Set Free

  I would like to imagine life without hidden secrets or agendas.  If my desires could be brought to life my childhood would have been completely different.   ~~~~~ Until recently, I had never heard of the term "purity culture."  When I learned more about it, everything began to come clear to me.  The harsh feelings of betrayal stood out in my life countless times upon investing in space to process all the areas purity culture has entered into my way of thinking.  Purity culture is gender expectations based on a strict stereotype.  Men are expected to be strong, "masculine" leaders of the household, church, and society.  Women are expected to support them -- to be pretty, "feminine," sweet, supportive wives and mothers.  Before I go on into more detail, I can't help but notice things from that stereotype that has definite red flags.  Never once did it mention men are to be fathers, but it surely intended on making clear to state about women becoming su

As quarantine looks like it's not ending anytime soon, I'm starting to have more time to ponder deep thoughts.  I've lost numerous Facebook "friends" due to random posts and comments we disagree on.  Sometimes it's my posts and sometimes it is theirs.  I've taken time to think it over and answer all the ongoing questions and complications in my head.  Tonight I was reading Raising Your Spirited Child, the section on personalities, and how it can mold your ability to handle situations. Extroverts seek action to feel good.  They draw energy from people.  They recharge their batteries by communication nonstop with other people.  They are normally quick to make comments and dialogue.  They love to share.  Meanwhile, introverts are not antisocial.  They interact with the world inside by reflecting thoughts and ideas before they share them with others on the outside.  Introverts purr when they have time alone, quiet, and space to themselves to think.  An oppo

Oh good, Easter falls on a Sunday this year. Today is a work day. What day is it? I'm hungry, but maybe I just need water. If no one will see us do we really have to wash our hair? Why do I keep cleaning? Company can't come over. Somewhere it is 3:00.  School is out. If this lasts until summer, do I have to do summer school to fill the time? A bag of chips counts as lunch. Right? I think I want to do something fun with my hair. I cleaned my windows today before painting them. Essential workers are like a life line. I need more pajamas. I need sweatpants that have more of a stretch. Why so much laundry if we never go anywhere? Everyone is overdue for a shower. Can we just have a redo for 2020? You would think I would be getting more sleep than before. I think we will all need detox therapy after this.

I did this questionnaire with Ellie when she turned four so I thought it would be fun to see the comparison with Jayden's answers.  (I added my input.) How old are you? 4 (He showed me his 4 fingers too!) What is your favorite color? Orange! What is your favorite toy? Boats! (we just got him boats on our Florida vacation) Favorite fruit: blueberries (true!  Meanwhile its like the ONE fruit Ellie doesnt like.) Favorite food: pb&j Favorite TV show: Paw Patrol Favorite outfit: Paw Patrol (anything!) Favorite Game: Sequence! (for kids) Favorite snacks: (he couldnt think of anything so I helped him with granola bars) Favorite animal: "Cheetah! Because it goes really fast!" (he started to dash around the room) Favorite book: Paw Patrol (we don't own one) Favorite breakfast item: Cereal (truth) What do you like to do outside? Play with my bike Favorite drink: Chocolate milk (I honestly thought he would say water) What do you like to have in be

2019 brought on a heart of change and reflection. In the past few years we had left our church and reevaluated what to look for next time. I had learned more about my health and focused on the strategies to understand it. As a parent, 2019 brought up finding support and help. Updates on Ellie include finishing Kindergarten and starting first grade.  She learned how to read and learning more things every day!  It's a fun age to entertain because she loves doing puzzles with me, playing games, and I can have her read to herself while she waits for me to tuck her in for bed.  At the end of Kindergarten I went on the Zoo field trip with her class and she still mentions it from time to time how happy she was that I got to attend!  The weekend right after school ended was her dance recital.  She loves being on stage.  Does that surprise anyone though? Over the summer we spent a few days at the pool with friends and she was brave enough to go down the slides...which i

The other day I found an article that brought together what Kindergarten teachers wish parents would focus on to get ready for school.  They prefer less academics prep and more basic life skills.  It's definitely realistic to think through these types of lists to prepare you and your child for school.  As we have our oldest go through school we are still learning some of the basics of prep for each grade.  I found this helpful for Kindergarten age.  We are now in first grade, and looking back I can agree to this list. Heres the article , and now I will break it down. 1. Zip and/or button their own pants I would think this was a given, but I guess it's still an issue for teachers.  I don't have my kids wear any clothing that takes extra work when it comes to bathroom needs.  I have even stayed away from one piece swim suits.  I do slip on pants, leggings, and simple shoes.  Think about what you purchase for their school clothes and stick to the tricky items for home.