daybook, december 12th

:: outside my window ...dark and cold, each morning there is frost, and I find myself straining to see out the sun porch door. Is it snow? (it has been. twice already.)

:: listening to ...Christmas music. Oh For Joy and Christmas are our new favorites this year.

:: giving thanks for ...the mildness of Benjamin's little mishap with the piano yesterday. An emergency, true. But a small one.

:: living the educational life ...we're staying pretty on track with language arts and math. I suppose you could call this month Christmas School. Christmas read alouds, Christmas poetry, Christmas copywork, Christmas scripture memorization. More Christmas read alouds.

:: wearing ...plain long sleeve tees, comfy sweats, my beloved gray sweater jacket, Christmas socks, slippers. All day. Every day.

:: preparing in the kitchen ...a french toast breakfast, with extra vanilla and! powdered sugar. Sandwiches and chips and! leftover Christmas sprinkle cake for lunch. A spaghetti dinner (with meat sauce, requested by Connor), made by Kylie.

:: creating by hand ...I've made my little Christmas Craft List. And we're happily creating our way through. This week:  Cinnamon Christmas Tree Ornaments, Yarn Angels, and Paper Snowflakes.

:: following these links ...mostly Christmas crafts. And I'll share those as we go on Fridays. I'll admit, I find myself with less to say when I do more blog reading. Although I realize everyone probably wonders where I am... I'm here. Capturing my family, our moments. Which I was doing less and less of before. But this feels right for now. And good.

I did, however, start using a new comment thingy. In order to be more personal in this space. I think it's working from my side. But I have noticed less comments, which doesn't bother me so much...but I wonder if it's hard to use(?)

:: turning pages ...Simplicity Parenting. A very slow start. I'm so tired right now (30 weeks)...I blog a little, read less, and sleep more.

:: finding rhythm ...in less structure. Which is hard for me.

:: keeping house ...we're taking a more relaxed approach in this area too. Everything is still clean, it's just not perfect. It's comfortable. "A place for everything, and everything in it's place." is not a motto I want to carry around with me anymore. An atmosphere of love, and creativity, and safety is more what I'm after right now. ...I don't have a quote for that.

:: finding joy in ...my camera again. Capturing the normal, everyday, little moments. It's a gift.

:: praying ...for an old friend who is in the hospital, while her husband is at home with their children. For my brother-in-law. For JP, who seems to be always sick...I wish we had more day to day details about our little compassion child.

:: planning the week ahead ...Storytime with Santa on Wednesday at our little library. Knitting Club is on hold for the holidays...but wait! there is another one on Thursday nights, do we want to go? My friend (and her entire family) are performing in A Christmas Carol this weekend, and I hope the girls and I get to go.

monday.

Mondays are hard for me. Always. Every Monday. I don't know what it is, but it never changes. This Monday I woke up in a fine mood. Well rested. Yes, you just read that. I slept through the night. I mean, ALL my children slept through the night. Which means so did I. I was determined to not rush, not watch the clock, not hurry the morning. And things went pretty well, flowing along very smoothly. We did chores. We did school.

TJ finished his second book in the Pathway Readers series, and will start the third book Wednesday. It was one of those I did it! moments. But he grumbled his way through Copywork. Which is a lovely Christmas poem by Henry W. Longfellow. I think it's that it repeats the last line of the stanza so much. ...I thought it would be a nice break from his Copybook, now I'm not so sure. He's also doing What Child Is This? and Isaiah 9:2-7 this month. Maybe. Connor and the girls all kind of sailed through their school work this morning. I wasn't even really needed. Good for a Monday.

We had lunch, then I read the first few chapters of The Bird's Christmas Carol. Then is when the day started to turn into a real Monday. Babies not getting naps out, math was blah, then, since The Flood was still going on...my Rowdy Boys were stuck inside. No good. I can't wait to give them their new boots for Christmas. I'm going to send them out in all kinds of weather.

As it was, they played 'Restaurant' while I started dinner. The Happy Henry Restaurant. Where everybody gets a free hat on Monday (see Ben is donning the free hat/Christmas Stocking). BUT...who will be the Chef? Who will be the Waiter? Does steak cost $30 or $15? Was it a 5 Star Restaurant with a Walkie-Talkie Drive Thru Window? (and YES! these were all real arguments I overheard from the kitchen).

Once I managed to tune out the restaurant drama...I got into a fight with the can opener. The brand new can opener. The $10 can opener. Grrr! Does anyone else have can opener issues? Or is it just our family? Well, I informed Brian there would be no more dinner, unless we got an old-fashioned plug in the wall, stand up on the counter, zoomer-can opener like my Grandma Faye had. He informed me we would just stop buying canned goods. I finally got the green beans open, added them to what was supposed to be Vegetable Soup, but was more like Kinda Vegetable Stew. Judah got about half way up into his chair, glared into his bowl, then scowled at me. Really.

After Dinner, Brian went over Math with the kids. Mostly Kylie. Algebra really gets her some days. It really got her this Monday. She doesn't like Monday either. Her excuse for anything that goes wrong on Monday is, "It's Monday." Hmmm...maybe I should express my dislike for Mondays a little less.

The boys, who had been cooped up all day, cleared the family room floor, and had Hot Wheel races. A lot of them. Little metal cars were zooming everywhere. And my furniture kept being moved in order to find the little metal cars that were zooming everywhere. While they raced, I snapped a few pictures of my Christmas Mantle. And still, after two years with this camera, I cannot take a good picture indoors. Especially at night. But at least my mom can see what my mantle looks like this month. (that's my Elf Church on the far Left. do you like it?)

So now I am tired. And the house is cold. All that rain brought the cold again. I don't mind cold, but I do mind all that rain. I wish it had all been Snow. That would have made my Monday better. The title of this post could have been Snowy Monday. Not just Monday. The house is also quiet. Which makes me wonder...what was I so worked up about? It was just a day. And now it's done.

A Goat and Two Chickens, Please! (a guest post by our daughter, Korinne)

As I look through the World Vision gift catalog, my heart breaks, and I get tears in my eyes. There are children with no food, or shelter, or clothes, or drinking water, and many other things. Hundreds of kids die every day from not having these things.

 

As I look through the catalog my parents encourage me to raise money to get something. I decided on a goat and 2 chickens.

 

Goat milk has protein which helps a child grow. They can sell extra milk,
yogurt and cheese for other things like medicine or clothes.


Two chickens provide eggs. Extra eggs can be sold for other needs. And soon
more chickens will hatch which means more eggs!

Please help me raise $100. I already have $3.72, so I only need to raise $96.28 more by December 17.

 

Thank you.

Love, Korinne

"for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave
Me drink..." - Matthew 25:3

continuing to pour

It has been one of those mornings. One where I find myself living out the verse of this place,

"...At the beginning of the watches; pour out your heart like
water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of
your young children..." - Lamentations 2:19

 

I speak here often of how my life is beautiful. Of how my husband and children are tremendous blessings. Of how we strive to be deliberate. Consistent. In the moment. And it is all real, it's truly who we are. But this morning has been a reminder, to my slightly too comfortable soul, that living fully, consistently, and deliberately is not easy.

I had nothing left to do, but lift my hands toward Him. With lifted hands, and an overwhelmed heart, a heart full of the tasks He had laid before me, I poured.

When it takes the nine year old over an hour of precious time to do a simple copywork assignment. When the toddler rips through the pages of yet another overdue library book. When there are tiresome and tedious disciplinary issues that need constant, immediate attention. When children seem weary (didn't we just wake up?).

I may feel hopeless. But I'm not hopeless. Praise God.

When the chaos of the morning was finally fading, when the book work at the kitchen table was finished, once hungry tummies were full of peanutbutter and jelly, and we were dropping the oldest off at a sweet friend's house to help out... I smiled, for probably the first time in hours, at my daughter and said, "Enjoy your opportunity to serve." She smiled back, knowing everything was okay, and answered, "I will."

I'm grateful to know that I don't have to walk through these hectic mornings alone. I'm grateful that I can repent and be forgiven of negative feelings, harsh talk, and terrible mothering.

I'm so grateful that all I have to do is lift my hands, and He sees, and takes them.

my thoughts on picture study

As the weather gets cooler, and we're spending more time indoors, it's a little easier for this homeschooling momma to fit in some "extra" studies.

For the past few weeks, we have been enjoying the art of Grandma Moses. In October, we studied and narrated Halloween. As the month changed, we moved on to Joy Ride, for the second part of November, we are fittingly using Catching The Thanksgiving Turkey. Then, for the short month of December, we'll be enjoying Christmas At Home or So Long Til Next Year. ... Grandma has so many that I love, it's hard for me to choose. We may just stick with her work until March!

 

We are pretty simple in our approach (as with all our school subjects anymore). We google for a short, easy-to-read biography on the artist, and I read it aloud to the kids. We then look at the picture together, on the computer. The kids then narrate (tell me) what they see in the picture. I don't correct at all. I use our current picture as my desktop background, so they see it everyday. I've also been thinking of buying a few frames from the Dollar Store, to hang our artist's works in on the dining room wall, as we enjoy and study them for a few months.

We don't "copy" like we have in the past anymore. There is just too much creative, original, priceless-to-me artwork being made by little hands in our home everyday, that I don't feel assigning "Art" is necessary.

My goal is exposure. Appreciation. Of good art, that instills good feelings. That's all. (if the picture is sad, or inappropriate...we don't look. there is enough of that going on in real life. no thank you.)

 

We do own a few "Art" books here in our home, that have been well-used and loved. We've never 'scheduled' them into lesson plans, they are just on our shelves. My little artists pull them off when they're feeling creative:

The Usborne Book of ART ideas

(a current favorite of both Korinne and TJ)

Usborne Playtime I Can Draw People

Usborne Playtime I Can Draw Animals

Wesley's Bible coloring page is from our Gospel Light's Really Big Book of Bible Story Coloring Pages(I love this, because it's non-consumable...we've owned it for 4 years now. And because the drawing are very simple for little ones.)

Katie Meets The Impressionists

(part of a series of Picture Books that introduces young children to great artists and their works. I hope to be able to purchase more in the series soon)

***More thoughts on Picture Study***

daybook, november 1st

living seasonally…

I don't know how, but it seems our little corner of the world knew it was November today. The sun was beautifully shining, but there was a very cool breeze in the air, and I had to wear my beloved purple sweater outside this afternoon. The boys played baseball and dirt guns, while the girls read Shakespeare on blankets, and I sat in my chair watching the pecan tree leaves twirl to the ground. I really do love November.

giving thanks…

My mom spent the last 24 hours in the hospital. She is home now, and I'm grateful for her diagnosis, although I know it won't be easy. But my little prayer warrior, Wesley, prayed for her (and her exercise routine) this evening during family worship.

 

thinking deeply…

 

It's so hard when emergencies come up, being military ... far away from loved ones in need, and being able to lend a hand. Living where God has placed me is hard sometimes. But right all the time.

turning pages…

 

1 Peter ... our entire family is using The GOAL Study, and working our way through together.

Passionate Housewives ... I do believe that Carissa is joining me in re-reading this favorite. Scripture really does portray homemaking as beautiful, and I need to be reminded.

one thousand gifts ... (maybe) I've read the first three chapters last spring, and they were too much for me. But I keep being drawn to it.

 

establishing rhythm…

 

We are struggling to find a balance for school right now. So many ages and stages and books to teach and choose. Everything has felt stale and generic. We're making so many changes in focus, curriculum, routine ... but it's slow changes.

I do, however, love to see TJ enjoying and learning Math and hearing him read to me out of his Pathway Reader. He laughs. Out loud. At dressed up kitty-dolls. And he frowns. Out loud. When big brother is mean to little sister. (this part is not stale homeschooling, it is my heart, homeschooling)

cultivating simplicity…

As I googled for simple Christmas (my Christmas Wish this winter), I stumbled upon this little post, ...

"I was just reading about the Ingalls family Christmas celebration. Each child got a peppermint stick and a new pair of mittens and a very large, special supper. That was all. The simplicity of their Christmas celebration was in stark contrast to the pile of goodies under our tree and the onslaught of decadent food that starts in November and lasts all the way till January when we vow to abstain for ever after!"

 

creating beauty…

Korinne is finishing her first knitted scarf as I type. She's used every last bit of yarn that Miss Victoria (the knitting librarian that is going to Paris in spring) gave her. She sits on the couch some evenings, perfectly content, and knitting. It makes me smile.

I reminded myself this afternoon, that it's time to put away the pumpkin moonshine jars, tart warmer, and tea light holder ... and get out my little pilgrims and turkeys. We will be decorating for Christmas in just a few weeks too. Early. The weekend before Thanksgiving. Because we are, indeed, going Over The River and Through The Woods this year.

nurturing hearts…

 

As much as I'm trying to place the proper meaning in the kids of Christmas, I feel like Thanksgiving easily gets overlooked. The focus still tends to be visiting, food, and turkeys here. When I need to be filling little hearts full of real, true, grateful thanksgiving. We have so much. And too often, it goes unnoticed.

"They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness. " - Psalm 145:7 NKJV

nurturing minds…

A hard decision to make ... but we have shelved our English books. Complicated no longer works in our simple home. I was ready to do a cheer for Brian after watching this. We will take a long break first though. We have holidays to celebrate, and a new baby to welcome to the world. Then ... we will worry about Grammar.

nurturing senses…

We made s'mores Saturday evening. Over a smoking fire. Outside. In fall. It was delicious. They were delicious. ... My dad enjoyed one for the first time with us. Wesley and Benjamin thoroughly enjoyed theirs too!

nurturing hands…

Lotion makes it's return in our routine. After washing dishes, after bathing babies. Judah actually sighed as I massaged his chubby legs.

nurturing bodies…

I realize I'm so tired, just about the time to start dinner every night. I prepared the kitchen, but sat in the kitchen chair, as Brian prepared the meal. Cheeseburger skillet. With all the fixin's. Oh, and French Fries. Really. Good. French Fries.

tending the earth...

If we keep a few of our pumpkin seeds ... how do we store them until spring? Buying pumpkins for eight children is expensive!

thanksgiving book basket

 From Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt: "Increasingly the Thanksgiving holiday is becoming the time when the extended family gathers. More than a day of remembrance, it calls for a spirit of thankfulness to be nurtured. Thanksgiving was not, as is sometimes said in schools, the pilgrims thanking the Indians; it was a thanksgiving to God. Our celebration should be more than "turkey day," a day for overeating, with little conversation about the truth of it's history or significance in family life." (Mrs. Hunt lists of 14 books, 3 of which I include here in my list)

The Thanksgiving Story by Alice Dalgliesh - an accurate Thanksgiving picture book that tells the story of a family's first year in Plymouth Colony which ends with the Thanksgiving feast.

In November by Cynthia Rylant - we LOVE this book, LOVE it! You can read my review here.

Thanksgiving on Thursday (Magic Tree House) by Mary Pope Osborne - this was a fun, easy read. We enjoy Jack and Annie and their adventures here. I'd like to take a peak at the Pilgrims Research Guide to go along with this.

Thanksgiving Mice by Bethany Roberts - just for fun, more for the Littles. We read this a few years back, when we still lived in Cincinnati, and I'm hoping to get my hands on it again, to spark some interest in putting on a little play of our own (like that needs a spark)!

*I've already added An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving, Molly's Pilgrim, and Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember.

:: Happy Almost November, Everyone! ::

why simply charlotte mason?

I received an email the other day, I know not from whom, but it simply asked, "Why did you switch from My Father's World to Simply Charlotte Mason?"

First, let me say, we have not been die-hard, faithful MFW users for the entire four years we have been homeschooling. We've used it, and not used it. And used a few other things...Veritas Press, Ambleside Online, Truth Quest, and Simply Charlotte Mason. (I'm speaking mostly of the History parts of these curriculums in this post)

I've tried very hard to stick with MFW and love it. But, for a few reasons, I've just not been able to do it.

...I think it has mostly to do with the fact that MFW has you read bits and pieces of a lot of resources. I prefer to choose A GOOD RESOURCE, and read it to my children. While some folks really appreciate the fact that MFW has done some pre-screening for the teacher-parents, I found it to be very annoying and almost generic feeling.

During Creation to the Greeks (which we all *LOVED*), I learned to overlook this bits and pieces reading...but as the years progressed, it seemed to get a little more tedious.

...I also feel that the further along we got into the chronological history study, the less Charlotte Mason the curriculum became. We did not even do Exploration to 1850, and instead chose to use Adventures, which I felt was still very CM. (I beefed this up for my girls with SCM's Living History Books List and Veritas Press' Yr 5 History Cards).

We did, however, order 1850 to Modern Times, and even used it for the first four or so weeks...but, we soon found ourselves feeling the same way about it.

...And another BIG reason that MFW no longer works for us, is the fact that we feel very strongly, in our large family, that we need to study as much as we can, together. With MFW, you can only use Years 1-5 for your 3rd through 8th graders. I did not have the time, nor did we have the money, to continue to buy two or three programs per year. (and my younger and older children didn't want to be separated from the rest of the family)

So...

Simply Charlotte Mason is working for us right now. We chose our own spines, since SCM hasn't actually completed Lesson Plans for Module 6 yet (Streams of Civilization II for Kylie, and SOTW 4 for Korinne...neither of which we are super pleased with, but you try and find a better Modern Times World History spine...there aren't any out there!), and we are slowly working our way through the Living Books Selections for grades 1-9.

*We are all learning about the same time period, with a Charlotte Mason whole, Living Books approach, and the cost is extremely low. And we like it.

daybook, october 18th

 

Outside my Window... rainy, chilly...October!

What We're Learning... Kylie's at the Library, learning how to Volunteer, both Korinne and Connor had English "tests" today, Korinne's was over the 8 parts of speech, Connor's was over Nouns and Verbs, TJ is learning the difference between to, too and two (s-l-o-w-l-y), we went over 1 Peter 1 this morning, and our History (SOTW 4) is becoming so dry and boring...I'm not sure how we're going to spend 5 more months with this book! If anyone knows of a well-loved Modern Times History-ish book, please share it with me! Please!

I am thankful for... Tylenol 3

From the kitchen... cereal for breakfast, PB&J for lunch, chicken tacos (made by the girls) for dinner

I am wearing... navy yoga pants, Army long-sleeve tee, navy socks, ponytail

 

I am reading... the new Vision Forum catalog came in the mail yesterday, does that count

I am praying... for Judah. He's 4.5 days into his antibiotic, and has started running a fever again. The nurse wants me to bring him back to the office.

 

I am creating... we're going to go buy orange yarn and green and brown pipe cleaners to make Yarn Pumpkins (like over on Elise's pretty, Autumn table)

 

I am hearing... Judah fuss, Rinny trying to make him happy, the rain dripping from the gutters, and The Incredibles on TV (we take it easy when Kylie goes to work, so she doesn't miss much 'school')

 

I am remembering... that I need to be better about keeping my own appointments, doctor and dentist..

On my mind... fever. for 4 weeks now. I'm exhausted

 

Noticing that... once you start creating, you want to keep creating

 

One of my favorite things... seeing my children do well on English "tests"

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Judah back to pediatrician tonight, knitting class for Korinne tomorrow, I think we'll finally make it to the grocery tomorrow too, Thursday morning I'm having 2 teeth extracted and a bone graft at my dentist, Brian will be taking the day off to help (YAY!), Friday we have no plans except Family Movie Night, Saturday we're hoping to paint the Dining Room (Golden Honey), and Sunday we hope to get out to Church.

how a mom takes a nice, hot bath

In the following few paragraphs, I'm going to give you (A Mom) instructions on how to take a nice, hot bath:

. The first step is to have dinner prepared & cleaned up early. (it helps if your hubby brings home pizza after work...YES! Brian worked today. YES! We know it's Sunday. It's the Army that tends to forget.) I did not plan this step, it just happened. YAY! for early dinners.

. Step #2, have dessert enjoyed & cleaned up early. (NO! we do not have dessert every night, but Korinne made a special treat for everyone. She actually served it, and cleaned it up...which helped with my 'early' theme.)

. Next, OK your plans to take a nice, hot bath with hubby. YES! He will most likely say, "GO! Enjoy your bath." But you want to be sure he knows that he's looking after the kids for a while. Otherwise, he will think you've certainly got it handled...even if you are NOWHERE! in sight.

The fourth step is to lock the door to the bathroom. This is tricky for me. The door leading to our master bath locks from the outside. YES! You can unlock it from the inside as well, but it allows Little Ones to be able to unlock it from the outside too! BUT! It does give hubby an extra ten seconds to catch the Little One who is trying to enter the bathroom where Mommy is trying to take her nice, hot bath. And he will stop the culprit before they can emerge victorious. Hopefully.

. Step #5 is to turn the exhaust fan ON! NO! You are not taking a steaming shower. You are taking a nice, hot bath. BUT! The exhaust fan will drowned out any small-ish noise that may alarm you (A Mom) and cause you to cut your nice, hot bath short.

. The next step is to clean the bathtub of tubby toys and dirt. YES! Every mom of Littles has tubby toys. No big deal. NO! Not every mom has to clean dirt out of her bathtub to take a bath. And I really can't believe I'm telling the world that I do! BUT! It's true. I have FIVE Rowdy Boys, and they get dirty. Like, actually DIRTY everyday. Like, there's dirt in the bathtub each night after they've had their bath. (I will NEVER understand how a mom of boys could ever not have to give them a bath every. single. day. *And, in the hot, summer months...I have to give my boys TWO. One when we come in for lunch and naps, and one we come in for dinner and our night time routine.)

. The seventh step is to fill the tub up with hot water and a little bath oil. YES! The water should be almost too hot. BUT! You take a 5 minute, lukewarm shower most other days of your life, so this one too-hot shower will not ruin your skin. And YES! The leftover Skin So Soft that you had on to combat the attack of the Arkansas Mosquitoes counts as a little bath oil (not that that's what I did, ahem.).

. Step #8 is to put a hot washrag over your face and soak. Continue with this until you hear the sound of little, running feet OVER the exhaust fan (Step #5), then the sound of one of your toddlers wailing in distress (which will take about 3 minutes).

. The next step is to stop soaking and bathe already. If you planned on shaving, go ahead, BUT! only from the knees down. That way, if you wear capri pants or a skirt tomorrow, no one will know the better. And you can explain to poor hubby, that you had full intentions of REALLY shaving your legs...until you heard the wailing toddler. He will then understand.

. The tenth step is to get out of your nice, hot bath and moisturize. UNLESS! A Little Person has broken past the locked door leading to the bathroom (Step #4), and is standing there hollering, "CAN I COME IN?!" Then you will have to forget the body lotion (until you see your knees in the morning).

. Step #11 is to put on clean jammies and smile. Because you are clean. Which you (A Mom) cannot say all the time.

:: Happy Nice, Hot Bathing! ::

daybook, october 10th

Outside my Window... warm darkness

What We're Learning... I'm not sure yet. We took the day 'off' learning, since Brian was home, and I haven't taken a peek at our book readings for the week

I am thankful for... the Army giving days like Columbus Day to their Soldiers, to spend time at home with their families

From the kitchen... the girls made banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, and goulash this afternoon for dinner, we had lunch meat sandwiches and cheese & crackers for lunch, and I made yummy cinnamon toast for breakfast

I am wearing... gray yoga pants, and my Old Navy flag tee from this summer's Independence Day

I am reading... Halls of Fame (Volume 12) and In Your Hands: A Parent's Guide Book (Index) that go with our new-to-us 1951 Edition of My Book House, the Autumn sections of A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections On The Gentle Art of Learning and Lessons at Blackberry Inn, Jim Trelease's The Read ~ Aloud Handbook, and Loving The Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches (for the THIRD! time)

I am praying...

that ALL my boys' health returns soon. We've been s-l-o-w-l-y moving through a stuffy, coughing, feverish, runny nose, sickly eyes virus. Exactly THREE! weeks of it, tomorrow!

I am creating... a home that says Welcome Autumn. We have fall leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, apple & caramel candles, Autumn Book Basket, pumpkin moon shines, and plans for a few neat, little fall crafts (Autumn Wreath, Jar Pumpkin Moon Shines, Caramel Apple Cupcakes ...). The girls and I also picked out paint colors for every room in the house this past weekend. Now, to just get Mrs. Landlord's approval

I am hearing... Brian's pen clicking in the dining room, the water running upstairs, and night sounds coming in through the sun porch door

I am remembering... the fun we had on our Family Nature Walk this morning. The treasure bags full of nature's goodness, the duck feeding, the flower picking, the 'baby' fish, the 2 year old with his walking stick, Brian stopping to show everyone a spider... Amanda was right, we needed to get outdoors

On my mind... the fevers. I hate, hate, hate when the children have fevers. It consumes me. Worry. So many meds. Worry. Little eyes that beg me to make them feel better. Worry.

Noticing that... I'm not as tired in the evenings as I was a few weeks ago. Energy. Just in time for the Holidays

One of my favorite things... Mimi, our kitty. I really do love her. She hangs out on the window sills of our sun porch and looks so homely and kitty-ish. She also loves us, which is, in my opinion, a unique quality in a kitty

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Brian goes back to work tomorrow, we go back to learning and routine. Korinne has knitting class Wednesday. Kylie volunteers at the Library on Thursday morning. The girls and I have Irish Dance Class Thursday afternoon. Friday is grocery day, pizza night, and Family Movie Night, Brian has Drill this weekend, I hope to do some more decorating Saturday (outside with mums and pumpkins), and Sunday, we will REST

the quarterback wristband

What is a Quarterback Wristband, you ask? Well, I asked the same thing of my husband a few weeks ago...

"What's that on Connor's wrist? His Army wallet?" Brian answered, smiling...

"That's their Quarterback Wristband. You know...it has all their plays written on it."

(duh.)

(huh?)

...The Quarterback Wristband is a thick band with a clear plastic sleeve to slide the play card into. I have never, ever noticed this...but you can't get anything past my football-loving boys.

Here is their homemade (3rd/1st Grade) version, it says:

1.1 YarD Past fD.
2.Long Pass.
3.handoff.
4.fleefiker.
5.all the way to Endzone.
6.Plane Pass.
7.center
8.sack.
9.Get Ball carer.
10.inercepshon.

And yes, it actually was his Army wallet that it was taped to, then Velcro-fastened around his wrist. They sell real Quarterback Wristbands for $12.95...I've started Christmas shopping.

daybook, september 20th

Outside my Window... cloudy and chilly...but I don't mind

What We're Learning... we're in the midst of the Civil War and the Early Church

I am thankful for... a napping 4 year old (who seems to be coming down with something...not to mention his little brother, Benjamin, gave him a nice shiner!)

From the kitchen... pot roast, carrots, and mashed potatoes for dinner. We had turkey sandwiches for lunch (topped with lettuce and cut in half...which was a nice, little touch

I am wearing... gray sweat pants, yellow top

 

I am reading... Peter Pan to the kids and some background stuff on the Civil War

I am praying... that Wesley isn't coming down with anything, that my dad feels 100% soon, and that our little sponsor child is well

I am creating... a family calendar...I think we're about to become a little busier

 

I am hearing... silence, it's been a nice change

 

I am remembering... that silence doesn't always mean sleep...maybe I should go check on everyone!

 

On my mind... Christmas. We are simplifying Big Time this year

Noticing that... the kids probably won't care about any STUFF! we actually cut out of the Christmas Celebration...they always care more about the special things we do, than the 'cool' things they could get

 

One of my favorite things... fall. I'm elated it's finally here. Chili, pumpkins, hot tea, apple candles, scarecrows, mums ... ...

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... Korinne wants to go to Knitting class tomorrow, we're going to Church tomorrow evening, the boys have a Lego-thingy at the library Thursday, the girls and I have been invited to a Baby Shower Thursday evening, Friday is the first day of fall...we'll be decorating, making chili and pumpkin pie and maybe watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" for Family Movie Night, Saturday Brian will be home All. Day. (yay!), Sunday we'll go back to church. ...And all of that, makes me smile :)

i married a boy in my 3rd grade class

Once there was a little girl who loved to wear dresses and do cartwheels. She went to a little, shiny school in a little, country town.

Once there was a little boy who didn't care what he wore, and loved to play ball. He went to the same little, shiny school in the same little, country town.

The little girl and the little boy were friends for many, many years. Then one day, when they were not so little anymore, they looked into each others eyes, and forgot all about cartwheels and ball.

The not so little anymore boy whispered to the not so little anymore girl, "I'm crazy for you." And she whispered back, "I love you."

A few months later, the little boy turned soldier married the little girl turned momma. And they spent many, many years loving, and having babies, and whispering to each other.

Then one night, the little girl, who was swelling with their eighth baby, had a bad dream.


*** *** ***

The little girl and the little boy were back in their little, shiny school. The little girl was playing make believe with all the other little girls in their class. She announced to her little girl friends that she wanted THE little boy to "play pretend" to be her husband. And all her little girl friends just stared at her. And then they laughed at her.

The little girl called for THE little boy across the classroom to come save her. And he did. The little girl and the little boy embraced, as they stood in the middle of so many other little girls and little boys. The room began to spin, and the little girl was crying, while the little boy was whispering in her ear.

*** *** ***

Then the little girl woke up from her bad dream, and she was that not so little anymore girl again. She was a momma. And her not so little anymore boy soldier was asleep next to her in their bed. She wiped her tears on her pillow, and moved closer to him. And they whispered to each other.

daybook, august 29th

Outside my Window... a beautiful sunshiny day

What We're Learning... about the Great Exhibition, nouns & verbs, and how we should live by Jesus' example

I am thankful for... the end of Annual Training

From the kitchen... cinnamon oatmeal for breakfast, macaroni with tomato and basil sauce and parmesan cheese for lunch, Brian's bringing home (frozen) pizza for dinner, and we will be having Blue Bell Banana Pudding Ice Cream for dessert

I am wearing... khaki capris and a black maternity tee

I am reading... just skimmed through the current issue of Above Rubies

I am praying... for some much-needed energy

I am creating... a solid high school schedule/credits for Kylie's 9th grade year. This has been the most challenging homeschool planning I've yet to do since we started our home education journey in 2007. I think we are almost there

I am hearing... the clatter of the sun porch ceiling fan, the buzz of my desktop, and the whir of the ceiling fan in our bedroom. It's amazingly that quiet

I am remembering... that I still need to call the pediatrician's office, since we completely missed Judah's check up back on the 19th. I dread DR appointments, and therefore unconsciously forget most of them. I long for a doctor like Amanda's wonderful family doctor. What a blessing!

On my mind... is this baby a boy or a girl? It doesn't really matter at all. But we sure would love another little girl. Except for Benjamin. He wants a boy.

Noticing that... maternity clothes are either skin tight or hot air balloon-ish. There is no classy in-between

One of my favorite things... a Homecoming. Three weeks is just too long to be apart from my Soldier-Husband. I missed him so much it hurt.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... the grocery store and the library, most likely fishing this weekend, Korinne has requested a trip to the Roller Skating Rink, and church

 

what morning sickness taught me (and i almost missed)

The morning sickness with this pregnancy caught me completely off guard. I had never experienced it to such a degree before with my previous seven pregnancies. A little in the evenings with Korinne, a little more all-day with Wesley. But I was still able to function and carry on with our daily lives just the same as always.

Not so with this pregnancy. I was down for the count for many, many days. And it was awful, terrible, I thought I was dying...at times I really did want to die. Then I felt guilty for wanting to die. I felt guilty for not accepting this eighth blessing from God with anything but absolute joy. And I felt guilty for not being able to care for my home and family the way I should.

Brian would look me in the eyes, and assure me with things like, "Stop it. We will pull through. Let me help. Let the girls help. It can't last more than nine months." And I would sputter things back like, "I don't want you to have to help. I don't want the girls to have to help. And I will never make it nine months...I was thinking three months would kill me."

It took a good few weeks, but God started working on my heart. The Holy Spirit showed me that my biggest 'problem' with this morning sickness was me. I was really ill, but I was very sick with pride too. Which was keeping me from taking care of myself and my tiny baby, from taking it easy, and from letting this pregnancy sickness soon pass.

I am Super Woman. I have a happy husband, happy children. I keep a clean and tidy home. I do every single load of laundry there is. Every. Single. Day. I put three meals, and two snacks on the table each day. I homeschool four children, all while keeping three toddlers busy. I am Super Woman. There is no possible way that Brian or the girls could do what I do.

That is not true. It's actually one of the biggest lies I have ever believed.

My husband is a wonderful man. Not only does he completely support me in my role as homemaker, but he can step in and fill my shoes at a moment's notice. And he does it well. My daughters are wonderful young women. They have been trained for years now in the art of homemaking. I have taught them how to clean, and cook, and care for their siblings...as much as I have taught them academics. They are pretty darn good at keeping house for fourteen and eleven.

I was wasting so much energy worrying that our home would not be taken care of to my standards, that I almost missed the blessing of my family, and that would have been something entirely too good to miss. So I let go. I stopped believing my made-up super woman lie, and accepted the help that my precious family was offering.

I am a little past that 13 Week mark in my pregnancy now. Hello second trimester! I've not had to take but ten of my anti-nausea pills, and it's been almost a week since I took my last one. My energy is returning. Life is good, as it always was...I was just too blinded by my 'trouble' to notice. It was a true test of my faith, that I suppose I did actually fail in a way. But I'm hoping that the fact that I WE pulled through, relying on God and listening to the Holy Spirit, brought my grade up just a little.

It is so true that God doesn't give us anymore than we can handle (with Him), but he also never promises that it will be easy. I just pray that the next time I'm faced with trials, that I can say from the very beginning, that I will praise Him in the storm...not just once it's passed.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." - Isaiah 43:2

children's book monday: does a kangaroo have a mother, too?

Does A Kangaroo Have A Mother, Too?
by Eric Carle


I picked this book up at Kohl's a few years back as part of their Kohl's Cares for Kids campaign. It pretty much sat on the shelf until about a year ago, as I am not a huge Eric Carle fan. Love that Hungry Caterpillar, but that's about it for me.

Last summer, one of the little, bitty boys picked it off the shelf when my parents were down. And my mom read it to the boys over and over. And they loved it! And we've continued to pull it down ever since.

It's a perfect pre-school book. Very simple, repetitive sing-song style, only a sentence or two on each page. With, of course, Carle's well-known, colorful illustrations that capture any reader's attention.

The book moves through about ten different animals(giraffe, dolphin, kangaroo, etc.), asking, "Does a bear have a mother, too?" And of course, to ensure the smallest of children, "Yes! A BEAR has a mother. Just like me and you." (which your child will start to 'read' with you, after only a few pages) *At the back of the book is a section that names animal babies, parents, and groups. Something every small child likes to know!

:: Happy Giving NEW Books a Chance! ::
(you can see what Elise and her children are finally reading, here)
~Kathi

daybook, august 9th

For Today...Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Outside my Window...another beautiful day. Sunny, but not too hot. With a very nice breeze. Much, much better than that day that was 107* last week!

What We're Learning...we started back to school yesterday. We ended up taking most of the summer off, so it's the first time we're back to schooling like normal folks in a few years. Korinne and Connor are using 1850-MOD, pretty much as-is in the TM. TJ will wait to start First Grade until Thursday (a recommendation from the TM, so that Exploration Day falls on a Wednesday, giving him a much needed mid-week break each week). Kylie is doing...until we're able to purchase AHL. Yes, those plans are much different than the ones I just posted last Friday...but we had a very homeschool friendly weekend, that reminded us of a lot of homeschool-type things we'd forgotten. Ahem, moving on...

I am thankful for...relief from morning sickness during the day. I cannot take one of my prescriptions because it causes extreme fatigue. The other one I can take up to three times a day...which I only need to take once, around dinner time. I'm very thankful. Very.

From the kitchen...we had maple & brown sugar oatmeal for breakfast, chips & queso & corn for lunch, and dinner may just be Stouffer's Lasagna.

I am wearing...jean skirt, gray tee

I am reading...nothing. It makes me ill. We are even listening to our Read Aloud (Farmer Boy) on audiobook.

I am praying...for my mom. Who thinks she broke her foot at work yesterday. For the families of Seal Team 6. Such sad news. I'm also praying that this war will be over soon. Very soon.

I am creating...I rearranged the furniture in my family room yesterday. We brought back down a chair, ottoman, and the computer table from the empty room. It's a little crowded but we like it much better this way. Cozy.

I am hearing...the neighbor mowing his grass, the AC (which NEVER turns off), and Wesley asking a thousand questions (he is also NEVER off!)

I am remembering...that it takes Stouffer's Lasagna like forever to cook, so I will have to think of something else for dinner...

I am going...to head back outside with the kids as soon as the babies wake up. It really is nice out.

On my mind...how to find a way to get everything accomplished in a day that needs done. I know I posted our Morning Routine a while back...and as soon as I posted it, it needed changed. Now I see with a 9th grader, 6th grader, 3rd grader, 1st grader, 2 preschoolers, a toddler, and a baby on the way...that I can no longer fight the schedule thing. Routine won't cut it any more.

Noticing that...I don't have the urge to put my kids back in public school this year. Usually, with all the back to school sales, and the school buses driving around, etc. I get that sad feeling that they're missing out somehow. I don't feel that this year.

One of my favorite things...Blue Belle Ice Cream. It's one thing (one!) that I will miss when we move from here. ...the Banana Pudding flavor is the BEST!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...we had plans to go to the pool with friends on Thursday...but it looks like that will have to be cancelled again. We also have to get to the grocery store before the weekend.

nine now

The Baby Boy~

The baby boy that I hoped so much for.

The baby boy that I admitted to Brian I wouldn't know how to properly care for (after having two baby girls).

The baby boy that would sit on his Daddy's lap for hours.

The baby boy that almost ate a toad.

The baby boy that took three tries to potty train.

The Little Boy~

The little boy who was scared of his Bob The Builder costume (even though Bob was his hero).

The little boy who walked around our home 'playing' leaf blower and weed eater all day (with full sound effects...how did that child not get a headache?).

The little boy who put his pop gun in the microwave only days after his Daddy left for Afghanistan (Brian called, and I cried, "You have to come back home. I cannot raise this little boy without you!").

The little boy who asked for his Soldier-Daddy back three times a day, every single day, for 545 days.

The little boy who played soccer like an absolute maniac when he was five years old.

The little boy who fell in head-over-heels-love with his baby brother, Wesley.

The Big Boy~

The big boy who learned Math on his fingers AND toes.

The big boy who literally dreamed of his own Red Ryder BB Gun.

The big boy who was on the Champion Baseball Team his very first season of baseball.

The big boy who studies (hard) Army Regulation Manuals and the backs of Baseball Cards.

The big boy who loves his Cincinnati Reds.

The big boy whose hero is no longer Bob The Builder. But his DAD.

...

Is Nine Now.

And he is not a baby boy. Or a little boy. Or even a big boy.

He is just a boy.

And I will blink again, and he'll be a young man.

Be still my heart.

Happy Birthday, Connor. I love you.

thinking ::

I'm thinking how awkward it feels to sit here in this chair, staring at this computer screen. I blog very little these days. I rarely read blogs. And I never comment anymore. Kinda makes me sad. But I see other parts of my life falling into better place, so I see that's it's a good exchange.

 

I'm thinking that I despise Morning Sickness. Make that All Day sickness. I'm still able to do everything I need to do, but I carry around a slight nauseous feeling most of the day. When I'm starting to feel hungry, I get nauseous. As I eat, I get even more nauseous. After I eat, I want to die for a while. I know it's all going to be worth it. But I will tell you, I despise it.

I'm thinking about how sad I felt yesterday when my mom texted me the Not Guilty verdict for the Casey Anthony trial. I was heartbroken, crushed. I fought tears for close to an hour. After I had mulled it over in my head for a while, I turned to Brian and asked him what was on my mind... "If Casey Anthony really is guilty, and God is a just God, then how will that poor little girl ever receive justice?" He answered me with a true Brian answer. "Kathi, Caylee is in heaven. And that is justice." And he is right. A few years ago, I would have wanted that woman's mouth duck taped shut and drowned. Now, I just pray that *if* she is actually guilty, she goes straight from jail to the foot of the Cross. Because that's her only hope.

 

I'm thinking how it's totally weird that I homeschool my kids. In July. But it's just too hot to do anything else, and they haven't complained too much about it either...except that our History reading was v-e-r-y long. And the Review Words for Spelling are dumb. And capital Es have four lines going out, not three. And there is only one poem of Robert Browning's in our Poetry book. And a certain 11 year old still can't find here missing Lesson 17 in English...

 

And, right now, I'm also thinking that I should have put the roast in the oven for dinner, and didn't. I have fresh ground beef in the fridge, but I don't want to make anything with that, because I really want the roast tomorrow, and I don't like to do red meat two days in a row. So...what will I make for dinner? Maybe Grilled PB&J with Pickles and V8 Juice. That sounds good.

how to take your kids to the library

Our little town has the neatest, little Children's Library. For the first few years, I would take a few children, and leave a few home with Dad. Every once in a while, I'd get brave, and take everyone. Then, for a while, we all went (including Dad) on Saturday mornings. Then it went back to me taking a few children.

Now, we are all going (minus Dad, because he has to work) every Thursday morning for almost an hour and a half. We leave the house in enough time to look at books for a half hour or so, and then participate in Storytime.

I did a trial run about three weeks ago, reminding everyone as we pulled into the parking lot that there was NO running, No being loud, and everyone must be on their best behavior or we WOULD, indeed, leave. (knowing I would have to follow through with this, or they'd never take me seriously. also knowing, that I would most likely be cutting our Library trip short, since we were already dealing with some not-so-pretty post-vacation behavior).

We were there about thirty minutes when Benjamin had his first meltdown. I took him to the bathroom, reminded him of the rules, and got him calmed down. About fifteen minutes later, meltdown number two arose. I informed everyone who had books that it was time to check out, apologized to the librarians, and we were out of there. I should have down that with the first episode.

(little side note: Benjamin's meltdown was over a wooden firetruck that all the kids get on and ride. He was fighting with Wesley over who was going to drive. There was also a slight squabble over the Lego table. Both the firetruck and Lego table have been banned on our Library trips. We do not go to the Library to play with toys. We go to check out books, and listen to stories.)

The next week, Storytime started. I knew I would have to have a fool-proof arrangement. So we did a little pre-planning.

I made sure to have all our library books that were currently checked out written down. We went over the lists, checking things off, "Return, Keep," and each child put their books in their own bag (we now use the receipt from the previous week). No talk of fees, overdues, left behinds, etc. at check in.

I told everyone they could check out five books. Since we will be going each Thursday, that seemed enough. I'm not real strict about this rule, but for the most part, everyone sticks to it. The total reaches six, or seven sometimes.

I told Connor and TJ they were to stay together (which was completely unnecessary, but I informed them nonetheless).

I told the girls that they were to spend the first few minutes with their partners (Benjamin and Wesley), helping them select five storybooks, and looking at the model train, and watching the fishies (OK, so we go to the library to check out books, listen to stories, look at the model train, and watch the fishies). At that point, I would take over, and they would have twenty minutes or so to look for books for themselves. Kylie has even begun to get on the Library's website to look for/request books, so she pretty much already has a list and a plan.

Then, at Storytime, Kylie and I sit down with the four youngest boys and listen and craft our way around the world. While Korinne and Connor read at a nearby table.

Check out is all together and orderly. Each of the older, reading children have their own Library card (a perk here at the Bailey home once you learn to read), and they check out their own books, and put them in their own bag. I check out Benjamin's and Wesley's on my card, and help them put their books into their bags. They give the receipt directly to me, I staple them together, and slip them into the so-handy Library Summer Calendar so that we can be sure to have everything the next week, as we check off for the morning's trip. It also helps in avoiding all those nasty Library fines.

Last week was an absolutely beautiful Library trip. I was amazed at how well everyone did, how fun the trip was, and praised myself accordingly.

This week was a wakeup call.

Although it was nothing like our trial run, it did not go near as smoothly as last week. And I knew that I had been premature in my celebration of conquering the Library with SE7EN children. But we're not going to give up! I think as long as we stay the course, each week will get easier and easier. And my grown children will have many, many wonderful memories of spending time with their Momma and brothers and sisters at that little Children's Library in that one little town we used to live in.

Now, if I can just make a plan for the grocery store.

thoughts on copywork

We have, for the summer, left our copywork assignments behind. I struggle to keep our children from being bogged down with 'extra' schoolwork, and to keep our little homeschool balanced (read: eclectic).

I've read the many benefits and purpose behind copywork:

from The Well Trained Mind, "The purpose of copywork is to get into the child’s visual (and motor) memory the look and feel of a sentence that is corrrectly composed, and properly spelled, spaced, and punctuated. " ... "So you should do copywork as long s the child is still struggling with the basics of writing conventions: spaces between words, capital letters, punctuation, spelling. (Generally, this is first grade, although it should extend into second grade or as long as the child seems to need it.)"

from Simply Charlotte Mason, "Copywork is the method Charlotte used to teach and give practice in handwriting skills." ... "As the child carefully copies a noble poem, a Scripture passage, an inspirational quotation, or the lyrics to a hymn, he also absorbs grammar and punctuation rules."

from Higher Up and Further In, "Its [copywork] purpose is to improve the child's handwriting, expose them to noble thoughts, good sentence structure, rich vocabulary and introduce basic punctuation and capitalization rules. Even grammar is incidentally taught but this is just an added benefit and not the purpose for copywork."

from Ambleside Online, "Copywork done properly forces a child to slow down and absorb the punctuation details, notice capitalization, and internalize sparkling prose. For this reason, a child's own stories are not the most ideal source for copywork a la CM."

I feel that right now, having them do their English (grammar and composition) neatly, their Spelling neatly, and having them read (and listen to) great literature is covering all the aforementioned benefits of copywork.

It's very freeing to let go (but I still love Charlotte).

daybook, june 13th

Outside my Window...a storm just blew through. now the sun is trying to shine.


What We're Learning...The Last Supper, skip counting by 2s, how to diagram simple subject & simple predicate sentences, ...


I am thankful for...the little grocery store around the corner that sells good lunch meat and cheese


From the kitchen...we had sandwiches, leftover mac & cheese, and BBQ chips for lunch


I am wearing...jean skirt, yellow top, hair in a ponytail, bare feet


I am reading...Anne of Green Gables, The Art of Homemaking


I am praying...for Korinne's wellness, and that she is the last of the family to battle this very s-l-o-w moving virus!


I am creating...an organized home. all seasonal decor is in the attic. my laundry room cupboard is organized (as are the cupboards/drawers that house our microwave), my closet is almost finished...AND! we purchased another shelf this weekend, so ALL our books now have a home (but it IS already filled)


I am hearing...Kylie flipping the pages of her bible, the hum of the fans


I am remembering...that I need to activate a new debit card, to at least start on Kylie's lesson plans for her Freshman year, and check on my parents (aren't you home yet?!?!)


I am going...nowhere today. Korinne has Book Discussion Tuesday. We may go swimming and to Ladie's Bible Study Wednesday, Storytime at the Library Thursday, Friday (?), the boys want to go Fishing again Saturday...but the girls want to go shopping, and hopefully, hopefully to church on Sunday (if no one else gets the bug!).


On my mind...blooming where I'm planted. I'm having trouble lately. I'm so anxious for Brian to get orders. I don't think it will happen anytime soon, and the position that's (still) open in H@w@ii just haunts me (truly).


Noticing that...everything looks so green and clean now that it rained. The air even feels cleaner.


One of my favorite things...the things my kids say. This morning, Wesley exclaimed, "You look pretty, Momma!" and Benjamin and I had a silly discussion... Me: "You're rotten and stinky." Benjamin: "No I'm not." Me: "OK, you're sweet and delicious." Benjamin: "No, Momma. We don't eat children!"


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...see "I am going"

before and after vacation

We recently took a long (9 hours!) trip home to Cincinnati.

I want to remember to do a few things again on our next trip, and I want to remind myself NOT to do a few things.

...


Remember to super clean the house before leaving on vacation.

...it was wonderful to come home to a neat, tidy home. Deep clean kitchen, bathrooms, etc, make beds, do ALL laundry, empty trash cans, pour a little bleach in the potties and down all drains.

Do not go grocery shopping that last week before vacation. Use up what you have. *Also remember, that does NOT mean you have extra money to spend on vacation! Since you will use up everything you have that week before, you will pretty much need to stock up upon your arrival home.

Remember to be aware of what the kids wear the last few days home, put back what you want to take on vacation. But don't really worry about packing until the day before you leave. Pack super light, but cover all practical bases. *Do laundry on vacation (who wants 10 loads of laundry to do the day you get home? Not me.).

Leave very early. 5:00 AM at the latest. The kids will be 'confused' by the darkness, and fall asleep fairly quickly. Then they will also nap before arriving at your destination.

...eat a quick 'breakfast' before leaving. Donuts and milk is a good choice. Don't use dishes.
(saves us from having to stop to eat twice)


Remember to clean out the fridge and pantry. A 2-week old hamburger is not what you want to deal with upon opening you refrigerator door for the first time. Neither is a couple of old potatoes in the pantry, or apples on the counter in the apple basket.
(So thankful we did not get fruit flies!)

Do NOT forget to set up for a friend to stop by and water the garden and flowers.
(Our tomatoes did not make it...and my hanging baskets of petunias still haven't fully recovered!)

Do NOT forget to stop any UPS deliveries when you stop the mail.

Remember to turn the AC up considerably, but take my advice, and don't turn it off (especially if you live in the VERY hot and humid kinda-south). But do unplug and turn everything else off (I once saw on a news show where it cost a woman hundreds of dollars a year to leave a nightlight on in her kitchen!).


Empty the van the minute you get home. Of everything. Luggage. Garbage. Pillows and blankets.

...Start the laundry right away. Unpack suitcases. Get the sippy cups and travel mugs in the dishwasher. Cut the grass and water the landscaping. Then make dinner, and carry on like you never left (you'll have time, since you left so early in the morning).


***

Smile a smile of thanksgiving and contentedness. You are HOME! (which is almost the best part of going on vacation. almost.)

a tale of two cards

while dusting and tidying up our bedroom the other day, the two contrasting cards sitting on my dresser caught my attention.

one card reads:

Our love isn't just about the special celebrations in our lives - it's also about the simple pleasure of sharing each day with you...It's talking about anything and everything, laughing together, and feeling our worries melt away in the warmth of each other's arms...It's about knowing each other so well, making each other happy, and being so good together.

Happy Anniversary with Love

(and then there is a very beautiful and personal handwritten inscription from my husband. he always gives me cards that ring so true to our relationship. i love him.)

the other card reads:

Hope everYoNe pees WHeRe THeY'Re SuPPoSed To TODAY.

HAPPY MOTHeR'S dAY

(with SE7EN happy little signatures underneath. another true sentiment of my life.)

***

I live a blessed and well gifted life. My heart overflows.

when your husband works long hours

Usually, Brian's day is not long. He leaves the house at 7:15-ish, comes home for lunch for an hour, and then heads back to his office until around 5:00. Except for on Thursdays...he gets to come home a few hours early. I usually forget that it's Thursday, and am pleasantly surprised when he walks in the door. So really, no long hours for us.


He does, however work atleast one weekend a month. We will usually do school on the Saturdays that he works. We school year round, and take a lot of breaks...so by the time his Saturday rolls around, we could use a few extra hours to complete some assignments. On the Sundays that he works, we don't go to church. I realize that one day when he is deployed again, I will have to learn to get myself and SE7EN children ready for church, but for now...we just watch Adrian Rodgers on Sunday evenings once Brian gets home.


When Brian is actually out of town, I try to keep things as normal as possible.


I repeat, keep things as normal as possible.


When we first moved down here, and Brian would be away at a training conference or the range, I would plan to spend the days (and nights) deep cleaning the house, or organizing closets, etc. I soon learned, that would make me super tired, and I would panic when it was the last day, feeling like it was probably not good to have the contents of everyones closets all over the floor upon his return. Stress. Unnecessary stress. Don't do it.


...I would also let the kids stay up late. Super late. And then we would all be super grumpy the next morning. All day. So now, bedtime is bedtime. I do, however, allow my girls who are 14 and 11 to stay up a little late. We watch a girly movie, and then they 'camp out' on the hide-a-bed sofa. Because it would be scary for me to sleep downstairs all alone, with just Baby Judah for protection. I don't stay on the computer all night, I don't read all night, and I don't cry myself to sleep (Scripture Lullabies on the iPod helps tremendously with this, especially song 6).


...I would also whine and complain to Brian on the phone. "boo hoo army crying" I try very hard not to do that anymore. He doesn't like to be away, I don't like him to be away, the kids don't like him to be away...but he's a Soldier, and sometimes soldiers have to be away. And it does no one any good to whine and cry and complain about it. Instead, I try to be encouraging. Share the good things that happened throughout the day, the cute things the kids did or said.


...I continue to ease the burden on myself by eating simply while Brian is gone. Tuna Casserole always. Brian is NOT a fan, so it's the perfect time for me (I was raised on Tuna Casserole) to make and eat one of my favorites. Pizza, delivered. And popcorn chicken or fish sticks for dinner, not lunch, is the norm. Breakfast and lunch tend to stay the same. As do our meal times.


...We continue to do school. Because it's our routine. And routine keeps everybody sane(like normal bedtimes and meal times). Sane = NO yelling! Yelling is no good. Especially when you're playing 'single parent' for a few days.


...We don't go anywhere. Usually. Home is safe and easy. If Brian will be gone for more than a few days, I've tried to invite some friends (for myself and the kids) over about mid-way through. No Library trips. No appointments. No grocery store runs.


...Speaking of groceries...we make sure we have plenty to get through until Brian's return.


...We make sure to talk on the phone every day. And text often throughout the day. And he will almost always find the time to call when the kids are going off to bed.

...

Before we know it. The days (sometimes weeks) have gone by, and it's time for Brian's return. And Welcome Home Day is the best day.


There are always signs. All over the house. My kids love to make signs. And Brian has hundreds that say, "Welcome Home Daddy!"


There is a favorite dinner prepared on Welcome Home Day. The house is super cleaned on Welcome Home Day. Our bed clothes are washed on Welcome Home Day. The yard is picked up and the entry way is made 'welcoming' on Welcome Home Day.


Then he pulls in the driveway, or walks through the door, and there are squeals and hugs and endless chatting. And the tightness in my chest melts away, and the heaviness on my shoulders is lifted. I actually feel my heart swelling with love for my Soldier-Husband who just spent days or weeks away from his family, his home, his biggest responsibilities. And I feel proud. Proud that the kids and I did it. Proud that Brian serves. Proud that we can continue to be the family that we are, even through the hard times.


So breathe. Just keep swimming. Take care of your home, take care of your children...it will all be over soon.


And find comfort in the old saying, "absence makes the heart grow fonder," because it's true. So true.