our new year's letter 2010

As Twenty Ten comes to an end, I thought I'd take a few moments and reflect on what the year held for our large, little family:

Of course, Judah had many, many milestones...turning 3 Months Old (leaving behind those precious newborn weeks) is always a bittersweet time for me. By 6 Months, I was feeling a little better about mothering a growing infant, and enjoying all the wonderful 'baby things' that they do and discover at that age. And then, that First Birthday came around, all too quickly, breaking and filling my heart to overflowing all at once. Baby Judah has been a real 'teether' for us, a late crawler and walker, and our first child to leave such a mark on his Momma for so long (something neither of us are ready to give up yet!). He brings his four big brothers, his two big sisters, and his Momma and Daddy more joy than one could think a Se7enth Child could possibly bring.

Our Happy Elf, Benjamin, turned TWO this year! He still LOVES all things Radiator Springs, he enjoys 'doing school' (drawing), and is an expert Escape Artist...disappearing on us whenever he can. When he's found, he's still at that age where he puts his hands over his eyes...if he can't see us...we can't see him! So cute, but so exhausting too! Benjamin also gave up his pacifier in July (accidentally...he lost it in the car on the way to Cincinnati), and will soon be attending SSG Daddy's Potty Training Boot Camp!

Wesley has grown, matured in so many ways this year. He's got almost the exact personality of his big sister, Kylie, and the motor-mouth to match too! He turned Three this year, and likes to dress up in crazy outfits on an almost daily basis (many of which are eternally posted on Facebook!). He still has the hardest time when Daddy goes out of town, and goes BANANAS upon his return. Wesley also gave up his nap this year, but we recently gave it back to him!

TJ. Oh, TJ...such diversity in a 6 year old little boy. TJ's Birthday Post will forever be one of my most favorite writings. He truly is a blessing in so many, many ways! Kindergarten was one of his biggest milestones this year, and the boy would 'do Art' until the cows came home. He also LOVES catching toads (he literally caught a hundred this past summer...one three-legged friend more than once, *AND* I have an absolutely hilarious video of a certain toad-y friend flying a Tonka Helicopter!), and he can set up a Battle like a True Soldier's Son!

Connor spent 2010 learning the ways of the Cub Scouts and attending Camp with his Dad, and playing lots and lots and lots Baseball (both with his brothers, and on his first team). He spent the night with The Gameball and his team earned the status of League Champs! He also experienced an interesting Biblical Breakthrough, and flew away oh! glory. Connor turned Eight this past year, and also turned into my first Little Man. Sigh. Good sigh. Proud Smile.

Korinne turned Ten in Twenty Ten! She spent a lot of time building a beautiful friendship, practicing crocheting dishrags, reading and reading and reading and reading, and Twirling (which earned her a Promotion to Ballet 3.5)! She also appeared in Cinderella and performed in The Nutcracker again this year!

Kylie had a HUGE year! All that talk about becoming A TEENAGER!!! And now, she's almost A Teenager Plus One! Where did fourteen years go? (it was just yesterday she was running down the aisle at our wedding!) She went on The Youthtrip again this summer, and let her dad tag-along this time. She cross-stitched and photographed and crocheted and cooked and wrote and read and read and read...and Twirled, also appearing in Cinderella and again in The Nutcracker. Kylie earned a Promotion to Ballet 4 this fall, and will be starting the Teacher Assistant Program at The FOA this spring term. Exciting! And scary...next thing you know, she'll be driving (they do that at 14 down in these here parts, ya know!)

Brian and I celebrated our 12th Wedding Anniversary and our 32nd Birthdays! Brian has been busy with school, and will (FINALLY!) graduate this spring. I have (sort of) learned (slowly) how to manage a large-ish home. And, we both created a Family Driven by Faith, and are now learning how to Shepherd their little Hearts.

It's a full life. A blessed life. And it's been a very, very GOOD YEAR!

:: Love to All, and Happy, Happy (safe) New Year! ::

happy birthday to my grandma

Happy Birthday to my Grandma who has loved me with Chicken and Dumplings, Bread Pudding, fluffy paisley blankets, baby aspirin, and an always open door (and wallet).

Happy Birthday to my Grandma who always listened and laughed at my frog jokes, and has kept my Snowman Story for 25 years.

Happy Birthday to my Grandma who thought it was absurd that we watched The V...but let us 'watch' Dallas.

Happy Birthday to my Grandma who taught me how to: peel potatoes, massage feet, shine my sink (looong before FlyLady...because who wants their company to have to wash their hands in a soapy-toothpasty sink), make a yummy pot of (Frisch's) chili, super stock my pantry, and be ready for any kind of Emergency that could be fixed with a Bread-Tie.

(yes, those are my Bread-Ties, in my Chicken Bouillon Cube jar, in my Kitchen...and I bet you'll find the same thing in her's!)

I LOVE You Grandma, I hope you have a Wonderful Birthday

Love,

Kathi (your First Girl)

not doing everything i mean to do

I almost didn't open the email from Stacy. I thought it was probably about yet another thing that I had gotten behind on, making yet another person feel angry with me.

But I opened it today. Eight days after she sent it to me.

She was apologizing for herself and her children not being prompt with their penpal letters. I wanted to laugh, and then I wanted to cry. I felt rotten that she would even think for one second that I'd be upset over that. After all, don't we all have enough to do, without worrying that people are getting angry with us over silly things like penpal letters.

I know I do.

So, to all of you who have been expecting this or that from me, I ask for grace and that you might lower your expectations.

My plate is just so very full with all the blessings God has placed in my life. And I'm trying to put first things first, and embrace my current season. That means my family, my home, and all the 327 (thousand) things that need to happen each day to care for them, get checked off the list before the penpal letters get stamped and addressed.

And, to Stacy...I say Thank You!

daybook, december 7th

Outside my window...Sunny and Cold

I am thinking...how quickly days, weeks, months...years go by

I am thankful for...well behaved children (chaperoning a dressing room full of twenty or so girls age 10-15 is a real eye opener)

From the learning rooms...we are on our 2nd (last) week of Christmas Break

From the kitchen...lunchmeat sandwiches and chips for dinner tonight

I am wearing...jeans and last year's Nutcracker tee

I am creating...Christmas memories with my family

I am going...to chaperon the final Nutcracker Performance tonight

I am reading...The Best Christmas Pageant Ever aloud to the kids, and I just read A Car's Christmas, sitting on the floor in the hallway upstairs, as I put them all down for a nap (I might do that more often)

I am hoping...to get just a little rest tonight, and spend some much needed and missed quality time with my entire family tomorrow

I am hearing...Judah, he napped earlier

Around the house...messy, everything needs put back in it's place

One of my favorite things...the new Christmas Plaque that my in-laws gave to us, NINE little snowmen...each with our names on them (handwritten by each of us)

A few plans for the rest of the week: AB. SO. LUTE. LY. NOTHING!!!

christmas book basket

The Christmas Story

by Jane Werner, illustrated by Eloise Wilkin

The story of Jesus' birth, from Gabriel's appearance to Mary, to Jesus growing strong in spirit and full of wisdom. The text and illustrations are both beautiful!

The Night Before Christmas

by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Corinne Malvern (We have Brian's edition, priced at 69 cents. Little Golden has updated their illustrations to this...we prefer the vintage-style one by Miss Malvern)

Connor giggled this evening, as he read aloud to TJ,

"He was chubby and plump,

a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him,

in spite of myself;"

 

The Animals' Christmas Eve

by Gale Wiersum, illustrated by ? (We also have Brian's edition of this one, priced at 49 cents. I gave my copy to my sister for her boys. Little Golden has also updated the illustrations to this classic, but with the same rhyme. Again, we prefer the old one...if you know the illustrator, please share.)

"In the barn on Christmas Eve,

After all the people leave,

The animals, in voices low,

Remember Christmas long ago..."

A sweet rhyming and counting story. A group of animals remember the events surrounding Jesus' birth in the manger, and the parts some of their ancestors played in it.

 

 

As I checked for our stories on Golden Book's website, I discovered that you can get all three of these wonderful Christmas books in one mini-treasury!

 

(They just won't be 32-ish years old, or have your mother-in-law's inscription on the inside cover, the pages won't be torn and worn, I'm sure they'll be a little more than 49 cents...oh, and the illustrations won't be near as beautiful! Let it be a lesson to all us Mommas, who will one day be Grandmas!)

:: Happy Christmas Reading! ::

getting ready day

. Pumpking Spice Playdough

. Family Construction Paper Turkey (...each feather with a family member's name on it...hmmm, maybe we're the only ones whose Turkey grows so each year:)

. Thankful Tree

...cleaning, cooking, and baking (with a smile and a thankful heart)!

Enjoy your Getting Ready Day, make it one filled with memories of autumn-ish, Thanksgiving goodness!

*** *** ***

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 107:1

when you can't go over the river and through the woods

I don't know what it is about this Holiday...maybe it's the fact that I have so many fond memories of my mother hosting our family's Thanksgiving Feasts. Maybe it's the sight of all the lonely, bare trees. Maybe it's knowing that everyone else is getting together. Or maybe it's just the fact that I simply cannot make a Pumpkin Pie as well as my Mother...

...but my heart breaks over not being able to go home for Thanksgiving. My chest tightens just thinking about it, and I actually get angry over the fact that we don't own a church bus (to fit my large, little family in).

Today, as I read Almost Home aloud to the children, something Mary's mother said to her spoke directly to my heart, and made me realize, yet again, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be,

"God weaves families together. 'Tis much like the cloth we weave. When we've filled the whole warp, we must remove the cloth from the loom, even though it settled there so tidily. We cut the weaving, and the pieces go for many different things and to many different places. One lot of cloth may go for waistcoats. Even if those waistcoats end up far and wide, you can always tell that they were cut from the same cloth. If the cloth merely stayed on the loom, how would it fulfill its purpose?"

...to which Mary responded,

"But 'tis such a hardship to be torn apart."

Indeed.

Staying here for Thanksgiving is hard for me. Being away from my parents, my sister and her family, my brother's family, my grandparents...it hurts. But Mary's mother is right. Even though I was weaved together with these people, God made me for something different, and for a different place...so that I could fulfill my purpose, His purpose.

My purpose?

To glorify Him.

How?

Loving my husband who He has blessed me with well. And loving and raising our children who He has blessed me with well. I cannot do those things, and pout and wish to be doing something else at the same time.

So I will stay here, and happily, contentedly love and raise my family to the glory of God. And celebrate His faithfulness to our large, little family...in almost the same exact way my family at home in Cincinnati will be celebrating.

Because I was, after all, weaved together with them.

:: Happy Thanksgiving! ::

on thanksgiving day

While we cook:

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Monopoly, your best Pilgrim Costume, Family Construction Paper Turkey, and a Thankful Tree

Dinner:

. Turkey

. My Mom's Dressing (absolutely NOT inside the Bird!)

. Mashed Potatoes *and* Gravy

. Sweet Potatoes

. Green Bean Casserole (add 1 Cup Ranch Dressing to this)

. Corn

. Rolls

. Cranberry Sauce (not sure why...Tradition, maybe?...I'm the only one who eats it!)

. Iced Tea

Desert:

. Pumpkin Pie

. My Grandma Dutchie's Pumpkin Roll

. Coffee

 

When it's over:

Elf ...and boxes, boxes, and boxes of Christmas Decorations (to be put up the next day)

*** *** ***

How does your family celebrate? Do you watch the parade? Gravy, no gravy? Apple Pie instead of Pumpkin? Do you also spread Christmas Cheer by singing loud for all to hear?

:: Happy Thanksgiving! ::

the blessing of tyler

You were a surprise blessing, it's true!

Even bigger than the surprise of your coming, was the blessings that you brought upon us, long after you were born. Looking back, I see God's hand in it all.

When you were just six weeks old, your Daddy left for Afghanistan. I would have had my hands full with just your big brother and sisters...but God saw that even though my hands would be more full, my heart would be as well (though broken...Daddy being gone). You were able to fill an empty place in my soul, that I'm not sure would have been able to be filled by anything else that year. What a blessing!

As you've grown older, the friendship that has formed between you and Connor is like nothing I have ever seen. The two of you speak your own language. You complete each other. You are Best Buds, and Partners in Crime. To think that Connor would not have that, or that I would not have seen such brotherly love with my own eyes, between my own sons... What a blessing!

A life lesson like no other. The daily opportunity to practice patience and selflessness. You are firm. You stand your ground. But you need me in ways that none of your siblings have yet to need me. A volume of books on parenting would not have been able to teach me what you have been able to teach me. What a blessing!

Joy! Your sense of humor...your laugh...your impersonations...your questions...your silliness...your love of Hank...your singing...they could make the most unhappy of people smile! What a blessing!

Happy, Happy 6th Birthday Blessing #4,

Tyler Joseph.

We love you very, very much

You are handsome, and smart, and full of (good) life!

Love,

Daddy, Mommy, Kylie, Korinne,

Connor, Wessy, Ben, and Baby Judah

i'm tired

Yes, A Month of Thanksgiving has turned into A Week of Thanksgiving. And, I am OK with that. Thank you, Sheri, for the suggestion. I really had intentions of trying to play 'catch up,' but I'm just too tired for that.

I thought I'd just put some thoughts down this evening.

Baby Judah is finally feeling better. So much so, that at midnight last night, he was ready to get down and play with his blocks. I did not let him, which made him quite angry. Which made me realize how quickly he is turning the corner from infant to toddler.

I already have 2 toddlers.

Have I mentioned I'm tired?

The election is also wearing me out. I did just listen to the new FL Senator speak, and I say he should run for President in 2012. I also told Brian he should run in 2024. But he just laughed. (This will be the extent of political talk on this blog)

I made Lazy Southern Chicken tonight, and thought of Sara...not because she is lazy, but because she gave me the recipe. Brian mistakenly bought Garden Herb Ritzseszes (clueless on how to make Ritz plural) crackers for the topping, but it ended up tasting really yummy! Yay for cooking mistakes!...if you call Lazy Southern Chicken cooking...which, I do (but you probably do not)!

This morning we read about Jesus as a boy. The kids wondered aloud what Jesus meant by, "I was doing my Father's business..." And I realized how much my children understand about the bible, and it makes my heart happy. That part of my day did not make me feel tired. It made me feel good.

We are also a little over half way through The Witch of Blackbird Pond, and I just have to say that I love Elizabeth George Speare. We also read a neat little book called North American Indians, and I learned a lot from it. The pictures were beautiful.

After Quiet Time, I went over all 4 schooling children's math videos, then I hung out at the table with them, while they each completed 2 pages. While Wesley drew capital Es over and over, insisting he was doing Math. OK. He was still. So OK.

Which brings me back to Judah (not sure how). Who I am now nursing for the second time tonight. And it's only 10:22PM.

So, I'm going to call this a post. I will probably delete it tomorrow. But here it is tonight!

Sleep well Blogland. I know I will.

Love,
Kathi

children's book monday: grasshopper on the road

"A New House" in Grasshopper on the Road

by Arnold Lobel

 

 

This week, I am (finally) continuing my 26 reviews on the Literature selections from TJ's Kindergarten Curriculum.

 

:: This week's Letter/Science Topic/Bible Truth is "Aa", Apple, If I stay in Jesus I will have much fruit ::

 

This is a short and simple story about Grasshopper (who is ready to have lunch) taking a big bite out of Worm's house (an apple).

Worm tells Grasshopper, "It is not polite to eat a person's house." Grasshopper apologizes to Worm, but just as his apology comes out, the apple starts to roll down hill. Worm calls for help, and then describes in hilarious-to-a-5-year-old-terms, what is happening to his house as it rolls down hill, "my bathtub is in the living room...I am getting dizzy...my attic is in the cellar!"

Once the apple makes it to the bottom of the hill, it is not much of a house anymore. Grasshopper feels very sorry for Worm, but Worm assures Grasshopper, "It was old, and it had a big bite in it anyway." And Grasshopper watches Worm climb to the top of a tree, filled with apples, to find a new house.

Then Grasshopper smiles, and goes on down the road.

This is a very funny story, that was easy to read with aloud in a silly, wormy voice. There were many giggles as we read this together. As an activity, TJ (and Wesley and Ben) drew Worm's new Apple House...making sure to put all the furniture in the proper place!

You can read all of my Kindergarten Literature reviews here.

a lifestyle of learning

The idea of this post started out as 'Why We Homeschool Year Round.'

But then, as I started to sift through my thoughts, so many things came to mind as to why we do, indeed, homeschool year round,...that I came to the conclusion that education has just become a way of life for us.

Schooling year round, doesn't actually mean we 'do' school year round. It just means that we are always learning, and we have a few extra months to 'get through the book, or, in some instances, start the next book early.'

On days when we don't actually 'do' school, two things happen: 1. things get a little hectic from the lack of schedule and 2. learning happens anyway.

If you don't believe me...you can ask my kindergartner. He has already learned most of the things Kindergarten is supposed to teach you...and I haven't really 'taught' him a thing!

I heart homeschooling!

the family altar

... or How We Do Family Worship

 

Last January we made the decision to make Family Worship a priority. Up until that point, we didn't even realize it should be a priority. We thought going to church, and making sure we taught the subject of Bible during our homeschool day was enough. Then we read Family Driven Faith. And we knew some things had to change. Baucham dedicated an entire chapter of his book to this subject. It's that important. He calls it a multi-sensory experience, somewhat like what I have written before on Marking Our Homes for God.

 

 

This is how we have done it...almost every night now for 10 months. It will look different for your family. I just want to give an example, because I have been asked about it a few times.

 

Family Worship is the last thing we do before we tuck our children into bed.

 

We start with prayer. One of the boys will usually pray. We have taught them to ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance as we study the Bible. They will usually add a few things of their own.

 

 

Then we go over our Scripture Memory Box. The kids take turns...a lot of times, we end up saying some together...or Brian will give the first word, or two, or five.

 

We just recently started Catechizing the kids. It's very odd to me, but it is important to Brian, and after a few months, I can see why. This is a very good post on this subject.

Then we sing. A Hymn or two, and usually Wesley will request 'Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man' or Ben will request 'Jesus Loves Me' (Hymnals are on our Christmas List)

Then we read from the Bible. Right now we are working through Acts. But we are about half way through this plan (yes, we're aware the year is almost over). We will usually go around the room, as Brian, myself, and each reading child reads a chapter. For the children that don't read, we will say a single verse, and they will repeat it (with a big smile). This is somewhat painful and slow, but worth it.

Then we will discuss what we have read. The girls and Connor (and me) usually have a few questions, Wesley will usually ask if there was a Zebra in the story or if the Romans killed Jesus. Kylie sometimes answers Brian's questions with Veggie Tales lyrics. And then Brian will remind everyone that this is Family Worship, and we are to take it seriously. And we do.

Then we will pray again. Brian always prays this time. He will include any requests we are currently praying for. Our list is very long right now.

I will admit, that at first this all seemed unnatural. It was odd to sing, and pray, and read the Bible aloud as a family. But now, it feels unnatural to tuck the kids in bed at night without it. It's a very special part of our day. It shows the kids what is really important to us, and it lays the groundwork for them to do the same thing with their families when they are grown.

isms, October 2010

who's winning now, dad? - tj (a minute into the football game)


momma, you look coot! - benjamin (as he stares at my new nightgown)


my husband better not be too romantic, and he better wear pajamas to bed - kylie


momma, when it snows...i'll come out and mow up the grass, ok? - wesley


we build sentences with letters and pencils - korinne (from her english lesson...which was looking for the answers: words and phrases)


ki meee momma! - benjamin (as he is tucked in bed)


dad, what color are the eagle's helmets? black or green? - connor (completely random)


who's winning now, dad? - tj (a little later into the football game)


i am NOT marrying an arkansas man! - korinne (as she wonders if her future husband will travel with her Military Family)


dad, what team did you play in high school? the panthers? - connor (completely random)


who's winning now, dad? - tj (a few more minutes into the football game)


hug meee momma! - benjamin (as we walk away from tucking him into bed)


why do i need to find the area of this figure? when am i ever going to need to know how to find the area of this figure? - kylie (as she stares at a trapezoid with and oval in it...good point, Kylie)


who's winning now, dad? - tj (about 10 minutes into the football game)


why you going to the doctor momma? to get 'anothum' baby? - wesley (as if I'd be going to the doctor for any other reason...atleast he was happy and smiley as he asked hopefully)


dad, when does high school play football? the day after thursday? - connor (completely random)


ki meee momma! - Benjamin (once I pull away from the hug)


dad, what team has a white face mask and white helmets and a blue stripe down the middle? - connor (completely random)

i learned that i didn't listen at all the first time we read this... - korinne (as we ask for questions/comments after re-reading Acts 13 during Family Worship)
da-da...mu-mu...ra-er...ug - baby judah

daybook, october 24th

Outside my Window...it's dark and a little breezy, I can hear the leaves rustling just a little, every once in a while, and I'm paranoid because Suzanne warned me of storms (OK, she just asked about the weather, but I feel warned)...

 

What We're Learning...the founding of Jamestown and the Flight to Egypt, NO MATH this week!

I am thankful for...a few wonderful friends who bless me with their words of encouragement

From the kitchen...we had my quick and easy standby: red potatoes, green beans, and smoked sausage all boiled together...YUM! the kids just eat it up (which makes me feel like SuperDinner Mom)

I am wearing...my new purple and white snowflake jammies which Benjamin says are, 'coot'

I am reading...The Witch of Blackbird Pond and The Courage of Sarah Noble to the kids and I have this sitting on my bedside table waiting for me

I am praying...for Ms. Nellie, Greg, Roy, Trey, Edie, my Grandma, my parents, and a good week

 

I am creating...plans to attend Relevant 2011 with my previously mentioned wonderfully encouraging friends, you can see why here

I am hearing...

Christy on the TV

 

I am remembering...that God doesn't give me more than I can handle

 

I am going...to keep remembering it too!

 

On my mind...Cinnamon, and her family's sacrifice for us

Noticing that...Monday is much faster at getting here than Friday

One of my favorite things...(Two)...Veritas Press' Bible and History curriculums, they make the Teacher in me happy, now...if they would just make some Science Cards... (P.S. If you happen to use Veritas Press materials too, please leave me a comment, so we can get to know each other...I'm starting to think I'm the only Homeschooling Mom out there using them, which makes me feel like I know something really grand and need to share it with all of you, or I know nothing at all...I'm choosing that I know something really grand, and you should all give Veritas Press a try!)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Simplicity in it's simplest form

daybook, october 11th

 Outside my Window...waaay too hot for mid October, but I enjoyed the nice weather with my family this weekend!

What We're Learning...ummm...we've been OFF school since last Thursday, but this week brings Explorers of the Northeast and Simeon Meets The Christ

I am thankful for...a possible end to our Church search. We enjoyed our Sunday morning very much!

From the kitchen...we had grilled, barbecued chicken and baked potatoes for dinner (by Brian)

I am wearing...my old, comfy, yellow, butterfly nightgown. TJ tells me it's his Favorite all the time :)

I am reading...I haven't picked up a thing but Children's Books now for weeks, the last one I read was Go, Dog. Go! to Benjamin

I am praying...for that 1%

I am creating...lesson plans for a short but full week of school

I am hearing...Brian sighing as he tries to finish up his paper on Acts 1:8

I am remembering...the words of my friend, Kristin, as she speaks directly to me in her latest post

I am going...to be home the next few days...lots of park and playground outings, Nutcracker rehearsals, Cub Scout meetings, church, and store runs these last few days, I need to be home

On my mind...how to: Stop 'coming to Church'. And BE THE CHURCH. We like that idea!

Noticing that...getting some sleep makes me feel a whole lot better...I went to bed at 9 PM last night, didn't get up until 6 AM, and then took a 2 hour nap this afternoon. I feel good.

One of my favorite things...is watching my kids play. It makes me smile, and, "Smiling's my Favorite!"

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...ballet, and Brian has stinkin' Battle Assembly this weekend. Boo!

when my mom calls

I speak to my Mom on the phone pretty regularly.

Most of the time we talk about nothing at all. She tells me how her and my Dad are doing, I tell her how the kids are doing, when Brian's next trip out of town is, and I usually share some of my 'homemaking' struggles with her (she was a homemaker for most of my childhood, and usually understands exactly what I'm going through).

Sometimes, though, my Mom calls with 'News'.

She calls with 'News' of a new job, or 'News' of new expected baby, or 'News' of an engagement celebration. But she also has to call me with the bad 'News'. She had to call me when my uncle passed away, she has to call me when someone is diagnosed with cancer (again), she has to call me when babies are born straight into the arms of Jesus. It is not easy for her, and she will usually start crying before she can tell me everything, and I will usually cry with her.

And I fumble with words. Because I'm just heartbroken. And because I am down here.

.........

I grew up as part of a family which meant great grandparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and then this unique group of family friends. My parents had friends. These friends were like more aunts and uncles to me. They loved me, and I loved them. These friends had children that were like more cousins to me. They also loved me, and I loved them. I was so close to some of them, that it was almost like having another big brother and sister, and more little sisters.

My Mom called today to tell me 'News' that my friend, who is like a cousin, who was really like another big brother's son is sick. And I fumbled for words. And I am heartbroken. And I am praying. But I am still down here. Some 500 or so miles away, a good 9 hour drive.

And I say things like, "It doesn't really matter that I'm down here, there's not a lot I could do up there." And I think things like, "It's been so long since I have seen him anyway."

But, it doesn't change the fact that I still long to be home when there is 'News'. I long to be a present part of the large, extended family that I came from.

As my Mom and I end our phone call, we usually end up agreeing that God has placed me exactly where I am supposed to be. That I have a purpose to fulfill. And, obviously some of that purpose is to be a Military Wife. Which means I will live away from home most of my adult life. Because the place where I belong is (down) here. With my husband, who is providing for his family and serving his country. And it is a very good place to be.

But my heart will always belong in two places.

busy at home

the sound of the dryer softly tumbling

the smell of ground beef and onion

the sound of my phone chiming a voicemail

the taste of strong coffee

the smell of crayola crayons and glue sticks and markers

the sound of the dishes clanging in the dishwasher

the sound of children playing 'family' (or bickering)

the sight of piles of freshly washed clothes in heaps on my bed

the taste of animal crackers and goldfish

the sound of the pencil sharpener whirring and pencils scratching paper

the feel of soft, chubby baby cheeks and wet toddler kisses, "Ki Mee Momma"

the smell of outside on little boys

the sight of an entire year of our life, as it slide shows on the computer (I stop and watch, hypnotic every time)

the smell of tide and downy wafting from the laundry room

the sound of leap frog, "A B C D" ...

the feel of silky hair as I twist into ballerina buns

the sight of school papers, and books, and drawings absolutely everywhere I look, everywhere

the sound of singing, "Hear ye, hear ye, listen to the history..."

the smell of dove soap and cornstarch baby powder

parenting road block ahead

I LOVE my Boys. I LOVE them.

But, it's official. I've hit a Parenting Road Block.

I have a 2 year old telling me, "NO!" Over everything. Even things he means to say, "YES!" to, he's telling me, "NO!" It's exhausting. And I argue, and beg, and plead for him to obey.

I have a 3 year old that is easily angered. And he hollers. A lot. And I get angry right back. And holler too.

I have a 5 year old that is stubborn. Strong willed. Whatever you want to call it. He doesn't back down. I do.

As I struggle to figure this out, the only thing I can come up with, is that it has to be me.

I give in to 2 year old's "NO!", because it's easy, and it's immediate relief (for me). I deal with 3 year old's anger and hollering by firing right back. 5 year old's strong will wins, and I lose every time. These Rowdy Boys of mine have it made.

But their Momma is tired. And their home life is suffering. There are six other people living under this roof, and I don't think we want the Preschoolers in charge.

I'm thinking it's time to discipline God's way.

...and maybe finish that book that I've been working on for almost a year now.

"Discipline your son in his early years while there is hope. If you don't, you will ruin his life." - Proverbs 19:18 TLB
 

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on discipline and parenting boys. How do you keep the peace in your home?

my prayer for today

As Summer ends, and Autumn begins, we are busy.

Busy with Ballet, and Cub Scouts, and Nutcracker rehearsal, and rigorous school work, and more responsibility, out of town guests, and training...and the list goes on.

Add to the list of busyness: finding a Church Home...

The stress of it all, is sitting heavily on my shoulders. I'm fatigued and moody and boring.

Today, I am trying to focus on what is important.

God is important.
So prayer is important, and time spent reading the Bible is important...Family Worship is important.

My Husband is important.
So communicating (not just talking), and understanding (because we are so different), and helping him is important (because we're in this together).

The Children are important.
So Mothering: eye contact, listening, touching are important. Their growing Faith is important, their Hearts are important, their Education is important. Having fun (making Memories) is important.

Home is important.
So keeping Home is important. Tidiness is important, so is being cozy and comfortable. Clean clothes are important (but not having ALL the laundry done each day). Good Food is important (but a Tuna Casserole never hurt anyone, ). Sweep the floor. Light a candle. Smile.

I pray that God gives me the energy to follow this Order of Things, and I will feel rested, and happy, and full of life.

Amen.

daybook, september 7th

Outside my Window...a little warmer than I would like, and overcast


What We're Learning...relationship is more important than academics. Specifically, our relationship with God


I am thankful for...my Dad's surgery going well


From the kitchen...traditional Back to School meals: coffee cake for breakfast, chili for dinner


I am wearing...black capris, Reds tee, black and white flip-flops, and a pen in my hair (back to school, indeed)


I am reading...gracious...more like what am I not reading...Hosea, Redeeming Love, Mission of Motherhood, Wheelock's Latin guide, The Long Winter, ... ... ...


I am praying...that my Dad's surgical pain goes away very soon


I am creating...lesson plans, they make my military-minded hubby happy. Me...not so much...


I am hearing...Judah crying, he just woke up from his nap, and is still getting used to his scary crib :( ...Sissy saved him, they are now Rocking...


I am remembering...(trying to remember) to lower my voice to a whisper instead of yelling...have I mentioned I'm very forgetful?


I am going...probably nowhere this week...Brian has Battle Assembly this weekend, I'm trying to decide whether to go to church without him Sunday or not...


On my mind...my Dad, dinner, puffy toddler eyes due to forgetful Momma forgetting allergy meds last night, my nephew (first day of first grade = all day school = scary for his Momma = worried Aunt)


Noticing that...Quiet Time is the shortest part of our day...


One of my favorite things...listening to my kids narrate our Bible and History Lessons, and hearing, "Just one more chapter Mom...pleeeaaase," when I read Little House to them


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...school, chores, following a schedule/routine, ballet, first Nutcracker rehearsals, Battle Assembly, maybe church

children's book monday: a tree is nice

A Tree Is Nice

By Janice May Udry

Pictures By Mark Simont

 

This week, we are continuing our 26 reviews of the Literature selections from TJ's Kindergarten Curriculum.

:: This week we will study "Ll", Leaf, I will live and grow in Jesus ::

First of all, you should read this book outside, either under or in a tree. Because trees are very nice. They make the woods. Their leaves whisper in the breeze all summer, and come down to play with you in fall. You can play pirate ship in trees, and pick apples from trees. You can hang a swing from a tree. Cows and babies can nap in the shade of trees. You can also plant a tree, watch it grow (after you put the shovel back in the garage) for years, and tell people , "I planted that tree."

This is a simply written and illustrated Caldecott Medal Book, perfect for 5 year olds. It introduces children to the beauty of nature, which they see everyday, but may not have noticed just yet.

We are just beginning our "Ll" study this week, but I remember reading this book to the boys, back when Connor was doing K. They got quite a kick out of some of the illustrations...the children "playing pirate" in the tree was a favorite, *AND* one of the last pages, when the "dog's tiny, little tree" doesn't do a very good job of protecting the "doghouse roof" from blowing off during a windstorm, made them laugh out loud.

One of the suggested activities for A Tree Is Nice, is to have your Kindergartner illustrate his own version of the book (by their name, of course), to show a few different ways they think a tree is nice. This will give TJ something to really think about, and I'm excited to see what he comes up with. Maybe I'll add it to his Art Gallery later this week!

You can read all of my My Father's World Kindergarten Literature reviews here.

:: Happy Reading! ::

marking our home as God's

"You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." - Deuteronomy 6:9

My favorite chapter of Voddie Baucham's Family Driven Faith is Chapter 7, Mark The Home As God's Territory. In it, he talks about how a Christian family's home should look different from the homes of others. I want to share just a few things that we do in our own home, that set it apart from just any house. We'll break this down, just like the book does, with our 5 Senses:

SIGHT: What can we see in our homes, that mark them as God's?

We have Scripture all over our home. A great place to start with this, is with Watchwords. I don't have all of them hanging up right now, but I do have most of them framed in various rooms throughout our home. We have the same verse hanging in our Kitchen, that my Mother had hanging in her's. We have Jesus and His Disciples eating The Last Supper in our Dining Room, and we have God's Laws hanging in our Family Room. In our bedroom, hangs a Wedding Picture of our Marriage being Prayed over. And my favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11 also hangs in our room. Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (the exact same picture that hung in the hallway when I was a child) hangs in the Hallway that leads to the Children's Rooms. The Golden Rule is framed and hanging in our School Room. And, I have long wanted to Write and Frame, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you Fishers of Men," and hang it in the Kid's Fishy Bathroom.

We have a Cross hanging.

I've felt heartsick for Jesus' parents looking at Destiny, and hope to hang it in my own home before long, and have meant to make this for our bathroom for months.

This is a sure way to mark our home's as God's. Your children and guests will remember your home as a place where they saw Jesus' face, or God's Word. I know, because I can still see Philippians 4:13, written in my Dad's handwriting, in a little photo cube sitting on his workbench out in his garage. I see and remember it, just like it was yesterday.

HEAR: What do we hear in our home's that mark them as God's?

We study the Hymns. We sing them, and play them. We read the Bible aloud to our Children, their Father and I both. We teach them the Bible Songs, and sing along with them, as we do the motions. KLOVE plays in our van. Audiobibles are the norm. And this is on my wishlist for my sweet babies.

This will mark our home's as God's as well. You'll know it and hear for yourself, when your children start to sing praises to Him while they're playing, doing chores, or finishing schoolwork.

TASTE AND SMELL: What meal can we prepare each Sunday, that when our Children smell and taste these foods years down the road, they will be reminded of the Lord's Day?

I recently switched from making Cinnamon Rolls to making Cinnamon Toast each Sunday for Breakfast. If ever there is a morning when I make these two meals on a whim, my younger children will ask me, "Is it a Church Day?"

We also have our Sunday Afternoon Barbeque each Sunday for Lunch.

TOUCH: What can we feel with our own hands that reminds us of God in our Homes?

I don't know about you, but when I've experienced a few "dark" times in my Walk With Jesus, and haven't been in The Word for a while, it always feels so nice to hold my own Bible in my hands. My Bible that I've had for years, that I've underlined, and bookmarked, and read to my Children, and desperately searched over.

All of our Children have their own Bible. I hope their's mean as much to them, as mine does to me. I see this a little each night, when we get ready for Family Worship, and they search out each other's Bibles, wanting only their own.

Which brings us to what Voddie Baucham calls a Multi-Sensory Expression of Faith, The Family Altar. Next week, I hope to share what we do for Family Worship.

children's book monday: little bear goes to the moon

Little Bear Goes to the Moon (from Little Bear)

By Else Holmelund Minarik

Pictures By Maurice Sendak.

 

This week, we are continuing our 26 reviews of the Literature selections from TJ's Kindergarten Curriculum.

 

:: We studied "Mm", Moon, We are the light of the world ::

 

In our book, Little Bear wants to fly to the moon. But Mother Bear explains that he is not a bird, and he cannot fly. Little Bear decides he will make a Space Helmet, and try anyway. He lands on the moon, which appears to be just like Earth. He wonders off to a house, that appears to be just like his house. He finds a lunch, that would be a great lunch for a little bear...Mother Bear is playing along at this point, and says, "My little bear did the same thing. He put on his space helmet and flew to Earth. So I guess you can have his lunch." But Little Bear hugs Mother Bear, and asks her to, "Stop fooling." So Mother Bear does (because children need reassurance that all is well), and tells him he may eat his lunch, and then have his nap (because children under age 6 need a nap).

 

I do not enjoy Sendak's illustration style (Where The Wild Things Are), but the story of Little Bear and his relationship with his Mother are so sweet, that I've been easily able to overlook the illustrations, and really fall in love with this series.

One of the Activities to go along with Little Bear Goes to the Moon, are for the Kindergartner to act out the story (Narration) wearing his newly constructed (foil) Space Helmet. We have not done this yet, but TJ is anxiously awaiting the fun!

To read all of my My Father's World Kindergarten Literature Selection reviews, click here.

 

:: Happy Reading! ::

daybook, august 3rd

Outside my Window...so very hot and humid...the Boys don't even want to go out and play

What We're Learning...just math, english, and spelling this week...and Kylie and Brian working on Omnibus I (Genesis and Chosen by God right now...Exodus and Till We Have Faces at the end of the week)

I am thankful for...the heads up and TJ's new allergy Rx, thanks Jennifer (if anyone has any experience giving their children Singulair...please let me know how it went)

From the kitchen...ohhh, I made Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti last night, and it was G-O-O-D!

I am wearing...OSU tee and black capri sweats and my Brighton flip-flops

I am reading...M.O.M, The Excellent Wife, the Book of John, and a Biography on Tasha Tudor

I am praying...for wellness for all my Rowdy Little Boys, for my Dad, and for my Grandma

I am creating...sweet memories of a loving home for my children

I am hearing...the fan upstairs...the AC is on 70, and it's still 76 up there...it's ruining naptime lately!

I am remembering...to stop and play more

I am going...nowhere...but that's OK with me

On my mind...my Mom, TJ's allergist appt, church, breastfeeding (it's World Breastfeeding Week)

Noticing that...when it's too hot, kids are grouchy

One of my favorite things...sharpie markers

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...we have no plans whatsoever, and Brian has Drill AGAIN this weekend, so we have no plans whatsoever for then either...

children's book monday: bear shadow

Bear Shadow

by Frank Asch

 

I thought I would spend the next 26 (schooling) weeks reviewing the Literature selection from TJ's Kindergarten Curriculum.

 

:: This week we studied letter "Ss", Sun, Jesus is the light of the world ::

Our Literature selection this week was Bear Shadow by Frank Asch. In our book, Bear tries to get rid of his shadow he finds while fishing. He tries running away, hiding, climbing, hammering, digging...which finally works, because it's noontime, and the sun is high in the sky (hence no shadow). And then Bear gets tired and is ready for nap (very good for Kindergartner's who so desperately STILL NEED THEIR NAP). But when Bear wakes up, there is Shadow again! So they make a deal...and while Bear is nodding his head (of course) Shadow is nodding his head too! They both go fishing again...and each of them catch a fish!

The illustrations are great for explaining and discussing shadows, and then you can go outside and do the easiest Science Experiment ever!

***We also read My Shadow by R.L. Stevenson out of our brand new version illustrated by Tasha Tudor!***

To read all of my My Father's World Kindergarten Literature Selection reviews, click here.

:: Happy Reading! ::

recipe for a military wife

Recipe for a Military Wife:

-1 C Patience

-2 T Elbow Grease

-1 lb. Courage

-1 C Tolerance

-Dash of Adventure

-Endless Prayer

-marinate frequently with salty tears and pour off excess fat (please)! Sprinkle ever so lightly with money, kneading dough WELL until payday. Season with international spices (or the kind from Arkansas). Bake for 20 years OR until done. Serve with pride.

I will soon be creating a Family Readiness Group for Brian's Unit. We currently have 30 of our soldiers overseas in Afghanistan, and no support network set up for their families. My heart goes out to them, and I intend on making things right. Please pray for me...being the Leader of anything is stepping waaay out of the box for me. And I need lots of time (that I don't have) in order for me to do this right.

daybook, june 30th

Outside my Window...an absolutely gorgeous day...85 and Sunny and very low humidity

What We're Learning...Shakespeare and Math

I am thankful for...good kids

From the kitchen...I made Ro*Tel's salsa recipe for lunch...sooo good, having Big Boy Platter for dinner...even better!

I am wearing...Brian's 391st EN Co tee, navy yoga pants, super messy hair, no makeup (and Rin took my picture)

I am reading...all I can about the FIC MOVEMENT

I am praying...my heart can handle July

I am creating...vacation plans

I am hearing...the dishwasher, the fan

I am remembering...to love

I am going...to take Kylie to Youth Group tonight

On my mind...Judah sleeping through the night last night

Noticing that...I'm not ready for Judah to sleep through the night

One of my favorite things...sharing a bed with my Love and our Babies

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...celebrating our Great Country's Birthday with my Soldier Husband and our Patriotic Kiddos

how to be a magic momma

. let them play outside in the rain

. melt Velveeta in the microwave and add salsa and serve it with warm-from-the-oven tortilla chips and give it to them for morning snack... "Where'd ya get this recipe Momma?" ... "Oh, the places I had to go to get this one Darlings" ...

. lay on the floor with them while they're playing with their choo choo trains, or littlest pet shops, or cars

. bake them brownies

. look at them when they talk to you (I guess I don't do this, because it's really surprising them...they seem confused by my full attention)

. hand out "juicy gum" aka Juicy Fruit Gum upon their request

. get completely overwhelmed with the amount of paper drawings they create, spend an hour going through them and separating them into piles: Dinosaurs - Sharks - Military - Animals - Baseball - Fat Stick People, staple them together, and present them as Books while declaring that a Book is not finished until every square inch of it is drawn on (and Heaven knows we don't start a new Book without finishing one first)...I had no idea the sheer JOY this would bring...Magic Momma Indeed...

. say YES to them

. turn off the computer

i complete him. he completes me.

I have decided not to take part in the Completing Him Challenge. For many reasons. (None of which have anything to do with me not wanting to complete my husband)...time and effort that I don't have to put into it...the private nature of some of it...AND...

 

I just don't think we "fit" the idea behind this. Brian and I work more as a team when he is home. I worried about this last fall, when a friend was posting about Becoming a Godly Wife. I worried for days, and then I just asked him about it.

He told me to stop worrying. And that he liked being a team. And that I couldn't possibly do it all. And that I needed his help more than most wives need their husband's help, because we have like a zillion kids...

 

I liked that answer.

We are a good team.

I suppose we complete each other, and we don't need another challenge...it's a challenge just making it through a day here (but one I'm glad to take on).

Our Dating Story is super short anyway. We dated for 4 weeks. He asked me to marry him. He left for Basic Training. We got married. He left for Korea for a year (that seems like such a long time ago)...

children's book monday: snip snap croc

Snip Snap Croc

by Caroline Castle

Illustrated by Andrew Crowson

This is a Picture Book that was specifically written for sharing with Little Ones. There is even a page in the back to help parents create the perfect Storytime atmosphere. Ideas for rhyming and poetry, discussing animals from another land, and studying a map of the Nile River.

The text is simple, and the pictures are very colorful. The story is easily read aloud using different voices, one big, loud voice for Snip Snap Croc, and one smaller and softer for all the other animal Mommas.

As the story starts, Snip Snap Croc is shouting to everyone about her big, sharp teeth...and Mommas Baboon, Meerkat, and Lion are warning their precious babies to stay away.

Then Snip Snap Croc hears a humming sound and feels the ground begin to move, and discovers eggs. And the 23 things that "hammer" their way out of these eggs is very fascinating.

As the other animal babies are watching safely from the riverbank, Snip Snap Croc suddenly snip snaps each of her 23 babies up, and eats them! But the other animal Mommas know what is really going on.

And you'll just have to read the Story to find out for yourself.

This is a very different, but fun story, that helps express to children the kind of special love that is between a Momma and her Baby. TJ has requested it almost everyday since we've brought it home from the Library.

:: Happy Reading! ::

daybook, june 8th

Outside my Window...

gray...we're expecting thunderstorms

 

What We're Learning...

1 John 5, Christopher Columbus

I am thankful for...

hot coffee that my hubby made before he left for Bible Study, we're drinking Starbuck's Verona right now, and IT IS YUMMY!!!

From the kitchen

...we had cheerios for breakfast, ham sandwiches for lunch, and we're going to have something with chicken in it for dinner

I am wearing...

my Chipotle Reds tee, black capris, tan flip flops (we miss Chipotle)

 

I am reading...

anything I can about Classical Christian Education, it seems Brian and I were miscommunicating on our Family's Education Goals, he thought we were Classical, I thought we were Charlotte Mason, he is now INTERESTED...so we are now CLASSICAL (which is fine with me, I started off back in 2007 with a second edition copy of The Well Trained Mind, and Veritas Press' Genesis through Joshua Cards...and somewhere lost my way...)

 

I am praying...

for my Grandma Faye who is having an operation June 22, and I will not be able to be Home for it

 

I am hearing...

the fan, the dryer, the AC unit dripping outside, Connor flipping the pages of Secret in the Maple Tr

I am remembering...

how cute Ben was, clapping and singing at VBS last night

I am going...

Connor has a Baseball Game tonight, but if it rains, we'll be heading back to VBS

 

On my mind...

too many things to list

Noticing that...

I'm always deleting the " I am creating" part of my daybook, how I wish I was creative...

 

One of my favorite things...having ALL the laundry washed, dried, folded (nicely), separated, and PUT AWAY...there's almost Nothing Better!!!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week..

VBS and Baseball Games

children's book monday: prayer for a child

Prayer for a Child

By Rachel Field

Illustrated by Elizabeth Orton Jones

 

This sweet poem/prayer was written for the author's little daughter, Hannah. It is a prayer asking for blessing, protection, peace and health. It has all the simple, little, everyday things within it, that are cozy and comfortable to a child.

 

"Bless my little painted chair.

Bless the lamplight, bless the fire,

Bless the hands that never tire

In their loving care of me."

 

I adore this little book because it expresses how safety, routine, love, and care affect a small child. My girls love it, and TJ loves it, he calls it "The Blessing Book".

:: Happy Reading! ::

daybook, may 24th

Benjamin Richard Bailey's 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday Benny Boo

Outside my Window...there was quite a windy storm this afternoon, but the Sun came back out, it's dark and calm and quiet now

 

What We're Learning...Philippians 2, the Ottoman Turks, Planet Earth, multiplication tables (still), and how to not be jealous of others on their Birthdays...or stingy with your Birthday Presents

I am thankful for...Benjamin's health

 

From the kitchen...we had Ben's favorite tonight, Chicken Nuggets and French Fries. I felt like I was cheating him, but Brian reminded me that he won't always want the easy stuff, so I should enjoy it while I can. He wanted a "blue" cake, so I just made a Hershey's Chocolate Cake, dyed some Vanilla Icing Blue, threw on some Sprinkles, Dirt-Track Lightning McQueen, and a Number Two Candle...Happiness...

I am wearing...khaki capri pants, Liberty University tee

I am reading...The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace

 

I am praying...for my Dad

I am creating...plans for our Summer

 

I am hearing...the dishwasher

 

I am remembering...the day Ben was born, Thank You

I am going...Bubba has a game tomorrow night, other than that, we will be Home Sweet Home

On my mind...Homeschooling...I Love Kimberly's 6 Distinctives, and Tamara's Educational Philosophy

 

Noticing that...I'm glad I let the kids play outside a lot these last few months...because it's already Super Humid and Swarming with Skeeter Bugs here...boo...I bet West Palm Beach is Lovely this time of year...boo hoo...

 

One of my favorite things...food coloring. I know it's SOOO bad for you, but it makes things so nice and pretty and special

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...ball games