I can’t recall how many times a reader has written to say,
“I wish I’d found your books years ago, when my children were young.”
I had that same feeling myself, reading Kim John Payne’s very wise and beautiful book Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids.
So many of the books I did read when my own sons were small left me feeling confused and inadequate. What I wanted was a calm friend on the page, someone who would reassure me that I was fully capable of giving my children what they needed. Someone who would also remind me that, in fact, my two small children didn’t actually need very much.
In a culture of competition, noise, distraction, and excess, it is hard to tune in to a place of inner knowing. And it’s harder still for me to hear and to trust my own inner voice — especially when that voice is advocating for such elusive qualities as emptiness, silence, stillness, intimacy, simplicity, and faith.
I have discovered a spiritual friend, and a mentor for both motherhood and for life itself, in Kim Payne. Even now, reading his book as the parent of two young adults, I find myself underlining passages, realizing that our need for quiet time and simple pleasures does not end with childhood. Again and again, I have to be reminded to stop, to rest, to realign my life with the values I hold most dear.
Relationships — whether with a toddler or an eighteen-year-old — are not sustained on the fly. In fact, they are best nurtured in those very moments when not much else is happening. Whenever I turn my attention away from the world’s distractions (and there seem to be more of them then ever!), and focus instead on the beautiful souls of my own loved ones, I am rewarded.
Anxiety usually means I’m reacting rather than listening, doing rather than being, fixing rather than trusting. Each time I pause to be quiet, to create space, to slow down, I release my grip on a moment that can’t be held anyway. I stop struggling. I reconnect with what I know. Awareness deepens. Gratitude for what is edges out fear of what may be.
Kim Payne reminds me who I am and how I want to live. He writes:
Imagine your home. . .
* as a place where time moves a little slower.
*becoming less cluttered and more visually relaxing.
*with space, and time, for childhood — and with time for one another every day.
*as a place where play and exploration are allowed and honored.
*having more ease as you begin to limit distractions and say no to the stress of too much, too fast, too soon.
*as a sense of calm and security take hold.
*becoming a place where those we love know it, by virtue of our attention, protection, and appreciation.
This is where I want to live. Don’t we all?
As Mother’s Day approaches, I am delighted to give away two special gift packages, each containing a copy of Kim Payne’s Simplicity Parenting and a signed copy of my book Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry.
TO ENTER TO WIN ONE OF TWO SETS OF 2 BOOKS EACH, just leave a comment here. If you’ve found a way to simplify your life, I’d love to hear about it — and my guess is that many others would be grateful, too. But of course you may simply say, “Count me in!”
Entries close at midnight Monday, April 25, with winners to be drawn at random (using the tool at random [dot] org) and announced the next day.
WANT THE BOOKS NOW?
• Buy “Simplicity Parenting” now
• Buy “Mitten Strings for God” now
P.S. Many of you have asked about ordering signed copies of The Gift of an Ordinary Day as Mother’s Day gifts. I would be honored to sign and personalize books for all the special moms in your life. And, of course, Mitten Strings for God makes a wonderful gift for a new mother or a mom with young children. Your books will be signed, gift wrapped, and mailed from my trusty local bookstore. Just click here: Order Signed Copies
I need to figure out how to simplify life and make life smoother with my two young sons. Keeping my fingers crossed for a copy!
i used to think i had to cook this elaborate meal for dinner. i have decided that a simpler meal means more time spent with family.
sometimes simple eludes me. i need some more ideas. so enter me please.
Count me in!
YaY count me in!! I simplify by having a less is more attitude. Its easier after having to sell everything though.
Hi Katrina please enter me.
After overscheduling I’ve pared down what activities we do as a family and for my kids (ages 13 & 10) and now we are able to keep up with the schedule and we actually enjoy what we do as we are not stressed out and running around like nutcases.
When overscheduled we were making the appointments but were so rushed we were not enjoying what we did when we were there then left rushing off to do the next thing.
I also find by doing less we can accomplish more as we are in more of a calm state and thinking clearly than when we are rushed and stressed and can’t even concentrate on what we’re doing when we need to do it. We have more energy now also, we’re no longer drained all the time.
Count me in please. These books would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift for someone very special to me!
I already own copies of both books and have given and/or recommended them both to many friends. Therefore, I am not entering to win copies – only commenting to say I, too, LOVE these books!
As a mom of two boys–one with special needs and the other one resentful of that–I would be curious to find Kim’s take on this kind of stressful daily living. I would be interested in applying his suggestions and insights to our crazy, busy, emotional overloaded life…not one’s typical overload of kid activities, sports and playdates, but the life of family with a child who is not neurotypical.
I am constantly reminding myself to be here now. I work, oh do I ever work, so hard to remain calm because my boys take their cues from me. They are intense kids. This life of ours is very different to the one I imagined. I have a little piece of paper with this quote on it:
“The Buddha taught that human suffering is caused by the desire for life to be different from the way it is.”
I look to this thought every moment. It is what it is. Do the best you can. Forgive yourself. For me, it is the little, every day moments that I savor…like a car ride home with no kids fighting, my older son sharing some tidbit from his 11 year old world or my younger one snuggling up next to me on the couch. Simple stuff that mean so much.
Anyway, I would love a chance to receive the books!
After seeing your video last year I finally sat down and read your book last week. Immediately upon finishing it I ordered 10 copies to give as gifts – I wish I had thought to come here to get them signed. 🙂
I found myself reading your chapter “best” to a dear friend of mine while she filed items in our store as it spoke to me at 10pm the night before.
As the 50 year old mom of a soon to be 14 year old daughter and a 15 year old son I seriously wished I read this when it first came out.
That said, I am so delighted I read it exactly when I did and I have since shared the getting into college (“waiting,” I believe) portion of the book with my husband and other friends at this stage of life.
THANK YOU for sharing your life and the life of your family.
With four little boys under six, including a set of three year old triplets, I could certainly use some advice in simplifying our lives
Count me in!. Simplifying my life…working on a lot of ways..not saying yes to a lot of volunteering opportunities at school, trying to listen more…..
thanks for the give away!!!!!
This is truly my dream giveaway! I’ve returned to Mitten Strings for God again and again since I first read it when my daughter was about 8 months old (she’s almost 2 now), and it’s always so inspiring to me. I just read Simplicity Parenting but haven’t had the chance to purchase it yet, and I’ve actually renewed it from the library a couple times so I could return to it again.
My family’s best tactic for simplifying has been to say no, and don’t be afraid to say no. Life will go on if we don’t attend every party or event, and we’ll be happier at the parties and events we do attend.
I would love to win, I am focused now as mom to 5 boys 5 and under to lead a simple life in this world that is anything but simple. I have said no to FB, put away my laptop and just try to be with them. These times are to be treasure and while completely and utterly exhausting I know in my heart it’s what I need to do, just be in the here and now. Beautiful post again, thank you.
I lead a parenting support group and I am always looking for ways to simplify and strengthen what it means to be a family. I have given away copies of your book The Gift of an Ordinary Day to family and friends because it was so powerful and poignant. Thank you for entering me into the contest!
Since reading The Gift of an Ordinary day last year, I really make an effort to spend time with my 2 boys (3 & 5). When they ask me to throw the baseball or do a puzzle with them I say “yes” more because I know the day will come when they won’t want to spend as much time with me.
Even though my daughter is only seven months old, the brightly-colored toys are already beginning to clutter the living room. I have to resist the pull to buy just one more and remind myself that enough is enough — even when I go to others’ houses and see they have 10 times the amount we do.
I left Abra with a wonderful friend who embodies simple living for the afternoon. A sensitive soul who is easily over-stimulated, Abra doesn’t usually do well with being left with others. When I returned, my friend said she had done so well. “We walked around the yard. Then we petted the dog and played with the cat,” she said. “That’s it?” I asked.
Love Gift of an Ordinary Day. Count me in,please.
I am glad I have found your books when my kids are younger. Your writing is beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. I will have to check out this other book you’ve suggested too…but I’m hoping to just win them! 🙂 Thanks!
Two years ago we picked up and left a busy, buzzing Boston suburb -mortgage and all- and moved to Colorado for its sunshine and a different way of life. The compromise for our pre-teen son was that he could go to a small, community-oriented and experiential ed school.
A year ago we found a rental within walking distance to his school. Boy, that simplified a lot of things and has been quite environmentally friendly also. The trade off was that we pared down 1/2 of our stuff and live near downtown Boulder.
I realize that this is not just tips to simplify and requires a major attitude overhaul and trade offs. But sometimes it’s needed. Best wishes for all.
Less really is more! Your words are so meaningful to me as I parent two young boys. I can’t wait to check out Payne’s books as well. Count me in.
My children are grown, but I would love to win Simplicity Parenting for my daughter, who just had her first baby. We both already own Mitten Strings for God, and love it!I think I tried when my children were little to not over-schedule us, and also to put a nourishing, delicious, simple meal on the table every evening, so we could share our days.
I look forward to reading this book. Have you read Wendy Mogul’s books The Blessing of a Skinned Knee and The Blessing of a B-?
They are another take on raising kids in our materialistic, hyper-competitive world.
Count me in, please! As a mother-to-be I also look forward to finding true calm, joy and divinity in raising a family.
Count me in!! I am a grandmother of 10 and wish I had read this years ago. I guess my message would be,,,,,pick your battles and dont sweat the small stuff. Just give lots of “I love you’s. and Breathe!!!!! Oh yes, and have lots of girl friends to talk to.
I haven’t read “Mitten Strings for God” but I absolutely love “Gift of an Ordinary Day!” I am looking forward to reading ‘Mitten Strings for God.” I know I’ll love it too. Thanks for sharing your gifts with all of us.
I am a mother of two teenagers and adored your book The Gift of an Ordinary Day. The daily eb and flow of teenagers can be so challenging and yet so rewarding. Wishing they came with manuals is pointless because they are all so very different. I’ll never know how my mother raised nine kids, flawlessly! My aspiration is to do the same.
Katrina, you are so inspiring.
I am trying to simplify life by putting less pressure on myself as a mother, to see that my children are always growing and learning even if it looks different than traditional forms of learning.
Nine years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I vowed to change my life in meaningful ways. (Don’t get me wrong…I have always lived a fairly clean life, which begs the question: How did I ever get breast cancer in the first place? I imagine I will never know the answer to that one. ) I made three changes that have simplified my life: I ended a toxic relationship with a girlfriend of mine, I started taking yoga (which has kept me grounded), and I looked for uncomplicated, healthy meals to prepare for my family. All three decisions have made my life simpler and more meaningful.
I would love to read further! You got me at Imagine Your Home as….a place where time moves slower.
We simplified by selling our house in May 2009, and moving to a rental house. No more home repairs!
I try to simplify my life by merely asking myself, if I should have a limited time to live, what would my children say that would be the most important thing to them…and keep those objects and live the experiences that means something.
Have been wanting to read Simplicity Parenting…thanks for the great reminder and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a copy via you but if not, will be happy to order! 🙂
Two tips I share with the moms in my parenting classes are: 1)Learn to say “no” in regards to volunteer positions and social times, and 2) covet calendar time for your family by X’ing out hours/dates just for family time!
I find that I can manage many of the ‘details’ of simplifying… creating a menu for the week so that we can plan around work schedules and do one or two good grocery runs, making ongoing lists of things our kids request so that they can prioritize the ‘things’ they want on special occasions, etc. I find the harder work is internal simplifications. Simplifying my own expectations, simplifying my perceptions about what is a ‘good’ life for my kids, etc.
I read your blog regularly and share it with friends. THANK YOU.
So true what you said about simplifying our own expectations and how we all have to redefine what a good life is for our children. I was blessed to have a great childhood and the things I remember most are not the expensive gifts, the vacations, the activities but the simple, daily traditions of family, love, and relationships.
My daughter does only one activity other than school, during the school year. That gives us lots and lots of family time!
As parents of four young boys, life is far from simple. But, we make sure that we never overschedule. One major decision we made was to not send our third born son to preschool. Our two eldest sons did go to preschool and it was fun but we realized that it was just not necessary. We are both so tired of feeling like we have to “get the kids ready” for the next thing, of feeling like we have to “prepare them” for the next stage of life, instead of just celebrating where they are at this moment. Not only did this decision save us money, it gave our son one more year to hunt frogs in our front yard swamp, to swing to “outer space” on our swingset, to enjoy one more year of “jammie” days. He turned five last week and is excited about the prospect of kindergarten next fall…quite frankly, I never missed having to shuttle him to preschool this year. It’s time we all stopped thinking we have to do the things the magazines/books/neighbors say and get back to the simple rituals of childhood.
Please count me in. I’m in the process of simplifying my life…and could use more inspiration.
Thank you.
I have been savoring your book “Gift of an Ordinary Day” and been inspired to make my home a more peaceful place. As a parent I am on my second go round raising my beautiful granddaughter, Ava. She is our treasure and truly a gift, the daughter of my baby girl Bethany who passed away at the age of 23. As a second timer I find myself exhausted at the end of the day and would love the inspiration towards a simpler life. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.
God Bless you Janis!
Please count me in!!!!
OK, I’ll admit, the easy thing for me to take away from “Mitten Strings” was your great recipe for the McCann’s Oatmeal! But I loved the book and would like to own a copy that I don’t need to renew at the library every 2 weeks! Thank you for your books and your blog – they mean a lot to me!
My nest is empty; my youngest of four, a strapping 21-year old man. Your book, The Gift of an Ordinary Day, and your wonderful blog are balms to my soul as I know they are to those younger mothers in the throes of minute-by-minute parenting. You are a gifted & insightful author and I thank you. Count me in for the drawing!
I work full time as a social worker and have a 9 month old daughter. My husband and I are working opposite shifts in order to be home with her. It’s difficult to manage the expectations I have of myself- in my job, in caring for our home and in being a parent and wife. It’s validating to read what others have written and know that I’m not alone. Somehow I always have the idea that everyone else is doing life better than me. Thank you for your blog. I’ve read “I want what you have” countless times.
One always needs to stop and listen. After being struck with a vocal cord disorder 3 years ago, I realized how complicated we all make life – just by the words we choose to voice daily. I’ve had to concentrate on keeping it simple, concise, yet caring and nurturing as you see, I am an assistant principal and educator in an elementary school. My children are older, so they can communicate with me in various contexts, but my youngest has been most affected as he is one that needs daily communication. Keeping it simple, try using only 10 words or less to express a thought, feeling, solution, love, etc.
I take pieces of all I can read or research to make my life more effective and efficient, enjoyable for me and a good companion for others during difficult times.
Listen…to the whispers!
I finally finished your book and was not disappointed at all in the ending. My son is 29 and we went through ups and downs. As a parent one does feel guilty, but we also have to know that we do all we can and then it’s up to them. I did send this book on to my sister who just had twins, and I hope she will get as much and even more out of this book as I have. Will have to order a copy of “Mitten Strings for God”. Thank you for writing this book.
Thank goodness I have your books now that my boys are young. Mitten Strings for God is my parenting bible!!
I will get this other book as well – thank you for the recommendation, but more for writing your books!
I’d love to gift these books to my grandson’s Mommy.
Please count me in… Thanks
Every, and I mean EVERY, time I read a blog post from Katrina I cry. Not out of sadness, but caused by a feeling of finally reading what I’ve been feeling yet unable to find those words. Thank you. I am a better Mother because of your books and recommendations, and I thank you. Count me in!
I’m one of those ones who wish I had books like these when my kids were young. Mitten Strings still did help me with peace in other areas though & reminded me to breathe and enjoy the now, lessons for life at any age.
I’m very glad i found your books when I did…you are definitely a calm friend on the page 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity to read more words of wisdom!
As the mother of two young girls who works full time, I suspect both books would be quite appropriate! I’m also hoping to win a copy for Mother’s day!
Thank you for your blog…count me in!
i find that one of the quickest and most soothing ways to slow down and to reconnect with my child and teens is to read aloud. the physical closeness and privacy of a shared story creates space for a tender connections. these are some of the most precious times for me with my children; feeling the warmth of their breath and the tickle of their hair on my cheek are treasured gifts of a lifetime. our former librarian told parents to read to kids from womb to wedding- i love this advice; so often when kids learn to read, parents forgo the joy and closeness of reading together; keep offering to read or just start; they will get hooked and so will you. happy parenting
We have been asked to mentor a young couple, and I would love to pass these words of wisdom on to them in book form. Fingers are crossed:)
I LOVE ‘The Gift of an Ordinary Day’ and I would also love to read the other two books. I would love to simplify our lives. Thank you for your beautiful writing.
As a mom of 3 young boys I enjoy each and every idea you offer. The world wants our children to grow up so fast and I want my kids to stay kids for as long as they can.
Simplifying our world meant letting go of cable TV. It was consuming time that we now share together.
Thank you for the opportunity! Count me in! 🙂
As a mom of 2 young boys, I try to put aside the dishes, the cleaning, and enjoy the moments of playing with duplos, little people, etc. I love your quote that the most beautiful days, the ones to be cherished, are the ordinary days. I truly believe in my older years, these are the ones I will then yearn for once again.
Count me in!
Lists, lists, lists. I find that I am more relaxed when I dont’ feel that I might be forgetting something. Love to keep notepaper by my bed for those “falling off to sleep ideas.”
Paying college tuition and therefore a tight budget has taught me to focus on needs and not wants. And, receiving the unexpected gift that I don’t need much and the wants can be fulfilled down the road. I am where I am supposed to be. Thanks for your writing Katrina!
I have created a “me space” where I can sit and look out of the window and let nature inspire my writing for cards, notes of encouragement, or simply journal.
The world needs more Katrina Kenison’s!
Please count me in! I love your blog and do not yet own the books.
We don’t have any cell phones that text or have internet. Yep, my hubby & I live in the “dark ages,” but I watch people who whip out their phones every time anyone has even the most insignificant thought to share, and I think of how they’re missing the moment. They’re not enjoying the time they’re spending with the people around them, doing whatever they’re doing. Why do we need to be in touch with everyone every single moment of the day? In this day and age, I see this as an easy choice for simplicity.
I love this post and am wish we never got hooked on cell phones, internet, etc. Great job!
My girls called it “church of the van” . . .we would pray on the car ride to school each morning. Simple thanks for the day, and asking blessings for our family, friends and pets in need of grace. It always meant much to me, but I learn when my older daughter shared a college essay with me that is meant something to the girls as well.
My son is 24 and in college. He comes home on the weekends and the race is on. I need to slow down when he is home so that we can communicate more!
Sheree
I simplify by de-cluttering. Once a year, the house undergoes a top-to-toe inventory with extraneous books, clothes, CDs, etc. either given to a charity to resell, or given away as gifts if they are still in excellent/unused condition.
OMG, I SO need these books. I have two beautiful little girls but I’m a huge ball of anxiety and I STRIVE to be a calmer, more relaxed mom than I am now. Just thinking about it now makes me tear up. I want my little girls to grow up to be happy and I think it needs to start with home.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Count me in as a possible winner! I have a young son at home and I often feel like I have no idea what I’m doing as a parent….. I guess I just learn from my mistakes and asks my friends with kids for help.
I could use this right now! I have a three year old and a 4 month old and life (not matter how much we try to simplify) always seems a bit over the top. Thank you for your awesome, heartfelt posts and for this giveaway!
Family dinner is a high priority. We’ve asked each other the following questions since my youngest was 3: something good (about your day), something challenging, how did you help someone, what are you looking forward to tomorrow. It helps connect us.
I have been on the journey of simplification for several years. Each day brings a new beginning to try mastering this virtue. With 4 children, a daughter 25, 3 sons ages 19, 18, and 14, there is never a day planned well enough to manage things being “simple”. The wisdom I have from my experience is to find amongst the chaos that comes, when a moment brings itself that only a Higher Being could bring as a gift, slow down and receive it and share it. Your book The Gift of an ordinary day has been like a drink of fresh, cool water to my spirit. I love the reassurance it brings that our children will mess up, we as parents will mess up, but we are going to be okay. Thank you for the opportunity to receive 2 more books that I am sure will bring more insight to my journey.
Count me in! I need more simplicity in my life. I’m beginning to realize that my 5 year old doesn’t have to attend every birthday party or every after school activity, but it seems as though this go-everywhere and do-everything mentality is expected among parents. Why can’t everyone just get off the merry-go-round?
Thanks for your blog, Katrina. It is a little piece of zen in my Inbox.
I have not figured out how to simplify my life, hoping that by reading the books it will help. Count me in.
Thanks!
I’d love to be counted in please: these books are very inspiring and soul stirring.
My life has been simplified for me in that, over the past 4 years, I’ve dealt with a malignant melanoma and with two foot surgeries. The much delayed surgeries caused foot trauma and I now have been diagnosed with “reflex sympathetic dysfunction”, a nerve problem which is related to foot trauma. This means I’m forced off my feet literally.
Looking at the world from a different perspective can be invaluable. My life has become much simpler, yet much fuller. I hope others reach the same special place without experiencing the ‘incidents’ that have led me here.
We say no to a lot as a family, and we are home resting and playing together so much more. I sometimes feel the pull to say yes and be more involved, but I look at the health of our family and know we’re doing it the right way. Mitten Strings for God showed me the value in this:)
Oh, and count me in please!:)
Please count me in.
I feel so lucky to have found your books and your blog. Your writing is a gentle reminder to keep things simple and enjoy the every moment with my 4 little ones! Thank you.
Hi, count me in. I would love to give these books as presents to friends.
The gift of an Ordinary Day effected me more than any other book I have read.
Keep writing!
Count me in, please.
I’m for whatever helps us parent as our best Selves—particularly the spaces that support us through the tougher moments, which we all trip over—and all too often.
I have 4 great kids ages 10, 8, 6 and 2! This year I decided to have a “date” with each kid on their own once a month. I take my 2 year old to the babysitter and I take one of my sons out of school for the day to do whatever it is they want to with only me. We have gone to the museum, for a hot chocolate and a walk along the river, to the library, snuggled up in bed and watched a movie together… it doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. It has turned out to be just what we’ve all been craving. My oldest son looked up at me near the end of our special day and said that he wished this day could last forever 🙂
Oh dear, I’ve read both books, loved them and wouldn’t it be lovely to have a copy to share from my own library. How do my family and I simplify, slow down? We are always working on it, but for us NOT running the roads on the weekends is so important. It is the only time when we are able to all be at home together.
Count me in!
I just sent my copy of Mittenstrings away to a friend who just adopted a beautiful baby girl.
I’d be delighted to receive these!
Count Me In.
I want to say Thank You, Katrina. I am so pleased to have found your books. I almost feel as if I know you. I look forward to your updates. I feel refreshed and settled after reading your words. You have become a friend. Your ideas give me so much to think about. I am more content with my life now just as it is. Thank you, my friend.
Count me in! 😉
Our second child is due two weeks or so from today. Maternity leave just began for me and this afternoon I found myself, exhausted, writing in my journal the following: “I want to get rid of everything we don’t use/haven’t used since we moved into this house 2 years ago. And the less stuff that finds its way into our home, the less stuff we will have to distract us from living and giving.”
My leave will be the longest I’ve gone without working or being in school since, well, graduate school and work. Without one salary and my husband starting a new business, we won’t be purchasing anything that is not directly linked to health and safety. Then, we’ll plant a garden … and learn to darn our socks. That’s how we plan to simplify for the coming years.
I love both of these books but I’ve loaned them out and would love another set. Count me in. I’m still learning to simplify. It may be a life-long lesson for me.
i am slowly emerging from that painful chapter that i now know all parents must face – the empty nest…i often repeated the lines “less and less of me (o lord)” and reminded myself that “unless a seed falls into the earth and dies it remains alone”…as i emptied myself of myself i have seen my young adults relax (they were also afraid to hurt me so I had to hide my pain) and flourish…my tree is now growing wide branches where my children, their friends and significant others can alight to play, rest and be and from which they can fly off into the world again knowing that they can always return to find refuge…
When I’m driving in the car, I turn off the radio (or ipod) and simply breathe,
think and pray.
Oh please count me in for these treasures!
When I read your words for the first time, I knew the lives of my children would be forever blessed – as always, thank you for this offering and for a moment shared at Mother’s Plunge, Boston – you are a treasure to so many!
I arrived at a point in my life where the question was pretty clear. As I was driving back from vacation contemplating a new position with a new company, it crystalized in my mind that in one hand was my career and in the other were my 4 children and my husband. How could I even think of choosing my career? I believe it was the time I took to think about the decision, being open to God’s voice and letting that little sacred voice inside me be heard, if only to me and tentatively to my husband that allowed me to make the first real decision that began the reordering of my life.
SO with a deep breathe I removed myself from consideration of the new position, resigned my current position ( was replaced with 4 people!!!) and found a job working 2 days a week. Oh yeah and we moved to minimize housing costs. While finances are really tight, it allowed my an opportunity to embark on my next big move. Four months later I pulled my 2 oldest out of school and I am now homeschooling.
The time I have with my children is so precious and although not every moment is a Kodak moment, I have never regretted the decision and it has brought us much closer as a family. My lesson learned is to embrace the moment and let the little voice inside you guide you. Trust that you really have the answers.
It seems we are always just trying to get from one day to the next and I would love to lead a simpler life.
With 2 teenagers, I say “every problem has a solution” often. It simplifies a great deal in ALL of our minds.
My daughter is 14 now and I think we feel the closest as a family when we keep it simple… increasingly difficult with her homework, iphone and friends, but the simple act of sitting together for dinner and talking can reconnect us and feel so good.
Count me in please. I thoroughly enjoyed The Gift of an Ordinary Day and am looking forward to making time to read Simplicity Parenting and Mitten Strings from God.
We have decided to have no television or computer time during the week for our 5 and 8 year old daughters, and amazingly, for now anyways, even on the weekends, I often find them on the couch with a book, the television off. The atmosphere is made immediately more calm and peaceful, to me, without the background noise of television.
After reading “The Gift of an Ordinary Day” I am really trying to slow down and take a moment during those ordinary days to notice and appreciate them. Thank you Katrina for making me realize that life is the journey, not the destination.
Making some things automatic helps keep my thoughts more clutter-free, since they then don’t require a decision. Meal planning, a load if laundry a day – anything that allows me to step out of worry and into the present moment more. Pre-thinking allows for more presence!
count me in
Count me in too!
Count me in.
I have wanted the simplicity book since I found out about it but as a stay at home mom I just don’t have thr extra money. So, I read what I can about them via their facebook and blogs like this. Through these I have learned so much. I’m big on removing the clutter from my home. It really does create a better atmosphere, a happier toddler, and a more organized (and happier) Momma.
Count me in!
I have “to and fro” children, so they are happiest when we “just” have “home days”…nothing planned, just time to be at home, play outside, read a book, do chores….
The most freeing choice I’ve made lately is not trying to get on the computer while I’m hanging out with my 18 month old son. It hit home for me when I was heading over to the computer, to mechanically check email for no real reason, and he was standing at the coffee table saying “mommy play!” I said ok with a big smile, and he said “yay mommy!” No email in the world could compete with that. I say that with only one caveat – I would ditch him in a second for an email saying I won these free books 🙂
Simplicity parenting always helps remind me to treasure the moments hidden in there among the craziness that is the ‘modern world’. I had one yesterday – my three toddlers opened the door to our bedroom yesterday when I was trying to have my sleep in. They ended up crawling all over me for half an hour and having a wonderful time. Instead of telling them to go away, I just lay back and enjoyed being in the moment with them.
After reading Simplicity Parenting I slowed our schedule way down. We no longer go to extra classes or do weekly playdates. I started meal planning and shopping monthly so we didn’t have to go to the food co-op on a weekly basis. These two things have created that sacred space for my son and daughter to find their rhythms.
Count me in, please! My life is quite hectic with two active little boys and I would love to learn more about simplifying our lives.
I loved Simplicity Parenting and am so excited to find your books & blog.
I find inspiration in my kids. Today, my 4 yr old spent 30 minutes playing with a stick in a nearly empty room (the ceiling was being painted). Then he spent the rest of the morning paintinga box. I wonder if he would miss his “real” toys? Maybe not.
Please count me in.
Count me in… I’m a tired mama who needs to simplify. Rhythm is most needed.
Any author who comes recommended by you MUST be worth reading! Thank you for letting your readers know about Kim’s book. Would love to win it (but if I don’t, will buy it).
I just had a second baby and am still trying to find a balance. Your words are just what I needed today. Can’t wait to read the book.
hello,
thank you for this lovely give-away.
i have honestly learnt about slowing things down, listening more and that we need home days:)
“Count me in!”
I think a lot of adults could benefits from Kim’s advice. I loved your book Katrina and have shared it with several friends.
Please, count me in!
Turn off the TV, shut off the phone and get to a project without being interrupted, start to finish!
Pray.
I would love to give this has a gift! I couldn’t wait so I bought the new book you mentioned Simplicity Parenting. Love what I have read so far. Thanks for all you do to help us mom’s today.
i learned that to simply accept my children the way they are simplifies my life.
I have told my kids just how important it is to be “bored.” To be forced to enjoy the things and people around them without outside influences. Its truly amazing to see just how creative and peaceful my four kids can be!
Having family game time- after dinner but before bed has strengthen our family. Slow down and make time for eachother.
Please count me in!! I love your blog and your writings!