As I sit down to write this blog, there are dishes in the sink...and let's be honest, on the table and the stove too. The kids are in bed, wide awake talking...but in bed nonetheless. The guinea pig needs to be fed (I was in such a hurry to put Abby to bed that I forgot to remind her to feed Keat). A week's worth of laundry is hiding in my bedroom and needs to be folded and put away. And there is blue marker on 4 of my walls.
Not a big deal, except that I have a really busy week coming up with final renovations to complete in our living room, my birthday, dentist appointments for 3 of the 4 of us, a chiropractic appointment for me, homeschool 3 days, Abby's 1st haircut, a playdate, and family coming to visit on Friday. I wish I could just warp speed to the fun family weekend...but then I'd miss all the joys of the journey. However, it's apparent that this week will not be successful without planning. So this is my attempt at planning my week.
Meals
S: Breakfast for dinner: quiche, bacon, hash browns and of course coffee!
M: Going out to dinner to celebrate! Woo-Hoo!! Probably Golden Corral (wow! I feel old...but they do have really good steak!
T: Baked salmon, stir-fry
W: Baked chicken (coated in flax seed again!), tator tots, peas and corn
R: Stuffed green peppers (rice, hamburger) and salad
F: Waterstone Pizza with the in-laws!
S: ????
Because the week is so busy, my goal is to avoid the grocery store, so I'm cleaning out the pantry and freezer. :)
Homeschool Schedule: (It will likely be a light week for us)
M: Bible (Veggie Tales: A Very Veggie Devotional Book),
Copywork for Abby (another letter from Keat to trace) , shape puzzles for Caed.
Reading (Dawn Treader, and various books about guinea pigs and trucks from the library)
W: Bible (worksheet from church)
Copywork for Abby, the color brown for Caedmon
Art, drawing on the floor mat together with markers
Dentist prep. Watching Elmo's World: Teeth. Helping Abby mentally prepare for the dentist appointment
R: Bible (Jesus Heals a Blind Man, Children's Bible)
Reading to Keat (An attempt at getting Abby comfortable with reading. I allow her to sit with Keat and tell him stories from books without me watching over her). And I'll be reading Dr. Seuss books to Caed.
Sorting: having Abby help me with my final sorting and matching of baby clothes in preparation for a large consignment sale in Lynchburg called Kidzkraze. (It starts on Monday. You should come! (Check it out at http://www.kidzkrazesale.com/))
Chores and Other Stuff
M: Helping Caedmon clean the marker off the wall. Yes...he will be learning about the Magic Eraser!
Laundry
T: I'll be spending the early afternoon with a friend (We call it a playdate for the kids, but really it's for us mommies!) The evening will include final touches of paint in the living room and I'm ambitiously hoping to complete priming and painting in the hall.
W: Organizing toys and homeschool stuff on the sun porch.
R: Finishing up consignment prep and laundry.
F: Clean bathroom and kitchen and then relax with the fam!
This is my plan for the week, an attempt to help me organize. Nothing is set in stone, and I can almost guarantee several episodes of Blue's Clues or Signing Times or even a good looooong movie like Cars will be thrown into the mix.
I do not prefer to be so busy. In fact, one reason we moved out to the country was to have a slower pace. But there is much to be learned even in the midst of hectic, full weeks. My prayer is that I do not miss what God wants to show me. I can already sense a greater dependence upon Him as I plan. Chores need to be done, but I want to make it enjoyable for me and for my kids. And I want to be open to God's interruptions in my life. So if you think of me this week, pray that I will have ears to hear God's leading in the same way that it is written in Isaiah 30:21: "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
My Dad - A La Mode
Today, my Dad turned 65! Woo-Hoo, Dad!!! You've finally made it officially to retirement! I've spent the day reflecting on my dad and many of the things he has taught me through the years. I thought I would dedicate this space to him this evening in honor of the wonderful father that he is!
One of my earliest memories of my dad is his laugh. He has one of those contagious kinds of laughs. You know, the kind that makes you giggle even if you don't know what you are giggling about! As a kid, I was always afraid of going to bed at night. Even with 10 stuffed animals in my bed to protect me, the dark scared me. I found so much comfort in going to bed early while my parents were still awake. I would lay there hugging my favorite lion, Leo, listening to my mom and dad talk and laugh until I drifted off to sleep. I felt safe when I heard his laughter.
My dad also taught me a great deal about compassion and love for other people. We always said, "Dad has never met a stranger." I really don't think he has! It never mattered where we would go, he would always strike up a conversation with someone. I can remember going to the mall with Dad would take hours. Not because he would shop that long, necessarily (though he was able to majorly kill time in the tool section at Sears). But we would stop at every store and converse with people all along the journey from one end of the mall to the other. I would sometimes complain about having to wait so long, but to be honest, I enjoyed standing next to my Dad and interjecting my "two cents" when I could. It made me feel grown up!
Dad also showed me what it means to love and be dedicated to family members. My Dad was extremely devoted to his family. Anytime his mom or dad or brother needed him, he would drop everything to help them. He even invited my grandma to live with us after my grandpa died because she had a difficult time living alone. (I guess she found comfort in my Dad's laughter at night too!)
Once, my Dad was grilling steaks on our back deck. He was SO excited about these steaks. My Uncle Joe came over to have my Dad fix a watch band. Dad, being very consumed in helping his brother, completely forgot about his steaks...that is until he saw the smoke! He literally ran through the screen door onto the back porch...put a hole right through the middle. For years after that, we had yellow string threaded through the screen so that Dad would be able to see the door! But I don't recall Dad getting angry about the situation. I only remember laughing... A LOT!
Many people know that Dad loved radios. He was very interested in CB radios. In fact, I was named after one of his CB friends! But what many do not know about my Dad is that he had a dream to move to Cincinnati, OH and become a radio announcer. He worked at a local radio station while dating my Mom, and dreamed of doing radio his entire life. He would have been great at it too! What stopped him? His dedication to family. He saw that his parents needed him and recognized my Mom's desire to be near her family. So, he put aside his dream and raised a family...near family. That takes courage in my opinion.
I think it's my Dad that even stirred a sense of passion for missions in my heart. Remember the commercials that used to come on TV in the 80's about children starving in Ethiopia? Every time we would see those commercials, my Dad would remind me to pray for those children because their needs were so great. Images like that stick with a young heart. I would pray for those kids, as earnestly as I knew how. To this day, my heart breaks for people who are in need.
Dad not only loved people, he loved animals too. He was my partner in crime in helping me convince my mom of allowing pets into our home. My first pet was a blond hamster named Duke. To me, Duke was as good as any dog. I even walked around the block with him on a shoe string leash! I think my Dad secretly loved Duke as much as I did. Once, Duke was sitting on my shoulder and fell off onto the kitchen floor. Crying, I took him to my Dad and he did the unbelievable! He gave CPR to my hamster...and actually revived him! Oh yes! My Dad is a hero! A year later when Duke died, Dad gave him the most rousing eulogy I've ever heard.
Years later, it was my Dad that finally convinced my Mom to let me have a puppy! Going to pick out my new siberian huskey puppy with my Dad is one of my most exciting memories. Nikki and my Dad have many of their own adventures to speak of...but I'll let my Dad be the one to tell you those! :)
Oh, and then there was learning to drive. I never took a driver's ed course. I learned my excellent driving skills from my Dad...but not without a few mishaps! Eager to get behind the wheel at 15, my Dad took me onto Gatewood Road, a curvy and narrow road. I think my Dad's technique for taming my enthusiasm for the open road came in the form of fear. Each time we came to an oncoming car, my Dad would make me pull over onto the side of the road. I was 18 and ready for college before I felt like I could pass another car without asking permission first! After driving on Gatewood Road, I was terrified of oncoming cars and going more than 25 mph. I guess he figured that if I were able to survive Gatewood, then I could probably survive anywhere! But I did get back at him. There was a time when we were driving that I splashed through a deep mud puddle at such speed that my Dad thought he was going to lose his arm on a nearby mailbox. I just looked over at him and smiled and said, "Sorry Dad!".
There was one time that I pulled out in front of another car on the way to church and nearly caused an accident. Completely shaken and in tears, I pulled off the road. I wanted to get out and let him drive the rest of the way, but he did something absolutely wonderful! He wouldn't let me get out of the driver's seat. He made me continue to drive to church. It was such an amazing moment because he proved the depth of his trust in me and helped me to believe in myself. He taught me to never give up, to keep working at it!
There are SO many other things to share, like the sacrifices he made so that I could go on the 8th grade trip to New Orleans with my friends. Even though we did not have the money for such a trip, he worked over time and even provided me with money to buy new clothes to wear on the trip. There is also the time in high school when every one of my girl friends received a special Valentine's Day sucker from a particular boy...except me. I came home crying. My Dad took me out that night for a special dinner and shopping. I think he even bought me chocolate! Or the time in college when I was going through a terrible breakup with a boy. My overprotective father called the young man in his college dorm and told him to leave me alone and stop dragging the break up on and on. I was furious when I found out...but now that I'm a parent, I TOTALLY get it!! And there was the time that he called me the 2nd day of my honeymoon just because he missed me and was thinking of me. :)
My Dad, Robert Lee Bragg, has shaped my life in unbelievable ways! I am so grateful for the myriad of sacrifices he made for me and for the love he has unconditionally showered on me my entire life! I love you, Daddy! Happy 65th Birthday!
One of my earliest memories of my dad is his laugh. He has one of those contagious kinds of laughs. You know, the kind that makes you giggle even if you don't know what you are giggling about! As a kid, I was always afraid of going to bed at night. Even with 10 stuffed animals in my bed to protect me, the dark scared me. I found so much comfort in going to bed early while my parents were still awake. I would lay there hugging my favorite lion, Leo, listening to my mom and dad talk and laugh until I drifted off to sleep. I felt safe when I heard his laughter.
My dad also taught me a great deal about compassion and love for other people. We always said, "Dad has never met a stranger." I really don't think he has! It never mattered where we would go, he would always strike up a conversation with someone. I can remember going to the mall with Dad would take hours. Not because he would shop that long, necessarily (though he was able to majorly kill time in the tool section at Sears). But we would stop at every store and converse with people all along the journey from one end of the mall to the other. I would sometimes complain about having to wait so long, but to be honest, I enjoyed standing next to my Dad and interjecting my "two cents" when I could. It made me feel grown up!
Dad also showed me what it means to love and be dedicated to family members. My Dad was extremely devoted to his family. Anytime his mom or dad or brother needed him, he would drop everything to help them. He even invited my grandma to live with us after my grandpa died because she had a difficult time living alone. (I guess she found comfort in my Dad's laughter at night too!)
Once, my Dad was grilling steaks on our back deck. He was SO excited about these steaks. My Uncle Joe came over to have my Dad fix a watch band. Dad, being very consumed in helping his brother, completely forgot about his steaks...that is until he saw the smoke! He literally ran through the screen door onto the back porch...put a hole right through the middle. For years after that, we had yellow string threaded through the screen so that Dad would be able to see the door! But I don't recall Dad getting angry about the situation. I only remember laughing... A LOT!
Many people know that Dad loved radios. He was very interested in CB radios. In fact, I was named after one of his CB friends! But what many do not know about my Dad is that he had a dream to move to Cincinnati, OH and become a radio announcer. He worked at a local radio station while dating my Mom, and dreamed of doing radio his entire life. He would have been great at it too! What stopped him? His dedication to family. He saw that his parents needed him and recognized my Mom's desire to be near her family. So, he put aside his dream and raised a family...near family. That takes courage in my opinion.
I think it's my Dad that even stirred a sense of passion for missions in my heart. Remember the commercials that used to come on TV in the 80's about children starving in Ethiopia? Every time we would see those commercials, my Dad would remind me to pray for those children because their needs were so great. Images like that stick with a young heart. I would pray for those kids, as earnestly as I knew how. To this day, my heart breaks for people who are in need.
Dad not only loved people, he loved animals too. He was my partner in crime in helping me convince my mom of allowing pets into our home. My first pet was a blond hamster named Duke. To me, Duke was as good as any dog. I even walked around the block with him on a shoe string leash! I think my Dad secretly loved Duke as much as I did. Once, Duke was sitting on my shoulder and fell off onto the kitchen floor. Crying, I took him to my Dad and he did the unbelievable! He gave CPR to my hamster...and actually revived him! Oh yes! My Dad is a hero! A year later when Duke died, Dad gave him the most rousing eulogy I've ever heard.
Years later, it was my Dad that finally convinced my Mom to let me have a puppy! Going to pick out my new siberian huskey puppy with my Dad is one of my most exciting memories. Nikki and my Dad have many of their own adventures to speak of...but I'll let my Dad be the one to tell you those! :)
Oh, and then there was learning to drive. I never took a driver's ed course. I learned my excellent driving skills from my Dad...but not without a few mishaps! Eager to get behind the wheel at 15, my Dad took me onto Gatewood Road, a curvy and narrow road. I think my Dad's technique for taming my enthusiasm for the open road came in the form of fear. Each time we came to an oncoming car, my Dad would make me pull over onto the side of the road. I was 18 and ready for college before I felt like I could pass another car without asking permission first! After driving on Gatewood Road, I was terrified of oncoming cars and going more than 25 mph. I guess he figured that if I were able to survive Gatewood, then I could probably survive anywhere! But I did get back at him. There was a time when we were driving that I splashed through a deep mud puddle at such speed that my Dad thought he was going to lose his arm on a nearby mailbox. I just looked over at him and smiled and said, "Sorry Dad!".
There was one time that I pulled out in front of another car on the way to church and nearly caused an accident. Completely shaken and in tears, I pulled off the road. I wanted to get out and let him drive the rest of the way, but he did something absolutely wonderful! He wouldn't let me get out of the driver's seat. He made me continue to drive to church. It was such an amazing moment because he proved the depth of his trust in me and helped me to believe in myself. He taught me to never give up, to keep working at it!
There are SO many other things to share, like the sacrifices he made so that I could go on the 8th grade trip to New Orleans with my friends. Even though we did not have the money for such a trip, he worked over time and even provided me with money to buy new clothes to wear on the trip. There is also the time in high school when every one of my girl friends received a special Valentine's Day sucker from a particular boy...except me. I came home crying. My Dad took me out that night for a special dinner and shopping. I think he even bought me chocolate! Or the time in college when I was going through a terrible breakup with a boy. My overprotective father called the young man in his college dorm and told him to leave me alone and stop dragging the break up on and on. I was furious when I found out...but now that I'm a parent, I TOTALLY get it!! And there was the time that he called me the 2nd day of my honeymoon just because he missed me and was thinking of me. :)
My Dad, Robert Lee Bragg, has shaped my life in unbelievable ways! I am so grateful for the myriad of sacrifices he made for me and for the love he has unconditionally showered on me my entire life! I love you, Daddy! Happy 65th Birthday!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Cows and Guinea Pigs
What a day! It started out with the shower breaking. The cold water would not turn off. Then, in the rush to get two kids and two adults and a dog out the door (the dog needed to use the bathroom) in time for church, our neighbor with whom we've been trying to build a relationship, came over spontaneously to chat. (That was really cool and something that I've been praying about!)
So we finally deposit the dog back into the house and buckle two very hyper kids into car seats and head to church...we were sitting just above empty on the gas tank, but didn't have time to stop...so we prayed the gas would carry us through. The gas light comes on when the car has 17 miles (or so) left before running out...how many miles is it to church??
As we were zooming along (quite above the speed limit) a lady passes us waving her arm and blinking her lights. We slowed down not quite knowing what to expect. NEVER did we imagine to come upon this:
Two little calves making their way up the road. (I couldn't help but think of the Shawn the Sheep episode when the sheep leave the farm to go get pizza in the city). The most funny part for me was trying to pass these beauties. Each time we'd try to pass they would herd in front of us. Almost like we were some kind of sheep dog to them. They kept looking back at us and mooing. Finally we made it to church. I have to say, this was the most eventful trip we've taken in awhile! (Oh and PJ made it to the gas station as well!)
In other news, we have a new pet! Abby has been wanting a guinea pig for several months. The girl LOVES animals. Even as a baby, she never wanted dolls. She always wanted stuffed animals to care for. So we began preparing her for a pet of her very own. We made up a sticker chart of "responsibilities". There are some things that we simply expect from her as her contribution to family life such as picking up her clothes and putting them in the hamper. But then there are other things that we consider "extras" like feeding the dog, getting the silverware out of the drawer for meals, putting the dishes in the sink after meals and helping her brother do things. Abby has really taken off of this new taking responsibility thing. She has done everything on her chart consistently for well over two months. I even came into the kitchen to find her mopping up water that Caed spilled on the floor!! WOW! This is not to say that we she does it perfectly or without the occasional drama attached...but for a 4 year old, I've been really impressed!
Abby has even done research on guinea pigs. She wanted to get some books about them at the library and we read them over and over. We took several trips to PetSmart to look at and touch the furry critters. I have to admit, I was proud when she started telling the PetSmart worker all she knew about handling and feeding a guinea pig!
We were planning to wait until summer to buy the guinea pig, but they (and all the supplies) were on sale this weekend, and Abby has been doing such a great job that we didn't see the sense in making her wait just for the sake of waiting. And so, "Keat" has joined the Campbell clan!
I have a feeling that we are about to embark on a whole new set of adventures!
(As a side note, the PetSmart girl that helped us choose our guinea pig, supplies, etc admitted that she is, in fact, allergic to guinea pigs (and alluded to an allergy of cats as well) Soooo...why does she work at PetSmart?)
So we finally deposit the dog back into the house and buckle two very hyper kids into car seats and head to church...we were sitting just above empty on the gas tank, but didn't have time to stop...so we prayed the gas would carry us through. The gas light comes on when the car has 17 miles (or so) left before running out...how many miles is it to church??
As we were zooming along (quite above the speed limit) a lady passes us waving her arm and blinking her lights. We slowed down not quite knowing what to expect. NEVER did we imagine to come upon this:
In other news, we have a new pet! Abby has been wanting a guinea pig for several months. The girl LOVES animals. Even as a baby, she never wanted dolls. She always wanted stuffed animals to care for. So we began preparing her for a pet of her very own. We made up a sticker chart of "responsibilities". There are some things that we simply expect from her as her contribution to family life such as picking up her clothes and putting them in the hamper. But then there are other things that we consider "extras" like feeding the dog, getting the silverware out of the drawer for meals, putting the dishes in the sink after meals and helping her brother do things. Abby has really taken off of this new taking responsibility thing. She has done everything on her chart consistently for well over two months. I even came into the kitchen to find her mopping up water that Caed spilled on the floor!! WOW! This is not to say that we she does it perfectly or without the occasional drama attached...but for a 4 year old, I've been really impressed!
Abby has even done research on guinea pigs. She wanted to get some books about them at the library and we read them over and over. We took several trips to PetSmart to look at and touch the furry critters. I have to admit, I was proud when she started telling the PetSmart worker all she knew about handling and feeding a guinea pig!
We were planning to wait until summer to buy the guinea pig, but they (and all the supplies) were on sale this weekend, and Abby has been doing such a great job that we didn't see the sense in making her wait just for the sake of waiting. And so, "Keat" has joined the Campbell clan!
 |
| "Keat" is the name of Abby's favorite male character from an 80's cartoon "Voltron". Abby and her Daddy enjoy Voltron together. At first, she was confused and thinking "he" was a "she", Keat was almost named "Princess Grace". But once Abby realized he was a "he", Keat seemed a more fitting name! |
 |
| Love at first sight! |
(As a side note, the PetSmart girl that helped us choose our guinea pig, supplies, etc admitted that she is, in fact, allergic to guinea pigs (and alluded to an allergy of cats as well) Soooo...why does she work at PetSmart?)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
I Love Coffee!
Anyone who knows me, knows that I love coffee. I'm drinking coffee from my very favorite mug, even as I type. I love the smell. I love the color. I love to hold it close in a favorite cup and I love to carry it in my stylish travel mug. I. Love. Coffee. The stronger the better. Ten or more scoops for me in that unbleached paper filter, please! I even love weak coffee when it's made with love...and my mom makes the best, most loving cup of brown water you've ever tasted.
My relationship with coffee began in Los Angeles, CA while serving in urban ministry with The Center for Student Missions. Eighteen years old and eager to experience the joys of urban living, I carefully observed my City Director, Renee. She took me to an open market in downtown LA. Smells of seafood, authentic refried beans, and that scent that only an urban area can afford mingled with something...well...heavenly: Vanilla Coffee. Renee coached me as I ordered my first cup of joe. Tall, a shot of vanilla, then adding a bunch of creamer and 4 sugars. I sipped and talked, and sipped and walked, and sipped...and floated! By the time I had finished my vanilla goodness, I was so hyper I think I could have run the 20 mile length from downtown to my apartment.
That first cup is something that one never forgets.
And my affinity towards coffee has only grown since then. I enjoy coffee in the morning. I enjoy coffee at night. Coffee warms me in the winter and iced coffee refreshes me in summer. Coffee was there to help me through all-night paper writing sessions in college and long drives from Chicago to West Virginia. When I experienced heartbreak, Coffee helped me get started every morning. Coffee was there when I celebrated major milestones. Coffee even joined me on our honeymoon! Coffee goes really well with good conversation and an old friend. Coffee is even quite enjoyable when alone with a good book. I love days when Coffee, C.S. Lewis and I get to hang out together for an hour at a coffee shop. I've met with Coffee on trains, in pancake houses, drive-thrus and even in flower shops.
Recently, I've disrupted my joys of coffee drinking in effort to become more healthy. I dropped the Splenda because everyone says it's bad for me; but coffee with just non-dairy creamer is blah. So I have made my taste buds endure black coffee for a week now. And here is my conclusion: Coffee is like blankets. I can either choose to cover up with a scratchy but warm wool blanket, or I can envelop myself with my favorite red, plush blanket. Both serve the purpose of warmth, but there's something of comfort and security in my red blanket that draws me. I look forward to covering myself and drifting off to sleep under it. I can drink my coffee straight up black, and I can actually tolerate it. It does it's job. But there's something about the creamy smoothness of my preferred cup of coffee that lingers in my memory and calls out to me. And so, I've resigned myself to a compromise. I'll drop the Splenda, in exchange for flavored coffee creamer (my favorite being hazelnut). My rapport with coffee will endure a mild change.
As I come to terms with drinking a new-to-me style of coffee, I'm reminded of a few matters of the heart. The first is moderation. Drinking coffee is not a bad thing. In fact, Scripture tells us in 1Timothy 4:4-5 that everything that God creates is good and is not to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. But, I also have a responsibility to take care of the body that God has given me. Secondly, coffee is not my ultimate source of comfort and joy. I am learning daily to find my peace in the Lord.
(Special thanks goes out to my husband who is often on the other side of the table as we partake of coffee and wonderfully deep conversations...he helps me to sort through my thoughts, see the steeple more clearly and engage with the Word of God more fully.)
My relationship with coffee began in Los Angeles, CA while serving in urban ministry with The Center for Student Missions. Eighteen years old and eager to experience the joys of urban living, I carefully observed my City Director, Renee. She took me to an open market in downtown LA. Smells of seafood, authentic refried beans, and that scent that only an urban area can afford mingled with something...well...heavenly: Vanilla Coffee. Renee coached me as I ordered my first cup of joe. Tall, a shot of vanilla, then adding a bunch of creamer and 4 sugars. I sipped and talked, and sipped and walked, and sipped...and floated! By the time I had finished my vanilla goodness, I was so hyper I think I could have run the 20 mile length from downtown to my apartment.
That first cup is something that one never forgets.
And my affinity towards coffee has only grown since then. I enjoy coffee in the morning. I enjoy coffee at night. Coffee warms me in the winter and iced coffee refreshes me in summer. Coffee was there to help me through all-night paper writing sessions in college and long drives from Chicago to West Virginia. When I experienced heartbreak, Coffee helped me get started every morning. Coffee was there when I celebrated major milestones. Coffee even joined me on our honeymoon! Coffee goes really well with good conversation and an old friend. Coffee is even quite enjoyable when alone with a good book. I love days when Coffee, C.S. Lewis and I get to hang out together for an hour at a coffee shop. I've met with Coffee on trains, in pancake houses, drive-thrus and even in flower shops.
Recently, I've disrupted my joys of coffee drinking in effort to become more healthy. I dropped the Splenda because everyone says it's bad for me; but coffee with just non-dairy creamer is blah. So I have made my taste buds endure black coffee for a week now. And here is my conclusion: Coffee is like blankets. I can either choose to cover up with a scratchy but warm wool blanket, or I can envelop myself with my favorite red, plush blanket. Both serve the purpose of warmth, but there's something of comfort and security in my red blanket that draws me. I look forward to covering myself and drifting off to sleep under it. I can drink my coffee straight up black, and I can actually tolerate it. It does it's job. But there's something about the creamy smoothness of my preferred cup of coffee that lingers in my memory and calls out to me. And so, I've resigned myself to a compromise. I'll drop the Splenda, in exchange for flavored coffee creamer (my favorite being hazelnut). My rapport with coffee will endure a mild change.
As I come to terms with drinking a new-to-me style of coffee, I'm reminded of a few matters of the heart. The first is moderation. Drinking coffee is not a bad thing. In fact, Scripture tells us in 1Timothy 4:4-5 that everything that God creates is good and is not to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. But, I also have a responsibility to take care of the body that God has given me. Secondly, coffee is not my ultimate source of comfort and joy. I am learning daily to find my peace in the Lord.
(Special thanks goes out to my husband who is often on the other side of the table as we partake of coffee and wonderfully deep conversations...he helps me to sort through my thoughts, see the steeple more clearly and engage with the Word of God more fully.)
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sight Word Mishap
Today I placed sight words at kid eye level all around the house. My plan is to incorporate common words into our daily routine, so I tried to put words in places or on objects that would form connections and associations. For example, I placed the word "go" on the back door so that we can see it each time we leave. The word "in" is on the fridge because we keep food "in" the fridge. Feeling very clever I placed the word "you" on Abby's full length door mirror because you see "you" when you look in the mirror ("me" would have worked too). Then I placed "get" on the door frame because she goes to her room to "get" toys and clothes.
It wasn't until the kids were in bed and the door was shut that it hit me...actually...it startled me. Walking through the dark hallway, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and see the words "get" "you".
Needless to say, I removed the word "get"! I'm so glad that Abby can't read yet!!
It wasn't until the kids were in bed and the door was shut that it hit me...actually...it startled me. Walking through the dark hallway, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and see the words "get" "you".
Needless to say, I removed the word "get"! I'm so glad that Abby can't read yet!!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A Typical Week of Homeschooling
Ah organization! Not my greatest strength...but I'm trying. I'm finding that planning is really the key to organization. And planning is the key to staying sane with homeschooling. Even if I do not stick to the plan, it's helpful to have a general outline of where I want to go with the week. I'm getting better at it as time goes by and I've found that Sundays are my best days to plan. The kids are usually tired from a long day at church and are ready for bed early, leaving me with ample time to check facebook and then plan my week. So here's this week's basic agenda.
Monday:
1. Copy work. I started out having Abby work on one letter a week. We would do a Bible verse for each letter on Mondays and on Wednesdays we would practice tracing and writing the letter. We got through the letter "L" before both Abby an I were bored with this method. So now, I write "Coded Messages" for her. Usually, it's in note-form depending upon who she is pretending to be for the day. Last week she was Belle, and so I wrote a letter to her from The Beast. I make the letters in broken dots that she has to trace. Last week we were on the letter "M" and so I tried to use many words with that particular letter. She then traces the words and she enjoys trying to read what the letter says. This week will be the letter "N". She has been watching an 80's cartoon called Voltron lately (a love shared with her Daddy!) , so I'll likely write a letter to "Princess Allura" from the red space ranger "Keat".
2. Planning/Problem Solving. This week, I've decided to let Abby help me plan the meals and plan our shopping list. We are going to go through the freezer/pantry and see what we have and decide what meals we can make from that food. Then we will determine which foods we need to restock and plan our shopping list for the week. (This should be an adventure!)
3. Bible. Each week our church provides a take home sheet with activities that follow up on Sunday's lesson. We spend time coloring it and talking about the picture on Mondays. I try to get Abby to tell me things she remembers from the story. It's usually funny costumes that her teachers were wearing or who she sat next to...but she also will come up with at least one thing she remembers from the story.
4. Reading. We have 10 books from the library that I had intended to read last week including: The Pout Pout Fish in the Big Big Dark (Diesen), Safari in South Africa ( Lumry & Hurwitz), Foxes (Everett), Our Body (Time Life Books). I am particularly excited about Our Body because it answers fun questions like "Why do we sneeze?" and "Why do we yawn?" and "Why does our skin wrinkle when we take a bath?" We won't get through all 10, but will have a good variety.
5. Loom Weaving. After lunch and during Caed's nap is usually my one-on-one time with Abby for a fun "grown up" task. We use this time to either play a game, make a special craft, or bake. Last week I began implementing hand work. We tried finger weaving, but it was too frustrating for her. So I bought a weaving loom for 5 bucks at walmart and now she happily weaves knit loops back and forth. She's working on making her first pot holder...(FYI: many of our friends and family will be receiving one-of-a-kind handmade pot holders for Christmas this year!)
And we have a fun play date planned for the late afternoon.
Wednesday:
1. Sight words. I have a few words that I'm planning to put up around the house. Abby is starting to get curious about the words that PJ and I spell to each other when we don't want her to know what we are saying. This is driving her to want to spell words! yeay!
2. Art/Painting (music appreciation added in there). I just bought some new stamps and other art supplies. We are going to paint and draw on our large floor pad and enjoy some Bach while we express ourselves! AHHH! I love these times!!! (This is also Caed's favorite time of the day!)
3. Bible. We take the picture that we colored on Monday (from the church take away) and read the story from the children's Bible.
4. Reading. We are currently reading The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader. This we will start while Caed is awake, but we usually do not get too far with Lil'Man around...so it will likely become a nap time event.
5. I can almost guarantee that we will spend the rest of the afternoon and the next day role playing what we've read from Narnia or the Bible lesson. I'm usually "Susan" and Abby is "Lucy". Caedmon is always "Edmond" (We call him Ed for short...and he actually answers to it now. That kid is going to be so confused about his name!). PJ is either "Peter" or "Caspian" depending upon the mood of "Lucy."
Thursday
Thursdays are library days. We go to story time and then pick out some books. Once we get home, we have lunch, a nap for Caed and I let Abby play some learning games on the computer.
Friday
Playgroup. A fun time for me to catch my breath along with my mommy friends while the kids build relationships and play!
Whew! That's our week in a nutshell. Many weeks we do not get to everything. Or, some things will naturally be more interesting, so we spend more time on those specific interests. My goal is to help my kids develop a love of learning. So what we do not get to on one particular day, we simply try another day.
And, obviously, there are a lot of play times throughout our day. I find that Abby is more focused if I let her have free play after breakfast (while I clean up) and before we start "school." Also, our routine is often determined by attitudes of all involved. On days that Caed is more clingy we spend much more time with art/drawing and building with blocks.
Surprisingly, Caed follows along with us fairly well. He loves to do what "Babby" is doing. He enjoys our reading time as long as there are plenty of pictures and he ADORES art/music time! I've also invested in several puzzles as well as "Lauri" Toddler Toys http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_18?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=lauri+toddler+tote&sprefix=lauri+toddler+tote. These, along with his favorite "Beep Beeps" (aka cars) keep him fairly busy!
I would love to hear what works for your family! Please share your ideas!
Monday:
1. Copy work. I started out having Abby work on one letter a week. We would do a Bible verse for each letter on Mondays and on Wednesdays we would practice tracing and writing the letter. We got through the letter "L" before both Abby an I were bored with this method. So now, I write "Coded Messages" for her. Usually, it's in note-form depending upon who she is pretending to be for the day. Last week she was Belle, and so I wrote a letter to her from The Beast. I make the letters in broken dots that she has to trace. Last week we were on the letter "M" and so I tried to use many words with that particular letter. She then traces the words and she enjoys trying to read what the letter says. This week will be the letter "N". She has been watching an 80's cartoon called Voltron lately (a love shared with her Daddy!) , so I'll likely write a letter to "Princess Allura" from the red space ranger "Keat".
2. Planning/Problem Solving. This week, I've decided to let Abby help me plan the meals and plan our shopping list. We are going to go through the freezer/pantry and see what we have and decide what meals we can make from that food. Then we will determine which foods we need to restock and plan our shopping list for the week. (This should be an adventure!)
3. Bible. Each week our church provides a take home sheet with activities that follow up on Sunday's lesson. We spend time coloring it and talking about the picture on Mondays. I try to get Abby to tell me things she remembers from the story. It's usually funny costumes that her teachers were wearing or who she sat next to...but she also will come up with at least one thing she remembers from the story.
4. Reading. We have 10 books from the library that I had intended to read last week including: The Pout Pout Fish in the Big Big Dark (Diesen), Safari in South Africa ( Lumry & Hurwitz), Foxes (Everett), Our Body (Time Life Books). I am particularly excited about Our Body because it answers fun questions like "Why do we sneeze?" and "Why do we yawn?" and "Why does our skin wrinkle when we take a bath?" We won't get through all 10, but will have a good variety.
5. Loom Weaving. After lunch and during Caed's nap is usually my one-on-one time with Abby for a fun "grown up" task. We use this time to either play a game, make a special craft, or bake. Last week I began implementing hand work. We tried finger weaving, but it was too frustrating for her. So I bought a weaving loom for 5 bucks at walmart and now she happily weaves knit loops back and forth. She's working on making her first pot holder...(FYI: many of our friends and family will be receiving one-of-a-kind handmade pot holders for Christmas this year!)
And we have a fun play date planned for the late afternoon.
Wednesday:
1. Sight words. I have a few words that I'm planning to put up around the house. Abby is starting to get curious about the words that PJ and I spell to each other when we don't want her to know what we are saying. This is driving her to want to spell words! yeay!
2. Art/Painting (music appreciation added in there). I just bought some new stamps and other art supplies. We are going to paint and draw on our large floor pad and enjoy some Bach while we express ourselves! AHHH! I love these times!!! (This is also Caed's favorite time of the day!)
3. Bible. We take the picture that we colored on Monday (from the church take away) and read the story from the children's Bible.
4. Reading. We are currently reading The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader. This we will start while Caed is awake, but we usually do not get too far with Lil'Man around...so it will likely become a nap time event.
5. I can almost guarantee that we will spend the rest of the afternoon and the next day role playing what we've read from Narnia or the Bible lesson. I'm usually "Susan" and Abby is "Lucy". Caedmon is always "Edmond" (We call him Ed for short...and he actually answers to it now. That kid is going to be so confused about his name!). PJ is either "Peter" or "Caspian" depending upon the mood of "Lucy."
Thursday
Thursdays are library days. We go to story time and then pick out some books. Once we get home, we have lunch, a nap for Caed and I let Abby play some learning games on the computer.
Friday
Playgroup. A fun time for me to catch my breath along with my mommy friends while the kids build relationships and play!
Whew! That's our week in a nutshell. Many weeks we do not get to everything. Or, some things will naturally be more interesting, so we spend more time on those specific interests. My goal is to help my kids develop a love of learning. So what we do not get to on one particular day, we simply try another day.
And, obviously, there are a lot of play times throughout our day. I find that Abby is more focused if I let her have free play after breakfast (while I clean up) and before we start "school." Also, our routine is often determined by attitudes of all involved. On days that Caed is more clingy we spend much more time with art/drawing and building with blocks.
Surprisingly, Caed follows along with us fairly well. He loves to do what "Babby" is doing. He enjoys our reading time as long as there are plenty of pictures and he ADORES art/music time! I've also invested in several puzzles as well as "Lauri" Toddler Toys http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_18?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=lauri+toddler+tote&sprefix=lauri+toddler+tote. These, along with his favorite "Beep Beeps" (aka cars) keep him fairly busy!
I would love to hear what works for your family! Please share your ideas!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Pride and Popsicles
Popsicles are a rare treat in our house. I don't know why, but I seldom buy them. So, you can imagine the joy that filled the air when Daddy came home from school today baring the gift of popsicles...Super Hero popsicles at that!! We managed to pull the box from little hands and put them into the freezer as dessert after dinner.
On any given night, Abby is our "good eater". She will eat most anything once you get her to stop talking long enough to focus on her food...especially if there's a promise of dessert. Caedmon is the "picky one". There's only a handful of foods currently that will be allowed to pass his lips. Among his favorites: mini pepperoni, frozen peas and corn, and sausage. But almost always, a reward of dessert will peak his interest enough to at least eat half of his food.
But not tonight. For whatever reason, Caedmon refused to eat anything from his plate except tortilla chips. We made the statement that he'd get no popsicle unless he at least tried his food. And you know how it is once you make a stupid statement like that to your kids. There's no going back. There's no room for any compromise. Now, before we are condemned of asking too much of our 22 month old, let me assure you that he understands what "just one bite" means. We've been down this road before. And so, he sat with his head on the table watching Sissy happily eat her popsicle.
Now the problem is, I really wanted him to have the treat! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he'd enjoy a popsicle (especially a Super Hero popsicle!). I wanted to see his little eyes dancing as he slurped and dripped gooey goodness on a stick. But I also know that he needs nutrious food. I realize, as his mom, that without the not-so- fun healthy foods, he'd soon feel...well...not so fun. It was so frustrating for me, as the parent, because I wanted to share this amazing joyful experience with him. But he refused at every level to do the one thing I asked him to do. And it frustrated me, still, because I didn't even ask much of him. I only asked him to take one bite! One bite and he would have soon found himself dripping with sugary pleasure! Such a simple little requirement. But he would not trust me. Instead he followed his own pride and went to bed without a popsicle.
As I was putting him to bed, it dawned on me. It was as if my heart were holding up a mirror and saying "Do you recognize this? You are stubborn and prideful too". There are many examples in my own life when I have dug in my heels and refused to make small steps that would lead to something amazing...just because of my pride. Times when I know saying sorry would quickly heal a wound...yet I refuse because I want to be right. Times when I'm too headstrong to admit that my way is not working and that another's idea makes much more sense. Times when I hold on to my self-justification simply because I love self.
Tonight may have just been one of those evenings where "kids will be kids." But the Holy Spirit used it to magnify some areas in my own life that need humility and trust...especially because I have little eyes that are watching me and following my example.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be humble and promptly follow Your lead.
Help me to trust You, even when the way doesn't make sense.
I want to walk in Your ways simply because I delight in You.
Teach me to trust more deeply,
And in so doing, may my children learn to follow too.
On any given night, Abby is our "good eater". She will eat most anything once you get her to stop talking long enough to focus on her food...especially if there's a promise of dessert. Caedmon is the "picky one". There's only a handful of foods currently that will be allowed to pass his lips. Among his favorites: mini pepperoni, frozen peas and corn, and sausage. But almost always, a reward of dessert will peak his interest enough to at least eat half of his food.
But not tonight. For whatever reason, Caedmon refused to eat anything from his plate except tortilla chips. We made the statement that he'd get no popsicle unless he at least tried his food. And you know how it is once you make a stupid statement like that to your kids. There's no going back. There's no room for any compromise. Now, before we are condemned of asking too much of our 22 month old, let me assure you that he understands what "just one bite" means. We've been down this road before. And so, he sat with his head on the table watching Sissy happily eat her popsicle.
Now the problem is, I really wanted him to have the treat! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he'd enjoy a popsicle (especially a Super Hero popsicle!). I wanted to see his little eyes dancing as he slurped and dripped gooey goodness on a stick. But I also know that he needs nutrious food. I realize, as his mom, that without the not-so- fun healthy foods, he'd soon feel...well...not so fun. It was so frustrating for me, as the parent, because I wanted to share this amazing joyful experience with him. But he refused at every level to do the one thing I asked him to do. And it frustrated me, still, because I didn't even ask much of him. I only asked him to take one bite! One bite and he would have soon found himself dripping with sugary pleasure! Such a simple little requirement. But he would not trust me. Instead he followed his own pride and went to bed without a popsicle.
As I was putting him to bed, it dawned on me. It was as if my heart were holding up a mirror and saying "Do you recognize this? You are stubborn and prideful too". There are many examples in my own life when I have dug in my heels and refused to make small steps that would lead to something amazing...just because of my pride. Times when I know saying sorry would quickly heal a wound...yet I refuse because I want to be right. Times when I'm too headstrong to admit that my way is not working and that another's idea makes much more sense. Times when I hold on to my self-justification simply because I love self.
Tonight may have just been one of those evenings where "kids will be kids." But the Holy Spirit used it to magnify some areas in my own life that need humility and trust...especially because I have little eyes that are watching me and following my example.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be humble and promptly follow Your lead.
Help me to trust You, even when the way doesn't make sense.
I want to walk in Your ways simply because I delight in You.
Teach me to trust more deeply,
And in so doing, may my children learn to follow too.
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