Vanessa

Thrive in the Fullness

A Simpler Motherhood

I just finished doing a Brain Dump. It’s early September and fall is one of our fullest seasons. Soccer and football and birthdays and travel and harvest. It’s like the wind that picks up a pile of leaves, swirls them around in a cyclone for a few seconds, and then suddenly stops as the leaves fall to the ground in a heap. That is our life September to November. We are a flurry of activity, rustling and swirling around, and then things suddenly stop and get quiet again before the holidays. While this fall season has a lot more leaves in the air, it’s still good. Instead of wishing for things to get quiet, I want to be present in the present. I know I won’t be perfect at this, because, well, I like quiet. But this fall I want to Thrive in the Fullness. I want to appreciate, enjoy, and thrive the next few months. Because if I am thriving in the fullness, there is a good chance my people are, too.

I pray these words and practical ideas will help someone somewhere, but I also hope they help me. Sometimes writing down my heart, my hopes and dreams and intentions is the single thing needed to put them into action. Dear reader, I hope these words will help you thrive and I hope they help me thrive, too.

Thrive in the Fullness

Make time for joy.

I’m starting here because it’s how I start everyday and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it saves my sanity most days. Make time in the fullness, the chaos, the crazy for joy. For me, joy is walking and chatting with Jesus in the early morning hours. It’s watching the sun rise in the quiet of our farm. The other day I said to Kevin: It might make sense for me to start foregoing my walks in the morning to get a few things done. He stopped me immediately and said: No. He knows how important walks are to me. I’m so glad I make time for joy and my husband supports it.

Take a few minutes to think about what brings you joy. What makes you feel like a person? What fills you up and makes you smile? Maybe you’re like me and a walk brings you joy. Or maybe it’s a long bath or listening to some music or a podcast. It could be working out or chatting with your mom or snuggling with one of your babes before bed. Whatever it is, make time for it. Joy can take a backseat in the middle of a full season. I would argue full seasons are when we need joy the most, so let’s make time for it.

Do a Brain Dump.

Getting super practical here. Brain dumps save me in full seasons. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, a brain dump will save my sanity and a whole lot of tears. For me, putting pen to paper works best so I use a notebook to write down everything in my brain. I pray the list doesn’t fill the page, but usually it does and that’s okay. Beginning with the three most important things, I work through the list. I might get through my list of to-dos in a week, but usually it’s more like two or three weeks.

Grab a sheet of paper or your notes app and set a timer for 5 minutes. Get everything in your brain written down or typed out. Take some deep breaths when you’re done and then slowly work through the list. This is a productivity strategy I use time and time again.

Meal Plan.

Even in a full season, our people need to eat. I never regret taking a few minutes to meal plan. In full seasons our family eats a lot of the same things. Tacos, BLTs, Burgers and sweet potatoes, Pork Carnitas, Korean beef and broccoli, Roast with potatoes and carrots. In late August I made a list of 10 meals we will eat the next few months. Most of our dinners will come from that list. Each week I plug those meals into my weekly meal plan. Friday nights are snack trays and Sunday night is usually pizza. There will come a time this winter when I’m able to spend a little more time on meals, but the next few months it needs to be simple.

Make a list of 10-15 meals you know your family will eat and are simple for you to put together. Each week plug those meals into your meal plan and order the ingredients needed to make the dishes. Do yourself a favor and take one thing off your plate with a meal plan.

Communicate with your people.

Effective communication is the best way to solve problems. -Brandford Winters

When I look back on the past fifteen years of marriage and (almost) ten years of motherhood, I think many of our family’s hiccups could be solved with a little more communication. In a full season, sometimes we are too tired to communicate. We get home late, dinner needs served, little humans need bathed, and we don’t communicate. Because we’re tired and there are other things needing tending. However, communicating with our people is one of the things needing tending, too. Kevin and I have a Sunday afternoon meeting to communicate things about the coming week. Practices, work schedules, errands, etc. It’s how we don’t fall deep underwater in the full seasons. It takes about 10 minutes and is worth every second.

How do you communicate with your people during full seasons? Do you need to implement a time each week to sit down and get on the same page? Make time for communication.

Grace.

Full seasons require lots of grace. Grace for ourselves and our kids and our spouses. We can’t be all the things for all the people and do all the things all the time. During this fall season, I know our house won’t be as picked up or as clean as I like it. The garden and yard might go untended. Water bottles might pile up in the car. But, grace. It won’t always be like this and being present with my humans is more important than a perfectly tidied home.

What do you need to give yourself grace for? What about your kids and your spouse? Let the unimportant go, knowing you can always come back to it when things slow down.

Maybe fall isn’t full for you. Whatever season you’re in right now, whether slow or full, think through how you can enjoy and appreciate it. My prayer is you will thrive in the fullness this fall.

Vanessa

What I’m Loving in August

A Simpler Motherhood

They say August is the Sunday of summer. With just a few days left of this dreamy month, here is What I’m Loving in August.

What I’m Loving in August

Getting Away

Kevin and I were able to get away for our anniversary this month and it was absolutely lovely. I whole heartedly believe in getting away as a couple and this is just what we needed. It isn’t easy with four kids and school and schedules and Kevin’s work, but it’s worth it. So worth it. We chatted, dreamed, planned, and had time to just be us. Getting away together was the highlight of our month.

Planning for the Fall Fullness

Fall at our house is a bit more full. Football and soccer and and school and co-op. Everything begins again and while we are excited about it, it requires a bit more planning and preparation. We have been decluttering, prepping fall meals, and getting our schedules coordinated. Although we are holding fast to summer, we are prepping for fall.

Tomatoes and Eggs

Our garden is bursting at the seams with tomatoes and our chickens finally started laying eggs. Farm life is good to us at the moment. Kevin has been dicing up cherry tomatoes and peppers from the garden and adding fried eggs to it in the morning. Jude is my cherry tomato picker and eats half of what he picks before they make it inside. Harvest time is the best time.

Friendish and Teaching from Rest

I’ve been reading Friendish by Kelly Needham and rereading Teaching from Rest by Sarah MacKenzie. Both are nonfiction reads and I’m enjoying each of them for different reasons. Friendish lays out the foundation for Christian relationships and dispels some myths about real friendship. Teaching from Rest is a book I try and read or listen to every fall. It helps me to refocus and reset my expectations and goals for our family’s homeschooling year.

Carly Jean Los Angeles dress

I recently purchased a dress from Carly Jean Long Angeles and it is the perfect summer dress. I’ve been wearing it nonstop. It is comfortable and easy, exactly what I want for the summer. I ordered a tank from the same company, which I have been wearing weekly with jean shorts. It’s hard to find clothes in this stage of life and I think Carly Jean will be a spot I go to when I am wanting something new for my closet.

As August comes to a close, what have you been loving this month?

Vanessa

Prep for Fall: Seeking Gold

A Simpler Home

Some say fall is the second new year. It’s a time to reset, refocus, and prepare for a new season. Recently I watched the Minimal Mom talk about how decluttering is like seeking out the gold in our homes. Like those who so many years ago panned for gold, we can remember this while we declutter. Panning for gold in our homes looks like finding the really good stuff. The stuff we use, love, the stuff that brings value to our lives. When we find the gold it becomes clear what’s not important, which makes it easier to let go. The past few weeks I’ve done this with my family. We have been Seeking Gold as we declutter and reset our home to Prep for Fall.

Seeking Gold

Seeking Gold is a change in mindset and has helped me let go of the stuff that just doesn’t matter. Instead of thinking: Should I let this go? What if I need it someday and don’t have it? I’ve been trying to think: Do I use this often? Does it bring me joy? Is it valuable to me? Seeking Gold takes us from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. It’s looking for the valuable and letting everything else fall away.

As my family and I did this in our home, we simply went room to room and drawer to drawer looking for gold. I began with my closet, going through and finding my favorites, the things I feel good in. I let go of a few things I never felt quite right in. Then I showed my kids these things and told them why I no longer found them valuable.

Together, we went through each kid’s room, looking for the gold and then letting go of the things that got in the way of the kids enjoying the gold. Broken cars, books no longer read, random toys no longer loved.

I also went through the kitchen, our homeschool supplies, and some home decor items and let go of the things we no longer used or didn’t enjoy anymore. If I didn’t absolutely love an item, it went out the door. This may seem extreme, but I want our home to only include things serving us. Not the other way around. I don’t want to be a slave to our stuff and I want to enjoy the gold.

Seeking Gold Challenge

I challenge you to pick a drawer, a room, a closet, and use the Seeking Gold mindset to declutter. Begin with finding the gold: the stuff you really use, enjoy, and love. See what’s left and what you can let go of.

If letting go of stuff is stressful, try a Decide Later box. Place everything you aren’t sure about in the box, wait a few weeks or a month and see if it’s turned to gold by then. If not, it’s okay to let it go.

The fall is said to be a second new year. Let’s prepare for the changing of the seasons by seeking gold in our homes.

Vanessa

Prep for Fall: Empty the Kitchen

A Simpler Home, A Simpler Motherhood

As hard as it is it admit, fall is coming and there is nothing we can do about it. While it looms ahead of us, let’s prepare for the beginning of this new season and all that comes with school and routines and (possibly) a fuller calendar. Today we are going to prep for fall and begin with how to Empty the Kitchen.

The past month and a half our family has been emptying the pantry and freezer. While summer usually lends itself to a lot of grilling, we have been opting for roasts in the crock pot and bacon in the oven. Using up what we have has been a priority as we prepare for harvest season: produce to freeze and can and fresh meat from local farmers. Before school begins, before we stock up, it’s time to empty the kitchen. Let’s use up what we have to prep for fall.

Empty the Kitchen

Step 1: Throw stuff out.

Food waste is prevalent and also annoying. It’s inevitable there is something expired or not edible in your fridge, freezer, or pantry. Do a quick look through and throw out anything past its prime. Hopefully this won’t take much time and there won’t be much in the trash. But if there is, give yourself grace and let this be your motivation to not let this happen to the rest of the food in your house.

Step 2: Take inventory.

Let’s peek inside our fridge, freezer, and pantry to take inventory of what we have. We can’t use it up if we are clueless what’s hiding behind the leftovers. Go through each space and pull things in sight that need to be used up. Take note of any meals to make with the items in those spaces.

For example, as I have been trying to empty our kitchen, I noticed a few racks of ribs in the freezer and baked beans in the pantry. Last week we had just that for dinner along with some cucumbers from the garden. I also noticed we had some roasts and homemade beef broth in the freezer. Even though it’s summer, there will be roast at dinnertime.

When we know what we have, we can use what we have.

Step 3: Meal plan

If you’re like me, meal plans ebb and flow depending on the literal season of the year and the current season our family is living in. Whether our calendars are fuller or slower, whether we are spending more time riding bikes or on the soccer field, whether we are traveling or at home. Whatever season you’re in, find a meal plan strategy that works for you. Use the inventory you found in your spaces to make a plan for the next week or two. Maybe you have so many leftovers you need to do snack boards with leftovers for the next several nights. Lucky you, dinner check check check! Maybe you have random cuts of meat in your freezer that need used up. Or maybe you have a bunch of veggies on the verge and need to find some dishes to get them on plates and out of the fridge. Make a meal plan to use the things you have.

I’m competitive by nature and sometimes I like to make it a game to see how long I can go before I put in an order for grocery pick up. It’s silly, but it helps me be creative with the things already sitting in my fridge. See how long you can go without hitting up the grocery store. Pancakes absolutely count as dinner, friends.

Emptying the kitchen can be fun. It’s the perfect time to do it before we stock up for the second new year coming at us so very soon. Back to school is close. How will you Empty the Kitchen?

Vanessa

A Day in the Life

A Simpler Motherhood

It’s easy to forget and it’s easy to remember. These words are so true for me. There are times I can’t remember what I ate last night for dinner and yet I have vivd memories from twenty years ago. Dear reader, you will probably read this and find nothing extraordinary. And that’s okay. My purpose in sharing A Day in the Life is quite selfish. I want to remember these sweet days at home with my babes. Days I will forever cherish and hopefully never forget. I also hope it will inspire you to find a small way to document an (extra)ordinary day in your own life.

A Day in the Life

5:45: Kevin’s alarm goes off. I wake up and do a Motivated workout outside while I watch the sun rise. I take my first walk of the day.

6:25: I weed and water the garden. It sure is looking pretty today.

7:00: I take a cold shower because a good friend is taking them and I thought I would try it. It was cold and I am awake.

7:15: The kids are up and I cuddle with them on the couch. It’s one of my favorite times of day.

7:45: As the kids do chores, I clean up the kitchen and help Luke pack for camp with his grandparents.

8:15: Although I’m not an accountant, I do our farm’s books. I head downstairs to do some work while the kids play. I get interrupted 5-10 times with random requests and complaints.

9:15: The kids and I head outside to look for monarch caterpillars with no luck. We watch Abel take a swim in the creek.

10:00: The kids let the chickens free range while I pull weeds in the garden.

10:20: The kids color while I make a meal plan for next week.

11:00: We eat lunch early. The menu consists of sandwiches, peppers, cucumbers, and cheese sticks.

11:30: The kids run outside to play while I clean the kitchen and fold laundry.

12:00: I head outside to hang with the kids and water the zinnias.

12:15: Luke and I go inside so he can finish packing. There is an argument between kids and we sit down to have a pow wow.

1:00: It’s time for reading lessons and screen time. Lily reads Little House on the Prairie to me while Luke reads to the boys.

1:30: While the kids do their screen time, I walk around the house with a repairman who will fix some storm damage.

1:45: The kids head to quiet time and I cuddle with Jack before his nap.

2:10: Kevin’s parents get here to take Luke to Cyclone camp. We say goodbye.

2:25: I work on a homeschool project for the first day of school and write out what my ideal day would look like when school is in session.

3:30: I get my second walk in for the day while the kids play outside.

4:15: We all have a popsicle break.

5:00: I am starting to work on being unplugged for a few hours during family time each night. I put my devices away as Kevin gets off work.

5:30: We take a family walk and Lily finds a monarch caterpillar.

6:00: Dinner is late tonight. I prep broccoli to be roasted and hot dogs and brats to be grilled.

6:45: We eat dinner then immediately do baths and brush teeth.

7:20: We watch the Tour de France recap as a family.

8:00: I read the Bible to the kids and Kevin prays for us.

8:10: The marathon begins of putting kids to bed. We read books with each of them and take some time to cuddle.

8:45: I tidy the house and make a list for tomorrow.

9:10: Kevin and I plop down on the couch and hang out a bit before bed.

10:00: Lights out for everyone.

It was fun to read last summer’s Day in the Life. These might be my favorite posts.

What can you do today to remember your current season?

Vanessa

What I’m Loving in July

A Simpler Motherhood

We are in the heat of the summer. In the midwest, this month is for swimming holes, sunshine, and sweet corn. Here is What I’m Loving in July.

What I’m Loving in July

Family Bike Rides

Although most days are sweltering hot, I am loving family bike rides. Summer is a time when we have limited commitments so we can ride often. Our bike riding ritual is ride, eat burgers, ride, snack, ride, celebrate with ice cream. I could do this with my people everyday.

Natalie Bennett Youtube Channel

I have been watching Natalie Bennett on Youtube for awhile and her videos are both encouraging and inspiring. If you like decluttering and simple living inspiration, Natalie is your girl. Her family recently moved to their forever home and she has been vlogging about remodels and their garden. I love small peeks into how other mommas are living intentionally and Natalie’s channel gives me just that.

Aerie offline bike shorts

So many people have been praising these shorts. After realizing I could use a pair of black bike shorts, I decided to pull the trigger and purchase the Aerie offline bike shorts. They are the most comfortable shorts and I find myself reaching for them whenever they are clean.

Using what we have in the freezer

We are lucky to have access to farms that raise both cattle and hogs close by, so we fill our freezer with beef and pork about every six months. Right now we are due and I’m trying to feed my family all the meat left before we get a refill. Random cuts of meat are what’s on the menu right now.

Planning for a gentle start to school

We begin our homeschool next week. I’m both dragging my feet and excited. I’ve learned the past few years that a gentle start works well for our family. I add one activity or subject at a time until we have built up to doing allll the things. This year I’m going to begin with morning basket for the first week and maybe a little math. We will add things when I feel everyone is ready. A gentle start helps us ease into the school year and gives us something to look forward to as we add in new things.

That’s a wrap for What I’m Loving in July. What are you loving this month?

Vanessa

5 Lazy Things for Summer

A Simpler Motherhood

You might have read the title of this post and rolled your eyes or subconsciously passed some judgement. And that’s okay. But before you stop reading, hear me out. I believe laziness now can equate to productiveness later. Our bodies, brains, and souls need rest and I believe there is no better time than summer for it. Here are 5 Lazy Things for Summer.

5 Lazy Things for Summer

Do something you {really} enjoy.

I’m not talking about what your kids enjoy or what your family enjoys. What is something you enjoy? What is something that makes you feel like you? Make time, guilt free, for it this summer.

As many of you know, this is the year of walking for me. I enjoy it and I don’t do it for anyone else. It’s just for me. Walking takes time, so there have been some things I have been unable to get to because I am prioritizing my daily walks. Our garden isn’t picture perfect. The house isn’t dusted as often. And that’s all okay. We have this one beautiful life. Let’s enjoy it.

Lounge outside.

If you live somewhere with cold temps in the winter, you know sunny, warm days are limited. Let’s take time to savor them. Take time to lounge outside watching the kids play, reading a book, or just simply enjoying the surroundings. 42% of the U.S. population is Vitamin D deficient. It doesn’t have to be that way in the summer. Getting outside has so many great benefits, so let’s make it happen this summer.

Snack Trays for Dinner.

We love a good snack tray around here for dinner. And in the summer, snack trays save my life. Crackers, cut fruit and veggies, cheese, sliced sausages or deli meat. These are the things I place on a cutting board for my people to eat during those just-got-back-from-the-swimming-hole evenings. We do not have to turn on the oven, grill, or air fryer for a meal to count as dinner. Amen.

Delegate.

Summer is about freedom and whimsy and fun. It’s also a season when many little humans have more idle time. If your babes land in that boat and are old enough to scrub a dish, it’s time to delegate. Let’s delegate and teach our kids how to do the things we do. First and foremost, we are teaching the ones in our care how to be an actual person and second, we are taking something off our plate. This is winning, friends.

Let it go.

What is one thing driving you crazy this summer? The endless snacks? The never ending wet towels? Or is it the mess that never seems to get cleaned up? Either find a solution or let it go. Or maybe the solution is letting it go. Embrace that thing and maybe your summer will feel just a little bit lighter.

Laziness doesn’t have to look, well, lazy. What is one lazy thing you can do now to make room to be productive later?

Vanessa

What I’m Loving in June

A Simpler Motherhood

Summer is officially here, like today. This new season is full of all things outdoors and I couldn’t love it more. Here is What I’m Loving in June.

What I’m Loving in June

Quarry Days

Our local swimming hole is finally warm enough for swimming and we have been taking full advantage. My kids are old enough now where I can sit in a chair on the beach and watch. It’s so dreamy to watch these little humans swim and paddle and play. I’m loving this in June, but I know I will be loving this all summer long.

A Roll of Ritz

If you’re a mom, you know mealtimes are different in summer than the rest of the year. Instead of fighting hard against this, I am choosing to embrace it this year. When we are still swimming and it’s dinner time, Ritz crackers, some cheese and sausage, and fresh fruit is what’s for dinner. It’s not fancy and not our typical dinner, but we want to soak up all the sunshine we can. And sometimes that means Ritz for dinner.

Walking and Watering

I am still walking everyday and it’s still a gift. My walking rhythm has shifted and I now do most of my walk in the morning before it gets too hot. I then take a few minutes to water our garden. The peaceful mornings have been life giving for me.

Summersalt Swim

I have two Summersalt swim suits and they are my absolute favorite. I wear them on repeat all summer and never get tired of them. They are comfortable and I feel like a mom who actually thought about what she put on her body.

Strawberry Salad

My friend made an incredible strawberry salad for Cooking Club this month and I have been loving it for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner. Mixed greens, sliced strawberries, grilled chicken, goat cheese, and poppyseed dressing. This salad is perfection and tastes like summer.

There is much to love this month. What are you loving in June?

Vanessa

Celebrate the Dads

A Simpler Motherhood

When I was a little girl, my dad was my hero. I remember thinking of him as bigger than life. My dad worked hard for our family: in his career as a social worker, reffing and umping games, and teaching classes on the weekends to be sure we had everything we needed. My dad was my coach, the one who took me to the YMCA multiple times a week so I could practice my dribbling and shooting. If you asked me then why my dad was my hero I would have told you it’s because he was the biggest, best dad in the world and he taught me everything I know about sports (which was a pretty big deal in elementary school). As I reminisce about my childhood, I remember sitting on my Dad’s lap and feeling like it was the safest place in the world.

Fast forward to today. I get to bear witness to another great Dad. This one is the father to my children. The one whom I get to do life with. He is the kind of Dad who makes big breakfasts in the morning: eggs and sausages and waffles. On Sunday evenings he is in the grass playing soccer with our kids, helping them understand how to win and lose. He takes time to have real conversations with each of our babes, talking to them about Star Wars or baby animals or soccer or trains or Teslas. Kevin is the constant calm in our family. (I have so much to learn from him.) I get to see the Dad to my kids do the hard work of raising them: being firm with consequences, showing grace for mistakes, and asking for forgiveness when he needs to.

Celebrate the Dads

Dads Matter

I tell you about two of the Dads in my life because they matter. My Dad mattered to my childhood and still shows me love and grace today. The Dad to my kids is helping to raise the next generation and is an incredible example of a strong, loving father. Let’s celebrate the Dads because their impact on our world is great and they are doing incredibly important work in our homes each and every day. Let’s Celebrate the Dads.

5 Ways to Celebrate Dads

Show Dad appreciation.

Everyone wants to know they are appreciated. Dads, too. Let’s show Dad he is appreciated by communicating gratitude. Whether in the form of a card, note, poem, song, or simply a ‘Thanks, Dad’. Gratitude is never wasted and showing the Dad in your life he is appreciated will remind him why he does what he does every single day.

Show Dad his value.

The garden beds that took Dad an entire weekend to build. The 9-5 day job he works to support his family. Dad’s never ending energy when it comes to wrestling with the kids or kicking the soccer ball or giving piggy back rides. The way he speaks life over the family at the dinner table, in the car, or playing a board game. The Dad jokes and puns that seem to be endless. How he gives of himself day in and day out to love his family well.

Dads bring immense value to our families. Point out the everyday things Dad does to make a difference. Kids can draw a picture depicting their favorite thing to do with Dad. Moms can write a note pointing out the extraordinary traits that make him a good Dad. Grown daughters and sons can tell their Dad the value he has added to their life in a conversation or in the form of a letter. Dads are valuable: let’s tell them.

Celebrate the Dads

Show Dad respect.

If you haven’t noticed, respect seems to be a big thing for Dads. They were created to long for it. Let’s show Dad respect by taking time to listen to his words (when he actually talks). Let’s take a minute when he leaves for the day or when he comes home and acknowledge him with a kiss or a hug. When Dad has a request, let’s try and honor it. Let’s do our best to avoid complaining and using sarcasm when we are having a discussion. For an extra special treat on Father’s Day, let’s actually laugh at his jokes. Respect is high on the list for what Dads want for Father’s Day, even if they don’t know it.

Celebrate the Dads

Show Dad care.

Even Dads like to be taken care of every once in awhile. Every Dad is different, so take some time to think about what would make the Dad in your life feel cared for. Is it an afternoon to play golf or time to go on a bike ride? Maybe it’s just asking: What can I do for you today? It could be as simple as making his favorite meal, dressing up, and putting flowers on the table. Think about what makes the Dad in your life feel cared for and make it happen.

Show Dad love.

This is the easiest way to Celebrate Dads. Let’s show Dad some love this Father’s Day. A love note is a good place to start along with hugs, kisses, and cuddles. Maybe give him space and time for his hobby without complaining. Line up a babysitter and surprise him with a date night. Gift him with the fancy BBQ sauce or golf club or tool he has been wanting for some time. Simply tell him you love him. Let’s show Dad we love him in a big way this Father’s Day.

Celebrate the Dads

Let’s Celebrate the Dads this Father’s Day. Tell me: how will you celebrate the Dad in your life?

Vanessa

What I Learned My 5th Year Homeschooling

A Simpler Homeschool

There is not a doubt in my mind I have learned just as much as my kids the past 5 years we have been schooling together.  While my oldest has learned about Nikola Tesla, my daughter has learned to read, and my five year old has learned to add, I have learned how to be both mom and teacher.  It’s trial and error, wins and fails, and a lot of changing my mind to find what works for not only me, but my babes. 

 

While I haven’t been homeschooling as long as some, I’ve been around the block a few times and want to share what I learned this past year.  I do this both for myself and for anyone who could benefit from what I’ve learned.  I have some reflection questions at the end of my learnings if you’re a homeschooling mom and could benefit from what I’m learned.  Here is what I Learned My 5th Year of Homeschooling…

What I Learned My 5th Year of Homeschooling

Curriculum Matters for Mom

If Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.  I have never known this to be so true than it is when it comes to homeschool curriculum.  While it’s important for curriculum to work for our kids, it’s even more important for it to work for mom.  I’ve discovered I am a better mom and teacher when I like the curriculum and how it works within our day.  

I have discovered I like a simple, open and go curriculum.  Although I was an elementary teacher before staying home with my kids, planning lessons and collecting materials is not something I have the capacity for with kids in different grade levels.  I want something I can use easily.  For our family, The Good and the Beauitful language arts curriculum has worked well and so has Math-U-See.  There is barely any prep and it ensures I’m not spending precious hours gathering materials.   

I want to be clear, curriculum isn’t everything, but it does matter.  Finding what works for you and your family is worth the effort.  If you reflect on this past year, did your curriculum make homeschooling easier or harder?  Did it bring you joy or frustration?  Would you recommend it to people you care about?

Curriculum isn’t necessary

Since we are already talking curriculum, I learned this year it isn’t necessary.  I’ve tried various science, social studies, and history curriculums and haven’t found anything I can’t live without.  So this year instead of purchasing science and history curriculum with a scope and sequence, we did something different.  I asked the kids what they wanted to learn and then we learned it.  We studied Nikola Tesla, the moon, ancient Egypt, and chickens.  We utilized free resources like the library and Youtube to learn about these topics.  And it was joyful and interesting and both the kids and I thrived with this model.  Interest led learning is definitely something I will continue this next school year.

Curriculum can be both incredibly valuable and also unnecessary at times.  Is there a part of your homeschool day that isn’t working?  If so, is it because of the curriculum?  Could you eliminate a textbook or curriculum to make your homeschool days simpler and more enjoyable?

Comparison is a trap

Whether we compare ourselves to a mom at co-op or a mom on Instagram, they both are damaging.  I’ve learned that what I do is specific to me, my kids, and the way we do life together.  What works for our family might not work for a good friend or the homeschool influencer.  And that’s okay.  I’ve gotten caught in the comparison trap a few times this past year and know it messes with my confidence.  When I am running in my lane, doing what I know works for my family, I am a more content mom loving more content kids.  That’s good for everyone.  I know comparison will always be a temptation, but I hope being aware of the trap will help me not fall into it so much.

Do you find yourself feeling discontented after chatting with a homeschool mom at co-op or after an Instagram scroll?  Instead of thinking about what you aren’t doing or how you are doing things differently, what if you named one thing that is going well in your home?  Also, saying internally: ‘That’s good for her and her family, but not for me’ and really meaning it can help with a perspective shift.  Maybe you need to take it a step further and unfollow some accounts on Instagram to reel in the comparison.  Decide one way you can fight the temptation of comparison.  

Community is life giving

This year a few friends started up a local co-op.  It has been more life giving than I can find words for.  Having a group of moms, all in the same boat, doing life together every Tuesday morning gave our homeschool a spark it needed.  I have prayed for this co-op for years and the waiting made this community that much sweeter.  These women and kids have filled our family’s cup week after week.  I have seen my kids thrive and it has definitely impacted how I feel about homeschooling day to day. 

Do you have a strong homeschool community?  If not, how can you seek out other homeschooling families before the new school year begins?

Like the babes I am teaching, I am constantly learning and growing and being stretched. I pray this continues and I never take for granted the great privilege it is to teach my kids.

What did you learn this past year?