Trying out a book review

I so love learning, especially about being a mom and a teacher.  So many of the things I've learned apply so much to both aspects of my life, and it's great to be able to practice what I learn in so many settings.  If  I had to pick on thing that I miss from being a college student, it would be the deep levels of learning that I got to do.  The papers, the studying, the tests, not so much.  :)

I recently purchased The 5 Love Languages of Children, by Gary D. Chapman and Ross Campbell, and read it on breaks at work.  It was a great one to leave on site and pick up when I had those few spare minutes that I needed to fill.  And it was great to be able to read a bit, and immediately put some of the information I read into practice on my work littles.

The short review of this book is that everyone has a love language- a way that they feel and receive love from others that impacts them the most, and allows them to feel loved in a way that other ways don't touch.

The love languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, physical touch, and quality time. There is a chapter devoted to each love language, with suggestions about using the particular language to speak love to your child, and testimonials from parents and children who have benefited form the information contained in this book. There is also information on learning about the love languages, using them in discipline (NOT to be confused with punishment), using the love languages in single parent families, and a chapter on love languages in marriage and committed relationships.

I loved reading this book, and being able to use its suggestions to make sure my kids (at home, at work, and at church) know how much I love and value them.  There are many suggestions, ranging from easy, everyday ideas to big moments that take some planning to carry out.  

If you are struggling to know how to show your kiddos (and others in your life!) the love you feel for them, this book is a great place to start.  Saying "I love you" looses its impact quickly if it is not followed by the actions that SHOW the recipient that you mean them. You can say the words until you are blue in the face, but if you don't SHOW it, it is meaningless.  

Fall Musings

I've been thinking a lot lately how much I miss making the time to write, and share the things I've learned about life, kids, and being a mom-teacher.  And about how much has changed in the (almost to the day) two years it's been since I sat down and made the time.

Catching up, I'm now doing the single mom route.  About a year ago, I was just a few days on the other side of the conversation that ended my marriage.  It was such a tough time, but is definitely the better road for us.  It has been and continues to be a cycle of sadness, grief, happy times, and love.  The last time I was writing, I wouldn't have imagined that I would have taken that step, but looking at it now, I can't see any alternative.

My kiddos are 9, 7, and 5 years old now.  Third grade, first grade, and the last year of pre-K.  They are growing so much, and learning so much, and are such fun for me to watch and learn from.  We have our tough and stressful days, but they are so outnumbered by our fun, loving, adventurous days. Life is a struggle for them to acclimate to the changes that have (and continue) to come, but they know they are so very loved, and that makes a lot of difference.

We have a dog.  Sam is almost 1 year old, and a fiercely playful Beagle.  He is such a silly dog, and the kids love him to pieces.  He is great company, and seems to know when the kids need him to run and jump and play, and when they need him to just love on them.

We are exploring and growing our faith.  With the help of wonderful friends, we have found a church home that we love.  There is such great community for us, and the support we have received has been valuable.

The best thing I've learned in all of this change is that the people who love you will be the strength and support you need.  Whenever you need them, someone is only a phone call, text, coffee date away. They are a shoulder to cry on, a hand to help you up. someone to watch your kids so you can do the next hard thing, and the thing after that.  They are the ones who help you find the way to keep moving forward.

Thank you, thank you to all the people who have been with me.  The ones who were there from the start, and the ones who have joined my journey and made it even a little easier to bear.  The fierce love and protectiveness for my kids, the love of my family, the coffee and mom dates, the life groups at church....  You've all made this journey so much more bearable, and made all the difference in the world.