Yelling: The Cause, The Casualty, The Cure: A Gabby Moms Review

I gotta be honest. Yelling? I do it too much. I don't plan to yell.  I plan just the opposite. I plan to be patient, kind and at peace with my children even when they are not at their best. I desire to be that mom who never raises her voice even the slightest; and, yet, I find myself losing my temper and raising my voice almost every day. This is truth, hard truth, but it's still truth.


Yesterday, for example, it seemed like we were late from the moment we stirred until the moment we went to bed. All four of us got out of bed late. Our family Bible study was late. My personal quiet time was later in the morning than I preferred. School started late. I could go on and on because I really don't think we did one single thing on time yesterday. Being late drives me crazy, and I allow myself to become short-tempered faster than a hornet when it happens. My children look at me as if they are completely and totally flabbergasted because they really didn't do anything wrong. I am yelling at them because of the situation, which I was clearly a part of causing, and they don't deserve it. It causes anxiety for all of us, and it is my fault that I allow it to happen.


This is why I felt both excited and convicted as soon as I saw the title of this month's Gabby Mom's review item. Yelling: The Cause, The Casualty, The Cure. I knew that I needed this e-book, and I knew just from the title that many, many other moms I know need this e-book as well. In fact, I would go so far as to say that most moms need this e-book. If you are a mom, then you probably need to read this e-book. 

As I was reading this 22 page book, I took lots of notes, and I would love to share them all with you because I believe this to be such an important issue that moms need to address within their homes. Obviously, I cannot do that, so let me give you a little snippet of what you will be getting when you order your own copy of this book.


Within the pages of this short book (it took me less than an hour to read), you will find a wealth of encouragement as well as the conviction and challenge you need to put you on the path of a more peaceful household. Lorrie Flem offers 11 action steps which will help you to train yourself to whisper rather than yell, to train your children to obey rather than aggravate, and your household will become peaceful rather than chaotic as a result of this. I'm super excited about putting all of these action steps into place in my home. If I can learn not to yell, then so can my children, and that is something that makes this mama very, very motivated to make a change!


Lorrie always has great things to say, and this book is no exception. I have noted several quotes for myself to re-read and think about as I go through the process of re-training myself to stop yelling. One of my favorites says this, "Ban the word 'stressful'. Describe a situation as 'difficult' or 'challenging.' That small switch gives you the power to do something about it. Words not only describe emotional states. They create them." Isn't that something to think about? I am posting this one on the refrigerator!


Another compelling quote from the book says this, "The biggest thing is to choose. To choose to be happy instead of angry. Patient instead of impatient. Understanding instead of (willfully) uncomprehending." I think that this little highlight could be applied to many situations in our lives, don't you?


Other highlights that will help you on your journey include many, many passages of scripture that will encourage and challenge you along the road as well as a printable list of the 11 steps Lorrie outlines in the book. 


You can purchase and download your copy of this book at www.eternalencouragement.com for $12.97. You won't regret taking the time to read Yelling: The Cause, the Casualty, the Cure. I plan to re-read it multiple times until I get this down. My kids are worth it, and so are yours!


This post was written in accordance with the Gabby Moms program. I was in no way compensated for this post.

Scripture Shot

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." 

Jeremiah 29:11

This verse first captivated my heart when I was a freshman in college. The Lord's divine plan worked well for me as girl of 18 or 19 just as it does today and it will tomorrow. Even when things look dark, the Lord's plan is for our good. That's something to never forget. His light always shines through the darkness.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving. One of my favorite days of the year. This Thanksgiving is one of the best I can remember in recent years. I got to host the meal, which is my favorite way to spend this holiday. I love getting my house spic-and-span only to destroy the kitchen half a dozen times in order to produce a delectable feast that everyone will enjoy. 


This year, we were joined by my parents, my Uncle Frank and, our friends, the Hershbergers. I felt like I got off easy on the meal since Mom made two side dishes and two pies, Erma made two side dishes, and Uncle Frank brought a pie as well. The turkey and dressing were done early (that's the first time that's ever happened). The other side dishes went into the oven and got done just as everyone was arriving, and I even managed to watch most of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade while doing all of this. When dinner was ready, we gathered in the dining room and enjoyed great conversation, great food and fun times. 


Getting ready for the holiday was a family affair this year. Our kids rock. Seriously. They really, really do. They dusted and swept and crafted table decor and set the table and whatever else we asked of them, and they didn't complain even once. They're amazing kids.


They take after their Daddy who also did all of those things, not because we were having company, necessarily, but because he knew that I wanted it done before the holidays. Our company wouldn't have known whether or not we had moved the couches and mopped underneath them, but I wanted it done, and so Eric helped me move furniture and a whole lot more. Our house is squeaky clean, and I am so thankful for willing hands that helped to make it so.


Thanksgiving was good this year. Great, even. A girl can't forget to say thank you for every little thing after a year like this one. We are blessed. God is caring for us. He will continue to do so. I have to believe that. For that, I am truly thankful.

Tasty Tuesday: Corn Casserole

T-2 days until Thanksgiving. I have the awesome privilege of hosting my parents, my Uncle Frank and family friends of ours which means we'll have 13 people including the four of us. I can't tell you how excited I am about this! I love hosting Thanksgiving dinner. It's my favorite holiday to host. Maybe it's the focus of the day; maybe it's the time with family and friends. I don't know, but I know I love this holiday.

And because I know that everyone who buzzes by my blog wants to know my soap-box opinions, I must say this (promise to keep it short so we can get onto the recipe). Thursday is THANKSGIVING, a day set aside for centuries to give thanks to God, a national holiday declared by President Lincoln for doing so. Just say no to calling it turkey day. Please, and thank you.

But enough about that. This is my Tasty Tuesday post, so let's get on with the story behind the recipe. This is actually my mother-in-law's recipe with the addition of 1/4 C of sugar because my family always ate a similar dish called scalloped corn with a little sweetness. You could also use honey if you prefer. In fact, I use honey as a substitute for sugar in all kinds of dishes (that's for another post...moving on).

The reason I am sharing this recipe is that I believe that creating a great Thanksgiving feast requires balance. Last week, I posted my Sweet Potato Casserole recipe, which is a little more complex. This recipe is easy-peasy. Dump and pour. Stir. Toss it in the oven. Raise your glasses to keeping it simple!

Corn Casserole

1 can whole kernal corn (drained)

1 can creamed corn

1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix

2 eggs

1/2 C butter

1 C sour cream

1/4 C sugar

salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a deep, 3-quart casserole dish (I use my large pyrex bowl). Bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Variation: Use a can of mexi-corn in place of the whole kernal corn to serve on the side of a Mexican feast.

That's it! Let me know if you give it a try. This is also a great dish to take to carry-in dinners. Everyone enjoys it and you won't have any leftovers!

Scripture Shot

Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. 

Psalm 107:22

The Israelites actually made sacrifices on the alter to show their gratitude to the Lord. Because of the new covenant, we are not required to make this type of sacrifice, but the Bible still makes it plain that we are to offer God our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. What does it mean to you to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving?

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

 

In my life this week...This was a tough week for me. I was anxious and short-tempered and generally difficult to be around. Thank Jesus for forgiveness and grace!

In our homeschool this week...

We finished a study of birds and began to study fish today. The kids created beautiful underwater scenes with watercolor paints. Science and art in one activity. Score!

We've been rowing through some Thanksgiving books instead of our regular Five in a Row studies. We honestly haven't done a ton of activities with it because it was a busy week, but we still have two days to wrap up our Thanksgiving study this coming week. We read An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving by Louisa May Alcott a couple times(highly recommend. I had no idea this adorable story existed!), and we read a story called Mary's First Thanksgiving today that truly resonated with my heart since we've been going through some tough financial times. We also read a little from If You Were at the First Thanksgiving each day and we will continue that into next week.

The Last Battle of Narnia took place this week. Sigh. We have two chapters to read, and it will be a bittersweet ending. We have loved this series and will continue to love it. What to read next is the question???

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share...I don't feel particularly wise lately (or ever), but what I have learned in 5+ years of homeschooling is to cut myself a break when I need it. I can't do it all, all the time, you know?

I am inspired by...beautiful photographs.

Places we're going and people we're seeing...Today we saw my mom for a little bit and then watched a Christmas parade in the freezing cold (okay, it was in the low 40s, but it felt like the freezing cold). And I know what you're thinking. "Christmas parade on November 18th??? I don't think it's the best way to do things, but it has been this way for years. 

 

Tomorrow, we'll be celebrating our church's 30 year anniversary and then more church on Sunday.

 

My favorite thing this week was...TURKEY BREADBASKET!!! LOVE!

 

 

What's working for us...The kids do about 30-45 minutes of independent school work while I have my quiet time. If they're done before me(they're always done before me because I usually spend an hour-ish), they head upstairs or to the basement and play quietly until I'm done, and then we dig into our read-aloud and Five in a Row. We just started doing things this way a few days ago, and it has made a world of difference in the amount of tasks we accomplish in a day because I'm not trying to squeeze it all into the end of the day.

Questions/thoughts I have...This week I've been thinking about judgement and what it means to judge others and whether or not we have the right to ever do so. As I have been studying this in my Bible and reading commentaries, I am struck by the fact that Jesus said we are supposed to leave all judgement up to Him. Just because you may have your ducks in a row in one area of your life, that doesn't mean you can judge that area in someone else's life. Those ducks that are all scattered in another area of your life testify against you, so leave all judgement up to Jesus. Most of the time, the sin you are judging in someone else just looks different than your own sin, but it's often the same thing. That's what I've been chewing on. I don't see any exceptions to this, do you? There may be a blog post on this topic soon.

Things I'm working on...I'm having a blast planning our Thanksgiving menu and table decorations. The kids are helping with crafts, and we're going to have so much fun. My parents and maybe one of my uncles are coming as well as some family friends (who happen to be Amish). We're all very excited about it!

I'm reading...The Sermon on the Mount...very slowly. I thought I would read it in one day, but the Lord said, "Woe, Kendra! Stop and listen to this passage for a while!" It may sound strange, but today I paused and just put my hands on the page, on the words of Jesus. Those words are so precious to me.

I'm cooking...Copycat Zuppa Toscana and Copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits. I realize they are from different restaurants, but the biscuits were quick while the loaf of parmesan herb bread I would normally make is a little more time consuming. Anyway, this was a perfect meal at the end of this busy day. We were outside for a parade for an hour and a half. Brrr! It was nice to come home to a warm bowl of soup.

I'm grateful for...hard things. The Lord has been teaching me to say thank you for even the things that I don't like about myself, the things He uses to draw me closer to Him. Sometimes, the things that we see as a curse are the things that He uses the most to remind us that we need Him.

I'm praying for...my husband's business.

A quote to share..."The people who want to stay in your life will always find a way." I don't know who originally said this. I found it on Pinterest and thought it was so true. Although, on the other end of this idea, you can't force them to be a part of your life if they don't want to. Sometimes, that part of relationships stinks.

 

Click on the graphic at the beginning of this post to see more posts by homeschool moms.

Tasty Tuesday: Sweet Potato Casserole

Before getting married, I didn't know sweet potato casserole existed. We ate canned yams, cooked on the stove-top with a little brown sugar and butter. It was a Thanksgiving staple. I didn't love them or hate them. I was indifferent toward the yam.

Then, I got married and discovered that people are passionate about their sweet potatoes. Some say yes to marshmallow, and some say absolutely NO to them (I would jump on that bandwagon). For some people, this dish is defined by pouring the canned yams into a dish and topping them with butter and marshmallow. For my husband's family, that was not the case. The sweet potato concoction which they enjoyed was a gooey, sweet dish that had things like nuts and coconut in it. They loved it. I didn't.

Then came 2005, the year Eric worked in retail and we had to stay in our little southeastern PA apartment for Thanksgiving with no family or friends to visit. Black Friday ruled our Thanksgiving that year. Eric still wanted sweet potato casserole. Imagine my happiness when I discovered that you could make this dish in a way that wasn't oozing with thick, syrupy goo. We accidentally caught a segment of The 700 Club just before Thanksgiving, and that is where we found this recipe (of all places). They were making this slightly healthier version that contains significantly less sugar than most recipes (though it is still plenty sweet). The good news for my sweet husband is that I now look forward to sweet potato casserole as much as he does, and for all of you who actually enjoy the flavor of sweet potatoes, you will actually be able to taste them if you make this recipe. Let me know if you try it!

Sweet Potato Casserole

8 C sweet potato pulp (4 large sweet potatoes) **
1/2 C butter, very soft
1 1/2 t salt
1 egg
3 T milk or cream

Topping:

1/2 C butter, just softened
1 C brown sugar
1 C oats
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t nutmeg

**Alternatively, use 4 C sweet potato pulp and 4 C butternut squash pulp (squeeze water out of it first)

Grease sides and bottom of large casserole dish. Set aside. In large bowl, combine sweet potato pulp (skins removed), butter, salt, egg and milk. Blend with electric mixer until fluffy and spread into casserole dish.

1 1/2 Hours before serving, pre-heat oven to 375. Combine topping ingredients in medium bowl with fork. Gently toss topping over sweet potato mixture. Bake until topping is slightly brown and bubbly, 45-60 minutes. Allow to cook and set for 20 minutes before serving.

Note: I bake my sweet potatoes the day before Thanksgiving, allow them to cool and then assemble the sweet potato portion of the casserole. It refrigerates overnight (covered). I add the topping and bake it the day it is being served. If you choose this technique, your casserole will likely take longer to bake because the mixture is cold, but it simplifies things the day of your gathering.

10 on 10

The kids wanted poached eggs and toast for breakfast. Poached eggs don't make for a pretty photo, so I aimed for the toaster. I did not shine my toaster for the photo. Obviously. You get to see it crumbs and all.

Usually, Ava cuddles next to me during her reading lesson, but, today, she sat across the room from me because I was eating lunch. We were under a time crunch. She is reading so well lately. I'm proud of her progress! (This chair seems to be a theme in this month's Ten on Ten.)

Ava pretty much attacked Daddy when he came home mid-afternoon. She didn't know he was coming and pretty much could not have been happier. Is this not adorable? (Recliner photo #2)

The reason Daddy was home. He had an eye appointment that I needed to take him to. The glasses he chose are not on this wall. You will have to wait to see them in a couple weeks! I'm sure you're on pins and needles.

After Daddy's eye appointment, we headed to dance class. Ava wore one Tink sock and one Strawberry Shortcake sock and her "new" tap shoes. She couldn't be happier with them, scuffs and all. I can't believe how long her feet look lately. She is in that stage where she needs to grow into her feet a little. Either that, or she just got my feet. Or her Dad's. Our poor kids will have long feet!

On our way home from dance class, we saw a gorgeous sunset. I had to turn around to get to the spot where I could get a good photo, and would you believe the sun had dropped below the horizon in that little bit of time? It was still pretty, but you should have seen it when the sun was bright pink, sitting right on top of that hill like it was taking a rest from the busy day.

Next, we picked up Eric and Lukas and headed to the church. I had flute choir rehearsal. It is so much fun to have the opportunity to play with other flutists!

After flute choir and adult choir rehearsal, we headed home to finally have dinner. Lukas wouldn't let me take his photo earlier when I wanted to, so he promised me I could take one of him eating a taco.

This appears to be guac deliciousness, but it was awful. We learned not to buy avocados at Aldi. This hit the trash can. It was that bad.

Eric started reading a new book to us tonight before the kids went to bed. It's called Fireside Readings. I think it was written in 1890. It was a hit!

To join me and lots of other 10 on 10 participants, go HERE and find out the details.

Fancy Little Things

Recently, my friend, Mindy, began to blog with a group of ladies at Fancy Little Things. I added it to my google reader and realized quickly why she was drawn to the blog as a reader and why she was so honored by the opportunity to blog there. It is my new favorite blog to read. If you enjoy reading blogs, check this one out.

For your first reading opportunity at Fancy Little Things, check out my guest post. This month, the writers have taken a break from their regular posts to post about thankfulness. Mindy shared with me that they were looking for guest authors, and I emailed them within 2 seconds of getting that info from Mindy. Heehee! I was so excited about the chance to blog there, especially about thankfulness!

So, go check it out. Here's the link to my post called Are You a Member? Please, read some other posts while you are there. I hope you are as blessed by it as I am!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

 
In my life this week...I could, potentially, have a shot in my eye tomorrow. I'll bet I have your attention now! ;)

In our homeschool this week...

This will be a four day school week from Tuesday to Friday for us. We'll be studying more about birds for science. The bird feeder still isn't hanging outside, but that's because I didn't remember to ask for that to be done (of course, my husband could be reading this, so, hmmm, maybe he DOES know).

Ava is continuing to work on memorizing and reviewing math facts for both addition and subtraction. She is also working through a new reader, More Days go By and the coordinating workbook. I looked at the workbook in August before beginning our school year and knew she was not nearly ready to use it. I am thrilled to say that she is actually using it, reading it independently and doing extremely well with it!

Lukas will be doing a lot of writing this week using Intermediate Language Lessons. He will do some writing in his journal on the one day he isn't writing for language arts. 

We're also looking for Thanksgiving crafts that we can complete during the next 2 1/2 weeks, so if you have any good ideas for a 7 and 10 year old, leave me a comment! 

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share...Homeschooling is a lifestyle. It isn't public school at home. Make it fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. When you find this niche, you will love it.

I am inspired by...artistic worship. It doesn't matter if it is visual art, dance, music or some other form of art. When people use these gifts to worship the Lord, I can't help but worship with them.

Places we're going and people we're seeing...I'm seeing the eye specialist tomorrow. The rest of the week looks like a pretty normal week.

One of my favorite things...spending Sunday afternoons visiting with my parents.

What's working/not working for us...Pathway Readers have finally clicked for Ava. Truthfully, I think reading has finally started to click. Or, maybe the idea that she absolutely MUST learn to read well has finally clicked. Whatever has clicked, it is working.

Questions/thoughts I have...I'm ready for a school break. I planned the 2 1/2 weeks of school that will take us to Thanksgiving when we'll take 3 days off plus the weekend, and then I'll plan the two weeks that will take us to our nice, long, three week Christmas break. We have pushed pretty hard this fall to stay focused and on-task, and it has been fun. I love what I'm doing, but a break will be nice!

Things I'm working on...consistency.

I'm cooking...Tonight, I'm trying a new recipe for a crock-pot breakfast casserole(by tonight, I mean right before bed!). We have to leave the house at 7, and I want everyone to have a nice, hot, healthy breakfast (which we will all eat from bowls once we're on the road).

I'm reading...Anne of Avonlea.

I'm grateful for...the possibility of no more itching. Could I have finally found the culprit?

I'm praying for...the Lord to open the heart of someone we love.

A photo to share...

Click on the graphic at the beginning of this post to see more posts by homeschool moms.