How To Be Happy According to Benjamin Franklin

I really enjoy gleaning from the past.  I came across this list and thought I'd post them here as something to think about.   Although, Mr. Franklin did not always live up to his virtues, it is still valuable to have something to aim for.  I would do well to write my own personal list.  

Benjamin Franklin's Thirteen Virtues

Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

How To Be Happy

For the most part, I consider myself a happy person with many blessings.  I decided to write a little about how I achieve this state of being as a record perhaps for my children one day. 

1. Wake up every morning with a grateful heart.  Spend time in the Word of God.  Ask Him to help you navigate through your day in a way that pleases Him.  
2. Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes a day.  Even if you are not training for an Olympic sport, you will reap many benefits from this simple step.  You can be proud of yourself for one thing.  You will have more energy.  You will sleep better. 
3. Eat less, avoid sugar, regular or diet soda, and refined foods.  Be moderate.  
4. Purpose to work hard for the glory of God whatever you do.  No grumbling.  Look for ways to bless others.
5. Be the first to say you are sorry.  
6. Look people in the eyes when speaking to them.  Smile!  
7. Go to bed at a decent hour.  Get up early enough to do #1 &#2 on this list.  Get up before your children.  
8. Do not spend money you do not have, EVER!!!  
9. Save for a rainy day, even if this means you have to say no to yourself now.  
10. Spend time marveling God's creation whenever you are able.  

**Bonus:  if you want to grow old gracefully, never stop moving,  reading / learning, and don't watch a lot of TV !  (From personal observation of my elders) 

This Week At Home, Number 26

In my life this week … I got all my laundry done in one day.  We don't have a lot to unpack as we took care when we packed to go home.  The camper is already packed and ready to go next time. 

We had plenty of time at home this week to just enjoy being home.  I love weeks like this.  I protected my time as best I could. 

My happy place. 

In our {summer} homeschool this week ... Trevor took a math placement test, doing very well.  He's going to skip 4th grade.  The other two continued to work on their math.  And reading is a big past time here, so more progress made there, too. 

I am starting to think of things I need to do soon, like organize the new school books, buy 3 ring binders, and get organized for our new year.  
 

My grandpa's geranium. 

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing...
the library, swimming with Nana, visiting friends, swimming with at a state park, visiting grandparents, helping set up VBS for next week. 

My favorite things this week were …

• Watching fledgling birds makes the list again.  They are just so comical.  
• Being home more than not.
• Having Jeff come home for lunches again this week. 
• Finding good books at the library.  
• Learning to borrow ebooks via the library.  This way I can read more current books and ver leave home!
• Coming home to my kitty who missed me.  

What’s working for us …

The green bean patch

Things I'm working on...
Making a peaceful home.  I read recently that having order around you creates order within you. 

I'm reading...
The Duggar's new book.  So far it is really great, but I won't be needing to buy it. 

I'm cooking...
Lots of grilled meats and veggies this week.  I made pumpkin muffins last week before we left.  This week I plan to bake some banana muffins. 

I'm grateful for...

• Libraries
• Children to nurture
• A home to tidy
• My washing machine
• Good health
• Ability to work
  

I’m praying for…  wisdom as I parent.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share … 

Grace's sunflower she raised from a seed. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit today.  Have a great weekend! 
This post is linked to Homeschool Mother's Journal.  
   

IDSP, Camping Trip #4

And let me just start off by saying that there are no hungry mosquitoes left at the lake thanks to my family donating so much of our blood this past weekend! 

Wild blueberries free for the picking!

Our haul!

Sneaking a peek!

Sunset on Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park

Good Monday morning to you, my friends!  I'll be busy with the laundry pile all day today. Just thought I'd check in with this beautiful picture of the lake to say hello and that I will be around when laundry is done and the last bag unpacked.  (Hopefully before we leave again in 2 weeks!) 
~Jenn

Ways I Am Saving Money

Happy Independence Day! 

I'm declaring independence from consumerism today! Here's how I did it this past week:

• Got a Kohl's 30% off coupon in the mail.  Asked myself,"What do we need?"  The answer was, "Nothing!"  So, I did not use it.  Probably saved $100!  That is usually what I spend when we get one of those 30% off deals.  
• Signed up for Direct TV with a DVR. Changed our 2 at a time Netflix to the monthly $5 plan with free unlimited instant streaming.  Waited a few days, decided to cancel the Direct TV order before they came out.  (Thankfully it was a couple weeks before they could work us in.) Now I am saving not only my children's brains, but we are ahead with the Netflix!  I feel brilliant!  (Sorry about ESPN, Honey.) **We did purchase a better quality digital antennae hoping to come out ahead in the end. 
• Swimming with friends at their neighborhood pool.  Free & get socialization for my homeschool kids, a bonus.  *wink*  
• My husband is working at a client's office this week and next.  It's only 10 minutes from our house.  He is saving money on gas!  Money we can use to buy gas going up north this weekend.  
• Reading my favorite magazines at the library this week saved me a little money and I don't have to feel guilty about magazines laying around.  
• Put the Duggar's new book on hold at the library and it is in!  I really fought the urge to buy this book sight unseen.  If it turns out to be a good one, I will add it to my wish list.  

So, how are you saving money this week?

This Week At Home, Number 25

Another week has flown by.   


In my life this week …
Had two quiet days at home.  Wednesday we went swimming with friends.  Thursday was spent getting us ready for a long weekend camping at our favorite state park. We packed the camper last Sunday, which helped a lot.  All that is left to do is pack our clothes, things to do on the drive up, gather all the food, and go.  



In our {summer} homeschool this week ...
I wanted to get back on track.  My goal is for them to do math 3 times this week, continue reading, and learning through excellent life experiences like camping.  I also am thinking of how I can prepare for our return to lessons in August.  I would like to start the first week of August.  Not sure about that date now. The Principal says do two days a week in August.  I think we will shoot for that. 


Places we’re going and people we’re seeing...
Swimming with friends, going to see Grandma while camping, too many grocery stores, Bible study. 


My favorite things this week were …

•  The cooler weather at night and sunshiny days.
• My hammock.  I could sleep in that thing! 
• Jeff coming home for lunch this week since he was working close to home.  
• Lots of time at home, just doing things here.
• Watching fledgling birds.  We have lots this summer.  They can be quite comical.  
• Cancelling our Direct TV order.  Long story.  More later.  
• Chatting with my dad. 
  

What’s working for us …Life seems to be at a good pace right now.  I know this is going to change with vacations and VBS coming soon.  Grace will be turning 12 in July, too.


Things I'm working on... Just getting us ready for camping.  VBS is coming soon.  I will be working in Trevor's class.  I need to be thinking more about our school year.  Need to order a couple of things. 


I'm reading... Just finished The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley.  This is the second time I read it.  The first time I think I just skimmed it because I got so much more out of it this time.  Worth the look for it at the library.  Basically, he is saying that you are going to end up where the path you are on leads.  Pretty simple.  He uses the lives of David and Solomon to illustrate this principle. I am still reading For the Children's Sake and going to read again Pocketfuls of Pine Cones.  I try to read it every summer.  Grace and I really enjoyed listening to These Happy Golden Years. Plus, the Duggar's new book is waiting for me to pick it up too! 


I'm cooking... as little as possible! The grill is my friend.  I would like to bake some muffins to take with us, if I have time. 

I'm grateful for...

• Living in a country where I am free to homeschool and worship as I please.  
• Good parks to visit.
• Friends who pray.
• A husband who loves me despite myself!

I’m praying for…  an unspoken need of one of my family members.


A photo, video, link, or quote to share … I just love this room's simplicity. 

Inn bedroom at Conner Prairie.

Thank you for taking the time to visit today.  Have a great weekend!  I'll be back soon with lots of pictures from Lake Michigan, Lord willing.

This post is linked to Homeschool Mother's Journal.