daybook, may 24th

Benjamin Richard Bailey's 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday Benny Boo

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

 

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

I am thankful for...Benjamin's health

 

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

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

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

 

I am praying...for my Dad

I am creating...plans for our Summer

 

I am hearing...the dishwasher

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

great books for girls: a list

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

The Orange Shoes by Trinka Hakes Noble

Sarah, Plain and Tall Series by Patricia MacLachlan

Racketty-Packetty House and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery

The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill

Little House on the Prairie Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Mother by Kathleen Norris

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Treasures of the Snow by Patricia St. John

American Girl Books (esp. Felicity, Kirsten, and Addy)

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Before I was Your Mother by Kathryn Lasky

All-of-a-Kind-Family by Sydney Taylor, read by Suzanne Toren (the girls have read this series, but listening to Miss Toren is the BEST)

The Courage of Sarah Noble by Alice Dalgliesh

Prayer for a Child by Rachel Field

 

AND, for any ***Ballerinas***

Steps in Ballet: Basic Exercises at the Barre, Basic Center Exercises, Basic Allegro Steps by Thalia Mara

The Barefoot Book of Ballet Stories by Jane Yolen

Ballet Flashcards

daybook, may 21st

Outside my Window...the night sky, but it was beautiful and sunny today

What We're Learning...planet Earth, Joan of Arc

I am thankful for...it all, really, I am blessed

From the kitchen...grilled BBQ chicken, broccoli, and rice pilaf for dinner

I am wearing...yellow top, gray capris

I am reading...On The Banks of Plum Creek and Story of the World 2 aloud to the kids

I am praying...for JP and a family back home

I am creating...a plan for Ben's special day Monday...hoping WalMart still has that Radiator Springs rug, and a Car or two that he DOESN'T already have

I am hearing...the AC, Brian flipping the pages of his Book of John notebook

I am remembering...that 12 years ago today, I was still a Single Lady

I am going...to the grocery and the library in the AM

On my mind...how much different right now is than I thought it would be back in 1998

Noticing that...Summer weather makes for sleepy boys...and happy Daddies and Mommas

One of my favorite things...being outside in the yard with the blow up pool, and bikes, and flower bouquets, and fisher price mowers, and mud, and water hoses, and the sandbox, and the camera, and the grill, and lawn chairs, and tonka trucks

A Few Plans For The Weekend...celebrating 12 years, Olive Garden TO GO, church, hanging out as a family

daybook, may 11th

Outside my Window...heavy rain (last night), this morning: wet and NO SunShine :(

What We're Learning...Genghis Khan, 10 Commandments, Venus

I am thankful for...coffee and vanilla creamer, and my glasses...what did people do who couldn't see before glasses were invented?

From the kitchen...coffee (and chocolate milk:)

I am wearing...my blue moon and star jammies, Brian's socks, my (used to be) lilac housecoat, and my glasses

I am reading...Veritas Press' new catalog, obsessively, we got 3 in the mail yesterday

I am praying...for Miss Nellie, Hannah, J, and our family

I am creating...a Proverbs 21 Study for 2010, join me Thursday to see what I've learned so far

I am hearing...the furnace just kicked on...did I mention it's "cold" heavy rain...who turns on their heat in the middle of May...I bet no one in West Palm Beach does...sniff, sniff (last night...I'm done whining...the Sun is waking up now)

I am remembering...to be a Super Mom ...thanks Tara!

I am going...Bubba has a Baseball game tonight, as long as the fields aren't flooded...GO GEORGIA BULLDOGS!!!

On my mind...Sunday School ...and Youth Group... and College Ministry... and Giving...

Noticing that...it's not cold outside this morning (but it was last night)

One of my favorite things...Clinique's Happy...guess what I got for Mother's Day :)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...just Baseball...Ballet is sadly over until August (whatever will we do?)

children's book monday: before i was your mother

Before I Was Your Mother

By: Kathryn Lasky

Illustrated By: LeUyen Pham

I bought this book for the Girls for Christmas back in 2003, and we have read it many times over 7 years. It's always fun for children to find out that, believe it or not, their parents were little once just like them. And I know, from my own childhood, how important your parents' stories become to you. This book reminds me to share *MY* stories with my children.

 

Little Katie finds out her Momma wasn't always making lists and wearing pencils in her hair (which I SOOO do). She also finds out her Momma "stood perfectly still in first position" (and we all know how much we love BALLET in our home).

 

She finds out that her Momma had a special place, with special things, an imaginary friend, and a doll, a teddy bear, a fuzzy duck and a velvet seal named Katie.

This book is Very Sweet with Very Pretty watercolorish-illustrations. I recommend it especially for Happy Mommas with their own Sweet Little Girls.

pouring

“Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children” - Lamentations 2:19



As a Mother needing all the help I can get, I have begun to take this verse very literally. And it has become an important part of my relationship with God. A time to reflect on what exactly the day held for me and the children, and what I think could have been different, better.

We have a Bedtime Routine. Brian and I tuck the kids in, say that well-known Bedtime Prayer (Now I lay me…), and give good-night kisses all around.

But I always return to their rooms before I lay down to go to sleep. I walk quietly to each child’s bed, straighten rumpled, twisted covers, watch for that gentle up and down of their tummies as they breathe, lay my hand on warm, sweaty foreheads and Pray. I make each Prayer specific to the child, really trying to remember discussions, playtimes, and boo boos. I may ask for something as simple as healing from seasonal allergies, or I might ask for guidance on how to deal with a certain behavior, or how to get over a learning difficulty. I’ve asked God, more than a time or two, “Please give me more time, one more day to be with them, to be their Mother.” I’ve also had nights where my prayers have not been easy prayers. They’ve been prayers asking forgiveness for something shameful I did. Something the child and I battled over, and I took it too far.

Whatever the prayer may be, late at night when our home is quiet and asleep, has become a much needed and looked forward to time for me. A time when I beg for His blessing on my children, who are not really mine at all, but His. How could I care for them well enough without seeking Him, without pouring out my broken heart like water, lifting up my full hands to Him for the precious lives of my seven beautiful children He has entrusted me with, through my whispered Bedtime Prayers?

daybook, april 29th

Outside my Window...Sunshine

 

A Life of Learning...Mercury and Manna

I am thankful for...My Mom and Grandma

From the kitchen...3 Ways tonight

I am wearing...navy yoga pants, gray tee

 

I am reading...Ella Enchanted

I am praying...for a safe trip for my Mom and Grandma

I am creating...plans, lots of plans, for lots of things

 

I am hearing...trees blowing and birds chirping

I am remembering...that we must be ready for a busy night, it's 2:30...better start now

 

I am going...the girls have their last Ballet class tonight, Connor has his first Baseball game tonight

 

On my mind...my home

Noticing that...Sunshine makes me nicer

 

One of my favorite things...Amazon

 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...a wonderful visit with Nana and Grandma Dutchie

ten things we love about korinne (who's ten)

Thing Number One We Love about You, Korinne :: You are Such a Girly Girl...pink, skipping, fairies, paper flowers, purple, your Punky Brewster style, hula hoops, mermaids, sunshine, beads, roller skates, tutus, dress up gowns, princesses, jump ropes, rainbows...

Thing Number Two We LOVE about You, Korinne :: You LOVE to Read (OK, so it's mostly Mommy that LOVES this part of You:), but you can get completely lost in a Book. And You want to be Laura Ingalls Wilder from Little House on the Prairie when you grow up (but you were afraid to wear the clothes that hung on the line to dry, "There might be bugs on them!")

Thing Number Three We LOVE about You, Korinne :: You are So Sweet, and Romantic...You can repeat, verbatim, the lines from Anne of Green Gables (is it Book 3?) where Anne and Gilbert finally kiss, Your Favorite Little House Book is where Laura and Almanzo get Married, Your Favorite Star Wars is where Anakin and Padme fall in Love, You get Super Excited when the Library has one of the Love Comes Softly DVDs in...

Thing Number Four We Love about You, Korinne :: You are Super Witty (OK, so this is not Kylie's Favorite part about You :), "I don't know what to do...I've been following Kylie all my life, and I just found out she's a NERD!" )

Thing Number Five We LOVE about You, Korinne :: your Daddy is Your Heroe and You are your Mother's Daughter (you get Elbowed with Knees, I get cold just thinking of the WindShield Factor *sigh* Mommy's so sorry Rin :)

Thing Number Six We LOVE about You, Korinne :: You want Twenty Children, even though you have FIVE Little Brothers

Thing Number Seven We LOVE about You, Korinne :: You do things like plan Family Fun Weekends, and FairyTale Puppet Shows, and Crafts to do with your Brothers, and Special Things to do for Anyone who will let you

Thing Number Eight We LOVE about You, Korinne :: Your Beautiful Smile...and Your Laugh, it's so Genuine and Big and Full

Thing Number Nine We LOVE about You, Korinne :: Your Imagination. You will Play anything, all the time. You go All Over this World, and you take your Little Brothers with you. The Nile River, where you have found Baby Moses (Judah), the Jungle, where you are finding injured Jungle Animals (Ben and Wesley), the WWII Battlefield where your Big Brothers (TJ and Connor) are fighting, and have left you to care for the Little Brothers still at home (Ben and Wesley), the Dugout at Plum Creek, on a Fishing boat in the Ocean, the ClassRoom where you are the Teacher, the Doctor's Office where you are the Mommy bringing in your Sick Children, the Grocery Store, the Library...

AND

Thing Number Ten We LOVE about You, Korinne :: That God gave You to Us. You are Ours, and You make our Life Happier, and Cozier, and Softer, and Prettier, and Smiley-er

my gift of service to you

I've needed a little help lately, and my friend, Cathy, kindly offered it. My response to her was, "But I do nothing for you. I can't ever come up with a way to pay you back, and I don't understand why you help us at all?" And she lovingly assured me, "It's my Ministry to you." So I accepted her much needed and appreciated help.

But I've fretted over it for the last few weeks. The "not being able to pay her back" part. And as I fretted and worried and fretted and thought...I began to see that my Life, my Children's Lives, my Husband's Life, Our Family...is indeed a Gift of Service, a Sacrifice of sorts for others. The sacrifice becomes *very clear*, after being an Army-made, "single Mom" to Seven Children for 12 1/2 days...

We *are* a Military Family, every time my Husband packs his bag to go, we are paying you back (or forward) for the help you offer us, while he is gone.

 

The last few weeks have been a challenge for me, to put it lightly. For those of you who do not know, my husband, Brian, is in the Army. He is in the AGR Program (Active Guard Reserves...which means he works full time for the Army Reserve Center here in town, and NO he is not a Recruiter). He is away at Army Schools, Training, and the likes, often. It stinks. I don't know how I manage to get through them (or the 3 months he was at Basic Training, or the year he was in Korea, or the 16 months he served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan).

 

I'm quick to miss him. I will tell my Mom, "I'm so lonely without him here." And she will say, "How can you be lonely with Seven Kids?" (She is joking, she knows how). I missed him the moment our lips met outside the airport, dropping him off. I knew we would not kiss again for 12 days. My heart ached for him as he told the Children good-bye, and I saw the look on their faces. I missed him that first night, when we did Family Worship on speaker phone, and then I missed him the second night, when he was at a Study Group, and we couldn't do Family Worship at all. I missed him last Monday morning, when I had to take the Girls to HomeSchool Testing, with their five little brothers in tow. I missed him, when our 7 yr old son had to miss his second and fourth Baseball Practice because we refused to leave him on the field, alone, with complete strangers, because his Sister had Cinderella Rehearsal. I missed him when the 3 boys, who had not gotten the cold yet, got it. I missed him when my Dad took us out to dinner without him. I missed him when TJ fell and cut open his eye. I missed him when Judah got fussy (for 4 days) as his two front teeth came in. I missed him as I took previously mentioned 3 boys to the doctor, while TeenAger babysat, I *really* missed him as the 8 of us went to WalMart to pick up the prescriptions for the 3 boys, and then I missed him when Wesley woke up the ninth night, crying and asking for him..."Is Daddy coming home Mommy?" I missed him. I missed 12 days of Love with him. My children missed 12 days with their Daddy. *He* missed baseball practice, sickness, family worship, conversation, a visit with my Dad, play time, hugs, ballet report cards, a birthday, kisses, smiles, giggles, Love...

No, I do not pick your kids up for their activities, I do not host dinner parties, I do not teach Sunday School, I barely return phone calls. But, this little thing, this thing that I do do, being a wife to a husband who Serves our Nation, upholding my Family who misses him while he is away, is my Gift of Service to You. I hope it's enough. It's all I can handle right now.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

Thank You Cathy.

children's book monday: the napping house

The Napping House

by Audrey Wood, Illustrated by Don Wood

We have owned this book, since I took it home from one of Kylie's doctor's appointments when we were preparing for her spinal surgery back in 2008. She had brought it home from her public school library before that, and I remembered how fun it was. Cincinnati area residents and Half Price Books donated tons of used Children's Books to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, and afterwards, they posted signs to take one (or two or seven) home with you. I did. It was one of those, Mom-You're-Embarrassing-Me kind of moments...me asking the nurse, "You mean, we can really take a few (or seven) of these?"...So sorry Kylie, moving on...

This book is by a husband and wife team. Audrey Wood is the author, her husband, Don Wood is the illustrator. Audrey came from a family of circus performers and artists. She knew she would be a Children's Book author in grade school. She read a Children's Book to her husband on their honeymoon, and he was hooked. She started writing her books once they had their first son. Isn't that one of the neatest stories about a Children's Book author you have ever heard?

This Children's Book is a very easy (would be great for a beginning reader), light, and silly story about a Child who has a sleepover with their Granny. Outside the bedroom window, it's dark and rainy. But the bed is cozy, the Granny is snoring, and the Child is dreaming. Through the night, the Granny, the child, and all their pets (and their pet's pets) end up in bed together. As the story progresses, and the night turns to morning, each picture gets a little lighter. And a surprise wakes them all up together, with the bright Sunshine spilling in through the bedroom window.

 

The house in the book is illustrated after the author's (and illustrator's) own home. And the last page in the book is such a wonderful picture of the relationship a Grandma can share with their GrandChild. It shows the Granny (donning her Apron) and the Child playing out in the yard... complete with a tricycle, tree house, tree swing, flower-boxed windows, white picket fence and a rainbow. Heavenly!

This is a very fun Children's Book that the kids and I have enjoyed reading and laughing at many, many times. It would also be a great book to keep at Granny's house (or Nana's or Mamaw's, as we like to call our Grandmas:)

thirteen

We never knew Thirteen Years could go so fast. Everyone kept telling us...and, we believed them...but we still never knew Thirteen Years could go so fast.

There are many things we would do differently. Many. But, they are the same things that have made you who you are. *And* You. Are. Wonderful.

You are Loving and Lovable. You shower all Six of your Siblings with Help and Kindness. You Care for Your Babies in a way we have never seen a 12 year old Care for a Baby. You still Embrace Us whenever you can.

You are Teachable. You didn't miss a beat when we brought you Home. You are Wise way Beyond your Thirteen Years. You Question Everything...God, Nature, English, Fractions, Good Literature. And you Seek Out the Answers.

You are Responsible. You Work too hard, even when it's not expected of you. We hear Francesca coming from the Kitchen, and we Know you are Busy. We have to push you to your Room to listen to your IPod, or Paint your Toes, or Play your Guitar, or Devour another Book, or Make another one of Your Lists.

You are a Talented Ballerina. It's a Joy to watch you. We wondered...was it Soccer...was it Cheerleading...was it Softball...was it VolleyBall. We never Dreamed it was Twirling. But we Love it. Because you Love it. Because you are Passionate about it. Because it makes you Happy.

You Love Jesus. You are Following Hard after Him, and Quick to Change Direction when you Stray from The Path. We will never forget when you Invited a Freshman from ASU to Church. Or that You slip Notes in Your Loved Ones Bags as they Leave, sharing with them, how they too, can have a Relationship with Jesus, and spend an Eternity with Him in Heaven.

You are Beautiful. Inside and Out. Because of all of these Things. You are Our Princess. And We will Try our Best to Continue to show you The Way. Because NOTHING is more Important to Us. NOTHING.

three

Happy Birthday Dear Wesley, Happy Birthday To You!

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

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

Three years of a Few, Big Challenges

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

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

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

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

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

children's book monday: a quilt for baby

A Quilt for Baby

By Kim Lewis

 

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

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

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


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


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


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


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

perseverance in motherhood

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Why?

 

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

 

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

 

If I were doing this right.

But that is a lie.

 

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

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

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

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

daybook, march 25th

Outside my Window...Thunderstorms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

children's book monday: hush little baby

Hush Little Baby

by: Sylvia Long

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

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

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

 

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

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

isms, march 2010

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

daybook, march 9th

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

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

 

I am thankful for...Freedom of Religion

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

 

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

 

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

 

I am praying...for Cinnamon's family

I am creating...(intentionally left blank)

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

One of my favorite things...my camera

 

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

thoughts on intercession

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

~

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

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

...followed by, "SMACK!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

...SILENCE...

...Laughter...

So, my problem is this:

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

and neither is smacking someone's ___ ___.

Obviously, Connor and TJ knew this.

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

Obviously, TJ saw the need to forgive and forget.

Was this enough?

Or should Momma have stepped in anyway?

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

And in the meantime,

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

while Humming the tune

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

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

"There Are Rocks In My Socks!"

Said The Ox To The Fox

by: Patricia Thomas, Illustrated by: Mordicai Gerstein

 

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

 

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

 

Anyhoo...

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

daybook, march 1st

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

i am from

I am from a family dinner time, from Kraft Macaroni and Cheese,

and from tea towels as napkins.

I am from the big, brick house in town...old, lived in, and cozy,

with a front porch swing.

I am from the yellow and orange Marigolds and purple and white Pansie flower beds,

the weathered and worn, wooden privacy fence,

the dusty, gravel driveway.

I am from too-crowded Thanksgiving tables, and big eaters,

from Viola Katherine and Blanche Faye

and Wood.

I am from a quiet, listener-observer,

and sappy, emotional women.

From the Blizzard of 1978,

and the rescuing arms of a big brother.

I am from Safe Christianity.

Old, wooden pews, hymns of piano and organ,

Christmas Pageants, and Easter Lillies.

I'm from small-town Goshen, Ohio.

From Big-City Cincinnati,

Skyline Chili and Buddy LaRosa's Pizza.

From the Grandpa with no shoes, a cold bed, and lumpy oatmeal,

the father who had a pony and a pool and chocolate cake for breakfast,

and the mother who held a latch-key and her Daddy's Heart.

I am from cardboard boxes of family photos, not yet stuck in albums.

Thirty-two years, frozen in time,

by 35 mm film.

daybook, february 15th

Outside my Window...an ugly, winter, snow-less, gray, cold day

 

From the learning rooms...no school today, Brian is OFF for President's Day...we never get any schoolwork done when he is home

 

I am thankful for...another day

 

From the kitchen...pancakes for breakfast, spaghetti for lunch, pork roast and mashed potatoes for dinner

I am wearing...my red nightgown and my pink Susan Branch jammie pants and Brian's socks

I am reading...Caleb's Story

 

I am praying and hoping...the weather holds up, so the Boys can get OUTSIDE to play and get some ENERGY out!!!

 

I am creating...I made my own Valentine Treat Bags and Valentine's Cards for the KIDS, I was very proud of myself...too proud...I need to learn a CREATIVE SKILL...I'm officially taking up knitting (I think I may have already said that...a few months ago:)

 

I am hearing...Judah getting fussy, Bedtime Stories on DVD. We've been being serenaded by Korinne and her Recorder Playing for the last day. The girls and I are taking a Music Theory class at church, and she joined the little Recorder Group yesterday. She's pretty good!

 

Around the house...We made the Big Switch this weekend, so things are all discombobulated still. Former Dining Room is empty, our Bedroom is now the Learning Room/Dining Room, the Girls' Bedroom is now our Bedroom, the Spare Room is now the Girls' Bedroom. It's all much cozier, but we need a new Dining Room Table for the Dining Room. One that seats 9. No worries, my BELOVED KITCHEN TABLE will FOREVER remain in our home. It's the perfect size for a Learning Room Table. I need to find a Clear Tablecloth, so we can put our map of America back on it. We used a shower curtain before, and it just didn't work. I think I may find some way to adhere the map to the actual table-top too...

 

I am remembering...how I used to watch Ice Skating with my Mom. Now the Girls and I are watching together. They love it as much as my Grandma, my Mom and I do. So sweet. Have I ever mentioned how I LOVE having Daughters to share my life with?

I am going...hopefully to the Library and WalMart soon. Boo is wearing Jude's diappies...YES, I am that Mom who forgets to put things like DIAPERS on the Grocery List.

 

On my mind...Romance. Is there an inappropriate age for it? To love someone is good, right? My children see Brian and I KISS, and HUG, and KISS, and TOUCH, and HUG, and KISS, and LAUGH, and KISS, and TOUCH, and SMILE, and HOLD. I want my children to see this part of us. I want them to want that, and not SETTLE to be without it. It is so good to feel your heart beating fast and hard for your Beloved. If they don't KNOW this...if they are not exposed to this...if you don't show them it's GOOD...how will they respond when they FEEL it...because they will FEEL it.

 

Noticing that...permanent marker smell may be permanent

 

Pondering these words..."Take it to the Lord in prayer."

 

One of my favorite things...baskets

 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...ballet, youth group, ballet, missions class, eye appts, ballet, dentist appts, church

daybook, february 8th

Outside my Window...more snow, lots of big, wet, fluffy flakes

 

From the learning rooms...We started Story of the World Volume 2 today, yay!

 

I am thankful for...not having to keep a list

 

From the kitchen...we had Buffalo Chicken Dip and Cocoa Nutty Football Treats for dinner last night (Superbowl Sunday), Pancakes for breakfast, PBJs for lunch, and I'm making a Spaghetti Dinner tonight

 

I am wearing...a long sleeve Army tee and jeans

 

I am reading...On the Shores of Silver Lake and Skylark

I am praying and hoping...the weather is good for my Mom, Sister, and Nephews to come down in 2 weeks, I want to have a FUN weekend with them, I miss the boys (and you too Mom and Rikki)!!!

I am creating...a neater, more organized HMB, Tara posted a great system last week

I am hearing...Job 11 and 12 on my earbuds

 

Around the house...laundry's a little behind and this computer desk needs a little TLC

 

I am remembering...what it was like to have to get 2 little bitty girls to school in bad, winter weather...thankful for homeschooling

 

I am going...nowhere...again, Ballet class is cancelled due to more snow

 

On my mind...Valentine's Day, I need to pull some things together to celebrate with the kids

 

Noticing that...even a 10 minute morning nap will keep Benjamin from taking his normal one :(

 

Pondering these words..."He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. " Revelation 3:5

 

One of my favorite things...comments in my inbox

 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...ballet, missions class, youth group, cub scouts, and a 4-day weekend courtesy of the U S Army (do you get 2 days off work for President's Day?)

daybook, february 1st

Outside my Window...sunshine, blue skies, and lots of leftover, icy snow

From the learning rooms...Paul's third missionary trip

I am thankful for...payday

From the kitchen...oatmeal with butter, cream and sugar for breakfast, leftover chili for lunch, and something with chicken for dinner

I am wearing...khaki corduroy pants and my purpley-pinkish long sleeve tee

I am reading...I read Sarah, Plain and Tall last night. Mine and Brian's 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Sullivan, read it aloud to us. I wanted to re-read it because the girls enjoyed it...Brian didn't remember it at all

I am praying and hoping...tomorrow's court hearing goes well

I am creating...a grocery list for Brian, and tax documents for Angelo

I am hearing...Connor softly murmuring the words of Cam Jansen as he "reads to himself", Judah yawning over and over again as I gently bounce him in his seat at my feet, and my George Winston Playlist

Around the house...our bedroom and both bathrooms need cleaned

I am remembering...how quickly babies grow into toddlers, as Judah and I try and get through these tiresome, fussy weeks

I am going...nowhere. Everything is still closed..don't you know it snowed 7 inches here on Friday!

On my mind...my little sister

Noticing that...Judah looks more like Wesley every day

Pondering these words..."But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." - Galations 5: 22-23

One of my favorite things...my pink IPod nano that Brian and the kids got me for my birthday. It has our entire Word of Promise audio bible on it, and I'm about to add all my favorite piano music

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...we'll just see how long it takes for the town to recover from the winter storm

alone time

Imagine my surprise...

When my most attention-needing, desperate for Momma and Daddy's lap child...

Asked if he could take their Army Guys up to their room to play alone for a little while.

 

 

I said sure, and he went, happily.

I walked up the stairs fifteen minutes later, peeked into their bedroom, and found him sitting at their desk, Hank the Cowdog playing on their CD player, and their Battalion set up in front of Real-Life Soldier pictures, on Real-Life Soldier manual.

And he was content. And still. And happy, alone.

Could it be he needs both

the most attention

and the most time to just be completely alone?

To be himself,

without Big Brother and Baby Brothers?

children's book monday: h is for honor

Our book this week is H is for Honor by Devin Scillian, Illustrated by Victor Juhasz...another Military Brat must (this is a library copy, but it's definitely on our Amazon Wishlist)

"Using the alphabet format, this picture book describes the many situations and experiences that militarty families, especially their children encounter. For example history, rank, and quarters are explained." - the publisher

The author takes you through the entire alpahbet, and writes a little about each letter. A is for Army and Air Force too (but Army first:). D is for drill sergeant. F is for families who wait for their return. I is for initials...R and R, T.D.Y., M.R.E. (and if wife wants to understand husband, you must learn them too:). O is for orders (wish we'd get some for Hawaii), and S stands for sacrifice.

"Not everyone hears it. It's just a few. But there's no denying it once you do. When your country calls, you do your part. So H is for honor in the American heart." - from the book

 

You could not fully understand these statements, until you are a wife or child of someone who heard the call in their heart. It is true. There is no denying it.

 

K is for kiss. I know, so sappy. I have wanted a copy of Eisenstaedt's photo to hang in our home for years now. This page makes the kids giggle. Connor and Korinne are so romantic...

 

L is for letters. You must write them...draw them. Even in a time when there is Facebook, Blogger and cell phones that work anywhere. You still send handwritten letters, crayoned pictures, and homemade "eyes of God"...

 

 

Y is for the reason. The reason is you.

 

Z is for Zulu, or rather, Zulu is for Z. One of the coolest things about the military (to just learning little boys anyway) is that they have their own alphabet!

daybook, january 25th

Outside my Window...gray skies, bare trees...blustery

 

From the learning rooms...Jesus calms a storm, Helen Keller, Days Go By, telling time

 

I am thankful for...rocking chairs and baby swings...Judah has been a little fussy these last few days, which is very unlike him

 

From the kitchen...maple and brown sugar oatmeal for breakfast, tomato soup and toasted cheese slices for lunch, easy cheeseburger pie for dinner

 

I am wearing...black corduroy skirt and tights with my sage green 3/4 sleeve top

 

I am reading...The Year of Miss Agnes (Understood Betsy was WONDERFUL, I think I may even write a post about it)

 

I am praying and hoping...that Brian's CT Scan results come in today, and we are correct in thinking it is only Lung Sarcoidosis...please pray with us

 

I am creating...my own homeschool curriculum, to share with the world via my blog. Really. I'm exhausted of searching for one that fits our family, so I'm going to make one.

 

I am hearing...Connor turning the pages of his Reader, the furnace, Judah's swing

 

Around the house...pretty tidy...having to handwash dishes has been an adjustment though

 

I am remembering...that credit cards stink...even when you pay the bill on the due date, they can still charge you a $29 late fee, because you paid it after their cut off time.

The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender. - Proverbs 22:7

 

I am going...Korinne has ballet tonight. I will run Miss Ballerina to class, Daddy will pick her up on his way home.

 

On my mind...Brian's health

 

Noticing that...Mondays are ALWAYS tough, no matter what...or is that line of thinking what makes Mondays tough???

 

Pondering these words...The more you invest in a marriage, the more valuable it becomes. - A. Grant.

 

I will invest, invest, invest!

 

 

One of my favorite things...rest

 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...just ballet classes this week