“Raising Godly Tomatoes”, by L. Elizabeth Krueger February 13, 2008

I am still trying to figure out this parenting thing.  I am convinced now that there is no one way to do it.  I have read many books with discipline techniques and other advice.  Some of it seems to work with my children and others not so much.  I just recently started reading Raising Godly Tomatoes, by L. Elizabeth Krueger.

In her book, Krueger talks about a technique she calls “tomato staking.”  Tomato staking is keeping your children with you so you can encourage their behaviour and better train their hearts.  If tomatoes are not staked, they will grow along the ground wildly and rot in the mud.  She uses the analogy to compare what happens to our children if we do not actively participate in training their hearts to do the right thing.

 I have just cracked the cover open on this book, so I have much more reading to do.  I find that by reading one chapter and taking time to reflect on it before moving on to the next helps me first soak in the ideas that it presents.  My habits have to be changed first before I can then change those of my children.

getting started (getting back into shape) February 12, 2008

Okay, I didn’t get started on the good health journey yesterday.  I am not going to write all the reasons why, simply because not a one of them is really a good enough reason.

Thanks to Cindy for checking in on me, I feel more motivated to get started today.  I think the getting started part of changing such large habits is the hardest part.  So, for today, my plan is as follows….

1. no sugar in my coffee 

2. drink more water

3. excersize at least 20 minutes on my eliptical machine.

4. no nibbling on my children’s lunches or snacks (I have more appropriate food for myself to be eating.)

Wish me luck!  I am looking forward to writing a more positive post about this tomorrow.

Getting Back In Shape…..UGGGHHHH! February 11, 2008

I have been saying now for about the last month that I am planning on getting back into shape.  Yes, I know, who isn’t saying that this time of year?  Well, as I have gained much weight after birthing my two babies and have failed to get it off….LOL…  I really do need to get back into shape.

I think I have found the perfect motivation!  I fellow blogging friend has started a blog dedicated to just this subject, Weigh Downes, and I think it will prove to be exactly what I need to get me motivated-  support!  If you, too, are needing to go on the journey of gaining your health back, check it out.

 Thank you Cindy

“The Charlotte Mason Companion,” by Karen Andreola February 7, 2008

I have been spending a lot of time lately reading about many different theories in regards to home schooling.  It is amazing how varied this gets.  There are professionals who support styles from un-schooling (the learning is child directed) to strict regiments like classical (following a schedule and covering all the bases.) 

 I am currently reading The Charlotte Mason Companion, by Karen Andreola.  There is actually a style of learning called Charlotte Mason.  The idea is based on the writings and teachings of a woman from the 1800’s who followed a particular set of ideas.  I have not learned them all yet, but some of what sticks in my memory are:  primarily learning from reading living books (non-fiction books written by an author who has a certain passion for the subject they are writing about), narration (having a child tell you in their own words their version of what they just read, or had read to them), and experiencing nature (keeping nature journals either written, drawn, or both).

I am leaning toward this style because I like the focus on reading.  I feel that reading is best mastered upon a habit of practicing it, and that much more learning can be accomplished if one has strong reading skills.  I also like the style of Charlotte Mason because it has such a hands on-like approach to learning.  I believe my children will connect much more readily to the subject of study if done in this fashion. 

I will post back later after I have read more the The Charlotte Mason Companion.