Not Your Momma’s Advocate Natasha Forney

Occasionally as a parent, I wish I had an expert for fields that seem beyond my reach. We often joke how parenting doesn't come with a manual, we learn so much as we go and implement the truth we know into our kids. Fortunately God has gifted so many of us with different talents and they are meant to be shared. 

My new friend Sarah Collins is doing just that, she is taking her expertise in Occupational Therapy and sharing it with other parents. Access to Occupational Therapy is limited for homeschool students, so for Sarah to make herself available in this capacity is fantastic. I encourage you to find her on Facebook and Instagram; I promise you will pick up some great tips to implement at home. 

Facebook: Homeschool Therapy Ideas

Instagram: HomeschoolOT

Sarah mentioned some other places that we should be checking out:

Sped Homeschoolers on Instagram and Facebook

The National Homeschool Education Research Institute

Mealtimemaven on Instagram

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and give this podcast a review on Apple Podcasts. 

Have a blessed school year!  

Do you have a passion that you would love to turn into a small business from home, but do not know where you would start? I know I say this about every episode, but I loved this conversation, this is a must listen. It doesn't matter where you are in life, this episode is a complete joy to listen to.  Julie is a wife, a homeschooling mom of three and owns a successful earring business. Ladies, these earrings are beautiful! I am listing all the ways to shop for all the people in your life! I cannot wait for you to shop Anabelle + Oak and get to know my friend Julie, you are going to fall in love! Thank you Julie for the discount code! Use the code NATASHA10 at the website for 10% off by 7/19/21.

Website: www.anabelleandoak.com VIP Group: facebook.com/groups/anabelleandoak IG: @anabelleandoak Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/anabelleandoak Arkansas Alley: https://arkansasalley.com/pages/seller-profile?anabelleoak

I am sure I am not the only mother to say NEVER to homeschooling, but times and seasons change. I have reached a point in motherhood when I just want my three littles home to learn. I do not presume to know everything, to be the best teacher, to be an expert in anything, but I do know my children the best and I know that more than anything that they need Jesus. They also need life skills that school doesn't afford them and rich lessons in history that I am concerned are being erased or changed in our school systems. Maybe you do not share these sentiments, either way, homeschool is a great option, even if it is a temporary solution in a chaotic world. 
I hope this episode encourages you, gives you a new perspective on homeschooling and leaves you with new ideas if you are already teaching your kids at home. Michelle is so encouraging and is a wealth of resources. Please find her on Instagram for more encouragement and ideas at michelle.hulsey She wants us to remember Galatians 6:9 in teaching or raising our children. Also Michelle the Read Aloud Revival booklists and podcast, so check it out! She discussed her homeschool routine and in the morning they participate in the Morning Basket, which can also be found as a podcast. So many resources parents! 
Don't forget your local library, Pinterest, homeschool groups and other homeschool moms on social media. 
To find your local Classical Conversations group check out this website https://www.classicalconversations.com/community-search/
When looking for curriculum to fit your family, remember that many places offer free samples to try first and you can search for almost any curriculum on YouTube. 
I would love to hear what you are using at home! Send me a message!

I am so thankful for you, friends! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. No matter how you are celebrating this year, I pray it is a blessed holiday! I will be back for one more episode in December. I am looking forward to an exciting calendar of guests for 2021!
My mom's sweet potato casserole is my favorite Thanksgiving side! If you are looking for something new or need an extra side, this recipe is pretty fabulous!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sweet-potato-casserole-3364945
Help your littles countdown to Christmas and anticipate the birth of Christ! Here are some pretty decorative calendars and also an advent to do with the kids! 
https://www.target.com/p/fabric-christmas-countdown-calendar-with-pockets-opalhouse-8482/-/A-79642962#lnk=sametab
https://www.target.com/p/17-34-x-11-34-christmas-countdown-advent-calendar-dark-wood-threshold-8482/-/A-79643086#lnk=sametab
https://truthinthetinsel.com/
https://pin.it/4MyZPsK
If you enjoy this podcast, please share it with a friend, give the podcast a glowing review on Apple Podcasts and download the podcast wherever you listen! Thank you! 

This is a fantastic episode with my longtime friend Preslie! She shares with us the myth of being able to balance it all as a mom and so many practical pieces of advice for everyday. She is a gifted pastry chef, real estate agent, she owns a cleaning business and is also going to design school. Listen as Preslie shares her heart with us! 

Preslie talked about how to teach our kids to anticipate Christmas with, "Truth in the Tinsel". Take a minute and check it out for your family this holiday season.  https://truthinthetinsel.com/  

Preslie is so very talented! Please go follow her on Instagram and Facebook @awelcomedhomebypreslie 

I know that you will enjoy listening! Please pass it along to a friend, give it five stars on Apple Podcasts and give it a glowing review! Giving it a great review is the way others can also hear the podcast.

Thank you! I appreciate you!

Friends! Believe it or not we are in the Holiday season! My sweet friend Jessica and I went to Target and we put together some fantastic gift ideas for everyone on your list! The kids of all ages, gifts for the creative to the active and gifts to remember the grownups in your lives! 

This is a long conversation, but not without great content! Also, everything that is mentioned can be found with a link at natashaforney.com 

We also discussed the importance of reminding your kids to give back this season and highlighted samaritanspurse.org

Something to keep in mind is that in this blessed year of 2020, shipping is slow and stores are not going to allow us to cram into stores to shop with COVID guidelines. So don't wait until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping, that is not fun for anyone! 

Jessica and I truly hope that this helped some families out there get a jump start on Christmas because a stressed Christmas is not fun. 

Please send me a message if you have any ideas you would like to add. I will post more ideas on my social media! Also, if you have any questions about anything we talked about, let me know! 

HAPPY SHOPPING!