Sunday, April 29, 2007
Cool Lady
Yesterday, my sister -in- law gave me a package of Kool-Aid bottles with twist off tops. She had brought them to my mother's birthday and then forgot to hand them out. I very rarely, if ever, serve any Kool-Aid at this house, so I took the package home thinking the children would really enjoy the treat. The following story made me realize I've done well in this department.
This morning Little Guy saw the beautiful red liquid in the bottles in the fridge and was excited to find out what it was. I told him to go get his older sister and tell her to come have a Kool-aid with him on the porch.
He looked confused and said "A cool lady?"
I said "No, a Kool-aiD! Not LadY!"
He said "A Lady?"
I said "No! It's a drink honey...it's called Kool-Aid."
He ran off to the room and I could hear him calling his sister " Mama says we can have a cool-lady! Come-on!"
River Girl reported later that he shortened it to "lady".
So, if you happen to overhear a 4 yo talking about having a lady...you'll have compassion on the poor mother who can't seem to explain it. :-) I know this could prove to be very embarrassing at some point. I will continue working on it!
This morning Little Guy saw the beautiful red liquid in the bottles in the fridge and was excited to find out what it was. I told him to go get his older sister and tell her to come have a Kool-aid with him on the porch.
He looked confused and said "A cool lady?"
I said "No, a Kool-aiD! Not LadY!"
He said "A Lady?"
I said "No! It's a drink honey...it's called Kool-Aid."
He ran off to the room and I could hear him calling his sister " Mama says we can have a cool-lady! Come-on!"
River Girl reported later that he shortened it to "lady".
So, if you happen to overhear a 4 yo talking about having a lady...you'll have compassion on the poor mother who can't seem to explain it. :-) I know this could prove to be very embarrassing at some point. I will continue working on it!
Labels: Another Day
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
40 Questions
Check out Trina, where I got this tag.
1. What is your occupation?
Homemaker, mommy, homeschool teacher...
2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm wearing some old favorite white scrunchy socks that are soft and look, uuhhmm, not too good! I also own a favorite pair of bright pink socks that were worn (not by me) to our wedding almost 19 years ago...but that's a story for another day!
3. What are you listening to right now?
The sound of rain pattering outside the wide-open front door and my hubby and DS16 laughing while playing a Mario Kart game in the next room.
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Supper...it was supposed to be beef stew but I was talked into making herb-garlic chicken and rice instead.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes, but I prefer automatics...I learned to drive stick shift while still a teen. Daddy used to be a policeman and wanted me to be a good driver in any situation.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Pink, very pink!
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My mother. She called to give me an update on her recent trip with one of her sister's to NYC for a special surprise birthday party for her other sister (who turns 70 next month!). I love talking to my mother on the phone! :-)
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes !! I love reading her blog.
9. How old are you today?
39 years-- I've always felt older than I really am.
10. Favorite drink?
It just depends on the season and the weather and my mood! Could be water with lemon or Diet Dr. Pepper or Int'l Foods Suisse Mocha (mmm!) or English Toffee tea...
11. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I don't really like watching sports...I do like the olympics and...
Oh! Ballroom dancing! Does that count as a sport?
12. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes, but no one usually notices...I look like I should be a red-head anyway...
13. Pets?
We love animals...we've owned llamas, ducks, Shetland Sheep, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches and Button Quail. We've had a few mishaps.We also had a dog, but sadly he decided to play on the railroad tracks and is no more. We currently have a calico kitty named Duchess and a tortoise shell kitty named Daisy who is mama to 6 adorable kittens.
14. Favorite food?
Tex mex!
15. What was the last movie you watched?
An episode of As Time Goes By on DVD...very soothing.
16. What was the last book you read?
I haven't actually completed a book in a long time but I'm always reading something...We homeschool mom's tend to OD on books.
17. What do you do to vent anger?
That lecturing thing.
Once, when I was just a young lass, and married only a couple of years, I got VERY angry at my hubby. I decided to throw something at him and so I threw what was in my hand: a deck of cards. They fluttered gently throughout the room like so many butterflies. Hubby laughed. And I was left with some serious clean-up to do. So much for violence!
18. What was your favourite toy as a child?
I loved my dear old teddy...named Teddy, of course. I got him when I
was a baby and have him to this day! I also really liked my Jodi doll with her long, red hair and her darling kitchen.
19. What is your favourite, fall or spring?
No favorite...but if pressed, I'd say when I live in Texas I love fall. When I live other places--more northerly-- spring is fairly welcome.
20. Hugs or kisses?
Hugs are wonderful! They are good for snuggling, for comforting, for loving and for even for sleeping!
21. Cherries or blueberries?
I don't know...
22. Do you want your friends to leave you comments?
YES! YES! YES!
23. Who is the most likely to comment?
I don't know but I'll take whatever I can get!
24. Who is least likely to comment?
The notorious lurkers...:-)
25. Living arrangements?
Huh? You mean do I live with my family? in a house? in a town? or is this referring to planning to live for a while? because Yes! that is currently my plan...
26. When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday. No good reason. Just needed to because I was sooo tired and couldn't not.
27. What's on the floor of your closet?
Shoes, cedar pieces, receipts that fell out of a 'need to be filed' box on the shelf...my hope chest/trunk, and some stray hair bands of DD12.
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
I have several long time friends ---like Taylor-31 years! But most of them I don't see or talk to often. The only one I see often and talk to every week is Bambi! Friends for almost 21 years!
29. What did you do last night?
Walked up and down our road with DD12 and the three littles in strollers for about an hour.
30. Favorite smells?
Baby Magic baby lotion on the babies! and Fresh Peaches! MMMM!
31. What inspires you?
Poetry and nature and my children when they are absorbed in a project.
32. What are you afraid of?
Not teaching my lambies enough to make it in the real world.
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?
Spicy and Cheesy....with plenty of onions!
34. Favourite dog breed?
Airedale Terrier
35. Number of keys on your key ring?
8? I think?
36. Number of years at current job?
Almost 19 years in August. The very best benefit package available!
37. Favourite day of the week?
Probably Mondays...I like to get back to routine.
38. How many states/countries have you lived in?
5---nearly 6: Texas, Colorado, Nevada, California, Washington and soon: Arkansas.
39. Favourite holidays?
Christmas!
40. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery?
Yes indeed! I grew up with 4 boys (2 brothers and 2 boy cousins) on a farm. I drove a dirtbike a time or two and a tractor. I'm also married to a builder man who once managed a lumberyard. I got a few rounds on the forklift. I also drove our bus (an old church/school bus) once, but hubby couldn't take the stress. He claims I tried to squash a cyclist...
If any of you want to play along, consider yourself tagged. Let me know so I can come over and get to know you better and leave you a comment.
1. What is your occupation?
Homemaker, mommy, homeschool teacher...
2. What color are your socks right now?
I'm wearing some old favorite white scrunchy socks that are soft and look, uuhhmm, not too good! I also own a favorite pair of bright pink socks that were worn (not by me) to our wedding almost 19 years ago...but that's a story for another day!
3. What are you listening to right now?
The sound of rain pattering outside the wide-open front door and my hubby and DS16 laughing while playing a Mario Kart game in the next room.
4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Supper...it was supposed to be beef stew but I was talked into making herb-garlic chicken and rice instead.
5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yes, but I prefer automatics...I learned to drive stick shift while still a teen. Daddy used to be a policeman and wanted me to be a good driver in any situation.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Pink, very pink!
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My mother. She called to give me an update on her recent trip with one of her sister's to NYC for a special surprise birthday party for her other sister (who turns 70 next month!). I love talking to my mother on the phone! :-)
8. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yes !! I love reading her blog.
9. How old are you today?
39 years-- I've always felt older than I really am.
10. Favorite drink?
It just depends on the season and the weather and my mood! Could be water with lemon or Diet Dr. Pepper or Int'l Foods Suisse Mocha (mmm!) or English Toffee tea...
11. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I don't really like watching sports...I do like the olympics and...
Oh! Ballroom dancing! Does that count as a sport?
12. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yes, but no one usually notices...I look like I should be a red-head anyway...
13. Pets?
We love animals...we've owned llamas, ducks, Shetland Sheep, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches and Button Quail. We've had a few mishaps.We also had a dog, but sadly he decided to play on the railroad tracks and is no more. We currently have a calico kitty named Duchess and a tortoise shell kitty named Daisy who is mama to 6 adorable kittens.
14. Favorite food?
Tex mex!
15. What was the last movie you watched?
An episode of As Time Goes By on DVD...very soothing.
16. What was the last book you read?
I haven't actually completed a book in a long time but I'm always reading something...We homeschool mom's tend to OD on books.
17. What do you do to vent anger?
That lecturing thing.
Once, when I was just a young lass, and married only a couple of years, I got VERY angry at my hubby. I decided to throw something at him and so I threw what was in my hand: a deck of cards. They fluttered gently throughout the room like so many butterflies. Hubby laughed. And I was left with some serious clean-up to do. So much for violence!
18. What was your favourite toy as a child?
I loved my dear old teddy...named Teddy, of course. I got him when I
was a baby and have him to this day! I also really liked my Jodi doll with her long, red hair and her darling kitchen.
19. What is your favourite, fall or spring?
No favorite...but if pressed, I'd say when I live in Texas I love fall. When I live other places--more northerly-- spring is fairly welcome.
20. Hugs or kisses?
Hugs are wonderful! They are good for snuggling, for comforting, for loving and for even for sleeping!
21. Cherries or blueberries?
I don't know...
22. Do you want your friends to leave you comments?
YES! YES! YES!
23. Who is the most likely to comment?
I don't know but I'll take whatever I can get!
24. Who is least likely to comment?
The notorious lurkers...:-)
25. Living arrangements?
Huh? You mean do I live with my family? in a house? in a town? or is this referring to planning to live for a while? because Yes! that is currently my plan...
26. When was the last time you cried?
Yesterday. No good reason. Just needed to because I was sooo tired and couldn't not.
27. What's on the floor of your closet?
Shoes, cedar pieces, receipts that fell out of a 'need to be filed' box on the shelf...my hope chest/trunk, and some stray hair bands of DD12.
28. Who is the friend you have had the longest?
I have several long time friends ---like Taylor-31 years! But most of them I don't see or talk to often. The only one I see often and talk to every week is Bambi! Friends for almost 21 years!
29. What did you do last night?
Walked up and down our road with DD12 and the three littles in strollers for about an hour.
30. Favorite smells?
Baby Magic baby lotion on the babies! and Fresh Peaches! MMMM!
31. What inspires you?
Poetry and nature and my children when they are absorbed in a project.
32. What are you afraid of?
Not teaching my lambies enough to make it in the real world.
33. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers?
Spicy and Cheesy....with plenty of onions!
34. Favourite dog breed?
Airedale Terrier
35. Number of keys on your key ring?
8? I think?
36. Number of years at current job?
Almost 19 years in August. The very best benefit package available!
37. Favourite day of the week?
Probably Mondays...I like to get back to routine.
38. How many states/countries have you lived in?
5---nearly 6: Texas, Colorado, Nevada, California, Washington and soon: Arkansas.
39. Favourite holidays?
Christmas!
40. Ever driven a Motorcycle or heavy machinery?
Yes indeed! I grew up with 4 boys (2 brothers and 2 boy cousins) on a farm. I drove a dirtbike a time or two and a tractor. I'm also married to a builder man who once managed a lumberyard. I got a few rounds on the forklift. I also drove our bus (an old church/school bus) once, but hubby couldn't take the stress. He claims I tried to squash a cyclist...
If any of you want to play along, consider yourself tagged. Let me know so I can come over and get to know you better and leave you a comment.
Labels: Just for fun, More About Me
Monday, April 23, 2007
Speak Southern?
In case you've missed it, there is some fun and silly stuff posted over at BooMama's Blog. She hosted a little contest about
Polite Southern Refusals. If you need to smile check it out! (Being a southern girl myself I enjoyed hearing the echoes of my childhood! :-))
Polite Southern Refusals. If you need to smile check it out! (Being a southern girl myself I enjoyed hearing the echoes of my childhood! :-))
Labels: Just for fun
Weekly Menu
My menu for the week:
Monday: Chicken Enchilada Casserole and tossed salad
Tuesday: Crockpot Beef Stew and muffins
Wednesday: Quiche
Thursday: Crockpot BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Friday: Pizza
Saturday: Grill Out (hamburgers?)
Sunday: Mexican Salad
I follow a loose routine with menus based on my schedule. Tuesday's are sewing days for DD12 and I so I don't want to stop and cook--I use the crockpot a lot. On Wednesday's I like the children to practice cooking while I do desk work. DS 16 used to cook every Wednesday night but now it's DD12's turn. Thursday's are errand days --so crock pot again. Friday has been pizza night around here for so many years I don't even remember when we started! Sometimes we order it, sometimes we buy cheap grocery store frozen ones and sometimes we make it wholesome with whole wheat and natural ingredients.
Well, that's it for now. Who knows? Maybe I'll find time to include some recipes in the future.
Labels: Recipes
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Enter a Drawing
There's a drawing going on over at A Happy Home.
Hurry! The deadline is April 20th!
Hurry! The deadline is April 20th!
Labels: Drawings and Contests
Take Time
Take time to slow down and enjoy the spring. Take time to think and ponder. God's creation is there for us to enjoy and it provides a glimpse into who He is. Drink Him in.
A Song From Sylvan
The little cares that fretted me,
I lost them yesterday
Among the fields above the sea,
Among the winds at play;
Among the lowing herds,
The rustling of the trees,
Among the singing birds,
The humming of the bees.
The fears of what may come to pass,
I cast them all away,
Among the clover scented grass,
Among the new -mown hay;
Among the husking of the corn,
Where the drowsy poppies nod,
Where ill thoughts die and good are born,
Out in the fields with God.
Louise Imogen Guiney
from The Best Loved Poems of the American People 1936
Labels: Inspirations
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
New Blog Design
How do you like my new look?
Susie of Bluebird Blogs created and installed this lovely blog design.
She has been so kind to me over the past couple of days. She answered my questions and went beyond the call of duty to make sure I was happy with everything. If you're looking for a new blog look you need to give her a visit. I've been so excited about this that it was hard to be patient. For those of you still waiting your turn...hang in there. It's worth the wait. Thank you Susie!
I just love the way it turned out! It's hard to believe it's my very own space!
Susie of Bluebird Blogs created and installed this lovely blog design.
She has been so kind to me over the past couple of days. She answered my questions and went beyond the call of duty to make sure I was happy with everything. If you're looking for a new blog look you need to give her a visit. I've been so excited about this that it was hard to be patient. For those of you still waiting your turn...hang in there. It's worth the wait. Thank you Susie!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I make mistakes too...
Good Morning internet friends!
This morning my mind is full of miscellaneous thoughts. I was going to try to pull together a post about spring crafts or some other cutesy thing but my mind just won't get into that gear.So instead I will jot down a few of my rambling thoughts while I wait for my coffee to brew.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Did you know that diesel engines do not take regular 10w40 oil? Ask me how I know....Actually, I just found that out this morning and I'm still trying to process a brain overload...I'm prone to guilt and fears and remorse when I make mistakes. Hubby thinks it'll be fine. Sigh.
Did you further know that I drive a very large, noisy diesel Suburban whom I refer to as Olga? I used to drive a cute little Astro van. It could get into fairly small spaces and it wasn't too bad on the get up and go scale. However, Astro vans do not have the life span of diesel anythings and they also have the storage/trunk capacity only sightly larger than my largest purse...make any inference you like...they're both true.
Oh! and did I mention how ridiculous I look when I try to squeeze my slightly rounded little body into the very backseat to clean? I can get my head and shoulders in but the rest of me stays out while I reach my short arm as far as I can...the burger wrapper staying just out of reach...I've hurt myself like that more than once.
We have owned Olga for quite a while now (3 or 4 years?). She was Dear Hubby's vehicle of choice until recently. He got a pickup and I got Olga. She's old, and she's large, and she's loud and embarrasing anywhere I have to stop, but she's got a long life span...Oh dear, I just had a thought...I hope hubby doesn't see me like that. If he starts calling me Olga I may have to call on some of you for comfort.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Any of you remember how adorable little kittens can be? We have 6 of them. Six feisty, furry, fat, funny baby kitty kitties. They are so cute it makes you want to pinch their toes. They are now 6 weeks old. I usually find homes for my kittens at 8 weeks but I'm going to start looking now. Since we are so busy this year I figure a head start would be wise.
I hate giving them away. I'm like a little 8 year old girl. Right after the new owners drive away I have to run and cry before any of the children learns of my weakness. (if you're in North Texas and need a new furball to love, let me know).
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
We have a year of busy activity planned and I so much would like to look like I'm in charge and know what I'm doing. But if that happens we'll all know it was God and He alone. I am a very feeble little human and the coming year will involve all of the following (of course more will be added as we go along):
1. My packing up this house, including several thousand books....(actually I'd better add a sale of books to this list)
2. Showing this house to perfect strangers and making it look good enough that someone wants to buy it.
3. Continuing to wean the two little girls and teach them to sleep through the night.
4.Continue homeschooling the older 3 kiddoes.
5. Plan something special for hubby's 40th birthday.
6. Get my almost 17 year old into and through his senior year...this will include me figuring out if I want to do a transcript, and how, and helping him make decisions about his future, as well as pushing him to finish up some things he's let slide.
7. Move to the Ozarks and live in a? Dunno yet...Tent? Barn? Yurt?
8. A 4 day, 3 night trip to Washington State to visit relatives which will include a lovely, and hopefully a little bit romantic, cruise get away with 2 of hubby's sisters and their husbands and his parents.
9. The trip will require me finding someone who wants to stay with my 5 kids and babysit while we are out of town. Any volunteers? This will be new and hard for me...leave all my little lambies??? aaahhh! Lord, help me not be scared!
10. Getting this body into something resembling... uhhmmm ... 'shape'.
It would be nice if hubby would be proud as a peacock to have me on his arm when we dine at the one elegant dinner on the cruise...it may be our only cruise ever...who knows?
11. Get my new little business venture up and running...this will be a bit more challenging than I originally suspected...due to not knowing what we'll be living in.
I'll stop there because I don't want to cause anyone to hyperventilate...actually I'm having to calm my own breathing....
I'm glad I know the Maker of All...He's going to be called in a lot.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Have you ever just sat and stared at a tree with new spring leaves when the morning sun was shining through them~~the leaves with that special newness color? It's a glowing color that's hard to describe. And...it's simply , breathtakingly beautiful. The color radiates with the sun's glow and you can almost feel it. I like to fill my eyes with these things...they rejuvenate me somehow.
This morning my mind is full of miscellaneous thoughts. I was going to try to pull together a post about spring crafts or some other cutesy thing but my mind just won't get into that gear.So instead I will jot down a few of my rambling thoughts while I wait for my coffee to brew.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Did you know that diesel engines do not take regular 10w40 oil? Ask me how I know....Actually, I just found that out this morning and I'm still trying to process a brain overload...I'm prone to guilt and fears and remorse when I make mistakes. Hubby thinks it'll be fine. Sigh.
Did you further know that I drive a very large, noisy diesel Suburban whom I refer to as Olga? I used to drive a cute little Astro van. It could get into fairly small spaces and it wasn't too bad on the get up and go scale. However, Astro vans do not have the life span of diesel anythings and they also have the storage/trunk capacity only sightly larger than my largest purse...make any inference you like...they're both true.
Oh! and did I mention how ridiculous I look when I try to squeeze my slightly rounded little body into the very backseat to clean? I can get my head and shoulders in but the rest of me stays out while I reach my short arm as far as I can...the burger wrapper staying just out of reach...I've hurt myself like that more than once.
We have owned Olga for quite a while now (3 or 4 years?). She was Dear Hubby's vehicle of choice until recently. He got a pickup and I got Olga. She's old, and she's large, and she's loud and embarrasing anywhere I have to stop, but she's got a long life span...Oh dear, I just had a thought...I hope hubby doesn't see me like that. If he starts calling me Olga I may have to call on some of you for comfort.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Any of you remember how adorable little kittens can be? We have 6 of them. Six feisty, furry, fat, funny baby kitty kitties. They are so cute it makes you want to pinch their toes. They are now 6 weeks old. I usually find homes for my kittens at 8 weeks but I'm going to start looking now. Since we are so busy this year I figure a head start would be wise.
I hate giving them away. I'm like a little 8 year old girl. Right after the new owners drive away I have to run and cry before any of the children learns of my weakness. (if you're in North Texas and need a new furball to love, let me know).
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
We have a year of busy activity planned and I so much would like to look like I'm in charge and know what I'm doing. But if that happens we'll all know it was God and He alone. I am a very feeble little human and the coming year will involve all of the following (of course more will be added as we go along):
1. My packing up this house, including several thousand books....(actually I'd better add a sale of books to this list)
2. Showing this house to perfect strangers and making it look good enough that someone wants to buy it.
3. Continuing to wean the two little girls and teach them to sleep through the night.
4.Continue homeschooling the older 3 kiddoes.
5. Plan something special for hubby's 40th birthday.
6. Get my almost 17 year old into and through his senior year...this will include me figuring out if I want to do a transcript, and how, and helping him make decisions about his future, as well as pushing him to finish up some things he's let slide.
7. Move to the Ozarks and live in a? Dunno yet...Tent? Barn? Yurt?
8. A 4 day, 3 night trip to Washington State to visit relatives which will include a lovely, and hopefully a little bit romantic, cruise get away with 2 of hubby's sisters and their husbands and his parents.
9. The trip will require me finding someone who wants to stay with my 5 kids and babysit while we are out of town. Any volunteers? This will be new and hard for me...leave all my little lambies??? aaahhh! Lord, help me not be scared!
10. Getting this body into something resembling... uhhmmm ... 'shape'.
It would be nice if hubby would be proud as a peacock to have me on his arm when we dine at the one elegant dinner on the cruise...it may be our only cruise ever...who knows?
11. Get my new little business venture up and running...this will be a bit more challenging than I originally suspected...due to not knowing what we'll be living in.
I'll stop there because I don't want to cause anyone to hyperventilate...actually I'm having to calm my own breathing....
I'm glad I know the Maker of All...He's going to be called in a lot.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Have you ever just sat and stared at a tree with new spring leaves when the morning sun was shining through them~~the leaves with that special newness color? It's a glowing color that's hard to describe. And...it's simply , breathtakingly beautiful. The color radiates with the sun's glow and you can almost feel it. I like to fill my eyes with these things...they rejuvenate me somehow.
Labels: Another Day, Misc
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Tax Time
Guess what I'm doing.
I'd much rather be sewing or taking a walk at the park.
Napping, chatting with friends, washing dishes, cleaning toilets.
I'm doing this because I love my hubby ...he said he could do them but I know he hates it too. I plan to do a bunch and he can finish when he gets home. Sigh. In some ways I've never grown up...I remember sitting in the classroom and staring out the window daydreaming.
I must find the courage to return to the task and the fortitude to finish. Yawn...
Labels: Misc
Children with Difficult Personalities
"Here's to good women, May we know them,
May we be them, May we raise them."
Parenting children that have difficult personalities...
I would like to say one thing to mothers of children with difficult personalities: "Hold on dear sister!"
We have had a few difficulties here and there and have not resolved all of the issues but we are always working on them.
Isn't that what parenting is all about?
I must admit to never having to deal with any of the extreme cases that I have witnessed on occasion, so I can't be of help there,
except to say "Pray without ceasing!"
As a mother I see it as my job to stand with each of my children against the adverse forces of the world and encourage them to be their very best.
Admittedly, there are some extreme cases where this is more than difficult. I have seen some ADHD children and some of them are obviously suffering from something that befuddles the average mind.
However, I believe that some (if not many) of these 'cases' are not 'problems' at all, just typical children reacting to the world as it has been dished out to them. There are no perfect children.
Perhaps some are acting out due to a lack of boundaries consistently and lovingly enforced, or maybe an adult (teacher?) failing to understand a child's need to move and play. Some children seem to crave an adult's attention as though they never had it a day in their life (maybe they haven't...?).
Since this is my blog and I love to jump on a soap box now and then..I'd like to encourage other parents to consider this: every child is different and should not be expected to develop the same as other children.
This is one reason why God gave us families instead of institutions!
Don't label your child out loud. A child should never see himself as a boxed in replica of anyone else or even as disabled in some way. Optimism works wonders!
Hold up role models and encourage them when you see success.
Point out areas that need work without slapping a sticky label on their forehead that says ADD or HYPER or MOODY or anything else.
Our children need to see us as a refuge. We, as parents, are the one earthly source from which a child can receive unconditional love.
And before I continue: some children (a couple of mine included) have a physical condition that CAN be helped!
Hurray for doctors who aren't afraid to move forward. We have a wonderful doctor who is working with one of my children because he was born with several physical anomalies including scoliosis.
Please check out Osteopathy...particularly cranial therapy...it's worth your time and may be just the thing you or your child need to start seeing a difference. Cranial therapy has helped children with learning disabilities and attention problems and more~~it has to do with blood flow to areas of the brain...this is not radical or just for 'brain damaged' folks~ it works for people who prefer english over math but would like to do better in math, etc. I don't have the knowledge or time to explain it here but if you are dealing with any of these issues please start your research and find a good osteopath who practices these techniques.
I have one child who is quiet, thoughtful and observant...wonderful in adult world until you realize that the poor child is carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders...
For this child help has come in the form of a personality test...(check them out here ~ the Jung 70 word test is the one we used). It gave us extra insight into his struggles and creative ways of helping him face life more optimistically have resulted.
Another child is extremely emotional. She used to (at ages 2-5) refuse to take a breath when she was angry or upset and would then turn blue and faint...
Not anymore! Time, love and attention fix so many things!
One of my children has interesting attention behaviors...he's very sincere and very needful of my affection right now...especially snuggle time.
He's the energetic boy who needs the freedom to be who he is and the guidance to direct his energies to fruitfulness.
...and I have 2 more children that are still unfolding their little personalities. Who knows what's in store?
All of these children have needed my undivided attention at times.
I have spent a lot of time praying and asking God for wisdom and direction. This is my only true advice! Pray and ask for wisdom! God's Word says He will not withhold it from those who ask.
God didn't fall off of His throne or get surprised by the personalities of the children with which He blessed you. He knows it's difficult. He wants you to turn to Him for help and then give Him all credit for the amazing results.
This is very hard to do. I know. I'm in the trenches with you. Let's join hands and push forward, supporting each other in any way we can.
Courage! Dear ones!
The rewards of parenting are tremendous. What a wonderful opportunity!
Labels: Family, Woman to Woman
Monday, April 9, 2007
Nighttime Mommyhood
I have been on night watch off and for 2 weeks. Ladybug and Doodlebug(15 mo girls) are learning to sleep in beds ( pack n plays) and also being weaned to only a couple nursing times each day ...all this on the heels of that drawn out illness we all caught.I was up most of last night but found myself enjoying small but very precious things~~~ like the sound of their laughter as I tickled their toes and the radiance of their smiles as they beamed up at me and the softness of their skin as I stroked their foreheads.
My friend Keri at A Happy Home posted an article about 'Nighttime Mommyhood' titled
The Night Watches
My friend Keri at A Happy Home posted an article about 'Nighttime Mommyhood' titled
The Night Watches
"...her candle goeth not out by night.......Pro 31:18
I overdid it with the toddler, running around all day into the evening, and as the lights went out, she began covering her ears, crying. Her low-level cold had backed up into her wee ears and now was forming into too much pressure. She was so tired from the events of the day in addition to missing out on a decent nap, she alternated between thrashing her body as a codfish pulled from the deep and sleeping in short fits of time.
I quickly administered the usual course of treatment: garlic oil in the ear (she screamed), remedies on the tongue (she took), and chamomile in her water (she drank). Unfortunately she was just too wound and could not relax, even in our bed. Hubby took to the store and around 11pm came home with a pain-relieving drug that we hoped would mellow her out enough to fall asleep. She did.
I woke from every cough, weezy snore, knobby knee and rolling head. Her little hand would plop onto my face. I would bunker down into my covers only to get them kicked off. I don’t remember when I fell asleep, but I do remember hearing the baby cry as if through a fog, and got up to feed and quiet him, twice. Between the baby and the toddler, my snippets of sleep served mostly as a tease.
Isn’t this something that characterizes motherhood? When a newborn baby is around, one of the first questions from people’s mouths is, “Are ya sleeping yet?” Part of embracing motherhood is receiving the watch watches.
It does not have to be a time of bitterness, although I have been there (“I NEED my SLEEP!”). Here are some verses that any mother with babe in arms can soak in when the stars are dressed in the skies:
Psalms 17:3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Isn’t it wonderful that God Himself will visit us in the night? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to look up and, as Peter, find the Lord looking at me as I spew out bitterness to a wee one for keeping me up.
Psalms 42:8 Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
If we are following Jesus, we are to do what He does: command our lovingkindness to our children in the daytime, and sing our songs to them in the night....." read the rest here
Labels: Another Day, Family
My Monday Musings
I'm feeling poetic today!
Please bear with me.;-)
When children are a napping, I tiptoe into full rooms 
Please bear with me.;-)
I am a working woman.
My heart is full of cheer.
I scrub the clothes and wash the toes of little ones so dear.
The food does not escape my notice, though simple it may be.
I spread the jam and wipe chubby hands and wash dishes purposefully.
When children are a napping, I tiptoe into full rooms
to pack and sort and take down the fort they built with boxes and brooms.
When the day is said and done, I love my little home.
Labels: Another Day, Inspirations
Friday, April 6, 2007
Blogging Glitches
I have been having some Blogger log-in and commenting problems this week. I've attempted to leave comments on my friends blogs and also on new friends blogs but to no avail. I have had to change my password twice just to be able to post here. I am announcing this because I don't want anyone to think I'm ignoring them. I'm getting frustrated and I don't know how long it will take for Blogger to help me out. I'll probably use my chat box on my sidebar to leave each of you notes. I would love it if all of you would get one installed on your sites, in case of troubles like these.
So...be sure to check my chat box for messages!
So...be sure to check my chat box for messages!
Labels: Misc
Thursday, April 5, 2007
A melody to lighten the work...
Last night I was rocking the two little 15 month old girls, Ladybug and Doodlebug, trying to get them to go to sleep. We've all been a bit fussy lately due to being sick and they were no exception.
I started singing songs in my nasaly, stuffed up and squeaky voice...they liked it. It made me smile to realize that they don't care that my notes are off this week or that I have to stop and cough every couple lines.
Their big blue eyes just stared into mine as I began a long list of old favorite melodys: some silly, some sweet, some worshipful.
Music has a wonderful way of making forever connections in our minds that tangle up with our heartstrings.
I sang many songs and in my mind I could see the people who had lovingly done the same for me through the years.
One of my favorites is taken from scripture:
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings as eagles.
They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.
Another favorite from scripture:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness oh Lord. Great is thy faithfulness.
I have one memory of a long time ago (I must have been about 12 years old), spending the night at a dear friend's home (hugs to you Taylor if you're reading this). She and her mother and I sat up late hours one night in the dark living room singing and talking. One of the songs was originally sung by a Christian music artist who had been saved out of the hippie movement. Her name: Honeytree. The song went something like: Father in heaven, you're the one, I'm in love with your only son...The tune still swirls and floats down around me like a gentle breeze on a hot day during the times when I'm remembering to work as unto the Lord. I hum and I see myself as the young bride in love with her man...willing to do anything, anything at all~ even leaving everything behind to travel to distant places unknown~ to please Him.
Today, I must face a long list of work. We will begin packing in earnest and the taxes still need to be filed and I am sick and miserable physically. I am going to hum favorite songs from my childhood and remember who I really work for.
I'm just passing through on a mission. :-)
Have a sunny day!
I started singing songs in my nasaly, stuffed up and squeaky voice...they liked it. It made me smile to realize that they don't care that my notes are off this week or that I have to stop and cough every couple lines.
Their big blue eyes just stared into mine as I began a long list of old favorite melodys: some silly, some sweet, some worshipful.
Music has a wonderful way of making forever connections in our minds that tangle up with our heartstrings.
I sang many songs and in my mind I could see the people who had lovingly done the same for me through the years.
One of my favorites is taken from scripture:
They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
They shall mount up with wings as eagles.
They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Teach me Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.
Another favorite from scripture:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness oh Lord. Great is thy faithfulness.
I have one memory of a long time ago (I must have been about 12 years old), spending the night at a dear friend's home (hugs to you Taylor if you're reading this). She and her mother and I sat up late hours one night in the dark living room singing and talking. One of the songs was originally sung by a Christian music artist who had been saved out of the hippie movement. Her name: Honeytree. The song went something like: Father in heaven, you're the one, I'm in love with your only son...The tune still swirls and floats down around me like a gentle breeze on a hot day during the times when I'm remembering to work as unto the Lord. I hum and I see myself as the young bride in love with her man...willing to do anything, anything at all~ even leaving everything behind to travel to distant places unknown~ to please Him.
Today, I must face a long list of work. We will begin packing in earnest and the taxes still need to be filed and I am sick and miserable physically. I am going to hum favorite songs from my childhood and remember who I really work for.
I'm just passing through on a mission. :-)
Have a sunny day!
Labels: Another Day, Inspirations
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Back from Time Out
Wow! Is it Wednesday already?! Time has gotten away from me.
I am here to report about my activities of the past week.
It all started on Sunday afternoon, last week, when my dear hubby and I were discussing our life plans, dreams, goals...you know the sort of conversation. We have recently decided (6-8 months ago or so) for reasons I won't go into here that we need to consider relocating to the Ozark mountains. In order to do this, however, we need to make a scouting trip to look for housing and check out the work possibilities, etc.. It seems that we just haven't been able to get away...either illness or money or time has prevented it...especially money or lack thereof.
During our conversation hubby said "Why don't you just take the kids and go? Treat it like a vacation and have lots of fun with the children, take lots of pictures and while you're at it deliver my resume to some places and scout for houses. That way I won't have to miss any work."
Let me explain that this is NOT the way we typically do things around here. My husband is very protective and prefers I not drive too far away...where he can't rescue me if need be. :-) Also, I don't really like doing things away from hubby, because... well...he's my best friend and I miss him so much when we're apart that it's hard to have fun. I spend all my time saying "Oh! I wish he could see this!"
This time, I said "Are you serious? I'll do it!"
I have been told that I am a little crazy and several friends suggested that I may be a little too desperate for adventure...'taking all 5 kids by yourself? for 6 or 7 hours one way?'
This was Sunday afternoon and I knew that with the current condition of my home I would have to spend all day Monday cleaning and doing laundry and packing in order to be ready. So we went to work, my parents came and helped again (God bless them so much) and we were able to leave Tuesday.
The trip up was pleasant and basically uneventful. Osprey was able to take some driving time and give me a break. We arrived at the motel and settled in and I was looking forward to seeing the local scenery and a few days of fun and games and rest.
During the night Little 4yo guy woke me with crying and a raspy, croupy sort of cough. I jumped up and put him in the bathroom to breathe steamy shower air and ended up being up for a couple of hours...after that I had to tend to the babies. By morning I was limp and exhausted but still optimistic.
Let me sum up the rest of the story with this: Every one of the children got sick! And so did I. The dry motel air only aggravated the problem so we spent part of one day buying a humidifier at the local StuffMart and that did help us sleep through the night. Being the stubborn and basically optimistic person that I am, I declared war on anything that would ruin our fun and we pushed forward bravely. We ate at a local BBQ place (spicy food is easier to taste than other foods when noses are stuffy). We climbed towers and visited lakes and drove mountain roads... but the biggest thing we did was lay in the motel and eat snacks and watch Andy Griffith. :-) Oh well, it was together time and there was no housework or cooking involved (except for the occasional hot dog in the microwave).
The scenery was just lovely...the dogwoods and redbuds were blooming:
It all started on Sunday afternoon, last week, when my dear hubby and I were discussing our life plans, dreams, goals...you know the sort of conversation. We have recently decided (6-8 months ago or so) for reasons I won't go into here that we need to consider relocating to the Ozark mountains. In order to do this, however, we need to make a scouting trip to look for housing and check out the work possibilities, etc.. It seems that we just haven't been able to get away...either illness or money or time has prevented it...especially money or lack thereof.
During our conversation hubby said "Why don't you just take the kids and go? Treat it like a vacation and have lots of fun with the children, take lots of pictures and while you're at it deliver my resume to some places and scout for houses. That way I won't have to miss any work."
Let me explain that this is NOT the way we typically do things around here. My husband is very protective and prefers I not drive too far away...where he can't rescue me if need be. :-) Also, I don't really like doing things away from hubby, because... well...he's my best friend and I miss him so much when we're apart that it's hard to have fun. I spend all my time saying "Oh! I wish he could see this!"
This time, I said "Are you serious? I'll do it!"
I have been told that I am a little crazy and several friends suggested that I may be a little too desperate for adventure...'taking all 5 kids by yourself? for 6 or 7 hours one way?'
This was Sunday afternoon and I knew that with the current condition of my home I would have to spend all day Monday cleaning and doing laundry and packing in order to be ready. So we went to work, my parents came and helped again (God bless them so much) and we were able to leave Tuesday.
The trip up was pleasant and basically uneventful. Osprey was able to take some driving time and give me a break. We arrived at the motel and settled in and I was looking forward to seeing the local scenery and a few days of fun and games and rest.
During the night Little 4yo guy woke me with crying and a raspy, croupy sort of cough. I jumped up and put him in the bathroom to breathe steamy shower air and ended up being up for a couple of hours...after that I had to tend to the babies. By morning I was limp and exhausted but still optimistic.
Let me sum up the rest of the story with this: Every one of the children got sick! And so did I. The dry motel air only aggravated the problem so we spent part of one day buying a humidifier at the local StuffMart and that did help us sleep through the night. Being the stubborn and basically optimistic person that I am, I declared war on anything that would ruin our fun and we pushed forward bravely. We ate at a local BBQ place (spicy food is easier to taste than other foods when noses are stuffy). We climbed towers and visited lakes and drove mountain roads... but the biggest thing we did was lay in the motel and eat snacks and watch Andy Griffith. :-) Oh well, it was together time and there was no housework or cooking involved (except for the occasional hot dog in the microwave).
The scenery was just lovely...the dogwoods and redbuds were blooming:
(this pic is from istock photo)
I want to post some of my own pictures here but it may be later today or later this week. Our USB ports have all quit working so I'll have to go get the pics on disc and bring them back.
As it turns out, I am still quite sick and coughing and the littles are all getting well slowly. We have semi-quarantined ourselves from friends and family until we are sure not to spread this nasty bug around.
As far as moving...it's a go! Hip hip hurray!
I brought back my 'spying out the land' reports along with some giant clusters of grapes between two poles...and hubby says let's take the land! Never mind the giants...we've faced them before. God always makes the way for us. So now life has taken on new adventures. I started packing the house yesterday. I don't know exactly how it will all come together but it will. I'll keep you posted on new developments.
Labels: Family, Holidays and Celebrations, News
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