So...are you feeling the stress of what's going on in the world right now? Honestly, it's hard not to. However, as I mentioned in
this past post, it is a choice as to how we react to situations we're faced with. Many of us are finding ourselves in a quarantine situation and are focused on being home.

I see it as a time to relish in many things. Funny thing for me is, that I feel like y'all are getting a taste of my blissful world. And I say that in all seriousness. Homeschooling my children, working at home, making my home is all I know. I wouldn't have it any other way.
LET'S BE REAL
First, I have to say that I received this little log home about 7 or 8 years ago from my mother. She had won an assortment of craft goodies in a giveaway, and felt I could have fun with them. I have used all of those things up in one way or another, except for this one.
Why? Well, it's because my parents built the most gorgeous log home I've ever seen...like a 6 K square foot log home on acres of state park forest when I was 3 years old. I had the privilege of growing up in it. In some odd ways I hold onto the dream that it could be mine some day.
Not only is that not happening any time soon, but this little log home has been a reminder that my home is what I make of it. Maybe we don't live in the home we would choose, or maybe our budget is such we can fix or decorate it as we would like. However, there is nothing keeping us from making what we do have beautiful, as well as haven for our families.

Thankfully, this downtime we're all facing right now is the perfect time to focus on making our house a home. If you've got kids at home with you, then you have a built-in crew to help too. (I'm also a realist and know that not every kids is going to love this...hang with me).
SCHOOL
During these last few weeks, I've seen many parents freaking out at the thought of actually getting more time with their children. That makes my mama heart sad. However, I understand that this is not the norm they're accustomed to. These years fly by and I choose to savor every bit of it, even the toddler tantrums up to the teen I-know-everything-before-you-even-opened-your-mouth syndrome. {{insert eye-roll}
In addition, one thing I want to clarify is that quarantine schooling is not the same as homeschooling. Being forced to stay inside and isolated couldn't be the furthest thing from real homeschooling. In most public school days, kids are in a classroom in a desk for hours on end. However, at home, we can get studies done in our own schedule, in whatever environment we choose (outside or in), and can head off on adventures that reinforce our learning experiences.
[caption id="attachment_28662" align="aligncenter" width="550"]

The minute I started making this little house a home, my kids joined in.[/caption]
So many families are worrying about what their children are missing out on because of lack of school time. I say, this is the opportune time to dig in and teach life skills.
Here's some ideas:
- teach cooking & baking - recipes
- grab that teen driver and show them how to change the fluids on their car or how to change a tire.
- start a garden whether in the ground or in pots
- do a nature study on the trees, insects, birds, animals near you
- work on an upcycle project as a team
- teach how to balance a checkbook or how to budget for all the bills families face
- teach basic sewing skills: how to sew on a button, how to fix a sagging seam, etc.
...you get the idea. School is not just in the books, but basic life-skills are absolutely important too. If you don't know how to do some of the study ideas I've listed above, there are plenty of talented bloggers who share this information with you freely.
Also, make the basics fun! Write your math facts with a dry-erase or washable marker on window. Have your kids spell out their words on their siblings back with their finger one letter at at time so they can guess the word. Make a lunch picnic under your dinner table with sheets and pillows for a fun adventure they'll never forget.
LET'S TALK TP
Alright, y'all. This TP thing is so outta hand!! I mean what in the world are people thinking? This virus has nothing to do with the bowels, but the respiratory system. Anyhoo...not to beat a dead horse.
If you are one of those facing the drippy wet bottom situation without your favorite roll of toilet tissue, there's hope. As a mama who's cloth diapered her children, you too can survive the TP scarcity of 2020. {{insert another eye-roll}}
First, I realize not everyone has the convenience of a washer and dryer at home. If you are blessed to have such amenities, it's time to make use of them. However, a simple hand-washing and line-dry method works for this too. I suggest that you ration your TP (if you have it) to bowel movement-type situations only. Next, grab all your old t-shirts, flannels, or any other kind of tush-friendly fabric and cut them up into large squares.
Next, you'll need a bucket or trash bin for the used rags to go in near your commode. *parents of young kiddos, you'll need to supervise to make sure they don't flush them into the great sewer yonder. Fill the bucket half way full with water and about a quarter cup of white vinegar. The vinegar will neutralize any odor you may be concerned about. Wipe and toss the rag into the bucket. Wash hands, of course.

As a family of 8, we do laundry daily, so we just toss in the rags along with our regular wash. Is this simple? Yes. Is this gross? No. Using cloth rags was the only way to get your where-the-sun-doesn't-shine spots clean for centuries. Of course, washing hands is still as important as it is when we do have TP blessings.
FOOD NORMING
Then, there's the food issues. While many canned foods and such are becoming a high-demand, fresh foods have stayed in supply. If you really want to prepare your body, it's time to think gut health. Grab those tomatoes, pepper, onions, garlic, and lemons/limes and make some fermented salsa -
RECIPE HERE. Or how about
crock pickles or cortido (a Latin-American sauerkraut)?
I say fermented and you may think rotten. Not quite. What I mean is fermented properly so that you get the benefits of adding good flora, probiotics, to your gut. Take a break from sugar, grains, and heavy starches that encourage overgrowth of unhealthy flora in your gut.
This is also a fun time to try new foods and recipes using what you already have in your pantry.
Allrecipes.com has an app and a search engine that let's you plug in what ingredients you have to come up with a recipe. You can't get much easier than that. Also, share your favorite recipe with us below in comments. I'm always game to try a new one!
SCREENS
Last, but not least, turn off the screen. Unplug and get outside. Fresh air, exercise, and sunshine are natural health-boosting bonuses, while EMFs (electro magnetic frequencies from screens, microwaves, etc) suppress your immune system. I mentioned cloth diapering my kids. Did you know the sun can naturally bleach? In winter or summer, I could place a cloth diaper in the sun and it would remove the stains naturally.
In addition, think of how babies are treated for jaundice by just placing them in the sun. That's how I dealt with it with my own babies. Here's an interesting read on how the sun played a part in warding off the
flu pandemic of 1918. Plus, exercising relieves stress, and stress is a known immune system suppressor. Oh, and don't forget to laugh your bellies off too!
WRAP-UP
While we can't change what's going on all over the world, we can make a difference in our own homes and families. Supporting each other, including folks in our neighborhoods that need help, are just some of the small ways we can beat this.

If you know of an elderly or handicapped person that could use a helping hand, reach out. A phone call doesn't spread germs, but bringing needed supplies to those who are at risk can mean the world. Help them setup a home delivery so they can stay home.
Last, but not least, God is in control of it all, even in the dire times such as these. He tells us to:
"Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
There's nothing any of us has done that will keep us from His ever-loving promises. We just need trust He loves us so. While we're feeling stuck in a bubble, just remember we are blessed to have what we have, including friends and family.

How are you finding ways to cope and enjoying being home? Share your ideas or methods with us so we can all be inspired. It's gonna get better. God's gonna make it better.
GIVEAWAY
Now, I want to send this little creation of mine to one of you. My hope is that when you have this you will know you are blessed, held in God's hand, and your house is your home and what you make of it.
Giveaway is open to U.S. residents 18 years of age and older. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Be sure to check your spam!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Being home is a blessing as long as we see it as such. I pray that you all will be safe, smart, and happy. Do pin and share to inspire others too.

Up next...I'll be doing something fun with this thrifted find. Take a peek
HERE.

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MEWE | PINTEREST | GAB
More projects you do while being home:
