Yes, it appears if you attend Cstone, you have gotten, (or will get?) the flu. With all the wonderful benefits of being part of that community, I suppose one passing affliction is alright.
This bug is making its way through our family now. I got it Friday night, right after putting the kids to bed. Usually what happens on a Friday night right after I put the kids to bed is blog-blog-blogging. As of late, I write all the posts for the coming week on Friday nights, and then I schedule them to appear throughout the week (sneaky, huh?).
So, I missed my blog evening. And I have sick kids to take care of (poor little sweeties). So I am afraid it will be at least Friday before you see anything new here. Unless something amazing happens.
Thanks, Jen, for taking care of my Sunday School responsibilities this weekend. No small feat! You are amazing to be able to juggle three kids and somehow come up with something to keep the class busy at the last minute.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
That's Not What I Meant...
I was re-reading my post "My Little Leaguer" and I was startled by what I wrote in my last paragraph. Do you ever go back and re-read your posts and think, "Heavens! That's NOT what I meant!!" My heart did NOT come through at all on this one.
So, it sounded like I was saying that I was so incredibly consistent, and so wonderfully prayerful, and am such a hard worker when it came to raising my Jackson. But honestly, what was in my heart when I wrote that was every failure, every frustrating day, every day that I did not have a CLUE what to do. I was remembering all the times I WASN'T consistent. All the times I gave in. And I was remembering, in the midst of trying to train him up, how I carried two of my babies to term, and how much of a louse of a parent I was during those months, and how much TV the kids had to watch while I was sleeping on the couch in the middle of the day, and how tired and grouchy I was...
And then (and only then) was I remembering that through the Lord's help (and the help of my sister and Lindy and a stack of books) how I kept on getting back on that horse, and did not throw my hands up and just give up. But it was not me who was faithful in all these years. It was my Lord. He was my Guide, my Help, my Source. He gently brought me back time and time again to training Jackson properly. He. He. He. Never me.
So, in case my horrible attempt at encouragement left a sour taste in your mouth, I hope that this clarification serves as a little bit of Listerine. Now, hear these words again: if you have a Jackson in your quiver, do not - do not - do not give up. Run to your Lord OFTEN for wisdom and strength. Knock on the doors of other moms who have done it before. Keep at the discipline (in order to succeed you must be willing to fail sometimes, too). Because there is fruit - beautiful fruit - in this labor.
So, it sounded like I was saying that I was so incredibly consistent, and so wonderfully prayerful, and am such a hard worker when it came to raising my Jackson. But honestly, what was in my heart when I wrote that was every failure, every frustrating day, every day that I did not have a CLUE what to do. I was remembering all the times I WASN'T consistent. All the times I gave in. And I was remembering, in the midst of trying to train him up, how I carried two of my babies to term, and how much of a louse of a parent I was during those months, and how much TV the kids had to watch while I was sleeping on the couch in the middle of the day, and how tired and grouchy I was...
And then (and only then) was I remembering that through the Lord's help (and the help of my sister and Lindy and a stack of books) how I kept on getting back on that horse, and did not throw my hands up and just give up. But it was not me who was faithful in all these years. It was my Lord. He was my Guide, my Help, my Source. He gently brought me back time and time again to training Jackson properly. He. He. He. Never me.
So, in case my horrible attempt at encouragement left a sour taste in your mouth, I hope that this clarification serves as a little bit of Listerine. Now, hear these words again: if you have a Jackson in your quiver, do not - do not - do not give up. Run to your Lord OFTEN for wisdom and strength. Knock on the doors of other moms who have done it before. Keep at the discipline (in order to succeed you must be willing to fail sometimes, too). Because there is fruit - beautiful fruit - in this labor.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Planning for Easter at Our House
I grew up with nice memories of Easter egg hunts and always an impressive basket sitting on the fireplace in our living room. My sister and I would go through the baskets in the same way we would explore our Christmas stockings. The baskets had some candy in them, but Mom always had gifts in them as well. Jewelry, maybe a shirt, a CD perhaps, and other cool stuff that made Easter a holiday to really look forward to. I have taken those memories and added a couple of twists that keep the excitement of Easter alive, but moves the excitement of the gifts toward encouraging spiritual growth. As a result, Easter is probably my most favorite holiday of the whole year.
Here is what we do.
When the kids wake up there are baskets (buckets, actually) next to their door. They get to take their buckets and go on an egg hunt. The eggs have one or two jelly beans in each of them but the eggs the kids REALLY want to find are the ones with NO candy.
Its called "the empty tomb egg hunt." The real gift of Easter is the risen Jesus, right? That tomb was empty - which was the first sign of the ultimate gift: our risen savior! Candy is yummy and all, but when the kids find the empty eggs, they know they are very near the REAL gift: the family's easter basket
Rather than one basket for each member of the family, we do just one basket for the whole family. And each gift inside the basket is a means to the same end: spiritual growth. I save up a nice pile of cash and make some investments in great resources for the family. Last year, Davis received his first Bible cover (something he was SO excited about), Weston got his own set of not-yet-scratched-up CDs "The Word and Song Bible," Jackson got David and Goliath action figures. I bought myself and Ryan books that would encourage both of us in our quest to be godly parents.
I had so much fun online shopping this year. You wanna know what it is the basket?
The Children's Illustrated Bible
The Jim Elliot Story: The Torchlighters Series, DVD
Seeds Music CD (thanks for the recommendation, Ginger!)
I got myself an accessory so I can listen more easily to sermons on an MP3 player. I got something for my hubby, too, but I'll keep that quiet until Easter.
Here is what we do.
When the kids wake up there are baskets (buckets, actually) next to their door. They get to take their buckets and go on an egg hunt. The eggs have one or two jelly beans in each of them but the eggs the kids REALLY want to find are the ones with NO candy.
Its called "the empty tomb egg hunt." The real gift of Easter is the risen Jesus, right? That tomb was empty - which was the first sign of the ultimate gift: our risen savior! Candy is yummy and all, but when the kids find the empty eggs, they know they are very near the REAL gift: the family's easter basket
Rather than one basket for each member of the family, we do just one basket for the whole family. And each gift inside the basket is a means to the same end: spiritual growth. I save up a nice pile of cash and make some investments in great resources for the family. Last year, Davis received his first Bible cover (something he was SO excited about), Weston got his own set of not-yet-scratched-up CDs "The Word and Song Bible," Jackson got David and Goliath action figures. I bought myself and Ryan books that would encourage both of us in our quest to be godly parents.I had so much fun online shopping this year. You wanna know what it is the basket?
The Children's Illustrated Bible
The Jim Elliot Story: The Torchlighters Series, DVD
Seeds Music CD (thanks for the recommendation, Ginger!)
I got myself an accessory so I can listen more easily to sermons on an MP3 player. I got something for my hubby, too, but I'll keep that quiet until Easter.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
My Little Leager
My heart absolutely swelled with pride Tuesday evening. Jackson participated in his first ever team sport practice. He is a coordinated kid, yes. And that's cool. But that's not what really made me well up with pride. What did it was his behavior. He paid attention. He was tough. He was patient. He listened. He followed instruction. He obeyed his coach.
I love this kid very deeply, and I am so thankful to be his mommy, but I have really been challenged in my parenting by this guy. Up until about four-and-a-half years of age, he has pushed in every way a toddler/preschooler can. He does not take "no" for an answer. His emotions are usually close to the surface, ready to bubble over (anger surfaced often). He has been easily distracted. These are traits that, if trained up properly, will bring him far in life because they seem to be signs that a person is persistent, thinks outside the box, and has great passion.
That is my Jackson. Persistent. Creative. Passionate. A Leader.
But all along the way, he continues to challenge me and make me wonder if I am doing ANYTHING right. Am I making ANY headway with this kid? Is he going to be a terror in the classroom next year?
But at that T-Ball practice I saw the fruit of all the prayer, consistency and hard work that had been poured into that little guy. So can I just say to you now that if you have a tough kid, don't give up. When you are in the middle of it, it feels like it is never going to end, but before you know it you will be at T-Ball practice amidst a pack of disruptive, spastic, kids and you will see the fruit. You will!!
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. (Heb 12:11-12)
editorial note: I was re-reading this post and I was startled by what I wrote in that last paragraph. Do you ever go back and re-read your posts and think, "Heavens! That's NOT what I meant!!" My heart did NOT come through at all on this one.
So, it sounded like I was saying that I was so incredibly consistent, and so wonderfully prayerful, and am such a hard worker when it came to raising my Jackson. But honestly, what was in my heart when I wrote that was every failure, every frustrating day, every day that I did not have a CLUE what to do. I was remembering all the times I WASN'T consistent. All the times I gave in. And I was remembering, in the midst of trying to train him up, how I carried two of my babies to term, and how much of a louse of a parent I was during those months, and how much TV the kids had to watch while I was sleeping on the couch in the middle of the day, and how tired and grouchy I was...
And then (and only then) was I remembering that through the Lord's help (and the help of my sister and Lindy and a stack of books) how I kept on getting back on that horse, and did not throw my hands up and just give up. But it was not me who was faithful in all these years. It was my Lord. He was my Guide, my Help, my Source. He gently brought me back time and time again to training Jackson properly. He. He. He. Never me.
So, in case my horrible attempt at encouragement left a sour taste in your mouth, I hope that this clarification serves as a little bit of Listerine. Now, here these words again: if you have a Jackson in your quiver, do not - do not - do not give up. Run to your Lord OFTEN for wisdom and strength. Knock on the doors of other moms who have done it before. Keep at the discipline (in order to succeed you must be willing to fail sometimes, too). Because there is fruit - beautiful fruit - in this labor.
I love this kid very deeply, and I am so thankful to be his mommy, but I have really been challenged in my parenting by this guy. Up until about four-and-a-half years of age, he has pushed in every way a toddler/preschooler can. He does not take "no" for an answer. His emotions are usually close to the surface, ready to bubble over (anger surfaced often). He has been easily distracted. These are traits that, if trained up properly, will bring him far in life because they seem to be signs that a person is persistent, thinks outside the box, and has great passion.
That is my Jackson. Persistent. Creative. Passionate. A Leader.
But all along the way, he continues to challenge me and make me wonder if I am doing ANYTHING right. Am I making ANY headway with this kid? Is he going to be a terror in the classroom next year?
But at that T-Ball practice I saw the fruit of all the prayer, consistency and hard work that had been poured into that little guy. So can I just say to you now that if you have a tough kid, don't give up. When you are in the middle of it, it feels like it is never going to end, but before you know it you will be at T-Ball practice amidst a pack of disruptive, spastic, kids and you will see the fruit. You will!!
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. (Heb 12:11-12)
editorial note: I was re-reading this post and I was startled by what I wrote in that last paragraph. Do you ever go back and re-read your posts and think, "Heavens! That's NOT what I meant!!" My heart did NOT come through at all on this one.
So, it sounded like I was saying that I was so incredibly consistent, and so wonderfully prayerful, and am such a hard worker when it came to raising my Jackson. But honestly, what was in my heart when I wrote that was every failure, every frustrating day, every day that I did not have a CLUE what to do. I was remembering all the times I WASN'T consistent. All the times I gave in. And I was remembering, in the midst of trying to train him up, how I carried two of my babies to term, and how much of a louse of a parent I was during those months, and how much TV the kids had to watch while I was sleeping on the couch in the middle of the day, and how tired and grouchy I was...
And then (and only then) was I remembering that through the Lord's help (and the help of my sister and Lindy and a stack of books) how I kept on getting back on that horse, and did not throw my hands up and just give up. But it was not me who was faithful in all these years. It was my Lord. He was my Guide, my Help, my Source. He gently brought me back time and time again to training Jackson properly. He. He. He. Never me.
So, in case my horrible attempt at encouragement left a sour taste in your mouth, I hope that this clarification serves as a little bit of Listerine. Now, here these words again: if you have a Jackson in your quiver, do not - do not - do not give up. Run to your Lord OFTEN for wisdom and strength. Knock on the doors of other moms who have done it before. Keep at the discipline (in order to succeed you must be willing to fail sometimes, too). Because there is fruit - beautiful fruit - in this labor.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Bound to Happen
Let it be known that on March 19th, 2009 at the age of NEARLY four months, Drake spit up on Mommy for the first time.
It was bound to happen. I count myself very fortunate to have non-urpy kids. The upside of that is obvious. The downside is I never have a burp cloth when I need one, and my reflexes to catch spit-up before it hits the floor are seriously lacking.
Do you feel sorry for me? No. I didn't think so.
It was bound to happen. I count myself very fortunate to have non-urpy kids. The upside of that is obvious. The downside is I never have a burp cloth when I need one, and my reflexes to catch spit-up before it hits the floor are seriously lacking.
Do you feel sorry for me? No. I didn't think so.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
WFMW - All Cut Up
This is not rocket science, but it sure is helpful - especially on those days that I don't think about dinner until we are already hungry but there is no meat defrosted yet.
Once a month I buy our chicken (I buy it fresh, not frozen) and when I do I take several of the pieces and cut them up into strips or cubes. I put enough strips or cubes into one bag to feed the family for two nights (leftovers are priceless, no?). I label the bags with helpful information and lay the bags flat in the freezer.
Guess what that makes? Chicken that thaws quickly and is easy and ready to throw into the pan for all sorts of dishes (think chicken fajitas, taco soup, and burittos... I bet you have more creative ideas than my mexican rut affords me).
I also like to do this same but freeze them with marinades in there. Our family favorite is terriaki sauce.
p.s. the scissors are in the picture because i thought it would be easier to cut the chicken with the shears instead of a knife. I was wrong. A knife is so much easier.
Once a month I buy our chicken (I buy it fresh, not frozen) and when I do I take several of the pieces and cut them up into strips or cubes. I put enough strips or cubes into one bag to feed the family for two nights (leftovers are priceless, no?). I label the bags with helpful information and lay the bags flat in the freezer.Guess what that makes? Chicken that thaws quickly and is easy and ready to throw into the pan for all sorts of dishes (think chicken fajitas, taco soup, and burittos... I bet you have more creative ideas than my mexican rut affords me).
I also like to do this same but freeze them with marinades in there. Our family favorite is terriaki sauce.
p.s. the scissors are in the picture because i thought it would be easier to cut the chicken with the shears instead of a knife. I was wrong. A knife is so much easier.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Just some fun pics
Perhaps you have figured out by now that I recently downloaded about 28 years worth of family photos. I am making up for lost time this week and I hope you are enjoying this because it might be another 28 years before more pictures appear on my blog.
They were pretending to be frogs.
OK. so this one just oozes personality. Every child is absolutely showing their true colors. Hilarious.
Here is our weekly "Friday Night Movie Night." This week I pulled sleeping bags out for each kid (they thought they were in heaven!) and let them watch Looney Tunes. Sleeping bags might be the new tradition.
And this is one tired kid. He just woke up (I happened to catch him mid-blink and it only MORE reflects his fatigue). Can you see the sleep lines on his face, and the sweaty head? Classic.Sunday, March 15, 2009
Meet My Brothers
Hi! I'm Weston. Wanna meet my brothers?
Gack
Bee-Bee Uh.La-La taught me his real name, so now I sometimes call him Bee-Bee D.
(Aren't we cute?)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
He Found It!
His thumb and first finger. He finally pulled it out of that vice-grip fist of his and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor. I have another thumb-sucker (they are so cute when they slurp-slurp-slurp).
Way to go, Baby Drake!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
The Truth Comes Out
I am having another one of those moments when I feel the weight of having four boys (funny - I accidentally typed "three" instead of "four" and had to backspace). Anywho, this "moment" has lasted about, oh I don't know, 11 days.
The first moment like this was when I was folding laundry for all six of us, all mixed together in one load. I was going crossed-eyed trying to figure out all the proper piles of jammies, pants, socks, and shirts. Remember that post?
This eleven-day moment is really a reprise of yesterday's post. And Monday's, too. Second verse - SAME AS THE FIRST! I am frustrated that I can't fit everything in to the day. I have so many things I want to be intentional about with my kids, yet the actual care and feeding of them and Ryan keeps on getting in the way (darn it!). How ironic: I could raise these kids a lot better if I didn't have any kids to raise. Ha!
I want to disciple my kids in the Lord, teach my kids how to be diligent hard workers, to know their Bible, to be good students, to treat their brothers well, to be generous givers, to memorize scripture, to love to read, to keep their room clean, to be helpful, to follow through to completion with a task, to ride a bigger bike, to obey the first time, to speak respectfully...
In a way I feel like I did when I was a first-time mom. You remember (or you are living it now) when you could hardly fold one basket of laundry throughout the course of an entire day; and it was all you could do to get dinner on the table - but you can forget about eating that dinner while it was hot... aw, who am I kidding?! I would have settled for just eating it warm! Nothing like cold mashed potatoes squishing around in your mouth.
Anyway, I am totally living in that place right now, where I am hoping that the laundry gets folded before a week goes by and we are actually digging through the baskets for clean undies. This week, four baskets sat clean but cold and wrinkly for two days before they got any of my attention.
And all day long the kids ask for my attention. They each have a mantra all their own:
Davis: Can we read another chapter out of ______ book?
Jackson: How about if we play a game together. Connect Four, or Rat-a-Tat-Cat. You choose. Or walking soccer, since you don't run. (Someday again, right pelvic floor?!?)
Weston: Pee-pees, Mommy! Pee-PEES!! Read? EAT!
Drake: Feed me, change me, put me to bed. BURP! Feed me, change me, put me to bed. BURP!Feed me, change me, put me to bed. BURP! Feed me, change me, put me to bed. BURP!...
And I love it. I want to read, play games, work puzzles, be silly, wrestle and cuddle at least once every day. But, honest-engine, there is not always time in the day for each of those things. In order for everyone to be taken care of - just yer basic feeding and care - takes nearly every moment I have. Now granted, I have a part-time job working for my husband that takes me away 15 hours a week. (Did I mention I love working with him?) But the bottom line here is life is full!
But my mother-in-law called me this morning. She is a loyal reader of my blog and read yesterday's post and said something encouraging that really blessed me. She has a great perspective on this because she loves living a life full of serving others and I believe it grieves her that she cannot be there 100% of the time for each and every dear friend and family member in her life (though she does everything she can to give everything she has... she has an incredible servant's heart). She reminded me that its okay to not get it all done. The yearning can leave you with a sweet taste in your mouth for a day to come when you can do more - that's called hope. In the mean time, be patient. This season is intense but short.
So, I am working through all this right now. I know I want to do everything I can to raise my kids well, but I must remember that I can't do it all right now. Not with an infant, anyway. But a day will come when I can give more attention, spend more time, be less scattered for the whole family. And I can live in that hope while still enjoying today.
The first moment like this was when I was folding laundry for all six of us, all mixed together in one load. I was going crossed-eyed trying to figure out all the proper piles of jammies, pants, socks, and shirts. Remember that post?
This eleven-day moment is really a reprise of yesterday's post. And Monday's, too. Second verse - SAME AS THE FIRST! I am frustrated that I can't fit everything in to the day. I have so many things I want to be intentional about with my kids, yet the actual care and feeding of them and Ryan keeps on getting in the way (darn it!). How ironic: I could raise these kids a lot better if I didn't have any kids to raise. Ha!
I want to disciple my kids in the Lord, teach my kids how to be diligent hard workers, to know their Bible, to be good students, to treat their brothers well, to be generous givers, to memorize scripture, to love to read, to keep their room clean, to be helpful, to follow through to completion with a task, to ride a bigger bike, to obey the first time, to speak respectfully...
In a way I feel like I did when I was a first-time mom. You remember (or you are living it now) when you could hardly fold one basket of laundry throughout the course of an entire day; and it was all you could do to get dinner on the table - but you can forget about eating that dinner while it was hot... aw, who am I kidding?! I would have settled for just eating it warm! Nothing like cold mashed potatoes squishing around in your mouth.
Anyway, I am totally living in that place right now, where I am hoping that the laundry gets folded before a week goes by and we are actually digging through the baskets for clean undies. This week, four baskets sat clean but cold and wrinkly for two days before they got any of my attention.
And all day long the kids ask for my attention. They each have a mantra all their own:
Davis: Can we read another chapter out of ______ book?
Jackson: How about if we play a game together. Connect Four, or Rat-a-Tat-Cat. You choose. Or walking soccer, since you don't run. (Someday again, right pelvic floor?!?)
Weston: Pee-pees, Mommy! Pee-PEES!! Read? EAT!
Drake: Feed me, change me, put me to bed. BURP! Feed me, change me, put me to bed. BURP!Feed me, change me, put me to bed. BURP! Feed me, change me, put me to bed. BURP!...
And I love it. I want to read, play games, work puzzles, be silly, wrestle and cuddle at least once every day. But, honest-engine, there is not always time in the day for each of those things. In order for everyone to be taken care of - just yer basic feeding and care - takes nearly every moment I have. Now granted, I have a part-time job working for my husband that takes me away 15 hours a week. (Did I mention I love working with him?) But the bottom line here is life is full!
But my mother-in-law called me this morning. She is a loyal reader of my blog and read yesterday's post and said something encouraging that really blessed me. She has a great perspective on this because she loves living a life full of serving others and I believe it grieves her that she cannot be there 100% of the time for each and every dear friend and family member in her life (though she does everything she can to give everything she has... she has an incredible servant's heart). She reminded me that its okay to not get it all done. The yearning can leave you with a sweet taste in your mouth for a day to come when you can do more - that's called hope. In the mean time, be patient. This season is intense but short.
So, I am working through all this right now. I know I want to do everything I can to raise my kids well, but I must remember that I can't do it all right now. Not with an infant, anyway. But a day will come when I can give more attention, spend more time, be less scattered for the whole family. And I can live in that hope while still enjoying today.
Can you guess?
Weston said this over and over again this afternoon:
Da dar dar dark, da det, DAT!
The winner gets a round of applause from me and my sweet little curious george.
Da dar dar dark, da det, DAT!
The winner gets a round of applause from me and my sweet little curious george.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Old Habit, Revisited
A year ago, I wrote the following post.
"This year I am resolved to establish a daily time for my kids to read the Bible. My oldest is almost old enough to actually sit and READ his Bible, my middle is old enough to sit still with a Bible in his hands to flip through, and my youngest is old enough to disrupt the whole affair. Oh, and did I mention me? I am WAY TOO OLD to still be needing to "establish" something. What a pity, but true. With the addition of every child, the re-establishment must occur for me. The advice I have received from "Older-Wisers" has always been to do it before the kids get up. That has been a constant source of defeat for me. I hope I come up with something ELSE to encourage young moms to do. (I imagine you know my morning defeat: the earlier I get up, the earlier my kids arise. Why deprive myself of sleep and still not get a few moments with the Lord?)
Reminder: we are running a marathon, not a sprint. So my first step in the big picture of getting my kids to have a habit of reading their Bible and praying each day (essentially having a childhood "quiet time") is subtle, small, and might seem too miniscule. I am making sure that each day we read one small story in the Bible lasting 28 seconds, or upwards of 5 minutes.
My theory is that if you it every day, you have your kids eventually expecting it. Do it for a short enough time each of those days (leaving them wanting more rather than wishing it were over) and you will create a hunger for more. Then tomorrow's time is a little more enthusiastic (but not longer). And slowly s-l-o-w-l-y you lengthen the time you spend. And they grow up and begin to read for themselves. And..., And..., And...over time you have established a wonderful spiritual discipline. A little sneaky, don't you think?I have a few challenges in this: my kids are really different. I have one who would sit and listen to books for hours on end, and another who might like a simple story but in the end would prefer to wrestle with the book. And I already mentioned my baby (who, by the way is not on a consistent nap schedule where I can count on him being asleep at the same time every day while we read together). Another major challenge: big busy me. Enough said.
But so far (as of the middle of January 2008) we have been successful. Lord, give me perseverance in this!
Any more resolutions out there? Any encouragement? Any other ideas floating around?"
Funny, a year later I am back exactly in the same place I was then (needing to re-establish Bible quiet times), only busier. I have added another child to our mix and my oldest is now in school a full day (no more 1/2 day kindergarten). Our time together is precious - PRECIOUS - and it is very full. When Davis comes home from school we have snack, do homework, they sit and listen to me read a chapter book, and then it is time for me to begin dinner prep and feed the baby, and then its dinner time and clean up time and then Daddy comes home and then its bedtime. Somewhere in there the kids need to play and run off energy, too! The whole day seems to be gone before it starts. So I am discovering that I have this tiny window of time in which to "fit" quiet times during the school year. (How frustrating!)
But it is what it is. If you have kids NOT in school, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TIME YOU HAVE! Last year our Bible Quiet times lasted 45 minutes. (Oh it was wonderful!) This year, I am hoping to get in 15 minutes. But 15 minutes with the Lord in prayer daily is nothing to be ashamed of!
"This year I am resolved to establish a daily time for my kids to read the Bible. My oldest is almost old enough to actually sit and READ his Bible, my middle is old enough to sit still with a Bible in his hands to flip through, and my youngest is old enough to disrupt the whole affair. Oh, and did I mention me? I am WAY TOO OLD to still be needing to "establish" something. What a pity, but true. With the addition of every child, the re-establishment must occur for me. The advice I have received from "Older-Wisers" has always been to do it before the kids get up. That has been a constant source of defeat for me. I hope I come up with something ELSE to encourage young moms to do. (I imagine you know my morning defeat: the earlier I get up, the earlier my kids arise. Why deprive myself of sleep and still not get a few moments with the Lord?)
Reminder: we are running a marathon, not a sprint. So my first step in the big picture of getting my kids to have a habit of reading their Bible and praying each day (essentially having a childhood "quiet time") is subtle, small, and might seem too miniscule. I am making sure that each day we read one small story in the Bible lasting 28 seconds, or upwards of 5 minutes.
My theory is that if you it every day, you have your kids eventually expecting it. Do it for a short enough time each of those days (leaving them wanting more rather than wishing it were over) and you will create a hunger for more. Then tomorrow's time is a little more enthusiastic (but not longer). And slowly s-l-o-w-l-y you lengthen the time you spend. And they grow up and begin to read for themselves. And..., And..., And...over time you have established a wonderful spiritual discipline. A little sneaky, don't you think?I have a few challenges in this: my kids are really different. I have one who would sit and listen to books for hours on end, and another who might like a simple story but in the end would prefer to wrestle with the book. And I already mentioned my baby (who, by the way is not on a consistent nap schedule where I can count on him being asleep at the same time every day while we read together). Another major challenge: big busy me. Enough said.
But so far (as of the middle of January 2008) we have been successful. Lord, give me perseverance in this!
Any more resolutions out there? Any encouragement? Any other ideas floating around?"
Funny, a year later I am back exactly in the same place I was then (needing to re-establish Bible quiet times), only busier. I have added another child to our mix and my oldest is now in school a full day (no more 1/2 day kindergarten). Our time together is precious - PRECIOUS - and it is very full. When Davis comes home from school we have snack, do homework, they sit and listen to me read a chapter book, and then it is time for me to begin dinner prep and feed the baby, and then its dinner time and clean up time and then Daddy comes home and then its bedtime. Somewhere in there the kids need to play and run off energy, too! The whole day seems to be gone before it starts. So I am discovering that I have this tiny window of time in which to "fit" quiet times during the school year. (How frustrating!)
But it is what it is. If you have kids NOT in school, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TIME YOU HAVE! Last year our Bible Quiet times lasted 45 minutes. (Oh it was wonderful!) This year, I am hoping to get in 15 minutes. But 15 minutes with the Lord in prayer daily is nothing to be ashamed of!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Confessions of a Public School Mom
We have chosen to put our kids in public school. Not because we don't want to home school. Not because we don't want to afford private school. We chose public school because we want our kids to be exposed to kids who are believers and kids who are not believers. We want them to ask us hard questions about why Johnny has two moms, why we didn't vote for Obama like "all" the other parents, and just how did we go from monkey to man?
Do I really want to answer these questions? No-sir-ee. I would rather duck and cover a hundred times before I deal with any of these horribly un-kid-friendly issues. But I want to begin with the tinier issues now (in elementary school) so that we are slowly, carefully building a strong faith and Christian worldview in our boys.
Can this be done homeschooling? Certainly. I am watching it happen with many of my friends kids. Will we ever move away from public school? Oh, who knows! We are hardly dogmatic about it. We have made the choice of PS for now. And when it does not work any longer, or for a time, or whatever, we will re-evaluate and choose the best for each boy.
Last Friday I took my boys to the farm where we are going to purchase organic produce this season. We saw the horse and the chickens. The big boys got to milk a mama goat. We explored the seed room, the greenhouse and the fields. Rocks were thrown in water. Boots splashed in puddles. Mud got under fingernails. Hands smelled like horses. It was wonderful. Along the way, we learned things together and I asked questions that got the kids thinking about something different and new. That family who runs that farm home schools their kids. They have five wonderful kids that are going to grow up learning together and working hard on the farm. It is not idyllic, but it is marvelous. It is not perfect, but it is blessed.
If I had to lay it all out, honest and true, I would have to admit that I wish I home schooled my boys. I get to thinking about what I could do (and what I could not do) if I made that switch. But the Lord has not called us to that place. He has us here, doing public school. He has brought me to this place of tension where I must lean on Him for wisdom and grace. And I am thankful for this place, and determined to be content with where He has us. And even more determined to do my (our!) best to glorify God here and now.
Do I really want to answer these questions? No-sir-ee. I would rather duck and cover a hundred times before I deal with any of these horribly un-kid-friendly issues. But I want to begin with the tinier issues now (in elementary school) so that we are slowly, carefully building a strong faith and Christian worldview in our boys.
Can this be done homeschooling? Certainly. I am watching it happen with many of my friends kids. Will we ever move away from public school? Oh, who knows! We are hardly dogmatic about it. We have made the choice of PS for now. And when it does not work any longer, or for a time, or whatever, we will re-evaluate and choose the best for each boy.
Last Friday I took my boys to the farm where we are going to purchase organic produce this season. We saw the horse and the chickens. The big boys got to milk a mama goat. We explored the seed room, the greenhouse and the fields. Rocks were thrown in water. Boots splashed in puddles. Mud got under fingernails. Hands smelled like horses. It was wonderful. Along the way, we learned things together and I asked questions that got the kids thinking about something different and new. That family who runs that farm home schools their kids. They have five wonderful kids that are going to grow up learning together and working hard on the farm. It is not idyllic, but it is marvelous. It is not perfect, but it is blessed.
If I had to lay it all out, honest and true, I would have to admit that I wish I home schooled my boys. I get to thinking about what I could do (and what I could not do) if I made that switch. But the Lord has not called us to that place. He has us here, doing public school. He has brought me to this place of tension where I must lean on Him for wisdom and grace. And I am thankful for this place, and determined to be content with where He has us. And even more determined to do my (our!) best to glorify God here and now.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
A Quiet Time Update
In our household our kids are really heavy on Bible knowledge. They can answer lots of factual questions about Biblical history. And my 7-year-old is actually very adept at making theological leaps and asking very thought-provoking questions. But we are lacking heart knowledge. And honestly, especially for kids, that seems a natural progression. It helps to know something about the God you believe in before you foster an authentic and deep relationship with him. But what a tragedy it would be to neglect the relationship.
"Why would we wait to train up our children in this essential discipline? Do we think younger children don't yet need time alone with God?" (Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper - John Piper's wife). Thank you, Joy for quoting her recently. I can't wait to read her book in its entirety.
I blogged last week about my desire to get my kids into the habit of having a quiet time with the Lord each day. And in that post, you will remember, I admitted that I was blogging about it BEFORE I saw success. So, are you interested in how it is going? I set out each kid's supplies (a Bible, notebook, pencil, and a note I wrote to each of them) at the spot they sit at breakfast. When they came to breakfast that morning, it was waiting for them. While breakfast was cooking I walked them through the idea of a quiet time with the Lord.
Here is what the notes said...
For My Seven-Year-Old:
During a quiet time you:
Pray to God
Read the Bible, and
Write something you read or prayed about.
Under each of these three items I gave them some suggestions of what to pray about, and what to write. I have a quasi-reader right now, which is tough because it is overwhelming to him to read even a verse of the Bible on his own, but picture bibles are getting too "baby-ish" for him. So I did not focus on that part just yet and did not give him suggestions of what to read in his Bible (yet!).
For My Five-Year-Old
I took a piece of paper and...
I drew pictures of a Bible, a notebook, and a pencil.
I also drew a picture of a kid with his eyes closed, with "thought bubbles" about what that kid might be praying about ("Thank you for my mom and dad," "Please help me to be kind and obedient today," "I love you, God").
In my presentation of these ideas I tried not to set up legalistic rules to follow but rather a set of guidelines to help direct their thoughts. But I did ask that they start their quiet time praying, rather than drawing or writing or reading. It seemed to me that it would be too easy to get off track if they did not start out doing the main thing! Both kids keep the piece of paper with them when they have their QT. The 5yo said, "sometimes I don't know what to do, so I like to keep it with me, just in case."
In my explanation I was intentional about smiling and using a lot of expression in my voice so they could catch a sense of wonder and awe about how special it is to spend time with God (I don't know if I succeeded in this effort, but I tried).
The first day, QT lasted about 7 minutes. I wanted them to see that this is a short and sweet time. Afterwards I asked them what they prayed about and what they drew. Honestly, they did not have much to say. I don't think they knew what to do during their time, even though we had gone over it. Rather than get frustrated, I reminded myself that this is a marathon and not a sprint. I am prepared to walk a long journey with my kids as they develop a relationship with the Lord. I want to be a source of encouragement to them as they develop habits and eventually form a heart-connection with the Maker of the Universe. So I anticipate that we will have many great conversations over the weeks, months and years ahead about what all of us prayed about, read, and drew during our time with the Lord.
Next time I post something about this, I will hopefully be able to answer the question of "when." Currently, I am switching the time here and there because I am not sure when to best fit this into the day.
I have been encouraged by others who have recently been inspired to start this up for their kids, too. How are QTs with your kids going?
"Why would we wait to train up our children in this essential discipline? Do we think younger children don't yet need time alone with God?" (Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper - John Piper's wife). Thank you, Joy for quoting her recently. I can't wait to read her book in its entirety.
I blogged last week about my desire to get my kids into the habit of having a quiet time with the Lord each day. And in that post, you will remember, I admitted that I was blogging about it BEFORE I saw success. So, are you interested in how it is going? I set out each kid's supplies (a Bible, notebook, pencil, and a note I wrote to each of them) at the spot they sit at breakfast. When they came to breakfast that morning, it was waiting for them. While breakfast was cooking I walked them through the idea of a quiet time with the Lord.
Here is what the notes said...
For My Seven-Year-Old:
During a quiet time you:
Pray to God
Read the Bible, and
Write something you read or prayed about.
Under each of these three items I gave them some suggestions of what to pray about, and what to write. I have a quasi-reader right now, which is tough because it is overwhelming to him to read even a verse of the Bible on his own, but picture bibles are getting too "baby-ish" for him. So I did not focus on that part just yet and did not give him suggestions of what to read in his Bible (yet!).
For My Five-Year-Old
I took a piece of paper and...
I drew pictures of a Bible, a notebook, and a pencil.
I also drew a picture of a kid with his eyes closed, with "thought bubbles" about what that kid might be praying about ("Thank you for my mom and dad," "Please help me to be kind and obedient today," "I love you, God").
In my presentation of these ideas I tried not to set up legalistic rules to follow but rather a set of guidelines to help direct their thoughts. But I did ask that they start their quiet time praying, rather than drawing or writing or reading. It seemed to me that it would be too easy to get off track if they did not start out doing the main thing! Both kids keep the piece of paper with them when they have their QT. The 5yo said, "sometimes I don't know what to do, so I like to keep it with me, just in case."
In my explanation I was intentional about smiling and using a lot of expression in my voice so they could catch a sense of wonder and awe about how special it is to spend time with God (I don't know if I succeeded in this effort, but I tried).
The first day, QT lasted about 7 minutes. I wanted them to see that this is a short and sweet time. Afterwards I asked them what they prayed about and what they drew. Honestly, they did not have much to say. I don't think they knew what to do during their time, even though we had gone over it. Rather than get frustrated, I reminded myself that this is a marathon and not a sprint. I am prepared to walk a long journey with my kids as they develop a relationship with the Lord. I want to be a source of encouragement to them as they develop habits and eventually form a heart-connection with the Maker of the Universe. So I anticipate that we will have many great conversations over the weeks, months and years ahead about what all of us prayed about, read, and drew during our time with the Lord.
Next time I post something about this, I will hopefully be able to answer the question of "when." Currently, I am switching the time here and there because I am not sure when to best fit this into the day.
I have been encouraged by others who have recently been inspired to start this up for their kids, too. How are QTs with your kids going?
Friday, March 6, 2009
Laugh Together
The boys and I had a laugh together tonight watching these two YouTube songs. They are both by They Might Be Giants (I have fun high school memories of this group), and they are just totally random and have little redeeming value. Sometimes its just great to simply laugh together!
The Number Two and E Eats Everything
Violin
The Number Two and E Eats Everything
Violin
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Blessed Timer
There is one tool in my house that I have a special fondness for: The timer. Oh, let me count the ways this timer has helped me manage the various stages of mothering thus far.Great uses for a timer
1. The most obvious (and least interesting) use of the timer is for cooking. But I must say that the timer on my oven has saved our meals from a burnt crisp pretty much every night. The little beep goes off and I think, "huh. What was that for? OH YEAH! I am cooking something!" Using the term distracted really does not do justice to the brain activity of this mom on any given day.
2. When naps fade away and "rests" become en vogue for my kids, the timer is set to the highest possible number it can go (60 whole minutes) and the child quietly reads and rests on his bed until the sweet dinging is heard.
C. When toothbrushing consists of a quick scrub of only the top two front teeth, the timer, set to 2 minutes, helps that child work on all his pearly whites. (In this situation, the timer was long ago replaced with singing "Twinkle, Twinkle" two times through.)4. When my four-year-old is learning to play with an eighteen- to twenty-four-month-old, the timer serves as a great way for that older sibling to know that there is an end in sight. A timer set for 10-15 minutes (to begin with, anyway) is a do-able task for a preschooler, IMHO. It is SO HARD to play with a kid that is constantly messing with the toy he is playing with, so this is a good introduction for the older child to learn how to be selfless and for the younger child to feel included in the fun for a while. "You can read more about how we protect the sibling relationship in the early years here.
5. Timers are GREAT for time outs, of course. I am not a big believer in time outs, but they do have their place in the discipline toolbox. And a timer helps!
E. And when there is only one of something (like a trampoline, or a swing, or a fire engine) that timer comes in handy again. I can remember when my oldest two boys were three and five years of age and I would set the timer in the playroom for them to use all on their own. They would set it for the agreed upon minutes and have fun taking turns. The game became less of a "I want a turn with the cool toy" and more of a "Let's find something fun to play with so WE CAN USE THE TIMER!!"
And, because I have a baby, my current favorite use of the timer is for his sleep. There are two ways I can't live without my timer.
1
.) Teaching a baby how to cry himself to sleep requires (for my personality) a timer. When baby cries in his bed, I automatically set the timer for the number of minutes that corresponds to the number of weeks old he is (4 weeks old = four minutes) and shut off the baby monitor. When that timer dings, I turn the monitor back on to check to see if he is still crying. It's a lifesaver because I CAN'T STAND to listen to my babies cry. (But if i don't set a timer and just turn the monitor off, I will forget that he is crying... and if I just leave the monitor on so I hear him crying, I about go insane, wringing my hands in nervous energy and tension.) For more sleep tips, you can check this post and also this one.2.) Defining sleep cycles. OK. I will admit that I don't use a timer for this one. Just a clock. But it relates to #1 above, teaching babies how to nap... So, 45 minutes after my baby goes to sleep, he almmost always wakes up and cries. (45 minutes is a typical sleep cycle and most babies wake for a time after that first sleep cycle but will - and need to - go back to sleep if they are given the chance.) Anyway, I note if it is, indeed, 45 minutes after I put him down. And if so, I use my timer trick above and he can learn to fall back asleep. If it is past 45 minutes, then it can be counted (according to my favorite sleep expert) as a nap and I can go get him.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Quiet Time Plan
I am going to go out on a limb this time and write out my plan for how we are going to implement quiet times into our day (now that I have school-aged kids) BEFORE it is actually working. Usually, I wait to blog about things until we are having success because that way, what I have to say sounds, well, successful.
This time, however, I am going to let you in on the plan from the get-go. Perhaps witnessing the bumps along the way will encourage you to be willing to be go down the bumpy road, too.
Today I am making my plan and gathering supplies.
Tommorrow I will give the kids a practice-run-through in the middle of the day.
The following day we will try it out.
My inspiration, Joy's post here. My experience with childhood quiet times, none, except the time we did it about a year ago, right before I got pregnant (and the whole wonderful routine went out the door with my morning sickness and fatigue). Now is the time!
What has worked in your house for your kids? Or, what are you thinking about trying!?
This time, however, I am going to let you in on the plan from the get-go. Perhaps witnessing the bumps along the way will encourage you to be willing to be go down the bumpy road, too.
Today I am making my plan and gathering supplies.
Tommorrow I will give the kids a practice-run-through in the middle of the day.
The following day we will try it out.
My inspiration, Joy's post here. My experience with childhood quiet times, none, except the time we did it about a year ago, right before I got pregnant (and the whole wonderful routine went out the door with my morning sickness and fatigue). Now is the time!
What has worked in your house for your kids? Or, what are you thinking about trying!?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Would you please just obey me!?
Oh, I am listening to SUCH an encouraging talk about establishing authority in the heart of my children. Ted Tripp gives an amazing explanation on Ephesians 6:1-3.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."[a] 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
There is so much packed in this hour! It has been great to hear where I can improve and where I really need to focus (as the kids get older, these reminders are so helpful!!). One question he answered in this talk is what it means for a child to have things "go well with" him. That is something I have always stumped over. It is not that life will go smoothly and you will have no troubles, right? So what does it mean and how can I explain it to my kids when they ask? OH MY did he answer that question well. You have got to hear it for yourself!!
If you want the entire series at your fingertips, go here. Oh, and I have found that the quality is best if you press the "download audio" button. The other option of just hitting the play button is pretty scratchy (on my computer, anyway).
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."[a] 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
There is so much packed in this hour! It has been great to hear where I can improve and where I really need to focus (as the kids get older, these reminders are so helpful!!). One question he answered in this talk is what it means for a child to have things "go well with" him. That is something I have always stumped over. It is not that life will go smoothly and you will have no troubles, right? So what does it mean and how can I explain it to my kids when they ask? OH MY did he answer that question well. You have got to hear it for yourself!!
If you want the entire series at your fingertips, go here. Oh, and I have found that the quality is best if you press the "download audio" button. The other option of just hitting the play button is pretty scratchy (on my computer, anyway).
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