TheJoyfulChaos - Latest Comments

Re: oiled paper

Jill Gandy — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 15:52:53 -0000

My class is reading The Sign of the Beaver. The first chapter talks about the family one day getting a window with oiled paper. We did this on a Friday and came back on Monday to see the difference. Thanks.

Re: Little Rock Zoo

LEDIC Management — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 15:29:29 -0000

Could I use your photo of the Little Rock Zoo entrance for my website? It's about the Little Rock neighborhood.

Re: How To Begin Homeschooling {Tri-Moms}

proofreading company — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 19:42:59 -0000

These are all useful tips for having our kids in their home schooling activities. It was all very helpful to us parents on how to fully help them have their great learning through home schooling method. Thanks for the best terms you have provided here.

Re: Sweet Snaggle Tooth

Landen Worley — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:25:55 -0000

Such a cute baby! It really feels good to see those little white teeth coming out of a baby's gums. I wonder how big he is now. And I'm sure he has a complete set of nice teeth today. Keep the blog updated! Have a great day!

Landen Worley

Re: Teaching Independence

Suzanne ~ TheJoyfulChaos — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 12:17:15 -0000

Oh good luck when you bring them home! There's always chaos, but joy in the midst of it all! Thank you for your sweet words!

Re: Teaching Independence

moorefam — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 02:00:22 -0000

Great details in your homeschooling schedule....impressive! I homeschooled my 2 boys for 3+ years until they were in 2nd and 3rd grade. They've now been back in public school for going on 3 years, and I've contemplated taking them out again. The thought intimidates me because I remember the lack of organization I had. WHEN i pull them out again, I will refer back to your suggestions for doing the schedule. Love the clip board, it's a great way for them to see their progress and incentives. Thanks! :)

Re: Christmas Advent 2012 In Tiny Pictures

Kristin — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 20:13:12 -0000

What a fun Christmas season!! And what a great memento it will be to look back on this picture collage!

Re: Absence Here is Presence Elsewhere

Bunch of Barrons — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:37:33 -0000

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

Re: Absence Here is Presence Elsewhere

Cindi — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:20:31 -0000

It felt good to read too!
I've missed reading about your life and family.
Welcome back!
I've been a long time reader - first time to comment.

Re: Christmas Changes

Mandy Grimm — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 19:18:30 -0000

Just now seeing this. Great post. Love the wisdom of The Oldest.

Re: Christmas Changes

whiskerchase — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:13:48 -0000

I have told the kids from the start that Santa was not real and Christmas was a birthday party for Jesus. Every year we have that same conversation because "Santa" is everywhere. The check out clerks at the store ask the kids if they have been good for Santa and they get it all over school too. We were grocery shopping after church last week and the store sponcered their own free pics with Santa at the same time. I keep telling my oldest 6 that the store Santas are just guys who like the fun story of Santa so much they like to play dress up and act out his story. That did not stop them from bolting to the store Santa to check him out for themselves. Sigh. I mean who can resist a stranger in a rented suit handing out candy and hugging on our kids. After what my oldest deemed a lovely moment with free candy he asked me to pray to God to make Santa real. We do so many lovely things during the Christmas season to celebrate Jesus but it is so hard to compete with the sparkey lights and adult conspiracy around the "magic of Christmas". I feel so bad that my kids feel like they have missed out on commercial Christmas but they just really don't understand the true gift they are recieving in being given the truth and not being rooted in the commercial ideals. It is so hard to find your own path as a family especially when you have such pressure from the grandparents to "DO" Christmas including Santa. Congratulations on your honesty to your family and finding the way that is right for you guys on your own!

Re: Christmas Changes

Tammy — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 09:34:59 -0000

Ah, yes, the controversial topic of Santa. Once we became believers we, too, had to think it through the way you have and we came to the same conclusion as being best for our family. There's still a lot of fun and secrets and treats and everything, but the focus is in the joy of Jesus :-)

You'll do fine :-)

Blessings,
Tammy ~@~

Re: Christmas Changes

Kristin — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:48:45 -0000

We've never done Santa. Even as little tots, my kids knew Santa was pretend. Still, they like to leave milk and cookies. And since the know I don't like milk, they leave a glass of tea for Mrs. Claus. Have you ever seen the Veggie Tales episode "Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving"? My kids all liked it, even the older ones and it does a great job of sharing the true story of Nicholas who inspired the legend of Santa Claus.

Re: Christmas Changes

Sheri — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:51:43 -0000

We joke about Santa being real but overall the kids casually find out the dad is "santa" and Mom is "Mrs. Claus" and the siblings are the "elves"... It's more for the fun of it, as our primary focus is Jesus for the season. Your oldest is a wise young man. *smile*
Sheri

Re: Because Sometimes You Just Need to Smile

brenda — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 10:04:59 -0000

Doesn't matter how old you are, it hurts. This was wonderfully written. So sorry your family is going through this.

Re: The Days That Live On

marsha@othersuchhappenings — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 03:53:21 -0000

that bike pictures makes me cry and smile. precious precious moment! so proud of himself and mom and dad cheering... that is a PERFECT moment in time! :)

Re: Because Sometimes You Just Need to Smile

marsha@othersuchhappenings — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 03:51:04 -0000

I'm sorry, Suzanne. Stinky stinky stupid divorce and broken relationship and sadness at the dying embers of what you grow up thinking will always be. I am sorry for your hurt, my sweet friend. Let the tears flow for a season and know that even in this, this mess, God can bring life and hope and JOY. Love you.

Re: Because Sometimes You Just Need to Smile

Nikki — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:39:24 -0000

Praying peace that transcends understanding.
Love you!

Re: How I Prepare For The New School Year

Mar Canalo — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 22:58:34 -0000

I love fonts. I bought like a year ago a program at www.fonts4teachersblog.com with 56 fonts that is amazing.
Mar Canalo
1st grade teacher

Re: Schoolwork, In All It’s Glory

Lauren — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:15:18 -0000

Thank you for sharing this "real" post!

Re: Schoolwork, In All It’s Glory

Bunch of Barrons — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 20:12:13 -0000

Sounds like a great plan. Hope it keeps working for you! :)

Re: Schoolwork, In All It’s Glory

Becky Schnepf Gustafson — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:00:14 -0000

Love this post. All I have to say is "That's it?" Girl...you don't wanna see my house/school room!!! Bwahahahahahahahaha

Re: Schoolwork, In All It’s Glory

Brenda — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:30:53 -0000

Do me a favor. Next time he has a flip out, TRY to get a picture of him in front of that big JOY. Because that picture would be awesome!

Re: Pumpkins: Picking, Traditions, Patches, and Melting

whiskerchase — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:31:35 -0000

Our pumpkins would start melting the next day in Denver growing up. So sad... Several years ago now I started coating every cut edge (inside and out) of our pumpkins with vasoline or cooking spray. The vasoline and the spray really keep the pumpkins looking nice and fresh for days!

Re: Pumpkins: Picking, Traditions, Patches, and Melting

Kristin — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:33:11 -0000

I love fall, too, though our weather has been so incredibly warm this year that we had more than our share of rotting, melting pumpkins, too. :-P