not my salvation story

Since we are a Godly, church-less family right now, we watched Love Worth Finding as our 'church' this evening. The sermon was entitled 'Understanding The New Birth.' And, just like most times when I sit in church, and it seems the pastor is speaking directly to me, such was the case this evening. Impossible I know, but it felt that way just the same. Something really spoke to me at the end of the sermon. Dr. Rogers was speaking about how we know for certain we have been born again. And the answer, "If we are now trusting Jesus, we are born again." Emphasis on now. He went on to say that some people have a story. A day. A place. Something in their past, that they know for certain, from that moment on, they were saved (born again). But some people do not have a story. And that is OK, because the bible does not say that we must have a story.

 I'm one of those people who doesn't have a story. I remember a few years back, when we first moved down here, and we wanted to 'join' our old church. The pastor came over, and at the end of the visit, he wanted to know our 'salvation stories.' I don't even remember what I said. But I remember wanting so badly to be part of that church, so I made up a 'salvation story' right there on the spot. It was based on my 'experience,' and it sounded good. But it was made up. It was a lie. That I told to my new (old) pastor. (...and you're thinking, "Maybe that's why you are church-less Kathi!" Maybe you're right.)

The truth is, I don't know exactly when I was born again. All I know is that in 2005, I had just had my fourth child, my husband had just left for Afghanistan, our home was getting ready to be in foreclosure, we were broke, and my life seemed rather bleak (to say the least). I remember thinking, "There is no possible way I can do this alone." As the days, weeks, and months passed, I found myself reading the bible. I found myself praying for my deployed husband, my lonely children, and help...I needed so much help. I found myself taking my family (minus their Daddy) to church. I discovered K-LOVE. I started reading bible stories to the kids. And we made it.

 I believe it was the Holy Spirit calling me to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and God answering my prayers. It is my 16-month long 'salvation story.' And I am still trusting Jesus. Right now.

an english lesson

We use Rod & Staff's Building Christian English Series for our english (grammar and composition) lessons starting at age 9-ish or so. I *heart* it. My girls *heart* it. Really, I'm not lying...you can ask them.

We go over the lesson together, do the oral drill together, and then they complete the lesson on their own. Kylie even grades her own, and we go over anything that she totally flubbed together. I grade Korinne's, and we go over anything she has totally flubbed together. They rarely totally flub their lesson. They are pretty smart girls (in my not-so-humble opinon).

R & S English is textbook-style, but it is also in narrative-style (the book 'talks' to the student, much like a parent-teacher would). We leave out the extra workbook pages, and we don't do the tests. The girls just learn, master, and move on (with review-ish lessons thrown in every 5 lessons). All my die-hard Charlotte Mason readers are now having heart failure. I openly admit, that this (grammar, not so much composition), is one area that I do not completely agree with Charlotte Mason on.

The only thing I do NOT like about R & S English, is that they put the 'grade level' in great, big black numbers right on the front of the book. I'm not a 'grade level' type of homeschool mom, I'm not even an 'age-level' type of homeschool mom...I'm more of a 'are they ready' type of homeschool mom. Once I convinced my girls that the 'grade level' was not important (and that they were NOT so many years behind!), I learned to live with the big, black numbers.

I'm telling you all this, simply because I wanted to share Korinne's lesson for today. It reminded me what a blessing homeschooling is. It reminded me that things matter, things like being polite. Even when the world tells, NO! shows us they do not matter...'put YOU first,' the world says. We say differently, Rod & Staff agrees with us. *And*, we can teach our children a better way (even through English lessons)!

I *heart* homeschooling. I do. I was born to be a homeschool mom.

Here is the lesson, taken from 'Preparing to Build,' Unit Three, Lesson 22, More Practice With I and Me:

God's Word is wonderful. In His Word He tells us how to do what is right. He tells us how to treat other people. Here is one Bible verse which tells us how to treat others:

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; love; in honour preferring one another." (Romans 12:10)

The verse tells us to prefer one another. This means that we should think about someone else before we think about ourselves. It means that we should treat others with courtesy and respect.

We show this courtesy in many ways. One way we show it is when we are walking with someone. When we come to a door, we open the door and step back. We let the other person go through the door first.

We can show this courtesy when we speak and write, too. Yes, even our speech can show whether we are "preferring one another." When we speak or write about someone else and ourselves, we should always say the other person's name first. We should say I or me last.

Say: Mother and I baked a cake.

Father spoke to Robert and me.

Let the name of the other person go first. Then let I or me follow.

:: Happy Homeschooling! ::

daybook, january 18th

Outside my window...dreary, wet, chilly

I am thinking...about how learning as a large family is a struggle...so many levels to teach

I am thankful for...tylenol, advil, amoxicillin, delsym

From the learning rooms...Jesus' healing miracles, France in the 1700s, adding the -ed suffix, plural pronouns, and some Mayflower Compact copywork that went missing (...it just vanished!)

From the kitchen...chicken soup

I am wearing...brown socks, khaki cords, and a red shirt with coffee and books all over it that my mom left me (the beige girl)...I feel clown-ish

I am creating...we put together our Family History and Science Notebooks yesterday

I am going...nowhere...well, Korinne has ballet this evening, but I'm not going

I am reading...I am ordering Large Family Logistics with leftover birthday money as soon as I finish this little post

I am hoping...this flu-ish illness is quick to leave our family, and I stay well

I am hearing...so much coughing

Around the house...tidy, but could use a dusting...and, with the sickness going around, we still have our Christmas decorations up (minus our tree)

One of my favorite things...my birthday presents from my parents

A few plans for the rest of the week: lots of learning, chores, ballet...GETTING WELL!!!

thirty three

. a birthday card in the mail, a day early, from my grandparents "we hope your day is Special." they write

 

. my 3 year old wanting so desperately to give me my 'bob the builder birthday pictures' the night before, but being as patient as a 3 year old can be, and waiting one more day

 

. my childhood best friend letting me know that she remembers tomorrow is my birthday

. hearing the van start up at 6:45 AM, as my husband heads to the bakery for donuts...a double gift. I don't have to make breakfast, chocolate in the morning

. my daughters making and hanging 'happy birthday mom' streamers

. greeted outside my bedroom by SE7EN (count them...one, two, three, four, five, six, se7en) blessings (gifts) from God singing 'happy birthday dear momma' at 6:48 AM

 

. the smile on Wesley's face as he (finally) gives me my 'bob the builder birthday pictures'

 

. my mom and dad and their kitty, louie, singing 'happy birthday to you' over the phone...and then saying, "we'll see you tomorrow!"

 

. a text from my brother, "happy birthday sis!"

. 'happy birthday mom' on my kindergartner's handwriting page

. a 'happy birthday, love you' email from my grandma

. a text from my husband, "won't be home for lunch, have errands to run before b-day bash tonight."

. a voicemail from a sweet lady at our old church. more singing, "happy birthday, God bless you..."

 

. ABC magnetic letters, placed just for me

 

. my daughters in the kitchen, baking for me

 

. a birthday dinner (italian food!), made by my husband

 

. Kylie's watercolor birthday card

 

. two blue, sparkly, burning '3' candles, 33!, and another round of singing, 'happy birthday'...hearing excited giggles, seeing happy smiles, Brian laughing and recording

. NOT blowing out my candles, thank you Benjamin!

 

. packages wrapped in leftover Christmas paper (crocheted dishrags by Korinne, handmade jewelry by Connor and TJ, chocolate kisses...1 for each day of my 34th year, my that's a lot of chocolate kisses, new watch, new bible...NKJV, genuine leather, ultra thin, large print, reference, so perfect!)

 

. sharing a piece of chocolate, chocolate cake with Judah

. having my 8 year old son 'tie' my new necklace on me, beautiful!

. one last voicemail, my sister and her three sons, singing a muffled and excited 'happy birthday (this one to) Aunt Kathi, happy birthday to you'

. choosing one of our hymns, 'it is well,' my favorite

. too many facebook messages to count, thank you all!

 

:: Hello Thirty-Three, welcome to my life, I do believe we'll get along fine! ::

winter book basket

:: In honor of the SNOW that is falling ::

The Long Winter
(an audio radio-show version)by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Winter Poems by Barbara Rogasky

...a variety of poems (Rachel Field, Robert Frost, Carl Sandburg, Emily Dickinson) that celebrate Winter itself. I love it (and I'm NOT a poetry fan), and the illustrations are so cozy.

 

Treasures of The Snow by Patricia St. John
...the movie version of this is also wonderful!


Owl Moonby Jane Yolen
...A little girl and her father go Owling on a moonlit Winter night near their farm. A 'Living Nature Book,' so calm and perfect for quiet, snow-y days and evenings.


***Jan Brett's Gingerbread Baby, The Mitten, The Hat, and The Three Snow Bears all in one Snowy Treasury ***


Snowflake Bentleyby Jacqueline Briggs
...a heartwarming picture book biography about the Vermont farmer who photographed snowflakes. Beautiful illustrations of wood block prints by Vermont artist, Mary Azarian (A Christmas Like Helen's, LOVE!).

 

And, of course, Sleepy Bears!

thoughts on mother culture

To read about our Mom's Night Out, you can visit my real-life girlfriend, Mrs. C.

 

A link to learn what Mother Culture is ... and in case you didn't know, Karen Andreola blogs!

"Charlotte believed that this countenance of contentment, of serenity, can come about even during stressful times when a mother learns to occasionally do for herself what she does for her children - go out to play. Charlotte tells us we would have happier households if we mothers "would only have courage to let everything go when life becomes too tense, and just take a day, or a half a day, out in the fields, or with a favorite book, or in a picture gallery. . ." For a mother to allow herself a bit of leisure to rest and refresh herself by exploring her own interests, to find a little time for herself, especially when so many others depend on her, is a what Karen calls, Mother Culture ®.

 

When a busy homeschooling mother takes part in Mother Culture she safeguards her enthusiasm, so she will be better able to cope with her responsibilities. To partake in Mother Culture is to feed herself with the Word of God, with ideas from books, nature, art, music, etc., thus taking care to keep growing spiritually and mentally. If there such is a thing as the joy of childhood, there is also such a thing as the joy of motherhood, and Karen admonishes mothers to recognize and live within such a blessing."

...and a few more Mother Culture-ish ideas!

today i:

. cleaned up after a Victory Party

. made oatmeal for breakfast (and the kids happily ate it)

. washed our bed sheets (fresh bed sheets are heavenly)

. heated up leftover Victory Party food for lunch (OK, so we had snacks for lunch)

. cleaned out the pantry

. went through my cleaning rags, finally throwing a few in the trash (I LOVE to throw things away, I LOVE it!)

. texted Brian to bring bags of salad home for dinner...added shredded cheese and croutons and everyone's dressing of choice...complete with ice water (and the entire family happily ate it)

. sang hymns with my husband and children out of our new hymnals

. and managed to DELETE my 'Learning' page

... and soon, I'm going to take a hot-ish, warm-ish shower, put on my new flannel nightgown and old cotton socks, get in our bed (which has freshly washed, heavenly sheets on it), and doze off as Brian flips through the channels. And, as soon as he turns the TV off, Judah will wake up, and I will nurse him back to sleep...and then...then I will go to sleep!

:: Good Night! ::

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