Tag: homestead

  • What is an American School?

    I always hated the thought of being a teacher growing up. I told myself I would never become a teacher because they aren’t treated well or paid enough, yet I find myself in positions to teach constantly. At every job I’ve had, it has taken about 2 months, and I start training new people. My first job after moving out at 18 was teaching in daycare. Once I found God and began attending church in my hometown, I taught Sunday school and Wednesday night classes. I always end up loving it despite my preconception of the job. 

    I recently started subbing for a high school, and once again, despite warnings about the struggles of this job, I love it. I love the kids and want them to do well and enjoy a prosperous life. I have so many thoughts about this new job. I do not care about how much I’m getting paid. Being with kids and teaching them is the most rewarding job to me. Of course, I want to make an adult amount of money and make enough to save and for bills, extra for things I want, but I would do this work for free if I could. Funny how things change. 

    Because of this new experience, I am realizing all sorts of new things about myself. I love to teach, I love education, I love community, and people need so much more love. But just being nice will not help as much as love and discipline can. 

    Proverbs 22:15 says, “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;

    The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.” 

    And Proverbs 29:15 says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom,

    But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.”

    The journey of becoming a Christian has shown me new ways to live my life. Teaching helps me see where I lack, and quickly. I know now I need to become less reactive and more proactive. I need to bring discipline to my teaching, or else they will not find a way to respect me. But growing up with an abusive family, I have always been softer to people. I give mass amounts of grace and mercy, and I’m learning not to give too much. That is another reason I love subbing. I get to learn how to improve in multiple areas of my life while helping fill holes in my community. God blessed me with this opportunity, and now with the knowledge of what direction I would like to take my career. 

    I have many wonderful things to say about my newfound love, but oh, the troubles it comes with as well. I have never seen high school the way I see it now. I have only had this job for a short time, and already I have learned things about teenagers that I never knew, and never wanted to. And it has led me down the rabbit hole about Generation Alpha. 

    For many reasons, this generation is very different from mine, Generation Z. And yes, I recognize the problems within my peers, but that is a separate conversation. Gen A may be close in age, but much different in approach and experience. I love the kids I teach, but because of my love for them, I also see the deep-seated problems in the classroom. Do we blame covid for the lack of attention these children receive at home? I was a teenager during covid and yes it sucked, but it only gave my parents all the more time to pay attention to my siblings and I. And I don’t know that I feel specifically neglected because of the pandemic, but that is a question I would like to have an answer for. I know through studies I found my senior year that teenagers were using more substances during covid, and felt more responsibility at a younger age. Asking people around me, I have heard stories about how children during the pandemic have changed completely and not necessarily for the better. 

    Of course, I do not have any children and do not know what it is like to be younger and go through covid during elementary school, and I’m sure the shift in childhood experiences must have been extreme. Going from blowing bubbles outside with friends, barbeques with family, and constant sleepovers to quarantined and alone has to do something detrimental to the developing brain. I know we all feel lonelier than ever, regardless of the sources we blame.

    People thrive in community. Multiple cultures are seen to value it more than America tends to, and you see the difference in their anxiety and depression rates. It is harder to feel the weight of the world when multiple people are carrying it with you. Even in the Bible, Jesus speaks on the importance of communion with the body of Christ, and he is a great example of healthy living. He was always finding time for friends, the poor, children, and those in need. He knew the right balance of social and private life.  

    So there are multiple possibilities for this neglected generation. Reasons that these kids are left to their own devices, video games, and to themselves. Loneliness kills ,and you can ask just about anyone and get a similar response: people don’t like being alone all the time. So many students have told me things that are concerning about the state of the American home. They often joke about their abusive and alcoholic parents, complain about going home, beg to stay at school, and as a whole, have repeatedly said “They won’t care” when I mention telling their parents something important about them or their education. 

    Whatever the reason, these kids are struggling. I cannot stand the constant blame on the teachers and the school system. I do my best to see both sides of every story, and in public school, teachers are not meant to be parents. Parents who do less than the bare minimum cannot blame teachers for simply doing a very difficult job. Every teacher has flaws, and every parent, as well as the students themselves. But each person in this system plays an important role. 

    The notion that parents are paying the teachers’ salaries is an entitled one I am tired of hearing. We all pay our taxes and expect them to be used wisely, but that does not mean we should go around telling people how to do their government jobs. Teachers need more support than ever, teaching in a time where technology and the students are constantly changing with the culture. Responsibility for teachers is greater while their pay stays the same. They are dealing with an indifferent spirit in the children, where they can not be convinced to care about anything. 

    In the same breath, the students are expected to do a normal amount of work with even less support than the generation before them… or too much support. “Gentle parenting” has become a new joke among Gen Z to highlight the lack of responsibility for the parents of Gen A. Many parents are neglecting discipline for their children under the guise of “gentle parenting”. The notion in itself is not necessarily bad, but the idea that letting children determine right from wrong and their own punishments is a whole world of wrong. Children need parents to guide and lead them, not protect them from every uncomfortable situation the world has to offer. They avoid any growth in the same way they can scroll away from any uncomfortable thing on their phones. This is an easy way to hide from actual parenting skills like setting boundaries and limits, things that children desperately need. Without proper guidance, attention, and limits, these students are becoming increasingly addicted to their phones, vulgar with their peers, and careless with their actions.

    Every person in a community needs to step up to help solve this issue. Parents need to pay close attention to their children to know what their child is going through, teachers need support and to do the best they can at their jobs, students need to hold themselves accountable and help their peers do the same, and community members need to be willing to share and help when called upon. Teachers need to communicate with parents, and parents need to know their child well enough to see when they are struggling. We all want to see Generation A prosper in knowledge, skills, and in life. We all have ways to help accomplish that.

    I know what it’s like to be the stressed student, the overwhelmed teacher, and I have seen many stressed parents. I know we are all under a lot of pressure to be better, hustle, pay bills, be extraordinary, but when we focus on the small details when it comes to the upcoming generation, it will take a lot off of our shoulders. Our relationships can be symbiotic; we can help each other thrive. Thank you for reading this far, and please, if you have any perspective or insight on this issue, comment on this blog to be a part of the conversation. This may not be my last post on this topic, so know that there is more to be said and more action to be taken. Do your part where you are, and notice the difference in the people around you. 

  • A Girl in the Mountains

    Living secluded is a tricky thing. In Idaho, it can be more common than not.

    I live where there are mountains and valleys with no neighbors for miles. There is an easy entry into manipulation and abuse when isolated. For example, in the wild, many predators lure their prey where no one else can see it. I know what that’s like.

    I loved the mountain at my childhood home—plenty of pine trees for forts and rocks for jumping on. I had a whole pretend life on that mountain; its steep sides made it a challenge for little me. Juneberries blossomed and ripened around every corner, making the perfect snack in the summer. I had a kitchen, dining room, garden, and workshop in those trees. The large black rock I would climb on to read and write was a landmark to that hill. Often, I was driven outside in tears over my Dad’s yelling or parents’ arguing and outbursts, and my dog would meet me on that big rock. He was always there for me in the worst times, he knew when I was not okay. 

    I felt alone a lot as a kid, even with a big family in a small town. I read many books, had crafting hobbies like weaving and crochet, and loved getting muddy outdoors. I was timid and afraid of getting hurt, and worse, I was terrified of getting in trouble. The eldest daughter has a lot on her shoulders, and I was determined to save the world somehow. But I was content with the idea of really helping at least one person. 

    At first, I enjoyed my alone time. There was no stress, freedom in the fresh air, and no one to yell at me. I would talk to God or my dog and write in my journal endlessly. I was creative and energetic, so I always had something to do. I can say I am generally about the same now. Just as I was then, I am a particularly emotional person. Not in a reactive way, but in a very internalized manner. I have had a habit since childhood of not speaking unless I had to. I just observed and took mental notes. I’m sure it comes from a fear of getting in trouble or being targeted, and especially a fear of being ignored. I had a sense that if no one wanted to listen, I then have nothing to say. I was worried I was a burden to my family, and if I had nothing good to say, then I wouldn’t say anything. Habits like that were so common for me to continue as I grew up. I wanted to be invisible, out of the way, and not a burden to anyone. I desired more than anything to make my parents’ lives easier and for them to love me. 

    I think God made mountains for such beautiful reasons. I know the mountains have healed things in me, even though they can’t talk. Living in multiple different states, I felt sick without the mountains. The thrill of climbing them, the way they grow out of the horizon in sunset lighting, the trees and animals that they home. I have always and will always love mountains. They are difficult too. They require tough treks, good shoes, stamina, and determination to get to the top (and even some bravery coming down). Moses took adventures to the tops of mountains to speak to God; the theme of spiritual journeys to mountains is common in the Bible. From Noah’s Ark to The Sermon on the Mount, mountains play a big role in the ways of humanity and our relationship with God. I am so thankful and blessed that God allowed me to be surrounded by them, for the ability to climb them and simply see them with my own eyes. 

    When I was 18 and moved out of the house, I started giving myself stick-and-poke tattoos. I started with a bee on my knee, which is now my business logo, and then a heart on my sleeve. I added mountains inside the heart because to me, that’s where the mountains will always be. I had a lot of fun in my childhood climbing up the rough ridges and hills along my family’s property. As an Idaho kid, scraping your knees on rocks and getting covered in dirt was normal. There’s a good reason I don’t wear a lot of white…

    God speaks to me on the mountains. Not loud and bright like in Moses’ story, but gently and kindly like a good Father does to his daughter. He would enter into my imaginary worlds and guide me to better choices. There were some rough days in the mountains. One particular day, I tried to take my life, but God had much better plans for me. I ate plants that weren’t edible in hopes I would slowly die, and my parents would finally pay attention to me. Thank God for his sovereignty and ways, that I was not even sick or close to dying. I just had every intention of letting go. I thought the world would be better off without me. 

    Turns out, you can’t help people by taking your own life. And then you’ll miss out on all the mountains God wants you to climb. I will ask you to do one thing for me since you’ve read this far. If you see or sense abuse, don’t keep quiet. Speak about it until something changes. Be there for the people you know have a lot going on, and especially those who seem to always be happy and have everything together. We don’t know the mountains of pain that can hide behind someone’s big smile. 

    I know from living in a small town that a lot of abuse gets overlooked. “Jimmy doesn’t get beat, so it can’t be that bad” type of mindsets are common. 78% of abuse is neglect, and studies have shown that if babies are left alone with no love and attention, they die. It is important to keep an eye out for different behaviors like drug use, isolation, and depression, because they can be signs of abuse. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. To show your support for the children being abused, please talk to your friends, family, and community members and educate each other on the dangers of abuse. Thank you for reading, and remember God is with you and loves you more than life itself. 

    CAP Month

  • Welcome Spa Bundles!

    I’ve observed a need for high-quality bathroom necessities like washcloths, loofahs, and face pads (cotton rounds).

    In the past 6 months, I’ve been creating crochet cotton face pads for cleansing and skin care. They have helped people in my community switch to a low-waste alternative and provided great gifts for their friends and family. After getting a rush of orders for those face pads, I have started making more bathroom products to help people transition to a zero/no-waste lifestyle. These products also support me in my education as my goal by the end of the year is to continue college to become a high school teacher.

    There are so many actions we can take to help the future of our children and nation; education and lifestyle choices play huge roles in the outcome of the country and the world. We need teachers who care about their job and kids, and we need to be intentional about how we consume as Americans. Buying from a local small business like BusyVandCo supports someone who wants to further their education and those of a small community, as well as brings you well-made products meant to last you years rather than moments.

    Crochet Spa Bundles

    Currently, the spa bundles contain three different washcloths, two face pads, one loofah, and one encouraging bracelet. Washing instructions come with each bundle, along with a description of the products so you know exactly what you’re purchasing and why. Every bundle can be made with custom colors, either monochrome or a color scheme.

    $25 + shipping. Local pickup and drop off are free.

    As time continues, the bundles will evolve for different needs in the community, like teenage skincare bundles, kid bathtub bundles, bulk spa bundles, and so on.

    I am so happy to have made something I know can brighten someone’s day and life when they receive their package. I hope the love for a low-waste lifestyle grows as people become more aware of their consumption and how it affects our ecosystem.

    Give a good gift, treat yourself to affordable luxury, and help a young college student become a teacher with BusyVandCo’s Spa Bundles!

    Thank you for reading this far. Your support means a lot to me and helps me more than you know.

  • It takes a village

    I have learned how important motherhood is in our world, God made them for very important work. And it takes a lot of work to do what moms do. In order to help mothers around me with my business I made a survey to ask mothers questions about their lives. I hope to cater to their needs and get to know my audience better. If you love homestead life, are a mother or want to be one, have a farm, or like to buy from my business I invite you to fill out this survey just once so I can meet your needs better.

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGX9srruKq1K3dPfOjKFl93ufW2I2eHMratc12NL1qdU9-PQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

  • Organic Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    This autumn I knew it was time for a change. I found out this year I am allergic to dairy… like all dairy not just lactose. So all my favorite foods are getting a makeover. I have made many dinners, lunches and deserts all dairy free now, and am learning better ways to do it. I also made this recipe organic by using organic flour, and locally sourced organic pumpkin. I wanted to make something healthier but delicious for my grandparents and to remake my favorite cookie I usually buy at convenience stores. Sadly I have not found a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie in stores that is dairy free or organic, so I made it myself! I am fortunate that our house has dairy free chocolate chips, they are a lifesaver.

    I also want to mention if you do not have pumpkin spice at your house you can mix nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and ginger for your own pumpkin spice seasoning. These came out so tasty and I would make them again. I would even add more pumpkin because the organic pumkin was so delicious. Make this recipe your own and let me know how it turns out. If you do make it dairy free, you will notice the texture will be different than a cookie made with real butter, but the flavor is just as great! Tell me what you love and what you would change. This recipe makes about 16 cookies and takes about 45-50 minutes to make. Enjoy!

    Made by Vanessa at BusyVandCo

    http://www.HomesteadingHoney.blog