three

Happy Birthday Dear Wesley, Happy Birthday To You!

We have been Blessed to spend Three years with our Fifth Baby, Our Third Rowdy Boy

We have spent Three years calling you by a Hero's Name

Three years of a Few, Big Challenges

But Three years of More Laughter than the entire 9 years before

You've had Three years of Jesus, the Best of Your Daddy, Days filled Playing and Reading with your Sisters and Brothers, and being Right Next to your Momma Every Minute (there is no Class Worthy of Your Time:)

You Sing, Sing, Sing, shape Play-Doh like nobody's business, play Air Guitar like a true Worship Leader, and LOVE every.single.second. of Sandlot (and do not Move from your spot until it's "OhOh").

We have Celebrated Your Special Day with Donuts, Trains, Light Sabers, Horses, Pizza, Baby Dancin' Polkas, and Oreo Goodness. You are Happy. It makes Us Happy.

We LOVE you Wesley Ray Ray Bailey, you have filled a Place in our Hearts that no one else could. May God continue to Bless you every single day, and may you Grow into a Strong, Healthy, Jesus-Loving Little Man.

children's book monday: a quilt for baby

A Quilt for Baby

By Kim Lewis

 

The title of this Book says it all, Quilts and Babies. Two things I absolutely LOVE. That is the reason I snatched it up at the library. But the Book itself tells a very soothing story about Family and Farm Life and HOME, and all the Comforts they can bring.

A Quilt for Baby is about a Mother who is sewing a Patchwork Quilt for her new, Little Baby. When she is through, the Quilt is to tell the Story of their Farm, and all the Animal Families who live there with them. What makes this Book even Sweeter, is that Mother "talks" with her Little One as she is sewing the quilt, and shares with Baby what each little Patchwork Square is about.

There is the Blue Patchwork Square for their old, stone Farmhouse, a Yellow one for their Sheep and Lambs and Ram, "with curling horns. He is the little lamb's father." and another Blue one for Floss (the soccer-playing Border Collie) and her Puppy, Sam. There's a Red square for their Cows and the little Calf who says, "Watch me run," as the Big Red Bull stands nearby, a Green one for their Mare and her little Foal, and another Red square for their Rooster, Hens and their Cheeping Chicks.


Then there's this little, yellow square for their Goose and her little Gosling that wonders, "Will I have wings like that?" ( and just look at the Laundry hanging on the line :)


A Purple Patchwork Square follows for the Nanny Goat and her Twin newborn Kids who are butting and nuzzling for their Mother's milk, and finally, a Brown one for their prowling Tom Cat, Mother Cat, and their sleeping Kitten.


When Mother is all finished, she wraps Baby Comfortably and Warmly, and tells the Story again, and how soon, Mother and Daddy and Baby will be walking the hills of their Farm together, because it is their Home.


And to make the Story even more Wonderful, the Illustrations are Beautifully done by the Author herself in Colored Pencil, with Inspiration from her own Farm and Family. Of A Quilt for Baby, Lewis says, "From an early age, I remember my mother quilting. It seemed natural to use the idea of the quilt as an heirloom for passing on my hopes and feelings for the farming way of life." Exactly. I must Learn to Quilt.

perseverance in motherhood

As I rocked a fussing Judah, and waited on Brian to get home so I could go to my appointment, the tears were already forming, and all I could think of was how very tired I was. He walked in, took one look at me, and his shoulders dropped.

 

"They don't listen to me, it's like I'm not even here...what am I going to do," was all I could get out. I handed him Judah, as I relayed the morning to him. And then I left, leaving him to deal with it. Knowing he would.

 

As I got in our minivan, the enemy was rejoicing. After all, the tears were actually falling at this point, and I was actually speaking the words of defeat. Motherhood was getting the Best of Me. I felt I had nothing left to Give.

 

I couldn't correct another child, I couldn't grade another paper, I couldn't hand out another cup of juice, I couldn't change another diaper, I couldn't even manage a smile.

 

Why?

 

I love being a Mother. I believe with all my Heart, it's what God put me on this Earth to do. My self-made Spiritual Gift.

 

It's because if I were doing this right...they would all behave. They would do what they were told, when they were told, most times without even being told. If I were doing this right, I would not be correcting the same mis-spelled word for the 4th time, because, once I'd taught them the correct spelling, they would remember it forever and ever. If I were doing this right, not another child would ever need me to get them another drink, and they would magically be able to get one for themselves (without spilling). If I were doing this right, at this point, changing diapers would be a welcomed hobby. And smiling would really be my favorite. And I would NEVER yell.

 

If I were doing this right.

But that is a lie.

 

Mothering is hard work. The hardest kind of work. It never ends. And we do not always see our reward for a very long time.

Being tired and overwhelmed and feeling ill-equipped is part of Mothering. But accepting these feelings as OK, is almost as hard as the job itself. I refuse to feel defeated again. I'm praying to God for strength and wisdom and smiles. And He will answer my prayers. Even if it means a few more rough days. Because in His Wisdom, He knows that hard times produce perseverance.

And Mothering takes more perseverance than anyone can muster on their own.

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5

daybook, march 25th

Outside my Window...Thunderstorms

From the LearningRoom...Castles, Knights, Medieval Church, Monks, The Pope, Latin words: cum, figo, and fixum, 1 Corinthians 13, Stained Glass Window Making, Hormones, Babies, Genes, Mozart, The Door in the Wall, Jacob's 12 Sons, /f/ spelled ph, Math..but no PreSchool this Week

I am thankful for...My Sons and the Opportunity to Raise Men

From the kitchen...Salads for Lunch, with Hidden Valley's new Bacon and Onion Ranch Dressing...Yummy!

I am wearing...Denim Skirt, Navy Top, Black Slippers

I am reading...This Morning, we read the Chapter from Little House about the Night Scream...which prompted some YouTubing for Panther Sounds...I read The Hundred Dresses Tuesday night...very Good Book, especially for Girls

I am praying...for Niki, for our Nation, for a friend's Nephew, and Always for my Husband and Children

I am creating...(intentionally left blank, again)

I am hearing...Crashes of Thunder and Rain Hitting the Windows and the Fan

I am remembering...Being a Mom is Hard Work, but Very Worth It, thanks to this Post

I am going...to the Library as soon as Brian gets Home, we have 35 Books on Hold, waiting to be picked up...we requested lots and lots from Elise's Children's Book Monday List

On my mind...Living my Life as an Example of Christ, which I believe, is the Best Way to Show Christ to Others, "This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine..."

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

Noticing that...Dark, Cloudy Skies and Thunderstorms make for perfect QuietTime weather

Pondering these words..."Every preacher's deeds should speak louder than his words. He should, by his good life, make footsteps for men to follow." - Pope Gregory I (We'll just leave this one on...such a good statement to ponder)

One of my favorite things...was my Mother's Mantle Clock, I'd LOVE to have one of my own, and this one for the LearningRoom, or this one

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...No Ballet this Week, FOA is on Spring Break...poor Girls, they've done NYC's Ballet Workout twice already this week

children's book monday: hush little baby

Hush Little Baby

by: Sylvia Long

We checked out this Special Book on our Library visit Saturday. Sylvia Long is New to us, and I am so Happy we found her.

I have already read this Sweet Book aloud a few times. And again, this morning, I read it to my TJ as everyone else was busy playing or doing schoolwork. He then "read" it to me, as I Softly Sang along, and as we continued, he stopped "reading" and began to Hum with me.

Sylvia's Book is a completely new Version of Hush Little Baby. She states in her Introduction, "One of the songs that bothered me as an adult is the original version of "Hush Little Baby." Me too. Instead, Sylvia shares all new words that soothe Children with the things of Nature and the Comforts of having a Loving Mother.

 

Hush Little Baby is a Song of Hummingbirds (which remind me of my Mother and Grandmother), Evening Skies (which remind me of my own Children who love Sunsets and Sunrises), Bugs, Stars, Rocking Mommas who Read Books to you (NOTHING is more Heavenly than Rocking Babies), Quilts (Oh, how I LOVE Quilts), Teddy Bears, Banjos, and the Moon.

This is the Perfect Story to Read with your Child. Please don't miss the Chance to Share it with them.

isms, march 2010

 

"The Blow won't stop Blowing"...Wesley, age 2, cursing the Chilly Wind

"I feel pretty"...Korinne, age 9, in her New Ballerina Clothes

"Caws"...Ben, age 20 months, asking to watch Cars

"Connor, let's Go play Goshen"...TJ, age 5, asking/telling his Big Brother to come outside and play Football with him (their Daddy, both Uncles, and both Grandfathers played Football for Goshen)

"Dad, will the people in the Bible Stories be in Heaven when we get there"...Connor, age 7, with his Family Worship Question of the Night

"Mr. Abraham, Can I have your Autograph? You're so Awesome!"...Kylie, age 12, in response to Little Brother's above Question, making us all Laugh

"Caws"...Ben, age 20 months, asking to watch Cars again

"Mommy Bailey"...Wesley, age 2, telling me My Name

"Mom, does God like Wrestling"...Connor and TJ, ages 7 and 5, Truly Wondering

"Dad, you need a Taste of Humility"...Korinne, age 9, to Her Father, over his Lack of a Sense of Humor (sometimes)

"To Me"...Ben, age 20 months, asking Anyone to Read to Him

"He's so pitiful and so Cute at the Same Time AND his Cheeks are So Soft and I just Wanna Gobble him Up"...Connor, age 7, admiring his absolutely Adorable Baby Brother, Judah

"Caws"...Ben, age 20 months, asking to watch Cars, yet again

"What's that Saying...my Eyes are Bigger than my Head"...Korinne, age 9, letting us know she put too much Food on her plate

"You peem-peem-pom-pom Momma?"...Wesley, age 2, asking if I really mean it (as in a Pinky Promise kind of meaning it)

"To Me"...Ben, age 20 months, asking Anyone, Anyone at all, to Read to Him

"Mom, is Humpty Dumpty a Egg or a Potato?"...TJ, age 5, while looking through his Mother Goose Book

"His Little Toes are like Pearls"...Korinne, age 9, admiring her Baby Brother's Tiny, Little, Round Toesies

"Mom, do ya Know what that Scene where Darth Vader tells Luke he's his father reminded me of? ...that Scene in Toy Story 2, When Zerg tells Buzz Lightyear he's his Father"...Connor, age 7

"Caws"...Ben, age 20 months, asking to watch Cars, AGAIN, the Boy LOVES that Movie

...Until next Time...Hope you're Smiling...

daybook, march 9th

Outside my Window...sprinkling rain and gray skies, but still warm

From the learning rooms...Servant of the Servants of God, 1 Corinthians 13, Monks and Gregorian Chant, Muscles, Nehemiah, Descendants of Adam, the /ow/ sound, Math, the letter "Qq", the color Purple, and Circles

 

I am thankful for...Freedom of Religion

From the kitchen...Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal for Breakfast, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup for Lunch, and Something for Dinner

 

I am wearing...Black skirt, Purple Shirt, Pink and Purple socks

 

I am reading...Little House on the Prairie (3) to the kids, and I finished the Sarah Plain and Tall series yesterday, so I'll start Anne of Green Gables tonight

 

I am praying...for Cinnamon's family

I am creating...(intentionally left blank)

 

I am hearing...the Baby Monitor (Wesley has not been going down very easily for a nap lately...trying to keep a close eye/ear on him, so this doesn't happen again)

 

I am remembering...when Wesley and I visited my Grandpa Richard in the hospital, he KNEW

I am going...hopefully to the Library tonight, to pick up some of the Books on our list for school

 

On my mind...my children's' hearts and biblical discipline

 

Noticing that...Spring is here, with Flowers coming up to prove it

 

Pondering these words..."Every preacher's deeds should speak louder than his words. He should, by his good life, make footsteps for men to follow." - Pope Gregory I

 

One of my favorite things...my camera

 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...getting my laundry under control, getting our routine under control, and lots of meal planning

thoughts on intercession

***Intercession - attempt to resolve conflict: the action of attempting to settle a dispute ***

~

This morning, while I was downstairs Nursing and Rocking Judah, and the Boys were upstairs, getting ready for the Day, I hear:

"TJ...DON'T SHOW PEOPLE YOUR ___ ___ !"

...followed by, "SMACK!"

(Which I'm sure was Connor smacking TJ's ___ ___ )

...followed by TJ, wailing, "OOOWWW...OOOWWW...OOOWWW!"

...followed by Connor, "I'm Sorry, Buddy. I shouldn't of smacked ya."

...followed by TJ, wailing, " OOOWWW...OOOWWW...OOOWWW!"

...followed by Connor, "Where does it hurt?"

...followed by TJ, wailing, "OOOWWW...OOOWWW...OOOWWW!"

...followed by Connor, "Will ya forgive me?"

...follwed by TJ, wailing, "OOOWWW...OOOWWW...OOOWWW!"

...followed by Connor, "Do ya want me to Help ya make yer bed?"

...SILENCE...

...Laughter...

So, my problem is this:

Obviously, showing your ___ ___ is not OK in our home,

and neither is smacking someone's ___ ___.

Obviously, Connor and TJ knew this.

Obviously, Connor saw the need to apologize and ask forgiveness.

Obviously, TJ saw the need to forgive and forget.

Was this enough?

Or should Momma have stepped in anyway?

...Your (kind, helpful) thoughts on this, Please.

And in the meantime,

I will just continue to Laugh at MommaHood with Boys and Brothers,

while Humming the tune

"It's Not Smart To Show Your Hiney To A Bear" (or your Big Brother)!

children's book monday: "there are rocks in my socks!" said the ox to the fox

"There Are Rocks In My Socks!"

Said The Ox To The Fox

by: Patricia Thomas, Illustrated by: Mordicai Gerstein

 

This is a very old book. It was mine, that my Mom bought for me from the Weekly Reader Children's Book Club. It even has my name inscribed on the inside of the cover, in my Mother's beautiful handwriting. It says, "Kathy Wood." Because I changed the spelling of my (nick)name in Jr HighSchool.

 

My Mom even read this book to me. It was the only book she read to me. Because she is NOT a reader. BUT, my Mom read this book to me (and my little sister) many times. And she used a very funny voice for the bird. I can still hear her now...

 

Anyhoo...

 

"There Are Rocks In My Socks!" is about an Ox who has "Bumpy, lumpy, clumpy rocks" in his socks. He takes waaay too much advice from a FOX on how to remove the rocks from his socks, and gets into quite the predicament.

 

And then, a bird comes "Skippety...Hippety-Hopping" along, and shows him, very simply, how to remove the rocks from his socks.

Needless to say, the FOX, ends up with "Rocks on his head!"

 

A funny, entertaining story. But, I may be a little biased :)

daybook, march 1st

Outside my Window...a little cloudy, around 40 degrees

From the learning rooms...Islam and Sinbad the Sailor, Lungs, Blood, lots of Maps to make up, Creation Story Review, Writing First through Seventh, NEW Math Books...I've never been asked, "Can I do Math now???" so many times in 4 days!

I am thankful for...good weather this past weekend

From the kitchen...my dishwasher is still broke, we bought a package of 5,000 paper plates at Sam's last week

I am wearing...gray yoga pants and black long sleeve tee

I am reading...Grandfather's Dance, the first chapter of James

I am praying...for my dear friends, the Smith family, who lost a Loved One

I am creating...a post about trusting God, I started it back in August, hopefully I can finish it this week.

I am hearing...the fan, Judah's bouncy seat, a car on the road

Around the house...lots of dusting and sweeping to do

I am remembering...our visit with my Mom, my Sister, and my 3 Nephews. It was so nice for the boys to GET OUTSIDE this weekend. Cincinnati has had unusual amounts of SNOW this Winter...due to Global Warming :)...so the Hardys were VERY ready to Play!!!

I am going...to take Rinny to ballet in a little while

On my mind...the Gray areas of our Family Life. There are too many. I NEED Black or White. Not Gray.

Noticing that...Quiet Time is the quickest part of my day

Pondering these words..."Be *in* the world, not *of* the world!"

One of my favorite things...was having a dishwasher

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...copy...paste...ballet, youth group, ballet, missions class, ballet, cub scouts, ballet