tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54790906029129747662024-03-13T10:43:53.021-07:00Living in His LoveThe passions of my heart, mind, and soul.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-4755720713370124422014-04-18T22:39:00.002-07:002014-04-18T22:39:12.330-07:00EventuallyI've had some thoughts worth sharing lately. Truly, I have. Somehow they just never manage to get placed onto a page these days. Maybe I will eventually succeed in writing something here again!Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-9420874984532740612012-10-31T20:55:00.001-07:002012-10-31T20:55:23.131-07:00Something to think aboutA link worth reading. What would you do?<br />
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<a href="http://kitumaini.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-cost-of-speaking-out-against.html">The Cost of Speaking Out</a>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-70957053803677492932012-09-18T20:45:00.000-07:002012-09-18T20:45:27.413-07:00For the love of learning"Mom, can I have another math page to do please?" This is what I heard from my 5 year old son this evening. <br />
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I am always hoping and praying that I do not get in the way of my children's natural love of learning. Learning is fun. We are born full of curiosity and a desire to explore and understand the world around us. As a parent, it is my job to allow that exploration to happen, to encourage learning adventures spurred on by curiosity.<br />
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Sometimes education and learning are treated more as something that needs to be spoon-fed to kids, or crammed into their unwilling minds. This is a very sad way to view learning. Gaining knowledge and understanding, developing new skills, these things are a process, a journey. The journey should be more enjoyable than painful. As a parent, I love observing as my kids learn new things. They always learn best when it is something they have a desire to know or a skill they want to develop.<br />
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I try to let them direct as much of the learning adventure as possible. Sometimes I act as a guide. Occasionally I have noticed myself trying to force feed them knowledge. They resist! That is always a reminder to me that I need to step back and allow learning to happen naturally. They might need a break from the subject for a few minutes, days, or even months. Eventually they will be ready to learn the things they need to know.<br />
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Babies are born ready to learn, grow, and develop. There is no reason for that curiosity and love of learning to disappear. If you teach your children, do whatever it takes to hold onto their desire to learn. If you entrust the education of your children to others, stand up for your children and do whatever it takes to help them maintain their desire to learn.<br />
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Not everyone is meant to excel in typical "school subjects" like reading, writing, and math. But everyone does have an area or two in which they shine. Let's help our children search for and develop the things they are great at!Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-5768060855551685822012-09-15T20:17:00.001-07:002012-09-15T20:17:52.391-07:00Lunch time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeWprZdCvdVLICUuQ7zSc3lUkyWArP9iNWWn5cW-MvK2bGbt3yfytaclJUOzF2Ya-9MmcvBOGctWo6iSZ3whDoCfsFn20ltC5wm-TiLBvIjWZ6FiL9PUnhw4tlEc6gy9Pa7mf9xNJeij0/s1600/IMG_2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeWprZdCvdVLICUuQ7zSc3lUkyWArP9iNWWn5cW-MvK2bGbt3yfytaclJUOzF2Ya-9MmcvBOGctWo6iSZ3whDoCfsFn20ltC5wm-TiLBvIjWZ6FiL9PUnhw4tlEc6gy9Pa7mf9xNJeij0/s400/IMG_2579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A typical lunch at our house involves a source of protein left over from the previous night's dinner, veggies, and some fruit. I strive to feed our family lots of fresh and healthy food. This lunch included lemon-basil chicken, baked butternut squash (grown in our garden), steamed broccoli and cauliflower, and fresh red peppers and cucumbers. And yes, my kids eat all these things!<br />
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We've certainly had experience with the kids being picky eaters at times. I have found that starting healthy eating habits young really pays off. I don't make special meals for anyone who doesn't like what is offered at a particular time. Everyone is required to take at least one bite of each item on their plate every time it is served. I follow this rule as well. When I cook shrimp for my family I tell the kids, "Shrimp has never been one of my favorite foods, but I'm going to try it again to see if I like it yet." I show them how I can try a bite and then take a bite of something else if I don't like the flavor. "No, I still don't like it, but I'm glad I tried it."<br />
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Modeling healthy eating habits makes a big difference! I don't expect
my kids to eat differently than I do. I often fix myself a healthy
snack and my kids almost always want some when they see me eating it. I try to give them healthy choices such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts for snacks. If they are hungry enough, most kids will eat what is offered.<br />
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Sometimes we have conversations that go like this: <br />
"Mom, I am so hungry. Can I have something to eat?"<br />
"Sure. Would you like apple slices, almonds, or carrots?"<br />
"No, I want something different."<br />
"Those are your options."<br />
"But mom, I'm starving and that is not what I want!"<br />
"People who are starving are happy to eat whatever is available. Let me know if you change your mind."<br />
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As parents, it is our job to help our kids develop good habits. How and what they learn to eat will make a big impact on their health and well-being throughout their entire lives. Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-56832316059448131142012-09-11T20:58:00.000-07:002012-09-11T20:58:04.472-07:00Art lessonsWe had some fun and relaxing art lessons today at the "Petracci Academy." I was the art instructor... with some help from Marjorie Flack, Kurt Wiese, and their delightful book "The Story About Ping."<br />
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My daughter Anna and I chose a drawing to work from and we set to work making our own versions of Ping diving into the Yangtze River. I provided minimal discussion about techniques the artists may have used in creating the original. I then set to work on my drawing using colored pencils. My kids watched me for a while and emulated some of my technique as they began to work on their own masterpieces.<br />
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Here is Anna (age 7) and her beautiful artwork.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIEKG1LqSPmQRMG6-K2akoZeorP566pX3HW92cBXacSw07fzsnTwJzmpTQykb1o4aFmXe4QUYFVwS7muuG9cRX1TqyQMUVTcmTp_Hn9fbQaCLMm3XOnkETIRSJ7m-njJ-aVeHlYgE_Jxf/s1600/IMG_2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIEKG1LqSPmQRMG6-K2akoZeorP566pX3HW92cBXacSw07fzsnTwJzmpTQykb1o4aFmXe4QUYFVwS7muuG9cRX1TqyQMUVTcmTp_Hn9fbQaCLMm3XOnkETIRSJ7m-njJ-aVeHlYgE_Jxf/s400/IMG_2580.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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My son Arik (age 5) was a little nervous to begin his drawing. He was worried that he would mess it up. With a bit of gentle persuasion, he returned to the table and set to work. He got distracted part way through so I don't have a picture of his artwork. But he did a good job! <br />
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And here is mine. (Please imagine this picture rotated, I'd do it if I knew how! Ping is actually diving down rather than up.) Spending time enjoying art with my kids is extremely relaxing for all of us.<br />
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This was our second time to practice our artistic skills using "The Story of Ping." You can view our first attempt from one year ago in <a href="http://livinginhislove-shauna.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-subjects-blend.html">this post.</a> It is so much fun for me to see the artistic progress Anna and Arik have made in the past year.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-45736951460927013662012-09-08T19:57:00.000-07:002012-09-08T19:57:03.556-07:00It has been a long timeIt has been such a long time since I posted anything here. I keep thinking of things I could write, and then I either forget them or never get around to typing them. Maybe soon?<br />
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In the meantime, big news in our household. We are expecting a baby in March! We are all so excited by this huge blessing from God.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-19249716055018815352012-04-03T22:49:00.000-07:002012-04-03T22:49:43.596-07:00Great newsSome thoughts from Holly and some wonderful updates from Save the Children Orphanage in DR Congo...<br />
<a href="http://kitumaini.blogspot.com/2012/04/working-to-make-orphanages-best-and.html">You can read about it here</a>.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-6116005102528123432012-02-29T23:28:00.000-08:002012-02-29T23:28:56.372-08:00Charlotte and WilburI'm fairly new to life as a homeschool mom, but not as new as I was a year and a half ago. That small amount of experience has taught me to relax a little bit. In fact, I am finding that it is best if kids are not super focused on academics at this age. We "do school" every weekday. We work on things like math, writing, reading, etc. We study history and science because those subjects fascinate the kids. But I'm learning to let go of my previous expectations. I'm learning to fit our lessons into times that work best for the kids. I've stopped interrupting them when they are deep in imaginary play. <br />
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We spend hours each day simply reading. Lately we have been re-reading Charlotte's Web. While I made dinner tonight, Charlotte and Wilbur appeared in our living room. Big sister, Charlotte the spider, got out magnetic letters and spelled Some Pig, Terrific, Radiant, and Humble in her web. Little brother, Wilbur the pig, said words like Salutations and talked about what they meant. As a home educator, I think of these activities as spelling, vocabulary, etc. But even more important, these experiences allow us to bond as a family. They give us the opportunity to laugh together. The kids are learning to love learning. I sat by a cute little pig during dinner and the pretty little girl sitting across from me became a little girl named Fern.<br />
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Homeschool seemed very mysterious to me before I started doing it. Since then, I've come to appreciate the simplicity of home education. Teaching young kids is about building relationships, not knowledge. Teaching is about nurturing a love of reading and learning. It is about encouraging imagination, creativity, and curiosity. It doesn't take much more than picking up a great book, reading it together, and giving kids time to play.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-63472025826889462352012-01-10T22:08:00.000-08:002012-01-10T22:08:01.648-08:00Judgement or GraceSally Clarkson is an author I have grown to really appreciate. If you are a mom, I highly recommend her books to you. Any of them!<br />
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You can get a little preview of her writing and her heart <a href="http://www.itakejoy.com/we-all-sin-and-fall-short/">in this great post on her blog.</a>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-3425492089955539892012-01-08T20:17:00.000-08:002012-01-08T20:17:01.859-08:00Parking lot encounterJust got back from a night time grocery shopping trip. I almost always do my grocery shopping at night, since I don't have access to a car during the day. I look around and pay close attention to what is happening in the parking lot. I tend to be pretty cautious (read, paranoid) about being alone at night or in remote places no matter what time of day it is.<br />
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So, back to tonight... I was putting my groceries into the car when 2 tall teenage boys approached me suddenly. "Do you have any change for me and my brother to get some food?" "No, sorry, I don't." And they skated off. I usually don't carry any cash, but tonight I had a little. Or I could have given them some of the food I just bought. Or taken them into the store and bought what they wanted.<br />
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But, I tell myself, I did the right thing. The safe thing. They probably just wanted cash to buy something I wouldn't want to support. And my heart answers, "But what if?" What if they really were hungry? What if they really did need help? What if those were my kids? How would I want a stranger to respond to them? What would be the best response in a situation like this?<br />
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It is important to be safe, yes. But my heart just isn't satisfied by that answer. How I wish I could read into the minds or hearts of those I encounter in situations like this.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-9612913253560455682012-01-01T22:03:00.000-08:002012-01-01T22:03:02.476-08:00One hundredThis is my one hundredth post! A list of 100 seems appropriate. So here I go... hope you don't get too bored.<br />
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100 things I am thankful for: (in no particular order)<br />
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1. water from the faucet, safe to drink<br />
2. listening to my daughter's voice as she reads<br />
3. the joy and adventure of imagination<br />
4. warmth of the sun on my cheeks<br />
5. clean, soft sheets<br />
6. flapping wings, chickens running through the yard<br />
7. bare feet on cool tile<br />
8. a home to live in, learn in, breath in, grow in<br />
9. my husband's loving words, kind eyes<br />
10. warm showers<br />
11. the blessing of food to feed hungry little tummies, and big ones too<br />
12. two hands, able to accomplish all my chores<br />
13. spiders, surprising me with their unexpected hiding spots<br />
14. fruit smoothies<br />
15. kids with lots to say<br />
16. little legs running fast<br />
17. watching cousins play<br />
18. second chances<br />
19. memories<br />
20. libraries full of books<br />
21. my son, so full of joy and enthusiasm<br />
22. the sky, robin's egg blue with wispy white clouds<br />
23. freedom<br />
24. forgiveness<br />
25. friendship<br />
26. family<br />
27. laughter<br />
28. soft butter on homemade cinnamon-raisin bread<br />
29. nap time<br />
30. powerful hymns<br />
31. leaves blowing in the wind<br />
32. brightly colored butterflies<br />
33. hum of hummingbird wings<br />
34. a cat's slowly blinking eyes<br />
35. kids, fascinated by simple things<br />
36. hugs<br />
37. tender kisses from my darling<br />
38. rainbows<br />
39. God's promises<br />
40. friendly service in tiny towns<br />
41. meaningful conversations<br />
42. meeting new babies<br />
43. time with "old" friends, and all friends<br />
44. last minute plans<br />
45. kids learning new skills<br />
46. time to think<br />
47. clean floors<br />
48. choices<br />
49. watching my kids treat each other with kindness and thoughtfulness<br />
50. our yard, space for the kids to run and explore<br />
51. prayer<br />
52. hearing God's voice<br />
53. watching the kids' excitement over life's small pleasures<br />
54. chocolate ice cream<br />
55. warm days at the beach<br />
56. splashing in the waves <br />
57. attending church as a family<br />
58. unexpected sightings, llamas walking down our street<br />
59. tea parties<br />
60. gardening<br />
61. hiking with my family<br />
62. dusty shoes from a path worth hiking<br />
63. spending quality time, not money<br />
64. studying history<br />
65. collecting and eating fresh eggs<br />
66. sweet thank you note received in the mail<br />
67. taking time to be grateful<br />
68. a house so quiet that I hear the clock ticking<br />
69. folding small clothes, some pink and some blue<br />
70. Charlotte (the chicken) announcing to the world that she just laid an egg<br />
71. curious children, excited to learn and explore<br />
72. teaching my kids about Jesus in all aspects of our day<br />
73. home school<br />
74. gentle reminders from God<br />
75. walking and running 5 miles, a feeling of accomplishment<br />
76. new Playdoh<br />
77. looking up words in a dictionary<br />
78. the end results of difficult conversations<br />
79. art projects with the kids<br />
80. the Bible, God's word, medicine to my heart<br />
81. my kids and husband! Oh, how I love them!<br />
82. headache free days<br />
83. beautiful sunset colors, orange, pink, and purple<br />
84. the moon, glowing in the clouds<br />
85. little ones, still small enough to hold and rock in my arms<br />
86. words of love, making little eyes smile and glow<br />
87. sheets full of holes, reminding me to be content and thankful<br />
88. loudly purring cats<br />
89. access to healthcare<br />
90. hope and grace<br />
91. relaxing yoga<br />
92. puzzles<br />
93. singing songs about Jesus with my kids<br />
94. pond refilled by rain, swimming ducks<br />
95. advice from friends<br />
96. turkey vultures and hawks soaring in the sky<br />
97. homemade spinach lasagna<br />
98. memorizing Bible verses with the kids<br />
99. smiles <br />
100. picnic lunches<br />
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Thank you, God, for all these blessings in my life!Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-35538725749676197502011-12-29T23:33:00.000-08:002011-12-29T23:33:15.356-08:00The beauty of a child's joyYesterday I was doing some chores in the house while my kids played in the backyard. My daughter came running up to the door, full of excitement. "Mommy, mommy! I have something for you! Look, I got you a weed!"<br />
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It struck me as very funny that she referred to her beautiful gift as a weed. But in no way did that diminish her enthusiasm and sincerity in offering that gift to me. A lovely and heartfelt gift, it was accepted with great pleasure and gratitude. The tiny weed is now situated in a very small glass jar on my kitchen counter.<br />
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I look at it and smile. I see a weed, yes, but I also see beauty, joy, and love.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-2397677328053968932011-12-29T19:32:00.000-08:002011-12-29T19:33:06.981-08:00A little way to make a big differenceThe school age children who used to live at Save the Children Orphanage are in need of funding for their school fees for the next term of school. You can do something small to make a big difference in their lives! To learn more about the needs and how you can help <a href="http://kitumaini.blogspot.com/2011/12/quiet-plea.html">read this.</a>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-56488791778939174612011-12-20T14:02:00.000-08:002011-12-20T14:02:12.724-08:00Some great ideasChristmas is a hard time of year for me. I love the fun traditions like decorating the tree, baking and decorating cookies with my kids, going to see Christmas lights, going to "Jungle Bells" at the zoo with my family, candlelight services at church, etc. But the commercialism of Christmas drives me absolutely crazy: spending money for so much stuff that we don't need, when we could use our resources to help others who have real needs. December comes and I just want to hide under a rock until it is all over.<br />
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My husband and I do a pretty good job of keeping Christmas gifts to a minimum, keeping things simple, not spending money that we don't have. I must admit though, I am not always intentional about how I go about teaching the true meaning of Christmas to my kids. We talk about Jesus' birth of course. We read the Christmas story and I tell them that Christmas is not about getting more stuff, but about Jesus, the greatest gift we can ever receive. I talk to them about these things, but I feel powerless to combat the messages of our culture.<br />
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I read a blog post today by my friend Stacie. I really love her great ideas! <a href="http://www.learningtimewithmom.blogspot.com/2011/12/gold-frankincense-myrrh.html">You can read her ideas here.</a>Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-17466689943558966552011-12-15T22:44:00.000-08:002011-12-15T22:44:00.663-08:00Fleeting thoughtI was in the kitchen, greasing a large glass pan with butter, thinking to myself, "Hmm, a little too much butter. That can't be good for us." You know what I was getting ready to put in the pan? Fudge. Yep, fudge. And for a few fleeting seconds, I was worried about the teaspoon of butter that will keep it from sticking to the pan. Never mind the half cup of butter, or ridiculous quantities of sugar, that were already mixed into the fudge. Sometimes my thoughts just don't make any sense. Makes them more amusing I suppose.<br />
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On that note... sugar is not good for us. I know it. But I keep eating it. Why do I do that? I'm going to share a recipe with you. Whatever you do, don't make it! Don't eat fudge; it is very bad for you! Go eat some vegetables instead.<br />
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<u>Million Dollar Fudge</u><br />
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Combine and bring to a boil:<br />
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4 1/2 cups sugar<br />
1 12 oz can of evaporated milk<br />
1 pinch of salt<br />
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Boil for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add:<br />
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1 7 oz jar of marshmallow creme<br />
1 8 oz bar Hershey milk chocolate (I used two 4 oz bars)<br />
1 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
1/2 cup of butter<br />
2 cups of nuts, if desired (chopped almonds are good)<br />
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Stir until everything is completely melted and mixed together. Spread mixture in a greased pan (9x13 inch works well). Cool the fudge in the refrigerator.<br />
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There you go. But don't make this recipe, and certainly don't eat it or feed it to anyone you love. If you do make this fudge, please be sure to watch how much butter you use while greasing the pan. I wouldn't want you to make it any less healthy, you know.<br />
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On a more serious note, at the beginning of 2012 I will begin my second annual "No Sugar January." Hopefully it will extend into February as well. Care to join me? It is a great post-holiday detox.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-90283177950075326612011-12-10T20:12:00.000-08:002011-12-10T20:12:46.234-08:00PerspectiveA little perspective is a very helpful thing!<br />
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My sweet and darling 4 year old son has been "a bit" challenging as of late. He has been throwing huge screaming fits, breaking everything in his path, pulling his curtains off the wall by hanging from them, biting us (Ouch!), throwing rocks and metal objects at his friends. The list could go on for quite a while, but I think you get the idea. Some days he is kind and caring, thoughtful and obedient. And some days you'd think I had succeeded in raising a horrible monster.<br />
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My daughter did many of these same things when she was 3 and 4 years old. Although, I never found her hanging from the curtains. I do remember lots of biting. I remember thinking how my daughter was way too old to be biting. Kids should know better by that age! I remember thinking I had seriously failed as a parent. I remember reading piles of books on parenting and discipline. I remember my mother-in-law telling me, "Don't worry, they all go through this phase, but it should end around age 3 and 3/4." Really? There is an end in sight? You mean I haven't failed as a parent? Maybe there is hope for my wayward child? Truth be told, she was no better at age 3 and 3/4; but by the time she reached 5, she seemed like a pretty decent kid.<br />
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A little perspective is a very helpful thing!<br />
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This time around I am not viewing myself as a failure. I am not reading all the parenting books. I don't think my son will remain a dreadful monster and grow up to be a threat to society. I'm thinking, "This too shall pass." I <b><i>am</i></b> trying to stay at a safe distance from his teeth! I'm trying to be super consistent, patient, and calm when my son is not. I don't always succeed in these things, but I keep trying and I keep asking God for His help.<br />
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I'll never forget the nearly sleepless nights of infancy and toddler-hood, my baby who would never take a bottle <i>or </i>my other baby who absolutely refused to breast feed, my baby who never napped, my baby who wouldn't eat, the toddler who refused to be potty trained, and all the other challenges that seemed like mountains at the time. I'm learning to remind myself, "This too shall pass." Kids go through various stages. Some of them are very strange stages, some of them are frightening, some of them are embarrassing. Some of them seem to last way too long. But eventually they end. I've found most of them end more quickly the less I interfere.<br />
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If you are going through a tough phase with your kids, take a step back and remind yourself, "This too shall pass!" And then, to help yourself feel even better, you can think to yourself, "At least my kid isn't biting people and hanging from the curtains like Shauna's son!" Or maybe your kid is doing that too? In that case, just stick with, "This too shall pass!"Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-84337422205437596192011-12-09T21:16:00.000-08:002011-12-09T21:17:54.716-08:00Absolutely worth reading!I love this blog, and <a href="http://www.millionsofmiles.com/2011/12/raising-human-beings-and-life-lessons.html">this post</a> in particular.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-50331428616471254182011-12-02T19:48:00.000-08:002011-12-02T19:48:04.649-08:00Highs and lowsToday's high: Celebrating my husband's birthday with him. I realized that this is the 9th birthday I've been blessed to spend with him. Joel's a great guy! Plus, it gave the kids and I a wonderful excuse to bake brownies. Dinner involved homemade lasagna, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and fruit. Yum! I look forward to eating the leftovers.<br />
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Today's low: My son was throwing Legos, and the Lego bin, at my daughter's head. I picked him up and took him to his room. He bit my arm hard and then repeatedly yelled at the top of his lungs, "You are not my mommy anymore!" and "No one is ever nice to me!" He got to spend an hour of quiet time in his room and came out with a much better attitude. While eating the lasagna at dinner, he leaned over, hugged my arm and said "Now you are my mommy again!"Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-10863069104216815522011-11-30T21:43:00.000-08:002011-11-30T21:43:27.838-08:00Thoughts on self-worthToday, I did some much needed cleaning. Stuff that really needed to be done about 2 weeks ago. Chores that I've been avoiding while I happily bake, read, work in the yard, and teach my kids. Since I cleaned the bathrooms and the floors today, I really feel much better about myself. And that is kind of sad. Why do I feel better about myself if my house is clean, um, cleaner (and degrade myself if it isn't)? Why do I evaluate my self-worth by what I have accomplished?<br />
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I don't base my opinion of my husband or my kids on what they have or have not accomplished. My opinions of my friends don't change based on whether their houses are clean or dirty when I go to visit. I just love them because of who they are. So, why do I do it to myself?<br />
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Do you have a tendency to determine your self-worth based on your accomplishments? Stop it! You are amazing just because you are you! Messy house? That is okay. Besides, it will help me feel better about mine... <br />
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I don't plan to stop cleaning my house, but I sure don't want something so meaningless to impact how I think about myself. I'm going to try to focus on what I like about myself. Real qualities that come from the heart. Care to join me?Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-14727245988356554192011-11-22T21:50:00.000-08:002011-11-22T21:50:04.444-08:00Things they need to knowThe kids and I planted the second half of the garden today. We planted broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts, peas, onions, and bok choy. My daughter and I both came in from outside with terrible headaches due to allergies. It was time to get clean and wash away the pollen. After getting the kids clean and dressed, I settled them in with a snack and a video so I could shower. As always, I said to them, "Never open the door when I am not with you. No matter who is there, keep the door closed and locked." "Okay, Mommy." I thought it might be good to check their understanding. "What if it is President Obama at the door? Should you open the door for him?" "Umm.... I think we should." "No, don't open the door for anyone! Not even the president. If you think it is someone I would want to let in, just come and get me." I think we need to review this a few more times!<br />
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This conversation made me think. What other things do I need to make sure my kids know and understand? Do they know what to do in an emergency? Do they remember how to call 911? Do they remember what I told them to do if they ever get lost or separated from me? Do they know to tell me right away if anyone ever tries to hurt them? What other things do they need to know? <br />
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Do they know how much I love them? That nothing can change that love. Have I taken the time today to remind them how much they are loved? Do they know how much Jesus loves them? Have I taken the time to pray with them and read the Bible to them today? I can't teach them everything, but I better not forget the most important things.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-12540254291208952802011-11-20T19:59:00.000-08:002011-11-20T19:59:34.010-08:00Tidbits from our "farm"We finally got around to starting our fall planting in the vegetable garden. Things were put on hold in October because I had a few weeks of severe anxiety/depression, complicated by a reaction to medication. Ugh. I am so thankful to be doing better!<br />
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On Saturday, we put up a fence around the garden to keep the chickens out. They weren't too happy about that. After creating the chicken boundary, we planted seeds for beets, carrots, lettuce, spinach, parsnips, and a few herbs. Today the kids and I went to the garden center and got seeds for peas and kale. We also got broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, onion, and brussel sprouts plants. Lots of things we've never grown before. I'm curious how our fall gardening venture will turn out. The kids insist that they will eat everything that we grow in our own garden. I hope they do!<br />
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The chickens are doing well and supplying us with lots of eggs. They are a funny group of ladies, very entertaining to watch.<br />
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We've been getting some rain and it is so wonderful to see our lawn (um, weed patch) turning green again.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-38006041514965571652011-11-17T22:26:00.000-08:002011-11-17T22:26:56.139-08:00A house is not a home...I love cats and books. I always have. If I wasn't married with kids, I imagine I'd be an old spinster with oodles of cats and piles of books. I suppose I would work in a library. You can picture it right?<br />
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But since I have been blessed with an amazing husband and darling children, I spend hours every day reading to my kids. Funny thing, they love books too! We snuggle on the couch and read great books. I'm learning an awful lot about history and science. From time to time I get kicked in the head by my four year old son who doesn't exactly "sit" and listen. And I am reminded to laugh. When my voice gets tired I hand the book to my six year old daughter and she does the reading. We cuddle up, we learn, we laugh, we love. Life is good.<br />
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When I was about fourteen, I desperately wanted a cat. I had unsuccessfully asked my parents if I could have a cat. Then I figured it out, my house didn't feel like a home without a cat. And I said so, "Mom, a house really isn't a home without a cat." Who knew that simple heartfelt statement would work? It wasn't long before I got to bring Milo home. Milo, my friend with long, orange fur.<br />
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I've been thinking about this lately. When my kids go to bed, I snuggle up on the couch with more great books, a cup of tea, and my two black cats. I feel very much at home. But it isn't the cats, or the books, that make me feel at home. It is the love that fills our house. It is knowing that my husband is in the room with me, that my kids are tucked safely in their beds, and that we tucked them in with words of love.<br />
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As a teenager I felt like I was in a house that wasn't quite a home, not because the people weren't loving, but because my parents were often gone. It is easy to realize how much young kids need their parents to be home, how much they need their parents' time and attention. Little kids tell you, they make their needs known. No matter what they say, or don't say, I believe that bigger kids need their parents to be available just as much as the little ones do. As my little kids get bigger, I plan to still be here. I plan to keep on reading to them. Even if I drive them crazy and they wish I'd go away. I hope that my presence and love will continue to make our house a home. And if I'm mistaken on this point? Don't worry, we've got the cats.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-13025000017876154642011-11-12T16:33:00.000-08:002011-11-12T16:33:09.844-08:00"Healthy" BrowniesI made <a href="http://adashofsass.com/2011/07/12/double-chocolate-zucchini-brownies/">these brownies</a> today. They were super good and about as healthy as brownies can get. It has been a rainy day, perfect for staying inside, playing board games with the kids, baking and eating warm, gooey brownies.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-28266914688095982592011-11-08T15:36:00.000-08:002011-11-08T15:36:49.358-08:00Have you ever been there?Have you ever been there? <a href="http://www.emergingmummy.com/2011/11/in-which-i-had-chance-to-do-something.html">See this blog post.</a> <br />
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I know I have... I've felt or heard that "still, small voice" asking me to do something. Telling me to get involved or make a difference. Sometimes I've said <a href="http://livinginhislove-shauna.blogspot.com/2011/04/i-will-never.html">no</a>. And it haunts me. But sometimes I've said yes, and I'm so glad I did.Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479090602912974766.post-17209163464582217442011-11-05T22:13:00.000-07:002011-11-05T22:13:55.519-07:00SponsorshipLast year I was able to go to Save the Children orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The kids, the orphanage, the country, they are all close to my heart. A sponsorship program has been established to support the little ones at the orphanage, and we have the opportunity to take part in making a huge difference in the lives of these children! Just 5 more babies are in need of sponsors. You can read more about it <a href="http://kitumaini.blogspot.com/2011/11/children-that-deserve-chance-that.html">in this post.</a><br />
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Today, my family and I hosted a garage sale to raise some extra money for the orphanage. I so appreciate the donations we received to add to our pile of things to sell. Thank you friends! We were able to raise enough money to feed 2 babies for one month. I always wish I could do more than I am able to, but that won't stop me from doing what I can do. Would you be able to sponsor a child? Or help us spread the word?Shaunahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06709831514057098097noreply@blogger.com0