walking a bit farther, parking in the shade can mean a 30- to 40-degree difference.

4. Use a sunshade. Yes, they’re awkward to fold. But they help block direct rays and protect your interior from baking.

5. If your car has dark or leather upholstery, toss on a cloth seat cover in the summer months. We like to use old kitchen towels or similarly sized rags and move them off the seat when we don't need them. I also will use a rag to hold the steering wheel if it is really hot to the touch.


If you need to be OUTSIDE for some time when it is very hot, here are a few things that we have found that help:

1. Take a long piece of cloth and dip it into very cold water, wring it out, and then put it around your neck. It works quickly and easily. We bought several of these "neck cooling cloths," and they work really well!

2. Put a line of peppermint oil across your neck. It feels so good when the slightest breeze hits it.

3. Use a spray bottle to spray water on your skin, and then fan yourself. 

4. Bring (or use) an umbrella to shade yourself.

5. Drink LOTS of water. More than you think. It really does help! If you're hiking and you've finished half your water, turn around and go back.

6. Find the shade, take a break, and stay in it for a few minutes.



Indoor tips:

1. Use your swamp cooler. It will cool the house about 20 degrees. It doesn't help as much when it's over 100 degrees outside, but most of the time it works great! Be sure to crack several windows to let the hot air out.

2. Use a fan to circulate the air. You can create a crosswind with several fans. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise.

3. Close your window coverings during the day. Most of us do the opposite, but it really can help! Open your windows in the morning and evening.

4. Take a cold shower. Take a nap or be less active in the hottest part of the day.


Other tips:

1. Dress lightly. Jeans are not to be worn outside when it is really hot. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing.

2. Go outside earlier in the day, if you can.

3. Never leave people or pets in a hot car!

4. Eat light foods such as watermelon and frozen grapes to hydrate and cool your body.

*5. If you feel dizzy, super sweaty, or just "off", be sure to tell someone! These are common heat illness symptoms.* Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions!

Do you have any tips to add? I'd love to hear about them in the comments.

Exodus 14:11
They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?


Exodus 15:22
Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea, and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water.


Psalm 105:41
He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a river in the desert.

Isaiah 40:3
A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Jill's money-saving tip #2- dryer sheets!

 

Last week I shared with you my money-saving tip about cleaning. You can read it here.

Today's tip is one that I mentioned in my last post. Years ago, I found a post somewhere, probably on Pinterest, about how to make your own dryer sheets. It is pretty easy, really. 

How to make your own dryer sheets:

Supplies: 

-an old (not stained) white t-shirt

-vinegar

-water

-essential oil (optional)

-quart-size canning jar with lid (plastic lid if possible, the metal ones rust...)

I took the old t-shirt and cut it up into 5" or 6" square pieces. It doesn't really matter how you cut it up, with seams, or whatever. You're going to use the whole t-shirt!

Take the canning jar and fill it 1/3 of the way with water. Fill it another 1/3 of the way with vinegar. Add 10-20 drops of essential oil. Mix it around a little. The oil may not mix well with the water, but that's fine. Message me if you want suggestions for which oil to use. Citrus oils are good.

Then take the cut t-shirt pieces and place them into the jar, 2 or 3 at a time! Squeeze them in as best as you can. Now they are ready to use. The fabric pieces soak up with vinegar, which is a natural static reduction agent. My sister does something similar with vinegar, in her wash load, I think.

I use one of my dryer sheets for a smaller load, and two for a larger load. That's it! I love this recipe because it's easy, frugal, and I know exactly what is in them!

Let me know if you try these, I'd love to hear what you think!

Joshua 4:18
And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the Lord. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before.


Psalm 63:1
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.


John 13:5
After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Jill's money saving tip #1: cleaning

 Over many years, I have found a few cleaners for home that I use often and relatively inexpensively. My sister sold Norwex for a while and I've always loved all of their products. I love and sell essential oils, so I use my company's products when I can. I've never been disappointed in using natural products.

These are my three essential cleaners: (not including Norwex cloths!)

1. Baking soda- I use baking soda for anything that needs scrubbing. I use it to clean my sinks, tub and shower floor, along with #2...        I also use it as a laundry booster, and add it to a load after my detergent. It gets out stains on the counter and sink too, like Kool-Aid, etc., I use this instead of products like Comet.

2. Dr. Bronner's Castile liquid soap- I do buy this one, and one 32 ounce bottle can least us a few months. They have several scents, including Peppermint, Lavender, Almond, Citrus Orange, Eucalyptus, and even Rose. They have bar soaps too, but I've never used those. I use this soap to clean sinks, the shower floor, and the tub. It has many, many other uses too.

3. White vinegar- I use vinegar to clean windows, wash dirty fruit, to make my own dryer sheets (that's another post!), to clean hard water stains including inside my electric tea kettle. We use it to clean our drip coffee maker too. It is quite versatile. 

I also buy toilet bowl cleaner, dish detergent and laundry detergent. I try to keep the last two more natural, but haven't found a dish washing detergent that I like.

Other wise I use Norwex cloths... for dusting instead of a product like Pledge.

... for window cleaning and mirrors...instead of Windex.

...for wiping counters, toilets, light switches and doorknobs...instead of Mr. Clean, Lysol or Clorox.

...for cleaning the leather in our cars, and the dash board too... instead of Armor All. (Sorry Dad, he loved Armor All!)

...for washing most of our floors...instead of Pine-Sol or Fabuloso. If I want a boost for washing a really dirty floor, I'll use dish soap. I have a Norwex mop and it is amazing! (Maybe I should sell Norwex?!)

This method reduces toxins in your home. I also will diffuse essential oils when someone is sick, and at night in our bedroom. I have an essential oil based cleaner with cinnamon, orange, clove, rosemary and eucalyptus that I spray on the sink after I scrub it. I use this same cleaner to boost the effectiveness of Norwex cloths when we've been exposed to a serious illness such as Covid-19.

What products do you use? I'd love to hear about them, especially a hand dish washing detergent!

I hope this helps! Stay tuned for more money saving tips... I think I'll make my tips a regular blog post.

Proverbs 13:11
Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.


Acts 3:2-6
Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (emphasis mine)

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil...

Baseball mom's bag

My son has been playing baseball for 11 years now. I remember watching him play t-ball and thinking how big the majors kids were, or the juniors level kids. Now my son is older than them, and taller than me! We've sat through many, many baseball games. Some years he played two or three seasons-- spring ball, summer ball/ All-stars, and fall ball. Now that he is in high school, it is pretty much just spring baseball. He decided to play summer ball this year, and it has been fun to see him grow and develop. He never played on a competitive or traveling team until high school though.

In my years of experience, I have gathered some items into a bag to take with us to the sports field. I don't know why it took me so long, but this past spring I painted a canvas bag with the words "Team ---" (our last name) and pictures of a baseball, a bat and musical instruments-- since that is what our girls are into.

Inside the bag are:
-snacks (usually ziplock bags) such as Cheese-Its, graham crackers, pretzels, granola bars, and my own nut/ raisin trail mix.

-an umbrella to be used to block out the sunshine and the rain.

-Sunscreen

-Bug spray (for night/evening games)-- I usually pack an essential oil blend...

-socks (in case my feet get cold)

-a hat to block out the sun

-a visor (sometimes I don't want to cover all of my head!)

-a buff to cover my head in wind and cold

-a fan for keeping cool

-Peppermint oil to use on the neck to keep cool

-Books for younger sisters to keep busy (now that they are older, they carry their own bags)

-The ever essential water bottle (the girls usually carry their own) or two.


That is basically what I have found that we need and use the most. For early spring and later fall, I'll pack a warm hat and mittens too. They have helped us many times! We usually leave our camp chairs in the van for sitting at different fields, and we have bleacher seats too. We have used our bleacher seats for several years, and we bring them to graduations, our local baseball team games and other baseball events nearby. They have been a good investment!

Are you a sports parent? What items do you pack in your bag?



Isaiah 40:30-31 
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

Homeschool organization

 Today, I am going to show you some of the ways that I organize our homeschool room. Ever since I was in junior high,  I have used 3-ring binders to organize papers. When we began homeschooling, I bought a large 3-inch 3-ring binder for each of my children. My oldest has a binder for every year of her homeschooling. When the year is over, I put the binders in a bank storage box and into storage. I have kept them just in case a lawyer or someone from Social Services comes to my house and says they need proof of our homeschooling. Now that my daughter is graduating, I can probably get rid of most of her binders!

I usually have the kids decorate a paper for the front of the clear binder cover. As they get older, I just print one from the computer for them. They can color on it or decorate it if they would like. I just like to have the binder labeled. 

 Inside the binder, I have each subject marked with a section and a divider. At the end of each week, I take all of their papers and divide them into the subjects and put them into their binders. When I have a meeting with an advisor, I can grab their binders and go to the meeting. I have all of their papers for the year in it, and it does get quite heavy by the time May rolls around!

In the binder, there are sections for spelling, grammar, handwriting, reading (younger kids), science, math and art. We have a separate small binder for history/ geography. A lot of moms leave the pages in the workbooks for different subjects. I have always torn the pages out, partly because they have answer keys in the back, and partly because I want them stored in the binder. It is easier for me to keep track of one book than several small workbooks. I like to reuse the workbooks from year to year, so I usually copy the pages out of the workbooks to use. Then I can use them with my other kids, and sell them again when we're done using it. After I make a copy of the page, I always punch holes in it, because then it is easier to slip it into the binder when it is completed and graded.

This is how I organize their papers after they are graded each day. I try to keep up on the grading as I can, in case they have learned something wrong, it can be corrected quickly and they won't continue on working in the wrong way. This is especially important for math papers.

 I have three crates to keep their binders and other papers/ projects in. It is handy to divide their things so I can easily grab something if I need to refer to it.

This is our bookshelf with curriculum, dictionaries, answer keys, games and math books. There are math manipulative on the bottom, as well as extra spelling cards and science kits. 

I know this is not the only way to organize, but this is what works for me right now. I like the binder system, and have told several friends about it. My advisor is always telling others about my binder organization. It is much nicer than throwing a bunch of papers in a box to show the advisor!

How do you organize your homeschool papers?


1 Corinthians 14:40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Genesis 43:33
The men had been seated before him in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest; and they looked at each other in astonishment.

Proverbs 24:27
Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

Spring baseball mom checklist

I have been a baseball mom for many years. I have fine-tuned my bag of items that I bring to baseball games, to watch my son play ball. If you have any team gear or team colors, wear those of course. It is spring, and the weather can be unpredictable, so I like to be as prepared as possible.

Here is my unofficial list of what I pack for baseball games (may work for soccer or other sports too)

-Hoodie sweatshirt
-Light jacket or windbreaker
-Several fleece blankets
-Bleacher seat or crazy creek chair (an investment, but worth it!)
-Snacks for the kids (siblings) who may be with you
-Cell phone for texting and camera
-Socks if wearing sandals
-Water bottle (for each person)
-Cash for concession stand (I try to keep this to a minimum)
-Hat to keep out sun and tame hair in the wind
-Umbrella (keep out sun or rain)
-Tissues in pocket or purse
-Band-aids for trips and falls on concrete
-Sunglasses


Several of these items I store in my purse (tissues, band-aids, sunglasses, cell phone) and others I put into another bag, including hat, umbrella and blankets. Usually the weather changes throughout the season, beginning with cooler days in the start of the season, and ending with shorts and no blankets or jackets at the end of the season.

Four of us crowded under our old umbrella!

Depending on the time of the game (ours are usually at 5:15 or 7:30), I may or may not bring snacks. I try to make an easy dinner that we can eat before or after the game all together as a family. I like to make sandwiches, soup, spaghetti and salad, or wraps for dinner on those busy nights. I do as much prep work as I can before the 5:15 games, such as setting out the pans, making egg or tuna salad, making a green salad, setting the table, etc.,

Sometimes the chairs can double as an umbrella!

Of course, there are always times that things get forgotten. My girls will forget a water bottle, or the bleacher seats will get pulled out of the van. Sometimes we only have one or two blankets, sometimes the kids will sit on them. We have a picnic blanket that can be unzipped and helps keep out rain. But there are days that it really pours, and we just go back to the van.

Sometimes the kids will bring their own bags with toys, balls, coloring or activity books, a sweatshirt or jacket and notebook to write in. It helps the games go by faster when they get tired of sitting and cheering. The games can get long for little ones. I enjoy when grandparents come so that they can talk to and hold the kids.

I am ready for a great baseball season, I hope you are too! I may need my umbrella for games this week...

PLAY BALL!

 While it doesn't talk about baseball in the Bible, it does talk about running, which is part of baseball...

1 Corinthians 9:24
[ The Need for Self-Discipline ] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Galatians 2:2
I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...

Spring allergies

Allergies. Some people get them in the fall. Others get them in the spring, like me. Some people get them in both seasons, others not at all.

My allergies usually show up the 2nd week of March. Some years they arrive around March 15. It begins for me with the itchy eyes. Then more sneezing than usual. Then the nose starts to itch on the end. Sometimes it runs more. I feel tired. Sometimes when my allergies are really bad, my eyes are swollen and my sinuses are really stuffed up. Occasionally my throat itches. It is not fun!

I've tried lots of over the counter medications, and I've found only a few that help. I take Claritin year round to help with allergies. During allergy season, I have taken Zyrtec for many years, but it makes me sleepy. All day long. Ugh. I've also taken eye drops (I like Zaditor) and prescription nasal spray, which I should have started already, but I ran out this spring!

A few years ago when I began to get into essential oils, I found the TriEase soft gels by doTerra. They were created to protects against seasonal and environmental elements. They help maintain clear breathing and healthy immune system function. They take a few days to kick in, and if I don't take them with lots of water, or eat afterward, I'll get heartburn.

Another natural supplement that my husband and I found that helps is a dissolvable pill called AllergieMittel. It helps very quickly.

I was tested for allergies about 17-18 years ago (my oldest was a baby) and found that I am allergic to juniper, which is in  75% of the yards in my valley. Sigh. It blooms in the spring, putting off a fine yellow powder. That powder is what I am allergic to. My allergist had a picture of it that he showed me when I visited his office.

I am also allergic to some animals: dogs, cats, horses and rabbits. So we do not have pets besides chickens that stay outdoors. I am also allergic to dust mites. So I vacuum our mattress at least once a year and wash our bedding frequently. Spring cleaning comes at the perfect time to coincide with my allergies. I have been cleaning a lot lately, washing bedding, curtains, dusting...

My family is allergic to many of the same things that I am. I am pretty sure that a few of my children are allergic to juniper too. I know a few are allergic to cats and dogs. We've only had our youngest daughter tested because she has eczema as well as allergies. My doctor told me that allergies, asthma and eczema are all tied together. Of course my husband had all three when he was younger.

My mom and one of my older brothers had more severe allergies than me and went through rounds of allergy shots. My brother was allergic to several kinds of grass and trees, but not me. I am thankful that my allergies are not worse.

So those allergy sufferers out there, I can sympathize with you. For those who have no allergies, I am jealous of you. I wish I could understand why God made some people allergic to things while others are not.

I have tried eating local honey too, that helps a little. Anybody else have any great helps? I'd love to hear your ideas! I'm not super desperate yet, but I do have a roller bottle of lemon/ lavender/ peppermint oils in my pocket. That reminds me, I need to refill that one...



Daniel 2:21
He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Acts 14:17
Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Galatians 4:10
You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!

Preschool math games

When I needed some homeschool activities for my preschoolers to keep them busy while the older kids were working, I wrote down this list. Since I am a preschool teacher by degree, I love that age. I have no more preschoolers now, wah! They're so busy and so fun!

Preschool Math Ideas

Counting with yellow counting board/ buttons

Count money/ play store/ cash register

Count dots on dominoes and dice

Writing numbers-- lots of great printables/ tracers online, 

     *I liked these, and the rhymes they have too.

Brainy Baby 1, 2, 3 cards

Abacus (I made one from a kit I bought online)

Matching games (stickers on juice can lids/ index cards) 

     *How to make matching game: here

Color identifying game/ I Spy something...

Plastic colored shapes- sorting, tracing

Fish math game

Number match puzzles (index cards cut in two parts)

Math cards (1 on one card, 1 dot on other, etc.,)

Money book (from a kids' meal or bank)

Go Fish

Shapes puzzles

Playing Yahtzee with the family!

Graphing- by color, type, favorite

Foam blocks (shapes, building, counting)

Cars/ ramps (measure distance)

Measuring tape, rulers

Measuring cups, spoons with rice or corn in bin

Scale/ Weigh him/her

Big/ Medium/ Small sorting (bears?)

Matching socks, shoes, counting pairs (2, 4, 6, 8, 10)

Counting shapes, fruit (play food)

String beads/ necklaces

Clock/ time book

Trace and Cut shapes

Put cards in order (sequencing)

Stacking cups, containers

Telephone numbers (memorize ours)

Counting keys (free from key shop)

Transportation card sorting (stickers on cards)

Sports matching game, Cars matching game (stickers)

Count to ten in Spanish

Lap booking in preschool!

Books: Eating Fractions, Swahili Counting Book, M & M counting book, The Doorbell Rang, 1, 2, 3 (Anne Geddes), Ten Black Dots, Piggies; Ten, Night, Eight by Molly Bang, Who Sank the Boat?; Alexander who Used to be Rich Last Sunday

Little Blue and Little Yellow, Inch by Inch (both by Leo Lionni), Three Pigs/ Bears

Songs: 1 Potato, 2 potato; 5 little monkeys; 5 little ducks; One, Two Buckle my Shoe; Ten in the bed; One of our Number, Ten little speckled Frogs, etc.,

You can find another post about things to do with preschoolers in other subjects here. What else do you do? Any other ideas to share?

I hope these tips and ideas help you in your working with your children! The time really does go by quickly... my oldest will graduate next year!?!

Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.


Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates,  so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

Essential oils for summer

There are several oils from my favorite oil company that are great to use in the summer. I will highlight a few of them here. If you are interested in ordering anything, please visit my website here.

One of my newest oils is the Repellent Blend. It's a great oil for summer! It is great to use as an insect repellent because it has a pleasant scent, is all natural and effective. You can apply a drop to each ankle and wrist for insect repelling, or you can use it on an insect bite afterward. You can spray it on windowsills to prevent insects from getting in your home. It is also great at repelling spiders, safe to use on plants to eliminate bugs and flies, and can be used in the kitchen to keep fruit flies at bay. What a versatile product!! Another recipe I found on Pinterest using Repellent blend is to add 10-15 drops of oil to 1 oz water, put into a small glass spray bottle and spray over exposed skin and clothing. 

Another wonderful oil for summertime is Lavender. Wait, isn't that great year-round? Yes, it is. But lavender can soothe skin irritation such as sunburn! I think it would be great sprayed on the skin. You could add it to doTerra's unscented lotion and apply to skin that way too. Lavender is also great to put on all those knee owies and scrapes that kids get this time of year! Some people like Melaleuca for soothing skin irritations too!

One more great oil for summer is peppermint! Peppermint has a nice, cooling effect and can be applied topically to cool down a hot body. Ants also don't like peppermint, so it is good to use as a deterrent for them. 

I've heard coconut oil can be used as sunscreen, but have not tried it. I also saw a recipe for sunscreen using Helichrysum and Lavender (which both help skin recover quickly) with Fractionated Coconut oil. (FCO)

Hope that helps you find an all-natural essential oil to use this summer for your needs!

Psalm 92:9-11
For surely your enemies, Lord,
surely your enemies will perish;
all evildoers will be scattered.
You have exalted my horn[a] like that of a wild ox;
fine oils have been poured on me.
My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.


Exodus 30:22-29
Then the Lord said to Moses,  “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus,  500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil.  Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil. Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law,  the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense,  the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand.  You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy.

WFMW: Organizing

Works For Me Wednesday- Organizing
Some of you that know me well know that I love to organize. I am happiest when my house is neat and organized. With kids, most days I am fighting an uphill battle! But I keep trying...

This past Sunday, our Pastor spoke about how sin can be clutter in our lives. I thought about this, and decided that I really liked this analogy. Sin distracts us from God, separating us from Him and His way. It gets in the way of what God desires for us. Clutter is much the same-- distracts us in our lives from Him and His purposes of being clean and orderly. Clutter can distract others in our home from the work that is needed to be done. I know it distracts my kids when cleaning their room... like finding a "new" old toy or book.

So in an effort to contain clutter in my home, mind and life, I have books that I have gotten at Goodwill or thrift stores that help. But even the books can become clutter! Maybe an e-book would be better...?

I found a few quotes online by Vicki Norris that I like...

"I think that being organized is intrinsically connected to your quality of life,” she says. “Also, we don’t live this perfect Martha Stewart life. Being organized doesn’t mean that you live in a magazine. That scares people and it doesn’t seem approachable to people.”

At Restoring Order, Norris and her staff prefer to live an “ordered” life versus an “organized” life.

“Living an ordered life is living life on purpose, putting first things first,” she explains. “Think how your life feels when you can find things and you’re not embarrassed to open your garage doors so your neighbors can see ... then you can live in peace. When you order your life, you regain peace, and that’s priceless.”  (emphasis mine)

Here is a blog that I found that I like, with lots of posts on organizing... go check it out!

http://www.neatlittlenest.com/#!

You can find more organizing posts on my blog here.

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

Psalm 32:5

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Acts 8:22-24

Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

Works for Me Wednesday: Sink Hook

This is so simple, but it works for me!

I wear a watch (I may be one of the last people on earth who does, but I like it!) and a ring (on my right hand) every day. When I do dishes, I take them off. In the past, I have set them on the windowsill and the watch or ring has fallen into the sink, damaging or getting them wet. Or even worse... down the drain! This tip will help avoid that!

I had my hubby put a screw hook in the cupboard side near the sink. Now I can put my watch and ring on the hook while I wash dishes! I told you it was simple...

I hope this idea helps you avoid a wet watch! 

Genesis 28:15
I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Psalm 59:9
You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress.

Psalm 121:7-8
The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Soothing a crying baby

Soothing a crying baby-- unusual solutions
Have you been blessed with a sweet, precious infant in your home that NEVER cries... a total angel baby? Well, I know I wasn't... all of my babies cried at some point, and need some soothing. I posted about this a while back, you can find that post here. I recently found an old article called, "What's the most unusual solution you've found for calming your crying baby?" (Article from American Baby magazine, Feb. 2006)

I have typed the article for you below, in case you are in that stage of life when "desperate times call for desperate measures." You never know when one of these different solutions just may help!

found here

-Take a hairdryer and place it on the lowest setting, then move it slowly a few times across the baby's toes. Each time Clara D. did this with her son, he'd be asleep before she finished! Her husband was so surprised to hear that their son had stopped screaming that he came to see for himself.

-To stop her baby's tears, Jackie N,'s husband and Jackie would turn up their television as loud as they could stand it. For some reason, this always made their son smile.

-When Kelly T.'s baby cried, she took her index finger and lightly tapped it around his face. He calmed down almost immediately. Her wise grandmother gave her this interesting technique.

-For some weird reason, Georgia C.'s son loved it when she sang the song, "Ice Ice Baby." She was embarrassed to admit that she knew all the words. Every time she busted out that song, her son erupted into giggles!

found here

-Rachael K. says that the only way she found to quell her son's crying was to wash his hair. Once that warm water hit his little head, he'd calm down instantly. (My babies never liked getting their hair washed...)

-Christy M. said that she would pretend to cry. If the baby cries loud, she'd cry louder. Eventually with all the noise around her, the baby stopped her fussiness and tried to figure out what is going on.

-Selma D. said that she would pull a hair out of her own head and tickle the baby's nose with it. It may be strange, but it worked like a charm every time.

--When Darla J.'s son got fussy, she'd stand him up to walk. People can't believe when they see a little baby walking around with the aid of his parents, but as soon as they'd set him down, he'd cry again.

-Angelica R.'s baby always fell asleep every time that she sang, "The Itsy Bitsy Spider." It's the only thing that really calmed her.

Interesting ideas, right? Next time you are dealing with an upset infant, you may just want to try one of these different techniques and see how it works!

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Exodus 2:7-9

Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”

 “Yes, go,” she answered. So the girl went and got the baby’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him.

John 16:21

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when herbaby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.

Stand up straight! {like your mother told you!}

Stand up straight!  {like your mother told you!}

Do you have troubles with your posture? I know I do, and I wrote about my back pain here. I was not taught to stand up straight as a child and was a pro at slouching. As a result, I struggle with posture problems and back pain to this day. I know I feel and look better, have less tension in my back and shoulders and my spine feels longer. In short, good posture makes me feel good. (I am just not conscious of it!)

image found here

When I went to physical therapy during junior high, my therapist taught me several things to do for best posture. Here they are:

-Put your shoulders back. Do not arch your back, but just place your shoulders over your back so you're not hunched over. I am guilty of this quite often.

-Stand with your knees bent a little. If you are too stiff in the legs you will have leg pain and could potentially pass out.

-Tuck in your bottom. Sticking out your rump can lead to the sway back look, and is not posturally correct.

-Puff out your chest and breasts and open your rib cage. This helps you breathe easier too!

-Tuck in your chin, try not to stick it out. This will ease neck pain in those muscles too.

-Keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Resting on your heels can cause you to slouch.

-Ideally you'd have a line connecting your ear, shoulder, hip, back of your knee and ankle. You could try this technique using a string and a weight. (Read more here.)

-While sitting, try not to hunch over your desk or computer. Choosing a good chair at the right height helps too.


*Remember the feeling you have of standing up correctly, and practice it against a wall or in a mirror. It really does make a difference!

Good posture can help you remain limber and maintain your balance (my Wii helps me there!). Your posture tells others about the way you are and your level of self confidence. There are several exercises that you can do to help with your posture, such as chin tuck, chin drop. Other exercises that may help can be found here. Training your core muscles will help your posture too.

I look forward to seeing all of my readers with perfect posture from now on! :-D


Leviticus 19:32

“‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.

Psalm 20:8

They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

Luke 21:28

When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Acts 26:15-16

 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’  “ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶ ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 

Decluttering tips, part 2

Decluttering tips, part 2
READ PART ONE HERE

Do you have too much clutter in your home and life? Read on for some great tips...

Several years ago, I read a book called "Clutter's Last Stand" by Don Aslett.  I really enjoyed this book and took notes from it while I read. Here are more great thoughts from this book...

-Hang photos instead of placing them (on piano or shelves).

-Gifts do not need to be kept forever, not meant to be a burden. The message is not in the gift but the heart of the giver.

-Take a picture-- you do not need to keep old plaques, ribbons or mementos.

--You don't have to buy something to experience it! For whom are you keeping your keepsake? ( i.e. that odd figurine you bought at an amusement park or museum...) You don't need proof, you experienced it! Miniaturize it-- photo, scrapbooking, etc.,

-Don't save all those little papers, write it down and toss it OR file it and go through it every 3 years, keeping files organized.

-Don't save old, out-of-date books. There is new information all the time!

-Cookbooks- you can save only the recipe you use (copy it down) and get rid of them!

-Clothes- get rid of them if the piece is uncomfortable, the wrong color, fit or size OR if it is damaged.

-Shoes-- you won't wear uncomfortable shoes! Get rid of what you don't use!

-Car clutter- keep to a minimum-- don't take it ALL on vacation!

-Too much eating is bad too... we live lives of excess! Think of all of the extra space and time you'll have after you declutter your home and office!



Ecclesiastes 5:9-11
 The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the
fields. Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.  As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.


Ecclesiastes 3:1-6
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away...

Decluttering tips, part 1

Decluttering tips, part 1

Do you like to read books about organizing? I know I do, and this book is a great one full of tips!

Several years ago, I read a book called "Clutter's Last Stand" by Don Aslett.  I really enjoyed this book and took notes from it while I read. I know, I know--> so nerdy!

Here are some of the notes from the book which I liked...

-Identify your clutter and its effect on your life.

-Living is doing, not having!

-More is not better! We have sufficient for our needs.

-Clutter makes cleaning take longer! (So true! It is faster to wipe an empty shelf than move 25 things and then dust it...)

-Storing and caring for clutter costs. The value is in using it, not moving and guarding your thing.

-If knickknacks regenerate or soothe you, keep them as long as they serve a purpose. A friend said that she gets rid of things if they don't make her smile-Good thought!

-Give kids a place for their stuff, not too much excess, makes clean up easier (i.e. moveable toy box)

-Hang light things in garage, mount your hand tools. You can buy and use a wall cabinet for it!

-China and silverware that are never used-- it takes energy to keep those things!

-How many Bibles do you have? Are you leaving space for HIM in your life?

*Here is a link to a post about another clutter book I blogged about a few years ago.

COME BACK TOMORROW FOR PART 2 ON THIS SUBJECT!

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Some wonderful Bible verses which apply to this subject:

Matthew 6:25
 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?


Matthew 6:28-29
 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.