Goodbye, my dear friends!

I wrote about it briefly here, so you knew it was coming.

 

Perhaps you will all do a happy dance!
Perhaps you will mourn my absence.

Regardless, the time has come.

 

My oldest daughter is 10 years old and the Lord has been working on my heart in the last few months. Convicting me of all my time spent online. My hours of blogging, Facebooking, and more. Hours I could have spent doing other things.

 

Like spending quality time with my family.
Spending time with Him.
Building and edifying Him.
Teaching my children how to serve others.
Sitting, observing, listening.

 

I don't regret any of the time spent on my blog, sharing my heart.

 

The reality is... when I stop and think about it.... the numbers are staggering though.

 

I was heavily involved with the internet during my teen years. I regret many things I did/got into then. Things no teenager has any business being associated with.

 

When I got married, my attention shifted to message boards. The ones where you talk about your journey of trying to conceive children and then later the ones about your pregnancy journey and your child's first year. When my kids reached school-age, I shifted more to the blog. Sharing about our homeschool journey and personal life. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and more entered the picture, too. My blog became more than just a homeschool mom's journal, it became an outlet.

 

Let's just say.... there's been well over 12+ years of heavy involvement on the internet.

 

And yes, unfortunately, many, many times that involvement took my attention off of things that truly should have been more important.  

 

I'm listening to God more now than ever though, and I feel Him asking me to step away from my blog and Facebook. To allow my focus to turn towards my children, my husband, my service and devotion to Him.

 

I'm listening.Part of me wishes I didn't have to say "goodbye", but I know that is what is needed.

I pray that you, my dear friends, understand! I will miss you all. Many, many times over the years you, yes, YOU, has blessed me! I praise God for that!!!

 

So.... without further ado.... I bid you farewell!

 

 

The blog will remain up, in case there is something that you would like to come back and see. 

Simply Cleansing Review

I'm all about supporting family businesses and that is exactly what Simply Cleansing is. A family business. Dad is a bladesmith, Mom makes soaps, aromatherapy roll-ons, and more!

 

We love the convenience of the aromatherapy roll-ons. I don't have to go mix up my carrier oils and essential oils making it very easy to travel with them. We use them for headaches (the Simply Relaxing is good for that because of the lavender), just to inhale some beautiful scents (my fave is the Simply Vitality), and to help relax or rejuvenate us!

 

 We typically apply the roll-on to our foreheads, back of neck, behind our ear lobes, and even on the back of our wrists! I absolutely love how easy they are to use. I keep them on top of the piano in the living room so we can apply them during the day, but when I travel I simply drop them into our travel bag. Even though they use a mix of grapeseed and almond oil, they are willing to just make it with one. Perfect for our nut allergic daughter- ours only contain grapeseed.

 

The Simply Relaxing contains Lavender, Tangerine, Rose and Orange Oil.

The Simply Vitality contains Peppermint, Spearmint, Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, Orange, and Grapefruit essential oils.

The Simply Meditation contains Patchouli, Olibanum, Pimento (allspice),and Citronella essential oils.

 

Great for bug bites, relaxing muscles, calming children, and more!

 Their soaps are great, too! We really like how smooth they make our skin and how lovely the smell is. It isn't the strong, cosmetic smell that soaps from Walmart have.... it's a gentle, natural smell.

 

You can get scents like spearmint, lavender, cedarwood, and more! They even have a shaving soap!

Recently they've added another product: hand carved mahogany spoons! Aren't these GORGEOUS?

 

 

 

 

Go check out their website and like them on Facebook!

 

 

Meant To Be Modest swimwear review (and discount!)

Last year, around this time, the Lord really began working on mine and my husband's hearts. Modesty became a much talked about conversation and while we were never immodest, the Lord revealed how much more modest we could be - in our physical dress, but also, and more importantly, in our heart that would become reflected through our choice of clothes. The outward appearance was easy to change (the girls became skirt wearers only), until true summer hit and we started traveling. We bought very modest swimsuits from Walmart and managed to get through the season. Yet, something just didn't seem right to be desiring the covering of our neck to knee, but wear a swimsuit that showed the thigh- no matter how modest it seemed. I searched and searched until I found swimwear that was reasonable price and fit my families qualifications for swimwear

 

I KNEW that Meant To Be Modest was PERFECT for us when Julie mentioned on her website that one of her favorite resources for Christian modesty was the book "Christian Modesty and the Public
Undressing of America." I received this book for Christmas and was amazed at what it said! It really opened my eyes even more. I KNEW that we had to have different choices for swimming this year. (You can read the book online, for free, at Chapel Library)

Durable.
Comfortable.
Beautiful.

Three words that I use to describe the swimsuits from Julie. My oldest daughter said they felt like jello- which was a huge compliment!
Julie got our order made and sent out in great time! She included instructions so we knew how to care for them.

 

 

 

 Mistic modeling her swimsuit.

Faith showing off hers!

And Aspen!

All three girls received custom made swimwear. The perfect length, the perfect fabric! They decided rather they wanted matching tights or not. Julie's swimwear are made with high quality lycra and there aren't any snaps or buttons for the kids to mess with. The tights are one piece and the dress is another. Very easy for them to manage.

 

 

Meant To Be Modest swimwear isn't just for girls.... Julie makes adult swimsuits, too!

 

I am SO thankful for people like Julie who make modest clothes at affordable prices for people like me who, well, can't sew worth anything! You can't just go out and buy clothing anymore that covers from neck to knee and it is a true blessing to be able to find them online! Thank you, Julie, for being a huge blessing to me and my family!!!

 She's been gracious enough to offer a $5 discount on suits if you mention Slowly Natural website when you order!!!

 

 

 



Before You Meet Prince Charming (Review/Giveaway)

Purity, waiting on the Lord, and following Him are subjects near and dear to my heart. As a mom to three beautiful girls I want to make sure that I'm equipping them in those areas. Faced with society, I want to make sure that what I give them backs up my belief and what I'm trying to teach them. Society fights against these very topics on a daily basis and it's crucial that parents step up even more to fight against the Devil.

 

Today I'm sharing my review on the book, Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally. I'm also giving away one copy to one of YOU!

 

 

 

First the review:

In the book you will find....

-All Scripture King James Version (which was a plus to me)
- the emphasis on a decision to put Jesus 1st in all areas of life
- the encouragement to stand alone (if needed) for what was right
- the admonishment to patiently follow God's way

 

Sarah Mally tells the reader that the "temptation in this boy/girl relationships is one of the biggest snares that the enemy uses to damage lives and testimonies of Christian young people." Lives have been destroyed and many walk away with scars, pain, and heartache! (page 22) All through the book young girls are reminded a) that they are princesses and b) that the decision to put Jesus first must happen.

 

I've never been a fan of girls claiming to be "princesses" because in our society "princesses" tend to equal spoiled brat. However, the type of princess that Sarah uses is very much true.... as daughters of the king, our young girls are indeed princesses.

 

I love the fact that there are tons of Scripture used throughout the book. Our thinking should be shaped with Scripture and not growing trends (page 34) and it is really reaffirmed in the book. Each chapter has assignments and suggested memory verses. On top of those verses, many of Sarah's writings are backed (supported) through and by Scripture! In fact, she encourages the use of memorizing Bible verses to help our young ladies stand up for what is right!

 

As you might imagine, the book is very anti-dating, but it is backed up strongly with Scripture. Just by reading the book, young girls (and parents) can see for themselves how damaging traditional dating can be.

 

Sarah doesn't just write a book filled with admonishments, but she also shares helpful tips as our young girls wait for their Prince Charming. For instance, you will find "keys to help wait", "how to know you're even ready for marriage" and "7 reasons to send young men to your dad". And yes, Sarah writes from personal experience. She is a 20-something young lady who is not married and knows the challenges our young girls will face/do face as they take a path less traveled.

 

I, as a mom, loved reading the book because it gave me encouragement as I encourage my daughters to set themselves apart. I want all of their firsts to be given to their future spouse- if being married is the Lord's will for them- but I also want to encourage them to strive to serve the Lord by serving others instead of focusing on having a boyfriend or longing to be married. Sarah pointed out several things I hadn't thought of- such as how special a "first expression of interest" and the first "I love you" will be. It isn't something to be taken lightly, but in today's world these things (and more) are commonly just handed away. We have Kindergarteners who are eager to have boyfriends and kissing happens on the playground. As Sarah points out "Many young people seem to want to get as close to "the line" as possible and still remain pure. But looking at the big picture of our lives ought to motivate us to have the opposite perspective. The question is not "how little" can I save for my future husband and still be pure-- the question is how much can I save for him?"

 

In a perfect world, all of our little girls would grow up and truly marry Prince Charming, but the world we live in is less and less perfect. I want to carefully lay out God's will for them to remain pure for their future spouse, but I also want to equip them with the knowledge that if Prince Charming never comes they will be okay. I want to teach them and remind them (over and over and over), that there life and fulfillment does not come from a husband, but from the One who Created them. Before You Meet Prince Charming states this fact over... and over... and over.

 

I loved this book and will be sharing it with my daughters as they get older.

 

Check out the website, Tomorrow's Forefathers, Inc., for more resources about purity, establishing good relationships between siblings, and more!

 

The Giveaway:
Sorry, this giveaway is open to US Residents only!

 

 

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Latest Happenings Around The Slowly Natural Home

It's been quiet around here and there are a few reasons why.
#1: It's been very spring-like around here and we've been soaking up every moment of it!

My kids typically only drink water, with the exception of the occasional glass of milk. Each kid has their own water bottle so there is no confusion as to which one is theirs. Plus, what kid doesn't like taking their bottle outside while they play?

Nothing beats eating lunch outside!

Exercise is a HUGE important factor- it's a cheap, easy way to be healthy and natural. Exercise has so many benefits and can be done in so many different ways. For us, family walks are great! Sometimes we walk around the dirt roads, other times we hit the track around the football field. The kids usually run ahead and it teaches them to be healthy!

 

It's totally be park weather, too! The track is right next to the park, so as a "reward" for walking with mom and dad, the kids get to go play!

 

Sometimes we just hang around in the back yard. Kids don't need lots of toys- mine are happy with empty buckets and old plastic jugs. Kids also don't need a lot of electronics. They need to be outside. They need to be playing in the dirt. They need to be dirty! It's truly the best thing we can ever give them. Lately, the kids have been trying to catch birds. The old fashion way. With a stick and a bucket. At one point, they were even digging holes and laying leaves over them thinking the bird would fall in and be trapped. When reminded that birds could fly, we were informed that they were digging the holes just big enough that the bird would be too squished to get out. My kids want a bird as a pet. When the bird thing got old, they moved to catching ants. Many times you would see them with one ant, their pet, in a jar, carrying it around the yard.

He was "weighing them" to see which was heavier. He had a string tied to each side and wanted to hang it over the wood.

Academically, we're still in it. We school year round and will easily go full force for another couple of months before taking a lighter load. That doesn't mean we have to be inside, though. Math facts go great on the trampoline. It's even killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. Health class + Math class!

 

Our family morning Bible time is very important to us (and should be to you and your family). We began reading through Proverbs for the month of March (you know, 31 days, 31 chapters). When we finished there, we moved to the book of Leviticus. Our children are growing in their relationship with God, we are parents are teaching them how important time with God is. We love passing truths on to the next generation. As a result, our fruit is being seen. On Easter Sunday, my second daughter accepted Jesus as her Savior! My oldest accepted Christ back in September.

 

#2: I've been spending more quality time with my family.

 

And with that, I have been spending less and less time on the computer. There is nothing wrong with blogging, Facebooking, or whatever else. I've been an active part of the internet since before my firstborn was conceived! I was active on all those "Trying To Conceive" and "Born In" message boards. I began my blog as a way to connect long distant family to our life. Over the years, my blog grew, my interests changed, and I have invested a lot of my time to the internet. I write from my heart about topics like modesty and eating better. I'm honest about my own journey. The reality is, my oldest daughter is about to turn 10 and I feel like I've "invested enough". I'm not saying goodbye (yet), but it is coming. I have a few more obligations before I could even officially consider ending my blogging days, but consider this fair warning. One day, Slowly Natural will be over. Not because my journey will have ended- I still have a LOT left to go on my natural journey, but because I'm done. I've felt it coming for a while.... and now this way it won't be a surprise.

 

 #3: I haven't really had much to write about!

 

Pretty good reason not to blog, huh? I'm in the middle of an EXCELLENT book (Before You Meet Prince Charming) which will have a review and giveaway.... and I have an upcoming swimsuit review. Other than that, I have nothing planned- unless God reveals something!

 

So, my friends, that's what has been happening around here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kindergarten Made Fun (internet fun for free)

This little boy makes me heart smile! He's the baby of the family and, of course, the only boy. To say that he and I have a special bond would be an understatement! Thanks to three older sisters, he's incredibly bright having sat and listened to their school lessons for FIVE (where has time gone?!) years!

 

I began him this year (January) as an unofficial Kindergartener. He isn't required to do anything until later this year, when I'll have to file a letter of intent for him.

 

 

I am not a fan of children sitting for hours in front of a screen. No matter how educational it may be. I am a fan of learning being made fun and if it comes in front of the screen.... Just not hours, right?

 

His sisters use Switched-On Schoolhouse for Math beginning in 3rd grade and English beginning in 4th. For my 4th grader it usually takes her around 1 hour to complete both tasks for any given day. Often times it might take her a little less.

 

Since my Kindergartener is only 5, I am not a fan of hard-core, extensive, forced learning. Yet, he has a desire to learn and he also thinks that if his sisters can use the computer, why can't he?

 

For math, we use IXL Math. You get so many problems for free, usually just enough before he gets bored with it. You can purchase a membership at a really reasonable price, if you wanted. I just like the free part, I don't feel like I have to force him to do more than he wants.

What I LOVE about IXL is that there are tons of different problems for different levels. IXL offers grade problems for grade levels Pre-K through 8th, but in the Kindergarten level you get addition and subtraction with and without pictures, counting 3 to 100, word problems, telling time, money, sorting and classifying, shapes, and more! It's perfect and with very little help from Mom, he's able to work it himself!

 

Another program that we like (you know, because it's free and fun) is Starfall. We use this for reading practice and just like IXL, there are different levels. It starts with the ABCs and goes all the way through them actually reading on their own. Very kid friendly and very easy for little hands to maneuver!

Many, many fun things for the kids to do. There are little videos to watch that help teach them letter sounds, "games" that help them build words, and with just one click of the mouse the child can have the word "read" to them! It is such a huge hit at our house... because it's fun and of course, mama likes it that way!

 

ABCYa has lots and lots of fun (learning) games, too! Perfect for the little ones! 

 

Progressive Phonics is a phonics program that you can do online. It isn't interactive, but has downloadable phonic books you can either print or read online. There are additional activity sheets you can print also.

 

Do you have any fun, educational online games for a Kindergartener?

 

 

6 Ways To Keep The "Good" In Your Boy (R/G)

If you've been following me for any length of time, you'll know that topics such as modesty, keeping our kids from growing up too quickly, and purity are topics that I'm quite passionate about. I have three daughters and LOVED Dannah Gresh's book 6 Ways To Keep The "Little" In Your Girl. I was completely excited when I found out that she was coming out with a similar book, but for boys... When reading 6 Ways To Keep The "Little" In Your Girl I found it to be a fun, educational read. Maybe because I am a girl the concepts weren't daunting. Plus, many of Dannah's thoughts were already similar to my own thoughts.

 

I was simply not prepared to read her new book, 6 Ways To Keep The "Good" In Your Boy.

 

 

After all.... I am not a boy!

 

When I finished the book, however, I was praising God for women like Dannah and men like her husband, Bob, who piped in from time to time in the book. I walked away feeling a little more prepared to raise my son, but also with the huge realization over how much I needed God and my godly husband, Nick! The book is to prepare us, to prepare them.

 

For starters, Dannah makes it clear that everything in the book is just a generalization. It does not mean that your boy or my boy will fit everything she says. But it helps clue us moms in to the possibility.

 

Throughout the book, you will find various "Click Here" boxes. It's just Dannah's way of sharing great resources making the whole experience that much more beneficial for us moms!

 

"The foundation for the development of a good man of honor and integrity is actually built when he is a boy between the ages of 8-12." (Dannah Gresh, 6 Ways To Keep.....)

Don't worry, though, if you are a mom to younger (or older) boys! It's STILL a must read! My son is only 5 years old, but having read the book I feel a little less unprepared.

 

Moms (and dads), our boys are at risk of:
being emasculated
falling prey to our highly sexualized culture
losing their sense of responsibility in real world as they find a false sense of purpose in gaming
drowning in depressing- 5 times more likely than girls to commit suicide

 

Reading those words from the book hurt my heart.... I wanted to cry for our boys- our future men- and it gave me a renewed sense of purpose as a mom to a boy, as an aunt to boys, as a friend to moms of other boys. We MUST do something about this! I had never heard of the term "adultescent", but I know plenty of them. You may, too. The men who should be out holding jobs and leading in homes, but are instead playing the Playstation all day long, with no sense of purpose, leadership, honor, integrity, goodness! If we don't start teaching our boys when they are young, all the future men will be simply "adultescents".

 

As much scariness that there was reading her book- scary eye opening- there was a lot of encouragement, too. Helping us moms get an inside look at our boys. To truly, truly understand them. Encourages that beautiful parent-child connection because it helps them.

 

Chapter titles like "A Mom's Greatest Fear", "Why Connecting Matters", "How Connecting Forms Values" and "Unplug Him From A Plugged-In World" are filled with words for any moms heart. Words that will help as we venture into territory that females know nothing about. My favorite chapter, Chapter 5, talked about the phases of a boy.

 

The copycat phase is ages 2-5. This is the stage where your little boys learned moral values through imitation. This is right where my boy is at! EVERYTHING that Daddy does, Isaiah wants to copy. This stage is fundamental because it introduces the values.

 

The next phase, counseling phase, is from age 6-11. This is the most critical phase. Moral values are learned through "why". It's VERY interactive, and quite frankly, the one that seems to scare me the most. It's this way for little girls, too, if you've read Dannah's other book. This age moms, is where we get to REALLY connect and INSTILL those values that will LEAD THEM INTO MANHOOD!

 

The final phase is 12+, it's the coaching phase and where he will live out the morals he's developed.

 

WE MUST BE ACCESSIBLE TO OUR CHILDREN TO TEACH THEM THESE MORALS!

 

Dannah throws out big words for us moms to learn: testosterone, dopamrel, body slamming, and more! Again- great help for the female mind to wrap around the male brain of her son.

 

It doesn't matter what kind of family you have- there are parts of the book geared towards the dad's, but also to the single moms.

 

This book was phenomenal and I want to get a copy into EVERY BOY MOMS HANDS! Our future depends on how our little men grow up and what they learn.

 

I realize now, after reading the book, that I'm going to have to start letting Isaiah be a little more adventurous as I stand (not too far, but not too close) praying for him.

 

Reading the book gave me a glimpse in the future and helped me realize how my role will change in the next few years.

 

I learned that simply teaching your son about values and morals aren't enough- they are bombarded with SO many things- aggressive girls, being told that they cause problems, pornography- that there is no way to get them through this without prayer... for me, for their fathers, for other strong godly men in their lives, and for them. (Oh, and keeping this book close by, too!)

 

I would LOVE to give you ALL a copy, please, please.... if you do not win this giveaway, PLEASE GO BUY THIS BOOK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! It's THAT good and THAT needed!

Ready for the giveaway? I'm giving away one (1) copy of 6 Ways To Keep The "Good" In Your Boy. All you have to do is enter in the Rafflecopter below. Open to US RESIDENTS ONLY (sorry!)!

 

 

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