Having a Bad Day? 17 Weeks of Learning to Live a Beautiful Life

Sometimes Living a Beautiful Life isn't smooth sailing. I find my biggest challenge to living  my life with Grace and Abundance is me!

And sometimes we just have Bad Days.

It happened on Wednesday. I was at Josiah's PE class (located at a local University) visiting with a friend. Our conversation had been fairly light....but then it hit me.

I actually started to cry.

In public.

About really nothing.

The longer I thought about it the worst I felt. Between the combination of hormones (anybody else been there?), some heavy stuff on my mind and a propensity for feeling sorry for myself within  an hour I was having a Really. Bad. Day.

Ever had one of those?

Most of my bad days actually have nothing to do with horrible happenings. Granted. I've had a few horrible happenings in my life time.

But seriously. Sometimes we do have to keep things in perspective.

I don't have a cure for having a Bad Day.

There are a few things that can help turn a bad day around (just a bit).

1. Make that hot cup of herbal tea. Chamomile is a soothing tea. It is even safe for kids to drink! Now there's a thought.

2. Turn off those devices for a while. Nothing gets my goat more than whinnie folks on social medial when I'm in a bad mood. I think unpleasant thoughts. It's better to let the world go on without you. They'll survive.

3. Go sit in the sun for a minute. Grab up some of that Vitamin D. Even a brisk walk around the parking lot will help.

4. Grab a book. I did that one even better and stopped at the library. I picked out one of my favorite Pearl S. Buck's book (everything looks better in comparison to poverty stricken rural China) and a cookbook.

5. Watch a funny video.

Like this one....(Buddy. I feel your pain)

Or this one....(There are a bunch of these. Try not to add to your Bad Day by wetting your pants).

6. Hug a person. Or a pet. Or a person with a pet. Your choice.

7. Write down 10 things you are grateful for. Is it wrong that I have more than 2 things on my list that involve food?

Most important is that we remember this.

Our God is bigger than our Bad Days.

I hope you are truly embracing your Beautiful Life. Warts and all. We have to have those Bad Days to grow and learn. They also help us appreciate the Good Days.

I'll back next week with a practical assignment just in time for Fall!

A TOS Review: Super Teacher Worksheets

Being a delight-directed/eclectic/mostly Charlotte Mason homeschooler makes learning our house a bit unstructured as far as traditional methods go. I seldom use worksheets. To me they seem like busy work that has little in common with good literature and quality hands-on learning. That being said, I recognize the benefits of a well-constructed worksheet. I also believe that practice makes perfect. There are those gaps that just need addressing.

It’s often hard to find one place for such worksheets. I don’t much time (unless it’s for a Doctor Who marathon or to pull an all-nighter to reread some of my favorite classic novels). I was thrilled recently to be able to review Super Teacher Worksheets. I received an Individual Membership as part of my review.

Super Teacher Worksheets is a mega site for worksheets and printables. The subject areas are wide and contain worksheets that can accommodate preschoolers through middle schoolers. If you like to create your own there is a handy generator for such a task.

How We Used It

I immediately recognized a huge benefit (for my world, at least). The site is really easy to navigate. You can either browse through the worksheets or search for a topic.

Josiah is studying the Solar System this semester in Science. I was beyond thrilled to find quite a few supplemental material I could incorporate into our study.

The original download is in color. I am cheap thrifty and found it necessary to run my copies in black and white. Also be aware that this particular article mentions that the earth is 4.5 billion years old. We are staunch creationists and it gave us just an opportunity to discuss why we believe what we do. Nothing wrong with that! 

It has been my goal for Josiah to complete more independent work this year. He is dyslexic and often finds it hard to navigate complicated projects. I found that the Articles that I printed off for him to read (and answer questions) have been a good fit for him.

I was also so excited to see many games and projects! There are printable game boards and even a scavenger hunt…just perfect for my busy guy.

Another section I was excited to get into was the Social Section. We learning more about our 50 states this year and doing map work almost every day. Super Teachers has a plethora of resources that are perfect to add to our United States Notebook. As with the science section, there are printable board games and more!

One of the beauties of this particular mapping activity is that it requires the student to not only find certain locations, bodies of water, etc.,but there are a few other requirements as well. For example, Josiah had to do some coloring. Maybe not as cool, but necessary when learning to follow directions. 

Josiah's PaPaw is was born and raised in Alabama. This has been a fun study.

I have also found so many excellent worksheets and activities I can use in the reading class I teach weekly. We are currently reading Charlotte’s Web. And wouldn’t you know! There are is a whole section just for Charlotte’s Web.

And look at this fun readers! I have a early reader in my class that is going to be starting with these very soon! 

My Thoughts

I couldn’t be happier with Super Teacher Worksheets. I have to be honest that I liked it much more than I thought I would. I was more than pleased to find so many hands-on projects and resources. 

Super Teachers has been such a time saver for me. I love having one spot I can go to find what I need.

Josiah has also grown in confidence. He has managed his independent assignments beautifully. 

What a great resource! 

You can connect with Super Teacher Worksheets via the following social media outlets. Don't forget to click on the banner below to read more reviews. 

https://www.facebook.com/superteacherworksheets
https://twitter.com/superteacherwks
https://instagram.com/superteacherworksheets/
https://www.pinterest.com/superteacherwks/

A TOS Review: Stinky Kid Math

Math isn’t always easy at our house. Josiah has dyscalculia and I am constantly looking for resources that can present the ideas in a way that he might understand. He does respond well to video tutoring and some computer based learning. I think it’s because he can watch videos over and over again as needed. I, myself, did well in my college algebra class (in college). However, I am one of those peculiar learners who have no idea how I know what I know. Know what I mean? I also am a teacher by training, but it's been a long time my friends. Plus, there wasn't a whole lot of Algebra learning going on in my kindergarten class. I felt I could do with a refresher myself. If Josiah is going to enter this whole world I need to be on my game. 

Enter Stinky Kid Math. For one, who could resist something called Stinky Kid Math? I have had the opportunity to review this online math product over the past few weeks. I received a Stinky Kid Math subscription for 6 months for the purpose of my review. 

What I Received

As I mentioned above, Stinky Kid Math is an online math program that teaches:

 Foundational Algebra (Pre-Algebra & Algebra 1)

Complex Algebra (Algebra 1 & 2)

Geometry

Each section is broken down into smaller concepts. Each concept has a series of videos. These aren’t long videos (perfect for Stinky Kids everywhere). There are approximately 300 videos.  There are also lesson PDF's, worksheets (along with answer keys) and games to help reinforce the skills being taught. 

I liked that I could pick and choose any concept as we went along. The videos and accompanying activities are excellent supplemental resources. It is not intended to be a comprehensive curriculum, but certainly can be used as one. 

How We Used It

Josiah has struggled with even remembering his basic math facts. In my frustration with trying to find methods to help him conquer that particular mountain I have been guilty about neglecting other parts of his math education. In my search for wisdom in helping Josiah learn to compensate with the dyscalculia issues I discovered that he learns best with story based methods.

It was also my hope that this program would also give me a little Algebra remedial course.

The learning model behind Stinky Kid is story based and uses a fun formula to help students solve any algebraic equation.  

I found that the site is extremely easy to navigate. There are a few different ways you can use the program. You can use the search box or browse through the videos to find one that meets your needs. 

Or you can go through the program by using the "Video Lessons in Order" option. 

I decided to use that option. 

This is one of the first videos we watched. You can see how easy the whole site is easy to navigate. 

Here is a little bit of a look at what's involved. 

This is an Algebra Overview. On the left-hand side are the videos under this particular lesson. 

Here is a little look at the PDF lesson (under Books). The Worksheet is also a PDF.

This is one of the games we enjoyed. It is called Math-A-Mole. In this game we are supposed to find the coordinates on the graph. Big fun!

My Thoughts

This was such an easy program to use and to navigate. The videos were just the right length. They were short and easy to understand. Josiah also enjoyed the instructor. 

I really appreciate the fact that I could easily find any topic. We spent quite a bit of time just reviewing (and reviewing) concepts that were harder to understand.

I truly like that it has helped me with some of my own forgotten Algebra skills. In fact, Stinky Kid Math is an excellent tutor for any student. 

Just a word for those who have children who struggle with dyscalculia. I don’t think there is ever an easy answer or solution. I think, however, that the more we expose our kiddos to positive and helpful math resources (such as Stinky Kid Math) the more likely it is going to stick.

You can connect with Stinky Kid Math via the following social media outlets. Don't forget to click on the banner to read more reviews. 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/StinkyKidMath
Twitter- http://twitter.com/StinkyKidMath

A Weight Loss Journal: I'm Back in the Saddle Again

I'm saying it out loud.

I've gained almost 35 pounds of my 80 pound weight loss back.

Ding Dong it!

I have had some help. I had to start taking some medication that caused an increase in appetite and weight.

But then there was some stress eating and missed trips to the gym.

Let's not even talk about the Twinkies that came home with us from our trip to Indiana a few weeks ago.

Mostly, my body doesn't work right. Sometimes I deal with crazy food sensitivities. My thyroid is wonky and my hormones are just running amok.

I've really, really struggled with all of this. I've been discouraged, depressed and unmotivated.

My thoughts have been, "Why even try. Nothing I do works."

Some of you have been there. Maybe you are there.

I am ashamed. I feel like I have let myself down.

I never want to go back to what I was. I want to move forward and be a healthier version of myself. I want to stay around for The Muffin and Josiah. I want to look cute in my clothes.

The past few weeks for me has been a reevaluation of my goals. I have discovered that I have significant triggers and that, yes, it is harder for me to lose weight. But it's not impossible.

I've had to have some frank conversations with myself. Which is always interesting.

I'm kind of fruity.

Do you need to get back on the weight loss train? Or maybe you've never really taken the ride.

I think I have a few tips that might encourage you.

1.Take one meal at a time. We get so busy and wrapped up in day-to-day stuff. I have to remind myself that living healthy needs to be one of the top priorities in my life. Therefore, I have to consider each meal as if it is contributing to my ultimate goal. Because really it is!

2. Be deliberate about your movement. If you haven't been working out for a while don't immediately think that you can jump back on the treadmill for a an hour. Begin your routine again by adding just one healthy habit at a time. Park away from the door at the store. Use your hand weights for an easy workout while you are watching TV. Go on a walk with the family. You will eventually be conditioned to start adding in those more strenuous activities. Just be consistent.

3. Be prepared to have some frank conversations with yourself. I am the queen of excuses. Granted...most of them are pretty good ones. But I also have to take ownership for the things I have allowed to creep back in my life.

4. Take a good look at other areas in your life. Are they contributing to your health goals or are they a hindrance. Stress is a biggie for me and I have had plenty of it recently. My truth is that I am a stress eater. And while I thought I had put some of that behind me I have found that when pushed I am capable of reverting back to my old habits. I have had to recommit myself to finding healthy ways to combat my stress.

5. Make sure that there isn't an underlying medical issue. Sometimes we can be dealing with some sort of deficiency or maybe a reaction to a medication. I don't think my thyroid is functioning as well as it needs to be. And then there is the fact that half of the medications I am on can contribute to weight gain. I am going to have to have some heavy duty conversations with my doctor.

6. Give yourself GRACE! There have been many times that I have just beat myself up. I have been ashamed. Why can't I just get a handle on this. The truth is that some of this I need to leave to God. He can provide answers where I see none. He can provide strength and grace when I have none to give myself. My responsibility is to do what I know how to do; which is...eat real food, use sensible portions, move my body and just live!

Have you been here? Are you here right now? I suggest that we encourage one another.

Creating a Cozy Corner:17 Weeks of Learning to Live A Beautiful Life

Welcome to the very FIRST week of Learning to A Beautiful Life. I am going to share some thoughts and a challenge every week until the first of the year.

I hope that this series will be a blessing to you. I am not going to promise that it will fix all of your woes, but maybe it will help you find inspiration in your own life.

This week's challenge is about finding a place all your own.

Growing up we had this huge puffy chair. It sat in our living room (along with its matching huge puffy couch). The living room was always a place of tranquility. The TV was banished to a family room and this was the room of the house that my Mom always insisted stay clean.

It was perfectly natural that I would gravitate to this huge puffy chair. In this chair I would read. My head on one arm and my legs dangling over the other. I would also spend time scribbling my hopes and dreams into my diary.

Not much as changed. Although the huge puffy chair disappeared when I was in High School and I have been married for almost 24 years....I still require a bit of tranquility.

I still require a little cozy corner in the universe.

Here are some truths about me.

1. I am a morning person, but I like to ease into my morning.
2. I need quiet time in my life. I am one of those introverts who require time alone to regroup.


I like to get up in the morning. I take my early medicines and make a cup of tea. Then I sit in my Cozy Corner with my Bible and prayer journal. I like to write out my thoughts and maybe a Scripture or two. I check my calendar and make a plan of action for my day. After breakfast, Josiah and I will return to my Cozy Corner. I will read aloud from any books we are working through.

My Cozy Corner has become a little haven.

Now this has been hard to do in the 700 square feet I have to share with a man child and a husband.

When looking to create my own corner, I found lovely examples on Pinterest. However most were impractical for my needs.

I knew that my cozy corner had to be part of  my living room. I had to do with what I had. No huge puffy chairs were in my future.


For several years now, my cozy corner has been a nice little area of my living room. It is on the end of my couch. I have all I need for devotions, read alouds, doodling, knitting...even a spot to charge my phone.

I want to talk about a few things that help make my cozy corner practical, yet cozy!

This is where I have my cup of tea. This tea cup was one I kidnapped from my Dad's stash in his barn. Bahahah! If you don't have a ritual of a daily cup of tea or coffee I suggest you create one. There is something so calming and gracious about sipping on a warm cup of tea. You don't even have to put tea in your tea cup. Choose whatever beverage floats your boat. Many of my tea cups (other than those I have set free from my parents' barn) have come from The Thrift Store.

I do like owls. This guy was a present last year from my Mom-in-law.  The doily under the books was crocheted by my Great-Grandmother. The books are a collection of family heirlooms and treasured finds. My mom gives each grandchild a photo book every Christmas. Those are included with the books in my corner. I also like a little candlelight in my corner.

You can put memories in your cozy corner. This shell was one given to me by my Mom. It came from one of family vacations to the ocean. Whenever I look at it I am reminded of those days.

My old typewriter is a new addition to my corner. The Muffin purchased it this summer for me from a Flea Market here in town. I had been on the hunt for one. We don't know if it works yet...I just like it!

This is my stack of books that we are currently reading aloud. Also included is a journal (or four) and a couple of Bibles. I have two different versions (The Message & NIV) so I can read out of both.

A Cozy Corner allows you to surround yourself with just a few favorite things. Collections make more of an impact when they are grouped together. This shelf has a beautiful vase (not seen) that was made my niece. A children's book about owls. A picture of Josiah and the word "Hope." And then all of my owls standing in a row.

I fill my cozy corner with beautiful things. Sparkly pens make me happy. This book mark was hand tatted by my momma.

Beside the desk I have a knitting basket and a bag with my doodling supplies at the ready. I like to do either while my guys are watching TV in the evenings. I have a feeling my knitting basket is going to be much used. It's Football season!

Under the desk I have a larger basket that I have filled with special books. Some are those I am reviewing, some might be ones I want to add to our read aloud. There are others that I want to keep at the ready for reference.

This guy is my constant companion in my Cozy Corner. My Momma illustrated him (he's actually a watercolor) for a children's book she wrote. I was thrilled when she gave me the original.

So now you've seen my Cozy Corner. I encourage you to either create one of your own or personalize the one you've been using.

Here are some suggestions.

1. Make it practical. There is an electrical outlet under the desk. I did add a extension that has multiple outlets. I can plug multiple things in if I need to. I also love the drawers in my desk. I am never without a pen. The men in my house don't think to look there! If you don't have drawers put your pens in a pretty mug or pint mason jar.

2. Make it yours. Do you like butterflies or daisies? Is there something you can add to your corner that makes you smile? I suggest to find things around your house to use in your corner initially. I am a big believer in using what you have.

3. Make it peaceful. If you have little kids this might be harder. However, we do have some rules in our house. In the mornings (when I have my quiet time), the TV does not come on unless I turn it on. I often will turn on some of my favorite classical music down low to set the tone.

4. Don't clutter it up. I realize my corner looks pretty cluttered. Why do I need an old typewriter anyway? On the other hand, I have become very conscience of what is in my cozy corner. If I am planning lessons I make sure I return all the textbooks, notebooks and planners to where they came from. If I am writing out Christmas Cards...I make sure they find another home when I am done.

Remember that your cozy corner will be useless if you don't actually use it. It's more than just having a place to put your stuff in. For me, it's finding that quiet part of the day that I can reflect and plan. If I am facing a challenge it helps me sort it out. I can write in my prayer journal and pour my heart out to my faithful God. The ritual of the cup of tea and the flickering of the candle makes it all seem special and beautiful.

If you decide to take this challenge let me know how it turns out!

17 Weeks of Learning to Live a Beautiful Life

In some parts of society I might considered a bit too optimistic. I am one of those “sees the glass half full” kinda girls. I am that perky girl you grabbed your coffee from at the McDonald’s drive-thru early in the morning way back in the day. I remember you! You mumbled a gruff greeting and restrained yourself from lunging into the drive-thru window to smack that crooked smile off my cheery face.

Yep.

Just because I tend to see life through rose colored glasses doesn’t mean I don’t get discouraged. I have struggled with depression over the years. There have been lots of reasons. Chronic health issues, near-death experiences, infertility, loss of purpose, stress, inadequacy….Life.

I have had to come to terms with what I can change and what I can’t change.

Do you know that we spend our lives looking forward to those special events? Holidays. Birthdays. Graduation. Vacation.

Or how many of us are waiting to enjoy life when something changes? Our finances. Our weight. Our spouse.

That's a whole lot of wasted time. We have bought into the lie that we have to have "things" or what society deems as success to be happy. Those expectations that we set for ourselves or are placed on us by others can be heavy. They only bring about shallow and meaningless results.

The  million minutes of your life are spent in anticipation, but not appreciation. We simply survive. And more often than not even those big events overwhelm us.

I have a simple philosophy that has kept me sane and smiling all of these years.

I have to learn to live a beautiful life. I have to take what is in my hands and make it count. I have to learn to appreciate each moment.

Living a beautiful life has little to do with wild vacations, extravagant events, shiny possessions and exalted positions.

What if you can’t take a vacation, keep up with Jones’ or rule the world?

Or.

What if your body fails you? What if life hands you an insurmountable challenge? What if your fairy tale turns into a horror show?

What if you lost those things that you feel define you.

My friends. We must learn to embrace those little moments in our day. We must take control and change those things that we can and give those things we can’t to God.

We also have to change what we feel is successful or worthwhile.

For the next 17 weeks (until the end of 2015) I am going to present you with a challenge. These are going to range from encouraging you to take control of your space to learning to take care of you.

You can read more about what brought me to Living a Beautiful life here.

In meantime, I’ve got my first challenge to you almost ready to go! You can look for my challenge every Friday! This will give you a chance to use your weekend to gets your ducks in a row. 

Are you ready to do this with me?

Week 1 - Creating a Cozy Corner

Week 2 - Having a Bad Day? 

Week 3 - On a Walk

Week 4 - Fixin' It Up For Fall

Week 5 - A DIY Pedicure

Week 6 - Creating Frugal & Fancy Feasts

Week 7 - Finding Your Jam

Week 8 - Put on Those Big Girl Skivvies

Week 9 - Handle With Care

Week 10 - Be Someone's Blessing

Week 11 - An Attitude of Gratitude

Week 12 - Light One Up!

Week 13 - Your One Thing

Week 14 - Use Your Words

Week 15 - Mom Fail

Week 16 - Celebrate!

Week 17 - What is Beautiful?

Chili Cheesy Hominy Casserole

WARNING: This is not the lightest dish I am going to present to you on the blog. We enjoy it only
occasionally. However, it's easy to make and perfect to take with you to a church dinner or family get together.

It's all about the hominy.

What is hominy? Hominy is made from whole corn kernels. The corn kernels are soaked in a lye or lime solution. This process helps soften the tougher outer hulls of the corn. The kernels are washed to remove all of the process solution and the hull.

Whew! Sounds like science.

Hominy is also used to make masa flour...which is the flour used to make those wonderful corn tortillas we all enjoy. I happen to love Grits. If you are a fan of southern style grits...those too are made from hominy.

If you are worried about the chemical process that is used to make hominy you might be interested to know that lutefisk is made the same way. The Swedes certainly haven't suffered.

The dish I am sharing with you today was one we enjoying growing up. Along with Posole, grits and homemade masa tortillas.


For this dish you can use either golden hominy or white hominy. I used both. I am equal opportunity hominy user. I did use 3 cans of hominy for this recipe.

I rinsed it and let it drain in the colander.

Sour cream makes everything better! I added one 8 ounce container. You could use Greek yogurt if you wanted to make it a little lighter.

Then one small can of chopped green chilies. Don't ask me the ounces. Just get the smallest can!

 Cheese was next. The whole recipe calls for 2 cups of cheese. I used 1 cup in the casserole itself and then saved 1 cup for the top.

I mixed it all together and put it in a oven safe stoneware bowl.

Sooo easy! This is one dish that gives you a lot of "wow" with just a little effort.

I baked it in the oven for 25 minutes at 350. It came out loverly!

This night I served the casserole with some pinto beans (with just a little cumin and garlic added) and a salad with tomatoes and avocados.

Here is the recipe.

3 cans of hominy (drained and rinsed)
1 can of chopped green chilies
1 container of  8 ounce of sour cream
2 cups of cheese

Mix everything together except for 1 cup of cheese. Put in an oven safe casserole dish (greased). Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.

Enjoy!