Treasures From My Heart to Yours
Free email newsletter reaching over 500 women.
Offering encouragement to mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers
Editor: Donna Kauffman
Author: Treasures From a Mother’s Heart,
The Treasure of Careful Planning--Enjoy the Gift of Organization,
Treasures From a Waiting Heart--Experiencing His Healing Presence
http://treasuresbooks.blogspot.com/
4139
Kinsman RoadN. Bloomfield, OH 44450
440-693-4070
Volume 4 #3 March 2006
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* Notice my email address has changed to rdkauffman@alltel.netHello ladies. My daughter shared the following article with me, passed on to her from another source. Mrs. Judi Martin, writer of the piece has given permission for me to share the writing with you. Judi and her husband, Levi, served in Guatemala for a number of years. Six of their seven children were born there. The children’s ages range from 2 - 14 years old. I trust this will encourage you as it did me. Donna
Employing Our Children
One of the areas I’ve found very helpful as a busy mother is to employ my children in the running of the house. I believe if I had only one or two children at home this plan would still be very vital for their own well-being and training.
At the beginning of each summer I try to list the new jobs I want to assign to each child for the next school year. During the summer we train each person for their new responsibilities.
For example last summer it was time to transfer the task of baking. Wendy (14) had made our bread for about four years. Regina (12) was responsible for cakes and cookies as they were needed. I was feeling a bit hesitant to pass along the torch since this routine worked so smoothly. It felt like a lot of work to make the changes. However, I felt for the sake of the younger ones this needed to be done.
Summer came and Wendy trained Regina in to bake the bread. Within a short time Regina learned to do the bread every bit as good as Wendy. Regina, in turn, taught the twins, Jolynn and Josiah (7) the basics of cake and cookie baking. I am continuing to work along with them but they are picking it up very quickly.
Bethany (4) has taken over the job of making granola along with Nathan’s (2) and my help. I trained Wendy in for making pies and she does a great job. I explained to the girls that might count it a privilege to take over some of my favorite jobs.
Baking time is always Tuesday afternoon and believe me, the kitchen is a BUSY place. While the others are baking, Joshua (10) is making a meat and potato supper. He really enjoys this job along with the responsibility of making Breakfast Casserole Monday evening.
The older girls are each responsible to plan and make one supper a week. Then Joshua does Tuesday supper and the twins and Bethany help me make (or rather, I help them make) Thursday supper. That only leaves me the Wednesday evening meal. They love this arrangement and are learning so much.
It is very special for them when we have guests on Sunday and I am thanked for the meal. I tell the guests that the children made most of it. They also know I sincerely mean it when I tell others that I don't know what I'd do without all the wonderful help from them.
A quick run-down of a normal day at our house looks like the following:
Before breakfast Wendy and Joshua chore. Regina starts the laundry (we try to do two loads a day) and then helps with breakfast or dressing the little ones. Josiah cleans and vacuums the living room. Jolynn sets the table, and Bethany cleans up the school room. Everyone is to have their room clean and be dressed by breakfast time. If we follow this morning routine it helps the rest of the day go much smoother.
After breakfast the twins and Bethany do dishes. Joshua dresses Nathan and sweeps the porch. Wendy sweeps the kitchen and dining room and cleans a bathroom. And Regina hangs out wash and cleans a bathroom.
This means the house is pretty well straightened up and we are ready for school. Many hands definitely makes the work lighter.
After school, dishes are done and everyone has about two more miscellaneous jobs (most of them differ from one day of the week to the next).
For example: Jolynn waters the house plants Monday and Thursday.
(I found that putting a sliver of popsicle stick in the dirt of each plant and writing a number on it reminds her how much water to give each plant. She takes a pitcher and measuring cup and is learning fractions along with her job!) Regina, Jolynn, and Bethany always fold and put away laundry.
The boys always haul firewood.
Usually, there are at least 2-3 hours of the afternoon when the children can pursue their own activities if they’ve done their chores promptly. They often read, listen to me read to them, play outside etc.
For each job that is assigned to the children, I made an index card with a careful description of how I want it done. It is not realistic to expect that our children will automatically know how the jobs ought to be done. These cards are kept in our “job box” and given out when jobs are assigned.
This is what a card in our “job box” looks like:
Wash Dishes
All dishes washed unless you have permission to leave some soaking.
Kitchen sink wiped clean (around the faucet, too).
Wipe off the counter and bar well.
White dishpans wiped out and stacked neatly under the sink.
Wipe off counter with squeezed out rag and put everything away except hand soap.
Rinse dishrags and fold neatly across center of sink. (Only 2 dishrags should be
there.)
Put your stool away.
Wendy and Regina are responsible each day for one bathroom. I had asked them to each make up a weekly schedule of what would be done on which days. This is taped to the inside of the bathroom cabinet door. At a glance, they know just what to do for that day.
A book that has helped me so much to get everything organized, is “Managers of Their Homes.”
I read once in a Keepers at Home magazine that we never need to apologize for involving our children with household responsibility. The mother has many positions to fill that the children cannot do. Mom is needed to work with, read to, and see to the discipline of the little ones. This should not be left for the older children while Mom scurries around doing all the housework.
There are sacrifices to employing your children. It takes time, focus, and self-discipline. I find that if I get lax, everyone else does too and things quickly get out of order and off schedule. I find a very important part of keeping on track is to have chore checks throughout the day. This is where I check over the jobs that have been done.
I’ve found that my house might not be exactly as clean as if I were doing it myself. Our meals might not turn out as well as if I would have done them. I remind myself that it’s okay. The benefits I reap are bountiful.
Some of those benefits are:
Everyone feels truly needed.
No one has much time to get bored.
We all learn the value of working together to do a big job.
Everyone better understands the value of putting things away immediately, and not coming into the house with dirty shoes.
I trust this can be an encouragement to you. It is something we’ve grown into over the years. It didn’t happen overnight.
May God bless each of you as you seek to be first, His child; then your husband's help- meet; a loving mother, and a keeper at home. What a privileged place to be in life.
Judi Martin
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Spring Sale
My Books
*The Treasure of Careful Planning: Regular price $7.99, Sale price $7.00, four or more $6.75 each.
*Treasures From a Waiting Heart: Regular price $9.50, Sale price $8.50, four or more $8.25 each.
Purchase a package
of both books for $15.25.Treasures From a Waiting Heart
--Experiencing His Healing Presence
As you follow Donna’s candid story of struggle, failure and self effort, you will identify. As you witness the redemption, healing and freedom that the loving Father abundantly poured out on her repentant heart, you will long. Donna shares the priceless treasures she has gathered at the feet of her loving Father, waiting for His healing and the heart transformation she longed for. Read with your heart, read with a hunger. The Father’s arms are open wide. Hope Byler
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The Treasure of Careful Planning
This book tells the story of how the Lord met me during a very low time in my early mothering years. The message He unfolded has changed my life from that day until today. You’ll learn to determine your purpose for being on this earth, and numerous ideas on organizing your life in a way that you’ll have more time to accomplish your purpose than you imagined.~~~~~~
You can order my books at rdkauffman@alltel.net I’ll send an invoice with your order. You may mail a check or money order when you receive the invoice.
Shipping for one book is $1.50 each. In Canada, $1.75. If you purchase more than one book the shipping cost is less per book.
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Question for the Month
Please send your questions and responses to rdkauffman@alltel.net
The question for this month is:
I don't remember if this was covered before, but I am a mother of two, ages 3 & 1, and am looking for ideas for play time. The oldest often comes asking what to do next and sometimes I am at a loss as to know how to direct them. Any suggestions would be welcome. Grace
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The question for last month was:
I've put on at least 30 pounds since I got married and have tried diets, but failed... not that the diets wouldn't have worked, but I lacked the will power to stay on them. I always want results NOW, so I try something drastic. But that obviously isn't working. It bothers me that I'm no longer the slim attractive girl my husband married years ago, although he doesn't let on if it bothers him. Anyway, I'm asking for success stories on what you ladies have done for fighting "the battle of the bulge". It's summer, and I can't hide behind my sweaters anymore.
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Answers to last month’s question:
I usually have more questions than answers, so I've never replied to any of the questions in your e-mails. But when I saw the last one, I thought I just had to write and tell what's worked for me. Unfortunately, it's not a quick-fix. I have 3 children - ages 6, 3, and 1 - and it's never been easy for me to get all the weight back off after having a baby.
One of the first things I had to realize is that I can't just diet, it has to become a way of life. I know that if I struggle to keep the weight off while I'm busy running after my children, it's not going to get any easier as they grow older and more independent.
January a year ago, my baby was 2 months old and I still had 15 pounds to lose, plus an extra 10 to get to my "pre-marriage" weight. A friend who had had a baby in Sept. 2004 was also wanting to lose weight and she and her husband got a weight loss group together. It's one of the best things that's ever happened to me! The size of the group is approximately 10-12 people - there've been people drop out, but also others have joined since then.
Basically it's an accountability group for weight loss, and I think that is a key in most successful weight loss programs. It's not a diet - we each get to set our own rules. At our first meeting we each weighed ourselves, then set our long-term goal - how much weight we wanted to lose that year.
I set a goal to lose 25 pounds. Then we set short-term goals. We meet every 2 weeks to weigh in, so we decided what we wanted to work on for the next 2 weeks. For example, the first time I set a goal to lose at least 1 lb. and to limit my servings of sweets/desserts to only once a day. We also specified what and how much exercise we would commit to for the next two weeks.
Other times, I've limited my snacking to fruits and vegetables. Or maybe I’ve substituted my regular lunch or supper with salad for a week. If we cheat on any of our rules, or if we gain over a pound by the next weigh-in, we owe $1 per offense.
My husband, who also wanted to lose about 20 pounds, joined the group, and that helped me tremendously. It took about 9-10 months, but I did lose my goal weight of 25 pounds! If I had been more disciplined, it probably wouldn't have taken that long. I still go to the meetings, just to see if I'm staying on track. I gained a couple of pounds after I quit nursing my baby (who is now hardly a baby anymore!), but I'm working on losing those again. I must say, the last 5 pounds are the hardest to get off! I hope this will be helpful, but I know it doesn't work for everyone. May God bless you. Anita Miller
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I also have the problem of the will power. Here is what I feel helped me get going. I started out on the diet called TJ's Miracle Soup, also known as the Cabbage Soup Diet. I did not go the whole week as I started to get lightheaded. But I feel it helped me to scale back on my eating. I have eaten in very small portions since. I haven't lost as many pounds as I have lost inches! I‘m also drinking more water. That’s been difficult for me. Adding a lemon to it can be helpful.
When I dish up my plate I am trying to take only a spoonful of each thing. I try to drink at least 2 cups of water. Then I let it settle a bit and ask myself if I need any more food. If I am honest with myself, I don’t take another helping. If I feel I need more I try to take only one more spoonful of something.
I also find asking the Lord to curb my appetite is helpful.
I am not there yet, but I am working on it. My husband has noticed that I’m looking nicer. That makes me feel like keeping on.
Smile and give it all your best effort. Lydia Momma of 3
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Bless you for being open about this sensitive subject for women. During highschool (13 years ago) I did a crash diet called 3-D and lost 22 lbs., but I gained it back (and more) within a year. Thus began my struggle with maintaining a healthy weight.
Now I try to simply live a healthy lifestyle which really helps to keep my weight down and I feel so much better. This includes doing consistent exercises such as brisk walking and/or jogging (even while pushing a stroller) for twenty minutes or more, a few good tummy exercises such as crunches, using an inexpensive abs wheel, etc. at least four times per week.
It's tough to get into the routine of exercise, but it does get easier. And with more little ones I'm sure it is challenging. I've found that exercise helps my energy level and also fights colds during the winter.
My husband found a very nice treadmill for free that he put in our basement which has been a plus this winter.
Not eating between meals (with the exception of fresh fruit), limiting desserts, and using whole grains is also helpful. Although losing weight this way takes longer than a crash diet, it sure has helped me fight that "battle of the bulge" and has had longer lasting effects than the 3-D diet.
- Renita mother of 1~~~~~
I'm still amazed and thrilled with the weight loss I've experienced. I would love to share the tips that have helped me out.I recommend the book The 5 Day Miracle Diet by Adele Puhn. Don't be put off by the "miracle" part of the title. She stresses stabilizing blood sugar levels and keeping in "good blood sugar." The first 5 days can be tough to get through, but after 5 days energy levels will increase (drastically in my case) by eating "hard chews" as in carrots, apples, etc. every 2 hours in the a.m. and "soft chews" (oranges, peach, strawberries) every 3 hours in the afternoon, blood sugar levels are stabilized. I no longer get that shaky feeling where "I've got to eat something" or that totally exhausted-crawl-into-bed urge in the afternoon. I have felt worlds better, and when I stick to eating well, I do not experience food cravings.
A daily meal plan could look like this: 7:30 a.m. Whole grain bread and an egg
9:30 a.m. 10 baby carrots
11:30 a.m. an apple
12:30 lunch--a large salad with some kind of protein; a slice of whole grain bread if desired. Often I have a salad and a serving of blackbeans with rice.
3:30 an orange
6:00 protein and plenty of veggies. try for one starch veggie every other day; try for 2/3 of your plate filled with veggies (salad counts)
For full details, check your local library for this book--Ms. Puhn gives very easy to understood details as to why your body reacts to the foods you eat. Kathy
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To the question for the woman 30 lbs. overweight, I can sympathize with you greatly. Something I have found works for me is to listen to your body. God has built in us, a hunger sensation and after we eat, a full sensation. Have you ever ate a meal and half way through realized you weren't even hungry to begin with?It will not hurt to skip a meal if you're not hungry enough. Plan to eat light or you will be too hungry by the next meal. Learn to avoid snacks in between meals. I try to tell myself that my body is working off fat.
I’m working to learn to stop when I’m full. It sounds simple, but it’s hard to do. The first and second bite of something is best anyway. If you have children watching, just take a half portion rather than not cleaning your plate, if you are teaching them to clean theirs.
Also don't make a big 'to do' about losing weight. Our children are watching and listening to us. Just do it quietly.
I have a son who started thinking he needed to lose weight after listening to me talk about it for several years.It’s important to just never give up. If you don’t do well one day, start over the next day and keep going. I still struggle with my weight and probably always will. Sandy
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While I was getting ready for our wedding I wanted to lose quite a bit of weight. A friend of mine suggested that I try TruLean. I don’t care about taking pills but decided to give it a try since she gave me a half bottle. It won't be overnight results but it definitely helps.
Almost a year later I have gained a good amount of the weight back due to having our first child. So now I want to lose again.
My husband decided to try it also. He said he could tell a difference within two days.
We've had a hard time finding it so if your interested here is the information. TruLean...helps you while you manage your weight. Boosts Energy and Metabolism. Promotes Overall Well-Being. Nutritional Supplement. Multi-Action Formula with Mira Tea. Call toll free 1-888-TruLean or
www.TruLean.com.Best wishes...Rhoda
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I recommend the Books The Weigh Down Diet and Rise Above by Gwen Shamblin. She deals with the real issue of an overeater and it is the only diet that has ever worked for me. She is a Christian and pulls her information directly from the Bible. Overeating is a sin and the key is a heart change, turning our focus to God and away from food! Believe me it works wonderful when it's really and truly applied. The first two weeks I lost about 12# and I was eating anything I wanted. Pizza, Cheesecake, Chips, veggies and fruits.
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For the lady who is wondering about weight loss, I would like to recommend the blog of a dear personal friend of mine. She is openly sharing her weight loss journey and very present reality that it is a change that must come from the inside not the outside. The address is http://carebearsunshine.blogspot.com Lani
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The battle of the bulge for many of us is a life long battle. I have tried many methods. One that I like to try once each year is a call to discipline. It always amazes me how many other things “fall” into place when I call myself to discipline. It also shows me how much I consume without realizing it. In my call to discipline I fast for one week.
When I had toddlers I would get extremely irritable when I would do the fast. I think so much of my irritability was caused by the frustration that it takes so much work to maintain my weight, and then I was around people who needed food all day. Those years I didn’t know how to invite Jesus into “the battle of the bulge”.
The biggest change I have enjoyed when I try dieting is the realization that my body is a gift from my Heavenly Father. I am called to take care of my body. When that is my focus, I am not as consumed about how my body looks and what my husband or others might be thinking of me. I don’t shame myself. I rise up with renewed energy to take care of the body God has given me. I think differently about food. I endeavor to remember it’s not just about eating less food that will make me thin. It’s more about learning to eat healthy as a lifestyle. And eating healthy provides me with better energy to bless my family and community. Marie, mother of 4 boys!
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Answer to earlier question
The question from a mother whose 10 year old is always worried about someone else getting the better end of a deal reminded me of an article called "Love is like God" in the July-August, 2005 edition of No Greater Joy Magazine. Although the problem addressed by that article is not completely similar to hers, it might give some insight. If she would like to contact them their web address is:
www.nogreaterjoy.org--A Reader
I wanted to give some encouragement to the mother with the ten year old who has jealousy troubles.
We like to pray with our children for their particular needs. Not just pray for them but with them. We have seen good results with this. Our five year old started to pick her fingernails and I wanted her to quit right away. I tried to talk her out of it and that didn't work. I knew what a bad habit it could become. After a few months of praying with her about it she began requesting prayer for herself about it in family devotions. Before long I noticed she had quit picking her fingernails.
I think praying with the child protects them from moving to condemnation and causes them to realize Jesus can help. Beth mother of 4
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Special Request
I have an unusual request. We are a homeschooling family and have been trying to finish up a state notebook project. We are collecting state postcards from each of the 50 states. And we are down to the last 4 but they have been elusive. We still need Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, and Delaware. I was wondering if any of your readers live in those states and would like to take the time to send a postcard our way. If so, mail to:
The Martin family, 270 East Main St., Leola, Pa 17540~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Treats From Tots
Please send delightful lines from your children to
rdkauffman@alltel.netWe had just finished decorating valentine cookies with sprinkles when we sat down for lunch and my three year old daughter led in prayer saying, "God is great and God is good, and we thank Him for our cookies, by His hands we have sprinkles, give us Lord our daily bread, Amen!
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A quote from our three-year-old granddaughter: Taylor spent the day with me and that evening told her Mommie she had gone to 'sewing circus' with Grandma. Jane
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Birth Announcements
Congratulations to our new mothers.Braden Cole
9 lbs. 20 in.
Born Feb. 2, 2006
Charlie & Cretora Kline
Cali
Charles
Bryce
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Matthew Joel
December 10,2005,Kenyan time.
Randy and Wilma Lapp---Kenya,East Africa
2 brothers -Ryan and Tyler and a big sister Krystal.
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From You
Send your hints, tips, comments to rdkauffman@alltel.net.
A hint for Grandmas (or Mamas): if it's too cold to take the child out to play in the snow, scoop some up in basins, bring it in to the table and get the bathtub toys out. I did this yesterday and it was great - wish I had thought of it when our children were little. Jane
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Comments from Newsletter Readers
As I was reading about your "smiles" I realized this is an area I definitely need to work on. I try to be pleasant and cheerful but am aware now of what is missing! I plan to change that today. Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention. God Bless, Grace
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I printed your thoughts about smiling for my husband and am giving that to Merle at breakfast on this Valentine's Day. Thank you for putting such encouraging thoughts into words.
Jane
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I want to say that I am so blessed by your ministry! I praise the Lord how you have used your gifts for His glory! In sharing you life's journey, you have given each of us the courage to take steps toward knowing God better and becoming a better person/wife/mother. WE CAN IMPACT THE COMMUNITY FOR HIM!!! Thank you for your faithfulness to that which HE has called you. Blessings, Marie
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Until next time. God Bless
Donna Kauffman
Notice house number change
4139 Kinsman Road
N. Bloomfield, OH 44450
440-693-4070
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