It is currently quiet time! Something that started out as a Godsend two and a half years ago has transformed from six sleeping little children and one sleeping mommy to one sleeping toddler, three reading little boys, and one writing momma. We had our first day of homeschool today. I wanted to reflect a bit while it was still fresh in my mind.
I woke up at 7. I set the alarm for that late because I knew I was still too cough-y to work out. I mistakenly thought 7 would give me enough time to read from the Bible and have a quiet breakfast. Wrong! Gavin and Rhianna were already awake making faces at each other and entertaining themselves with funny noises. I convinced him to read his sister a story... quietly. I opened the Bible to the 5th chapter of Romans and heard pitter patter of Danny feet heading up the stairs. "Is it time to homeschool?" He asked eagerly and headed toward his homeschool basket. "Not yet." Gavin offered to read to him, too. What a considerate big brother! I was able to read a couple chapters and pray briefly. I will set the alarm for 6:30 tomorrow. That'll show 'em!
I had planned on the house being super organized by today. I had NOT planned on all seven of us being sick with the Swine Flu for the past two weeks. So the house is passable, but not even clean, much less organized. It will be a work in progress. I am still hopeful that dh will be able to fix a few things, hang some curtains, and help rescue our bedroom. He is supposed to have oodles of time off during the next couple of months, but the internet bugs found out and decided he has to spend much of that precious time off from police-work, to spend on computer-work. I will write down some things that I would love for him to do for us and ask him to write down some goals for his time, as well.
Meal plans have been made through the next two weeks. Yay! I need to go to the grocery store though so I can follow them. I need to prepare kids' snack ahead of time or use it for a lesson or reward and have kids help. We spent an hour for snack time. I was also distracted by my urge to visit with my honey instead of making a needed phone call or getting out books for the next few hours of school. Lots of "wasted" time.
Rhianna did better than she could have. She is still coughing so I couldn't take her to daycare. She has been extremely stubborn lately but she didn't do too bad today. I got pretty frustrated once when I was trying to deal with her bad behaviour and had other kids trying to talk to me at the same time. The interrupting has got to stop! How? Practice waiting, I suppose.
Ashton was working on some math problems today. Some subraction facts I thought for certain he would have no problems with really stumped him. Even after I walked him through a few times he was still confused. I will be working on that with him tomorrow. Maybe it's time to buy some mini-marshmallows for hot chocolate.
Brendan read for me the same way his previous teacher said he read for him.... wonderfully when right next to me, but when on the other side of the room, not so much! Lots of playing with the book, gazing our the window, tying his shoes, and anything else instead of reading. I need to have more concrete expectations of what two boys should work on while I work with one child at a time.
Daniel was sure excited when I told him last night that he would get to go to school with his kitties. The look on his face was pretty cute. This morning while we were reading one of our books he made sure to get Sasha.
Well, Rhianna is awake and in a foul mood. Yippee-skippy! The fun of the afternoon begins.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
HomeSchooling
Approximately four weeks ago I was giddy with the anticipation of sending my kiddos to school. Summer was horrendous. I could not wait to get rid of my little urchins, if only for a few hours a day. Around that time we met some friends for lunch and I told them that I thought they were crazy. "Most of the time I admire you homeschoolers, and I can see where it would be great. But at this time of year I think you're all nuts!" They took it with good humor. Little did any of us know that God was possibly giggling while we ate our rice bowls and nachos. My husband and I just recently made the decision to pull our kids out of the public school system and leap into the world of homeschooling. We start next month.
The same friend we had lunched with told me last week, "Wow! When God works on you He does it fast!" Below are some of the events that led to the 180 degree shift in educational philosophy.
President Obama was to give a speech to the nation's children in school and many people freaked out. I was not entirely impressed with the idea, myself. It seemed highly political. President Obama has a history of not always doing what he says he will. The speech was to be live and at the time of most of the hulabaloo, the speech had not been released. It was scheduled a day before his speech to joint sessions of Congress pushing his healthcare... on and on. I watched it. My kids watched it. It was fine. However, one of the emails I read during the commotion prior to the speech was from a homeschool mom to a group of moms who mostly homeschool. She said it was a moot point because the public schools are government run schools. Why shouldn't the President be allowed to make a speech? She also went on to reference the scripture (Matthew 22:19) where the Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus and asked Him about paying taxes. He asked them whose picture was on the coin and the answer was Caesar. Jesus told them "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's." This lady in the e-mail said that when you put your children in public schools you are giving them to the government and relinquish all rights to their education. (For the record, I still disagree on some of her points.) It made me mad and I was in a fighting mood anyway, so I Googled, "Christians public schools." I was anticipating finding oodles of evidence to support Christians sending their kids to public schools and I was going to list those in an e-mail back to her. What I found instead were blogs, articles, opinions expressing just the opposite. It stopped me in my tracks. I immediately started questioning Just why am I sending my kids to public school?
I think God has been sending me hints for a long time that we are to homeschool. I just haven't been listening. Now that I am listening I am amazed at how clear He has been. I will continue later this week with verses from Bible study, laundry room revelations, and sermons that pointed our way to educating our children in our home.
The same friend we had lunched with told me last week, "Wow! When God works on you He does it fast!" Below are some of the events that led to the 180 degree shift in educational philosophy.
President Obama was to give a speech to the nation's children in school and many people freaked out. I was not entirely impressed with the idea, myself. It seemed highly political. President Obama has a history of not always doing what he says he will. The speech was to be live and at the time of most of the hulabaloo, the speech had not been released. It was scheduled a day before his speech to joint sessions of Congress pushing his healthcare... on and on. I watched it. My kids watched it. It was fine. However, one of the emails I read during the commotion prior to the speech was from a homeschool mom to a group of moms who mostly homeschool. She said it was a moot point because the public schools are government run schools. Why shouldn't the President be allowed to make a speech? She also went on to reference the scripture (Matthew 22:19) where the Pharisees were trying to trick Jesus and asked Him about paying taxes. He asked them whose picture was on the coin and the answer was Caesar. Jesus told them "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's." This lady in the e-mail said that when you put your children in public schools you are giving them to the government and relinquish all rights to their education. (For the record, I still disagree on some of her points.) It made me mad and I was in a fighting mood anyway, so I Googled, "Christians public schools." I was anticipating finding oodles of evidence to support Christians sending their kids to public schools and I was going to list those in an e-mail back to her. What I found instead were blogs, articles, opinions expressing just the opposite. It stopped me in my tracks. I immediately started questioning Just why am I sending my kids to public school?
I think God has been sending me hints for a long time that we are to homeschool. I just haven't been listening. Now that I am listening I am amazed at how clear He has been. I will continue later this week with verses from Bible study, laundry room revelations, and sermons that pointed our way to educating our children in our home.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Laura doesn't exactly praise Obama
When I first read the CNN article I was POSITIVE that the media hacked the interview and pieced it together to meet their agenda. Then when I watched the interview I was still under that same impression.
I tried to read the article from a more liberal view and it does seem much better than when I first read it. However, there is definitely a liberal slant to the written article as I tried to reference below.
Please be forgiving of grammar and spelling and such. I have a 6 year old home sick and he is tormenting the 2 year old. :)
Article "She also criticized Washington's sharp political divide" and “Part of the reason for the polarization, she said, was the increase in the number of congressional districts dominated by either strongly conservative or liberal voters.“
Transcript “I think it is just what happens and people know it and our country is, because of our very really safe congressional districts everywhere in our country, we're polarized in the sense that a lot of people are on the right, a lot of people are on the left and we've seen that for the last eight years certainly and we're still seeing it and that's just a fact and I think it is important for everybody who is elected, Republicans and Democrats and independents, to do what they can to really be bipartisan, to come together and its difficult.
I know that was one of the real disappointments for my husband when he moved to Washington because in Texas when he had worked with the Democrat Speaker of the House and the Democrat Lieutenant Governor and they had been able to come together for what was best for our state and he was disappointed that that was not the way it worked out in Washington and we're just still seeing that I think. That's just a fact of life in American politics and I think people... I'm sure President Obama didn't expect it to be that way but you know, it is that way and I think all of us need to do what we can to come together on issues.
Article " defended Obama's decision to deliver a back-to-school speech to students"
Transcript I think there is a place for the President of the United States to talk to schoolchildren and encourage schoolchildren and I think there are a lot of people that should do the same and that is encourage their own children to stay in school and to study hard and to try to achieve the dream that they have.
Article The typically reserved former first lady defended Obama's decision to deliver a back-to-school speech to students, putting her at odds with many conservatives afraid that the president will use the opportunity to advance his political agenda.
Transcript: Well that's their right, you know that certainly is the right of parents to choose what they want their children to hear in school, but I think really what people were unhappy about were the guidelines that went out with the... before the.. speech went out with the, um, and I think those have been changed and I think it is also really important for everyone to respect the President of the United States.
Article: Bush indicated that she didn't think it was fair for Obama to be labeled a "socialist" by critics.
Transcript: Zain: Do you think that it is fair that Obama is criticized as a socialist?
Laura: I'd have no idea whether it is fair, do you think I thought it was fair when President Bush was criticized? Not really. So I guess not. (Watch the interview and how she said this.)
Article: Michelle Obama is also "doing great," she said, in part by turning the White House into a comfortable home for her family.
Transcript: I know what she's doing, you know, it's what every woman who moves there does and that's to try to make it a home.
I tried to read the article from a more liberal view and it does seem much better than when I first read it. However, there is definitely a liberal slant to the written article as I tried to reference below.
Please be forgiving of grammar and spelling and such. I have a 6 year old home sick and he is tormenting the 2 year old. :)
Article "She also criticized Washington's sharp political divide" and “Part of the reason for the polarization, she said, was the increase in the number of congressional districts dominated by either strongly conservative or liberal voters.“
Transcript “I think it is just what happens and people know it and our country is, because of our very really safe congressional districts everywhere in our country, we're polarized in the sense that a lot of people are on the right, a lot of people are on the left and we've seen that for the last eight years certainly and we're still seeing it and that's just a fact and I think it is important for everybody who is elected, Republicans and Democrats and independents, to do what they can to really be bipartisan, to come together and its difficult.
I know that was one of the real disappointments for my husband when he moved to Washington because in Texas when he had worked with the Democrat Speaker of the House and the Democrat Lieutenant Governor and they had been able to come together for what was best for our state and he was disappointed that that was not the way it worked out in Washington and we're just still seeing that I think. That's just a fact of life in American politics and I think people... I'm sure President Obama didn't expect it to be that way but you know, it is that way and I think all of us need to do what we can to come together on issues.
Article " defended Obama's decision to deliver a back-to-school speech to students"
Transcript I think there is a place for the President of the United States to talk to schoolchildren and encourage schoolchildren and I think there are a lot of people that should do the same and that is encourage their own children to stay in school and to study hard and to try to achieve the dream that they have.
Article The typically reserved former first lady defended Obama's decision to deliver a back-to-school speech to students, putting her at odds with many conservatives afraid that the president will use the opportunity to advance his political agenda.
Transcript: Well that's their right, you know that certainly is the right of parents to choose what they want their children to hear in school, but I think really what people were unhappy about were the guidelines that went out with the... before the.. speech went out with the, um, and I think those have been changed and I think it is also really important for everyone to respect the President of the United States.
Article: Bush indicated that she didn't think it was fair for Obama to be labeled a "socialist" by critics.
Transcript: Zain: Do you think that it is fair that Obama is criticized as a socialist?
Laura: I'd have no idea whether it is fair, do you think I thought it was fair when President Bush was criticized? Not really. So I guess not. (Watch the interview and how she said this.)
Article: Michelle Obama is also "doing great," she said, in part by turning the White House into a comfortable home for her family.
Transcript: I know what she's doing, you know, it's what every woman who moves there does and that's to try to make it a home.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Procrastination
Procrastination is a sign that we are not trusting that God will lead the way and guide our paths. Procrastination leads to confusion and indecision, giving the enemy an opportunity to work at convincing us that we are unworthy, unqualified and incapable of carrying out God's will. As a result, we become paralyzed with fear, doubts and insecurities.From a Proverbs 31 Devotion by Tracie MilesAnother timely e-mail devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries. God has spoken to me so often through these e-mails. This little message on procrastination has really hit home. I am a writer. I love to write. How can I go days, even weeks, without putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard?
I think it's a bit of an endless cycle. Or seemingly endless, anyway. The more I put off what I feel called to do, the more tempted I am to listen to the devil instead of my Father. Satan's accusing and belittling words become louder and clearer. God's loving and encouraging words of direction become a faint whisper. I have always been a bit of a procrastinator, but the way Mrs. Miles puts it above... yikes!
So, my prayer is that I will trust God to guide my steps... with writing, raising kids, and being a good wife.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Three Boys who killed a Giant... Wasp!
Looking at these smug faces, you'd never know how much high-pitched screaming actually took place during, and moments leading up to, the kill. Well, you'd never know if their mama wasn't a big-mouthed-blogger! Poor fellas.
The pleased one in the middle was quite quick on his feet... in retreat. The hunter on the left did the actual deed. Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky on the right was mostly tagging along for the fun of it all.
The trophy is in the bottom of the pink water bottle.
I asked the conqueror how he killed the wasp. The response I got was a highly entertaining reenactment with facial expressions that made me wish I'd had the camcorder instead of the digital camera. I had to add the wasps, of course, since he'd already killed the real one.
My youngest son was perfectly content with his living ladybug.
Ah, my champions.... Killers of bees and catcher of ladybugs.
Monday, April 27, 2009
W.O.W. Update
So this wasn't the bookshelf I committed to, but I did work on it a little as I was taking books from my work table. This little angelic-looking thing has been absolutely no help. This is a rare smile for today. Usually she's been throwing little fits. Ugh!
This doesn't look like much but the clear bin in the middle was overflowing with papers that are now organized into the file basket to the right of it. The blue trash can (far right) is now overflowing. :) The books to the upper left are still not good, but so much better. I still have 1 1/2 more days!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Within One Week (or 3 days)
This is a fun little git r done game I'm playing on Becky's blog. It actually started last Wednesday and I'm only starting it today. Boy, do I have my work cut out for me! Here are a few before pictures so you can be praying for me. :)
This is my table in the front room. My plan is for it to be cleared off at all times to be available for homework, bill-paying, letter writing, and even scrapbooking.
These are the shelves to the left of my table. It will contain... oops, I knew I should have written down my hubby and I's ideas. Oh well, I'm sure it will come to me.
Well I'd better get to work! I'm looking forward to posting my accomplishments and I can't wait to see everyone else's after pictures. Aren't before and after pictures fun????
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Doom and Gloom with a Silver Lining
Things that make me so sad... (and mad!)
Senate passed the Give Act.
Senate passed the Give Act.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/18/house-readies-passage-volunteerism-critics-pricey-forced-service/
Abortion
Things that frighten me...
"If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." (John 15:19)
"On the other hand, the Republican operatives, led by former Senate Majority Leader Dick Armey’s Freedomworks organization, have been able to tap into a permanent anti-tax minority that, along with religious conservatives, libertarians, and other fringe groups, anchors the right wing of the GOP. These “drown government in a bathtub” zealots don’t need a logical reason to protest taxes, they are against them on principle. Though constantly praising their good fortune for living in “freedom,” they believe they have little obligation to support — through taxes — the nation that makes their life possible." From a columnist in our local paper.
I'm not ready to be called a zealot or an anarchist. But it's coming...
Things I am thankful for...
My hope is in Jesus!
I am thankful that I am not facing these things alone. God goes before me and He gave me a faithful husband and dear friends to share the burden.
Things I am thankful for...
My hope is in Jesus!
Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Sent to me from a dear friend via FaceBook.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Just Do It!
I will save you all the drama/trauma of what led up to this little realization. Let's just say that I've been very selfish and am realizing, yet again, that it isn't about me! It's about Him. I've strayed.... again. Earlier this evening I was in tears. I was feeling quite defeated. I began praying and opened the Bible. 1 Chronicles 28:9,10.
This passage was so encouraging to me. It was a bit disappointing at first, "David summoned all the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem:..." I thought, Oh great, I ask for a Word and He gives me Chronicles? But God is Faithful. He loves me. The wretched, selfish, lazy worm that I am. He is so GOOD!!!!
I keep looking at me. At what I can or cannot do. What I have done or haven't done. I take pride in those little Make-Me-Proud Mommy Moments. I beat myself up over those not-so-proud Mommy Moments. I look around and wonder what people think of my parenting skills. I worry that grandparents think I'm being too hard on my kiddos. Or that my hubby thinks I'm too lax. Do you see all those I's? Wow! So then I start berating myself for being selfish... Oh, I forgot. I was going to spare you the drama details. How about some more of Him, instead?
9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.
This passage was so encouraging to me. It was a bit disappointing at first, "David summoned all the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem:..." I thought, Oh great, I ask for a Word and He gives me Chronicles? But God is Faithful. He loves me. The wretched, selfish, lazy worm that I am. He is so GOOD!!!!
I keep looking at me. At what I can or cannot do. What I have done or haven't done. I take pride in those little Make-Me-Proud Mommy Moments. I beat myself up over those not-so-proud Mommy Moments. I look around and wonder what people think of my parenting skills. I worry that grandparents think I'm being too hard on my kiddos. Or that my hubby thinks I'm too lax. Do you see all those I's? Wow! So then I start berating myself for being selfish... Oh, I forgot. I was going to spare you the drama details. How about some more of Him, instead?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Mom - one... Kid - zero!
I just had an incredibly empowering Mommy Moment! My 8 year old was not at the parent pick up area at school. My 7 year old was there along with my 6 year old, but no 8 year old. 7 year old informed me that 8 year old had forgotten his water bottle in the classroom and had gone back to retrieve it.
So we waited. And waited. I started wondering if I should call the school office and have him paged on the overhead when he came around the corner. He was moseying at a "not a care in the world" pace and once stopped to watch a kid on the playground. So I did what any Love and Logic Parent would do. I drove off. I got a little bit of a look from one of the teachers, but after I drove around the block and came back to get him, he was "a humble 8 year old, a sad and small 8 year old, an 'oh, momma, am I glad to see you, 8 year old.'"
And the wonderful teacher waiting beside him gave me the nod. The nod that says, "Good job, mom!" The one us often-insecure mommies don't see nearly often enough.
So we waited. And waited. I started wondering if I should call the school office and have him paged on the overhead when he came around the corner. He was moseying at a "not a care in the world" pace and once stopped to watch a kid on the playground. So I did what any Love and Logic Parent would do. I drove off. I got a little bit of a look from one of the teachers, but after I drove around the block and came back to get him, he was "a humble 8 year old, a sad and small 8 year old, an 'oh, momma, am I glad to see you, 8 year old.'"
And the wonderful teacher waiting beside him gave me the nod. The nod that says, "Good job, mom!" The one us often-insecure mommies don't see nearly often enough.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Pampered Piggies
My favorite store had a sale a few weeks ago. I told my hubby that I was going to purchase a $40 shirt for $25, but ended up spending over $70. I came home with a really cute pair of capris and 2 blouses. Plus, they had a drawing for a local hair & nails salon and I won a gift certificate! Woo-Hoo! I knew exactly what I would use it for... Tuesday I received my first ever pedicure. My feet are quite ticklish and I get nervous when I cut my own toenails, so I was a bit apprehensive. For no reason! It was so incredibly relaxing. What a treat!
If you haven't gotten one yet, you should! Ask for one for your anniversary, birthday, Easter gift. :) Whatever! But go get one.... NOW! Your little tootsies will thank you. Be careful though, I hear they can be addictive. I have a friend who gets one once a month. What I think I will do is use them as a major reward for certain goals I have. I'll keep you posted.
Have you treated your toes lately? I'd love to hear about it! What's your favorite nail polish color? My toes are currently showing off Opi's The Big Break . I was tempted to go with Didgeridoo Your Nails... Nail polish names are so much fun!
Monday, April 6, 2009
I just logged on to play a quick little game...
I love Facebook! I used to play Bejewelled Blitz, Pathwords, and chat... a lot. Now I take a quiz from time to time but it has been forever since I chatted.
Tonight as I was cooking dinner, I put the garlic bread in the oven on broil. Rather than set a timer, I figured by the time it took to play a quick little game of Bananagrams (Thanks to my Texas friend!) the bread would be done to perfection. But as I was getting ready to play, the little chat window popped up in the lower right corner of my screen. (Thanks to my musical friend!).
We had a nice little chat until...
I am not addicted to Facebook... I am not addicted to Facebook...
... I am not addicted to facebook!
Tonight as I was cooking dinner, I put the garlic bread in the oven on broil. Rather than set a timer, I figured by the time it took to play a quick little game of Bananagrams (Thanks to my Texas friend!) the bread would be done to perfection. But as I was getting ready to play, the little chat window popped up in the lower right corner of my screen. (Thanks to my musical friend!).
We had a nice little chat until...
.......
..........
I am not addicted to Facebook... I am not addicted to Facebook...
... I am not addicted to facebook!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Candle on the Water
Daniel has started doing something that I'm not too fond of. We watch musicals together and I sing along just like always, but now he puts his hand over my mouth and sternly says, "Don't do that momma!" Not so sure what THAT'S all about! He used to like me singing in his ear with Helen Reddy or Mulan. Oh well. My baby boy is growing up... and apparently developing some taste in music...
I rented Pete's Dragon for the boys the other day. Brendan loved it. Especially when I told him that "Candle on the Water" was our song. Daniel liked parts of it. He did not care much for the Gogans, the storm at the end, or my singing. Go figure. I absolutely love that movie!
Sharon Jaynes wrote a book called, "Being a Great Mom Raising Great Kids." I started reading it around the same time I watched Pete's Dragon with my kiddos. God has some amazing timing! I am a visual learner and often think in pictures. So I already had the picture of a lighthouse and being a "candle on the water" as a positive image for a mom. Then I read the following quote from Jaynes' book:
Within days of reading this I received an e-mail devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Lysa TerKeurst was having mommy doubts just prior to speaking at a parenting convention because one of her kids had been called into the principal's office. Lysa recognized the importance of seeking God's definition of who she is rather than letting "moments define her." What wisdom! And what Godly timing!
Lately, as in for the past four to six months, I feel like I have been chasing my tail. I have been reacting to how the kids act rather than setting the tone for my family and modeling sane behavior. It's been like a ping-pong game. I let the kids bring worms to school. I'm a good mom. I lost my cool with my 8 year old. I'm a bad mom! Back and forth, day by day, minute by minute. I've whined to my hubby. I've whined to my mom. I've whined on FaceBook. I've whined to my poor little darlings! I've whined to God... and I am finally starting to listen... to Him. I just love how God can speak through books and blogs, moms and music, husbands and Helen Reddy... :)
I receive e-mail reminders from FlyLady. Yesterday this was in one of her e-mails:
This mommy, cracks and all, will work on being a lighthouse for her children. With a "solid foundation in Jesus Christ," "walls of faith...to withstand the storms of life," not to mention a lovely singing voice... I will seek to be an "immovable constant" in my childrens' lives. Mommies don't have to be perfect to reflect the Sonlight.
I rented Pete's Dragon for the boys the other day. Brendan loved it. Especially when I told him that "Candle on the Water" was our song. Daniel liked parts of it. He did not care much for the Gogans, the storm at the end, or my singing. Go figure. I absolutely love that movie!
Sharon Jaynes wrote a book called, "Being a Great Mom Raising Great Kids." I started reading it around the same time I watched Pete's Dragon with my kiddos. God has some amazing timing! I am a visual learner and often think in pictures. So I already had the picture of a lighthouse and being a "candle on the water" as a positive image for a mom. Then I read the following quote from Jaynes' book:
"A mother whose children rise up and call her blessed is much like a stately lighthouse. She has a solid foundation in Jesus Christ. Her walls of faith are constructed to withstand the storms of life, and her primary function is to house the light of Christ. This mother is an immovable constant in her child's life, a landmark along life's journey, ,and a guiding light that points her child to the safe harbor of home and eventually out to sea."
Within days of reading this I received an e-mail devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries. Lysa TerKeurst was having mommy doubts just prior to speaking at a parenting convention because one of her kids had been called into the principal's office. Lysa recognized the importance of seeking God's definition of who she is rather than letting "moments define her." What wisdom! And what Godly timing!
Lately, as in for the past four to six months, I feel like I have been chasing my tail. I have been reacting to how the kids act rather than setting the tone for my family and modeling sane behavior. It's been like a ping-pong game. I let the kids bring worms to school. I'm a good mom. I lost my cool with my 8 year old. I'm a bad mom! Back and forth, day by day, minute by minute. I've whined to my hubby. I've whined to my mom. I've whined on FaceBook. I've whined to my poor little darlings! I've whined to God... and I am finally starting to listen... to Him. I just love how God can speak through books and blogs, moms and music, husbands and Helen Reddy... :)
I receive e-mail reminders from FlyLady. Yesterday this was in one of her e-mails:
"...forget your perfect offering,A quote by Leonard Cohen that someone had sent in to her.
there's a crack in everything.
That's where the light gets in."
This mommy, cracks and all, will work on being a lighthouse for her children. With a "solid foundation in Jesus Christ," "walls of faith...to withstand the storms of life," not to mention a lovely singing voice... I will seek to be an "immovable constant" in my childrens' lives. Mommies don't have to be perfect to reflect the Sonlight.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Is my glass half empty?
This is what I was pondering before drifting off to sleep last night...
Our house filled with five children goes through milk rather quickly. Each of the boys has two bowls of cereal for breakfast, baby has a bottle at night and one mid morning, not to mention the macaroni and cheese! When that gallon jug is empty, we're out of milk. It's time to go to the store for more or it's a whiny baby and pb&j for breakfast for the boys. And only water to wash those sandwiches down! Yuck! We don't have a cow and we don't have a milkman. We just run out.
Smiles are a little different. Seems the more you smile the more you feel like smiling. It doesn't matter how many smiles you give away during a day, you always have more to give. That goes with hugs and kisses, too.
They have Wii games for grownups designed to exercise your brain. Experts tell us that the more you use that organ, the stronger, smarter, that organ becomes. But ask your trainer at the gym and they will tell you to rest your pecs for a day before you work them out again. Muscles grow better after a brief resting period.
Well, what about creativity? Can you run out of it like milk? Or is it more like a smile, the more you use, the more you seem to have? Here is my fear. If I spend all my creative juices on cleaning the house and beautifying our bedroom, will I have any left for scrapbooking or writing? Will someone please tell me that I am better off not to spend all my creative energy on rearranging furniture or placing pictures on my walls? Shouldn't I save it for something much more, um, fun? Does creativity, like my brain, improve with continual exercise? Or should I rest by taking naps between creating scrapbook pages and writing blog posts?
Any help in this matter is greatly appreciated! I will delete all comments that suggest that I do housework. Just kidding.
Our house filled with five children goes through milk rather quickly. Each of the boys has two bowls of cereal for breakfast, baby has a bottle at night and one mid morning, not to mention the macaroni and cheese! When that gallon jug is empty, we're out of milk. It's time to go to the store for more or it's a whiny baby and pb&j for breakfast for the boys. And only water to wash those sandwiches down! Yuck! We don't have a cow and we don't have a milkman. We just run out.
Smiles are a little different. Seems the more you smile the more you feel like smiling. It doesn't matter how many smiles you give away during a day, you always have more to give. That goes with hugs and kisses, too.
They have Wii games for grownups designed to exercise your brain. Experts tell us that the more you use that organ, the stronger, smarter, that organ becomes. But ask your trainer at the gym and they will tell you to rest your pecs for a day before you work them out again. Muscles grow better after a brief resting period.
Well, what about creativity? Can you run out of it like milk? Or is it more like a smile, the more you use, the more you seem to have? Here is my fear. If I spend all my creative juices on cleaning the house and beautifying our bedroom, will I have any left for scrapbooking or writing? Will someone please tell me that I am better off not to spend all my creative energy on rearranging furniture or placing pictures on my walls? Shouldn't I save it for something much more, um, fun? Does creativity, like my brain, improve with continual exercise? Or should I rest by taking naps between creating scrapbook pages and writing blog posts?
Any help in this matter is greatly appreciated! I will delete all comments that suggest that I do housework. Just kidding.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Happy Birthday to me...
I am 39 years old today. In fact almost to the minute as I type this.
Here are a few pictures of when I was young... younger.
I was almost 4 years old in that picture. I love the t.v. No flat screens back then. But at least, unlike my hubby, we had electricity. (JK honey!)
This second picture is possibly from kindergarten.
My hubby bought me a dozen red roses this morning... my sisters brought me a beautiful tote bag filled with fun things... including a Glinda from the Wizard of Oz magnet to remind me to be a GOOD witch! That makes me laugh. Then I just went out to put some frozen pizzas in our freezer and there is a birthday cake hiding there!
Well, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my birthday.
Here are a few pictures of when I was young... younger.
I was almost 4 years old in that picture. I love the t.v. No flat screens back then. But at least, unlike my hubby, we had electricity. (JK honey!)
This second picture is possibly from kindergarten.
My hubby bought me a dozen red roses this morning... my sisters brought me a beautiful tote bag filled with fun things... including a Glinda from the Wizard of Oz magnet to remind me to be a GOOD witch! That makes me laugh. Then I just went out to put some frozen pizzas in our freezer and there is a birthday cake hiding there!
Well, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my birthday.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Connections in Charlotte
I just checked the internet for flights to Charlotte, NC. The cheapest one is just over $300.00. If I want a no-connections flight, it would be closer to $500.00. Suddenly there it was... the angle for my blog post for the She Speaks Conference scholarship entry. (Go to Lysa Tyerkurst's post for more information!) Connections! Of course I want connections. That's why I want to go to the She Speaks Conference in the first place!
Proverbs 31 Ministries' She Speaks Conference offers connections:
My morning ritual involves opening three windows on my computer while waiting for the coffee to brew. My blog, FaceBook, and e-mail. My husband, in jest, accuses me of being addicted to the computer. He is only partly right. I am addicted to connections. As a stay at home mom, most of my connections (at least with grown ups) just happen to be found on the computer.
I love connecting with people. I love the fellowship with other Christians. I love meeting people who run in different circles than myself, learning about them and their beliefs, and showing them my connection to Jesus. I love connecting with God through prayer and reading His Word.
I also love to write. I used to say “I live to write.” It used to be that unless I wrote about something it was not real to me. I still have my notebook from my 9th grade Language Arts class where I sat across from a really cute boy. One day I kept accidentally making eye contact with him. Okay, I was staring at him and he was catching me at it! I could feel my face growing warmer and redder. I needed to vent. Having no friends in that class, I started a conversation within my notebook, “Eek! He just looked at me.” “Don't look at him!” “Whoa! He looked at me again!” This is an embarrassingly silly example, but that moment is still etched in my memory. Because I wrote about it.
I have a suitcase filled with letters I never mailed. My personality, my beliefs, my first boyfriends, my life was continually expressed through ink on paper. Then my life changed. I gave myself to Christ. I became a different person. I stopped writing.
There are several possible reasons why:
I can no longer, however, resist the urge to write. I have been recognizing it as encouraging whispers from my Father in Heaven. I have started to re-find my voice through listening to His voice. The She Speaks Conference might just be what is needed for a “revival in my calling.”
Do you feel the same pull? Go to the She Speaks Conference website and find out that this conference could be just what YOU need!
Proverbs 31 Ministries' She Speaks Conference offers connections:
Connections with God and His calling in your life.
Connections with kind-hearted professionals with a desire to teach their trade.
Connections with other writers/speakers/leaders.
Connections with publishers.
My morning ritual involves opening three windows on my computer while waiting for the coffee to brew. My blog, FaceBook, and e-mail. My husband, in jest, accuses me of being addicted to the computer. He is only partly right. I am addicted to connections. As a stay at home mom, most of my connections (at least with grown ups) just happen to be found on the computer.
I love connecting with people. I love the fellowship with other Christians. I love meeting people who run in different circles than myself, learning about them and their beliefs, and showing them my connection to Jesus. I love connecting with God through prayer and reading His Word.
I also love to write. I used to say “I live to write.” It used to be that unless I wrote about something it was not real to me. I still have my notebook from my 9th grade Language Arts class where I sat across from a really cute boy. One day I kept accidentally making eye contact with him. Okay, I was staring at him and he was catching me at it! I could feel my face growing warmer and redder. I needed to vent. Having no friends in that class, I started a conversation within my notebook, “Eek! He just looked at me.” “Don't look at him!” “Whoa! He looked at me again!” This is an embarrassingly silly example, but that moment is still etched in my memory. Because I wrote about it.
I have a suitcase filled with letters I never mailed. My personality, my beliefs, my first boyfriends, my life was continually expressed through ink on paper. Then my life changed. I gave myself to Christ. I became a different person. I stopped writing.
There are several possible reasons why:
-My confidence took a nose dive.
-As a new Christian I felt I had little or nothing to offer.
-My freshest writing in the past was, well, fresh. And not like lilacs in the spring. More like the birds and the bees in the spring. Not explicit but not Christ-edifying, either.
-“The writer's life is a lonely life.” I am not sure if I am quoting my mother or my creative writing professor. Probably both.
I can no longer, however, resist the urge to write. I have been recognizing it as encouraging whispers from my Father in Heaven. I have started to re-find my voice through listening to His voice. The She Speaks Conference might just be what is needed for a “revival in my calling.”
Do you feel the same pull? Go to the She Speaks Conference website and find out that this conference could be just what YOU need!
Monday, March 23, 2009
A Rather Blustery Day
We had our first big wind of the season yesterday afternoon. I kept hoping Mary Poppins would drift into our yard. Unfortunately she was a no-show. Also unfortunate, my camera's batteries were not charged, but picture the little boy and girl in The Cat in the Hat when they were sitting at the window watching the drizzly day... only there were five children in our window and they were ecstatic! They kept giving us minute-by-minute updates.
"The chair is moving again!"Even our little 16 month old Princess sat wide-eyed in a big kid chair watching with the boys. Once they all paraded to the north side of the house because one of the kids spotted a trash sack in a tree... way high up in a tree. Then we were all drawn back to the kitchen window when our 6 year old frantically yelled, “The lawn chair is sliding into the alley!” So with all five of our children watching at the window, dh and I ventured out to rescue the chair and re-latch the gate.
"The power lines are moving!"
"The gate flew open!"
As soon as we got outside I had a devious plan, “Wouldn't it be funny if we acted like we were blowing away in the wind?” Hubby went first. He pretty much blew straight to the gate, but then he held onto it as if for dear life. My performance involved more spinning and arm flailing. Then we blew into the alley and hid around the side of the neighbor's fence laughing... or catching our breath. The 7 year old had been talking to me through the open window when hubby started blowing toward the alley. But suddenly all inside were silent. Once we were out of sight, we could hear the 6 year old yell, “Bob and Jenny just blew away!” Our sensitive 5 year old started to squeak fearfully, so we came back in the yard to put their little minds at ease.
While we were still in the alley we noticed the 4 year old neighbor boy watching from his window. He was quickly joined by his big brother. We were quite proud to have gotten six kids with one stunt.
Some might call it mean. We call it revenge... sweet revenge...
When I Googled "Windy umbrella" I found this silly picture of my favorite President. I figured I'd post it since I've been quite missing him.
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Armor of God10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
My boys were so excited after Awana the other night. They got to help teach the other kids in their class about putting on the "armor of God." My 6 year old was a little surprised that other children had not heard about the sword of the spirit or the breastplate of righteousness. I'm so proud of them!
On a somewhat related note, did you all know that you are apparently supposed to take your shoes off before going into Chic-Fil-A? I might be exaggerating a bit, but I was told by family members that it was a "holy place." No wonder they don't come with us on Tuesday nights! Oh brother! Do you ever feel like that family on the Simpsons? With the boys and their dad always singing, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart." That stupid show sure painted Christians in a bad light, didn't it? It's hard to be a witness for Christ when people think you're an intolerant fool. And apparently Chic-Fil-A is a meeting place for our cult or something! I'm a little miffed, can you tell?
A p.s. to said family members if you read this... Don't worry, I'll get over it. I love you! Even if you do think I'm a weirdo. :)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Spring Renewal or Cleaning
One of the things I look forward to the most in Spring is Spring Cleaning. Not the sweep out the cobwebs, beat the rugs, wash the windows Spring Cleaning. The kind of Spring Cleaning I get excited about is when everyone in the city puts their garbage out into the street. Then little front-end-loaders and men with shovels fill large city dump trucks that make their way to the dump. My kids and I sit at the window or in the driveway and watch. A few years ago the mini front end loader split our old hand-me-down, stained, torn, couch in two pieces before lifting it into the dump truck. Six kids and I cheered from our "new" couch at the front window. Spring Cleaning is the cheapest and easiest way my family gets rid of a lot of strangling clutter.
Getting rid of the clutter from my brain often proves to be more difficult. The only solution I can think of, besides expensive therapy that probably wouldn't work anyway, is to replace the various, often contradicting, voices in my head with the Truth. My refreshing Spring habit will be simply to breathe... Inhale God's Word through reading the Bible, and exhale through prayer and journaling.
I also plan to read posts on Internet Cafe Devotions for more ideas on rejuvenation & renewal.
Happy Spring!
Getting rid of the clutter from my brain often proves to be more difficult. The only solution I can think of, besides expensive therapy that probably wouldn't work anyway, is to replace the various, often contradicting, voices in my head with the Truth. My refreshing Spring habit will be simply to breathe... Inhale God's Word through reading the Bible, and exhale through prayer and journaling.
I also plan to read posts on Internet Cafe Devotions for more ideas on rejuvenation & renewal.
Happy Spring!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Our Song
At the end of Open Season 2 all the little animals start singing, "Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? Just like me, they long to be, close to you." Thanks to the Veggie Tales Junior's Bedtime Songs CD I received as a baby shower gift, I've been singing that song to my son for almost 6 years now. Tonight I crooned along with the critters as we finished watching the movie, quipping, "They're singing our song!" Daniel just loves when I do that. He also loves when I cry during movies. He was NOT very impressed, however, that I actually got up and danced during parts of Mama Mia. I'm learning the fine art of Embarrassing Your Offspring.
As we cuddled in bed after the movie, he made me sing, "the Open Season song" two times before he drifted off to sleep.
As we cuddled in bed after the movie, he made me sing, "the Open Season song" two times before he drifted off to sleep.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Procrastination Post
It's time to write! Ok, it's time to clean. I have been wanting to get back into blogging, but I have so much to do still around the house. I will resist the temptation to write and write to avoid some of the housework that needs done. I will, however, get back into the habit of writing every day. Even if it's just to say, "No more procrastinating! Time to get to work!"
Have a wonderful Wednesday whether it's word-filled, Word-filled, or wordless.
Have a wonderful Wednesday whether it's word-filled, Word-filled, or wordless.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I'm missing all my friends in Blog-Land!
I am on my hubby's laptop for only the 2nd time in the past two weeks. We've torn our house upside down and inside out and are just now putting things back together. We had our upstairs floors finished (hardwood floors were hiding under carpet). Hubby and I moved all the furniture downstairs and tore up the carpet from about 5pm to 2am Sunday a couple weeks ago. Then we took the kids to the Hot Springs Pool and hotel for the night. We got home the next night at about 9pm but we couldn't get in our house because the front room floors were still wet and we didn't have a key to the back deadbolt. We had to stay at another hotel! Then within 2 days of having the hardwood floors re-finished, we had carpet installed downstairs. That meant bringing all of the upstairs- things back upstairs and moving all the downstairs things to one half of the downstairs or upstairs so they could lay carpet. The carpet was finished Saturday afternoon and we had my extended family (27 of us) over for a late Christmas party that night. WOW! Crazy timing. My hubby was so sweet though to do this and to think to do this before all my relatives came over.
I will write more now that I have more regular access to the laptop. Hopefully I will SOON have my computer back up. 3 out of the 4 kids beds are up. We still have a fish tank in our bedroom, but it is no longer blocking my dresser (I've been rewashing the same 2 or 3 outfits).
I just wanted to let you all know I haven't forgotten about you and I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I miss you guys! I'm anxious to get back into the Biblical Submission Bible Study. For now it feels like a major accomplishment just to post this much!
<3 Jenny
I will write more now that I have more regular access to the laptop. Hopefully I will SOON have my computer back up. 3 out of the 4 kids beds are up. We still have a fish tank in our bedroom, but it is no longer blocking my dresser (I've been rewashing the same 2 or 3 outfits).
I just wanted to let you all know I haven't forgotten about you and I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. I miss you guys! I'm anxious to get back into the Biblical Submission Bible Study. For now it feels like a major accomplishment just to post this much!
<3 Jenny
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year!
I was in my kitchen preparing chili, contemplating my sticky floors and cluttered counters. Maybe if I played a game with myself I could get motivated to clean my kitchen and keep it clean? I thought, "Oooh, what if someone was coming to my house? Someone like a King or someone really important." Then it hit me. Duh! Who is more important to me than my husband? Ouch! Really, why do I rush to clean the house when company is coming, but allow it to get this bad for my hubby and dear children. In my kids' words, "That's not fair!"
My New Year's Resolution is only this, to run all things through the following priority filter (thanks to Sunny!): God First, then Husband, Kids 3rd, House 4th, Ministry 5th.
My hubby and I are going to take an evening this next week to talk and create a plan for 2009. We've been haphazardly flopping this way and that. Getting things done as they hit us, but not really with plan or purpose. No more! It's time we use the resources that God gives us for Him and for His plans rather than for our whimsies.
Having said all this.... please pray! :)
My New Year's Resolution is only this, to run all things through the following priority filter (thanks to Sunny!): God First, then Husband, Kids 3rd, House 4th, Ministry 5th.
My hubby and I are going to take an evening this next week to talk and create a plan for 2009. We've been haphazardly flopping this way and that. Getting things done as they hit us, but not really with plan or purpose. No more! It's time we use the resources that God gives us for Him and for His plans rather than for our whimsies.
Having said all this.... please pray! :)
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