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So I've been doing lots of research and have been very intrigued with what I have learned about homeschooling.  I spoke to my husband about the possibility of it and he is not quite on board.  He said under certain circumstances... if the schools available to us do not meet our standards, that he would be open to it.  But otherwise... he would like for our children to go to a public or private school.

I didn't really fight him on it since I really don't know a whole lot of what it entails but from what I have learned I'm definitely a believer in it.  I also decided that it's not all or nothing... a friend of mine (who was actually home schooled) showed me a picture of her "school board" that she created for her son who is the same age as ours.  It had learning topics of the week, a calendar, flash cards etc.  and I was totally inspired!  I want to do the EXACT same thing! 

I'm gathering different ideas from different homeschooling blogs which I search for on Picket Fence Blogs and I'm realizing more and more what an awesome resource these Mama's are!  It doesn't matter whether your children are in private schools, public schools, or home schooled.... creating a learning environment in your home for year round absorption is wonderful, beneficial and FUN!  Something else all this research made me realize is that I've pretty much already begun the homeschooling process with our son.  He knows his ABC's, 123's, and colors!  So I'm going to continue doing this by using a more structured curriculum... after all there are still two whole years before pre-school to fill my little man's head full of all the exciting things that surround us!  I'll share our school board as soon as I complete it! :)

 
Hi all! First I have to apologize for my absence... I actually had no intention of not posting but we've had a fun family filled weekend and beginning of the week!  Our son was extremely happy to see his Auntie, Grandma and cousin... and very sad to see Auntie and cousin go.  But luckily Grandma will be hanging out with us for a while longer. 

I realized this weekend how much I really miss having family around.  My nephew showed great interest in my newly acquired homesteading skills and asked me to show him a few made from scratch recipes, the bagels are his favorite by the way, and is now wanting his own herb garden to add to his favorite pasta dishes.  This made me so proud.  His birthday is soon approaching and although we celebrated a bit early since they were here, I think I might have to send a small basket of goodies that will help him get his own herb garden started and maybe throw in a few cooking utensils since he showed much enthusiasm during his participation. 

I soaked up all the knowledge I could from my dear older sister whose advice I treasure... but I also found myself standing by certain parenting skills that I knew may not fit my sister but are perfect for my little family.  I loved being able to have that balance.  It also reminded me to be open and flexible to new ideas but that it is also okay to stand strong for those you believe and have faith in. 

The thing I am most proud in is that although different ideas and opinions were exchange... no arguing ever commenced.  Remember... in any situation... be it personal or business... take advice given (wanted or not) with a grain of salt and try to understand where the person who is giving the advice is coming from.  Nod your head and smile.  I'm not saying you shouldn't stand up for what you believe in but it is okay to do this in silence.  No one but YOU needs to know most truths.  Be humble... Be kind... and oh yeah...
Other Magickal Happenings
Magick from the Farm
 
Hello!  Well we are back from our mini trip and our vacation continues since my husband has this week off and my family is in town!  This weekend we took some great photos and I wanted to remind everyone to capture the moment every possible chance you have.  Whether it's with a smart phone camera, your basic digital camera or a fancy camera that has all the bells and whistles... take every photo of your growing family as much as you can.  There are often times when I think we pass up great opportunities for taking pictures. 

Also... don't wait.  If it's professional pictures you seek of your family or your children but it's something you may not be able to afford (like us)... do some research and make those pictures happen!  There are free tips and editing programs online that will make your photos look as though you just stepped out of a studio!  Remember to have fun!  Don't be a perfectionist and realize the people in the photo are what makes the photo beautiful... not the editing or the background. 

~ Be Magickal!
 
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Today I realized how important it is to be a part of an organization where you all share something in common.  This can include church, hobbies, and especially mom's groups. 

At first I was always so hesitant to join a mom's group but being in a new town and not knowing anyone I thought it was definitely necessary.  The group I joined is a fairly large group and not everyone knows everyone... but today I saw this group join together to help one of our own and I was able to participate in that.  One of our mom's experienced a tragedy and the outpouring of meals, donations, and fundraising was quick and in powerful numbers.  I felt so blessed to be able to say that I was a part of this group knowing I was able to offer my help for a fellow mother and knowing that if ever I were to be in need one day, they would come through for me as well. 

If you are not part of a mother's group check out Mother's and More... it is a national organization and they more than likely have a chapter in your area and if not... You could start one! 

~ Be Magickal!

 
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I thought I'd share with you my recent endeavor to become a Vegetarian.  A few years back I tried being Vegan, which is a diet that includes absolutely no animal products including eggs and dairy.  It's not as hard as one might initially think and I was able to enjoy all the normal foods and baked goods by using replacement products for cooking and baking etc and I felt great!

However my choice is to be Vegetarian instead of Vegan because I believe organic milk and eggs that come from humanely raised cows and chickens are a great source of nutrition.  Now with that said I do not drink milk.  Simply because I don't like it.  But I still use in in my cooking and baking.  We will also continue to eat fish, just so red meat or chicken. 

Now to answer the question.... Why?  The definition of a Vegetarian is; A person who does not eat meat, and sometimes other animal products, esp. for moral, religious, or health reasons.  My reasons would be both moral and health.  Lately as I've been putting meals on the table that have included chicken and ham.... I've found myself barely being able to get through the meals.  I would just start to feel this heaviness and ickiness (that's a word in this household) and more recently I'd begin to lose my appetite all together.  I remembered how great I felt when I tried to be Vegan a few years ago and realized it was time to make some changes.  As far as my moral reasons... Well it's been weighing on my mind a lot lately... There's absolutely no way, when we have our homestead, that I could raise any animal that I would eventually slaughter.  Now I do not judge or think or think ill will towards anyone who does this AT ALL... if animals are raised with the proper care and love of course.  But being the animal lover that I am... there's no way I could do it.

So there is my claim to being Vegetarian.  You will notice that our weekly menu has changed to include all veggies.  I hope you will still enjoy the great recipes I find and concoct on my own.  The greatest part of all of this is my husband is totally supportive and said " I will eat anything you put in front of me".  How I love that man!

Other Magickal Happenings
Magick From the Farm

~ Be Magickal!

 
This was a saying on a billboard I once saw back in Arizona as I was driving.  It really made me think... not to mention... slow down.  I also read a post recently at Homestead Revival about recovering lost skills and it mentioned having smaller goals and doing things one at a time.  Both of these made me think about a lot of things.  I have to admit I do sometimes feel overwhelmed and I think when you take on too much all at once you are less likely to succeed.  I felt a bit like this after making A Homemaker's Daily Schedule so I made a few changes to there that I think will really make a difference.

Keep this in mind when you are working towards something.  You don't have to instantly know how to do something or form a good habit within 24 hours to feel successful or to be good at something.  It takes hard work and commitment and you can't forget to have fun in the process!  I know that in my ultimate goal of having a farm there is no way we will be successful at it if we just jump in and take on every task possible.  So this is very good practice for me... learning skills One By One and taking my time making sure I learn them WELL... otherwise more mistakes are liable to happen causing me more work and hardship in the future. 

If it's not a fun task... make it so.  If it's not working one way... try another way.  Remember one of the beautiful things about being a homemaker is you are your own boss!  Re-arrange the schedule... Change the rules!  Do it YOUR way!  But take your time and do it well.

Other Magickal Happenings
Made From Scratch

~ Be Magickal!
 
I've added a page of Broom Closet recipes that I will be continuously adding to as I find things that work for me!  I've posted the link below but you'll also find the link on my Made From Scratch sidebar... Feel free to comment and add any of your recipes that have been working for YOU!

Magick from the Farm

Our Kitchen Garden
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~ Be Magickal!
 
 
 
_Remember you don't want to soak your wood floors... the way I do it is use a gallon jug to mix up the recipe then pour into a spray bottle, spray onto a section of the floors and wipe with cloth or paper towel.... repeat till your floors are clean!

1 gallon water
1/2 cup vinegar
20 drops of essential oil