Monday, August 31, 2009
Well, for all of you that are wondering
how this homeschooling is going....we started school August 17.
So far no 2 days have looked alike!
We try...
we aim at the goal...
some things get done...
the rest is there for another day!
Slowly, but surely, I think I see some progress in the Kindergartner:D He is still as happy and excited as he was Day 1. Left his dad a note today with his A,B,C's. He is making about a dozen pictures for Barry and I with some various letters of the alphabet. He was quite excited to learn how to spell his last name. Of course, he calls it his second name and was curious when he would get to learn his 3rd name (middle). I would call his school a success! Kinda hard to go wrong with a K as long as you are cheering for them and giving them high 5's they are rather content!
The 2nd grader is losing some enthusiam. Although, I still get glimpses of excitement from time to time. Out of 9 days of school in 3 weeks (remember, I only teach this grade 3 times a week). I think we have accomplished 5 full days of work...LOL I always know the first several weeks it is ironing out all the kinks in the schedule. I am not freaking out yet. Praise the Lord for some history to know things will settle a little more....before I need to freak.
I have a grade schooler and her work is going smoothly. She still loves to work and finish tasks that are asked. AND she likes to enforce it for everyone else which creates friction that MOM is NOT interested in. How do I ask her NOT to help! Slowly helping her see she needs to only be responsible for herself and let God and me work on the rest.
The 6th grader is very unsure why any of this is neccessary. Although, I am quite proud of the fact that his computer crashed with all his work the past 3 weeks and he has taken the news well that I will ask him to repeat some various lessons. Yes, the wife of a computer man did NOT back up her sons work. A lesson learned as I humbly asked him to repeat the lessons and explained how this will only further help him grow in wisdom. (I sold him on it...woohoo)
Here is a convo from one of my children who is slightly frustrated that his mom is not available to help him. (Which of course is his perception!)
son says,
"I can't get my work done because I need help and you won't help me".
mom's response,
"when did you ask for help?"
His reply
"I am asking now"
mom
"pretty sure your help will come after dinner and bedtime for younger ones"
son
"but I am tired then"
mom
"so am I but I am still willing to help"
mom
"you need to tell me when you are stuck"
son
"why don't you just ask me everyday and I will tell you if I need help"
mom's (thought...are you kidding me)
"It is your responsibility to ask for help! I have enough things to do"
Conversation over:DDDD
I have one more week before we add another into the mix!
(I add a couple of kids each day...we build up to full schedule, students and event)
From the moment the first person is up, the house is full of constant motion, chaos, and conversation. Of course if mom sits then for some apparent reason they all think it is their break time. Can't believe they have not learned that in all our years of homeschooling...just because mom sits, gets on the phone, or tries to take a shower....school is NOT over! I am trying to remember that I am in the middle of training them (which means on going) not in the job of they have been trained (it is finished).
So, what is real life homeschooling? One day at a time!
We will eventually get into a routine that will semi-flow. Just like having a newborn you have to figure out one another. Same result homeschooling...each year is a grace period of figuring it out! I will let you know when things start to run smooth. But don't be surprised if you are still awaiting for that post at the end of the year :D
how this homeschooling is going....we started school August 17.
So far no 2 days have looked alike!
We try...
we aim at the goal...
some things get done...
the rest is there for another day!
Slowly, but surely, I think I see some progress in the Kindergartner:D He is still as happy and excited as he was Day 1. Left his dad a note today with his A,B,C's. He is making about a dozen pictures for Barry and I with some various letters of the alphabet. He was quite excited to learn how to spell his last name. Of course, he calls it his second name and was curious when he would get to learn his 3rd name (middle). I would call his school a success! Kinda hard to go wrong with a K as long as you are cheering for them and giving them high 5's they are rather content!
The 2nd grader is losing some enthusiam. Although, I still get glimpses of excitement from time to time. Out of 9 days of school in 3 weeks (remember, I only teach this grade 3 times a week). I think we have accomplished 5 full days of work...LOL I always know the first several weeks it is ironing out all the kinks in the schedule. I am not freaking out yet. Praise the Lord for some history to know things will settle a little more....before I need to freak.
I have a grade schooler and her work is going smoothly. She still loves to work and finish tasks that are asked. AND she likes to enforce it for everyone else which creates friction that MOM is NOT interested in. How do I ask her NOT to help! Slowly helping her see she needs to only be responsible for herself and let God and me work on the rest.
The 6th grader is very unsure why any of this is neccessary. Although, I am quite proud of the fact that his computer crashed with all his work the past 3 weeks and he has taken the news well that I will ask him to repeat some various lessons. Yes, the wife of a computer man did NOT back up her sons work. A lesson learned as I humbly asked him to repeat the lessons and explained how this will only further help him grow in wisdom. (I sold him on it...woohoo)
Here is a convo from one of my children who is slightly frustrated that his mom is not available to help him. (Which of course is his perception!)
son says,
"I can't get my work done because I need help and you won't help me".
mom's response,
"when did you ask for help?"
His reply
"I am asking now"
mom
"pretty sure your help will come after dinner and bedtime for younger ones"
son
"but I am tired then"
mom
"so am I but I am still willing to help"
mom
"you need to tell me when you are stuck"
son
"why don't you just ask me everyday and I will tell you if I need help"
mom's (thought...are you kidding me)
"It is your responsibility to ask for help! I have enough things to do"
Conversation over:DDDD
I have one more week before we add another into the mix!
(I add a couple of kids each day...we build up to full schedule, students and event)
From the moment the first person is up, the house is full of constant motion, chaos, and conversation. Of course if mom sits then for some apparent reason they all think it is their break time. Can't believe they have not learned that in all our years of homeschooling...just because mom sits, gets on the phone, or tries to take a shower....school is NOT over! I am trying to remember that I am in the middle of training them (which means on going) not in the job of they have been trained (it is finished).
So, what is real life homeschooling? One day at a time!
We will eventually get into a routine that will semi-flow. Just like having a newborn you have to figure out one another. Same result homeschooling...each year is a grace period of figuring it out! I will let you know when things start to run smooth. But don't be surprised if you are still awaiting for that post at the end of the year :D
Pictured above is our 2008 Family Picture.
Mom and dad had 2 daughters.
Those 2 daughters married wonderful men and the family has grown.
G'ma and G'daddy have 18 grandchildren. 2 little ones are in heaven and the other 16 are here full of hugs and laughter!
If you know my dad, then you know why I cherish him!
He is one of the most gentle, caring men I know. The Lord knew this shy, quiet, blonde hair insecure little girl needed a daddy that would guide her with love and gentle hands.
I cherish all the memories I have had over the years. I am thankful my children get to know their grandfather who helped secure a wonderful heritage for them by leading his family in the ways of the Lord! He continues to lead his family in what it means to be a man, dad,
and brother in Christ.
The last few years have been a struggle as his body ages that seems to be what life gives you eventually. But he ages with the grace of a man that walks with God. What a testimony to see no matter what....he stays on the consistant path that leads straight to Christ.
He is my hero!
He is my cheerleader!
He has one of the most amazing smiles God has created!
And he is a man whose heart beats with God!
He is My Dad
Happy Birthday Daddy!
I love you!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Today we were amazingly blessed at The Summit Church. I am in awe how God can move so quickly and fill our souls. What a treasure for Barry and I to know that our children are experiencing God in ways that many never get to see. We were blessed when we were young to watch God enter in our worship in OKC. Now to have the blessing that our children get the same life changing experience in AR...PTL
Today I was so moved by such a simple concept....
"Live and give from the head"....can be difficult, frustrating, and hardly ever seems right.
"Live and give from the heart"....you receive All grace, All sufficiency, while He multiplies the seeds, and increases His righteousness!
We should be giving with the intention not to get but to GIVE....
hmmm, that applies to far more than just my finances!
What about me as a mom or a wife.....
If I give from my head I am angry because things have not been done the way I have asked, I am frustrated that I have to go over again what needs to be accomplished, and I NEVER feel ahead. I really only have my way in sight. My rights have been violated. (do I have rights?)
BUT
If I give from the heart....it is my pleasure to serve, forgive, and enjoy that I get another moment to train/serve. My rights have been yielded (I don't have rights anyways) and I am now functioning with the heart beat of God.
Where is your heart when it comes to husbands, children, and finances? I know mine is not always right, but I am thankful that I have a God that shows up and reveals when I need to let go, lay my head on Him, and hear His heart beat.
Thankful for a moment to gain a heart perspective before I finish planning this weeks things.....school work x 6, 21 meals x 10, finish mounds of laundry that weren't completed due to fantasy football, and seek to train through all the fits and frustration that having 10 sinners living under one roof can create!
Today I was so moved by such a simple concept....
"Live and give from the head"....can be difficult, frustrating, and hardly ever seems right.
"Live and give from the heart"....you receive All grace, All sufficiency, while He multiplies the seeds, and increases His righteousness!
We should be giving with the intention not to get but to GIVE....
hmmm, that applies to far more than just my finances!
What about me as a mom or a wife.....
If I give from my head I am angry because things have not been done the way I have asked, I am frustrated that I have to go over again what needs to be accomplished, and I NEVER feel ahead. I really only have my way in sight. My rights have been violated. (do I have rights?)
BUT
If I give from the heart....it is my pleasure to serve, forgive, and enjoy that I get another moment to train/serve. My rights have been yielded (I don't have rights anyways) and I am now functioning with the heart beat of God.
Where is your heart when it comes to husbands, children, and finances? I know mine is not always right, but I am thankful that I have a God that shows up and reveals when I need to let go, lay my head on Him, and hear His heart beat.
Thankful for a moment to gain a heart perspective before I finish planning this weeks things.....school work x 6, 21 meals x 10, finish mounds of laundry that weren't completed due to fantasy football, and seek to train through all the fits and frustration that having 10 sinners living under one roof can create!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Well, it feels like fall is about to arrive. Held our 7th annual Familybits Fantasy Football Draft!
Years ago when I was holding Tupperware parties Barry turned the evening into a family fun night with the girls. Monday nights were meeting nights and guess what else happens on Monday nights? Yep, this father of 3 at the time learned if he wanted to watch ANY football he had to engage the kids...especially the girls.
The rule was... you had to wear p.j.'s, preferrably a football shirt (he loved loaning his out to his girls), grab your pillow, blanket, and we would have all your favorite football snacks prior to game time....you could dance like crazy during the opening song (girls love this), Dad would blast the opening as loud as everyone could stand it. THEN you must lay down, no talking, no complaining and most important NOT get off the blanket. (your feet touch the floor and you were whisked off to bed!) Typically, half time was bedtime:D The kids LOVED this! It quickly became an annual event in our home every Monday night!
I no longer do Tupperware parties, the kids have multiplied and aged, the party is louder and the excitement has grown! No longer the blankets on the floor. When Barry was in his own fantasy leagues the kids were so intrigued to root for his players. We realized we can have a family league. So 7 years ago the tradition began....Young ones buddy up with mom and dad sometimes we have a spot or two open for friends, uncles, or grandparents. The drafts have become a crazy and an exhausting time as we have ALL become quite competitive. The girls used to pick teams by their favorite colors or names. (horribly frustrating when they would win on occassion) NOW we print spreadsheets, everyone has a laptop, and we have some massive discussions on who to pick. I can see in the years to come this will still be an event to engage the family no matter where we all will be. For the girls, I am thinking their husbands are gonna love this! The boys will enjoy it because I am sure any girl arriving into this family will be trained in Familybits Fantasy Football.
Who knew 15 years ago out of a dads frustration of missing Monday night football that a fantastic family tradition would begin! Out of the chaos he turned something into a new norm for us. I love this creative man! What better gift to give to his wife than instead of a man staring aimlessly at the T.V. he has engaged the entire family into his domain! Let the games begin as we introduce Brady into the Monday night tradition he will grow to love like the rest of us!
The next time you have chaos what wonderful tradition might come out of your new norm?
Years ago when I was holding Tupperware parties Barry turned the evening into a family fun night with the girls. Monday nights were meeting nights and guess what else happens on Monday nights? Yep, this father of 3 at the time learned if he wanted to watch ANY football he had to engage the kids...especially the girls.
The rule was... you had to wear p.j.'s, preferrably a football shirt (he loved loaning his out to his girls), grab your pillow, blanket, and we would have all your favorite football snacks prior to game time....you could dance like crazy during the opening song (girls love this), Dad would blast the opening as loud as everyone could stand it. THEN you must lay down, no talking, no complaining and most important NOT get off the blanket. (your feet touch the floor and you were whisked off to bed!) Typically, half time was bedtime:D The kids LOVED this! It quickly became an annual event in our home every Monday night!
I no longer do Tupperware parties, the kids have multiplied and aged, the party is louder and the excitement has grown! No longer the blankets on the floor. When Barry was in his own fantasy leagues the kids were so intrigued to root for his players. We realized we can have a family league. So 7 years ago the tradition began....Young ones buddy up with mom and dad sometimes we have a spot or two open for friends, uncles, or grandparents. The drafts have become a crazy and an exhausting time as we have ALL become quite competitive. The girls used to pick teams by their favorite colors or names. (horribly frustrating when they would win on occassion) NOW we print spreadsheets, everyone has a laptop, and we have some massive discussions on who to pick. I can see in the years to come this will still be an event to engage the family no matter where we all will be. For the girls, I am thinking their husbands are gonna love this! The boys will enjoy it because I am sure any girl arriving into this family will be trained in Familybits Fantasy Football.
Who knew 15 years ago out of a dads frustration of missing Monday night football that a fantastic family tradition would begin! Out of the chaos he turned something into a new norm for us. I love this creative man! What better gift to give to his wife than instead of a man staring aimlessly at the T.V. he has engaged the entire family into his domain! Let the games begin as we introduce Brady into the Monday night tradition he will grow to love like the rest of us!
The next time you have chaos what wonderful tradition might come out of your new norm?
Friday, August 28, 2009
I went to Krispy Kreme the other day and as I was there I was left with a wonderful memory...I am passing this on and hopes it spurs you on to do something fun to someone else!
One night about 10:00 p.m. we were all hanging out at the house and the doorbell rang. To our surprise no one was there........but......we did discover that our bushes were full of Krispy Kreme hats and a huge box of donuts sitting on the ground with the words...."you have just been Kremed!" I can tell you a house full of teens, kids, and adults were thrilled with their late night snack!
I have to say that this speaks "love" more than rolling a house. Money well spent, tummys savoring the delicious taste of warm donuts, and hearts full of laughter at the surprise of something different!
Everytime we go to Krispy Kreme or have donuts I believe we will often think of our dear friends the Schnaitman's. It will be a wonderful time to remember to lift them to the Lord and to think what an impact this family makes on others!
I challenge you to pass on a fun surprise and Kreme a friend:D
One night about 10:00 p.m. we were all hanging out at the house and the doorbell rang. To our surprise no one was there........but......we did discover that our bushes were full of Krispy Kreme hats and a huge box of donuts sitting on the ground with the words...."you have just been Kremed!" I can tell you a house full of teens, kids, and adults were thrilled with their late night snack!
I have to say that this speaks "love" more than rolling a house. Money well spent, tummys savoring the delicious taste of warm donuts, and hearts full of laughter at the surprise of something different!
Everytime we go to Krispy Kreme or have donuts I believe we will often think of our dear friends the Schnaitman's. It will be a wonderful time to remember to lift them to the Lord and to think what an impact this family makes on others!
I challenge you to pass on a fun surprise and Kreme a friend:D
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Oh my how hard mornings are:/
It has taken me 13 years but I am learning more and more about how I function. Pretty sure Hannah would have appreciated this a few years ago.
Yep, I no longer start school at the wee hours of the morning. I am cranky, the kids are cranky, the house is a disaster (which I can't function in because I feel like the "house" is yelling at me).
We now have our freetime in the morning and late afternoons. Allows all of us to wake up at our pace. Of course the baby and the little guys are up early but at least I can just sit back and enjoy them vs. barking orders at them because the teens are still down. Because you know we have to make 3-4 trips in there to get them up. Which they reply "why do you have to be so mean waking us up?" I reply "I am nice the first 3 times after that you get what you get."
People ask so here it is - our typical week
(I say typical because chaos will emerge and my order will be gone) but here is the goal....
K-2nd homeschool from 10-noon (only 3 days a week) I have done this from the beginning and because of one on one time we are accomplishing as much as they would in school. I highly recommend 3 days only!!!!
3rd -6th grade school begins at 11:00 with mom (only 4 days a week)
I have to have a day I can put all of my errands, grocery shopping, doctors, etc. as much as possible into my Thursdays. That is their day off and the middle kids watch the younger kids so the older kids can work! They have the super vision of the older kids. The middle kids LOVE feeling like they are in charge. And the little ones love the focused playtime! IT WORKS!
The middle kids can work prior if they want too and often they do. I find they are much happier doing school when I have not demanded it and it is their idea. That shows that sin nature...do what I want to do when I want to do it. Can't blame them....me too:/)
Middle School 7th-9th if they have not started school by 11:00 I "strongly" encourage it! LOL (They do work 5 days a week) typically their help comes around nap/rest time for the others. Their motivation has been to finish your work to be able to play tennis, go to youth functions, or playing ultimate frisbee! They have a strong desire to do all those so eventually that work gets done!
High School 10th and up I allow them to function on their own with me spot checking them. Often they are in charge of their own stuff and get it accomplished because they enjoy earning the right for freedom to play, go out, and run with a crowd. (well, some of them get it done....others, strong willed ones...no names mentioned need a constant nagging to get it done! But we graduated that one she is in Gods hands...LOL/PTL) This age school help comes when they ask for it. Typically, if they are stuck, they are stuck and need help. I have learned now that this help is always asked for around 11:00p.m. at night. Good thing I am a night person!!!! We are learning to laugh at this insight and thankful we heard years ago if you want to talk to teens it will be late at night! SO true, SO true! They truly care less what you have to say earlier in the day when they are on their agenda (hmmmm, sin nature again...oops pretty sure i have the same fault 'myagenda':) I am learning to enjoy how God created them and we take what we can get!
If I have their listening ear at night...I will grab my moment!
Just know this is all a goal! No two days look alike. Some days are smooth and others are disasterous. Overall, I enjoy the freedom to teach/train my children and will gladly take the good with the bad. As Tim Kimmell says, "The days are long but the years are short!" I shall savor these moments as all too soon they will be distant memories!
Enjoy your chaos today!
It has taken me 13 years but I am learning more and more about how I function. Pretty sure Hannah would have appreciated this a few years ago.
Yep, I no longer start school at the wee hours of the morning. I am cranky, the kids are cranky, the house is a disaster (which I can't function in because I feel like the "house" is yelling at me).
We now have our freetime in the morning and late afternoons. Allows all of us to wake up at our pace. Of course the baby and the little guys are up early but at least I can just sit back and enjoy them vs. barking orders at them because the teens are still down. Because you know we have to make 3-4 trips in there to get them up. Which they reply "why do you have to be so mean waking us up?" I reply "I am nice the first 3 times after that you get what you get."
People ask so here it is - our typical week
(I say typical because chaos will emerge and my order will be gone) but here is the goal....
K-2nd homeschool from 10-noon (only 3 days a week) I have done this from the beginning and because of one on one time we are accomplishing as much as they would in school. I highly recommend 3 days only!!!!
3rd -6th grade school begins at 11:00 with mom (only 4 days a week)
I have to have a day I can put all of my errands, grocery shopping, doctors, etc. as much as possible into my Thursdays. That is their day off and the middle kids watch the younger kids so the older kids can work! They have the super vision of the older kids. The middle kids LOVE feeling like they are in charge. And the little ones love the focused playtime! IT WORKS!
The middle kids can work prior if they want too and often they do. I find they are much happier doing school when I have not demanded it and it is their idea. That shows that sin nature...do what I want to do when I want to do it. Can't blame them....me too:/)
Middle School 7th-9th if they have not started school by 11:00 I "strongly" encourage it! LOL (They do work 5 days a week) typically their help comes around nap/rest time for the others. Their motivation has been to finish your work to be able to play tennis, go to youth functions, or playing ultimate frisbee! They have a strong desire to do all those so eventually that work gets done!
High School 10th and up I allow them to function on their own with me spot checking them. Often they are in charge of their own stuff and get it accomplished because they enjoy earning the right for freedom to play, go out, and run with a crowd. (well, some of them get it done....others, strong willed ones...no names mentioned need a constant nagging to get it done! But we graduated that one she is in Gods hands...LOL/PTL) This age school help comes when they ask for it. Typically, if they are stuck, they are stuck and need help. I have learned now that this help is always asked for around 11:00p.m. at night. Good thing I am a night person!!!! We are learning to laugh at this insight and thankful we heard years ago if you want to talk to teens it will be late at night! SO true, SO true! They truly care less what you have to say earlier in the day when they are on their agenda (hmmmm, sin nature again...oops pretty sure i have the same fault 'myagenda':) I am learning to enjoy how God created them and we take what we can get!
If I have their listening ear at night...I will grab my moment!
Just know this is all a goal! No two days look alike. Some days are smooth and others are disasterous. Overall, I enjoy the freedom to teach/train my children and will gladly take the good with the bad. As Tim Kimmell says, "The days are long but the years are short!" I shall savor these moments as all too soon they will be distant memories!
Enjoy your chaos today!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
awwww...a moment of fresh air!
Taking a breather before a very chaotic evening begins. Windows are open, kids are playing, laughing, enjoying some basketball, some are napping, decided to grab a moment before I interrupt this small window of bliss!
Barry and I had a huge discussion on chaos last night. The man has some great insights. It was on business and yet so much of it applies to parenting. You can tell we are in the middle of parenting 8 kids because everything we hear turns into a parenting insight...LOL Chaos is not chaos for long...it is just a new normal. Which we find when you have children and all their complex personalities, behaviors, attitudes before you know it chaos has arrived. I like Star's quote "beautiful chaos". She is right. We need to learn to embrace the chaos and role with the new norm for the day. Because we all know if you have children it is amazing how one small thing can turn a day. We need to learn how to turn the small thing into a wonderful opportunity to show grace and lead by example as we see how God wants us to handle "this" specific situtation, at "this" specific time, even though it wasn't on "MY" schedule.
I am off and hopefull I shall remember to embrace the chaos that I know is coming. The prayer is that I will allow God to flow through me to these wonderful young soldiers for Christ!
Enjoy "your" chaos!
Taking a breather before a very chaotic evening begins. Windows are open, kids are playing, laughing, enjoying some basketball, some are napping, decided to grab a moment before I interrupt this small window of bliss!
Barry and I had a huge discussion on chaos last night. The man has some great insights. It was on business and yet so much of it applies to parenting. You can tell we are in the middle of parenting 8 kids because everything we hear turns into a parenting insight...LOL Chaos is not chaos for long...it is just a new normal. Which we find when you have children and all their complex personalities, behaviors, attitudes before you know it chaos has arrived. I like Star's quote "beautiful chaos". She is right. We need to learn to embrace the chaos and role with the new norm for the day. Because we all know if you have children it is amazing how one small thing can turn a day. We need to learn how to turn the small thing into a wonderful opportunity to show grace and lead by example as we see how God wants us to handle "this" specific situtation, at "this" specific time, even though it wasn't on "MY" schedule.
I am off and hopefull I shall remember to embrace the chaos that I know is coming. The prayer is that I will allow God to flow through me to these wonderful young soldiers for Christ!
Enjoy "your" chaos!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I continue to learn about my freedom in Christ. Started a study with 2 wonderful college girls walking with them to see "who" and "what" do they believe. Not because mom and dad said, or because the pastor preached it, or because my friends think so....but what do "I" believe? Until we see that God can speak to us we are stuck in living by "law" of what others think/say. I can make my actions look good (law) but my heart is not there. When my heart is there I live in freedom with God (grace)! Not the kind that gives you permission, but the kind of grace that is forgiving, healing, understanding and gives me strength/power to honor Him.
Having teens is definitely teaching me about God's grace. He is their savior too. When they are young it is easy for me to tell them what they need to do, right response, or help them fix their attitude. As they grow it is hard for me to back out of that role and allow God to prune them instead of me. But I am discovering that is vital to their growth in the Lord. I get fearful that I messed up and didn't train them well. Instead of realizing that God is still with them I do not need to be the constant voice they hear. I should be weaning them off me and onto the voice of God!
Having teens is definitely teaching me about God's grace. He is their savior too. When they are young it is easy for me to tell them what they need to do, right response, or help them fix their attitude. As they grow it is hard for me to back out of that role and allow God to prune them instead of me. But I am discovering that is vital to their growth in the Lord. I get fearful that I messed up and didn't train them well. Instead of realizing that God is still with them I do not need to be the constant voice they hear. I should be weaning them off me and onto the voice of God!
Ever been shopping with a 7 year old boy shopping for a birthday gift for his almost 11 year old sister?
Could I laugh any harder?
The things he pointed out she loved I am quite positive were at the top of HIS list. He was sooooo very convincing with those big eyes and huge grin though. I nearly fell for..."she would love Star Wars wii", "Oh mom, this is great, bow and arrows", "No, this is what she will love...." you get the picture! I am pretty sure I can make his Christmas list off of his suggestions for his sister! Who is all girl...High School Musical, lip gloss, clothes, Hannah Montanna (which I wanted to get but he informed me she had already seen it LOL) What girl at that age doesn't want to watch it again and again to learn all those songs and dance moves.
Could I laugh any harder?
The things he pointed out she loved I am quite positive were at the top of HIS list. He was sooooo very convincing with those big eyes and huge grin though. I nearly fell for..."she would love Star Wars wii", "Oh mom, this is great, bow and arrows", "No, this is what she will love...." you get the picture! I am pretty sure I can make his Christmas list off of his suggestions for his sister! Who is all girl...High School Musical, lip gloss, clothes, Hannah Montanna (which I wanted to get but he informed me she had already seen it LOL) What girl at that age doesn't want to watch it again and again to learn all those songs and dance moves.
Monday, August 24, 2009
I can already tell this will be a great avenue for me. I am already exhausted from the day and it is still prior to noon. Thank goodness teens are making lunch to give me my moment. While I gather my thoughts and remember why I am doing what I am doing. I am totally learning when I feel myself falling, saddened or ready to quit it is time to regain my focus/goal.
Oh yes...I remember now....I am here to teach and train my children. Not just in books but in who they are in Christ and that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God. Man...when I simplify it I see a new perspective! (that quick...wow) Already God is putting humor back into my day as Brock run down stairs to show me how well he can do the chicken dance! Think I am ready for the afternoon now. Amazing what a little perspective and humor can do for your soul!
I am off to be a vessel God will use to nurture other souls in my home...a little reading and naps for young ones. Which will give the teens a quite home for school....
Oh yes...I remember now....I am here to teach and train my children. Not just in books but in who they are in Christ and that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God. Man...when I simplify it I see a new perspective! (that quick...wow) Already God is putting humor back into my day as Brock run down stairs to show me how well he can do the chicken dance! Think I am ready for the afternoon now. Amazing what a little perspective and humor can do for your soul!
I am off to be a vessel God will use to nurture other souls in my home...a little reading and naps for young ones. Which will give the teens a quite home for school....
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Well, here I go. Can't say I know what I am doing or what I am going to do while here except to be real, be me, and share life. I found my moment so let the blogging begin.
As always Sunday is "chaos to the extreme" but oh so worth the effort to get out the door. I am very eager to see what God will ask us to do this season. I feel a moving/stirring and yet don't even know what to do just yet but to take one step at a time and I suppose, as always, God will reveal in His time.
While our home is quiet at the moment (as we have 5 kids gone in 5 different directions with 3 at home napping) I really should begin to finalize my week before it gets here. I started school last week and had a disasterous day. The two little guys loved it but the rest of us thought it stunk. I would have told any other mom to stop and wait. Yet, I can't seem to follow my own advice. I had a plan and "I" was gonna stick to it. I can already tell this week my frame of mind is sooooo much better! (I really should have listened to Barry when he dropped a suggestion to put school off for a week) I am thankful for new beginnings. Praising the Lord for forgiveness. And anxious for the Hope of a brand new week.
As always Sunday is "chaos to the extreme" but oh so worth the effort to get out the door. I am very eager to see what God will ask us to do this season. I feel a moving/stirring and yet don't even know what to do just yet but to take one step at a time and I suppose, as always, God will reveal in His time.
While our home is quiet at the moment (as we have 5 kids gone in 5 different directions with 3 at home napping) I really should begin to finalize my week before it gets here. I started school last week and had a disasterous day. The two little guys loved it but the rest of us thought it stunk. I would have told any other mom to stop and wait. Yet, I can't seem to follow my own advice. I had a plan and "I" was gonna stick to it. I can already tell this week my frame of mind is sooooo much better! (I really should have listened to Barry when he dropped a suggestion to put school off for a week) I am thankful for new beginnings. Praising the Lord for forgiveness. And anxious for the Hope of a brand new week.
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Our 3rd child died 16 weeks into the pregnancy. I'll never forget the words of our 'almost 3yr old' when she told others about her baby brother. She would say baby Adam "tripped over his cord and died". (his cord had become twisted during pregnancy and cut off nourishment). For years our birthday celebrations would end with the release of birthday balloons to be sent to heaven for God to give to baby Adam.
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