The Friendship of Moms

This past year (2016) we made the tough decision to leave the church we had been members of for 7 years.  Our children were born and baptized in that church.  We still visit occasionally, and remain friends with most of the members today. 

We began attending the church our brother and sister attend, and we are close to becoming members.  Even though we are not members yet, we feel that we are already part of it.  My kids have been going to their Pioneer Club for 3 years now.  We went to 2 years of VBS.  Last summer, we did the weekly Moms in the Park.  Our kids have lots of friends, and I have friendships with many of the moms. 

That friendship the moms of this church actively cultivate is beyond amazing! During the summer, we meet weekly at a local park for a playdate/talk time.  In the fall/winter/spring months we meet once a month and have a book discussion.  I know that the friendships I had with the moms helped me get through the depressing days after my miscarriage.  Several of them have had miscarriages of their own, and offered love, prayer, and support.  If there is anything we need prayer for, everyone feels free to post in our Facebook group, and all of the moms pray and ask for updates.  It's so encouraging!! 

As you readers know, I posted that I was going through some health issues lately.  I had pregnancy symptoms, and a faint positive in February.  After the faint positive, I took several more tests, but they were super faint, to negative.  I was still having symptoms, though.  I got an hcg blood test done (2, actually), and it was negative.  I waited another week, and then started bleeding (like a period...just 2 weeks late).  My midwife thinks I was pregnant, but that it "failed" shortly after implantation.  I had the faint positive while the hcg was still in my system.  But she is not 100% positive of it, as there are other explanations.  So, we are just not dwelling on that, but leaving it in God's hands.  We will know for sure when we get to heaven. I am feeling pretty much normal now, so I am thanking God for that! 

I was able to ask the moms for prayers as we went through this confusing "am I pregnant, or not" situation.  It was amazing to have love and support!  Having other moms to go to when I need help is really wonderful! 

When Your Plans Fall to Pieces

Well, I encountered a major set back in my grand homeschooling plans. 

I planned on starting our 2016 school year this coming Monday. 

God's plan is that I wait a week. 

We switched from Memoria Press to BJU Press for first grade this year.  I eagerly looked over the books as soon as I got them.  As September drew near, I again perused the books, and thought I had a good grasp as to what I would need.  Boy...was I EVER WRONG! 

I overlooked practically EVERYTHING.  I mean, my Mom and Mother-in-law came over this morning to help me cut out all of the manipulatives, and we discovered that I am nowhere NEAR ready for school to begin.  *sigh*  *major tears* 

I need Unifix cubes for Math.  I need word cards for Reading.  There are HUNDREDS of word cards that need to be cut and laminated.  There are lots of Math Manipulatives that need to be cut and laminated.  I am started a new curriculum...I need to figure out just HOW I am going to teach this new curriculum. 

I, of course, immediately felt overwhelmed and cried.  Mostly out of embarrassment, as my Mother and Mother-in-law are veteran homeschoolers and I had just been exposed as totally unprepared to teach their grandchildren.  I also felt like, once again, I had failed in the very thing I should be so good at. It's my job to teach my children...and how can I possibly do that if I am so ill-prepared?  I thought I had prepared, and I was woefully underestimating my prowess as a homeschooler.  And really--what was I thinking?  This is only my second year.  I am by no means a veteran. 

My pride was wounded, my excitement halted, and I was feeling so ill-equipped to teach my children.  I looked at my kitchen table strewn with books, paper, binders, and scissors and felt like I was going to drown. 

Thank God for my mothers.  My mother-in-law dried my tears, and told me everything was going to be OK.  My mother assured me that I do not fail at everything, and that this was just a small set back.  My husband then reminded me that this is homeschool...there is no deadline, no absolute day/time I needed to start our schooling. 

And that is what I want to share with you all. 

HOMESCHOOLING IS FLEXIBLE.

 It works around you, you don't have to work around it.  You need to start later, no problem.  Your whole family gets sick, take a few days off.  You have a new baby, take time to relax, recooperate, and enjoy your new joy for a few weeks to get back to your routine.  School will always be there, ready to be taught and learned. 

My Top 10 Websites for Moms

I love the Internet!  I love the fact that you can share and find all kinds of amazing knowledge and helpful hints!  Here is a list of my Top 10 favorite websites for moms. (I've linked each site to their name, so if you click on the titles, you'll go directly to the websites.)

1.  Zulily

I cannot say enough about Zulily!!  It is incredible!  A website dedicated to bringing you sales on a range of categories such as Women, Women Plus, Kids, Babies, Shoes, Men, Home, and much more!  Most of the products are on sale for over 50%.  Anything you can think of gets featured on Zulily!  I check it out at least 2 times a week.  I've gotten dresses, shoes, cloth diapers, nursing bras, and a few other items from Zulily. 

2.  Amazon

Do I even have to describe Amazon?  Everyone know Amazon is amazing!!  You can literally find anything on here.  I love Amazon Prime, because who doesn't like free, 2-day shipping??  And, I like their other Prime benefits...Prime Music, Prime Video, Prime Pantry, and Prime Photos; to name a few.  I have been a Prime Member for 6 years now, and let me assure you;  the $99 per year Prime fee totally pays for itself! 

3.  Diapers.com

I love this site!  There are more than 5 other sister sites such as wag.com, bookworm.com, look.com, vine.com, soap.com, beautybar.com, and others.  It is free, and you can get free shipping if you reach a certain amount spent.  It has everything you'd ever imagined for moms to ever need.  I have also purchased from the sister sites. 

4. Etsy

This site is wonderful for finding unique items for gifts.  If you're crafty like me, you can find all kids of nice patterns to buy.  It's also great if you want to have a small, at-home business.  

5.  YouTube

This site is indispensable for finding all kinds of music, good, old cartoons, and tutorials for just about anything you could possibly imagine.  It's such an amazing resource.  

6.   Pinterest

This site is known as the catalog of the internet.  You can find everything on here.  I have too many boards to count, and my Crochet board alone has over 700 pins!  Great resource for DIY, crafts, decor, and so much more!

7. Jane

This is such a cute website!  It has evolved somewhat since I started perusing it several years ago.  Some things are more expensive than they were before.  This is an awesome site for buying inexpensive jewelry, niche things, decor, and clothing at a discount.  

8.  Ebay

If you want something at a decent price, and don't mind used...this is an incredible resource!  I have gotten a clothing lot of 20 newborn sleepers for $19!  I have also gotten diapers and maternity clothes for great prices. 

9. Netflix
 

This is a good site for movies and documentaries!  I have discovered numerous history and science films as well has preschool videos that I can use for the kids' school.  It's also nice if you don't have a movie, and would like to watch one. 

10.  Ebates

This site is wonderful!  You create an account, and when you want to shop anywhere, log in, and search your store.  There is usually a 5-70% cashback value on virtually every site you can think of.  Walmart, L.L.Bean, Vera Bradley...etc.  You get a statement at the end of the month.  You then cash out, and get a check sent to you in the mail.  It is such a good site if you shop online alot.  Who doesn't want cashback??

So, there you go.  10 amazing websites for moms that can help you save money or have a great resource at your fingertips.