Spring is Here!
Spring is here! Now is a great opportunity for moms to plan some Spring fun. Come along and plan 6-12 fun Springtime activities to do with your family this spring. Let your haven’s springtime be a fun time.
Spring is here! Now is a great opportunity for moms to plan some Spring fun. Springtime allows us to get out with the family and explore. After, the long winter months this is a much-welcomed time. Here are several ways to make springtime a hit in your haven.
Start with these 6 categories: events, zoos, museums, parks, amusement parks, and restaurants. Google your area searching each of the six categories. This will bring up information about places closest to you. Pick one or two from each category and plan a visit. This will give your family six to twelve activities to look forward to during these spring months.
I live in the Jacksonville area, so I googled each category and came up with the following:
Events:
https://themosh.org/calendar-events/
Enjoy laser lights and music.
March 29 5-7 pm
MOSH 1025 Museum Circle Jacksonville, Fl.
Jacksonville Jazz Festival on Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25, 2025. The Jacksonville Jazz Festival will be held at Metropolitan Park. 2025 Jacksonville Jazz Fest • Jacksonville Jazz Festival
Zoos:
Frozen in Time: An Ice Age Adventure
March 1, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - August 2, 2025 @ 5:00 PM Daily
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is welcoming cool cats and other artic ancestors of modern mammals at an all-new exhibit: Frozen in Time: An Ice Age Adventure. Explore a trail with over 35 full-scale, scientifically-accurate animatronics with realistic movements and sounds, featuring all of your favorites such as the wooly mammoth, saber-toothed tiger, cave bears and more. Dig for fossils, learn about different types of glaciers and even have a snowball fight in Florida!
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | Jacksonville, Florida Attractions
Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
If you like cats, such as big cats, you will love Catty Shack Ranch. The mission of Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is to provide a safe, loving and forever home to endangered big cats and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and in captivity.
Museums:
Hands on Children’s Museum
This is a hands on museum for children of all ages.
https://handsonchildrensmuseum.org/index.html
Beaches Museum
This is a great outing. Nothing is better than a fun afternoon at the beach. But before you go, stop by the Beaches Museum to learn the history of Jacksonville Beach.
Parks:
Fort Caroline National Park
Step back in time and learn about the French and Spanish rivalry. This is more than just a fort. There are hiking trails, a beach, camping, and more.
https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/foca.htm
Hanna Park
There are biking trails, camping grounds and cabins, hiking, lake and ocean kayaking. So much to do in one park.
Amusement Parks:
Surge Adventure Park
Every Friday from 5PM-9PM, we offer a Family Package: 4 Jump Tickets and 4 Icees for $49.99.
Any additional jumpers – $16.95 each.
https://surgefun.com/locations/jacksonville/?ref=trip101com
Adventure Landing
It is a waterpark and so much more.
There is also:
· Adventure Speedway Go-Karts
· Adventure Golf – two 18-hole miniature golf courses
· Laser Tag in our Multi-Level Arena
· A monster Video and Redemption Gaming Arcade
· The Wacky Worm Roller Coaster
· Frog Hopper
· Max Flight Coaster Simulator
· Batting Cages with varied skill levels
· On-site food services and catering
· Two themed Snack Bars
https://jacksonville-beach.adventurelanding.com/about-us/
Restaurants:
Sweet Pete’s
If you liked the movie,” Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”, you would love Sweet Pete’s.
Sweet Pete’s has a line of handcrafted quality chocolates with over a thousand different types of candies, as well as interactive factory tours, hands-on candy making classes,and parties. Sweet Pete’s also has a restaurant serving some amazing food.
https://www.sweetpetescandy.com
The Bearded Pig
The Bearded Pig serves southern-style BBQ. It has an outdoor grass space with an outdoor chalkboard for the kids to have fun while waiting for the yummy food.
https://www.thebeardedpigbbq.com/menu
I hope you and your family will enjoy this time of Spring from March 20, 2025 to June 20, 2025.
Be blessed and have a fun Springtime.
Evaluation for a Peace-Filled Haven
Stop and reassess what has been working in your haven and what you need to add this year to create your peaceful haven. This blog will give you ideas of ways to organize your haven so overwhelming task are a thing of the past. Create peace and calm in your everyday life.
We have started a new year. It is time to stop and reflect on what worked for you last year and what you would like to accomplish this year. In this blog, you will find a sample routine that I use to help organize my haven. I shared this in an earlier blog, but I thought was a great time to reassess. Use this sample to come up with your own daily, weekly, and monthly routine to help set a calm and positive tone in your haven.
Daily Schedule
Will set a positive tone for the day.
Morning Routine
Do a quick mindfulness session spending time in prayer to start the day with a clear mind and provide guidance from our Heavenly Father.
- Breakfast/lunch packed for hubby
-Plan my day by making a To-Do list
-Shower (if not done the night before) -Wash face, comb hair, and put makeup on. While putting on makeup I spray the shower and the toilet down to soak.
- After I'm done with my makeup and hair, wipe the counter, mirror, shower, and swish the toilet.
-Make my bed.
-House walk-through- pick up any clutter, do a quick 5-minute decluttering session in one small area, do dishes, and wipe counters, sink, and stove.
-Breakfast and Bible time for me* see below
-Exercise
-Relax (Do Not skip this very important!!!)
Bible time
1. Read a “red letter” verse
2. Read a verse from Psalms or Proverbs
3. A daily bible study deep dive into a study of your choice. (Bible, devotional, sermon, podcast you choose. You can do 10 minutes a day to break down a larger reading, video, or podcast. Meditate on what spoke to you.)
Weekly Chores (if a workday do the weekly chores after work or move to another day. Life can be unpredictable, and it's important to adapt as needed. Be flexible! )
Monday Laundry, Inventory of the refrigerator and the pantry Make a weekly menu and grocery list
Tuesday Market /errands
Wednesday Dust
Thursday Floors mopping and vacuuming
Friday Bake and cook
Saturday FUN DAY Catch up on anything that didn’t get done. Do crafts, sewing, anything you choose.
Sunday Rest (DO NOT SKIP REST!!!!)
Evening Routine
-Make dinner
-Pack lunches from leftovers as I put the food away
-Do the dishes, wipe the counters, and table.
-Vacuum the floor in the eating area/kitchen if needed.
-Relax (Do Not skip this!!!)*see below
Ending the day with relaxation is crucial. You might want to include a short reflection or read a short devotional to wind down and reflect on the day's achievements.
Monthly Routine
One or more hours a week as needed to deep clean an area. Do this as time allows. Be flexible, you can skip a week if needed or complete a big monthly task such as painting a room. The Choice is Yours.
January living room /family room
February Bathrooms
March Bedrooms
April Kitchen
May porches /garage
June living room/ family room
July Bathrooms
August Bedrooms
September Kitchen
October Catch up on anything you may have missed, or porches and garage if needed.
November and December Holiday planning, decorations, and enjoyment
Mom or Activity Director
As wives and moms, we wear many different hats including the hat of activities director. Create a planning schedule to keep your crew looking forward to the activities of the month, and you feeling calm and peaceful.
As wives and mothers, we wear many hats, including the hat of the activity director. This can get overwhelming when the holidays are upon us and we have nothing planned. Creating a peaceful, joyful home takes planning. Below is a planning schedule to help you stay ahead of the game. The months of January, April, July, and October are your planning months. Plan activities for the next three months during those months.
Planning Schedule:
January: Plan for February, March, April
April: Plan for May, June, July
July: Plan for August, September, October
October: Plan for November and December
Holidays in 2025
January *plan*
New Years 1/1
Martin Luther King 1/20
February
Valentine’s Day 2/14
President's Day 2/27
March
St. Patrick's Day 3/17
April *plan *
April Fools Day 1/1
Palm Sunday 4/13
Easter Sunday 4/20
May
Cinco de Mayo 5/5
Mother's Day 5/11
Memorial Day 5/26
June
Flag Day 6/14
Father's Day 6/15
Junteenth 6/19
July * plan*
4th of July 7/4
August
None, so create a family holiday such as:
Donut Day, Beach Day, Picnic Day, Pajama Day, Amusement Park Day, your favorite restaurant day, or Serving Day.
September
Labor Day 9/1
October *plan*
Columbus Day 10/13
Halloween 10/31
November
All Saints Day 11/1
Election Day 11/4
Veterans Day 11/11
Thanksgiving Day 11/27
December
Christmas Eve 12/24
Christmas Day 12/25
New Year's Eve 12/31
I pray you and your family will have a fun, blessed year.
God's Gift
As wives, we tend to give our best to our coworkers, friends, and our kids. I often hear women saying, " he's a big boy, he'll be fine" about their husband. I know I'm guilty of this as well. Men are strong, self-assured, and look very self-sufficient.
Right?
As wives, we tend to give our best to our coworkers, friends, and our kids. I often hear women saying, " he's a big boy, he'll be fine" about their husband. I know I'm guilty of this as well. Men are strong, self-assured, and look very self-sufficient.
Right? I would say yes and no. Men are strong and confident and often don't show any weakness in hard situations. This is good because they are to be the head of our homes as well as the provider. They are where the buck stops. If there is a problem, it is expected they will solve it to keep the family safe and secure.
But, in every man, there is a person with feelings and insecurities. That person we feel will be "fine" also needs reassurance that we love, respect, and are by their side.
I was reminded of this at an airport. I saw a couple and noticed the husband smiling, attempting to have a conversation with his wife. This wife curtly blew him off. His smile immediately dropped as he sat back. Now, this flight had been delayed, so I'm sure his wife was not in the mood for a joyful conversation. I couldn't help wondering if that had been her coworker, a friend, or her child if she would have reacted that way. I also wonder how many times I may have acted this way. We get irritated, we're doing something or distracted, not realizing we responding curtly to our husbands.
As I contemplated this situation, I thought what could be done differently. Take a deep breath and relax. After all, you can't stop a flight delay. Smile, turn to him, and look at him when he speaks. Giving our husbands a smile reassures him that you are happy with the life he is providing. Looking at him when he speaks, let's him know you care about what he has to say.
Being the provider and protector of a family is not easy. Even though men look like they are self-sufficient and tough, they need that smile, respect, and love of that special woman God put in their life. They need their wife.
As for that couple, the wife finally turned to look at her husband responding with a smile. Her husband immediately sat forward, smiling ear to ear, enjoying his conversation with his wife.
God, please help us to always take time to smile, listen, and be thankful for the gift You've given us, our husband.
Blessing Your Family in the Fall Season
“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world”. John 16:21
As moms, we are very happy raising our children. We enjoy planning activities that elicit smiles on their faces. So, as fall begins there are lots of things to enjoy with your family.
“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world”. John 16:21
As moms, we are very happy raising our children. We enjoy planning activities that elicit smiles on their faces. So, as fall begins there are lots of things to enjoy with your family. Activities do not need to cost a lot. You can find adventures in your state near your home. I encourage each of you to search for pumpkin patches, harvest festivals, and fun activities you can bless your family with. You will quickly find that as you are blessing your family, you get the biggest blessing in return.
Here is a list of fall activities I found in my state. If you find some interesting fall activities in your state please comment below so that others can enjoy those wonderful fall adventures.
Florida
Bradenton
Hunsader Farms Pumpkin Festival
https://www.hunsaderfarms.com/pumpkin-festival
Pick your pumpkins, hayrides, farm animals
Pumpkin painting, kids’ activities
Baked goods and apple cider donuts
Jacksonville
Amazing Grace Family Farms
Pumpkin patch
bubble barn
pumpkin house
corn maze
cow train
Jump pad
hula hoop cows and more
Masaryktown
Sweet Farms
https://www.sweetfieldsfarm.com/fall-season-corn-maze-and-pumpkin-patch
Corn Mazes
Hay Rides
Apple Cider
Pumpkins
Farm Animals
Fun Farm Activities
Mt. Dora
Mount Dora has more than 350 of the best exhibitors in the country showing their Fine Arts and crafts at this annual event.
Orlando
The top activity here is Universal Studios Halloween Horror https://www.universalorlando.com/hhn/en/us
*Disney’s Epcot Wine Festival https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-food-and-wine-festival/
I can vouch for this one. I went there this past month. It was so much fun for parents, grandparents and kids alike. Everyone had a great time trying foods from different countries. I liked the Canadian Cheddar and Bacon Soup served with a pretzel roll at the Canada booth.
Have a blessed fall my friends and enjoy exploring around your areas.
CURRICULUM -WHAT WORKS FOR YOU?
It all begins with an idea.
Finding a curriculum each year is probably the homeschool mom’s greatest challenge. Every child is different and learns differently. What may work for one child may not work for another. As always, this blog is about helping each other. If you have homeschool concerns please comment below. If you have a homeschool concern that you have overcome share it below to help others. Below I have shared some homeschool curriculums that others have found helpful.
Working homeschool moms. I have known moms who find this curriculum helpful while working outside the home.
About - The Good and the Beautiful (goodandbeautiful.com)
Reading Help ( I used this with one of my children after trying many curriculums. This worked)
Bob Books | Little Books, Big Success ™
I found this resource on Six Miles 2 Go, called Teach Your Monster: Free Phonics, Reading and Mathematics Games
I know many may struggle in math and science so if anyone has a good curriculum please share.
I pray each of you will be blessed as you decide on the curriculum for this upcoming year. Know God is faithful and will lead you on this journey. If you ask He will guide. Just open your heart and listen for His guidance.
Comment below curriculums that you have found helpful. Comment below any homeschool concerns you would like this blog to explore.
Be blessed.
MEMORIAL DAY FUN
Great Memorial Day crafts to do with kids we found on Amazon.
keepersofourhaven.com
May is an exciting time for children. It shows school is nearing the end and summer fun is about to begin. Memorial Day traditionally begins in the summer.
Memorial Day is a day to honor the military personnel who lost their life while serving our country. Because of these brave men and women, we can enjoy the many freedoms we have. Spend some time educating your children on the many blessings we are allowed because those have kept our country safe.
There are many fun crafts to do for Memorial Day online. Below are a few of the ones I found on Amazon.
1. Memorial Day Stand-Up Cross Craft Kit - Makes 12 https://amzn.to/3QCAkd1
2. 24 Sets Patriotic Suncatcher Ornaments Decoration DIY Window Paint Art Stickers Craft Kit American Heart Star Butterfly Suncatchers for Kidshttps://amzn.to/4bCwOaF
( this is great for a homeschool group or Sunday school class)
12 Pack Star Wind Chime Kit for Kids Make You Own Patriotic Star Wind Chimes
I pray you have a fun and blessed Memorial Day moms.
Comment below if you would like us to research a topic and share it here. As always, iron sharpens iron, so if you have a great memorial day craft idea please share below. Moms helping moms is always a blessing.
HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCES
Homeschool conferences! This is always a fun way to start planning for the next year.
This month I wanted to focus on homeschool conferences. When I was a homeschool mom I looked forward to our state homeschooling conference. It recharged, inspired, and uplifted me. It reminded me of why I homeschooled my children. To put hands-on and looking through the curriculum helped us make choices of what would and wouldn’t work for our family.
There were classes at the conference that got me prepared for subjects I was not strong in. I could go to the presentation for different curriculum companies. Listening to companies would sometimes show me a better curriculum than I was planning on using. As always it is a positive to be with other parents that are homeschooling. We learn so much from each other. Remember, “Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Below are two links I found that have a great list of homeschool conferences in the United States.
If you know of any conference or homeschool events in your area, please put it in the comments below. We are here to help each other.
I hope you all will find this helpful on your homeschool journey.
2024 List of Christian Homeschool Conventions, Conferences, and Retreats - Homeschool Compass
The Ultimate List of Homeschool Conventions & Conferences in 2024 - That Homeschool Family
Homeschooling Resources & Workshops | Great Homeschool Conventions
MOTHER’S DAY CRAFTS TO DO WITH THE KIDS
It all begins with an idea. Fun Mother’s Day crafts for kids found on Amazon.
May is here and that means Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Doing craft Projects for the mothers and grandmothers in your little ones' lives is not only fun for them but are precious gifts that grandmas and moms will treasure forever.
This would not only be fun to do at home but some of the kits come with enough crafts to do with your Sunday school class or your home school group.
I hope all of you moms have a very blessed Mother’s Day.
I found some fun and economical crafts on Amazon.
1. DIY Mother's Day Gifts Wooden Flowerpot Craft Kit Handmade
https://a.co/d/9ukuhnT
2. Mother’s Day Flower Glitter Snow Globe Craft Kit - Makes 12 https://a.co/d/0QINxPN
3. Beeveer 2 Set Mother's Day Wooden Craft for Kids Color Your Own Wood Flower Bouquet Card Mason Jar with Stand DIY Coloring Flower Blank Greeting Card for Mom Grandma Wife Sister Teachers Gifts https://a.co/d/2Rems5r
4. 24 Sets Mother's Day Crafts for Kids Color Your Own Mother's Day Bouquet DIY Mother's Day Craft Gift from Kids School Classroom Fun Home Activities Flowers Bouquet for Party Favors https://a.co/d/iTcLkJ8
5. Ayfjovs Garden Paper Pot Craft Kit 15 Pack Flower Plant Spring Craft with 105 PCS Adhesive Foam Stickers and 15 PCS Paper Mache Pots, Flower Planting Growing Kit Science Gift for Kids https://a.co/d/37XyPnK
Banana Bread and Science?
It all begins with an idea. Fun and yummy science project to do with kids.
During homeschooling or after school children often ask for snacks. When my kids were little, this was the number one question of the day, “Can we have a snack now?”
This month I thought I would find information for children about why the banana turns brown, which makes the best banana bread by the way. This science project lets your kids get involved with making the snack and then watching a video on why the banana turns brown.
First, buy some bananas. Then daily record how the bananas change. They can take a picture of them, draw a picture of them, or write how the bananas looked that day. Once the bananas are very ripe “brown” make banana bread or banana nut bread for a great snack. Below is the recipe.
Banana (Nut) Bread
1 ½ C flour
2 TSP baking powder
¼ TSP baking soda
½ TSP salt
2/3 C sugar ( I use sucanat and monk fruit half of each)
½ C shortening
2 beaten eggs
1 C mashed ripe bananas (about 3))
½ C chopped nuts (optional)
Mix the first five ingredients then add the shortening, eggs, bananas, and nuts. Place in a loaf pan and bake for 1 hour at 350.
Next, have your kids learn about why bananas turn brown while they wait for the bread to bake.
I hope you and your children are blessed by this science project. Please comment below on any fun science projects your family has enjoyed. As always comment below any concerns or topics you would like us to explore.
Giving our family good food always invites joy into our homes. Have a blessed and joyful day.
MOMS HELPING MOMS
It all begins with an idea.
Mother to Mother is a place where moms can come for support with this awesome job of Mom. Whether you are a new mom or have been a mom for 18 years, Mother to Mother is here to support you. In this support group, we will have a feature blog once a month based on what moms are asking. If you have answers to questions moms have, please share. We are all about Proverbs 27:17 ” As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
We hope you are blessed by this page.
Please check out our other pages:
1. Breastfeeding
2. Women to Women
3. Recipes
In addition, you will find a page for prayer. Here you can ask your sisters in Christ to pray for you. As you view the prayer page ask God who He needs you to pray for. Then add that person to your prayer list and let them know you are praying for them. There is also a praise page where you can share with others the goodness of God.
I post a weekly encouragement on the home page. I will post at least once a month on this page, the breastfeeding page, and the Women to Women page. I also post recipes throughout the month. I pray blessings for your motherhood journey.