right about now because the future greats all just came in gloriously dirty from building mud huts. Whoopee! And unfortunately it's too cold right now for me to strip them of those clothes and have them only in nature's barest attire just to get completely caught up. Sigh! The neverending cycle of laundry.
But otherwise, every piece of clothing has been washed and dried and is neatly--okay, not so neatly, but at least it's in the baskets, people. The next step of making it into the drawers and closets is a work in progress.
Since returning to regularly scheduled programming of Bible study and officially off of holiday break, I'm becoming ever more aware of the many works in progress that God so graciously continues in me.
I realized last night in some pondering, with consternation, that I didn't accomplish all of my holiday goals, including concentrated time in prayer and reading. By His grace, I did accomplish several goals, but there is always more to do. It's the laundry again. I'm washed and dried, but in some spots still lying ever so not neatly in the basket. A bit rumpled and wrinkled and waiting to be placed in my proper home.
Anticipating future glory, complete adoption as His daughter, the fulfillment of this body's redemption, the absence of sin--as a believer, all part of the hope in which I was saved. While the completion takes time, the completion certainly occurs.
Psalm 111:7-8 "The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy,
They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness."
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Saturday, January 06, 2007
I blame it on not having Diet Coke....
at lunch that resulted in the 2 1/2 hour, pillow-wet-from-drooling, nap that I took today. But boy howdy, did it feel nice. It was that napping "drugged" sleep that only needed a gentle rainfall outside to make it perfectly complete.
But it wasn't raining outside--it was a balmy 70 degrees. And I could hear the children playing outside, the neighbor girls singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" at the top of their lungs, and the purr of the cats also napping with me.
Yes, that's the sleep that I've been needing since Wednesday.
Of course, I'll be up til 2 a.m. tonight.
That's okay. It was a great nap.
But it wasn't raining outside--it was a balmy 70 degrees. And I could hear the children playing outside, the neighbor girls singing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" at the top of their lungs, and the purr of the cats also napping with me.
Yes, that's the sleep that I've been needing since Wednesday.
Of course, I'll be up til 2 a.m. tonight.
That's okay. It was a great nap.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
51st post
I noticed on the blogger dashboard that I've written 50 posts. I don't know whether to be astonished that I've written that much or confused that I can't even remember what I wrote. Oh well, the point is to have and write down complete thoughts. The point is to have and write down...what was I saying? You get the picture. Some days will be better than others.
The school that the future greats were at started back today. However, we've been homeschooling-lite (short days) for two days last week and since yesterday of this week. The flexibility of scheduling is encouraging for them, and me, because they like having schoolwork interspersed with life activities.
For example, the other day they were a bit bored with regular play and they followed me into the schoolroom where I was working on lesson plans. I asked my oldest to choose a picture from our history books to sketch, and the second to work on some Logic Links games. My youngest practiced his handwriting. All three were at work on bonafide "learning" activities. After about 30 minutes they were ready to go on to the next thing, but for that 30 minutes, it was like I had put shredded broccoli into the spaghetti sauce. They were learning AND having fun.
I've started another blog at homeschoolblogger.com. I thought it would be good to have a place to write only about homeschooling. I'll use this site for life in general posts and those, whaddya call them....oh yeah, complete thoughts. You can link to it from the sidebar. Veneror Vigiloque is the name. It's from our family crest and means Reverence and Vigilance Also. Two other things about which to have complete thoughts. But those will have to wait for other posts--maybe somewhere in the 50's.
The school that the future greats were at started back today. However, we've been homeschooling-lite (short days) for two days last week and since yesterday of this week. The flexibility of scheduling is encouraging for them, and me, because they like having schoolwork interspersed with life activities.
For example, the other day they were a bit bored with regular play and they followed me into the schoolroom where I was working on lesson plans. I asked my oldest to choose a picture from our history books to sketch, and the second to work on some Logic Links games. My youngest practiced his handwriting. All three were at work on bonafide "learning" activities. After about 30 minutes they were ready to go on to the next thing, but for that 30 minutes, it was like I had put shredded broccoli into the spaghetti sauce. They were learning AND having fun.
I've started another blog at homeschoolblogger.com. I thought it would be good to have a place to write only about homeschooling. I'll use this site for life in general posts and those, whaddya call them....oh yeah, complete thoughts. You can link to it from the sidebar. Veneror Vigiloque is the name. It's from our family crest and means Reverence and Vigilance Also. Two other things about which to have complete thoughts. But those will have to wait for other posts--maybe somewhere in the 50's.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Quickly, there's a fire....
about to start in my hardly-used-because-we-live-in-the-middle-of-Georgia (but above the gnat line, people) which-is-currently-experiencing-an-unusual-and-unseasonably-warm- January fireplace. Tonight it's going to be *freezing* so we thought we'd light a fire and pretend it's winter.
We are not gas logs people. Neither are we gas grill people. My husband is all about the power of the match or lighter fluid or charcoal or whatever combustible materials he can combust. I love his comments when we're watching Survivor and some marketing executive/waitress/yoga teacher is trying to light the fire with the old flint and coconut hair, "You're supposed to strike it with some meaning, man!" "No, don't blow that way, you're going to put out the whole thing." And on and on. Seriously though, if I am ever on a deserted island, I'm going to pray he's with me because I'd be assured that whatever varmints were caught would be safely cooked to proper temperature over a fire!
The boys are hurrying to get showered and into pajamas so that they can watch the whole event. It is quite exciting.
Other notes flitting randomly through my head:
*Use the dishwasher liberally. Fill it up with everything possible and get out of the kitchen.
*Everybody's posting about their new year's diet. In rebellion I ate some M&Ms before I posted. I know I mentioned in my list for 2007 about walking on the treadmill, but that's not to lose weight. It's so that the weight I'm maintaining doesn't jiggle as much.
*I think Eddie Bauer has Ann Taylor"ed" their sizes because I now wear a smaller size in their clothes than usual.
*It was a good day.
*Muchas gracias to the friend who invited the boys for a playdate today. They're still talking about the fun they had.
Gotta run, the fire is starting!
We are not gas logs people. Neither are we gas grill people. My husband is all about the power of the match or lighter fluid or charcoal or whatever combustible materials he can combust. I love his comments when we're watching Survivor and some marketing executive/waitress/yoga teacher is trying to light the fire with the old flint and coconut hair, "You're supposed to strike it with some meaning, man!" "No, don't blow that way, you're going to put out the whole thing." And on and on. Seriously though, if I am ever on a deserted island, I'm going to pray he's with me because I'd be assured that whatever varmints were caught would be safely cooked to proper temperature over a fire!
The boys are hurrying to get showered and into pajamas so that they can watch the whole event. It is quite exciting.
Other notes flitting randomly through my head:
*Use the dishwasher liberally. Fill it up with everything possible and get out of the kitchen.
*Everybody's posting about their new year's diet. In rebellion I ate some M&Ms before I posted. I know I mentioned in my list for 2007 about walking on the treadmill, but that's not to lose weight. It's so that the weight I'm maintaining doesn't jiggle as much.
*I think Eddie Bauer has Ann Taylor"ed" their sizes because I now wear a smaller size in their clothes than usual.
*It was a good day.
*Muchas gracias to the friend who invited the boys for a playdate today. They're still talking about the fun they had.
Gotta run, the fire is starting!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Since I'm still on the whole new year's kick...
I've been thinking about 10 things that I'd like to do this year. Here they are in no particular order, other than randomness.
1) Read the Mitford series of books
2) Take up knitting again
3) Learn how to use the digital camera so I can upload pics to this blog (I realize that I may be the last mommy blogger in the known world who cannot currently do this--patience, dear friends)
4) Take a weekend trip with the great man and no future greats--somewhere in the mountains (gee, I hope he reads this!)
5) Return to a 3 times a week treadmill routine
6) Return to baking homemade bread (which makes #5 all the more important to do!)
7) Take a weekend trip with some girlfriends that involves lots of giggling & lots of chocolate, and a little bit of shopping, dependent on the ole' checking account thingy
8) Learn how to crochet (after I've finished a few knitting projects)
9) Institute monthly "dates" with my future greats so that their training for how to treat a lady begins with special time with mom
10) Be consistent with blogging so that my writing improves and complete thoughts continue
While I haven't finished framing my particular spiritual goals, I do have some ideas:
1) To press on with better Scripture memory
2) To be diligent in my study and teaching
3) To read more of the classics on theology (still working on that list!)
The upside to goals is having a target at which to aim. The downside is fighting discouragement when the target is not hit. Sanctification occurs somewhere in between the two.
Philippians 3:12 "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus."
1) Read the Mitford series of books
2) Take up knitting again
3) Learn how to use the digital camera so I can upload pics to this blog (I realize that I may be the last mommy blogger in the known world who cannot currently do this--patience, dear friends)
4) Take a weekend trip with the great man and no future greats--somewhere in the mountains (gee, I hope he reads this!)
5) Return to a 3 times a week treadmill routine
6) Return to baking homemade bread (which makes #5 all the more important to do!)
7) Take a weekend trip with some girlfriends that involves lots of giggling & lots of chocolate, and a little bit of shopping, dependent on the ole' checking account thingy
8) Learn how to crochet (after I've finished a few knitting projects)
9) Institute monthly "dates" with my future greats so that their training for how to treat a lady begins with special time with mom
10) Be consistent with blogging so that my writing improves and complete thoughts continue
While I haven't finished framing my particular spiritual goals, I do have some ideas:
1) To press on with better Scripture memory
2) To be diligent in my study and teaching
3) To read more of the classics on theology (still working on that list!)
The upside to goals is having a target at which to aim. The downside is fighting discouragement when the target is not hit. Sanctification occurs somewhere in between the two.
Philippians 3:12 "Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus."
Happy 2007!
New Year's Eve at this house last night was just plain....ordinary. Our initial plans had included having friends over to play double canasta and eat yummy snacks until the midnight tolled but 2 out of 3 future greats are sniffling, snorting, and coughing up their lungs. So we cancelled what would have otherwise been an *exciting* time!
Instead, the great man was downstairs in the basement *cleaning* or as he candidly admitted was probably just moving stuff around. I lounged on the red couch to the tune of some football games and then spent 1 1/2 hours in front of the computer taking an HTML tutorial, found at http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp. When I reached the sections on HTML code for colors, my eyes (and brain) lost all focus.
But wouldn't you know that 2007 still arrived. There's just no stopping of time. Unless you're in line at WalMart on New Year's Day buying your family's lunch at 1:28 p.m.
This morning was lazy--breakfast at 10, lunch at 2, who knows when supper will happen. There are no plans for any traditional New Year's Day lunch. And I'm perfectly all right with that. While I don't buy in to the whole black eyed peas tale, I do keep hearing my mom's voice, "Whatever you do the first day of the year, you do the rest of the year."
Well, I genuinely hope so. It has been relaxing and easygoing. If our family accomplished any goals from last year, it was to take stock of the rat race and opt out on a couple of things. There is still much to be done in decluttering, de-rushing, and de-stressing, but just being able to write January 1, 2007 on the first check of a new checkbook, made me feel all fresh inside.
Here's to a new year!
Instead, the great man was downstairs in the basement *cleaning* or as he candidly admitted was probably just moving stuff around. I lounged on the red couch to the tune of some football games and then spent 1 1/2 hours in front of the computer taking an HTML tutorial, found at http://www.w3schools.com/html/default.asp. When I reached the sections on HTML code for colors, my eyes (and brain) lost all focus.
But wouldn't you know that 2007 still arrived. There's just no stopping of time. Unless you're in line at WalMart on New Year's Day buying your family's lunch at 1:28 p.m.
This morning was lazy--breakfast at 10, lunch at 2, who knows when supper will happen. There are no plans for any traditional New Year's Day lunch. And I'm perfectly all right with that. While I don't buy in to the whole black eyed peas tale, I do keep hearing my mom's voice, "Whatever you do the first day of the year, you do the rest of the year."
Well, I genuinely hope so. It has been relaxing and easygoing. If our family accomplished any goals from last year, it was to take stock of the rat race and opt out on a couple of things. There is still much to be done in decluttering, de-rushing, and de-stressing, but just being able to write January 1, 2007 on the first check of a new checkbook, made me feel all fresh inside.
Here's to a new year!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Last day of the year...
and what do I want to write?
No idea. There's this internal pressure of blogging to write something distinctively witty and engaging for special events--blogging anniversary, national holidays, cultural events, and the last day of the year.
Still no idea. At least no idea for anything distinctively witty. How about some history? Maybe that will launch some complete thoughts.
New Year's Day for me as a child was almost as big an event as Thanksgiving. My mom would work all day on the 31st, in the kitchen, to cook all the fixin's of a Southern New Year's day dinner. We'd have ham, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, rolls, black eyed peas, congealed salad something, and whatever else took her fancy. My dad was not a fan of collard greens, but I remember them a couple of years anyway. I was never and to this day am still not a fan of sweet potatoes and black eyed peas. As a child I was made to eat at least one bite. But during my freshman year of college while I was home on break, I rebelled. I told my mom that this New Year's I was not going to eat sweet potatoes or black eyed peas. I told her that I had been making food choices on my own for almost 5 months at college and those two items were not on my list.
My mom was astonished and furious. She told me that the black eyed peas would bring me financial increase--I didn't care. She told me that she had worked hard to cook them--I told her thank you for the effort, no thank you for that dish. She told me that I would have to iron as consequence for rebellion against the black eyed peas. And she warned me that ironing on New Year's Day would bring bad luck. I told her I didn't care, I wasn't eating them.
For whatever reason, that New Year's Day memory is one of my most significant. Mom doesn't remember it whatsoever, and our relationship was not irreparably injured because of black eyed peas. To me, it was a step in establishing my own path as related to college but also for life. I know that I made choices then (and probably still do) that raised the eyebrows. But to my parents' credit, they let me forge my own path, prayed for me in it, and loved me anyway.
In years since, New Year's has never been what I expected it to be, but then the year itself has never been what I expected it to be. Every year is more of a process of setting new goals and forging new paths and reaping consequences, both good and bad, for choices made. Hopefully, there's less rebellion driving my decisions, but I'm sure there's still some.
So for this last day of the year, my thoughts are more along the lines of things that I'd like to work towards in 2007. Whether it's things that I didn't quite accomplish last year that I want to finish, or it's new things all together as God has given me new desires.
I have some goals, I have some ideas, I have some paths I'd like to explore, but they're not fleshed out enough to write about yet. Stay tuned. One thing I can tell you for certain is that I will not be eating black eyed peas.
Happy New Year! May 2007 be a year of blessing in your life!
No idea. There's this internal pressure of blogging to write something distinctively witty and engaging for special events--blogging anniversary, national holidays, cultural events, and the last day of the year.
Still no idea. At least no idea for anything distinctively witty. How about some history? Maybe that will launch some complete thoughts.
New Year's Day for me as a child was almost as big an event as Thanksgiving. My mom would work all day on the 31st, in the kitchen, to cook all the fixin's of a Southern New Year's day dinner. We'd have ham, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, rolls, black eyed peas, congealed salad something, and whatever else took her fancy. My dad was not a fan of collard greens, but I remember them a couple of years anyway. I was never and to this day am still not a fan of sweet potatoes and black eyed peas. As a child I was made to eat at least one bite. But during my freshman year of college while I was home on break, I rebelled. I told my mom that this New Year's I was not going to eat sweet potatoes or black eyed peas. I told her that I had been making food choices on my own for almost 5 months at college and those two items were not on my list.
My mom was astonished and furious. She told me that the black eyed peas would bring me financial increase--I didn't care. She told me that she had worked hard to cook them--I told her thank you for the effort, no thank you for that dish. She told me that I would have to iron as consequence for rebellion against the black eyed peas. And she warned me that ironing on New Year's Day would bring bad luck. I told her I didn't care, I wasn't eating them.
For whatever reason, that New Year's Day memory is one of my most significant. Mom doesn't remember it whatsoever, and our relationship was not irreparably injured because of black eyed peas. To me, it was a step in establishing my own path as related to college but also for life. I know that I made choices then (and probably still do) that raised the eyebrows. But to my parents' credit, they let me forge my own path, prayed for me in it, and loved me anyway.
In years since, New Year's has never been what I expected it to be, but then the year itself has never been what I expected it to be. Every year is more of a process of setting new goals and forging new paths and reaping consequences, both good and bad, for choices made. Hopefully, there's less rebellion driving my decisions, but I'm sure there's still some.
So for this last day of the year, my thoughts are more along the lines of things that I'd like to work towards in 2007. Whether it's things that I didn't quite accomplish last year that I want to finish, or it's new things all together as God has given me new desires.
I have some goals, I have some ideas, I have some paths I'd like to explore, but they're not fleshed out enough to write about yet. Stay tuned. One thing I can tell you for certain is that I will not be eating black eyed peas.
Happy New Year! May 2007 be a year of blessing in your life!
Friday, December 29, 2006
You dropped the bomb on me...
is what I will be singing, or rather croaking, tomorrow morning after a two hour family fun skate night with friends. Eeeyowie!
These dogs are barking! The bunion is burgeoning! The blister is blossoming! My feet will never be the same again. And there are muscles calling me unpleasant things, reminding me that there are very valid reasons for not trying to skate once a certain person has reached a certain thirty-something age. I'll just have to claim decreasing ability to hear because of age.
Honestly though, I was one grooving mama in my roller skates, the old timey kind because my platform requires the four-wheeling platform and not the four-wheeled blade. It took a few laps to recall the whole left, right, left, right pattern but then, it was like riding a bike--with like riding a bike soreness that follows too. Hands to the side...balance...BALANCE....glide, glide, glide...skate, skate...turn, turn, quickly turn....balance.
Skating at the rink brought back other kinds of pre-adolescent memories--the disco ball, colored lights, too loud music, couple skate, skate tricksters and speedsters, and 12 year old romances giggled over with friends. Those were the days. Days I'm glad to be through with entirely, unless one day I'm the not cool mom sitting on the side watching my sons skate.
Truth be told, I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and the pleased as punch grin of fun on my friend's daughter's face was worth a thousand words. Thanks for the invitation--what a blast from the past!
(And the cats didn't starve because on the way home I bought a bag of dry cat food for them. See, everyone is happy.)
These dogs are barking! The bunion is burgeoning! The blister is blossoming! My feet will never be the same again. And there are muscles calling me unpleasant things, reminding me that there are very valid reasons for not trying to skate once a certain person has reached a certain thirty-something age. I'll just have to claim decreasing ability to hear because of age.
Honestly though, I was one grooving mama in my roller skates, the old timey kind because my platform requires the four-wheeling platform and not the four-wheeled blade. It took a few laps to recall the whole left, right, left, right pattern but then, it was like riding a bike--with like riding a bike soreness that follows too. Hands to the side...balance...BALANCE....glide, glide, glide...skate, skate...turn, turn, quickly turn....balance.
Skating at the rink brought back other kinds of pre-adolescent memories--the disco ball, colored lights, too loud music, couple skate, skate tricksters and speedsters, and 12 year old romances giggled over with friends. Those were the days. Days I'm glad to be through with entirely, unless one day I'm the not cool mom sitting on the side watching my sons skate.
Truth be told, I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and the pleased as punch grin of fun on my friend's daughter's face was worth a thousand words. Thanks for the invitation--what a blast from the past!
(And the cats didn't starve because on the way home I bought a bag of dry cat food for them. See, everyone is happy.)
The cats might starve...
because we are completely out of dry cat food. I've told them they will just have to live on their *ample* fat reserves--that or eat Christmas cookies.
I could go to the grocery store and buy more cat food, but I am alone at my house. The great man, really great I'm thinking right about now, took the 3 future greats to the "property" for a fun day of four wheeler riding, hiking, target shooting & just general "I'm all boy" moments with their cousins and uncle. Woo Hoo! I believe is the proper response.
So I'm home alone--working on some studies, reading some books, taking down some Christmas decorations, thinking about seeing a movie--all by myself. Woo Hoo! again.
The idea of going out just to buy cat food, well, it's not on the top 10 list for things to do today.
Ergo, the cats just might starve.
I could go to the grocery store and buy more cat food, but I am alone at my house. The great man, really great I'm thinking right about now, took the 3 future greats to the "property" for a fun day of four wheeler riding, hiking, target shooting & just general "I'm all boy" moments with their cousins and uncle. Woo Hoo! I believe is the proper response.
So I'm home alone--working on some studies, reading some books, taking down some Christmas decorations, thinking about seeing a movie--all by myself. Woo Hoo! again.
The idea of going out just to buy cat food, well, it's not on the top 10 list for things to do today.
Ergo, the cats just might starve.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Get. These. Christmas. Cookies. Out. Of. This. House.
Seriously! I may never wear the clothes given to me for Christmas if 1) someone doesn't get these cookies out of here or 2) I exercise some self-discipline and quit feeding them into my mouth!
But they're so good! And it will be a whole year before I make them again! And it's just a nibble! The excuses leave a bitter taste, but the cookies sure are sweet.
I suppose the third option would be to let the boys have cookies after every meal, even breakfast. Yeah, that would make me a super cool mom. And they'll certainly burn the calories. I'm liking this idea more and more. And what better way to have them use those new toothbrushes that were in their stockings? A solution may be occurring even as I type!
Boys, it's dessert time all the time until the cookies are gone!
But they're so good! And it will be a whole year before I make them again! And it's just a nibble! The excuses leave a bitter taste, but the cookies sure are sweet.
I suppose the third option would be to let the boys have cookies after every meal, even breakfast. Yeah, that would make me a super cool mom. And they'll certainly burn the calories. I'm liking this idea more and more. And what better way to have them use those new toothbrushes that were in their stockings? A solution may be occurring even as I type!
Boys, it's dessert time all the time until the cookies are gone!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
It's been a full day of unwrapping & exclaiming, whooping & hollering, thanking & hugging! What a great day!
I remember being sad as a teenager thinking that Christmas for me as an adult would never be as exciting as it had been for me as a child because my parents went to great lengths to make the whole day magical. I never thought I could replicate that magic. But as a parent now, albeit with some different traditions of Christmas, there is still something quite incredible in seeing my sons experience the excitement and pleasure in receiving and opening and enjoying gifts. The morning started with Happy Birthday, Jesus and just increased in tempo from there.
I love to see their joyful faces & hear the excited shouts of discovery. And of particular delight to me is how Christmas thankfulness shortcuts any usual sibling quarreling or discontent. That may come tomorrow and will be dealt with accordingly.
But for today, it was just plain merry--to have family all around, to hear laughter and to see smiles--what a terrific gift!
I hope that your Christmas was merry as well! All hail, the Savior is born!
I remember being sad as a teenager thinking that Christmas for me as an adult would never be as exciting as it had been for me as a child because my parents went to great lengths to make the whole day magical. I never thought I could replicate that magic. But as a parent now, albeit with some different traditions of Christmas, there is still something quite incredible in seeing my sons experience the excitement and pleasure in receiving and opening and enjoying gifts. The morning started with Happy Birthday, Jesus and just increased in tempo from there.
I love to see their joyful faces & hear the excited shouts of discovery. And of particular delight to me is how Christmas thankfulness shortcuts any usual sibling quarreling or discontent. That may come tomorrow and will be dealt with accordingly.
But for today, it was just plain merry--to have family all around, to hear laughter and to see smiles--what a terrific gift!
I hope that your Christmas was merry as well! All hail, the Savior is born!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
On Saturday...
I did not wake up with a renewed temperament or attitude because I was up too stinking late the night before being beaten at canasta--twice!--by my dad and my husband! Eeeeegads! It was ghastly! The cards could not have been worse. Every hand contained the Old Maid.
So I went to bed peeved and annoyed with myself for being peeved over a silly card game and peeved that it was so late and extremely annoyed with myself for being peeved that it was so late because I was peeved over a silly card game....yada, yada, yada. It was after midnight and this Christmas elf should have been in bed long before.
Saturday morning was my only hope for sleeping in and instead of my alarm waking me (I'd taken care of that by turning it off!) I awoke to the sounds of two future greats, not being so great, quarreling over a Lego piece.
Well, it almost went downhill from there and for a time it did go downhill because arguments over toys around here almost always result in stuff reduction--their stuff. I had them open every drawer, storage box and cabinet; every shelf, closet nook and cranny and under the bed was searched for errant, improperly stewarded toys.
"Organization will rule!" was the decree from snappish, haven't slept off the peeved feeling yet mom. And the games of stuff reduction began. First step is putting all like things together. Second step is throwing away broken and incomplete pieces, sets, etc. Third step is establishing the give away pile. Fourth step is reorganization of storage for remaining pieces. Fifth step is hauling the trash away. Sixth step is wiping the blood, sweat and tears that ensues from the melee.
Actually most of it occurred without too much harangue because all three were evidently aware of the connection between the wrapped parcels downstairs, their names on gift tags and mom's temperament. Delicately, delicately they worked.
And then I let them eat breakfast.
But before I went to eat breakfast I had to go to the closet and confess my peeved attitude, ask for forgiveness and most of all, for help to behave in the Spirit the rest of the day. God was faithful in answering. The rest of the day was extremely productive, beyond my wildest dreams in that my mom and dad accomplished mucho organization in the library, schoolroom and boys' bedroom.
That type of cleaning will do much for renewing an attitude and temperament. But prayer does more.
Psalm 51:7, 10 "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me."
So I went to bed peeved and annoyed with myself for being peeved over a silly card game and peeved that it was so late and extremely annoyed with myself for being peeved that it was so late because I was peeved over a silly card game....yada, yada, yada. It was after midnight and this Christmas elf should have been in bed long before.
Saturday morning was my only hope for sleeping in and instead of my alarm waking me (I'd taken care of that by turning it off!) I awoke to the sounds of two future greats, not being so great, quarreling over a Lego piece.
Well, it almost went downhill from there and for a time it did go downhill because arguments over toys around here almost always result in stuff reduction--their stuff. I had them open every drawer, storage box and cabinet; every shelf, closet nook and cranny and under the bed was searched for errant, improperly stewarded toys.
"Organization will rule!" was the decree from snappish, haven't slept off the peeved feeling yet mom. And the games of stuff reduction began. First step is putting all like things together. Second step is throwing away broken and incomplete pieces, sets, etc. Third step is establishing the give away pile. Fourth step is reorganization of storage for remaining pieces. Fifth step is hauling the trash away. Sixth step is wiping the blood, sweat and tears that ensues from the melee.
Actually most of it occurred without too much harangue because all three were evidently aware of the connection between the wrapped parcels downstairs, their names on gift tags and mom's temperament. Delicately, delicately they worked.
And then I let them eat breakfast.
But before I went to eat breakfast I had to go to the closet and confess my peeved attitude, ask for forgiveness and most of all, for help to behave in the Spirit the rest of the day. God was faithful in answering. The rest of the day was extremely productive, beyond my wildest dreams in that my mom and dad accomplished mucho organization in the library, schoolroom and boys' bedroom.
That type of cleaning will do much for renewing an attitude and temperament. But prayer does more.
Psalm 51:7, 10 "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Every year about this time...
I start to feel a little bit panicky about the Christmas present thing. Have I remembered gifts for everyone? Is *she* giving me a gift and if *she* does, then do I have something to give back to *her*? Have I found all the gifts for the boys that I've been stashing for the past year? And oh for goodness sake, what am I going to put in the stockings this year besides the traditional M&Ms and toothbrushes? (yes, I know it's a contradictory combination, but it works!)
It's that nagging feeling of "What am I missing?" Similar to the whole "Honey, I think I left the iron on" scenario that occurs 23 miles from home after you've all ready left 14 minutes late. It's very unsettling. And most years I can just dismiss it, chalk it up to the accumulated busyness that's been going on and drink another cup of Chai tea. Except for the glaring reminder of the Bionicles on my kitchen counter.
Two months ago my oldest was downstairs in the basement hammering away with some bent nails on some scrap lumber. He was intent on his creation. I heard the hammering stop and after about 15 minutes, his pounding feet were on their way upstairs. When he came inside, his words jumbled out, "Hey mom, I was looking for some more wood and I saw this box and it had some sawdust on top of it so I thought it might have some more wood inside of it and so I looked and there was a Star Wars ship in there and some books and one of those little Lego things that I got at my birthday and a cowboy belt and a little bow and arrow and oh yeah, some Bionicles. "
"WHAT???"
And he repeated the whole thing.
"Honey, I don't know what you're talking about. Would you please bring the box upstairs and I'll look at it."
"Sure, mom!"
He brings the box upstairs and lo and behold, inside the contents revealed all that he had related plus a couple of Christmas ornaments---and that's when I remembered that these *treasures* belonged to the pile of presents that I had purchased for my darling children TWO YEARS AGO!
Aaaack!
I dispensed all the gifts right then and there---except for the Bionicles. Those things are now banned from the house FOREVER! That's a whole other post.
Anyway, do you see why I'm feeling unsettled? Who knows what other box of treasures might be stored in the basement. Where's the Chai tea?
It's that nagging feeling of "What am I missing?" Similar to the whole "Honey, I think I left the iron on" scenario that occurs 23 miles from home after you've all ready left 14 minutes late. It's very unsettling. And most years I can just dismiss it, chalk it up to the accumulated busyness that's been going on and drink another cup of Chai tea. Except for the glaring reminder of the Bionicles on my kitchen counter.
Two months ago my oldest was downstairs in the basement hammering away with some bent nails on some scrap lumber. He was intent on his creation. I heard the hammering stop and after about 15 minutes, his pounding feet were on their way upstairs. When he came inside, his words jumbled out, "Hey mom, I was looking for some more wood and I saw this box and it had some sawdust on top of it so I thought it might have some more wood inside of it and so I looked and there was a Star Wars ship in there and some books and one of those little Lego things that I got at my birthday and a cowboy belt and a little bow and arrow and oh yeah, some Bionicles. "
"WHAT???"
And he repeated the whole thing.
"Honey, I don't know what you're talking about. Would you please bring the box upstairs and I'll look at it."
"Sure, mom!"
He brings the box upstairs and lo and behold, inside the contents revealed all that he had related plus a couple of Christmas ornaments---and that's when I remembered that these *treasures* belonged to the pile of presents that I had purchased for my darling children TWO YEARS AGO!
Aaaack!
I dispensed all the gifts right then and there---except for the Bionicles. Those things are now banned from the house FOREVER! That's a whole other post.
Anyway, do you see why I'm feeling unsettled? Who knows what other box of treasures might be stored in the basement.
Conversations with a room mom
Me: I've been thinking about what sort of activity we should do for our class Christmas party. What ideas do you have?
Room mom: Wow! I'm so glad that you asked because I was thinking that you could haul all the boys out to Target or WalMart or just some other equally super crowded place swarming with last minute shoppers, and then painstakingly go through the candy aisle to try and decide what sugar filled treat will look most like window panes on the gingerbread houses I'm designing in my mind.
Me: Oh, do you really think it's necessary to have the boys work on gingerbread houses? I mean, do they really need all that candy? Do you, I mean I, really need all of that mess?
Room mom: I can't believe that you'd ask a question like that. I mean, won't your boys feel deprived and therefore, won't you be considered a neglectful, Scroogish and Grinchlike mom for not providing them with candy laden houses that are arguably just too cute? By the way, instead of using traditional gingerbread or graham crackers, I was thinking that to create a stucco like effect we, I mean you, could square off some vanilla wafers. What do you think?
Me: Well, I'm not too keen on that whole carving vanilla wafers thing. But to answer your first question, no, I don't think I'm being Scroogish or Grinchlike to ixnay the ouseshay. I let them have candy and cookies. Trust me, they'll think me a lot more Scroogish or heck, even Marley's ghost of terror and horror, if I have to figure out some gingerbread project thingy. I say we, I mean I, will just buy a roll of sugar cookie dough, let them press out some shapes and sprinkle sparkles to their hearts' content. How about that?
Room mom: I guess that would work. But you know what other people will say about it.
Me: Yes, they'll say "Why, didn't I think of that." Now, let's talk about what you, I mean I, am going to get for my end of year present.
Room mom: Wow! I'm so glad that you asked because I was thinking that you could haul all the boys out to Target or WalMart or just some other equally super crowded place swarming with last minute shoppers, and then painstakingly go through the candy aisle to try and decide what sugar filled treat will look most like window panes on the gingerbread houses I'm designing in my mind.
Me: Oh, do you really think it's necessary to have the boys work on gingerbread houses? I mean, do they really need all that candy? Do you, I mean I, really need all of that mess?
Room mom: I can't believe that you'd ask a question like that. I mean, won't your boys feel deprived and therefore, won't you be considered a neglectful, Scroogish and Grinchlike mom for not providing them with candy laden houses that are arguably just too cute? By the way, instead of using traditional gingerbread or graham crackers, I was thinking that to create a stucco like effect we, I mean you, could square off some vanilla wafers. What do you think?
Me: Well, I'm not too keen on that whole carving vanilla wafers thing. But to answer your first question, no, I don't think I'm being Scroogish or Grinchlike to ixnay the ouseshay. I let them have candy and cookies. Trust me, they'll think me a lot more Scroogish or heck, even Marley's ghost of terror and horror, if I have to figure out some gingerbread project thingy. I say we, I mean I, will just buy a roll of sugar cookie dough, let them press out some shapes and sprinkle sparkles to their hearts' content. How about that?
Room mom: I guess that would work. But you know what other people will say about it.
Me: Yes, they'll say "Why, didn't I think of that." Now, let's talk about what you, I mean I, am going to get for my end of year present.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Third day update
Well, it's the third day of homeschooling, and at last check I still had a head of hair and none have turned shock white in the past 72 hours. I also looked at the future greats and all three still had their heads. Obviously I can't claim any veteran success at only day 3, but I can say what has delighted me in the last 72 hours.
1) The future greats receive an additional 45 minutes of sleep which does wonders for their temperaments and attitudes.
2) Reference #1 and factor in how it helps my temperament and attitude.
3) I receive an additional 30 minutes of sleep which does wonders for my temperament and attitude.
4) Reference #3 and factor in how it helps the general household climate.
5) Breakfast is just breakfast with no spelling tests, math facts, phonogram reviews, or finishing touches on "parent homework" (otherwise known as projects).
6) Parenting opportunities that arise are efficiently dealt with by a mom with renewed temperament & attitude (see #1 & #3).
7) Parenting opportunities that arise are received by any future great with renewed temperament & attitude (see #1 & #3).
8) Daddy gets to eat lunch with us all--most days so far.
9) Lunch means school is finished.
10) School is finished at lunch which means there is no homework.
11) School is finished at lunch which means that with the current seasonably warm weather being experienced, all future greats head outside for "recess" and "physical education".
12) #11 plus "free" and/or "alone" time for mom is now in my own house amongst my own comforts instead of in a carpool line.
13) There is no carpool, unless there's a logjam of bodies in the hall or on the stairs while coming downstairs for breakfast.
14) There are no school uniforms, unless you count the track pants and Batman t-shirts as one.
15) Sitting on the couch snuggling and reading with the future greats counts for language arts.
16) Learning with the future greats instead of having to call another mom and figure out what in the world the homework means.
17) Learning that when a future great understands a concept I can move him on to the next lesson rather than have him frustrated and bored at the slower speeds otherwise required.
18) I can teach and prepare supper at the same time.
19) I can teach and drink coffee at the same time--could have probably done this anyway but doing anything and drinking coffee at the same time just seemed to be a bonus.
20) They like the stickers and stamps that I give out for well done work.
That's just a current observable top twenty for the time being. I hope to be able to add to the list. Today just seemed to be a keynote of blessing that God has allowed for our lives. I promise to be authentic though and also write in on the days that even renewed temperaments and attitudes do not hold up under the pressures.
But today was a blessing and for everyone who likes to say, "I'm just taking it one day at a time." This was a day to take, to enjoy, and for which to be thankful.
1) The future greats receive an additional 45 minutes of sleep which does wonders for their temperaments and attitudes.
2) Reference #1 and factor in how it helps my temperament and attitude.
3) I receive an additional 30 minutes of sleep which does wonders for my temperament and attitude.
4) Reference #3 and factor in how it helps the general household climate.
5) Breakfast is just breakfast with no spelling tests, math facts, phonogram reviews, or finishing touches on "parent homework" (otherwise known as projects).
6) Parenting opportunities that arise are efficiently dealt with by a mom with renewed temperament & attitude (see #1 & #3).
7) Parenting opportunities that arise are received by any future great with renewed temperament & attitude (see #1 & #3).
8) Daddy gets to eat lunch with us all--most days so far.
9) Lunch means school is finished.
10) School is finished at lunch which means there is no homework.
11) School is finished at lunch which means that with the current seasonably warm weather being experienced, all future greats head outside for "recess" and "physical education".
12) #11 plus "free" and/or "alone" time for mom is now in my own house amongst my own comforts instead of in a carpool line.
13) There is no carpool, unless there's a logjam of bodies in the hall or on the stairs while coming downstairs for breakfast.
14) There are no school uniforms, unless you count the track pants and Batman t-shirts as one.
15) Sitting on the couch snuggling and reading with the future greats counts for language arts.
16) Learning with the future greats instead of having to call another mom and figure out what in the world the homework means.
17) Learning that when a future great understands a concept I can move him on to the next lesson rather than have him frustrated and bored at the slower speeds otherwise required.
18) I can teach and prepare supper at the same time.
19) I can teach and drink coffee at the same time--could have probably done this anyway but doing anything and drinking coffee at the same time just seemed to be a bonus.
20) They like the stickers and stamps that I give out for well done work.
That's just a current observable top twenty for the time being. I hope to be able to add to the list. Today just seemed to be a keynote of blessing that God has allowed for our lives. I promise to be authentic though and also write in on the days that even renewed temperaments and attitudes do not hold up under the pressures.
But today was a blessing and for everyone who likes to say, "I'm just taking it one day at a time." This was a day to take, to enjoy, and for which to be thankful.
It's a Carnival!
When I think of carnivals I'm transported back as a child to memories that cause me to immediately smell popcorn and cotton candy, buttery grilled corn and killer-sweet funnel cakes. I can hear calliope music and the din of a crowd pushing to ride the ferris wheel, hear the bells and whistles of carnival games and the banter of callers urging people to pay "$5.00 for 3 balls! Knock the pins down!".
So obviously when I first entered the blogging world and read about these "carnivals" I only had childhood memories as a reference. Blogging carnivals don't have the popcorn and cotton candy, although you could probably snack on such things while reading. And blog carnivals don't feature calliope music, although some sophisticated sites do have music accompaniment. However, the point of a blog carnival is not unlike the enjoyment of a childhood carnival. As a child I was amazed at all the fascinating things that the carnival provided from the Bearded Lady to the Smallest/Strongest Man in the World. At blog carnivals I'm thrilled by all of the good writing. Many talented people from all over the blogging world gather before an inquisitive audience to read others' writings on all sorts of topics related to a particular theme. A blogging carnival is a menagerie of ideas on one theme.
And by golly, balls of jolly, I decided to jump in and join the Carnival of Homeschooling. So if you're so inclined and would like to read about some varied topics related to homeschooling, please go visit at Principled Discovery for the 51st Carnival of Homeschooling. No callers will try to have you flip the penny in the plate at only $2.50 a chance. And you'll have to bring your own popcorn and funnel cake. But it's well worth the visit! Have fun at the Carnival!
So obviously when I first entered the blogging world and read about these "carnivals" I only had childhood memories as a reference. Blogging carnivals don't have the popcorn and cotton candy, although you could probably snack on such things while reading. And blog carnivals don't feature calliope music, although some sophisticated sites do have music accompaniment. However, the point of a blog carnival is not unlike the enjoyment of a childhood carnival. As a child I was amazed at all the fascinating things that the carnival provided from the Bearded Lady to the Smallest/Strongest Man in the World. At blog carnivals I'm thrilled by all of the good writing. Many talented people from all over the blogging world gather before an inquisitive audience to read others' writings on all sorts of topics related to a particular theme. A blogging carnival is a menagerie of ideas on one theme.
And by golly, balls of jolly, I decided to jump in and join the Carnival of Homeschooling. So if you're so inclined and would like to read about some varied topics related to homeschooling, please go visit at Principled Discovery for the 51st Carnival of Homeschooling. No callers will try to have you flip the penny in the plate at only $2.50 a chance. And you'll have to bring your own popcorn and funnel cake. But it's well worth the visit! Have fun at the Carnival!
Monday, December 18, 2006
World's worst wrapping award goes to....
Me!! Yes, indeedy! I'm a paper stretching piecer who is spatially challenged when it comes to figuring out the size of the paper to the gift. But in receipt of today's award I want to thank everyone involved in the whole Christmas paper wrapping scam, I mean, business.
I'd like to especially thank the wrapping paper companies who do not spend extra to have printed lines on one side of the paper for people like myself who are cut-in-a-straight-line-with-scissors challenged. I also want to thank the tape companies who thoughtfully produce handy dispensers that do not shear the tape cleanly with one pull but instead require multiple pulls whereby each yank creates an imprint on the tape and results in a wadded mess.
I'm particularly fond of wrapping paper that is virtually transparent, allowing curious children to see what's wrapped, although when rolled up on the tube seemed impenetrably thick due to the depicted nose-glowing reindeer antics. And don't let me forget to thank the various stores that sell wrapping paper in one size only at highway robbery prices even though virtually every gift needing wrapping requires super-sized paper at terroristic prices.
Ah, yes, the joy of wrapping is heralded around here with elfin glee. Maybe you're thinking, "Just go to gift bags." Well, dear reader, that option has been tried but a couple of things keep coming up, 1) 3 curious children and 2) 2 curious cats. Plus the fact that to buy a gift bag large enough to hold certain gifts, I'd have to tack on an additional $12.00 per gift! I use them when I can because even I, a defunct wrapper, can wad and stuff some tissue paper around a gift.
In fact, gift bags aren't the only concession made around here for those curious cats. I had to give up pretty bows on all the packages years ago because of cat #1's penchant for eating them and then yacking the pretty bow all over the carpet. Cat #2 loves to stick his neck through a ribbon and then haul his fluffy tail around the house believing the package to be possessed and chasing him. No shortcuts on Christmas entertainment, here!
So, to the trenches for wrapping. A task that must be done simply because there's nothing quite like the flurry of unwrapping that occurs Christmas morn to make all the bad wrapping jobs quite so worthwhile!
I'd like to especially thank the wrapping paper companies who do not spend extra to have printed lines on one side of the paper for people like myself who are cut-in-a-straight-line-with-scissors challenged. I also want to thank the tape companies who thoughtfully produce handy dispensers that do not shear the tape cleanly with one pull but instead require multiple pulls whereby each yank creates an imprint on the tape and results in a wadded mess.
I'm particularly fond of wrapping paper that is virtually transparent, allowing curious children to see what's wrapped, although when rolled up on the tube seemed impenetrably thick due to the depicted nose-glowing reindeer antics. And don't let me forget to thank the various stores that sell wrapping paper in one size only at highway robbery prices even though virtually every gift needing wrapping requires super-sized paper at terroristic prices.
Ah, yes, the joy of wrapping is heralded around here with elfin glee. Maybe you're thinking, "Just go to gift bags." Well, dear reader, that option has been tried but a couple of things keep coming up, 1) 3 curious children and 2) 2 curious cats. Plus the fact that to buy a gift bag large enough to hold certain gifts, I'd have to tack on an additional $12.00 per gift! I use them when I can because even I, a defunct wrapper, can wad and stuff some tissue paper around a gift.
In fact, gift bags aren't the only concession made around here for those curious cats. I had to give up pretty bows on all the packages years ago because of cat #1's penchant for eating them and then yacking the pretty bow all over the carpet. Cat #2 loves to stick his neck through a ribbon and then haul his fluffy tail around the house believing the package to be possessed and chasing him. No shortcuts on Christmas entertainment, here!
So, to the trenches for wrapping. A task that must be done simply because there's nothing quite like the flurry of unwrapping that occurs Christmas morn to make all the bad wrapping jobs quite so worthwhile!
First day...
Today was the first day of homeschooling--official homeschooling now duly noted on the school board books official, with the whole capital "O" Official!
Wow! Am I glad that first day is over! And not because the first day was horrible. In fact, the first day was actually quite good, pretty encouraging, and filled with those moments of "Gee, I'm glad I'm doing this and not doing what I would have been doing."
I'm glad that the first day is over because the "first day" has all its moments of anticipation and associated fear that come with any big venture. Like, the first time you spend the night at your parents' house as a married couple or the first time you give birth. Lots of anticipation and associated fear!
Really, though, today was truly nice. The future greats were allowed to sleep in until 7:15 but they woke up early and excited so decided to get up and get ready. I had told them the night before that they had until 8:00 to accomplish their morning tasks--breakfast, room, brushing teeth, etc. Any free time between their tasks and 8:00 was theirs to use within all ready known parameters.
Then at 8:00 we prayed together--me mostly for myself--and we sang Christmas hymns together and discussed what the hymns meant. The boys worked on math--I actually taught a fractions lesson (I realize that any good friends reading this just fell off their computer desk chairs onto the floor--get some smelling salts, will ya?) We also did history, Bible, spelling, memory work, recitation, handwriting, phonograms, reading comprehension, independent reading and group reading. At times I gave the littlest one "learning centers" to do while I worked with the older two. And when I was working individually with the littlest one, the older two did their independent reading.
God definitely blessed the day. I was really blessed at actually seeing them learn, and it was truly fun to watch them discover things. I was reminded of seeing them as babies "find" their hands or feet or realize that a toy made a certain rattle.
I know that today was just a taste of how good it can be, and I know that other days won't run that well at all. But for today I was just truly thankful that when I remember back to the "first day", it will be a sweet and precious memory.
Psalm 30:12 "That my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever."
Wow! Am I glad that first day is over! And not because the first day was horrible. In fact, the first day was actually quite good, pretty encouraging, and filled with those moments of "Gee, I'm glad I'm doing this and not doing what I would have been doing."
I'm glad that the first day is over because the "first day" has all its moments of anticipation and associated fear that come with any big venture. Like, the first time you spend the night at your parents' house as a married couple or the first time you give birth. Lots of anticipation and associated fear!
Really, though, today was truly nice. The future greats were allowed to sleep in until 7:15 but they woke up early and excited so decided to get up and get ready. I had told them the night before that they had until 8:00 to accomplish their morning tasks--breakfast, room, brushing teeth, etc. Any free time between their tasks and 8:00 was theirs to use within all ready known parameters.
Then at 8:00 we prayed together--me mostly for myself--and we sang Christmas hymns together and discussed what the hymns meant. The boys worked on math--I actually taught a fractions lesson (I realize that any good friends reading this just fell off their computer desk chairs onto the floor--get some smelling salts, will ya?) We also did history, Bible, spelling, memory work, recitation, handwriting, phonograms, reading comprehension, independent reading and group reading. At times I gave the littlest one "learning centers" to do while I worked with the older two. And when I was working individually with the littlest one, the older two did their independent reading.
God definitely blessed the day. I was really blessed at actually seeing them learn, and it was truly fun to watch them discover things. I was reminded of seeing them as babies "find" their hands or feet or realize that a toy made a certain rattle.
I know that today was just a taste of how good it can be, and I know that other days won't run that well at all. But for today I was just truly thankful that when I remember back to the "first day", it will be a sweet and precious memory.
Psalm 30:12 "That my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever."
Decorating with any of these?
While trying to name that Christmas tune, one of the future greats said, "Oh yeah, that one's deck the halls with balls of jolly."
It was everything I could do not to snort my coffee.
Hmmm, where did I put those jolly balls?
It was everything I could do not to snort my coffee.
Hmmm, where did I put those jolly balls?
Friday, December 15, 2006
Big changes
We've made big changes around here lately. We've taken the leap to homeschool. The three future greats were at a private school. We've not ever been opposed to homeschooling although I didn't think myself capable, number one; and number two, we were content with the private school.
God changed both circumstances. He moved my heart to seriously consider and desire a greater involvement in my son's schooling. He moved my husband's heart to seriously consider and desire a greater involvement in our son's schooling. And He allowed changes at the private school to occur that caused us both to desire a different environment. God is a God of big changes apparently.
At a Thanksgiving service at our church, my husband gave thanks for the changes citing that not only had God changed our hearts but He had allowed us to be just uncomfortable enough in present circumstances to also desire changes. God is the author of big changes obviously.
So now well supported by the research done into all the possibles of homeschooling, I'm depending on God for more big changes. Things like greater patience, greater self-discipline, greater time management, and greater appreciation for big changes. Well supported by church family and friends, I'm thankful for their prayers and practical help. Well supported by family, who while not completely sure of the outcome, are trusting in the time and effort we've taken to make this decision. Well supported, we move forward knowing that God will continue to make big changes.
Here's to serving a God of big changes!
God changed both circumstances. He moved my heart to seriously consider and desire a greater involvement in my son's schooling. He moved my husband's heart to seriously consider and desire a greater involvement in our son's schooling. And He allowed changes at the private school to occur that caused us both to desire a different environment. God is a God of big changes apparently.
At a Thanksgiving service at our church, my husband gave thanks for the changes citing that not only had God changed our hearts but He had allowed us to be just uncomfortable enough in present circumstances to also desire changes. God is the author of big changes obviously.
So now well supported by the research done into all the possibles of homeschooling, I'm depending on God for more big changes. Things like greater patience, greater self-discipline, greater time management, and greater appreciation for big changes. Well supported by church family and friends, I'm thankful for their prayers and practical help. Well supported by family, who while not completely sure of the outcome, are trusting in the time and effort we've taken to make this decision. Well supported, we move forward knowing that God will continue to make big changes.
Here's to serving a God of big changes!
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