make joy normal: Catholics in the new springtime

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Elizabeth and I talk about the end of the school year.  What to finish, what to put on hold...what to forgo!  We have a lot of good conversation about what "done" actually means and about what education actually is. 

We also talk a little about the importance of keeping records, so I've included some resources from my website here in the show notes.

 1:34 - What happens if you are behind in the curriculum by end of year?
5:13 - Learning happens through the summer in spite of you
9:05 - Teachers make the call
11:46 - Teaching our children how to learn
18:14 - Do you recommend starting from where you left off next year?
22:25 - How long do you focus on a subject?
24:59 - Teaching multiple ages and family dynamic
27:51 - What if you and your spouse don't agree on end of the year plans?
32:25 - How do you deal with the guilt of ending before the book is finished?

Planning and record keeping freebies
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/pdfs

Also, here are some resources for literature as curriculum.
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/a-day-in-the-life-without-programs-or-workbooks-part-one-reading-together?rq=curriculum

Don't forget to subscribe and comment on our podcast if it's blessed you in some way.   It makes it easier for others to find - Have a great day!

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
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Today we interview Maureen Wittmann and Walter Crawford, of Homeschool Connections.  I came across HSC three years ago, and my high schoolers have taken several courses through them, and have been blown away by the quality of courses and professors, the speed and efficiency of meeting the needs of my children and myself, and the commitment these delightful souls have to supporting homeschool families!  Maureen just graduated her youngest of seven, and Walter is in the thick of it….the eldest of six graduated, down to preschooler at home!  We discuss Homeschool Connections, the wide range of what they offer, and their upcoming conference, which is truly not to be missed.  So much good stuff! 
 
7:02 - The beginnings of Homeschool Connections 
16:52 - What Homeschool Connections offers now
19:35 - Assessment program 
21:58 - Special needs options 
24:38 - Grade school program 
28:45 - Bonnie shares her experience with Homeschool Connections 
33:14 - About the Catholic Homeschool Conference 
37:27 - Finding your homeschool community 
47:01 - What's the biggest blessing in what you do?

YouTube Channel with the video contest winners, http://youtube.com/homeschoolconnection

Homeschool Connections website, homeschoolconnections.com

Catholic Homeschool Conference, https://catholichomeschoolconference.com/

Why Should I Learn This, https://www.beholdpublications.com/wordpress1/product/why-should-i-learn-this

For the Love of Literature, https://www.beholdpublications.com/wordpress1/product/love-of-literature

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
• Search podcast episodes by topic 
• www.bonnielandry.ca
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Today we interview the lovely Jena Love of Rooms Need Love…she’s organizing specialist who teaches women efficient homemaking and organizing systems. In 2019, she traded in her corporate spreadsheets to become a full-time homemaker and homeschooling mom while supporting women in their pursuit to create peaceful homes for themselves and their families.

We get some insight into Jena’s ideology and passion for helping us (most of us!!) to get on our feet with order in the various areas of our homes.  Our rooms do need love - and it’s not about a pristine home, it’s about creating relationships and developing order so that we can be more present to the people who live in our home. 

4:33 - Rooms Need Love and what you provide
9:51 - Organizing, cleaning and building relationships with clients
12:40 - How do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of?
19:09 - How does your organizing business add to your family life? 
21:29 - Organized with efficiency/10-minute tidy
27:43 - The relief of getting organized for all walks of life 
32:02 - Where do you recommend that we start? 
35:17 - How much time should we put in? 
38:50 - #1 simplifying tip for families
40:02 - More from Jena and Rooms Need Love

She offers lots of free resources, and some discounts on her courses for our listeners.

Free resources are at https://www.roomsneedlove.com/resources/

The Essential Home Organizing Blueprint for systems to stay organized - http://www.roomsneedlove.com/ehob/

Meal Planning Mastery - https://www.roomsneedlove.com/mealplanningmastery - use code JOY21 for 30% off

The Paper Hubs System - https://www.roomsneedlove.com/paperhubs - use code JOY21 for 30% off

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042327/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
• Search podcast episodes by topic 
• www.bonnielandry.ca
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Is it your dream?  It’s certainly the dream of many homeschool families…to pack up their homeschool life as they know it, move to the country and start farming.  I had the blessing of having our guest move just up  the road from me, and friendship was born.

Her family farm is right here on Vancouver Island, so have a listen!

Today we talk to Rachel, former city dweller and brand new farmer.  They did what so many of us imagine, packed up their eight kids and quite literally “bought the farm.”  So we discuss what the transition was like, what homeschooling looks like with a big change, and what the blessings and challenges are on the day to day. 

What drives a family to make a big decision like this?

9:13 - Learning to farm and baby steps
12:45 - What does your homeschool day look like?
16:31 - Cheese making 
19:12 - What was your biggest challenge / blessing?
25:16 - Does your husband still work while running a farm? 
31:40 - What kind of support system do you need to start farming? 
34:45 - What drove you to make this life decision? 
37:49 - Is there a  person who has inspired you?
39:46 - Do you butcher yourselves or do you hire out? 
43:10 - What is your best piece of advice for a family considering a similar move?

Who inspires Rachel?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSGEokQQcdAVFuL_Aq8dlg
http://www.polyfacefarms.com/our-story/

https://www.amazon.ca/Charlottes-Web-B-White/dp/0064400557/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=charlottes+web&qid=1616963385&sr=8-1

Rachel’s beautiful Instagram page: 
https://www.instagram.com/housefullofjays/

The biggest little farm: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8969332/

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
• Search podcast episodes by topic 
• www.bonnielandry.ca
• Shop my recommended resources
  
  

Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast! 

send us a text via Fan Mail!

Elizabeth and I chat today about some thoughts on meal strategies to make life sail a little smoother!

4:50 - How do you handle meals during pregnancy?
11:25 - How do you deal with everyone's different taste in food? 
20:11 - Cheap and hearty go-to meals
26:41 - How to make mealtime easier 
42:00 - Special meals and where to find recipes

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/20-minute-udon-noodles/

https://kalynskitchen.com/slow-cooker-recipe-for-louisiana-style/

https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sweet-potato-lentil-curry/

https://www.amazon.com/Half-Baked-Harvest-Super-Simple/dp/0525577076/ref=sr_1_2?crid=347OCXDX4LRP8&dchild=1&keywords=half+baked+harvest+cookbook&qid=1616346831&sprefix=half+bak%2Caps%2C339&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Georgian-Bay-Gourmet-Winter-Entertaining/dp/0969036108/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=georgian+bay+gourmet+winter+entertaining&qid=1616346948&sr=8-1

Pomegranates originate from the region of Iran to northern India. It was introduced into Spanish America in late 16th century and then into California in 1769 by Spanish Settlers...

meal planning sheets by little coconutty 
http://littlecoconutty.com/2014/08/free-menu-planner-printable-3.html

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
• Search podcast episodes by topic 
• www.bonnielandry.ca
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⚠️ Trigger warning:  In today's interview with Sarah, we talk about the challenges she's experienced, which include pregnancy loss, for those sensitive to this topic.  

Sarah is an army wife...life has taken her on perhaps more adventures than she ever imagined possible.  Through challenges aplenty, Sarah shares how she railed, found peace and continues to stay the course, regardless of the curveballs that life has thrown her. 

Sarah is an example to us all of the joy to be found in our suffering, her story is raw and real and lifts us up.  

5:22 - Some preliminary challenges 
7:57 - Homeschool beginnings and how we respond to challenges 
10:12 - What are some of your most memorable adventures? 
18:09 - Sarah's experience with pregnancy loss
21:32 - Bitterness, brokenness and trusting God again 
29:09 - How do you persevere in homeschooling when facing crisis and tragedy?  
36:19 - What has been the biggest inspiration for you?
39:02 - Jumping to conclusions and God's providence 
44:32 - What advice do you have for moms who are going through a hard time right now?

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
• Search podcast episodes by topic 
• www.bonnielandry.ca
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Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast! 

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We discuss the various ways that mom guilt gets us, how it manifests and ways we can manage it.  

1:40 - The struggle is real 
6:22 - Respect for every family 
13:34 - The worry that we're not patient enough 
19:01 - The guilt that our house is not clean enough
23:45 - Finding order 
31:47 - The guilt of not spending enough time with our kids 
41:36 - The guilt of feeling that we are too loose or too strict 
50:20 - When you are using curriculum that is guilt-inducing
52:32 - Moms of adult kids feel guilt too 
53:20 - Planned time alone and talking to a friend 
54:40 - Taking records of our school work

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
• Search podcast episodes by topic 
• www.bonnielandry.ca
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Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast! 

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Wow.  Today’s podcast brings to the forefront mental illness and homeschooling.  “If you suffer from depression…can you homeschool, should you?” It’s such a great question and we so appreciate this beautiful interview with Kileah.  She shares her perspective, her struggles and her advice and her management tools.  

She blessed Elizabeth and I richly,  we are so grateful for her presence.  

8:13 - At what point in your homeschooling journey were you diagnosed?  
13:24 - How having a community can help
16:49 - The struggle and importance of finding a good therapist 
19:03 - What is the biggest challenge to homeschooling with mental illness? 
21:10 - Keys to managing homeschooling successfully
26:47 - Do you plan a regular time to assess your needs? 
32:45 - Do you find the environment makes a difference?
35:34 - Did you deal with criticism and scrutiny in homeschooling?
37:04 - What are the markers to see whether or not you should be homeschooling? 
38:58 - What if you can't afford counseling? 
42:57 - What are signs to look for in your children for depression and mental illness?
45:30 - Kileah reads her book aloud for us
58:18 - Other books in the series on topics of anxiety, shame and depression

Here’s her book, tenderly written to children - but so good for all humans…

https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Book-About-Depression/dp/1951253043/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=depression+kileah&qid=1614573149&sr=8-1

We want to do a giveaway for Kileah’s beautiful book, please email [email protected] and put give-away in the in the subject line! 

Brene Brown on empathy 
https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw

Beyond Blue

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Blue-Surviving-Depression-Anxiety/dp/1599951568/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=beyond+blue&qid=1614573935&sr=8-4Our new support network

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/the-watering-hole

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
• Search podcast episodes by topic 
• www.bonnielandry.ca
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Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast! 

send us a text via Fan Mail!

In today’s podcast we talk about the ways that this time of year can get us down, and kick around some ideas on what we can do about it.  We discuss value of community and our longing for it, especially in this COVID environment.  

4:55 - How do you avoid the woe-is-me attitude? 
6:01 - Missing community and planning outings 
10:52 - Covid blues 
15:18 - We always feel that we're being judged 
20:24 - Experiencing mom guilt for taking care of your needs
25:02 - Guilt about not doing enough for your kids educationally
27:33 - Plan a phone call/facetime chat
30:37 - More on woe-is-me and attributes of resilience 

Our new support network
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/the-watering-hole

Low days

Posts on community
https://www.bonnielandry.ca/blog-1/upstartsnbsp?rq=community

Mom time

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
• Search podcast episodes by topic 
• www.bonnielandry.ca
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Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast! 

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Today we sit down with the lovely ladies from Latte and Laundry, our biggest fans! We hear about their podcast, Latte and Laundry, in which they discuss the importance of being both Mary and Martha and we learn a lot about friendship. I hope you enjoy today’s episode with these wonderful ladies, and give their podcast a listen! Link in bio.

5:27 - Journey and start in homeschooling
10:35 - What are the themes in your podcast? 
15:49 - Homeschool learning and relationships 
20:23 - What was the quality that drew the two of you into friendship?
30:38 - Qualities of a strong friendship 
31:44 - Categories of friends
36:21 - The importance of having mentors 
40:37 - Difficulties in establishing friendships

Our new support network

https://www.bonnielandry.ca/the-watering-hole

AAAAAND!  The latte and laundry ladies:

Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/latte-and-laundry/id1546419437

Blog:

https://latteandlaundry.com

Facebook page:

https://m.facebook.com/LatteandLaundry/

We are also on Instagram @latteandlaundry

Contact

• On Instagram at @make.joy.normal 
• By email at [email protected]
• Search podcast episodes by topic 
• www.bonnielandry.ca
• Shop my recommended resources
  
  

Thanks for listening to Make Joy Normal Podcast!