I have never been one to bash public schools. As a matter of fact, I grew up with a public school teacher and have quite the appreciation for them. Its a job I might not survive. However, I have a growing discontentment with sending my own child to public schools. Now, if we lived in the very school district my stepmother teaches in, I would happily send her to that school in a heartbeat. I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things and love the training the teachers get there. It truly sounds like a wonderful place to work and attend.

I want my child to be open-minded and able to survive in the real world. However, I’m not crazy about my 5yo being around other 5yo’s kissing and no one’s doing anything about it. Or when little boys pull up her dress and the teachers just brush it off with little to know discipline. Or the random substitute that has a class for one day and has no problem telling them she’s “tired of their crap.” Also, my child is no angel and I know how limited teachers can be on disciplining. Sometimes you have to play hardball, though. Instant consequences and added responsibilities that aren’t always possible in the moment at shcool. Not to mention this whole bullying epidemic. I’m not even sure how much I really buy into that. Is it the teachers? Is it the parenting {both bully/victim}? {let the comments ensue on that one.}

Mostly, though, I don’t like complaining. And I don’t want to be the parent constantly calling or going up to the school with a problem. I’ve always said, “if you’re not going to try to do something about it, don’t complain about it either.”

I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a fan of the idea of homeschooling. I heard stories about social problems and fear of the real world. Kids that just ended up awkward and sheltered, sometimes behind and/or over-judgmental.

More and more, though, I feel a growing interest in homeschooling. I’ve seen, read and heard a lot of great feedback from it lately. There is a wonderful woman in my life, right now, that I greatly admire, whom home-schools six children. They are all wonderfully well-behaved, respectful and sociable. They are all involved in activities AND she and her family completely run the kids’ program at our church, planning and running Sunday morning, evening, wednesday night club and occasional events. Did I mention they do a fabulous job of it?? Putting aside the fact that she might secretly be supermom, I think it comes a lot from homeschooling.

I read a great article about a doctor who decided to tackle homeschooling with her IT husband by her side. She talks about the flexibility, personalized education, and {my favorite part} the way it has changed their parenting. I admire this family’s way of living. They share all responsibilities and sound like they all appreciate each other more and run smoother because of it.

I’m not saying I’m about to quit my job tomorrow and jump into it. My family is definitely not financially able to do that, yet. But it is definitely something to think about. Besides, I am trying to get into a field where its perfectly acceptable to telecommute or completely freelance from home.

What are your thoughts on homeschooling? Do you or anyone you know do it? I’ve love to hear from you.

my favorite part about this picture is that every single thing was the commentary which went along with it. each piece of the drawing has a purpose/meaning. lilie jo is always so intentional with her drawings. she explains every little thing as she goes. i need to record her explaining sometime. i think that might be something i want to hang onto.

Christmas is just around the corner! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? We have ours mostly finished, actually. Lilie Jo’s is about all we have left. At the beginning of the month, we thought we had hers all figured out. It wasn’t going to be much in quantity, but pricey and high quality, none the less.

And then I kind of came to my senses and remembered the parent aim to be.

Lilie Jo was all set to receive her own tablet this Christmas. We researched and compared the Leapster LeapPad 1 and 2 and the Nabi 2. One more expensive up front, but the other more so in the long run. So many things to consider about each. Then, one night, while I was laying in bed–that’s where all my greatest thinking happens–it came to me.

She’s five years old. Her imagination and curiosity are on fire. She still has such willingness to do and learn.

Sure, tablets are full of educational games. And we all know this generation is one which is being raised on technology. Of course, we should teach them to use it now so they aren’t behind later. And I know it would be fabulous for car rides.

But you know what? She has school, parents, books, morning cartoons and every day life to educate her. She uses technology at school and home, enough, to not fall behind in that arena. And she has a portable DVD player and will soon be reading her own books in the car for entertainment.

I don’t want a stationary five year old. {I’ll probably regret saying that at some point.}

I don’t want to teach this creative, independent, imaginative little girl to depend on a machine to entertain her. I want her to run and play dress up, not sit in one spot only moving her hands and fingers. I want her to make believe with her dolls and toys. Get real paint on her hands when she creates a work of art. I want her to practice holding and writing with a real pen or pencil.

Most of all, I don’t want to be that parent, in five years, arming their child with a cell phone at the age of ten. I also don’t want her hooked on video games. I, personally, have seen one too many disasters with that obsession. Rather than trying to set and stick to limitations, let’s just avoid the situation completely a little longer.

So, the Christmas list has changed a bit. Its longer, but not much different in price. Its a list of quality and quantity, if you ask me. One that consists of legos for building imaginary villages, furniture and dolls to pretend with, art supplies to create with and–as with every occasion–books to enrich her mind and feed her beautiful imagination.

Tell me: what are you shopping for this year?

note: i’m not bashing technology or parents who choose to immerse their children in it a lot/a little at any age. its just my personal opinion and parenting style. its about what i think is appropriate for my child, at her current age, and with my personal parenting strategies. i’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject.

After taking Lilie Jo on a tour of Lost River Cave, she’s been dying for another under ground adventure. During Fall Break, we took a little road trip north to Mammoth Cave. Our original plan was to camp Friday night. However, with the high chances of rain AND low temps for that night, we decided not to chance it. We literally do not have time to be sick around here.

The two hour historic tour takes you through the original entrance and trail used by the cave’s first wanderers. It ended up being cooler down there than it was above ground, since the cave sits at a chilly 54 degrees, year round.  Other than a few bouts of “boring” talking, Lilie Jo enjoyed the hike.

Billy and I both came out talking about how much more we seemed to appreciate it as adults than childhood visits. I think a lot of that has to do with realizing there’s a world outside your own.  Knowing and understanding more about history, the world and people in general, really.

We spent the day investigating around the cave, visiting some old antique shops and went for a horse back ride. It was Lilie’s first, outside of riding in circles on a rope. The Fall foliage was beautiful.

It wasn’t quite as exotic and exciting as Charleston, but it was a fun little family getaway, none-the-less.

Today marks the day of me becoming a new person five years ago.  The day my sweet little creature was born.  I can hardly believe I’ve only know her for five years and yet it doesn’t seem that long at all. This past weekend was full of fun time and friends, for us.  Lilie Jo had a campout sleep over Friday night.  I created this invitation design for Lil to pass out to her friends.  I wanted something cute, not overly girly, but consistant with the party “theme.”

My little social butterfly had some lady friends over for cupcakes, hide and seek, smores and an outdoor viewing of The Lorax.  Billy borrowed some equipment to set up an outdoor theater.  We hung a sheet on the side of the house and the girls loved it.

We had no problems with missing Mamas or wanting to go home, at all.  I made white chocolate chip muffins for breakfast before finishing up more cupcakes for party number two.

Yes, number two.  Apparently people like this girl? We headed north, to our home town, where we had a small get together at the park with family.

Yes, she really let Mama have it with all this kindergarten and turning five stuff.  Within a week, I had to send her off to the first day of school and watch her turn five.  Apparently the universe is trying to make sure I know how fast she’s growing up.  I get it, already!! Sheesh!

Can any of you other mamas share a similar story from your experience in motherhood?

This is a day that I didn’t expect.  I’ve always been the mom who promotes my child’s independence as much as safely possible.  Though she’s my one and only baby whom I consider my greatest accomplishment, I don’t want to smother her with it.  I want to give her just enough room to be who she wants to be confidently and responsibly.

When asked about how I felt prior to her first day of kindergarten, I was certain I wouldn’t be a weepy mom.  After all, I’m excited for her and her new adventure.  I’m also excited for us and the new adventures we’ll be able to share together as she gets older and able to do more.

I’ve always been a very emotional person {ask my old girlfriends}.  However, I’ve gotten better at hiding it over the years.  Then I woke up the morning of Lilie Jo’s first day of school.  The emotions hit me like a pound of bricks.  Before I even pulled the covers back, I found myself in the middle of a full on crying session.  Here I was proud, puzzled and crying uncontrollably.  You have no idea how badly this confused me.  It threw my whole morning off.

Lilie Jo, on the other hand, handled it like a champ.  I hid my emotions from her and encouraged and fueled her excitement, instead.  She came home happy as a lark, going on and on about how it was “the best day ever.”

I am so proud of what a good person she already is.  Lilie Jo is so compassionate and full of empathy.  She is creative, thoughtful and very clever.  Her powers are usually used for good, thank goodness.  Friends come easily for Lil and her perspective is beautiful.  She is such an amazing little lady.

My greatest accomplishment, indeed.

Happy Mother’s Day, loves.  I hope you didn’t forget to do something special for yours.  I’m lucky enough to not only be a mama but to have a few very amazing mamma-figures to look up to in my own life.  Not to mention the honor of being one myself.

I have an amazing Grandma whom I’ve had the pleasure of spending lots of time with, over the years.  She is very much a role model in my life.  My Grandma has taught me a lot about being a woman of God.  She’s taught me that even if I am right, sometimes its best just to keep quiet and bite my tongue.  Living in the country, she’s taught me that we don’t always have to go, go, go. Sometimes, its nice to just sit on the porch and swing for a while.

Instead of being cursed with a wicked stepmother, I was blessed with a lovely one.  Teeyl has taught me so much over the years.  Growing up, I knew as a woman, I had to find a man and get married.  She taught me one of the greatest lessons of all: how to be an independent woman and live my life for myself.  She taught me about patience, making the best decisions, and what it means to be a lady.  One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from her is that in everything, there’s growth.  Bad things will happen, but life is more rewarding if I try to find the good in situations instead of sulking and complaining.  She taught me to have my own opinion and express it respectfully.  Teeyl also taught me that there’s no such thing as being bored.  There’s always something to do.

Then there’s my Mom.  The one and only.  She’s taught me a ton.  The most prominent in my mind, though would be about strength.  She’s taught me to stand up for myself and the ones I love.  She taught me if I don’t give up, but fight through, I will come out alive.  My Mom taught me to be careful with who I trust.  I learned from her not to be judgmental of people because of where they’ve been.  She taught me about tradition and power of love and family.

And then there’s my own experience in motherhood.  More than anyone else, lately, Lilie Jo has been my greatest teacher.  She has taught me about unconditional love and how amazing it feels to have it for someone else.  LilieJo has taught me so much about perspective and the magic waiting to be found all around us.  She’s taught me about adventure and has reawakened my imagination.  And don’t even get me started on how much patience she has taught me.  My daughter has taught me about what kind of woman I want to be, in order to set the best example for her to not only look up to but to be able to look back on and be proud.

This little girl has brought me more happiness than any other thing/person in this world.  I love watching her grow and become a little lady.  I can’t wait to see what other adventures lay ahead of us.

I know I’m a bit late, but I didn’t want to just pass over the Kentucky Derby.  I mean, we are native Kentuckians, right?  No, we didn’t go to any parties or drink mint juleps, sadly.  We really just browsed some yard sales and the flea market and went fishing.

However, I did attend a Derby race held here in town.  We created a most fabulous Derby hat for Lilie to wear for the occasion.  Her preschool class paired up with their reading buddies {4th & 5th graders} for a trainer/jockey duo.  They used tobacco sticks, paper and yarn to build their stick thoroughbreds.  Lilie and Tori {her buddy} named theirs ‘Gopher’.   I have no clue where that came from.  She thought it was great ’til she heard another horse was named ‘Stinky Feet.’

They had several races to avoid crashes and the winner even got to have their picture taken in the winner’s circle covered with “roses.”  It was cute and oh-so-funny to see.   There were some spills, but nothing major.  The first aid area was pitiful and somewhat amusing.  Not that the children were hurt, just… I guess you just had to be there. Yeah.

Do any of your celebrate for the Kentucky Derby?  Cinco de Mayo?  Or maybe you were one of the clever ones and celebrated Cinco de Derby.  Tell me about it!

You know how they say, “kids say the darndest things?” Lilie Jo is constantly coming up with the most random stuff to say.  Sometimes sweet, sometimes cute, but mostly just hilarious.  Her perspective on the world is ever so inspiring.  I thought it would be fun to share some of the entertainment from time to time.  I think I’ll keep a running draft to sporadically add her silly sayings to.  Here’s the latest batch of laughs.

Little boy: {loudly and slightly aggressive} Yeah, and I have a dog and he’s real big.
Lilie:  Yeah!?  Well, I have a cat, name Bogie, and he eats boys!!

Lilie:   I have magic, too.
Lauren:  You do?  What kind of magic?  Can I see?
Lilie:  Yeah, but not at the dinner table.

Me: I love you.
Lilie:  I love you more.
Me: I love you most.
Lilie:  I love you infinity plus three and a half!

Lilie: {in shower} Mom, when I grow up, will I have boobs?
Me: {laughing} Well, yeah.
Lilie: Oh.  So I’ll probably need to use your bras, huh?
Me:  I imagine you’ll have your own by then.
Lilie:  That’s ok.  I’ll just use yours.

Lilie: Mommy, what’s ‘faith?’
Me:  Its like… Well, you know how you believe God is there, even though you can’t see him?
Lilie: Yes, I can.
Me:  God?  Lilie.  When have you ever seen God?
Lilie:  He’s every where, Mommy.  In the clouds, the flowers…
{Wow.  Just wow <3}

Afternoon, love!

One of the greatest things about our move further south has been the neighborhood/area we now live in.  We live within walking distance from Lost River Cave, which offers more than just boat rides into a cave.  They also have some short walking trails on their property which are free to take advantage of.  Even better than that is the fact that these walking trails also have water and rocks for more outdoor fun.

We had nothing on the schedule a couple weeks ago, so we grabbed a big water bottle and set off for a hike.  Lilie thoroughly enjoyed the rock climbing and searching for rocks in Lost River Spring.  Its mostly shaded, so I’ll definitely have to remember to take advantage of that this summer.  summer + book + shade + trickling water = happy girls

You might be surprised to hear I’m not one of those mothers who mopes about how my baby isn’t really a baby anymore.  When I think about it, I think, “Good!  Now we can go do the really fun stuff.”  I love that Lilie is finally getting old enough for these types of outdoor adventures, for this is the first of many.  We would like to go on at least a few hiking/camping trips this year.  Hopefully some canoeing, too.

What are your favorite outdoor activities? Any planned for the coming months??

I want to share something special with you.  I searched through previous posts and didn’t find anything, so I think this is the first mention of it.

Back at the beginning of January, Lilie and I decided to have a movie night in Mama’s bed.  I have my collection of Disney VHS from when I was a kid and Lilie hadn’t watched Peter Pan yet.  Being one of my all time faves {right in between The Little Mermaid and Aladdin} I was more than happy to oblige and thrilled to share the first viewing with her.

Since then, it has become one of her most favorite stories.  She received a Peter Pan book for Christmas which has now been read several times.  We have also sat down and watched Hook and the 2003 Peter Pan a few times {I hear the same from her stepmom}.  Like I said before, though, Mama is more than happy to feed this interest.

Lilie’s imagination is amazing and has been commented on by many.  She spent a few weeks searching for Neverland only to realize she’d need to find some pixie dust, first.  We went to Hobby Lobby and bought some {glitter}, only to find out we must have gotten the off-brand because we still couldn’t get off the ground.

Since then, Peter Pan–I mean Lilie–has been on many adventures and found lots of buried treasure.  She has claimed me as her Wendy and was shocked to find out Billy was a pirate.  Thank goodness, however, he’s not a bad one.  He turned out to be a good pirate who tried teaching her to read a map in hopes of better treasure hunting.

I’ve found the story Peter Pan to be full of inspiration, really.  So much so, that I’ve created a sweet little 8.5”x11” printable to share with you all.  Feel free to download and do with it what you will {personal use only}.  And if it finds its way to Pinterest, too…. great!

Its a beautiful day, out, so I better run.  Have a good one, love!