Live a Meaningful Life

I have been out of home made soap for a while and my skin can definitely tell it! When I use the soap I make at home, I do not have to use lotion. For the past 2 months, I have had to use lotion and my skin is still dry! I have been wanting to try making hot process soap for a while.  Around 7:30 tonight, I guess I finally found the motivation. I drug out the box of soap making supplies and just like that--it happened. Well, at this point I suppose it has happened. I'll know more tomorrow. The trickiest part was guessing when to pour it. I looked at pictures and read, comparing my crockpot of soap to those who took the time to document their efforts online. I hope it turns out, if so, this is definitely going to be my preferred method--it was much easier to me and the fact it doesn't have to sit for weeks to cure is an added bonus! Here is a picture of it after I poured it into the mold. I added some lemon and lime essential oils (it was the only 2 I had in the house) and some ...

December 2, 2016 Again, I really encourage you to do this if you homeschool! We have learned so much from these so far! I am already anticipating the next one in January! Just remember to keep your group limited to a small size so that it isn't too intrusive for the business. Our first stop was CSA (Central Service Association). Prior to today, I had no clue what they did. Basically, they do the billing/collecting/processing for utility companies such as TEPA, Tupelo Lights/Water, etc. They talked to us about so many things: from computer programing/coding, servers, homeland security/terror threats, operating an entire operation from one's home... Here they are-about to enter the "secure" area. They were excited they had to wear visitor badges! Have you ever wondered what a half million dollar computer looked like? Add to that the $750,000 for the software to operate it...and top that off with the fact it is no longer going to be used! Technology is defini...

Those of you out there who have ever followed Johnny on any type of adventure know that more likely than not, you will have a good story to tell when in it is over (if you survive that is). I mean, it all seems innocent enough--walking/hiking, biking, boating, going to the park...but somehow, more often than not, it turns into adventures in which your brain begins to wonder if you will even be able to make it through. This morning's adventure seemed innocent enough. Jackson is receiving royalty treatment at an overnight stay at Granny's, so it seemed like the perfect time for the three of us to get some miles in on the bikes. I cherish the beautiful scene of a daddy and his son as I look ahead to where our dead end county road meets County Road 197.  I figured we would be in for about ten miles and our  my biggest challenge-not passing out before we reached the top a few of the hills.  We were about 3 miles into our ride, and it happened. I saw Johnny do this lit...

For the past few hours I have been working on a new adventure. Well, actually most of my free mental time, doodling, and current reading for the past 3 weeks is all surrounding this new thing as well. I just completed a pretty large to-do task the last few hours. Sorry, I will have limited details until January or so. Right now, I can say 2 things: 1. I am excited! 2. I need your help (and it doesn't require money-- just a moment of your time) Right now, I need you to let me know what topics or questions you would like answered or discussed regarding life issues (relationships, finding purpose or meaning, parenting, finances, children, adolescents, goals, emotions/feelings, and on and on and on). What would you like an opinion about? Please comment on Facebook or on this post. Please, please respond. Ask your friends as well. Send me questions or thoughts you hear/pick up on while chatting with others. If you would like to submit questions privately, please do so! Send a Fac...

Hello! This is an extremely busy week for us but I just had to take the time to write about our day today because it was fabulous. If you homeschool, I highly recommend doing this. It is imperative that you keep your group size small to be accommodating to the businesses, and we learned you should probably plan to stop by lunch if you start at 9:30 :) I am looking forward to our next one. Here's what we did: We contacted businesses within a small area in Tupelo and asked if we could come visit. We asked them to tell us about the careers/jobs they have within their business. We scheduled stops every 30 minutes from 9:30-2:00 with an hour break for lunch and play at the park.  Here are the results! Our first stop was at Simply Sweet.  We learned about starting your on business and what being a baker is all about! 3:00 a.m. waking time and working until 4 or so in the evening--those are long hours! We were all treated with chocolate dipped strawberries and even enjoyed anothe...

I am sitting in a cushioned chair while a nice cool breeze is gently moving a few strands of my hair in front of my face. I toss my head to move them back where they belong, and I see the evidence of a nine year old boy's energy. The red chair is rocking rhythmically. From the back, the only evidence of a human is a small piece of elbow peeping from the side. Immediately, I am flooded with feelings. For a moment-a feeling of inadequacy. I mean-how in the the world is it that I am a mom--of 2 boys? How in the world can I expose and instill all that is necessary in what seems like just a few short years? "Are my expectations too high, and I too demanding, am I too lenient, am I congruent with my words and actions..." My thought process immediately stops as the chair whirls around and the boys jumps up, roller blades in circles in the floor in front of my feet as he stiffly throws out dance moves to the rhythm of Ice, Ice Baby.  How can I resist the smile that overtakes my...

An extended weekend-whoo hoo! On Friday evening we headed out to the Ocoee for a weekend of outdoor fun. When we hit the road, I sent a text to Roxe (the campground host we love) to let her know we were going to see her and Blaze in several hours. She responded a little later and said the campground was full but we could stay at the decommissioned site by her place. Whoo Hoo! After all the restroom, dinner, fuel, and coffee stops we ended up not arriving until about 12:30 a.m. Instead of taking the time to set all the hammocks and tarps up, the boys and I slept on the bed that Johnny built in the back of his truck, and he quickly wrapped his hammock around a tree at the rivers edge. The following morning, we set up our village. Can you find all four hammocks? (When we got back home I talked to my grandma (Memaw) on the phone and she asked me if we slept in a tent or our swings :) We were all along the river's edge. The morning coolness was refreshing, and it didn't tak...