Thanks for stopping by! I'm Magi, a scratch cooking, homeschooling mama, learning to raise good kids, good food, and good fun on our teeny-tiny little farm!
Thanks for stopping by! I'm Magi, a scratch cooking, homeschooling mama, learning to raise good kids, good food, and good fun on our teeny-tiny little farm!
I was recently chatting with one of my oldest and dearest friends who also happens to home school. We were gabbing about homeschool, curricula and perks, when the question arose as to whether I thought there might be gaps in a Charlotte Mason education. My […]
Although I have such fond memories of big family celebrations, I avoided hosting any for most of my early adult years. I just couldn’t imagine it all coming together without turning me into a basket case. After all, I spent most of my childhood watching […]
Without going into too many details that aren’t mine to share it’s been a tough season for our family and social circle. I can usually feel when my family needs to lean into comfort and rest, and I consider it my job to facilitate that. But even if you aren’t in a tough season, winter lends itself well to comfort and rest.
Here are five ways to bring an extra dose of Cozy into your winter.
Everyone loves a fire. I can’t think of anything more unifying than a fire. In my neighborhood an outdoor fire is an invitation to drop in, enjoy some good company, and probably cook something on a stick. If you can’t have a “real” fire, a candle will still bring you some cozy feels.
Keeping Plenty of soft blankets within easy reach really ups the cozy-factor. This time of year, I keep them on the backs of chairs, couches and in a basket in the corner. Sometimes I even toss one in the dryer with a drop or two of a spicy seasonal essential oil before snuggling up with a good book.
I like to have warm drinks all day this time of year. The kids would probably be thrilled with a bottomless supply of Cocoa or Hot Cider. But my body would revolt if I sipped sugar all day, and if I have caffeine after lunch, it keeps me up all night! I do keep cocoa and cider on hand, but including a variety of herbal teas ensures we can have our cozy warm drinks without negative health consequences.
As a mom I sometimes feel like I should be keeping everyone busy and productive, but nature slows down in winter and I think that means we should too. I’m trying to resist the urge to organize too many activities or make everything a lesson. I’m trying not to quiz my kids on their leisure reading. I’m even letting them watch a little more tv than usual – especially if it’s a favorite movie we all enjoy together!
I know the idea of getting out in the brisk air might seem like the opposite of coziness, but for me nothing makes coziness more cozy than coming in out of the cold to an inviting living room with a warm drink, a crackling fire, and my favorite people!
What are your favorite cozy practices?
This post includes affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links. A few days before the big 2021 Valentine’s/President’s day long weekend I thought to myself, “Self, let’s see about going away for a long weekend”. But it was too late to […]
I have to start this post with a confession. Are you ready for it? I still buy jarred foods at the store. GASP! Are you shocked?! It’s true. While I’m a great fan of scratch cooking and canning there are still plenty of things we […]
You’ve been thrown a major curve ball and basically no lead time to prepare for it. And let’s not forget you were already juggling parenting, work, and family time to the best of your ability before The ‘Rona hit. Now you just can’t.
The vast majority of teachers are in the same boat as you. They’re figuring out how to work from home and also facilitate home-based learning, while juggling family time and trying to manage all the things, too. They want to find a solution. They love your child, they miss your child, and they are worried about your child. Many will tell you to do your best and don’t sweat the rest. Perhaps they can help you prioritize which work is most vital.
Those who don’t budge are probably under pressure from their administrators. When the teacher can’t budge, call the principal and keep going up until you either have a solution, or are sure you won’t get one.
Option one is only do what you can do. Figure out how much you can handle as a family and let the teachers know that is what you will do. Most will work with you.
Before I go any further I want to clarify that high school students, and some middle school students CAN NOT just blow off their school work and think they can chalk it up to the pandemic. High school students still have to meet expectations to graduate on time. Prioritize helping them find solutions. Again, many teachers will work with you if you explain your obstacles.
If you can’t come to an agreement and you’ve already gone all the way up the chain, then it’s time to consider option 2.
Hear me out. I’m not suggesting that homeschooling will be easier than distance learning in your current situation. What I am suggesting is that you take the steps necessary in your state, to withdraw from your local school, and register as a homeschool family. When you register as a homeschool family the school is no longer accountable for your child and you are no longer accountable to the local school. In my state (WA) all I had to do to get started was withdraw my students in writing (I just sent an email), and file an Intent to Homeschool Form with the district. You can find your state’s law here.
The beautiful part of this option is a well-accepted methodology used by many families transitioning from public to home school. It’s called De-schooling. (Not to be confused with un-schooling) Basically it’s settling into a new routine of being at home together, without worrying about school for several months. Some families choose to work on building good habits during this time. Some take on a new hobby. Others just treat it as a break during which they decompress from mainstream education so that when they start schooling, it is with fresh hearts and minds. See where I’m going with this?
At the end of your deschooling period, (now through summer break) it’s likely that your kid’s school will be open again. At that time you can decide to re-enroll or continue as homeschoolers in your own way.
If you don’t think distance learning is serving your family well, it probably isn’t. You might be surprised how much kids learn when we’re not trying so hard to teach them.
Whatever you decide to do, you’ve got this.
Helpful Resources:
First, let me say I love chore charts. I love looking at them on Pinterest, I love how they inspire me to greatness. I love making them and hanging them up where they can make it look like I’m totally on top of moving the […]
You probably won’t be hearing much from me for the next few weeks, because it’s gardening season and I’m B-U-S-Y! But ya gotta eat right? I whipped up this quick and tasty meal tonight and knew I had to share it with you. Talk about […]
Man, this winter has been LOOONG!
I have to admit it’s getting a bit oppressive. I’m not usually one to get bogged down in winter blues, but this one has me on edge.
It’s not so much blues as impatience though. I just can’t wait for spring! Most years we’re well into garden clean up and prep by the time March rolls around, but this year we’re still getting fresh snow most days!
That’s why I was so excited by what I noticed when the kids and I were outside playing yesterday!
My friend Stephanie over at A Farmer’s Regress is doing a series around Phillipians 4:8 – training our minds and hearts to focus on the Good.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8)
This has me trying to shift my focus from wishing and wanting, to noticing, appreciating and HOPING.
Hope = confident expectation.
When the days grow longer and flowers begin to push up under the snow there is Hope.
(I know I’m making this all about spring, and it’s a broader and deeper idea than waiting for good weather…but you get me right? God’s plan is good, even when the weather isn’t, and it’s time to dwell and rest in that fact!)
Tell me what good things you are thinking on this week, and hop over to A Farmer’s Regress and tell Stephanie what you are thinking on too!
This is a great chip dippin’ salsa, or topping for tacos. Best of all it’s a very satisfying and hearty base for your next taco salad. Much tastier than basic lettuce!
Getting lost in a good book next to the fireplace is the perfect way to pretend it’s not freezing and snowing again outside.