On being thankful...

So, it's been one of those nights, following one of those days. You know what I mean? The kids are...extra rambunctious, my house...my poor house! I find myself grumbling under my breath (at first,) but then it gets louder. And in all the chaos, I don't stop to think about the good surrounding me. I seem to suffer from random insomnia. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, there's no turning my brain off! I can be really annoying. I get on my own nerves! But, just before I go completely mad from lack of sleep and annoying myself...I stop and reflect. On the many blessings in my life! It really is the small things, like finding this on my cup when my husband brings me coffee I didn't ask for: Or a moment with Super Why, who's been crying ALL day,(and refuses to let me accomplish anything) when he turns his little face up to me and gives me a big fat kiss! I need to remember that, the tough days can build character and strength IF, I repeat "IF" I dwell on the good, the righteous, the holy, the lovely, the pure...and learn from them. Not get stuck "navel gazing" and wrapped up in my bad mood! Cherish Precious Moments. Tiffany (taffygrinch)

the blah days...

No need to remind anyone it's Monday right? I love the e-card that reads, "The first five days after the weekend are the hardest." We all have "blah" days. Whether it's the post weekend blues, monotony of a routine or even the weather. Every once in awhile, I find the energy(sometimes I have to dig pretty deep,) to mix things up a little. A simple change in location can make all the difference! Do school in another room(one you wouldn't usually work in.) Head outside..weather permitting. Or go somewhere close by, a local park or library. Do something FUN! Break out those educational games, go for a nature walk or do a themed scavenger hunt(in alphabetical order, by color, etc.) Make a "blah" day box(basically a rainy day box,) with games, toys, and projects to put away for just such a time. There's no shortage of ideas out there, get on pinterest or your favorite homeschooling blogs and websites, and get inspired! Above is a picture of our "jump pad" as we call it. I call out letters or numbers and the kiddos jump to them. In this picture, we were playing twister! *UPDATE* We did do school outside today. It was just what the monday ordered!!! What do you do to beat the blahs?