It's nearly the end of the month and we can't spend anything. ANYthing. Really.
And then R (7) has a headstand misshap and a trip for after hours care and comes home (quite happily) with a splint on his finger.
He says cheerfully to his older brother, "Well, at least I got my splint!"
To which O (9) replies, "It's not fair! Why do you get all the medical treatment?"
And then, a moment later, he mutters, "I still think my toe was broken." (which The Lawyer and I vaguely remember.)
Oh, things aren't fair around here. No, indeed.
After our little earthquake experience Tuesday and a hurricane headed this way on Saturday, we have acts of God on our minds. The children are voicing their concerns. We (The Lawyer and I) are thinking maybe we should get some candles, fill up the van with gas, and perhaps even buy food. After all, the end of the month is still almost a week away! (and we can't spend anything, remember?!)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
T is Four!
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| Brothers trying out the new diggers. |
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| T and his bike cake. |
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| M (15 mo) wants to be a Digger Man, too. |
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| Big brothers made a shed for the new tractor. |
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| Checking the time mid-construction project. |
He can rough it up with the big brothers (though it usually ends in tears- and not always T's) and yet he also patiently teaches M to be "a digger man" and make a drum with the brillo can. T and L (6) are best friends when it comes to pretending. They are often making forts or leading each other around with a rope.
T loves the "Billy and Blaze" books as well as Curious George and just about any other book, too. He has hidden much Scripture in his heart this year and can recite nearly all of Colossians chapters 1, 2, and 3. He is concerned about having big muscles and being able to run fast. His biking (very fast and coordinated on 4 wheels) scares me to death but he has a blast. He's even managed 2 wheels around the yard and we predict it won't be long until he can keep up with his older siblings.
Oh! Such JOY to live with this child! What a privilege to live life with this precious soul.
Coconut Oil and Diapers- Two Deals
While these two (coconut oil and diapers) don't typically turn up together, they are both items that I've recently purchased online and been VERY happy with. Although I'm not big on couponing, and I loathe spending time shopping around for deals, I do get excited when I get a great price on something I need.
For starters, coconut oil from www.mercola.com is the best deal I've found. There is SO much information out there about how good coconut oil is for you. I like to buy from Mercola because I can buy a large container (which is on sale) and then get a discount for being part of the autoship program. After I placed my order I also received a coupon for 10% off my next order. I haven't found coconut oil of this quality any cheaper.
We generally use cloth diapers, but now I'm in this little house without a clothesline and still trying to put our life in order. I gave myself a break from washing diapers (but don't criticize because I'm still using cloth napkins) and have been looking for the least expensive size 3 diapers I could find. Low and behold, it is less expensive to buy diapers off www.amazon.com than it is for me to use a coupon at the local mart! The diapers I found were on sale and then I again signed up for the autoship program (though I don't intend to continue this indefinitely). The autoship gave me a discount and free shipping. And, as an added perk, I think I'm now getting free shipping on all my Amazon orders. It was such a great feeling to come home from dropping The Lawyer at the bus stop and see a box of diapers waiting on the porch.
For starters, coconut oil from www.mercola.com is the best deal I've found. There is SO much information out there about how good coconut oil is for you. I like to buy from Mercola because I can buy a large container (which is on sale) and then get a discount for being part of the autoship program. After I placed my order I also received a coupon for 10% off my next order. I haven't found coconut oil of this quality any cheaper.
We generally use cloth diapers, but now I'm in this little house without a clothesline and still trying to put our life in order. I gave myself a break from washing diapers (but don't criticize because I'm still using cloth napkins) and have been looking for the least expensive size 3 diapers I could find. Low and behold, it is less expensive to buy diapers off www.amazon.com than it is for me to use a coupon at the local mart! The diapers I found were on sale and then I again signed up for the autoship program (though I don't intend to continue this indefinitely). The autoship gave me a discount and free shipping. And, as an added perk, I think I'm now getting free shipping on all my Amazon orders. It was such a great feeling to come home from dropping The Lawyer at the bus stop and see a box of diapers waiting on the porch.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
The Day Things Went to Pieces
Literally.
We started "full school" on Monday and I knew Sunday night that by Wednesday I would know whether or not the new schedule was going to fly. Monday was glorious (in that we nearly kept on schedule, had lots to check off at the end of the day, and I was able to inspect the children's work). Not only that, but I scheduled in fun times with the littlest and a good long book reading session with the biggest- so our emotional tanks were feeling full, too.
Then Tuesday... a little less enthusiasm from the crowd. And yet still good. At the end of the day I was thankful for the schedule that revealed where the day went. It was good to know that we did touch on academics and character and get the "acts of service" done, too.
And then today. It's called hump day for a reason. I knew that if we made it through this day that it would bode well for the entire year. Tonight I breathe a sigh of relief because I believe we'll make it- even though we had a rather unbelievable day.
First, I should mention that I'm grieving one of the (two or three?) items broken during the move. A large, white oval bowl with scalloped edge came out of its box in pieces. I cried. It's my largest serving dish and I used it daily for salad. The Lawyer allowed me to splurge on it when we were away for our tenth anniversary weekend.
Yesterday T (3) broke (cracked) the refrigerator drawer (an accident, of course). This bummed me out because our Lynchburg refrigerator had a broken drawer that always made it difficult to use and I was so enjoying the new fridge here with the working drawers.
This morning I wore gold sandals to take The Lawyer to the bus. When we returned home I noticed that the soles were separated from the uppers. (That's why I was tripping all over the carpet!)
The kids fill a large glass pitcher with water for me every day. It's so easy for me to remember to drink water when it is sitting right there and I can see how much I need to imbibe. This heavy glass pitcher was a wedding gift. Today O (9) accidentally knocked it into the side of the refrigerator and it cracked from one side to the other in a long arc as water seeped out onto the counter. I nearly cried.
Then, I went to give T (3) his Silver Shield and the cap was cracked and broken and no longer holding a seal. And it was sharp! R (7) had accidentally knocked it out of the cupboard this morning, apparently.
L (6) came sadly to me during rest time with a broken flower barrette in her hand. It "just broke" as she tried to take it out of her doll's hair. Never mind that it was a special flower barrette that I had worn for my sister's wedding.
And... I think there were probably other things, too, but I've forgotten them already in the spin of the day. Yet- we made it through. The kids are in bed, the house tidied, the plans laid for tomorrow (Lord willing!). And we'll be okay. (Is the Lord teaching me to hold things loosely or what!?) He always provides; just today we opened a surprise package with new swim suits for the boys and clothes for T- such a blessing! And needed. Of course, we read Matthew 6 today, with God's assurance that He will feed and clothe us (just "happened" to be there for our daily noon reading). And Valley of Vision reminded me that He provides all things "needful" for me.
Some things went to pieces today, but my soul was carefully sustained.
We started "full school" on Monday and I knew Sunday night that by Wednesday I would know whether or not the new schedule was going to fly. Monday was glorious (in that we nearly kept on schedule, had lots to check off at the end of the day, and I was able to inspect the children's work). Not only that, but I scheduled in fun times with the littlest and a good long book reading session with the biggest- so our emotional tanks were feeling full, too.
Then Tuesday... a little less enthusiasm from the crowd. And yet still good. At the end of the day I was thankful for the schedule that revealed where the day went. It was good to know that we did touch on academics and character and get the "acts of service" done, too.
And then today. It's called hump day for a reason. I knew that if we made it through this day that it would bode well for the entire year. Tonight I breathe a sigh of relief because I believe we'll make it- even though we had a rather unbelievable day.
First, I should mention that I'm grieving one of the (two or three?) items broken during the move. A large, white oval bowl with scalloped edge came out of its box in pieces. I cried. It's my largest serving dish and I used it daily for salad. The Lawyer allowed me to splurge on it when we were away for our tenth anniversary weekend.
Yesterday T (3) broke (cracked) the refrigerator drawer (an accident, of course). This bummed me out because our Lynchburg refrigerator had a broken drawer that always made it difficult to use and I was so enjoying the new fridge here with the working drawers.
This morning I wore gold sandals to take The Lawyer to the bus. When we returned home I noticed that the soles were separated from the uppers. (That's why I was tripping all over the carpet!)
The kids fill a large glass pitcher with water for me every day. It's so easy for me to remember to drink water when it is sitting right there and I can see how much I need to imbibe. This heavy glass pitcher was a wedding gift. Today O (9) accidentally knocked it into the side of the refrigerator and it cracked from one side to the other in a long arc as water seeped out onto the counter. I nearly cried.
Then, I went to give T (3) his Silver Shield and the cap was cracked and broken and no longer holding a seal. And it was sharp! R (7) had accidentally knocked it out of the cupboard this morning, apparently.
L (6) came sadly to me during rest time with a broken flower barrette in her hand. It "just broke" as she tried to take it out of her doll's hair. Never mind that it was a special flower barrette that I had worn for my sister's wedding.
And... I think there were probably other things, too, but I've forgotten them already in the spin of the day. Yet- we made it through. The kids are in bed, the house tidied, the plans laid for tomorrow (Lord willing!). And we'll be okay. (Is the Lord teaching me to hold things loosely or what!?) He always provides; just today we opened a surprise package with new swim suits for the boys and clothes for T- such a blessing! And needed. Of course, we read Matthew 6 today, with God's assurance that He will feed and clothe us (just "happened" to be there for our daily noon reading). And Valley of Vision reminded me that He provides all things "needful" for me.
Some things went to pieces today, but my soul was carefully sustained.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Ever Good
First day of "full school" here at home. Such an adventure! I love getting back into a tighter routine and checking off the things we are accomplishing. It's good to know where the day went.
Here are some photos of our life here. Though much has changed, I still see the thread of consistency through our family (who we really are). Maybe you see it, too?
One way for me to stay moored to the Truth is to notice and count the gifts the Lord has given. He is always faithful, never changing, ever good.
727) Zucchini "noodles" curling in the bowl.
728) Pan of fresh, warm cherry tomatoes.
729) T saying, "Mom! I just had a shiver run up my spine." (inspired by Blaze and the Mountain Lion.)
730) Boy in the fireplace.
731) Boy far, far above me in the oak tree.
732) Freshly sharpened pencils.
733) Joy- great joy!- from giving to others.
734) Puddles.
735) Rejoicing with those who rejoice (dear friends with a new job).
736) Mourning with those who mourn (loved ones are ill).
737) Girl popping to the surface-after jumping from the diving board- with an exuberant smile.
738) Mercy when I forget to wash the white shirts.
739) M bringing books to me to read (including War of the Worlds).
740) Soft fuzzy blond buzzed hair cuts under my hands.
Here are some photos of our life here. Though much has changed, I still see the thread of consistency through our family (who we really are). Maybe you see it, too?
One way for me to stay moored to the Truth is to notice and count the gifts the Lord has given. He is always faithful, never changing, ever good.
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| Zucchini Spaghetti. Beautiful! (Ann takes photos of cheese and I marvel at zucchini!) |
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| M (15 mo) in the fireplace. I changed his clothes and bathed him THREE times before he learned not to climb into the fireplace (and shut the screen behind himself). Oh, it may have helped that I also put a chair in front of the fireplace, too! |
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| The Lawyer and I (and M) at the state capitol. |
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| It floats! All the kids contributed to the construction of the massive duplo boat. |
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| Capitol entrance. |
728) Pan of fresh, warm cherry tomatoes.
729) T saying, "Mom! I just had a shiver run up my spine." (inspired by Blaze and the Mountain Lion.)
730) Boy in the fireplace.
731) Boy far, far above me in the oak tree.
732) Freshly sharpened pencils.
733) Joy- great joy!- from giving to others.
734) Puddles.
735) Rejoicing with those who rejoice (dear friends with a new job).
736) Mourning with those who mourn (loved ones are ill).
737) Girl popping to the surface-after jumping from the diving board- with an exuberant smile.
738) Mercy when I forget to wash the white shirts.
739) M bringing books to me to read (including War of the Worlds).
740) Soft fuzzy blond buzzed hair cuts under my hands.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Geese
One morning, in the tender early hours of the day, as we returned from dropping The Lawyer at the bus stop, we witnessed a shocking accident right in front of us.
At that point on Hull St., there are four lanes of traffic speeding out of town. I feel a bit edgy because the lanes begin to suddenly merge down to two lanes. I glance both directions and watch for speeding drivers around me. And then, in front of me, I see tail lights. Instinctively, I slow down and wonder what is ahead. To my left a car zips past, unheeding. A few seconds later that car plows into a flock of geese crossing the road. Even from our distance we hear the thud of the unfortunate goose and our eyes grow wide as feathers poof into the air. The car slows but drives on until the goose is left in the road behind.
I'm horrified and rolling forward with one hand over my mouth. The kids are shocked, too.
(Later I remember that I've hit my share of animals, too. Which always shook me.)
Today we said goodbye to The Lawyer and he boarded the morning bus. Then, we turned toward home. Only a feet down the road there was a small flock of geese crossing from the median to the hill on the right shoulder.
"Oh Mom!" T shouted. (I had already slowed, thankfully.) "There's geese!"
"I see them. Thanks," I said.
"Good," says T. And I think of the feathers blown across the highway last week.
The geese waddle across and I drive on. After that moment of quiet T shouts from the back, "Did you hit one?"
"No," I say (and I can't help but smile).
He gives his usual response: "good."
And it IS good. It's so good that God has protected us (717). And the geese (718). And given us things to smile about even as we sorrow (719). There are good, beautiful "boomerang" clouds swept across the blue sky (720). And musical birthday cards (721) that the baby dances to (722). There is good music playing softly in the background (723) and it is good to break bread with new friends (724). It is good to put these new routines in place and realize how simple house keeping is with a small house (725). And so good to talk to "old" friends who affirm the growth and processes that I cannot see (726).
GOOD. Everything He gives is good. Oh, give me eyes to see it as such!
At that point on Hull St., there are four lanes of traffic speeding out of town. I feel a bit edgy because the lanes begin to suddenly merge down to two lanes. I glance both directions and watch for speeding drivers around me. And then, in front of me, I see tail lights. Instinctively, I slow down and wonder what is ahead. To my left a car zips past, unheeding. A few seconds later that car plows into a flock of geese crossing the road. Even from our distance we hear the thud of the unfortunate goose and our eyes grow wide as feathers poof into the air. The car slows but drives on until the goose is left in the road behind.
I'm horrified and rolling forward with one hand over my mouth. The kids are shocked, too.
(Later I remember that I've hit my share of animals, too. Which always shook me.)
Today we said goodbye to The Lawyer and he boarded the morning bus. Then, we turned toward home. Only a feet down the road there was a small flock of geese crossing from the median to the hill on the right shoulder.
"Oh Mom!" T shouted. (I had already slowed, thankfully.) "There's geese!"
"I see them. Thanks," I said.
"Good," says T. And I think of the feathers blown across the highway last week.
The geese waddle across and I drive on. After that moment of quiet T shouts from the back, "Did you hit one?"
"No," I say (and I can't help but smile).
He gives his usual response: "good."
And it IS good. It's so good that God has protected us (717). And the geese (718). And given us things to smile about even as we sorrow (719). There are good, beautiful "boomerang" clouds swept across the blue sky (720). And musical birthday cards (721) that the baby dances to (722). There is good music playing softly in the background (723) and it is good to break bread with new friends (724). It is good to put these new routines in place and realize how simple house keeping is with a small house (725). And so good to talk to "old" friends who affirm the growth and processes that I cannot see (726).
GOOD. Everything He gives is good. Oh, give me eyes to see it as such!
Monday, August 1, 2011
So Much Grace
There is grace in this adventure. Though I'm not always quick to give it nor quick to note it, there is grace for us. Tonight I'm slowing down to note the gifts God has given, bringing my heart back into a grateful resting. As I count His provisions and grace upon grace I assure myself that there will be grace upon grace tomorrow also.
701) Boys giggling together, rolling around on the carpet
702) Summer Rain
703) Thunder sounding distant over the lake
704) Smell of the woods
705) Scripture just for today; strengthening words needed (Psalm 118: "He is ON MY SIDE.")
706) Children choosing treats at Trader Joe's- peanuts, sunflower seeds, cashews. . .
707) Armful of yellow packages to mail
708) Surprise! Refunds and coupons and unmarked clearance items and money back!
709) Evening meal with new friends
710) Surprise! There were still eggs in the garage refrigerator!
711) Singing Colossians with the children
712) Tangy BBQ sauce
713) Baby signs; I love watching M sign "fish" and others
714) Singing at church; a little Appalachian feel I liked
715) Books and books! Unpacking books given us last year that have been packed all this time; finding some books I planned to order and some I've been wanting to read.
716) "Mom. I love you. Oh, and I love you." (T, age 3)
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| I tried to get our "annual photo" at Tamarack on our way back from IL. There were logistical issues as well as an unhappy baby and four other children who just wanted to PLAY. |
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