See some fun photos of the boys plus a few of Honey with Baby Girl. My favorite is #72, Honey really caught his personality and beautiful eyes! They start here..
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1691726/5/84969838
Monday, July 31, 2006
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Following Wherever
We sang the song in church today "Wherever He Leads I'll Go". A friend told me one time that a Christian stops telling lies and starts singing them. I sang that song today and I don't want it to be a lie.
I am at a place in my life right now that I'm having to decide if I'll really follow on some things. Honey says that he doesn't think the issue is whether or not I'll follow, but whether or not I'll do it kicking and screaming. Does he know me or what?!
I woke up from a nap today praying that the Lord would enable me to sing those words truthfully and without kicking and screaming. I want to "follow my Christ who loves me so", remembering, knowing, and trusting that wherever/whatever it is is not a place that was chosen out of the spur of the moment, is not a decision that was made out of emotion or impulse, but was carefully planned out for me by my infallible God "who loves me so". What is more is that He is the one who leads me and does not just send me. He will be there first.
Lord, help me follow wholeheartedly. Amen.
I am at a place in my life right now that I'm having to decide if I'll really follow on some things. Honey says that he doesn't think the issue is whether or not I'll follow, but whether or not I'll do it kicking and screaming. Does he know me or what?!
I woke up from a nap today praying that the Lord would enable me to sing those words truthfully and without kicking and screaming. I want to "follow my Christ who loves me so", remembering, knowing, and trusting that wherever/whatever it is is not a place that was chosen out of the spur of the moment, is not a decision that was made out of emotion or impulse, but was carefully planned out for me by my infallible God "who loves me so". What is more is that He is the one who leads me and does not just send me. He will be there first.
Lord, help me follow wholeheartedly. Amen.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
COW
If you have more than one child, COW is a fun idea. It was an idea from a friend of mine and has worked wonderfully for our 8 kids.
It stands for Child Of the Week. COW gets whatever special privileges are available at the time. At our house COW gets the last cookie, gets to pick which video to watch, goes to the store with Dad when he's only going to take one person, picks kids' dinner on date night, etc. It has eliminated those little bitty things that kids are prone to fight over. The other kids think it's fair b/c they know that their turn to be COW is coming up.
The requirements for becoming COW include being completely potty trained, being able to get in and out of the car seat by yourself, and being able to do a household chore. We now have 6 in the COW rotation.
It's also fun to spoil COW when I go to the store by buying them a little something or letting them pick a box of cereal. I also use that week to pray specifically for that child.
Being COW is more important to the little boys b/c they are the ones who think juice tastes better in a red cup. COW gets the red cup!
It stands for Child Of the Week. COW gets whatever special privileges are available at the time. At our house COW gets the last cookie, gets to pick which video to watch, goes to the store with Dad when he's only going to take one person, picks kids' dinner on date night, etc. It has eliminated those little bitty things that kids are prone to fight over. The other kids think it's fair b/c they know that their turn to be COW is coming up.
The requirements for becoming COW include being completely potty trained, being able to get in and out of the car seat by yourself, and being able to do a household chore. We now have 6 in the COW rotation.
It's also fun to spoil COW when I go to the store by buying them a little something or letting them pick a box of cereal. I also use that week to pray specifically for that child.
Being COW is more important to the little boys b/c they are the ones who think juice tastes better in a red cup. COW gets the red cup!
Our New Fall Schedule
With fall around the corner it is time for me to work on our new schedule. I like this job and I've been thinking over it and making notes for a couple of weeks. It's fun to look back over old schedules that I've done and to see how our family has changed. Every time I do a schedule there are new things to add as our needs are constantly changing.
Here are some of the changes I have in mind for this year:
The biggest one will be to teach all of my big kids to cook more things. I have 2 big kids plus a little boy scheduled every week as kitchen cleaners. With my new schedule, those kids will help me to cook everything for that week. One will be "jr chef", the other will be assigned to clean up duty as we make the mess. The little boy will be my floater to do whatever he can. My goal is to be able to move them away from clean up duty and have 2 jr chefs. I will be the one cleaning up the cooking mess while I oversee their cooking with little boy helping me. Of course, they will still have kitchen clean up chores for the week.
~New jurisdictions...
#2 will water the outside plants with #6 helping her. She will also be in charge of keeping the upstairs paper box neat.
#3 will be in charge of cleaning out the car once a week.
#4 will be in charge of emptying the shredder every week without leaving any little papers behind. She will also straighten the towel cabinets once a week.
#5 will be in charge of the downstairs "art center" as he is the one to always mess it up! He will also have the new duty of making drinks at dinner time.
My changes include:
~Reading our tea book before bed on nights when everyone is home.
~Making a kitchen clean up list for the little boys with big letters.
~Scheduled school time for #5 and #6. I have scheduled 30 minutes for this and will have #1 walk the babies around the block during that time. I think she is big enough for that now.
Here's my kitchen list for the little boys: (they are 3 1/2 and 5)
Pick up refrigerator letters.
Clear table.
Wipe table.
Wipe chairs.
Put leftovers in containers. (I will have an older sibling choose the right size and let little boy do the transfer)
Empty dishwasher.
Sweep.
I think that's about it. Not a lot of new changes right now. As Baby Girl grows from 3 naps to 2, I will have to make a couple of new changes to accommodate her.
I have a fun and busy day today. It's story time at the library. The boys LOVE it. I take #4 along to help. I'm going to lunch with a friend and shopping after that for Honey's b-day meals. That should be quick. #3 wants to have a soccer buddy over before school starts so I will see if I can make that happen for him. I also plan to send a letter to my grandmother. I don't talk to her often on the phone and I miss her.
Here is the current verse I'm working on. It's from the parable of the 4 soils in Luke 8.
"Their hearts are noble and good. They hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."
I've changed it into a prayer for my kids
Lord, please make their hearts noble and good. May they hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Here are some of the changes I have in mind for this year:
The biggest one will be to teach all of my big kids to cook more things. I have 2 big kids plus a little boy scheduled every week as kitchen cleaners. With my new schedule, those kids will help me to cook everything for that week. One will be "jr chef", the other will be assigned to clean up duty as we make the mess. The little boy will be my floater to do whatever he can. My goal is to be able to move them away from clean up duty and have 2 jr chefs. I will be the one cleaning up the cooking mess while I oversee their cooking with little boy helping me. Of course, they will still have kitchen clean up chores for the week.
~New jurisdictions...
#2 will water the outside plants with #6 helping her. She will also be in charge of keeping the upstairs paper box neat.
#3 will be in charge of cleaning out the car once a week.
#4 will be in charge of emptying the shredder every week without leaving any little papers behind. She will also straighten the towel cabinets once a week.
#5 will be in charge of the downstairs "art center" as he is the one to always mess it up! He will also have the new duty of making drinks at dinner time.
My changes include:
~Reading our tea book before bed on nights when everyone is home.
~Making a kitchen clean up list for the little boys with big letters.
~Scheduled school time for #5 and #6. I have scheduled 30 minutes for this and will have #1 walk the babies around the block during that time. I think she is big enough for that now.
Here's my kitchen list for the little boys: (they are 3 1/2 and 5)
Pick up refrigerator letters.
Clear table.
Wipe table.
Wipe chairs.
Put leftovers in containers. (I will have an older sibling choose the right size and let little boy do the transfer)
Empty dishwasher.
Sweep.
I think that's about it. Not a lot of new changes right now. As Baby Girl grows from 3 naps to 2, I will have to make a couple of new changes to accommodate her.
I have a fun and busy day today. It's story time at the library. The boys LOVE it. I take #4 along to help. I'm going to lunch with a friend and shopping after that for Honey's b-day meals. That should be quick. #3 wants to have a soccer buddy over before school starts so I will see if I can make that happen for him. I also plan to send a letter to my grandmother. I don't talk to her often on the phone and I miss her.
Here is the current verse I'm working on. It's from the parable of the 4 soils in Luke 8.
"Their hearts are noble and good. They hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop."
I've changed it into a prayer for my kids
Lord, please make their hearts noble and good. May they hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
#2 wanted to go with me to take #3 to speed training camp yesterday. She's never been and wanted to see what it was all about. It is a big deal to make the front line. That means that out of 100+ boys you are one of the 12 fastest. It is #3's goal to make the front line every day. When the coach blew the whistle and the boys were off, my daughter was yelling and cheering for him like he was in a championship game. When he rounded the bend close to us, she starts coaching him "Faster! Goooo!!" He made the front line, her arms went straight up in the air, she jumped and screamed a "woo-hoo, way to go!!" He had is own special cheerleader.
Unfortunately things went south for her after that. There was a 6yr old little boy there that wanted to throw the football with the highschoolers. His momma said "no". He tried to play with my 5yo but he was bossy and my son didn't want to play with him much. Next he moved on to #2. He asked her to throw the ball with him. She sweetly agreed and threw the ball. He missed and caught it right in the face!
His face was not hurt but his pride certainly was! He was so mad. She tried to apologize and talk to him, but he just kept calling her "mean". He carried on and on and my daughter felt so bad. He sat by his mom and shot hateful looks her way while muttering how mean she was. When he tired of that, he got up and started thumping her on the head! She asked him to stop but he paid no attention. Finally his mom stepped in and told my daughter that he was only flirting with her. That didn't help. He sat back down and resumed his sulky name-calling. His mom paid no attention as she was too engaged in a conversation about yard sales.
Later in the day I could tell that my daughter was still not over it. Her countenance was downcast. I talked to her and she confessed that it was still bothering her. To tell you the truth, I was irritated about it too but in a different way. I was bothered by the talky momma who didn't pay attention to her charge and wondered if I have ever been guilty of the same thing.
Pastor Dale's message Sunday was about forgiveness and not letting bitterness take root. It was a good message. God knew that we would need that this week and reminded me of it while I was talking to #2. We had a good conversation about that and it was sweet to hear her pray for him over tea time. God's Word is so timely!
Today she laughed about it but didn't want to go back to Fasdogs. I don't blame her!
Unfortunately things went south for her after that. There was a 6yr old little boy there that wanted to throw the football with the highschoolers. His momma said "no". He tried to play with my 5yo but he was bossy and my son didn't want to play with him much. Next he moved on to #2. He asked her to throw the ball with him. She sweetly agreed and threw the ball. He missed and caught it right in the face!
His face was not hurt but his pride certainly was! He was so mad. She tried to apologize and talk to him, but he just kept calling her "mean". He carried on and on and my daughter felt so bad. He sat by his mom and shot hateful looks her way while muttering how mean she was. When he tired of that, he got up and started thumping her on the head! She asked him to stop but he paid no attention. Finally his mom stepped in and told my daughter that he was only flirting with her. That didn't help. He sat back down and resumed his sulky name-calling. His mom paid no attention as she was too engaged in a conversation about yard sales.
Later in the day I could tell that my daughter was still not over it. Her countenance was downcast. I talked to her and she confessed that it was still bothering her. To tell you the truth, I was irritated about it too but in a different way. I was bothered by the talky momma who didn't pay attention to her charge and wondered if I have ever been guilty of the same thing.
Pastor Dale's message Sunday was about forgiveness and not letting bitterness take root. It was a good message. God knew that we would need that this week and reminded me of it while I was talking to #2. We had a good conversation about that and it was sweet to hear her pray for him over tea time. God's Word is so timely!
Today she laughed about it but didn't want to go back to Fasdogs. I don't blame her!
Friday, July 21, 2006
New School Supplies
I love the school supply sales this time of year. For years I would just pick out a bunch of stuff and bring it home to surprise everyone. They liked that but one year I happened to have everyone with me when I was shopping. That was the first time they had ever chosen their own stuff. I was almost embarrassed by their enthusiasm at the store! I had no idea that a $.89 folder could be so exciting.
Since then I've always let everyone pick their own stuff. I take them one at a time and let them get whatever they want. I just finished up today with CT. This year that even included a couple of new lunch boxes. They are anxious to try them out at Honey's office next week.
I made school boxes for the little boys with new crayons, scissors, pencils, etc. It'll make them feel like big boys when they sit down for school time. It's so fun to spoil them this way!
Since then I've always let everyone pick their own stuff. I take them one at a time and let them get whatever they want. I just finished up today with CT. This year that even included a couple of new lunch boxes. They are anxious to try them out at Honey's office next week.
I made school boxes for the little boys with new crayons, scissors, pencils, etc. It'll make them feel like big boys when they sit down for school time. It's so fun to spoil them this way!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Bad Bumble Bee
While I am at work life continues in my household. Sometimes I take it for granted and assume that all stands still while I am away and when I get home it will continue where I left it. I often get stories from my wife throughout the day of interesting things that remind me that life goes on at my house...even though I'm not there. (Imagine that!) Anyway, I thought I'd share this with the world.
The wife calls me on my cell phone and tells me #7, while in the garage with his brothers, broke out into a screaming fit. She thought since all 3 of the little boys were out there someone must have taken something that someone else had wanted. As the interrogation began the facts became evident. Apparently, #7 was stung by a wasp about 3 times. #7 stated "A bad bumble bee bite me". He pointed to a spot on his shirt and on his hand. Suddenly, the screaming fit made sense. I felt bad for him...My wife has to tend to things at the house, the phone call is over.
When I get home from #3's soccer practice, I change my clothes and go check on him. I ask him how he was doing and if he was ok. He said yes and I guess that somewhere throughout the day he learned it was a wasp because he said the "wass" bit him. I ask, "Where did the wasp sting you"...He answers very directly..."In the garage"... lol....
The wife calls me on my cell phone and tells me #7, while in the garage with his brothers, broke out into a screaming fit. She thought since all 3 of the little boys were out there someone must have taken something that someone else had wanted. As the interrogation began the facts became evident. Apparently, #7 was stung by a wasp about 3 times. #7 stated "A bad bumble bee bite me". He pointed to a spot on his shirt and on his hand. Suddenly, the screaming fit made sense. I felt bad for him...My wife has to tend to things at the house, the phone call is over.
When I get home from #3's soccer practice, I change my clothes and go check on him. I ask him how he was doing and if he was ok. He said yes and I guess that somewhere throughout the day he learned it was a wasp because he said the "wass" bit him. I ask, "Where did the wasp sting you"...He answers very directly..."In the garage"... lol....
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Tomato Staking Children
Tomato staking is a new term I learned this year in training children. The jist of it in a nutshell is keeping the child with you all throughout the day in order to be always available to train them up instead of leaving them to themselves to play. Much like a tomato is tied to a stake in order to grow up straight and not sprawl out all over the place with fruit rotting on the ground.
I am used to having the 3 little boys with me all day but my older kids are at a point to be trusted pretty well. At least I thought so. My sweet 8 yo daughter is having trouble staying on task, remembering a directive, and working diligently. I decided to "stake" her for these next 3 days.
She was so disappointed with this decision. She considers that a baby thing and thinks that she is too old for it. I explained that age is not as important as maturity and she needed some time to mature. She still isn't crazy about it but I think as the days go on she'll realize it's not so bad.
She will get to work with me in the kitchen more, go more places, and generally just be by my side. For her that will mean more talk time. Boy, does she love to talk!! If I have her go off to do an errand apart from me, she will have to report back as soon as she is done and I will check it. Her chores will take a little longer this way but I think she'll find herself in less trouble.
For the most part, it will be harder for me than her. It requires great discipline for me to stick with it and lots of patience...especially when my ears are tired!! I lack both of those. Isn't it funny how much training our children actually trains us? So after this week, I told her we'd talk about it again and I'd evaluate how she's done and consider unstaking her. I have a feeling she'll do well as she is easy to correct and very teachable. I hope I will say the same about my patience!!
I am used to having the 3 little boys with me all day but my older kids are at a point to be trusted pretty well. At least I thought so. My sweet 8 yo daughter is having trouble staying on task, remembering a directive, and working diligently. I decided to "stake" her for these next 3 days.
She was so disappointed with this decision. She considers that a baby thing and thinks that she is too old for it. I explained that age is not as important as maturity and she needed some time to mature. She still isn't crazy about it but I think as the days go on she'll realize it's not so bad.
She will get to work with me in the kitchen more, go more places, and generally just be by my side. For her that will mean more talk time. Boy, does she love to talk!! If I have her go off to do an errand apart from me, she will have to report back as soon as she is done and I will check it. Her chores will take a little longer this way but I think she'll find herself in less trouble.
For the most part, it will be harder for me than her. It requires great discipline for me to stick with it and lots of patience...especially when my ears are tired!! I lack both of those. Isn't it funny how much training our children actually trains us? So after this week, I told her we'd talk about it again and I'd evaluate how she's done and consider unstaking her. I have a feeling she'll do well as she is easy to correct and very teachable. I hope I will say the same about my patience!!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
I did it!
I tried grilling again...with SUCCESS!! My friend gave me a great tip. Turn the grill OFF after you put in your food. I made nachos and put them on a cookie sheet. When the grill was nice and hot, I put the cookie sheet on the grill, shut the lid, and turned it off. In a few minutes they were melty and toasty.
When I was preparing these in the kitchen, my son had just come home from speed training camp. He is always famished after that and was drooling over these nachos. They did look good. When he found out I was planning on grilling them, he started begging...I mean really begging me not to try it with these! Such little faith. Actually I was worried too b/c we both knew that there wasn't much else to have for lunch. It's time to go shopping.
When I was preparing these in the kitchen, my son had just come home from speed training camp. He is always famished after that and was drooling over these nachos. They did look good. When he found out I was planning on grilling them, he started begging...I mean really begging me not to try it with these! Such little faith. Actually I was worried too b/c we both knew that there wasn't much else to have for lunch. It's time to go shopping.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
I'm On Vacation (Sort of)
Soccer Star is playing in Dallas this weekend. Honey took #1 and so graciously took little boys #'s 5&6. That means I only have 4 kids this weekend...daughters that are 12, 8, and 7 mos and Baby Boy who is 2. It is like a mini vacation. Here are some things we've done.....
The girls love having time to themselves. They've painted the desk in their room, played action figures, read aloud a new garage sale book to each other, and swam until dark.
The babies have been low-key. I've read lots of books to Baby Boy, stacked dominoes with him, worked on his sign language, sang songs, and watched Buzz Lightyear. He even took a nap today. I may regret that later!
We went to LB's soccer game (they lost) and got drinks at Sonic. We popped popcorn since #1 is gone. She can't have it with her braces so that means no one else can have it either. Boy, did the girls like that! I got cheese crackers for Baby Boy as a fun surprise since he can't have popcorn.
The house was already clean from Friday so there hasn't been much to do. I only had to make 1/2 of the bed since Honey was gone. We've done no cooking except that I made LB some ramen noodles as a surprise--her favorite. I also did a scrapbook page in Baby Girl's book. I took a nap, organized books in my school room, and posted books to sell. I updated my budget and worked on my blog. I took LB to pick out her new school supplies and buy snacks for her soccer team.
I plan to stay up late tonight, make myself some juice, get bread started in the bread machine for tomorrow, and watch Star Trek or my favorite cooking show (30 Minute Meals) that I taped while we had the satellite. It's been a good day.
Honey called to say that #3 won all three games today!! He goes to the championship tomorrow! Yippee!! I'm so happy for him. The Dallas teams are good and very competitive. It was a good win. Everyone was having fun, the boys were being good, and he was going outside to play soccer with the little ones. He didn't mention it, but I bet his mom is cooking steaks tonight too!
When we were making plans for the weekend I REALLY wanted to go to TX too. I like to be with my in-laws. All week I was hoping that it would work out so that I could. However, there wasn't room for all of us to stay there w/o getting a hotel room since his sister's family is there too. Now I'm so glad I stayed. Although I would've loved to have watched CT, the heat would've been hard on the babies. #1 taped it for me and CT will enjoy showing it to me at home.
It's been a good vacation.
The girls love having time to themselves. They've painted the desk in their room, played action figures, read aloud a new garage sale book to each other, and swam until dark.
The babies have been low-key. I've read lots of books to Baby Boy, stacked dominoes with him, worked on his sign language, sang songs, and watched Buzz Lightyear. He even took a nap today. I may regret that later!
We went to LB's soccer game (they lost) and got drinks at Sonic. We popped popcorn since #1 is gone. She can't have it with her braces so that means no one else can have it either. Boy, did the girls like that! I got cheese crackers for Baby Boy as a fun surprise since he can't have popcorn.
The house was already clean from Friday so there hasn't been much to do. I only had to make 1/2 of the bed since Honey was gone. We've done no cooking except that I made LB some ramen noodles as a surprise--her favorite. I also did a scrapbook page in Baby Girl's book. I took a nap, organized books in my school room, and posted books to sell. I updated my budget and worked on my blog. I took LB to pick out her new school supplies and buy snacks for her soccer team.
I plan to stay up late tonight, make myself some juice, get bread started in the bread machine for tomorrow, and watch Star Trek or my favorite cooking show (30 Minute Meals) that I taped while we had the satellite. It's been a good day.
Honey called to say that #3 won all three games today!! He goes to the championship tomorrow! Yippee!! I'm so happy for him. The Dallas teams are good and very competitive. It was a good win. Everyone was having fun, the boys were being good, and he was going outside to play soccer with the little ones. He didn't mention it, but I bet his mom is cooking steaks tonight too!
When we were making plans for the weekend I REALLY wanted to go to TX too. I like to be with my in-laws. All week I was hoping that it would work out so that I could. However, there wasn't room for all of us to stay there w/o getting a hotel room since his sister's family is there too. Now I'm so glad I stayed. Although I would've loved to have watched CT, the heat would've been hard on the babies. #1 taped it for me and CT will enjoy showing it to me at home.
It's been a good vacation.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Summer Grilling
In an attempt to save $$ on my electric bill I decided to learn to grill. I've always considered it man's work and so it fell under Honey's jurisdiction. I didn't even know how to light it. I asked him to show me how it worked.
The first thing I grilled was portabella mushrooms. They turned out ok but overcooked. Next I tried frozen pizzas. You were right, Mom, that wasn't a good idea! The bottoms were black, the top undercooked. Next, were burgers. I had to call them "blackened burgers". After that I was about to give up but gave it one more shot. I tried the mushrooms again. This time I realized that "high" is not the only setting. That helped.
I decided I do not like grilling. It's scary to push that button to light it. I imagine a big flame shooting up even though it hasn't happened yet. It's hot outside and opening that hot lid to feel that hot air on my face is no good. Then there's the going in and out of the house to keep checking on it. How is that saving electricity when I'm air-conditioning the whole backyard? Did I mention the night when I had to go back out at 10:30 in my pj's b/c I remembered that I forgot to turn the gas off?
I was right the first time...grilling is man's work!
The first thing I grilled was portabella mushrooms. They turned out ok but overcooked. Next I tried frozen pizzas. You were right, Mom, that wasn't a good idea! The bottoms were black, the top undercooked. Next, were burgers. I had to call them "blackened burgers". After that I was about to give up but gave it one more shot. I tried the mushrooms again. This time I realized that "high" is not the only setting. That helped.
I decided I do not like grilling. It's scary to push that button to light it. I imagine a big flame shooting up even though it hasn't happened yet. It's hot outside and opening that hot lid to feel that hot air on my face is no good. Then there's the going in and out of the house to keep checking on it. How is that saving electricity when I'm air-conditioning the whole backyard? Did I mention the night when I had to go back out at 10:30 in my pj's b/c I remembered that I forgot to turn the gas off?
I was right the first time...grilling is man's work!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
A Messy Night
Baby girl is quick with her hands these days. During dinner, I'm holding her in one arm, my plate in the other and sitting down at the table. I wasn't even all the way in my chair when she reached out, and knocked my plate to the floor! Messy food all over my favorite pants. A huge mess all over the floor.
We're having a wonderful storm after dinner. One of those with big thunder, lightening, and huge sheets of rain falling from the sky. While cleaning up the dinner mess, a couple of excited kids rush into the kitchen to tell me we have a leak in the parlor ceiling. That's bad news. They are grabbing towels and pots and running out. I was thinking "I just shampooed that carpet last night!!"
I start to mop the floor when Honey runs into the kitchen with a serious tone of voice telling me I left the grill open and it needs to be shut! Oh no. You wouldn't believe how the rain is coming down. Sweet LB offered to do it for me but I just couldn't let her. I run out there and slam the lid shut all the while thinking how very "un-husbandly" it was for him to ask me to do that. I grab the doorknob and .....it's LOCKED!! Honey is standing behind the glass grinning ear-to-ear with little kids around him laughing hysterically!! Oh yeah, real funny.
He tells me later that the rain won't hurt the grill and it didn't matter at all that the lid was open. Well, I won't fall for that one again!!
We're having a wonderful storm after dinner. One of those with big thunder, lightening, and huge sheets of rain falling from the sky. While cleaning up the dinner mess, a couple of excited kids rush into the kitchen to tell me we have a leak in the parlor ceiling. That's bad news. They are grabbing towels and pots and running out. I was thinking "I just shampooed that carpet last night!!"
I start to mop the floor when Honey runs into the kitchen with a serious tone of voice telling me I left the grill open and it needs to be shut! Oh no. You wouldn't believe how the rain is coming down. Sweet LB offered to do it for me but I just couldn't let her. I run out there and slam the lid shut all the while thinking how very "un-husbandly" it was for him to ask me to do that. I grab the doorknob and .....it's LOCKED!! Honey is standing behind the glass grinning ear-to-ear with little kids around him laughing hysterically!! Oh yeah, real funny.
He tells me later that the rain won't hurt the grill and it didn't matter at all that the lid was open. Well, I won't fall for that one again!!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Little Shadows
It is my week to carpool for speed training camp. I dropped off #3 and his friend at the door and parked. It takes awhile to unload my little 2 and 3 yos out of the car and make our way to the building. As we were walking I said, "Hey boys! Look at our shadows!" For the rest of the walk 3 yo sang a shadow song that he made up off the top of his head with his little brother trying to copy. I just watched our shadows and listened to their voices.
It was so cute. My shadow is balancing 2 lawn chairs, my planner, and holding 2yo's hand. Little 2yo's shadow is a 1/2 step behind. He can not hold my hand back b/c both hands are full of matchbox cars so I am actually holding his wrist. His thin little legs are walking and trying to keep up while his mind and mouth are trying to copy his big brother. My big 3yo's shadow is a couple of steps behind being the big boy carrying his own lawn chair and making up his own silly song.
It put a smile on my face as I thought about what our shadows might look like next year. Mine might not change much...then again maybe it will. But my little boys' shadows will be bigger and different. They will sing a different song (with words that I will probably understand) and both will be able to carry their own chairs. Life changes so quickly.
Lord, please enable me to enjoy every single day with these little guys as though it were my last!
It was so cute. My shadow is balancing 2 lawn chairs, my planner, and holding 2yo's hand. Little 2yo's shadow is a 1/2 step behind. He can not hold my hand back b/c both hands are full of matchbox cars so I am actually holding his wrist. His thin little legs are walking and trying to keep up while his mind and mouth are trying to copy his big brother. My big 3yo's shadow is a couple of steps behind being the big boy carrying his own lawn chair and making up his own silly song.
It put a smile on my face as I thought about what our shadows might look like next year. Mine might not change much...then again maybe it will. But my little boys' shadows will be bigger and different. They will sing a different song (with words that I will probably understand) and both will be able to carry their own chairs. Life changes so quickly.
Lord, please enable me to enjoy every single day with these little guys as though it were my last!
Monday, July 10, 2006
Slow and Steady
When my oldest daughter was 2 and still an only child I went to my first homeschool meeting. I really thought she was the most beautiful and the smartest kid to ever breathe. Everyday I was amazed at how fast she could learn something. I just knew homeschooling was the thing! I did not want her held back in a classroom situation with other kids that were not as bright. Eagerly I went to my first "mom's meeting". It was not at all what I expected.
In this room were lots of veteran homeschoolers with children much older than mine. They were sharing stories and laughing over "failures". They were not at all stressed that their 5 year old could not read or that their 3 year old could not write his name. I could not believe these ladies were so casual over something so serious. The lady next to me was wearing awful perfume and I was pregnant with daughter #2. I knew this was not the group for me and I couldn't wait to get out of there!
I am at such a different place now. I have the unique advantage of being finished with preschoolers..... and getting to start again. What a blessing! I do so enjoy the preschool/kindergarten stage. This time I am enjoying it so much more b/c I've learned a few things from the first time around.
When my older kids were little I was so stressed out over potty training, shoe tying, reading, oh just everything! I felt like such a failure if they didn't get it right away. I can't even count the number of times I brought a child to tears over learning what I wanted them to know RIGHT NOW!! My poor children. I'm so glad they are resilient and forgiving.
Then life changed. I had 3 little boys in a row all 18 mos apart! They are all so different with different gifts and talents. I have learned that it's ok if my 5 year old doesn't tie his shoe yet or read. The joy is in teaching him!! And watching him learn! It's much more fun to watch them teach themselves and discover and learn new things all on their own. Did you read Honey's blog about them riding their bikes? #6 potty trained all by himself. #5 just learned to swim. They both learned to swing themselves very early. The success is all the sweeter b/c it is theirs and not mine. I am so much more laid back and I enjoy them ever so much.
I am NOT advocating the unschooling approach!! I am very much a believer in structured school time. I'm just saying that I think all the things I worried about (and worried my kids about) when my first set were little they probably would've learned just as well if I had backed off and given them time to grow. So I wonder what I would think now if I sat in on that same homeschool meeting today? It would probably be ME laughing over the fact that my 3 year doesn't write his name!! It's too bad I could not learn from their wisdom then. I'm glad I have another chance and this time I plan to pay attention when I have the opportunity to listen to those who have already traveled this road. As the saying goes...Live and learn.
In this room were lots of veteran homeschoolers with children much older than mine. They were sharing stories and laughing over "failures". They were not at all stressed that their 5 year old could not read or that their 3 year old could not write his name. I could not believe these ladies were so casual over something so serious. The lady next to me was wearing awful perfume and I was pregnant with daughter #2. I knew this was not the group for me and I couldn't wait to get out of there!
I am at such a different place now. I have the unique advantage of being finished with preschoolers..... and getting to start again. What a blessing! I do so enjoy the preschool/kindergarten stage. This time I am enjoying it so much more b/c I've learned a few things from the first time around.
When my older kids were little I was so stressed out over potty training, shoe tying, reading, oh just everything! I felt like such a failure if they didn't get it right away. I can't even count the number of times I brought a child to tears over learning what I wanted them to know RIGHT NOW!! My poor children. I'm so glad they are resilient and forgiving.
Then life changed. I had 3 little boys in a row all 18 mos apart! They are all so different with different gifts and talents. I have learned that it's ok if my 5 year old doesn't tie his shoe yet or read. The joy is in teaching him!! And watching him learn! It's much more fun to watch them teach themselves and discover and learn new things all on their own. Did you read Honey's blog about them riding their bikes? #6 potty trained all by himself. #5 just learned to swim. They both learned to swing themselves very early. The success is all the sweeter b/c it is theirs and not mine. I am so much more laid back and I enjoy them ever so much.
I am NOT advocating the unschooling approach!! I am very much a believer in structured school time. I'm just saying that I think all the things I worried about (and worried my kids about) when my first set were little they probably would've learned just as well if I had backed off and given them time to grow. So I wonder what I would think now if I sat in on that same homeschool meeting today? It would probably be ME laughing over the fact that my 3 year doesn't write his name!! It's too bad I could not learn from their wisdom then. I'm glad I have another chance and this time I plan to pay attention when I have the opportunity to listen to those who have already traveled this road. As the saying goes...Live and learn.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
I'm 4125!
http://thetaggs.smugmug.com/gallery/1638875/1/80007231
I just turned 37. At our house that is 4125. Did you see the picture? My girls made me decorated brownies. Whenever we have a birthday it seems we never have the right number candles and I never remember to buy new ones. We like the candles that are the big numbers. That has made a funny little tradition. Now when we have a birthday cake we have to add, subtract, multiply, or divide whatever numbers we have to make the right age. This year I am 41 25 . Last year my cake had 3 single candles each representing 10 plus the numbers 51. So last year I was 351. Isn't that fun?!
I just turned 37. At our house that is 4125. Did you see the picture? My girls made me decorated brownies. Whenever we have a birthday it seems we never have the right number candles and I never remember to buy new ones. We like the candles that are the big numbers. That has made a funny little tradition. Now when we have a birthday cake we have to add, subtract, multiply, or divide whatever numbers we have to make the right age. This year I am 41 25 . Last year my cake had 3 single candles each representing 10 plus the numbers 51. So last year I was 351. Isn't that fun?!
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Baking Bread and Raising Kids
Here is a funny thought I had this week. I'm not sure how to write it without rambling though, sorry! Here goes...
The other night I made 2 loaves of bread in the bread machine, put them both in the loaf pans, covered them with a towel, and put them in the refrigerator to rise overnight. Because of space, one had to go in the garage refrigerator the other in the house. In the morning I pulled them out to bake them. The one that had been rising in the house was beautiful with a full round top but the one from the garage had fallen and was lumpy. I have no idea why. I thought there must be a lesson in this somewhere and asked the Lord where to put it.
Later in the morning I overheard a conversation that #1 and #3 were having in the kitchen. They were talking about a friend of ours.....we'll call him Frank for privacy reasons. It went something like this:
"Frank is really a good boy with a soft heart but he just has a bad family situation. I bet if he were in different circumstances, with better opportunities, he'd do really well. "
I thought about how that related to my bread. If the lumpy loaf had been in the house, would it have done well? I don't know. If you take a sweet-hearted kid and place him in a destructive family with harsh influences will it harden him? If you take a boy that is easily angered, and place him in a loving family full of encouragement will it soften him?
Well I think the answer would be "yes" in both cases. Here's another thought: I've been baking bread for a few years now and sometimes, for no reason that I know, the bread does not turn out right even though I use the exact same recipe, same oven, same cooking time, same everything. I wonder if that is like having a family of 3 children where 2 of them grow up to be responsible adults who love the Lord and the other one is the "black sheep".
I know there is no sure formula in raising kids except to seek the Lord. Maybe I should say the same thing about my bread.
The other night I made 2 loaves of bread in the bread machine, put them both in the loaf pans, covered them with a towel, and put them in the refrigerator to rise overnight. Because of space, one had to go in the garage refrigerator the other in the house. In the morning I pulled them out to bake them. The one that had been rising in the house was beautiful with a full round top but the one from the garage had fallen and was lumpy. I have no idea why. I thought there must be a lesson in this somewhere and asked the Lord where to put it.
Later in the morning I overheard a conversation that #1 and #3 were having in the kitchen. They were talking about a friend of ours.....we'll call him Frank for privacy reasons. It went something like this:
"Frank is really a good boy with a soft heart but he just has a bad family situation. I bet if he were in different circumstances, with better opportunities, he'd do really well. "
I thought about how that related to my bread. If the lumpy loaf had been in the house, would it have done well? I don't know. If you take a sweet-hearted kid and place him in a destructive family with harsh influences will it harden him? If you take a boy that is easily angered, and place him in a loving family full of encouragement will it soften him?
Well I think the answer would be "yes" in both cases. Here's another thought: I've been baking bread for a few years now and sometimes, for no reason that I know, the bread does not turn out right even though I use the exact same recipe, same oven, same cooking time, same everything. I wonder if that is like having a family of 3 children where 2 of them grow up to be responsible adults who love the Lord and the other one is the "black sheep".
I know there is no sure formula in raising kids except to seek the Lord. Maybe I should say the same thing about my bread.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
A Good Girl Book
Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will read a new book aloud to my girls. We call it "girl time" in the afternoon. I read aloud and they work on a stitching project and listen. We just finished a book on hospitality that wasn't very good. This new one, however, is great. I know b/c I've read it a lot. I bought it many years ago and I have pulled it out several times over the years whenever I want something girly to read. After the hospitality book flop, I figured this would fit the bill. It is called The Gentle Ways Of The Beautiful Woman by Anne Ortlund. It is really one of those treasury type books that's actually 3 books in one. All 3 are great. Tomorrow I am going to start with the first one called Disciplines of the Beautiful Woman.
Every time I pull this book out it speaks to me in a different way. I guess b/c every time I am at a different place in my life. I started reading the introduction tonight and found something that I hadn't noticed before. At least it wasn't underlined and marked all over anyway. Mrs. Ortlund is writing this book in the hospital following a major surgery. She quotes Romans 12:1 that says "I present my body as a living sacrifice.". She says that it is ridiculous to give God your heart, allegiance, or whatever, and not your body. She felt perfectly at peace to allow the Lord to do with her whatever He wished.
That stopped me in my tracks. You see, my baby is now 7 months old. This is about the time when people start asking me if I'm pregnant yet. I don't care for that question. I don't want to be pregnant even though I want a baby. I don't like what it does to my body. And right now I'm enjoying every minute of NOT having a pregnant body. I don't want to take away this joy by wondering "what if" and worrying about tomorrow.
Mrs. Ortlund gave her body to God and considered it a living sacrifice "holy and pleasing to God". Big sigh.....I want that to be ME!! I want to be at perfect peace b/c my mind is fixed on the Lord and I trust Him. I do not want this internal struggle battling to keep what is not even mine. I appreciated this word tonight so much.
So tomorrow I look forward to reading this to my girls and sharing my thoughts. I know this book will not be a flop like the last one. I hope that even in their youth they can glean something wonderful. My bookmark for this book is so pretty. My oldest daughter made it for me when she was about 8. It has pressed flowers on the front, a pink ribbon on the top, and on the back she wrote "God is Love...To Mommy From (her name). It's sweet.
Every time I pull this book out it speaks to me in a different way. I guess b/c every time I am at a different place in my life. I started reading the introduction tonight and found something that I hadn't noticed before. At least it wasn't underlined and marked all over anyway. Mrs. Ortlund is writing this book in the hospital following a major surgery. She quotes Romans 12:1 that says "I present my body as a living sacrifice.". She says that it is ridiculous to give God your heart, allegiance, or whatever, and not your body. She felt perfectly at peace to allow the Lord to do with her whatever He wished.
That stopped me in my tracks. You see, my baby is now 7 months old. This is about the time when people start asking me if I'm pregnant yet. I don't care for that question. I don't want to be pregnant even though I want a baby. I don't like what it does to my body. And right now I'm enjoying every minute of NOT having a pregnant body. I don't want to take away this joy by wondering "what if" and worrying about tomorrow.
Mrs. Ortlund gave her body to God and considered it a living sacrifice "holy and pleasing to God". Big sigh.....I want that to be ME!! I want to be at perfect peace b/c my mind is fixed on the Lord and I trust Him. I do not want this internal struggle battling to keep what is not even mine. I appreciated this word tonight so much.
So tomorrow I look forward to reading this to my girls and sharing my thoughts. I know this book will not be a flop like the last one. I hope that even in their youth they can glean something wonderful. My bookmark for this book is so pretty. My oldest daughter made it for me when she was about 8. It has pressed flowers on the front, a pink ribbon on the top, and on the back she wrote "God is Love...To Mommy From (her name). It's sweet.
Monday, July 03, 2006
A Little Bit Of Sweetness
It's nothing huge but it made me smile...
It's been a good day. After dinner Honey was wrestling with the little boys. #3, the one I wrote about yesterday came to get his 5yo brother to help with the kitchen work. I don't think Honey heard him b/c he was attacking Baby Boy. Unaware, he then turned to grab 5yo as he was following #3. #3 pounced on Dad to rescue 5yo then whispered in his ear "That's ok, I'll do it. You can keep wrestling with Dad." He is such a sweet boy. I am so happy that he has a sweet heart toward them. They look to him as their example and he is proving to be a good one.
This is a big victory. 12 yo daughter is getting contacts! I'm so excited for her b/c I remember how glad I was to finally get them. She doesn't actually get them until Wed. If you've ever had contacts you remember how hard it is at first. The eye doctor said she could practice with mine so we started tonight. She got them in AND out in less than 30 minutes!! This is weird...left handed! She's right handed so I don't know why she did it that way. Oh well, it worked and that's all that matters. We were both thrilled. Actually I should say we were all *three* happy b/c #3 was sitting right beside me cheering her on.
It's been a good day. After dinner Honey was wrestling with the little boys. #3, the one I wrote about yesterday came to get his 5yo brother to help with the kitchen work. I don't think Honey heard him b/c he was attacking Baby Boy. Unaware, he then turned to grab 5yo as he was following #3. #3 pounced on Dad to rescue 5yo then whispered in his ear "That's ok, I'll do it. You can keep wrestling with Dad." He is such a sweet boy. I am so happy that he has a sweet heart toward them. They look to him as their example and he is proving to be a good one.
This is a big victory. 12 yo daughter is getting contacts! I'm so excited for her b/c I remember how glad I was to finally get them. She doesn't actually get them until Wed. If you've ever had contacts you remember how hard it is at first. The eye doctor said she could practice with mine so we started tonight. She got them in AND out in less than 30 minutes!! This is weird...left handed! She's right handed so I don't know why she did it that way. Oh well, it worked and that's all that matters. We were both thrilled. Actually I should say we were all *three* happy b/c #3 was sitting right beside me cheering her on.
A Heavenly Marriage
My Bible reading was so insightful this morning. I was reading in Mark chapter 3. Verses 24-27 says:
" If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. "
As I have mentioned before, I am going through the book Created To Be His Helpmeet with a couple of my friends. As I was reading though this I thought of how this relates to our marriages. In a heavenly marriage there can be no divisions. We must stand as ONE. Wives cannot allow satan to tie us up and rob our houses of the peace, joy, contentment, and harmony that God would have for us.
James 4:1-2 says :
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, b/c you do not ask God. "
Isn't that so true? I know I certainly enjoy getting my own way!! When I don't it is easy for my selfish desires to manifest themselves in some sort of discord. This causes a division in my heart whether or not I even speak it out loud. Further down in verses 7-11 God gives us His gracious answer:
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, your double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. "
When we submit ourselves to God, He says the devil will flee! He will have no power to divide or steal. We will be too strong in the Lord for him to tie us up and carry off our possessions of joy, love, peace, and contentment.
It just makes the whole day good to get some special word from the Lord. And it's barely 7 :00! I am blessed already.
" If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. "
As I have mentioned before, I am going through the book Created To Be His Helpmeet with a couple of my friends. As I was reading though this I thought of how this relates to our marriages. In a heavenly marriage there can be no divisions. We must stand as ONE. Wives cannot allow satan to tie us up and rob our houses of the peace, joy, contentment, and harmony that God would have for us.
James 4:1-2 says :
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, b/c you do not ask God. "
Isn't that so true? I know I certainly enjoy getting my own way!! When I don't it is easy for my selfish desires to manifest themselves in some sort of discord. This causes a division in my heart whether or not I even speak it out loud. Further down in verses 7-11 God gives us His gracious answer:
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, your double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. "
When we submit ourselves to God, He says the devil will flee! He will have no power to divide or steal. We will be too strong in the Lord for him to tie us up and carry off our possessions of joy, love, peace, and contentment.
It just makes the whole day good to get some special word from the Lord. And it's barely 7 :00! I am blessed already.
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