Happy Friday!
I got away for two nights recently with some homeschool mamas I do a weekly co-op with. Many of the mamas teach my kiddos, but I didn’t really know some them.
Getting away together, we got time to slow down, actually finish conversations 😂, and hear the highs and lows of our lives lately. We talked about our faith, marriages, kids, and even how we felt about continuing our homeschooling journey.
I have often felt tempted to walk this path alone, to stay secluded and not let other women into places that are weak and vulnerable. Time and time again, God reveals how much I need other women for this journey-friendships are an essential ingredient to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Are there some possible new friends God has laid in your path?
Yes, you risk being rejected, but what if it is amazing, life-giving, and makes you better?
This week’s I of I is all about bringing people together and spurring friendship on:
Ideas for Intentionality
Gathering Idea: Consider starting a meet-up with other mamas and their kids. You could do this with toddlers and add some activities from the Peaceful Press Preschool Curriculum (my FAVORITE way to test out homeschool) or even with elementary kids with the Good Gospel Guide.
Picnic Supplies: I am excited about this Snackle Box I ordered, which a gal in my co-op recommended. I also grabbed these metal ice packs that my friend Maria loves. This cooler backpack has made carrying our picnic for our Wild + Free adventures much easier. An easy-to-pack picnic blanket is a super handy addition too!
Asking for Help: This is not easy to do, BUT did you know that by asking for help you are opening the door for others to come into your life? When Benjamin Franklin was new to a home, he would always walk next door and ask to borrow a cup of sugar. He did this in hopes that he could open the door to friendship by putting himself as the one in need. Here is a video I made all about asking for help as a new mama.
Finished This Week: I finished this audiobook this week and he talked about surrounding yourself with a circle of greatness. That if you want to get in shape this year, get some friends who are in shape. Want to grow in Godly character? Hang out with women who inspire you with your faith. Want to become more outdoorsy? Join a local Wild + Free Mamas group (100% worked for me, we hiked 5.5 miles while we were together on our getaway all with baby Corrie). I wouldn’t have been as confident without all these women by my side. This book was PACKED with wisdom and I enjoyed it on audiobook!
Considering Homeschooling: Check out this video “What You Need to Know Before You Homeschool” and consider reading this book. So many women on my hike this past week mentioned that this book gave them courage and helped them realize how they could tune into their mama’s intuition and create a different path for their family. This is a must-read if you are on the fence.
Toddler Snuggles: There is nothing like the sweet bond that reading time can create with our littles. I am going to put together a BIG master list soon of all of our favorites. But here are a few that you should consider adding to your home library. The magic of reading these books is doing it over and over and over. Sheep in a Jeep, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, and recently my 3-year-old has loved this book (the illustrations are clever, how you notice something new every time).
Father’s Day Gift Idea: My husband is obsessed with Good Ranchers meat box, and they have a CRAZY deal now, 2 packs of bacon for LIFE. We use 2 of the Weekly Essentials boxes a month, covering almost all the meat we eat. Did you know that most of the meat in the US is imported? That is wild! This meat is sourced from family ranches in the US and the chicken is amazing!
Sending love,
Lana
P.S. NEW YouTube Video went live this week; the next one comes Monday at 10 am.
Pregnant P.S. If you are putting together your baby registry, this video is for you!