Apr 17

Apr 17 March's Five to Thrive

March flew by for me. I’m not sure if it was the worrying about the MRI my son needed to have (he’s fine!), or trying to make progress on our bathroom project, or preparing for guests, or that birthday’s as an adult just aren’t as exciting as they used to be and sometimes come with an existential crisis. But man, it disappeared quickly!

I spent a lot of March researching homeschool curriculum, shower faucets, and gardening. We started our first seeds and spilled dirt all over the sunroom. We made airplanes out of cardboard boxes, got the hammock and bubbles out on a warm day. I even managed to get myself up before the kids and have the sunrise to myself one morning. Looking back, it was a great month.

Each month I’m dropping in with a hello and a brief list of five things that have helped me thrive.

1. Abeeka Maze YouTube Channel

Wow. She's so helpful. She's a teacher turned homeschool mom who has many videos explaining how to teach. We've been working on advanced phonics and I wasn't sure exactly how to do it. But after watching her video and printing out her freebies, we have a list of sounds and sight words to work on.

2. Blue light filtering glasses

I've been loving these! My eyes were beginning to straight up HURT if I looked at a screen much at all. I actually began to get a spot in my eye that looked bloodshot. But the days I wear these, my eyes are spared.

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3. Facebook Marketplace

In the last couple months I have found a TON of quality pieces on Marketplace and saved us hundreds of dollars. We found a: hutch, desk, rattan chairs, bathroom mirror, baseball tee, and for FREE: educational posters and a ceiling fan. I recently saw a meme about people in the Midwest... that whenever someone compliments them, they immediately start telling of where they got it and for how great of a discount. Yeah, I'm totally living up that Midwestern stereotype.

4. A gentle tone of voice

Anytime our home is feeling all out of whack, and responses are sharp - I often take the role of an observer and quickly notice, I'm not setting a great tone. So, one conversation at a time, I aim to soften my eyes and my tone of voice. And that one tiny change, combined with taking a breath before speaking, eventually adds up to everyone acting a little more kindly.

5. Bondi Boost Wave Wand

I was influenced. There, I admitted it. I saw it on Instagram monnntthhssss ago. And I refused to pay full price. But, during my birthday month, I found it on ebay and decided I'd go for it. I'm sure glad I did, love how it looks and how quick it is to finish my hair! I find actually dolling myself up a bit to be helpful in feeling ready to face the day.