What Pushes Your Buttons?

What pushes your buttons?  Being criticized?  Being told on?  Being yelled at?  Feeling unaccepted?  The kids arguing?  Your sibling?  Loud noises?  Traffic?  The baby crying?  Being interrupted?  We've all had our buttons pushed.  Most likely we've even said to someone, "Don't push my buttons!"  It may even seem that our family members, spouse, friends, siblings or co-workers know exactly which buttons to push. 

When someone pushes your buttons what is your response?  Do you bite back?  Do you stomp off growling with your shoulders slumped forward and your head down?  Do you stuff your feelings away letting them boil up inside?  Do your eyes begin to fume with fire, watering because you wish someone would see it from your side?  Or do you stand strong, breathing calmly without reacting while listening openly?  Imagine if you had the tools to steer your perception to gain control of the situation.  

Bottom line, our buttons are going to get pushed and when they do it is an opportunity for growth.  I know, you didn't want to hear that.  But seriously, when we take a moment to not react and pause we experience stillness.  An opportunity for clarity appears.  When we practice this our perception shifts.

This past week I overheard my children arguing and walked into the room ready to separate them, but when I entered the room I decided to observe.  Trust me, this wasn't easy.  I don't know why this happened.  It just did.  I chose to honor the little voice inside of me that tugged at me and suggested that I remain calm and observe the situation.  I became aware of my breath and chose to not react.  I noticed that my children knew exactly which buttons to push.  They weren't listening to their brother or sister.  They were fired up and reacting while taking things personally.  They were committed to getting their point across.  Sound familiar?  I found myself wondering what would happen if one of them became silent and actually listened to what the other one had to say.  Without judgement.  Without anger.  I began to take note of how they could do such a thing.

As you may of already guessed, this did not happen and they continued to argue throughout the day.  I mindfully chose to give them space and encouraged them work it out together (and they eventually did).  But, throughout the day I continued to take notes and searched for clues on how they could shift the situation.  

I chose to share my study with my Saturday morning family yoga class.  And, everyone was able to relate.  Children, parents, grownups (without children).  I realized this is just the start to something bigger.  Something life changing! 

The next time your buttons are pushed try cultivating stillness by practicing this exercise:

1.  Remain Open.  Ask yourself if there is room for growth in this experience.  How can you grow in this moment?  Could your heart open more by rolling your shoulders back and down?  What part of your body needs to relax?  Breathe into that space and as you exhale release any tension you may be holding.  Don't overanalyze or judge yourself or the person pushing your buttons.  Just observe and remain open.

2016 Birthday Bucket List

This year has been one heck of a year!  A year of growth.  Lots of stillness.  And the best part, some good quality time with the Lord!

Last year I created a bucket list.  And when I go back to it to see what I did and didn't do I feel pretty good about it.  I've added one more goal to have 39 goals total (one goal per year).

1.  Enjoy eating a delicious grass fed, free range burger on my birthday and not feel bad about it.  ✓
2.  Commit to a daily yoga practice.  Break out in pigeon pose by the end of the year!  ✓
3.  Get a 1 hr. full body massage.  (I am very excited about this!!!)

4.  Put flowers on my grandaddy and brothers graves.

5.  Visit my dad in Terre Haute, Indiana.  ✓
6.  Visit Rock City.
7.  Become more involved in Grounded Yoga.  ✓
8.  Take in the good and bad days with my grandmother.  ✓
9.  Have a date night with my hubby at least one night a month.
10.  Snuggle with my kids as much as possible.  ✓
11.  C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y. ✓
12.  Tell my mom and my grandmother I love them as often as possible.  ✓
13.  Have a spa date with my sister.
14.  Read the children's "Storybook Bible".  ✓
15.  Study therapeutics with Martin Kirk.
16.  Take a weekend trip to Ashville, North Carolina.
17.  Garden.
18.  Drink more water!
19.  Read more. And stick to one book at a time.
20.  Sit out the "technology basket" for all cell phones during family time.  (Actually keep phone in the basket.). ✓
21.  Rise with the sun and meditate.
22.  Rest at sun down. This can include sipping on tea or warm Almond Milk and/or reading a good book, taking a soothing bath, yoga, meditation, etc. ✓
23.  No technology after 10 p.m.!! (This allows for more snuggle time.) ✓
24.  Sneak up and love on my man more often. ✓
25.  Go away for a weekend adventure with my mom. No kids! (I rarely make time for alone time with my mom and it is so important.)
26.  Be patient.
27.  Be patient with myself.  ✓
28.  Make more time for "girlie time".
29.  To challenge myself after knee injury, hike a level I trail by the end of this year. ✓ 
30.  Live more colorfully! Draw and paint more!! And, yes mama, this may mean I'm getting a tattoo. ;) ✓
31.  Walk Janie Girl daily! (I missed this the most when I injured my knee.)

32.  Skype with my cousin, Jenny and her boys at least once a month. ✓
33.  Visit the "7 Places You Have to Visit That You Didn't Know Existed" (I grew up going to Callaway Gardens and Jekyll Island and so I have replaced them with two other locations.)

       1.  Bellwood Quarry

       2.  Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. Rocktown   ✓
       3.  Brasstown Bald   ✓
       4.  Fricks Cave

       5.  Talulah Falls  ✓
       6.  Cumberland Island

       7.  Jekyll Island, Ga.Providence Canyon (a.k.a. Georgia's Little Grand Canyon). ✓
34.  Get a haircut!  ✓
35.  Take a class at Country Gardens.

36.  Write a cook book with my grandmother's recipes.
37.  Organize a book of poems in memory of my grandmother.
38.  Write a "love note" to my dearest and closest friends and family the old fashioned way... snail mail.
39.  Laugh more!!!

Sweet Potato & Kale Indian Soup

Remember all that rain we had a few weeks ago?  I fell ill at the start of that week and I promise you, Mother Nature wrapped her arms around me and soothed me with all that rain.  I know, I know.  Many grew tired of the rain.  But, sometimes the weather lets us know exactly what we need.  My daughter says the rain is God's tears.  And, maybe so.  God may of been crying because he knows we are all too busy and some of us do not take time for ourselves.  I got his message!  For an entire week I slept, rested and pampered myself with hot tea, good books and episodes of Call the Midwife.  Thank you, rain!

Afterward, I finally grew hungry.  I felt like a bear that had been hibernating and when I woke I needed nourishing.  When we are sick it is important to eat foods that cleanse us and nourish our soul.  I literally went with what my body was craving when I put this soup together.  It was exactly what I needed!  The family feasted on it for days and we all felt it soothing our bodies and our souls.  I hope you find it comforting as well.

enjoy,

Kelley Sue

Sweet Potato and Kale Indian Soup

1 tbs coconut oil

1 Vadalia onion, chopped

2 pieces of garlic

1 carrot, chopped

1 celery rib (single "stick"), chopped

2 sweet potatoes, chuncked

4 pinches of garlic salt (to taste)

1 pinch of little peppercorns

1/2 tbs cumin

1/2 tbs tumeric

1 qt broth (I usually make my own vegetable broth, but I also like to keep Imagine Organic Vegetarian Broth on hand.  My new favorite is their Vegetarian No-Chicken Broth.  I usually get the low sodium.)

3 leaves of kale (or 3 handfuls), chopped however you like.  I like large pieces, but my kids prefer it finally chopped.

1 cup small, plain couscous

(I also served warm garlic Naan on the side.  If you haven't tried Naan bread you are missing out!  You can buy it in the bakery at Kroger or Publix.)

Heat large soup pot on medium-high.  Add coconut oil.  Allow to melt.  Add onion and garlic.  Stir and cook until slightly softened.  Add carrot and celery.  Add garlic salt.  Stir and cook until slightly soft.  About 5 minutes.  Add sweet potatoes.  Stir.  Add black pepper, cumin and tumeric.  Stir.  Add broth. Cover and allow soup to boil.  After soup has boiled, turn heat down to low.  Allow to cook until sweet potatoes soften.  

While soup is simmering begin cooking the couscous.  I use a steamer (for rice), but you can use the stove.  I also keep the couscous to the side because not everyone in my family enjoys couscous.  I also think it can get soggy in the mix.  So, I leave it to the side and as an option.  I personally love the texture and felt I needed the extra bang in my soup.  It was delic!

Spices 101:  

Tumeric is the king of spices that fights cancer by slowing down the growth.  Read The Cancer Fighting Kitchen for more on this.  Its tasty and colorful.  Guaranteed to brighten your day!  

Cumin aids in digestion and is rich in flavor.  Give it a sniff!  It smells like lime.  Yum!  

Garlic is just plain good for you and fights off infection.    

I truly went with my taste buds on this soup!  If you feel your soup needs more or less of any of the spices go for it.  I may of actually used more of the garlic salt, turmeric and cumin.  I buy my spices in the bulk and just eyeball it.  This soup was full of flavor!  

* Please note  I have read that if battling cancer you must consult a doctor for a prescribed dosage of tumeric.  

Curriculum 2015-16

It has been a long time since I have posted about homeschooling. And I have to admit, this post is really just for me to keep organized in preparation for the upcoming "school year". Often I have found myself wishing I had a list of the curriculum used the year before to fall back on or another homeschooling mama has asked me what we use and I've thought, "hmmm, I need to make that list!"  So, here it is...

P.S.  I wouldn't dare take all the credit!  I ask a lot of questions about what curriculum other families use.  I also search the web and follow homeschooling blogs that inspire me and help get the creative juices flowing.  A great big thank you to Erica at Confessions of a Homeschooler and Eclectic Homeschooling mama for your blogs and extremely helpful, in depth posts.  You've made my life easier!  Thank you to my homeschooling friends who are always there for support and advice (you know who you are).

P.P.S.  I appreciate this post, Why Eclectic Homeschooling? from eclectic mama over at Eclectic Homeschooling: Raising Global Kids very much!  Homeschooling is on the rise!  There are books galore on how to homeschool and gobs of curriculum out there.  If you live in the ATL, there are so many things to do.  It is true, it is easy to become overwhelmed!  If you are new to homeschooling or considering it, try not to sweat over the small stuff, surround yourself with love and support, and most importantly, HAVE FUN.

GRADE 3:

• Daily Notebook & Calendar
• Devotional:  Whatever we find is inspiring at the moment.
• Music: Piano, Choir, songwriting with Daddy and begin Classic Composer's Unit.
• Art: World's Greatest Artists, Art Appreciation, Draw Your World, Doodle Academy, Art For Kids, Art Projects for Kids, local museums, sewing, musicals and more.
• Spelling: Complete Raceway book (transitioning into Grand Tour II)
• Phonics: Sing, Spell, Read & Write
• Reading: The Magic Treehouse  Series, regular visits to the Public Library and family reading time (Read Alouds):
• The Little Princess 
• Little House in the Big Woods
• Little House on the Prairie
• The Wizard of Oz (the First Five Novels)
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, etc.
• Charlotte's Web
• Literature: Classical Literature Units (Chosen as a family.)
• LA: First Language Lessons, Journaling
• Math: Saxon Math, Khan Academy, Teaching Textbooks, LEGO's, Fun Supplements, Games and Apps
• Handwriting: Handwriting Without Tears: Printing Power (Transitioning into Kick Start Cursive)
• History & Geography: The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child (Vol. 2), Fifty Nifty States and Maps, Charts and U.S. Atlas
• Science: Explore & Learn Series, The Magic School Bus books (I'm also checking out The Magic School Bus Unit), episodes and Bill Nye, the Science Guy episodes and Science Units
• Wellness: Dog walking, yoga, meditation, hiking, biking, exploring & many, many adventures
• Foreign Language: Prima Latina
• Computer Skills: Scratch Programming and typing games.
• Logic: The Amazing 50 States Maze, more mazes, Chess, Chess Academy,  Logic Games and other Apps
• Community:  Begin World Poverty Unit Study and become more active in the community (more to come)

GRADE 6:

• Daily Notebook, Calendar & Journaling
• Devotional
• Art: World's Greatest Artists , Art Appreciation, Art Projects for Kids, Art For Kids Hub, (I'm looking into a photography class at The Foto Finch), regular visits to local museums, sewing, musicals, creating and more...
• Music: Piano, Choir, World's Greatest Composer's Unit and Modern Music Study
• Spelling: Reading Detective (B1) and considering MegaWords (1)
• Reading: The Unwanted's Series, regular visits to the Public Library and family reading time (Read Alouds):
• The Little Princess
• The Wizard of Oz (the First Five Novels)
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, etc.
• Possibly the Hunger Games Series (I am really looking forward to this!)
• Eclectic Homeschooler mom shares an in-depth middle school aged list here.
• Literature: Classical Literature Units (Chosen as a family.)
• L.A.: First Language Lessons (Possibly Progressing With Courage)
• Writing: I'm considering Classical Writing: Aesop for this year.
• Math: Saxon Math, Khan Academy, Teaching Textbooks, Numberphile, Vi Hart Videos, Games & Apps
• Handwriting: Cursive Success
• History & Geography: The Story of the World: History for the Classical Child (Vol. 2), Geography - Fifty Nifty States, Geoguesser, Google Earth Maps, Charts and U.S. & World Atlas
• Science: Explore & Learn Series, Happify Games, Junkbox Wars, Project-Based Engineering for Kids and Bill Nye, the Science Guy episodes (Possibly Abeka Science & Health), Camp Google and Science Units
• Wellness: Dog walking, yoga, meditation, biking, skateboarding, hiking & exploring 
• Foreign Language: Prima Latina
• Computer Skills: Keyboarding Success,  Scratch Programming and typing games.
• Logic: The Amazing 50 States Maze, more mazes, Chess, Chess Academy,  Logic Games and other Apps
• Community:  Begin World Poverty Unit Study and serve the community.

2015 Summer Camps

It's that time of year!  The countdown is on... summer is near.  That means SUMMER CAMP!  Be sure to sign your kiddos up for Grounded Yoga Camp!  Early registration is encouraged.  For more information click on the classes tab.

Happy summer!
Kelley Sue


Grounded Kids Yoga Camps (Ages 5+)

JUST BREATHE Camp ~ June 15 - 19, 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Newnan Karate Center, 254 C Bullsboro Dr. Newnan | $150

Contact Kelley Sue today to reserve your child's spot.  Early registration is encouraged.  Registration deadline is June 1.  Invite a friend and receive $10 off when they register!

Chattanooga, TN.

"Fear is nothing more than an obstacle that stands in the way of progress. In overcoming our fears we can move forward stronger and wiser within ourselves." ~ Unknown

7.  Become more involved in Grounded Yoga.

Yes, I co-taught a Grounded Yoga training.  Was I scared?  Of course.  Did I make mistakes?  You bet I did.  Did I learn?  Absolutely.

Thank you to my teachers, Amy and Cheryl for believing in me.  Thank you, Melanie for creating a sacred place at Balance Studios.  I am beaming with joy for these beautiful ladies! They worked hard, taught from the heart and blossomed over the weekend. And, so did I! 

Sat Nam 

forgiveness

FORGIVENESS ~ We can tote the idea of forgiveness around on our shoulder along with all our other baggage if we choose to, but eventually we get tired of lugging it around.  Start small.  Breathe in forgiveness, allowing the heart to expand and exhale one tiny piece of chaos at a time.  I'm learning that chaos is always there.  It is all around us.  Rather than hide or run from the chaos I've decided to dig deep within the chaos.  In Grounded Yoga we teach a pose called Laughter Hero where the children and I rub "Laughter Cream" all over our bodies.  When I feel overwhelmed I imagine rubbing myself down with Laughter Cream to help with chaotic symptoms whether it be from stress, fear or from being overwhelmed from life in general.  2014 has been filled with change.  This year has been difficult for many due to change.  Change can be hard.  Change can bring up fear and self-doubt.  Rather than scramble for ground I want to be brave enough to breathe into these things.  I'm finding that when I allow myself to feel both the darkness and light I gain balance.  When I take a good look at myself, from deep within, I am able to really feel life.  I'm learning that when I'm only basking in the light I'm turning my cheek away from the darkness.  When I leap into the darkness, embracing it and acknowledging its existence I gain courage and compassion.  Being brave isn't easy.  In fact, its much like being on the Scream Machine at Six Flags.  The ride is rickety and bumpy, even uncomfortable at times, but at the end we find ourselves smiling.  If we are lucky, we are laughing.

Almost everyone I know has been effected by an overwhelming amount of change throughout this year.  For me, I've had so much personal change take place that at times I have found it hard to breathe.  I've had to be more mindful of my breathing.  I often times take deep breaths in, envisioning myself gathering up all the conflict, discomfort and chaos within my mind and my heart, then slowly exhaling releasing it into the universe.  Almost like sending it off with well wishes.  I've been reading  When Things Fall Apart: Heartfelt Advice for Hard Times, written by Pema Chödrön.  She helps remind us that change is good, hard times are good.  Appreciating fear and the tenderness that underlines it helps us to connect to fundamental sanity.  A dedicated meditation helps us to touch what is coming up and then we can let it all go (ie. fear, self doubt, worry, etc.).  Humans don't tend to welcome fear wholeheartedly or naturally.  We need help.  Whether it be by surrounding ourselves with those who lift us up or by having a meditation teacher. 

I remind myself often that change can be good.  It's through the dark times that the light shines and helps guide us through the muck that life sometimes drags us through.  Pema says, 

We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don't really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It's just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy. 

We as humans do not see fear as an opportunity to go deeper within ourselves and to learn more about who we are.  We automatically hit the panic button and want to run away.  We find all kinds of ways to escape.  But, what if we didn't run away?  What if we hung in there?  What if we opened our hearts up, sat in the muck... better yet, rolled in it.  Just rub that shit all over.  What would happen?  We would eventually stand back up, wipe ourselves off and keep on walking.  When I look over this past year I notice that I have been pulled in so many different directions.  Loving ones are going through difficult times and many are running scared.  I recognize a pattern of human chaos we place on ourselves.  A reaction that comes most natural for us is to run, lash out, drink, do drugs, blame, and become a victim.  I know, in my heart that when I fell flat on my butt and injured my knee the Lord wanted me to sit.  Sit and catch my breath.  Sit still.  I'm sitting and I'm listening.    

The Life Cycle of Plants

As an introduction to The Life Cycle of Plants we read "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle and began preparing for our Spring garden.  

We went with great-grandma to Home Depot and purchased 2 Burpee seed starting kits and our favorite veggies (ie. kale, green beans, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, etc.)  and herbs.  We followed the directions and watched several videos on youtube including...

This is what we purchased...

We read and followed the instructions...

Planted our seeds...

and created a space for our Herbology 101 class.

While we are waiting for our seeds to sprout we are getting the ground prepared.  More pictures to come!  ;)

For more information on the life cycle of plants and activities check out The Life Cycle of Plants.

Books for teaching about plants at http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/books-teaching-about-plants

a lesson in figure drawing

my children love to draw so much that they often wake up in the morning and before they even eat breakfast they are drawing.  some things they have both been interested in learning how to draw include humans and horses.  so.... i introduced to them, again the ever so clever and brilliant, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was one of the greatest painters of all times, but is also known as the ultimate Renaissance man because he was perhaps the most widely talented person ever to have lived. Da Vinci is now a favorite artist of our family.  

Want to study art history?  How about Da Vinci and the Renaissance Period.   My kids and who am I kidding, myself included thinks he was a genius.  Not only was he a consummate painter and sculptor, he was a great inventor, military engineer, scientist, botanist, and mathematician.

We read "Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?" and watched...

We also discussed our visit to the HIGH Museum of Art a few years back when the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit was there.  Our children were much younger but it made quite an impression on them.  Some other ideas when studying figure drawing include purchasing books on how to draw and to get active as a family by planning a Sketch Family Night and sketch as many drawings as you can.  You could even keep this going and later have an art gallery opening, invite your friends and family and maybe even sale a few drawings and donate the funds to a favorite charity.  

After studying Leonardo da Vinci we began learning about human anatomy (more to come).

Some books we enjoy...

The Fundamentals of Drawing, A Complete Professional Course for ARtists, by Barrington Barber

Drawing with Children, A Creative Methos for Adult Beginners, Too, by Mona Brookes

I Can Draw..., by Terry Longhurst

school begins...

its that time of year!...

new adventures with Junie B., Percy Jackson, Roald Dahl and Kate DiCamillo, away we go to the Magic Tree House, a visit around the world to Soren's Hollow, Egypt, India, Africa, China and much more, the fresh smell of new crayons, new paints, new erasers and fresh paper, all new games and new materials...

let the adventures begin!

Tom and his shield

Tom

has no choice.

A Quest awaits him.

The terrors of the jungle.

Creatures lurking,

scented plants.

A young hero

overcoming what lies ahead

in a place called,

Avantia.

Wally Lamb

I finally finished this near 900 page book.  It was worth every page!