I won’t beat around the bush – I took
last week off unexpectedly. For some
reason, after I wrote about my March Goals I realized that I needed
to buckle down and actually accomplish some of those goals. Revisiting my word of the year was in
order. My word of the year is ACTION – meaning DO SOMETHING!
last week off unexpectedly. For some
reason, after I wrote about my March Goals I realized that I needed
to buckle down and actually accomplish some of those goals. Revisiting my word of the year was in
order. My word of the year is ACTION – meaning DO SOMETHING!
I love to write down what I want to do in the month, but sometimes,
I get so caught up in writing about what I want to accomplish, that I miss actually
accomplishing it; hence my word of the year being action.
I get so caught up in writing about what I want to accomplish, that I miss actually
accomplishing it; hence my word of the year being action.
After I wrote out my March goals, I
realized that I needed to start working on them.
realized that I needed to start working on them.
Homeschooling takes on a life of
its own in my life. I don’t know if I am
in the minority, but I am constantly thinking about homeschooling, whether I am
doing the right thing, whether we are doing enough, whether my kids are
learning anything, if I am letting their interests lead too much, or if I am
trying to get them to work on too much seatwork when they should be enjoying
the outdoors. It is a constant barrage of
self-doubt. Perhaps as the years go on
it will be better, but as of now, I am constantly questioning my
decisions. Luckily, my kids are pretty
great, and when I stop thinking for a minute and actually observe, I calm down
and realize that my kids are progressing, and that they really are awesome kids
who love learning.
its own in my life. I don’t know if I am
in the minority, but I am constantly thinking about homeschooling, whether I am
doing the right thing, whether we are doing enough, whether my kids are
learning anything, if I am letting their interests lead too much, or if I am
trying to get them to work on too much seatwork when they should be enjoying
the outdoors. It is a constant barrage of
self-doubt. Perhaps as the years go on
it will be better, but as of now, I am constantly questioning my
decisions. Luckily, my kids are pretty
great, and when I stop thinking for a minute and actually observe, I calm down
and realize that my kids are progressing, and that they really are awesome kids
who love learning.
After my mini freak-out last week, I
realized a bit of a break was in order.
realized a bit of a break was in order.
We had a wonderful break over the
holidays, and were ready to attack the New Year with a vengeance, but as time
goes on, I realize that perhaps I plan a little too much, and we never end up
finishing the to-do list. I often think
that I will be able to accomplish more than I am actually able to accomplish.
holidays, and were ready to attack the New Year with a vengeance, but as time
goes on, I realize that perhaps I plan a little too much, and we never end up
finishing the to-do list. I often think
that I will be able to accomplish more than I am actually able to accomplish.
Last week I really put my word of the
year into play.
year into play.
We started purging the house. When I say “we” I really mean that “I”
started to purge. I have been trying to incorporate my kids in figuring out what to keep and what to sell/donate/throw; and
to a certain extent, that has worked.
However, I have to realize that my kids are still quite little (7&5
and a 1 year old who could care less about purging), and so their stamina as
far as getting rid of things is limited – what comes to mind is their clothes,
toys are one thing, clothes are something else entirely.
started to purge. I have been trying to incorporate my kids in figuring out what to keep and what to sell/donate/throw; and
to a certain extent, that has worked.
However, I have to realize that my kids are still quite little (7&5
and a 1 year old who could care less about purging), and so their stamina as
far as getting rid of things is limited – what comes to mind is their clothes,
toys are one thing, clothes are something else entirely.
Homeschool planning and purging my
home have been the main actions of the past week, however, I have also been
trying to sit and do something for myself each day as well. I started knitting a little bit more than I
have in the past few months.
home have been the main actions of the past week, however, I have also been
trying to sit and do something for myself each day as well. I started knitting a little bit more than I
have in the past few months.
I have the goal of 2 finished
projects each month, one a knit item, and one “other” which could be as simple
as a coloring page, or another knit item, something I sew, or something else
entirely, I did a good job for January, February flew by so fast that I only
accomplished one coloring page completed.
My hope is to catch up on knitting, and I am trying to make a little
more time for me to work on that every day.
projects each month, one a knit item, and one “other” which could be as simple
as a coloring page, or another knit item, something I sew, or something else
entirely, I did a good job for January, February flew by so fast that I only
accomplished one coloring page completed.
My hope is to catch up on knitting, and I am trying to make a little
more time for me to work on that every day.
I am also trying to catch up on my
reading.
reading.
As literature based homeschoolers, I
spend a lot of time reading; hours of reading aloud to the kids. While I love this reading, and this time with
my kids, it isn’t exactly the reading that I would choose to do during my own
reading time. But, finding that time to
read is difficult. I know that my
reading is limited, so I started reading aloud a series that I loved to read
when I was younger – the Mandie series.
I wasn’t sure if my kids would like it or not, and while I think it is a
perfect series for Emma to start reading soon herself, I knew that the books
were a little too long, so I started reading them to her. It is fulfilling my need for some fiction
reading, which I haven’t been doing as of late.
spend a lot of time reading; hours of reading aloud to the kids. While I love this reading, and this time with
my kids, it isn’t exactly the reading that I would choose to do during my own
reading time. But, finding that time to
read is difficult. I know that my
reading is limited, so I started reading aloud a series that I loved to read
when I was younger – the Mandie series.
I wasn’t sure if my kids would like it or not, and while I think it is a
perfect series for Emma to start reading soon herself, I knew that the books
were a little too long, so I started reading them to her. It is fulfilling my need for some fiction
reading, which I haven’t been doing as of late.
I have come to realize over these many years of blogging
that it is healthy to take a step back sometimes and enjoy life. Townsend House is a family lifestyle blog
that focuses on my journey, my family’s journey. While I love to share that with all of you,
sometimes taking a step back and enjoying my family and life is in order.
that it is healthy to take a step back sometimes and enjoy life. Townsend House is a family lifestyle blog
that focuses on my journey, my family’s journey. While I love to share that with all of you,
sometimes taking a step back and enjoying my family and life is in order.
The spring-like weather continues in Maine, and we are
enjoying a lot more time outside these days.
I plan to finish most of the purging this week and next, so that after
Easter we are able to start spring cleaning, and clearing out the winter from
the home to let in the new spring light and air!
enjoying a lot more time outside these days.
I plan to finish most of the purging this week and next, so that after
Easter we are able to start spring cleaning, and clearing out the winter from
the home to let in the new spring light and air!
What have you been up
to lately? Do you ever need to take a
step back from the online world?
to lately? Do you ever need to take a
step back from the online world?
Rebecca Kelsey Sampson says
March 21, 2016 at 2:28 pmI love your word of the year! I really need to reevaluate my goals for this year, so much of my life has changed in these three short months that my initial thoughts for the year don't make sense anymore. Thank you for the reminder and for sharing some of your life with us!
Be the author of your own story,
Rebecca Kelsey Sampson
JaimeLovesStuff says
March 20, 2016 at 4:36 pmLife is definitely overwhelming. I try to revisit how I spend my time and reflect on decisions to see how I can improve.
You definitely have a busy life!
Hil'Lesha O'Nan says
March 17, 2016 at 5:50 pmYou looks like you've been pretty busy! I like to step back from the online world from time to time. It definitely helps me to refocus!
Krystal Butherus says
March 17, 2016 at 11:46 amACTION is an amazing word of the year. Just by writing this post I think you've already taken action on your goals. 😉 Every little step counts.
Eileen Kelly says
March 16, 2016 at 11:36 pmI love your word "action" I need to focus on that as well. I feel so similar. I cannot imagine how you accomplish so much and home school! I think you are doing a great job!
Brianna George says
March 16, 2016 at 7:42 pmsounds like your word was appropriately chosen. Mine is limitless. SO far I am seeing some ways this will be true for us as we continue to trust the Lord:)
Emily Glover says
March 16, 2016 at 5:03 pmWhat a great word for the year! I've got my list of things to do this month and I need to use this word Action to get it done!
Stacey D says
March 16, 2016 at 11:43 amYou are very busy! I am working hard on purging as well, but it takes time. I love your goal of two finished products a moth.
Laura - Eye Candy Creative Studio says
March 16, 2016 at 4:28 amgood for you for staying on track with your word. i never did get around to writing about mine and it's probably a little late now – bummer! lol
Karissa Ancell says
March 16, 2016 at 2:18 amIt's great to refocus and start doing things on your goal list. I need to get more going so I can accomplish more this year.
CourtneyLynne says
March 16, 2016 at 12:48 amAwwwwww love it!!!!! Seems like y'all have definitely kept yourselves busy!!!! I just recently took a step back to figure out everything in life
Megan McCoig says
March 15, 2016 at 8:17 pmSuch an inspiring post. Action is definetly a word people need to say more, and also do! So important to get things done and be active!
Brittany says
March 15, 2016 at 8:11 pmSounds like your year is already full of a lot of action! I love the coloring page that you did.
Southern Soul
Krystle Cook says
March 15, 2016 at 3:27 pmIt's always good to take a step back and refocus. To me it sounds like you are doing a great job at everything. Great job at balancing!
Author TP Keane says
March 15, 2016 at 1:32 pmI love how invested you are in your kids education. My two read every night and love it.
Alina says
March 15, 2016 at 12:52 pmLove your word of the year! I do find myself quiet often planning way too much and not accomplishing it, so I try to break down my big goals and try to make the best out of my time.
Charlotte TheMummyToolbox says
March 15, 2016 at 10:25 amWhat a great word for the year! I have to say I know what you mean about constantly thinking about homeschooling – this was something that made me decide not too because I wasn't sure I would be able to deal with it :p
jillconyers says
March 15, 2016 at 8:44 amMy word of the year is Focus. I've kept it in the front of my mind all year and it actually helps me to not over commit.
Kait says
March 15, 2016 at 2:02 amSometimes when I feel like life is overwhelming, stepping back from blogging and taking in all that needs to be accomplished is SO helpful.
blythe32 says
March 15, 2016 at 1:09 amI've back into job hunting mode after taking a bit of a break. I've also started a 30 day yoga challenge, which I really like. Hopefully I will make it through all 30 days.
Michelle says
March 15, 2016 at 1:07 amMy word of the year is FOCUS, because I'm great at starting ideas but not always maintaining!
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
March 15, 2016 at 12:07 amLove the word of the year idea and it looks like even the kid are picking up on it. I totally get you on taking a step away from the blog. I so need to do that.
Toni Nicole ? says
March 14, 2016 at 11:28 pmP.s. Goal setting & bucket lists are the absolute way to go!
Writing down your goals recieves more achievements than most people would ever believe?
Toni Nicole ? says
March 14, 2016 at 11:25 pmI love your blog post its a great reminder that we sometimes need to cull out unwanted things to make room for the more important stuff! It's so important to enjoy the simple things especially when it comes to our children! I love the fact that you choose to homeschool & have to hand it to you as I feel you must have the patience of a saint!
Veronica Pototska says
March 14, 2016 at 8:23 pmI think you are doing so much and you inspire a lot! It is also great to hear that you take some time to enjoy the early spring
rayrayl81 says
March 14, 2016 at 6:44 pmI think it's amazing to write down goals. Even more amazing to cross them off. I think all good moms run into self doubt and it's a good thing. It means we care and we reflect to see what we can do better!
gettingfitinma says
March 14, 2016 at 6:23 pmGlad you realized you needed to act and it was successful!
De Bolton says
March 14, 2016 at 6:19 pmSo, Godcidental I had to revisit my word of the year yesterday. I have gotten off the beaten path only 3 months into the year but God got my attention and steered me back in the right direction.
Cara W says
March 14, 2016 at 6:08 pmHomeschooling and Purging are two very time-consuming goals so I already commend you for keeping focus on this! I can't believe the first quarter of the year is almost up! Time does indeed fly fast. I need ACTION in most of my goals for 2016 too!
ana de jesus says
March 14, 2016 at 5:47 pmIt is definitely healthy to take a rest and come back feeling refreshed and ready to blog again well said. Hope the purging goes well.
Karen Morse says
March 14, 2016 at 4:35 pmSounds like you have been BUSY with lots of action! 😉 Homeschooling can take up a ton of time. Enjoy the beautiful weather in Maine!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
Heather Lawrence says
March 14, 2016 at 4:14 pmI have been limiting the amount of time I spend online. I have too… I find that I get caught up in all the negativity and I have found it really messes with my head and effects my family too. I was created for so much more than that!
Masshole Mommy says
March 14, 2016 at 3:57 pmIt sounds like you are getting stuff done over there. My husband read two entire books this weekend speaking of reading. Crazy, right?
Heather says
March 14, 2016 at 4:03 pmThat's awesome! I need to find a good series to get lost in…I think I might try Outlander again.
Jessica Abegg says
March 14, 2016 at 3:14 pmI haven't necessarily taken a step back from the Internet, but I have changed where I spend my time. Much less YouTube, trying to watch videos of people you're "supposed" to watch, so far as knitting podcasts and planner people and the like. Instead, reading Reddit (because it's funny!) and watching/listening to cartoons. I would much rather have a laugh at something I've laughed at a million times (lookin' at you, Looney Tunes) than watch all of the knitting people and have the yarn and pattern envy. It's not worth my time or my effort to get caught up in!
While my word of the year isn't Action, it is very close in meaning (More) and it has been serving me well, subconsciously. Starting new things, adding good things in, and getting rid of the crud that just managed to sleph along.
Heather says
March 14, 2016 at 4:04 pmAdding in good things is so important! I am a big fan of the crowding out theory – lots of good pushes the bad away 🙂
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says
March 14, 2016 at 2:03 pmI still have all my old Mandie books! I should try to read one to the boys. Maybe there would be just enough action to keep them interested?
I think spring is a good time for purging. I just tagged six tupperwares of stuff to take to one of those kid consignment sales, and I took another 3 big trashbags to donate to a charity. Feels so good to clear stuff out. If I had more time I'd purge more!
Heather says
March 14, 2016 at 4:05 pmMy kids are really enjoying the Mandie books, there is enough mystery to keep everyone on the edge of their seat I think, plus, Ghost Bandits! 🙂