Just Like My Mama

The first time I can remember my mother taking me clothes shopping was in 1974.  August.  The mini-mall in Boise.  The Bon Marche.  Lots of polyester.  Trying on lots of clothes, and everything that fit, I was able to take home!  Wow.  That was the first time I can remember Mom not balking at the price tag.  (I'm sure there was a big sale going on for back to school clothes.  Plus, we got those handled bags that said, "Bon Marche," perfect for toting gym clothes back and forth to school.) 

Many of my clothes until then had been sewn by mom, or picked out when I wasn't with her. While shopping that day, there was one particular blouse, one that had a drive-in movie scene printed on the polyester:  I said, "We can't get this one, there is another one almost just like it in my pile." Mom said, "Yes, we can."  Wow.  That was rare! 

Mom always was generous when shopping for her grandchildren (and that time for me at The Bon--and probably for Janet, too, but my child-memory has just mom and me being there).  When we'd go to Boise, she'd say, "Let's go to Penney's!"  By that time, Boise had a HUGE mall, with a HUGE and very nice JC Penney's.  That usually meant new clothes for the boys, and later for Luci, too (she got Gymboree!).

Which brings us to Today.  Today I had a coupon for 30% off my total at Kohl's and they were also having a big sale.  Plus, I had a girl who has outgrown most of her things, even the clothing that Santa brought not that long ago!

Luci tried on, and tried on, and everything that fit went into my basket.  She was so happy!  We found a dress that fit and looked so cute, and then went and found two others with the same cut--and asked Luci if she liked those colors, too.

She said, "I like them, but I'd rather have the one we already picked out.  I don't want to trade."  I said, "Yes, I know--but we can get both of these, too."  She was thrilled, but sort of in disbelief.  Just like I was back in 1974. 


Modeling some of her bounty, with JT's help.

Seasons of a Mother's Heart

That's a book written by Sally Clarkson, a homeschool mom who has been there and done that.  Her book, Educating the Wholehearted Child, was the first book I ever read on homeschooling.  It was such a help!  I had the 1994 version--I am sure the updated versions are even better.

A friend of mine IRL (in real life!! I actually know real, live people--they are not all bloggy friends! :) ) had suggested a book study, and Seasons of a Mother's Heart was her choice.  We are to read and then "talk" about what we've read on our blogs.  Amy is a librarian-turned-homeschooler, and is quite eloquent.  With me, you get the third-grade-understanding version.  Amy has a lovely blog here:  Hope is the Word.

This portion of the book study covers the first section of the book, Spring:  Season of Renewal.  If you have a newer copy, your book will have four chapters per "season."  My copy has only three.

My thoughts on the first three chapters (due tomorrow, July 8th! I'm a bit slow):

Chapter One:  Celebrating Life

This chapter hit home with me (as will probably every chapter in this book, since I've been homeschooling a long time now).  We must choose joy instead of constantly looking at what's wrong around us.

Choosing joy changes my perspective and lets me see that God is in control, and not me. I have had this pounded into my head over the past three years (I am a slow learner).  Luci has had some learning difficulties and has not progressed as I thought she ought.  Her reading is just now beginning, and math?  Please.  That's a subject for this year.  I hope she catches on to something with math this year.  But--I am seeing the joy Luci has in "doing school."  She LOVES coming to the table and working with me, even when I was getting so exasperated.  I am choosing to see the JOY in her delight with anything "schooly," and will rejoice again whenever a new word or math concept is learned.

This chapter was about cleaning your heart-attitude and making different choices.  Knowing that God is in control.  When I complain, I am telling God that I am not happy with how He chooses to let my life unfold.

Chapter Two:  Changing My Will

I love this chapter.  It is all about choosing to do what God has set before me, and letting go of that which seems good, but is not the best for me.  I may think of grand and glorious things to do away from home (or even from home, as Sally did, working from her home with her husband setting up a Journal that helped many people).  But God has put on my heart the homeschool challenge.  So this is my place, at least until the last one graduates.  Things that get in the way of my role as wife, mommy, and teacher need to be given up.  

It's not always a popular decision, to retreat from the world a little bit.  I have gotten some flak for retreating from some good things.  I do try so hard to not put my ideals on others, to make them "see where they are in error" when it is a matter of opinion and they are doing what is best for their families.  (John is probably laughing at me right now, because I do have opinions, but I also try to not share them when I shouldn't.)

Chapter Three:  Beside Still Waters

You can guess what this chapter is about!  Taking time to be with the Lord in personal reflection, and taking time for yourself to recharge your batteries if needed.

I am an introvert.  I was surprised to see that Sally Clarkson is, too, since she has such an out-going ministry.  It has taken me until this past year (that would be 52 years or so) to realize that it is okay to need time away from my children.  I don't take much time (sometimes it is just a trip to WalMart) but time with quiet and no one touching me or yelling about a sibling is necessary for me.  Last week I took off for the commissary, an hour and a half away just to have time with quiet and to get a meal that I didn't have to share, or listen to someone tell me all about paint ball for the entire trip.  I also had the bonus of going to a teacher's supply store, which was like Christmas to me!  I was only gone about five hours but I came back a new person.  It has been at least two and a half months since I've been able to do something like that.  I didn't even mind the super-long line in the commissary.

As for being with the Lord more, this year I've prayed more for others than I ever have.  I've also been reading through the Bible for my own study, not for a homeschool class with the kids.  It's been wonderful.  I've used different methods (Bible in a Year, different topics, etc) but this year and last I've just read three, four or five chapters every day and that will get me through the entire Bible by Christmas.  I like using different versions--this year I'm using a version meant for children, and it is surprising how reading something familiar worded a different way can make me perk up and pay more attention.

Get the book for yourself:  Seasons of a Mother's Heart.  It's only $11.97 on amazon