Time Traveling

The windows are wide open and I hear the crickets chirping.  The air is crisp and cool against my skin.  I am transported back to my childhood.  The mornings are foggy and cool and I need a jacket.  I can see myself standing at the bus stop with my yellow and grey backpack on my back, ribbons in my hair, a huge smile on my face.  Autumn is here!

Photo taken from:  www.angelat.deviantart.com

Happy Mother's Day!

Models Wanted!

Starting a family is a blessed event. But why doesn't anyone level with us about how much hard work is actually involved in raising children? I think they leave it as a niffty suprise for us unsuspecting Pollyannas like me who think it will all be pretty simple. See I thought if my children were well behaved then I should be able to give them instructions and they would follow them. They would listen and just do the right things. But in reality...

Kids need consistency and a model to follow. That's right. Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk. Because when I think back to most of my lessons as a child, I remember seeing my grandmother do the  action she wanted me to mirror. If she said make up your bed each morning, best believe hers was made up first. I also saw her read her bible and I often heard her pray. So it wasn't foreign to me. When she spoke to people she was kind and respectful so I learned that too. Many of her teachings were embedded in my memory so I could use them when the time came.

No parent can always expect to be a perfect model but if we put some effort into following our own advice, our children will see our good works and want to emulate us. With that in mind, let's take it a step further and copy the Master's lead. In doing so our children learn to be less like their parents and more like God.

Blessings,

Polly

You Are What You Eat!

It's true and I've finally accepted it. The only way to look and feel better is to fight the cravings and actually eat better. So I turned to Dr. Ian K. Smith's book titled EAT for a little help.  Dr. Smith's book, published in 2011, is packed full of goodies. He tackles nutrition head on and breaks it down in an easy to swallow format.  The book talks in detail about what's in the food our bodies need and has a great section on buying organically grown produce. I couldn't help but notice that this wonderful food has always been a part of God's plan, but maybe I was moving too fast to take advantage of it.

Dr. Smith made me pause to think about what I've actually been consuming.  Then I began to learn what I should eat. So instead of buying tons of fitness gadgets and weight loss shakes, I've started buying more vegetables, whole grains and leaner meats. (I love poultry and fish so this is exciting!) EAT, reminded me that I don't have to stay chained to my bad habits. I can take a progressive step for myself and for my family. I'm learning to make good deciscions whether eating out, in, or just for enjoyment. I encourage you to read this excellent book and say yes to health when you eat!

Blessings,

Polly

Parent's Helper: Folder Games Equal Great Learning Fun!

Take a break from worksheets and computer based learning and give the kids a folder game. They are a great form of practice and once they're familiar, kids can learn to do many of the games independently. I always do stick around in case they need help and to make sure they don't look at the answer sheet. A teacher recommended this learning tool and I've used it since my kids were toddlers. What I love is most is that the games come in different grade levels and various subject matter. 

All you need to get started is a book of the games, a game website or make them up yourself. Use one pocket folder for each game and a zip baggie for the game pieces. I like to tape the bag to the back of the folder. A laminator helps game pieces last longer but is not necessary. You can glue pieces to cereal boxes and cut them out. This makes them a bit sturdier and easier to use. So go online and google folder games for all sorts of options to get started with this new/old style of learning and see your child grow in an exciting way!

Blessings,

Polly

Black History: Do We Tell Our Children the Whole Story or Just the Good Parts?

Selma to Montgomery March for Voting Rights in 1965, James Karales, 1965

When we talk about black history, or as my children would say, African-American history what do we really mean? When it comes to the story of the first Africans brought to America, there is much to impart. I've found that my school aged children are as amazed by African Americans' contributions and inventions as they are shocked to learn about their abuse through slavery. 

At times I've been unsure if they can handle the information and I second guess if I should tell them all of it and how soon to divulge. That's when the curiosity of being a child kicks in. They ask tons of questions! Like, why is Obama the first black President? Where did we come from? Do you have to marry someone brown like you or can you marry anyone you want? Questions lead to answers via books, research and reenactments.

I realized that what we call history is really more like a story to the young and they are trying to see where they fit.  By reaching back and connecting events of the past the children grab hold to the story, the part they choose-- which to them is simply the future. No matter their race, everyone can play a part. Kids know it. They are inherently hopeful. So when we impart the whole story we can give our successors a chance to affect change in a powerful, passionate way that ensures that the negative parts of African American history aren't forgotten, nor repeated. The good parts of our history serve as a force compelling each of them (and us) to the harness the greatness that is already within.

Blessings,

Polly

Taking You To the Next Level

What's a small, women-owned business to do in this day of epublishing? Get with it of course! We have new year's resolutions too and at the top of our list is to epublish our children's picture book on Amazon. Meek and I believe this will be a wonderful way to minister while cutting printing costs. The great thing is, this epublishing option isn't just available to us. It's open to all. Go to Amazon for the details. Meanwhile stay tuned for our Kindle version of Sisters Are From Heaven. We'll let you know when it's ready for download.

Peace and blessings,

Polly

Happy New Year!

In all things give THANKS unto the Lord!

Many Blessings,
Meek