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.

Here I am posting more than once within a month. Can you remember the last time that happened? That was meant to be a rhetorical question, smarty-pants. A change in my posting frequency can always be a sign of a change(s) in my life. Yep, you got it: I’ve been going through some more changes.

My full time management position has once again effected my school schedule and professional plan. I just can’t make the schedules work together. Not with Lilie Jo waiting at home.

I’ve dropped out completely, now, with the intentions of finishing online. Will it happen this semester? Don’t think so. This year? I hope so. Am I happy about? Ehh. You know me.

I won’t lie, though, I was feeling pretty defeated and discouraged when I first came to the conclusion. I may even be guilty of sulking a bit. But then I kicked myself in the tush and made a change of focus and perspective. Not to mention some encouragement from some really amazing people. Turns out, the pros out-weigh the cons:

• More stable day-to-day home life and routine
• More family time
• More energy
• Less running around
• Less chaotic schedules
• Less stress {all different kinds}
• More time for me {reading, blogging, photography, short trips, crafts}
• More time to serve at church

I’ll be able to focus more of my time and energy into doing the best I can with the career I have now. I’m in a great position and making decent money. Not to mention, this job will look great on a resume, so why not make the best of it and really give it my all? Who knows where it may take me.

And get this: my church just hit a big milestone. For the past year, we’ve been meeting in a theater, which has been very limiting and required us to set up and tear down every week. This past Sunday, though, we tore down for the last time and moved to a permanent location.

How coincidental is that? We’ll now have more freedom to do and more opportunities for growth. Now I’m certain Someone is trying to keep us here {instead of moving away like we originally planned}. These changes give me the opportunity to serve and give more of my time and talents to RLC.

More time for my family {home and church} makes this decision conclusion worth it.

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.

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.

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}

The house has been too quiet this past week.  Lilie Jo has been on Spring Break and therefore went to spend some time with her Daddy.  I know she’s having a blast {bc we call each other so often} but she has been terribly missed.  But breaks are always good for everyone.  And like they say: distance makes the heart grow fonder.  As if my heart could possible hold any more love for that child.

In the mean time, I’ve tried to spend my week being 100% wife to Billy.  Our time has been good together.  Here are some of my favorite things from this past week:

• Walking in the woods and getting lost with cool people.  Oh, yeah, and Gus, the turtle.  He escaped after only four days.  I’m sad Lil doesn’t get to see the little guy.
• Getting invited to work behind the scenes with the media team at church.
• Sitting on the patio without having to fuss at little girls who don’t always play nicely.  But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it.
• Having the quiet house all to myself on the nights Billy works.  Sippin’ decaf earl grey watching the boob-tube.  {do people still even call it that?}
• My Wednesday night small group with ladies from church.  I love getting to know these girls.
• Sipping coffee made by my love.  That is seriously one of the most romantic things to me: when Billy makes me coffee.
• Instagramming.  In case you’ve missed the buzz, Instagram has finally become available in the Android market and this girl couldn’t be more please.  Instagram was the only reason I ever had for possibly switching to iPhone.  No need, now.  BTW follow me @meghannchapman
• Sitting in Centennial Park with Billy after our Nashville errand yesterday.  We took a picnic, threw the frisbee and I drew some.  It was a pretty much perfect day, really.

And that wraps up my adult-only week of goodness.  My baby comes home this evening and Mama couldn’t be more excited to see her.  Seven whole days, she has been gone.  Much too long, if you ask me.  But I admit, its a great little cushion for this last month of school.  Maybe it won’t be quite as stressful with a better state of mind.

But enough about me.  What about you?  What’s your favorite thing from this past week?

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 don’t know if you knew this or not, but we kind of like dandelions, around here–hence Fuzzy Little Wishballs.  Back story?  Well, I guess I didn’t ever share one or give an explanation.  I just figured it was a given, I suppose.  There’s nothing to it, really.  Let me fill you in real quick.

When Lilie started getting old enough to understand me and talk back, play time became more and more interesting.  She loved being outside from the moment we left the hospital that sunny August day, four and a half years ago.  Every time I walked out the door with her, she pushed herself back away from my body as if basking in the warmth of the sun.  It was so neat to see this tiny little creature enjoying something other than feeding, burping, rocking or sleeping.

Anyway, back to the story.  Lilie and I were outside exploring in the yard one day when she stumbled upon a flower.  It was a little yellow dandelion.  I remember her being so excited to have found a flower and proud to present it to Mommy.

Then, she stumbled upon a fuzzy-looking one.  Being so young, I knew I’d confuse her with an explanation of how they were actually the same.  I thought I’d have a little fun with it, instead.  I told her it was a fuzzy wishball and you were supposed to blow on it and make a wish {kind of like a shooting star}.

But it didn’t end there.  Lilie loves the idea of them and searches all over to collect them, like jewels, making as many wishes as she can.  So many people have asked what we were talking about and really taken a liking to idea, as well.

Dandelions seem to hold some meaning, though.  They remind me of being a child and also of the love I have for my own little one.  They also remind me that we are always His children, no matter what.  They make me think whimsical and lovely thoughts.  Ideas of adventure and mystery.

Dandelions are always thought of as weeds, but are they?  Weeds are merely unwanted plants, right?  Well, they’re not unwanted, here.  I’ve given them a place in my garden.  I even entertained the idea of getting a small tattoo of one {which has not been completely crossed out, yet}.

So, when it came time to think of a name for my blog, it was pretty much a given.  Nothing else seemed to fit.

Are you wondering where I’m getting at with all this?  Tea.  Dandelion tea.  We finally made some for the very first time, the other night.  I was leery of it because of the pungent taste I’d read about.  But with a spoonful of honey, it was just fine.  Lilie happily slurped it right down.

First, we rounded up about 5 or 6 small dandelion leaves {winter left us lacking}.  We tore the leafy part off of the stems and rinsed them of dirt.  We then poured boiling water over the leaves in our cup.  Let it steep for about 10 minutes then added honey.  You can use fresh or dried leaves.

Dandelion actually holds a lot of benefits:

• nutrients such as vitamin A, K, C, calcium, iron, potassium and several more
• reduces inflammation of the liver
• helps with weight loss
• helps lower blood pressure
• the fiber helps with cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and cancers
• helps lower the effects of stress
• helps with acne, eczema and psoriasis
• helps digestion and eases stomach aches
• aids in cleansing your system

And that’s not all.  Do a little research and I’m sure you’ll find tons more.  I can’t wait to get my herb garden started, this year.  Happy sipping!

Have you ever tried using herbs, other than those prepared, for making tea?  What was your recipe?