Life in May 2011

What a long month it has been. Yet, it still seems to have flown by.

I had a lovely Mother's Day because, after church, we went to used book sale! I love books, especially if they are cheap. I even found some books we will be needing for the next school year. I got a big box full for only $14.  I was really excited because I found the complete Anne of Green Gables series for 25 cents a piece.  

I had a birthday this month. That means I am now 32. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I kind of feel like this means I'm getting old but I honestly don't feel old. I'll just take it one year at a time. I am praying that I can age with grace. I don't want to make a big deal about getting wrinkles. Even though I feel a little panicky when I look in the mirror and see crow's feet and a line going straight across my forehead. This post is pretty inspiring.

My family had a reunion. We have it every year at a park. We actually lucked out on the weather because they were calling for storms for that day..

I also have some news worth rejoicing over! Trista was baptized this month. I'm so proud of her! Below is a video of my cousin, who was just ordained the week before, baptizing her. 

We also had some crazy wind here and lost the top half of one of our maples. Now it is only half its height.

When it hasn't been raining or storming we have been spending a majority of our days outside. We had a pretty good month. We are now looking forward to June and summer!

Give Yourself a Break

We all have those days where we feel utterly stressed out and burdened by all of our responsibilities. We (especially me) can tremendously benefit if we learn when it is best to give ourselves a break.

If mothers could learn to do for themselves what they do for their children when these are overdone, we should have happier households. Let the mother go out to play! If she would only have courage to let everything go when life becomes too tense, and just take a day, or half a day, out in the fields, or with a favourite book, or in a picture gallery looking long and well at just two or three pictures, or in bed, without the children, life would go on far more happily for both children and parents.  – Charlotte Mason (Vol. 3, ch. 3, pg. 33-40)

If we keep going under pressure, with no time to ourselves to just breath, we tend to start taking it out on those around us. We snap and bicker and are generally unpleasant to be around. Just imagine what a great benefit it would be for our families and us, if we took the time to free our minds from all that hassle just for a short time to give ourselves a fresh start. I would also add more to the above. If we find ourselves particularly upset, it is always good to turn to the Lord. Perhaps spending time praying, worshiping and studying the word would be especially valuable.

I am writing this because I have been feeling a heaviness of heart. I'm sure someone else would benefit with a little reminder.

Educational Freebie: Alphabet Flashcards

http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2011/05/freebie-of-the-month-club-alphafantastical-insta-decor/