Resting

There is a dishwasher full of clean dishes to be unloaded.  Dirty ones pile in the sink waiting for their time.  I have stepped over beloved blankies abandoned on the floor before breakfast.  A small pile of matchbox cars has been left on the bathroom sink after the owner's hands were cleaned.  A stuffed puppy dressed in doll clothes rests anywhere but a small girl's bed. There is a house to clean before Book Club tonight, food to make, things to plan for church nursery this coming Sunday, and a skit to still write out and perform on that same day.
There is a minivan that needs to be cleaned out before embarking on a Thanksgiving visit.  There is more food to make.  A co-op Thanksgiving lunch following practice for a Christmas program needs to be attended.  A simple kids' Christmas program sloppily rolls around in my head and needs to come out onto paper so it can start being practiced this Sunday.
I have little doubt that each home has similar messes, schedules, commitments, and a sense of overwhelm.  I haven't slept well for days and since I haven't had my shower to clear my head yet today, it's in a fog.  I am cozy wrapped in a big knit cowl with a big slouchy knit hat and a hot cup of chai.  I want to close my eyes to everything I see and pretend it's not there for a little bit.
And you know what?
I'm going to.
I'm not going to neglect it all forever, but I'm going to delay it.  I need to take a moment to be quiet.  Be still.  Rest.  Gather strength.  Gather some of HIS strength.
Thanksgiving is now less than a week away and it is the start of a flurry of what can be a very rushed, stressful season.  Not for me.  Not this year.  This year I will take the time. 
When the first real snowfall happens and those big beautiful flakes greet us as we open the curtains in the morning, I'm going to stop and enjoy it.
When kids climb up with a cuddle and blanket and book to read, I'm going to set aside the phone, laptop, notebook, whatever is taking my attention at that moment, and be snuggled with them.
When friends gather at our home to visit, I won't stress about clearing the table quickly after the meal, getting the dishes in the dishwasher, and trying to set a "perfect" atmosphere.  Because a near perfect atmosphere is when we're all together laughing, sharing, and enjoying each other...whether dishes are piled on the counter, left on the table, or nestled in the dishwasher.
I have the day ahead to clean my house and make food.  I know me - I'll have a schedule laid out by the end of the day that will help me get a grip on the things that need to be done before next Thursday.  I do want to be a good steward of my time.
But for now, so that I can enter everything else with calm and not stress and anxiety, I'm going to take the next few minutes and enjoy my chai and some quiet (with the background noise of kids playing happily downstairs - a good soundtrack indeed!)
And I would encourage you to do the same.  Take a few minutes and rest.  Continue to do so every day.      

Four

Yesterday, while folding the never-ending pile of laundry, I was struck by something I realize I do.

Don't you just hate when that happens sometimes?  Especially when you know it's not a good thing you do.

I realized that whenever someone asks how many kids I have, after I answer, "Four" I always follow up with, "Yeah, we only wanted two but God gave us two bonuses."

I thought that because I had switched from calling two of them "unplanned" to "bonuses" I was doing well.  Yet yesterday I started wondering why I can't just shut my mouth after I say, "four."

Why do I feel like I need to justify why we have four children?  Why do I feel like I need an excuse for having more than two of them?  I can't say it's because of the people we're surrounded by.  My sister has three, one of my sisters-in-law is pregnant with her third, and my other sister-in-law has SIX!  Most of our friends have more than two, many of them are around the three or four mark, some have none.  I've never heard any of them apologize for the amount of kids they have, or even don't have.

So, what is my issue?

I think it's that I didn't think I would have this many kids so sometimes I can't even believe my mouth can form the word "four" in response to the question.  Or maybe I think it's an excuse for looking like a run-down and ragged mother?  "Well, I would look better with two kids, but you know, since I got more than I planned on, I just gave up."

I don't know.  Either way, I am actually thankful for this hard realization that knocked me over yesterday.  I made a commitment to stop apologizing for the number of kids I have.  I envision the next conversation going like this:

Random Person: So, how many kids do you have?

Me: Four

Random Person: Oh, wow.  You have your hands full.  [Because that is almost always what is said next.] 

Me: Yeah, full of awesomeness. 
[Ok, maybe not that. Let's try again:]
Me: Yeah, full of great fun and some chaos thrown in to keep it exciting. 
[A little more realistic.]

So.
Hello, my name is Andrea.  And I have four children. 

They're pretty stinkin' cool and I love them to pieces.

Learning On A Blanket

 

Doing schoolwork at the beach with our friends, the Docters

 

We're about 2 months into our second year of homeschooling.  We've gone through some changes in the last year of how we go about doing school.  As a result, we've (mainly I) have gone through some changes as well.
Last year, I had no idea what I was doing.  People had told me to be flexible with schooling and so I started the year flexible to a fault.  Our first day was horrible and ended with Noah and myself in tears.  I went back to the drawing board and found a great website, confessionsofahomeschooler.com, and I was so inspired by her schooling approach that I tried to copy hers. 
It worked for a short amount of time...kind of.  So I went back to the drawing board again.  This time I tried to copy the "regular" school approach.  I incorporated unit studies and made it try to seem like a school day Noah was used to from the public schools.
It worked for another short amount of time.
Somewhere around November/December, we hit a groove, but it never really felt comfortable.  I was constantly doubting myself and what I was teaching, what I may be missing, and I felt clueless in many ways. It seemed like the year before he had enjoyed writing assignments at school.  However, at home, it always turned into a huge battle with me frustrated and him in tears.
Actually, there were many days that ended in tears for him. Many times the phrase, "I hate homeschooling.  I just want to go back to real school" was expressed.  It hurt.  Thankfully, my sister-in-law who also homeschools was a huge encouragement. 
Despite the fact that our first year did not go as I had anticipated, we ended the year on a pretty good note and Tim and I felt even more confident that this is the journey our family is meant to walk.  I was very excited as a couple of my close friends decided to also homeschool their children going into this year.  There is something very refreshing about community!
Going into this year, I had my planner filled out up to Christmas.  I had my Science, Math, Geography, Copywork, History, and Reading Comprehension curriculum ready to go.  We signed up for a new co-op that was starting in our area.  They offer music, art, and gym for the kids.  We were so excited about everything that we started school a week earlier than we had planned!

 

Zeke at co-op...tired out

So where are we 2 months into it?
I haven't opened my planner since the second week of school.  Every time Noah saw the Reading Comprehension book, he was practically in tears before we started.  I tried two different approaches to it and still he stressed out every time.  I realized I was slipping into a pattern of trying to copy the public school...again. 
A woman from co-op hosted a Homeschool Support Group night where a speaker - a wonderful woman who has been a teacher herself, sent her oldest two kids through the public school system and homeschooled her younger two children - shared her story with us.  She also talked about Common Core, and the majority of the time was spent doing Question and Answer.
Such a weight was lifted off my shoulders!  As she talked, I realized that the way I desired to do school was more than ok!  However, it's a different approach and so I'd always been nervous to do it.  There is formal homeschooling, using curriculum and schedule and tests and workbooks and manipulatives, that looks more like a traditional school layout.  Many families thrive in this set up and it works for them.  It is what I was trying to copy doing, but it just wasn't working for me or my kids.
Then there is informal homeschooling, and that's where we fall.  We don't stick to a strict schedule.  We try to start school at 9:00, but if it's 9:15 or 9:30 or 10:00 before we crack open a book, we don't let that throw us off. 
But wait, you may be thinking.  Don't you care about teaching your kids the importance of being on time?
I do!  That is why, when we go to church, an appointment or an event, or we're meeting someone for a playdate or whatever else, they learn the importance of being on time.  I tell them what time we need to leave and when they will need to start getting their shoes and coats on.  Sometimes we run late, but I think that's typical of many families with kids.  We certainly try not to make a habit of it.

 

Anyways, what next?  Oh, yes.  Curriculum.  We use Saxon Math, Mystery of History, and God's Design for Life (Science.)  Every other book has been put back on the shelf for now.  Maybe we'll pull them out again sometime, but I don't really know.  Actually, Noah also does copywork from a site called Write Through The Bible. 
How in the world are we teaching our kids other important things?
BOOKS!! 
Our family LOVES books.  We love to read - together, individually, however we can.  Noah reads to his younger siblings, Tim reads to them before bed, I read with Noah and Ellie during the afternoon, they all look at books throughout the day.  I am finding this is one of the best ways for our family to learn.

 

Field trip to Potter Park Zoo with the Docters and Bakers

Example:

Last Friday we were meeting some other homeschool families at a local farm for a tour.  On the way there, I was reflecting on some things I had learned the night before - which was the second Homeschool Support Group meeting - on development and if we should be concerned about our kids knowing certain things by certain ages.  I thought again about how Noah most likely could not diagram a sentence; I'm not even sure he could tell you what a noun, adjective, or verb is, although I did teach it to him last year. 
From the back of the van I hear him ask me, "Hey, Mom!  Did you know that the first letter of the Greek alphabet is called Alpha and the second is beta, and that's where the word alphabet came from?  And did you know that the Greeks had everyone around them learn to speak their language so that they could all understand each other?"
"Well, no, buddy," I answered him.  "I don't know if I did know that.  How do you know it?"
"I read it in my Magic Tree House book," he said.
Huh.  Now, I know - and we have been teaching him - that not everything you read in a book (outside of the Bible) is true.  But he sure does learn a lot of things about history in these Magic Tree House Books.  I would really recommend them.  And, yes, some mention Egyptian gods and Roman gods, and those are books that have been great springboards for our family to talk about our faith, how it differs, and reiterate why we believe what we do.

Another example is what a woman at the meeting the night before had shared.  She said she has a son who does NOT like school.  He does, however, LOVE forensic science.  She uses what he is interested in to help him learn - math, science, reading...it can all stem from forensic science.  They visit the library and they found an FBI, Jr. website.

 

While crocheting a baby blanket for our friend, Christina, 

we used the blanket to talk about patterns and addition/subtraction (Ellie), 

multiplication (Noah), and colors (Caleb.) 

 

THIS is the kind of learning and teaching I love!  This is how our family is thriving this year.  A helpful thing I heard recently was (summed up) "A person's weakness is always going to be their weakness.  We need to stop wasting time trying to make a child's weakness his strength and instead focus on, still encouraging them to learn in the area of the weakness, building up their strengths."  I want to take the things my kids are interested in and have their learning come from that.  It keeps them engaged, and is a great way to show the practical application of the subjects they're learning.

Whew.  Sorry, I probably got a bit intense there.

 

While learning about the Ice Age, they tried to see how long 

they could hold an ice cube in their hand.

So how has this approach changed us?
*I'm enjoying my kids more.  Yes, in some ways I have to think and plan a little more since I'm not relying on a laid-out curriculum. It is so neat to learn alongside them many things I didn't know!

 

Ellie drew this picture of the two of us and it makes my heart smile.

Homeschooling has actually been good in nurturing our mother/daughter relationship.

 

*It teaches me flexibility.  I can have as many plans in place as I want, but the Lord may be leading our family in a different direction that day.  He may want us to learn something else!  It helps me be open to His leading.  Proverbs 19:21 says,

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand."

*It helps my kids see practical application.  I remember asking a high school math teacher, "When am I ever going to use this?" The answer: "Someday when you're an adult."  I never have, though. 

I love what the speaker said was her desire, and that of her husband: that their children love the Lord, love reading, and love learning.  That would determine "success" in their home.  Those are things that have always resonated with Tim and I so it felt natural to look at our schooling in the same light.

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." -Deuteronomy 6:5

"And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him." -Luke 2:40


Does this mean our home is perfect and always peaceful?  No way.  In fact, I just told my two oldest to get their feet out of each other's faces and stop touching each other.  My preschooler still drives me crazy.  Yet I wouldn't trade these days for the quiet emptiness of an empty nest...yet.  :)


 P.S. This post is in no way meant to cause anyone to feel guilt for the decisions they make in the education of their children.  I believe each family is called to prayerfully consider what is best for their individual family.  If that is public school, private school, formal homeschool, informal homeschool, or "un-schooling"...each family needs to reach that decision without the judgment of others.  This writing was mainly for me to share how we have made a shift within our teaching/learning and how it has been better for our family.

Struggle

I've been struggling lately.
I was talking about it with a friend tonight who has been enduring some struggles of her own.
I have felt down.
Depressed.
Lonely.
Overwhelmed.
Like a failure.
Busy, busy, busy, trying to catch a breath within it all.

Yesterday, while having a rough time with my kids during our school time, I actually threatened to send them to public school.
Then I thought to myself - Who actually threatens to send their kid to public school??
A lot of women, it turns out, as I found out today while at our homeschool co-op and listening to other moms who have also been struggling recently.  Five other moms confessed to doing the same thing already this week!

I have been struggling with Caleb the most when it comes to feeling like a Mom failure.  I listen to him try to talk and, while he has come so far, many people still struggle to understand him.  He's been through speech therapy.  Do I send him on to the special education program at the public school where he will be put through more classes?  He's already in chiropractic care and it has definitely helped - do I just continue with that?  What decisions do we make that don't fail our child's future?
He struggles with aggression, often stemming from not being understood, yet I think also coming from being 3 years old and being 3rd out of 4 kids.  He's trying to find his place and make his place and it's not always very friendly.  I feel like he's struggled since birth, right from his being born.  He's a little fighter...in many ways.  

I just feel like I'm failing him somehow.  Mostly him.  Noah is thriving.  Ellie is excelling.  Zeke is a little parrot trying to mimic what everyone is saying and doing as he learns.  Caleb is in a challenging stage right now and I walk around nervous that any decision I make could be wrong.  I have been trying to remind myself today how I never thought I would survive 2-5 years old with Ellie and now she's on the other side and it's such a breath of fresh air.  Maybe I'm just back there but with Caleb, praying it won't last as long.

I listen to all these new homeschooling moms with their lesson plans and schedules and the way they are on task and I wonder if I'm not doing enough.  I have a planner but we're pretty loose in following it.  I have to remind myself that it's ok when our plans for the day change and that's one of the reasons we chose to homeschool - the flexibility.  If we end up throwing math, science, copywork, and history out the window for a day to be outside and enjoying each other then that's ok because it's strengthening our family relationships and encouraging sibling bonding.  That's going to be more important 20 years down the road when they're adults then them knowing the 5 characteristics of a mammal (which they can tell you, so I don't feel like a total teacher failure this week.) 

On top of all those emotions, I just feel drained.  Between trying to sell a house and be on the search for a new house, involved with things at church, and Tim working loooong hours to get a house finished (a 3 week job that has turned into 7 weeks), I think I'm hitting a wall.  My body hit it and is now sick, but you can't really find much time to rest when you're husband's not home to help when the kids are awake.  Blessings upon the single parents out there, because I could not do this for a long period of time.
And this week marks the 9 year anniversary of my miscarriage, which for me has a 2 day significance of finding out the baby was not alive on September 16th and having a D&C on September 18th. Just one more thing to add to my emotions.

This is a downer of a post and I am sorry.  I guess I just wanted to put it out there because I have been talking to so many other moms in the last couple days who seem to be feeling the same way.  I guess I just wanted to say that if you are feeling it - you're not alone!  There must be something in the air or water. 

You know what the GREAT thing is in all of this, though??

We're NOT actually failures.  We're not alone though we feel lonely.  We ARE in struggles, sure, but some Scripture came to my head tonight while I was collapsed on the couch from tucking Caleb into bed for the fifth time.  The first is Ephesians 6:12:

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; ¹⁷ and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, ¹⁸ praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

The second is John 16:33: 

³³ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

So.  The Bible has told me I will have tribulation, trouble.  That sure feels like my week.  It also says that I'm not actually wrestling against flesh and blood but against cosmic powers over this present darkness.  Well that also sounds like my last couple of weeks with the emotional lows.  It also gives me armor to put on, thankfully.  I just have to be the one to do it.  Finally, this passage is what I've been repeating over and over tonight, 2 Corinthians 12:9:

 ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I am weak.  Thankfully, I have a powerful God who gives me strength.  If I was always strong and thinking I could handle things on my own, what need would I have for a Savior? 
The lyrics of this song speak so much to me this week.  I hope they do as well to you.  

 Lord, I need You 
Oh, I need You
Every hour I need You 
My one defense
My righteousness
Oh, God, how I need You.... 

Throwback Thursday

I keep seeing this topic of Throwback Thursday, so when I stumbled across this picture below I figured I would send out my own Throwback.

This is Noah's hospital picture. I can't believe he turned 8 years old last week! Where has the time gone? We love him!

Butterlies

Just stopping in for a quick hello. 

We had our first day of a new homeschool co-op we're participating in this year.  It went really well.  The kids thought it was great and can't wait to go back next week.  They're making new friends and having fun.

Originally, I was going to start our homeschool year on Labor Day Monday, but I think we're ready to start getting into a schedule and regular routine so we're going to start this coming Monday instead.  I get butterflies in my stomach when I think of it.  Good butterflies, but they're there all the same.

Last year was such a transitional year for us since it was our first time learning outside of the "normal school" environment.  I'm not sure yet what to call this year.  I want to find a verse, too.  Last year we used, Luke 2:40:

And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom.  And the favor of God was upon him.

I may even use the same verse again.  We'll see.  Lots of thinking going on in my head right now.

But for now, to bed. 

To The Mom at the Library Today

Dear fellow mom,

I was sitting on the floor, leaning against a bookshelf in the children's section at the library, watching my 19 month old play with blocks.  A young girl plopped next to me, took Zeke into her lap, and started talking away to him, stroking her fingers against his arms and patting his head.  I was a bit surprised that a stranger would come and so boldly do that, and I think Zeke was a bit surprised as well, but he just looked at her and didn't resist.  I looked at her, too.  I noticed her Asian heritage and her Down Syndrome features.  She and I sat in conversation until we were joined by a younger girl, also Asian, also Special Needs, who demanded we face a different direction and watch her play with the large circular turning ball maze thing on the wall.  We were joined by my 3 year old, who was quizzed by this younger girl on the colors of the balls, and I wanted to laugh every time she referred to each of us as "Sweetie Pie" since it made her sound so much older than even me.
I can understand your embarrassment when you found your daughter holding my toddler.  I would probably make apologies as well if my children were found holding babies that were strangers.  But it really didn't bother me.  Both girls were so sweet and gentle and loving and I was right there with them.  I made certain to try to assure you of all that.  You were so apologetic.
My heart cheered for your older daughter when you told me how far she'd come in being gentle with young children and how she is finally able to be your teenage helper in your church nursery.  You could just see this genuine and large love she has for small ones.
And then my heart broke.  It broke when you shared how people at your church would see your daughter coming and they would pick up their babies and walk in the other direction.  It hurt for you when you told me that you and your husband had gotten more than you bargained for when you got these girls.  How you said that 99% of the time you're simply exhausted and weary.
By this time Zeke had gotten up to walk around and it looked like he was followed by ducklings with the way your girls walked after him, so attentive.  And within the second it took me to look at you while you were speaking, your eldest tried to hug Zeke and he tripped, and fell backward, hitting his head on the floor.  I saw the way you tried to hold it together to not speak more harshly to your daughter, while still scolding her with a "That's why you can't hold babies!" I understand, truly.  He calmed so quickly, however, and truly - he falls all throughout the day and this was a pretty small one.
But you gathered your girls up and relented to letting them give Zeke hugs and "I'm sorry"s while I held him.  Then you tried to usher them to the checkout desk and out the door.  I could hear in your voice how very tired you were, how frustrated and ready to snap you seemed.
I felt a prompting to go hug you.  Just to walk over to the desk, give you a hug, and tell you that you are a good mom.  What you're doing is a hard thing, but a good thing.  You welcomed into your home girls who were unwelcome in their world.  You are weary, yes.  You are faced with parenting challenges I cannot relate to, yes.  But these girls are sweet, and it sounds like they have grown and continue to grow under your mothering.
And I ignored it.  I watched you all walk away and felt an immediate guilt for not following the Spirit's prompting to encourage another mother, another tired, weary, worn out, doubt-filled sister.  I apologize.  I know how many times I just want someone to hug me and give a word of encouragement, remind me that the days are long but the years are short, and that it's ok to just have a good long cry sometimes.  I should have done that for you.
I will let it be a reminder to me the importance of encouraging others.

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
~Hebrews 3:13

Flashback

What we were doing a year ago.  The kids and I went to my parents for a couple days to celebrate Noah being done with school. 

Halfway Point Check-In

Since we are here at the beginning of June, I thought I would check in with the goals I shared back here since this puts us halfway through the year. 

Health/Exercise - Our eating habits have definitely changed here!  I am still eating gluten free and feeling good, and I've drastically decreased the amount of gluten the rest of the family was eating.  As a result, we have noticed positive changes in everyone's attitudes and behavior.  Don't get me wrong - we still have our moments!  Especially when, after the kids have been eating gluten-free for a few days, and then they have something - maybe a hamburger bun, or tortilla shell, or a cookie somewhere - we see a switch in them that causes some difficult moments. 
Tim and I have been exercising 6-7 days a week.  Tim especially has surprised me.  He gets up between 5:30 and 6:00, exercises to online videos, reads his Bible, spends some time doing paperwork for his business, and then gets ready for work.  I am so proud of him!  He is creating some great habits.  My friend, Carrie, and I have been working through the guide to running a 5K that is laid out in a good book called, Running Made Easy.  I know, the title made me laugh, too.  Running - easy??  Yet, we've only been running for a little over a month and are already up to 2 1/2 miles this week.  On days we don't run, I try to do arm workouts and just added abs in this week.  I have dropped 2 dress sizes since January and best of all, my body FEELS so much healthier!  There are 2 different 5Ks I am planning on running later this summer, and in the fall, my friend, Jen, and I are running our first 10K.

Finances - About a month ago we started meeting with a financial adviser/counselor.  He has been so helpful.  It's like being in a counseling session yet covering finances as well.  I didn't realize how much stress and tension is relieved by having an outside party to referee/mentor us.  Is there any couple out there who is able to talk about finances together without tensing up?  I would love to meet you!
Part of our challenge is that Tim's business is growing (a praise!  Thank You, God!) but we want to be staying on top of things and making sure we're doing things correctly and well.  Owning a small business is no small deal, and we don't want to drown ourselves with a lack of knowledge or by being too prideful to ask for help.  Since we started meeting with Jim, he has helped us see how we need to separate business and household.  It's a lot of learning and challenges, but we can see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and things should run smoother.
So as for being debt-free, I think it's possible still.  Actually, I almost think it's more possible since we have more of a plan in place.  We also have added a goal of taking our first family vacation this year.  We'd love to go to Florida - not Disney, though. 

Homeschool - we have finished our first year!  We all survived!  The kids and I sat down together last week and talked about the positives and negatives of this past year and what they would like to learn about next year and what kind of changes we could make.  We are all excited to begin again in the fall.  We'll still review things we've learned throughout the summer so that things stay fresh in their head.  I don't want to spend the first weeks back into our fall reviewing everything they just worked so hard to learn.  We are also excited about different families we know who are also starting the homeschool process in the fall, as well as some different opportunities we'd like to participate in. 

Faith - I have been using the devotional book, Jesus Today, by Sarah Young, and continue to be so blessed by it.  The Lord really uses that little book to speak to me, encourage me, correct me, and remind me of His love.  This is also the first stretch of time that I have consistently used a prayer journal. I have tried it in the past and never get more than a couple days into it, but now it has become so much a part of my quiet time and I love having documentation of prayers that end up being answered.  I think one of the greatest things is that when the kids see me sitting with it and my Bible by my side, they know that is my time praying and spending time with the Lord and they know that is a time when Mommy is not available unless it is an emergency.  I try to have it done before they wake up in the morning, but that doesn't always happen. 

And to go back to the verse-of-the-year for our household:

Hebrews 12:11-13 - "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed."

Our hands are drooping less and our knees are getting stronger, but we're still learning discipline - and feel like we're failing at it at times - but praise the Lord, He keeps healing us!

After 10 Years of Marriage...

This is still true in our home. 

Tuesday Treat - A Healthy Snack

3 ingredients?
No turning on the oven?
No sugar, wheat, dairy, or eggs?
Sold.

These healthy no-bake bars are delicious!  We make them once or twice a week in our home for a snack and my kids ask for them for dessert sometimes.  The ingredients are just 1 cup of natural peanut butter, 1 cup of honey, and 3 cups of old fashioned oatmeal.  I have tried a batch with a little bit of dark cocoa added to it but actually preferred it without.  Although maybe I would try it with some mini chocolate chips pressed in. I also would recommend keeping them in the fridge.  There is something delicious about them being chilled.

Give them a try.  They're easy, fast, healthy, and delicious!  What more could you ask for?

Don't Know Much Biology...

While taking a moment to lie down on the bench rocker on our back deck to soak up some Vitamin D, I closed my eyes and hoped for a little catnap while the younger boys slept.  A moment later, I could feel several small spasms/twitches along the inner side of my right foot.  I opened my eyes and found that every time I felt a spasm, my big toe jerked to the side. 
It's one of those surreal moments, really.  I'm looking at my toe moving about in an obvious manner, but not actually initiating the movement by thought.  It reminded me why I am constantly amazed by the human body.
I've always been a little bit of a nerd about the body and started college as a Biology major.  The only problems were that (a) I had no interest in Chemistry or desire to sit through science classes like that, and (b) I had no idea what I wanted to do upon graduating with a Biology degree.  So I switched to Communication Arts, which is an entirely different story.  One memory that sticks in my head is from junior high.  I was walking down the hall with my friend, Karen, and out of nowhere said, "Isn't it so cool the way we just walk without even thinking about it?  I mean, our legs are just moving right now but we don't actually have to think about making them move - we just walk."  To which she responded with a look that read, "You're losing your mind" and the subject was dropped. 

Our household has started seeing a chiropractor recently.  I've been wanting to see one for awhile but was just kind of lazy about doing it.  Finally, I got on the ball and found one in our area who met the requirements we had (we were looking for someone who does nutritional stuff as well.)  I am so glad we have started going!
Tim's job as a painter means that Dr. Levi has his work cut out for him.  He has some issues, which makes sense if you think about the movements and strain his body is experiencing throughout the day.  I had some minor things that needed adjustments and, thankfully, am almost into the maintenance mode.  Ellie and Zeke were probably the least concerns - although I will say this: Zeke is 17 months old today and not walking.  He would stand for small amounts of time on his own, and walk holding your fingers and around furniture or behind a push toy, but would not try it by himself.  He's had 2 appointments and at yesterday's, Dr. Levi mentioned his right hip being a bit locked up and did a couple adjustments.  Since then, he has been standing on his own for long amounts of time and even, after pulling himself up next to the toilet last night after his bath, looked at us and smiled before letting go and taking 4 or 5 steps across the bathroom.  Coincidence?  Possibly, but the timing sure was interesting. 
Noah's lower back was very locked up and contained lots of tension.  I was asked if he has bathroom issues (which he does) and the connection was explained.  He also told Noah that he should have less problems running and being active.  Again, this was interesting to me because there are many times Noah wants to be active and do something - soccer, running, baseball, but then when he actually tries it...he ends up wanting to quit minutes later and does not like it. He really only enjoys riding his bike for activity.  Maybe a connection?  He hasn't tried going for a run or anything since - and he's only had 2 visits - but it will be interesting to see what he says or if it feels easier for him.
And Caleb.  He's up there with Tim on needing more work than the rest of us.  Caleb's birth can be described as a Traumatic Birth Experience because the doctor ended up using the vacuum suction to help him out.  My mom, over the last couple years, has wanted me to take him to a chiropractor or a massage therapist who does cranial sacral work to see if it would help since he's had physical and speech delays.  I never got around to doing it, but now he has it done at his chiropractor appointments.  He's sleeping better at night as a result and we're seeing improvements in him each week, although there is still work to be done.
When I started writing this, I didn't expect to go into all that!  I think I'm just kind of surprised at how much improvement we've felt in our bodies once they started being realigned to what they need to be.  Yet, I don't know why I am because when I stop to think about it, it makes perfect sense why our bodies would function better when things are closer to the way they were created to be.

So if you have a moment today, stop and marvel at the human body and the way God creates us.  We have all these nerves and muscles and organs that create this house for our souls.  Most of the time we move throughout the day, not even really thinking about what our body is actually doing or enduring. 
I know this Scripture can seem like it's on everything at times - especially if it's baby related - but I think it really does fit this post:

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works,

my soul knows it very well."

-Psalm 139:14

She will move mountains

Growing

Loving

Sleeping

Teething

Playing

(Ear) Tubing

Giggling

Munching

Sight-seeing

Coloring while waiting

Pretending

Relaxing

Learning

Wintering

Happy 5th birthday to our lovely Eleanor Lee!

The years have gone quickly with you and I can't believe how you have grown.

You are full of spunk, life, laughter, love, a sensitive heart, a mothering touch, a strong will, a free spirit, and lots of fun.  

We are so very blessed to have you and look forward to watching you continue to grow over the years. 

Your name means "light" and we pray you will be a light shining for the Lord in an often dark world.

We love you dearly, Peanut!

That's right, Jane

Praying Circles

I have tried to read a couple Mark Batterson books in the past.  A few years ago, I picked up "In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day" and got a few pages in.  A couple years ago I tried to read "Radical" and was enjoying it a few a pages in.  I never made it far into either of them.  No offense, Mr. Batterson, if you ever happen to read this.  I think I probably abandoned them for novels I could lose myself in during my brief moments of Mommy-Free-Time. 
Had "The Circle Maker" not come recommended to me by a close friend, and then by my mom, I wouldn't have even picked it up.  I am SO GLAD I did!  It took me about a week to read it.  I was doing so much underlining and jotting notes in the margins, that it took me longer than usual to read a book.  I also didn't want to rush through it but really soak in the words I was reading. 
There were so many verses and stories that really spoke to my heart and I think that last week was the perfect time for me to read this.  I won't give details because I think you should go out and read it yourself.  You won't be disappointed.  

Mumblings on a Monday

I took last week off blogging since we had our own version of Spring Break.  I spent the week making changes to our homeschool schedule and laying out the next two months.  I really want to finish the year strong and I'm excited about what we have planned.

Ellie went to my parents' house to visit for the weekend.  Our household was very mellow and quiet, even with 3 boys.  She is definitely the joie de vivre of our home.

God is up to a lot here.  I'm not ready to share details yet, but I will just say that we are continuing to grow and be stretched.  Through it all, God is good and is showing us ways that He remains our true Provider, Jehovah Jireh.  Thank You, Lord.

I finished a book over the weekend called "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson.  It was a great read and I would highly, highly recommend it.  We're circling some prayers and dreams like Jericho here.

Last week, Tim and I watched a BBC production called "North and South."  It was set during the Industrial Revolution in England.  I wish during high school and college I had the appreciation for history that I do now.  Tonight we are starting another one called "Wives and Daughters."

We have some friends who have chickens and are selling eggs.  We've started buying our eggs from them because the price is good and we can actually see the chickens and their environment.  We stopped at their house this afternoon to check out the addition they're putting on the house.  They have a son who is the same age as Noah and he enjoyed showing Noah the chickens.  They spent a good portion of our visit holding the new chicks they recently purchased.  We came home with some farm fresh eggs that their son had gathered while we were there.  Can I just say I love buying my food like that?  I do.

It was a good, rest-filled weekend overall...always a nice way to start the week. 

A New Season Coming

"For behold, the winter is past;

the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on the earth,

the time of singing has come,

and the voice of the turtledove

is heard in our land."

~Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Happy birthday, Little Man

 It was a tough pregnancy and labor before we were blessed 

to hold you in our arms.

 You seemed to wear a concerned look on your face for awhile.

Daddy and I could understand...you did enter a crazy household.

 There's that worried look again.

 Your first camping trip was when you were 2 1/2 months old.  

We haven't been camping since...not because of you, though. You were great.

 You fit right in.  

 You were Mommy's Little Man...

 and our little Dapper Dan Man.

 The sweet tooth began with cake on your 1st birthday and hasn't left since.

 You liked walks in your stroller.

 And you became Daddy's buddy.

 You had to be in physical therapy and didn't walk until you were 18 months.

And then you ran.

 Daddy and I have always had a soft spot in our hearts for you.

 You love to notice everything.

 And you love to make us laugh by being silly.

 You still tend to wear a concerned look on your face, although you hold your own

against your siblings.

Happy 3rd birthday, Caleb James!

You are a sweet blessing to our lives 

and

WE LOVE YOU

SO MUCH!

He is Risen!

Happy Easter!

Ninja Noah

Beware of lightning fast and stealthy ninjas on Saturdays.