So, one of the things that she implemented, was a schedule. We set up schedules for the kids to help regulate what they do during the day, how much time is spent on media (TV, Tablet, Computer etc) and how much time they have free to do as they wish. We also put into the schedule morning, afternoon, and evening chores. If I'm being completely honest, I'll tell you the afternoon chores just don't happen consistently, so I'm working those back out of our schedule, which is an important point about the schedule- you are not locked in! The schedule can, and will change. But, the morning and evening chores do and that has helped all of us tremendously. It helps the kids know that they have value, because they have purpose in our home. It helps me not feel quite as overwhelmed because I'm not the only one responsible for the chores. It also gives me an opportunity to sit down and relax for a moment. For example, after dinner the kids do the after dinner chores, and I usually sit in my bed, or on the couch and play a game or two on my tablet during this down time. It's nice to have some down time when the kids are still awake.
In the beginning there was a schedule for William. Then we decided that all of the kids should have one, so that William didn't feel singled out, and truly, they all could use one anyway if for no other reason to regulate the media time. (Does anyone else struggle with feeling like media takes over their household)... Once we got them all rolling in schedules of their own I decided that writing a new schedule each day was way too much for us. I could see the value in it, and I could really see how knowing what the day held helped William with his anxiety and consequently his mood, but I could also see that I was about to go under the waters of overwhelm real fast. So, I went to pinterest looking for templates or something to make this ABA Schedule easier. What I found, were references to Managers of Their Homes, a program by Terri Maxwell, that I had heard about in the past, but never actually tried. I decided that I needed to give it a try and see if it helped us. I will tell you the program, along with their software, ScheduleBreeze has really helped us tremendously.
There were many things I learned as we implemented the schedule. One of them was that I didn't have any space for me. Not only did I need that space, but the kids need to know that I have space for me because I'm modeling for them how they should organize their day. Do I want their days full of doing more and more and more, with no time to just be? So, now we all have schedules, and it helps me to keep myself in line as well.
Colossians 4:5 says, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” Over the next little while we'll spend some time talking about what the best use of time is. I will give you a teaser- it's not busyness, or even productivity.
Stay tuned for more on how I'm getting my life together :)
Love, Semalee
Patsy was the key note speaker at 
. She’s been through some stuff- haven’t we all?- and she is using it to glorify God and bring others closer to Him. 
is a book that recalls stories of 4 year old Colton who experiences heaven while sick. This book was not really what I was expecting, but I'm not really sure what I was expecting. As I began to read the book I was immediately drawn into the story. I found myself in tears at a couple of places as the writer told the story. I'm sure this book may not appeal to everyone, but for me it was just what I needed when I needed it. It offers hope to those who have lost loved ones. It is confirmation and encouragement for those who wonder about what happens when we die. It's confirmation of God's amazing and redeeming love. 
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in the mail from the publisher. I am a long time fan of Max Lucado, and I was very excited to receive this book. I was never disappointed. The book is a collection of short stories, so to speak about people and actions that have changed the world. It is a collection of stories put together to help you see the bigger picture in life. We go about life often in a daze, only consumed with the troubles of our own lives and our own days with nary a thought towards others. From front to back it is an engaging book. I found my self feeling the need to share bits and pieces of it all the time with the people around me, and couldn't wait to read more. It also comes with a study guide in the back, and would be a fantastic book to study in a small group setting, or in a church setting. I believe this book is so versatile that it would also work well for a church wide study. All in all, I would definitely recommend this book, and I will probably read it several times.
, by Andy Andrews to review. It was a very short book, filled with a couple of interesting stories. The basis of the book is the idea that everything we do has an effect on many, sometimes thousands, sometimes millions, even billions of people. I've heard this concept before in the form of the "Ripple Effect", though it is a little different. Even though the book was only 58 pages, I found it difficult to stay engaged with the book. The initial story was centered around a battle during the civil war, and it really seemed to drag on and on. Then he went on to tell of the invention of a form of crop that thrives better, and how it came about, and all the people that were ultimately involved. This was a bit more interesting than the first story, and I eventually saw the point the author was making, but still found it hard to remain interested. All in all I would not say this book was "life changing" or anything like that, but does contain some interesting concepts.
, by Andy Andres. This is the children's version of