tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70847422339486320502024-02-07T19:40:29.103-05:00Home Bodycallihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.comBlogger1010125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-47240874343788388242018-07-24T22:41:00.000-04:002018-07-24T22:41:02.877-04:00The Missing Wonder FactorThere's something conspicuously absent in my life these days. ("These days" refers to the days since we started having children and added smart phones.) The missing something is what I think of as "the wonder factor." I don't notice that the "wonder factor" is absent because I'm not usually confronted with it and our new normal quickly becomes the only normal we know. However, a few things happened recently that made me ponder the missing wonder.<br />
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When I was growing up, there weren't cell phones. (I know I sound so ancient, but it doesn't seem that long ago!) When I said goodbye to my parents in the morning, I wouldn't talk to them (or text!) until I saw them again that evening. We had to communicate with one another. Maybe we would leave a note on the counter: Going on a walk. Be back by 4. Or a reminder post it note in the car: pick up mail, please. There were several times that I waited for rides home from sports practices or games when the school was closed (hence, the office phone was unavailable) and I had to WONDER... do mom and dad remember that I'm here? How long should I wait? Should I walk to a friend's house? If I leave to call them and then they come, will we miss each other? Did they already come and go home without seeing me? What if it starts raining?<br />
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All of these questions were my wondering. I would ask questions that didn't have answers and I would try to provide answers for myself. There wasn't anyone else to answer these questions and there weren't necessarily any right answers. There was just me, wondering.<br />
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On our summer trip to Il, I had a wondering moment. We brought out Labrador puppy with us on this trip. At our VA house, he sleeps on the floor in the bedroom. In IL, he has to stay outside. It was going to rain and I heard Stirco whining outside. I wondered if he would be okay and settle down. I wondered if he would do better in his crate on the porch. I wondered if he would wake up the 11 sleeping cousins. I wondered if I should sleep downstairs near the crate so he would settle in (oh! the things we do!). I wondered what The Lawyer would do. Alas, it was too late to call or text him. Everyone else was in already in bed. I was the only one awake, thinking about the whining puppy. I was tempted to grab my phone... to look up some sort of solution to this problem I was facing. There wasn't an easy question to put on an internet search and I knew there weren't any cyber answers for me. The situation warranted wondering. It wasn't a simple, solve-able problem, but one that needed care and intuition and creative thinking- all things that come better from a wondering mind than from a phone.<br />
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I was uncomfortable- so much so that it startled me. Have I become SO dependent on my phone for answers? Yes. Yes I have. It was uncomfortable to not have an easy answer to the dog dilemma. I had to wait and listen to him. I had to try a few different things. It took time to pet him, calm him, and to muddle through my options. He knows how to open doors, so I can't really leave him out without locking the doors. He could break through the screen door when I'm upstairs and that wouldn't be good, so I probably should block off that door. If he's wet, his electric collar could be a problem. Do I think he would run away or hide in the rain? Is he more likely to stay at the back door, or get into trouble somewhere else on the farm? What should I do?<br />
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After deciding on a plan to leave him outside without his collar, I went back up to bed. I lay in the dark, listening to the night sounds of the farm, the frogs, the bugs. . . and the dog (again). Not wanting to disturb anyone, I went back downstairs again for a second try.<br />
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In the cool darkness, with the moon shining and the solar lights' gentle glow, I pet Stirco and wondered. It was a strange feeling, one I hadn't had for so long, this thinking things through without any clear answer, without soliciting opinions or help. At the same time, it was a familiar discomfort. It totally reminded me of those lonely nights waiting outside the school gym, wondering if my parents would come or what I should do. I found myself praying for wisdom, turning ideas over in my head, and wearily accepting that there wasn't a clear answer. I had to trust that it would be okay. Thankfully, it was. It usually is. But how interesting that we may be regularly missing out on the "wonder factor." Maybe my children haven't even experienced it, in a world with google, facebook, voxer, texting, and youtube.<br />
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I dare say we are missing more than the wondering. We might just be missing the stretching and the scheming and the dreaming and the possibility thinking that our brains were made for. We might be missing the sometimes loneliness and the smallness that cause us to not only reach out, but reach UP when there is no one nearby to reach out to. We might be missing the mystery of dependance on Providence and the goodness of seeing faithful, supernatural provision and protection. I don't know. Maybe I'm making too much of this. I'm just thankful for that night with the dog when I realized how precious the "wonder factor" is.callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-9193439802899912182018-06-21T22:57:00.000-04:002018-06-21T22:57:04.591-04:00Traveling with Boys and ToothbrushesTraveling with boys can be interesting.<br />
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This morning, I reminded M (8) to brush his teeth after breakfast (which is a reminder I give nearly every day for reasons which will soon be obvious).<br />
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An hour later, when I returned from my run, I asked him if he had brushed his teeth. He looked rather guilty of skipping the task. "I couldn't," he explained.<br />
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"Why not?" I queried.<br />
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"Because I can't find my toothbrush."<br />
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Oh yes. Said toothbrush that he believed he had packed in his bag but has been unable to find... since we left VA a week ago. I'm pretty sure this means what we think it means (ahem. No toothbrushing for seven days). I encouraged him to ask Grandma for a new toothbrush. She's awesome and stocks up before we come for this very purpose. We have come on a summer trip before when not ONE of my children packed a toothbrush.<br />
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Shortly after this, I saw O (16) heading upstairs, toothbrush in hand. "Someone used my toothbrush!" he said, rather incredulously. (The children have been assigned specifically colored toothbrushes and specific bathrooms that they are to use.)<br />
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Apparently, when O went to brush his teeth, he couldn't find his toothbrush. It wasn't in the assigned downstairs bathroom, which only three children were supposed to use for personal grooming. This morning, there was one toothbrush conspicuously absent. He went upstairs to look for the missing toothbrush. On the way, he saw G (5). O asked, "Did you use my toothbrush?"<br />
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"No." said G. "I couldn't find mine, so I borrowed Grandpa's."<br />
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When O found his toothbrush upstairs, he then brought it back down. Showing it to G, he then asked, "Is this the toothbrush you used?"<br />
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"Yes." agreed G. But he didn't TAKE it upstairs; he just USED it upstairs.<br />
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After asking around for who was to blame for taking his toothbrush upstairs, O gave up. I heard him mutter, "It's not just that G used my toothbrush. . . it's that <i>two</i> people used my toothbrush and I don't know who the first person was."<br />
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And I had to laugh. . . because it didn't stop O from brushing his teeth anyway. These boys!!callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-47326400827671047642018-05-07T22:21:00.003-04:002018-05-07T22:21:32.282-04:00Counting... Graces and the OmerSo... let's just say it's been about a year. Facebook has become my primary posting place and this humble blog has fallen off into obscurity. UNTIL... I visited for an archived recipe and L (13) started reading and found this to be a treasure trove. How much I forget! How thankful that I actually wrote some of it down!<br />
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Most of my consistent posting was when I was counting 1000 gifts, Ann Voskamp style. SO thankful that I did that, and I see the benefit to the practice. I've spent time reading books, journaling, and practicing gratitude in many ways since then (including #countinggifts on fb). Still, it's good to look back and remember the gifts that meant so much to me in those sweet, hard years of babies.<br />
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More recently, we've been deep into a journey of faith and digging down into the roots of our faith and asking, "What does the Bible REALLY say?" It's been hard and amazing, challenging and refreshing all at the same time.<br />
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Right now, we are counting the omer... and here's a quick 2 minute video to explain. =)<br />
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callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-9798740365373080292017-07-26T22:32:00.000-04:002017-07-26T22:32:02.196-04:00Ode to a Little House (a farewell)This could be a really long post about how we have lived in a little rental house for a really long time. It's a familiar story: people move into a rental home and intend to move the next year. Instead. they stay and stay and stay and stay and stay. Six years later they decide that now is as good a time as any and the kids aren't getting any younger and they pray and look (as in look at mls listings every single night) and wait and pray and look. . . and then they move!<br />
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I'd like to document all the ways that we've seen the Lord's hand in this moving process. I intend to! It will be a long story, however. An Ebenezer story. That's all I wanted, really- for our home story to be a God story, a story of provision and timing and blessing and goodness that could only be from Him. I was kind of hoping that we would be gifted a house (we WERE gifted a van!), even though I knew it was pretty outrageous to pray that way. Yet, I do feel this house is a gift and I see Father's love in the details, the finances, the timing, the location. The house we are moving to is so much better than I expected and I'm really overwhelmed by gratitude.<br />
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And yet. . . we will be leaving this little house we have lived in for the past six years. I'm not really sentimental. My friends seem more sad about us leaving this house than I feel. And still, I've worked to be grateful here, to give thanks and appreciate this house as a gift and I do see it as such. There are unique benefits to living in a small house and some of those things I have come to appreciate and value and I will miss.<br />
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Goodbye, little house.<br />
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Goodbye Little House where G was born.<br />
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Goodbye Little House where our kids grew inches and hair and teeth and new bodies.<br />
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Goodbye Little House where I could call names and everyone could hear me, no matter where in the house they were. Where I could stand in the kitchen and see the entire living area. Where my bedroom was only nine steps from the boy room. How many nights have I walked that hallway! Carrying sleeping boys back to their beds from my bed, soothing boys who have bad dreams or sore throats or tummy aches. Calling boys from that room for heart conversations, discipline, and instructions. How easy it was to hear their coughs or sniffles (or arguments!) and take care of my littler ones- what a gift!<br />
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Goodbye Little House, where I had to be creative to find quiet. I've hidden in my bathroom, in the garage, sat in front of the washing machine to have light for reading my Bible, and walked circles around you while on the phone. I've even locked myself in the van to have a few quiet minutes.<br />
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Goodbye Little House, so easy to clean! What an easy life I've had with only two bathrooms and wood floors and not too much to manage. I'll miss the simplicity of a small space when I attempt to keep a larger space tidy (not that I ever really succeeded here!). We never even unpacked everything from our Lynchburg house... trying to keep things simple and uncluttered was really a boon.<br />
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Goodbye Little House, so close to things we enjoy! We walked to the pool nearly every summer day<br />
for swim team and recreation. I've walked miles and miles and miles of trails, gone running, kayaking, played tennis, soccer, used the ball fields and playground and pavilion, biked to the post office and to church and to the gym. . . Things were convenient and easy here.<br />
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Goodbye Little House, with the wonderful landlord who became like a grandpa to our children. Mr. B<br />
can fix anything and was so quick to take care of us. He remembered birthdays and brought treats for the kids, was so generous with his garden vegetables and baking, invited us to swim at his pool, took the boys hunting and to work with him, and endeared himself to us.<br />
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Goodbye Little House where we made so many memories. We enjoyed nights by the fire inside and a few nights at our fire pit out back. The kids spent hours and days on the trampoline out back and we've used scooters, bikes, and flying turtles on the driveway and down the cul-de-sac days upon days. We've had over 40 birthdays here and celebrated feasts together. We've had friends over for dinner, for covenant group, and just because. We've learned together, worked on school, read so many great books aloud in this living room. I've rocked a new baby while watching the leaves fall outside my bedroom window. We've shoveled snow and planted grass, raked leaves and spread mulch. We've had hard conversations and tears and disappointments. We've also had celebrations and happy dance parties and turned the music up loud just because. We made so many friends in this neighborhood and it became our community. We had a van show up in front of you, Little House, as a gift. We've grown older here and learned a few things.<br />
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Goodbye Little House. You didn't feel like our home because you weren't, and we knew our time with you was limited. But you served us well! Our needs were met, we learned to be content and thankful and we see how blessed we were to live here for a season.callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-31405016822516163832017-01-11T22:20:00.000-05:002017-01-11T22:20:01.575-05:00Heavenly CakeIt's been nearly a YEAR since I've added to this blog. Too busy with living life and checking in conveniently and quickly on FB. Blogging takes more time and energy (and clear thoughts!) than I usually have.<br />
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Yet tonight! Tonight my M (6) became a believer. He and G were tucked in their beds and I prayed for both boys. Then, he said that he didn't want me to die. He asked me what would happen when I died. He told me about the Bible account of the rich man and Lazarus who die. The rich man is in torment in hell. "What's hell?" M asked. (We have talked about it before, but clearly it was on his mind tonight.) I explained. Then, he said, "Mama, I want to go to heaven with you and Jesus. How can I go to heaven?"<br />
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So we talked. We prayed. I shed a few tears. He was beaming. (G fell asleep!) He told me he was SO happy; that his heart was happy. It was late at night for us (after 9) and yet he was SO excited. The Lawyer joined us and commented that the angels in heaven were rejoicing over M. "What do you think they are doing at the party right now?" I asked him.<br />
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"Eating CAKE!" he exclaimed jubilantly.<br />
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I love it. I'm sure there is some kind of cake in heaven. One day, I'll get to eat cake with my own rejoicing heart and my Lawyer and my M and my Savior. Oh, happy day! And how happy my own heart is tonight. . . callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-28013781804501151952016-02-16T07:28:00.001-05:002016-02-16T07:28:42.790-05:00A Couple Quick Thoughts on 2 Year OldsOkay, really, this post has been in my head for about a YEAR... since I don't even have a 2 year old anymore. Still, I thought it would be worth noting a few things that have really been a benefit to our family as we have had little ones to raise up. These three things have been great for my one, two, and three year olds.<br />
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1) Consistent Lap Time. When I read the Bible aloud in the morning, the bigger children fold napkins and towels and/or color. I tried having the littlest one on a blanket beside me ("blanket time"), with the idea being that I would train them to stay on the blanket while I read. For me, it worked better to put that little one on my lap. (I admit, I quickly tired of straightening the blanket, correcting the child, etc.) With G on my lap, I could hold him tighter if he squirmed and I could prevent him from getting down. This was also great practice for us because during church he needed to sit quietly on our laps for an extended period of time. In essence, we were practicing for church. (But it also comes in handy on flights, in doctor's waiting rooms, and anywhere you would like to contain a squirmy little one for awhile!)<br />
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2) Productive Potty Time. I might be the only one, but it seemed I spent a good deal of time in the bathroom waiting for little people to finish so that I could wipe them and help them wash hands. During our toilet training, I kept books on hand (which I didn't really like to have in the bathroom, anyway.) Now, I use that bathroom time to run through catechism questions. It's one on one time with my little man and he loves it when he knows the answers and I make a big deal out of it. Honestly, this just doesn't have another spot in our full homeschooling day, so I'm happy we have a consistent time now to lay down these truths in his little mind. (G will ask me to say "YES!" really loudly when he gets it right.) These are a few of the simple questions that I can remember: Who made you? What else did God make? Why did God make you and all things? Can you see God? Where is God? What is God? Where do you learn how to love and obey God? Who wrote the Bible? Who were your first parents? What did God give Adam and Eve besides bodies?<br />
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3) Brother/Sister Time. This has been part of our homeschool day, simply so that I could focus in on older children and help them with their work. However, I've now seen so many added benefits! As each older sibling has 30 minutes with the youngest one, they get to plan their time, choose their activity (usually they are only given 2 options), and I tell them that THEIR goal is to be the teacher/babysitter. G gets one on one time with a variety of siblings every day, which is such a gift! I see how he has special and unique relationships with each of them that have been fostered through their times together. (And, I'm super glad that everyone is engaged in their own activity during our school time. Fewer distractions has been a huge help to this mama!)callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-24788891914206832102016-02-09T07:33:00.000-05:002016-02-09T07:33:05.842-05:00My NetzerThere are passages in the Bible that have stumped me for years. I'll admit I'm not the most scholarly Bible student; with six children at home with me most all the time it can be hard to find quiet moments for study. Still, I know how to use a concordance and my favorite tool is blueletterbible.com. When a passage that has tripped me up for years is finally clear- and not only that, but beautifully, gloriously clearly pointing to Messiah- it's so precious to me! Matthew 2:23 is one of those passages.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: 'He shall be called a Nazarene.'"</span><br />
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The obvious question is: where was it prophesied that Jesus would be called a Nazarene? And what would it mean if Jesus were a Nazarene?<br />
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I know that Samson was a Nazarene. No razor could touch his head and he could not drink wine. If Jesus were a Nazarene, he was a poor one: it was not noted that he did not shave or cut his hair and we <i>do</i> know that he drank wine (such as at the wedding in Cana and at the Last Supper.) It doesn't make sense to me that Jesus, who was perfectly sinless, would take vows of a Nazarene and break them. This one little verse bothered me.<br />
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Just last week, my sweet cousin sent me a new book, <u>The Chronological Gospels</u>, reconstructed and annotated by Michael John Rood. In the introduction, he addresses this very passage and clears up all my confusion in such a simple explanation. I'm going to try to paraphrase and quote him as I seek to understand this even more. <br />
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Several prophets stated that the Messiah would be a tzemach. A tzemach describes a role of the Messiah, a prophetic mission that he must fulfill, a characteristic or quality that he will display. In the gospels, Jesus is the Tzemach- the King, the Servant, The Son of Man, The Branch, The Son of God, The Coming Judge. The Hebrew word "tzemach" was translated into English as "BRANCH."<br />
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Isaiah 11:1,10 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"And there shall come forth a rod (khoter- living shoot) out of the stem (geza- cut down tree stump) of Jesse, and a BRANCH (netzer- specific type of branch) shall grow out of his roots (shorashim)...10 And in that day there shall be a root (shoresh) of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign to the people; to the root shall the gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious."</span> (taken from <u>The Chronological Gospels</u>, page 21.)<br />
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Now I see a prophesy about a BRANCH/netzer. A netzer is a very specific type of branch. Rood declares that in the Hebrew language a "netzer indicates a shoot from an olive tree that grows out of its original root system but springs up at a later time and somewhat distant from the trunk. The branch that shoots forth out of the root of the stump of the family tree of Jesse will spring forth as a netzer."<br />
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The Hebrew word netzer (specific type of branch) is similar to the word nazir (nazarite vow). While the "nazarite vow" translation tripped me up, I am in awe of a God who plans to send a Messiah as a netzer and who fulfills His plan through Jesus, a branch out of the trunk of David, revealing to us the truth of Jesus, Messiah. What love is this!<br />
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The explanation is so simple. Nazareth (in English) is really Natzeret, taking it's name from the root word netzer. The residents of Natzeret knew that they were a "shoot" out of the tree of Jesse. The town was originally established by descendants of King David, who knew that their little village was distant, and springing up at a later time, from the stump of Jesse.<br />
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The apostle John writes that if the whole of the story of Jesus were written, it could not be contained by all the books in the world. (John 21:25) Yet the things that were written in the Bible are so that we might assuredly know that Jesus of Nazareth (Yeshua of Natzeret) is The Prophet whom Moses spoke about and the promised Messiah. My heart soars in adoration at this little mystery explained, Christ as netzer. I'm searching for more quiet moments when I can read more of this wondrous good news.<br />
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<br />callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-74578119000277446572016-01-03T07:56:00.000-05:002016-01-03T07:56:21.684-05:00Teaching our Children to Hear UsIn this new year, I've gone through my crazy full email inbox and created a folder of great Bible study posts that I wanted to spend time with. This morning, I chose a Doorpost study on obedience from July of last year. These always give me insight and instruction that is so helpful! I especially like the ideas at the bottom for sharing what I'm learning with my children.<br />
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Here is the post I read this morning:<a href="http://www.doorposts.com/blog/2015/07/05/thirty-days-of-child-training-boot-camp-for-busy-busy-mamas-day-5-catch-up-and-optional-lesson/?awt_l=NxwGI&awt_m=3kTxOcojv.F_QyO"> http://www.doorposts.com/blog/2015/07/05/thirty-days-of-child-training-boot-camp-for-busy-busy-mamas-day-5-catch-up-and-optional-lesson/?awt_l=NxwGI&awt_m=3kTxOcojv.F_QyO</a><br />
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I'm convicted that I haven't been approaching the Word with an ear to yield and be obedient, giving my consent and interest and attention to the wisdom it contains. How much I've missed! How thankful I am that I can open the pages today and HEAR with the help of the Holy Spirit.<br />
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One thing that has been fun in teaching our younger children to hear and obey is to make a game of practicing these habits. When I would change the little one in the morning or at night, it was a good time to give instructions such as: go to the door; lay down on your back; roll over; pretend you are a puppy; blink your eyes; tackle me! (Honestly, some of this started when the little ones were SO wiggly and changing them was a challenge. But it turned into a game that yielded great results!) When the bigger kids happen to be in the room, they <i>beg</i> to be included in the game. Not only do I give them fun and silly instructions, but I can send them all over the house on little errands that are accomplished quickly and happily.<br />
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Another time we play this game is when we gather at the table for school time. I often notice how untidy things are at that very moment, and can send children to put away one item at a time with another silly command. (Grab the cape from the floor and spin with it all the way to the dress up bin, and then put it away. Do five jumping jacks and then take five books to the shelf.)<br />
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Our boys LOVE to be asked to be active. They are so happy with push ups, jumping, punching the air, crawling under furniture, giving high fives, kicking their feet, and rolling on the floor. We usually end up happy and panting at the table, which I think is a great way to have their attention to start.callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-86364736259798687702015-12-28T23:03:00.000-05:002015-12-28T23:03:15.218-05:00Last Month's BirthdaysWell, I haven't completely given up the blog yet. This has been a good place to chronicle our children's growing up. Two of my favorite young men had birthdays last month, and I want to take time to honor them here.<br />
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R turned 12 in November. On his birthday, we remembered how hairy he was as a baby. We were thankful that he wasn't in the hospital this year (he had surgery to remove part of his mastoid bone two years ago). We were also glad he hadn't had any broken bones or stitches this past year!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1ts5bGRhG99XbjxOIfResXMwluaFYWRl-YJhPVk9wt7qbbEnmrsmmVgmXg2lwicrmP0oFSgvEnWWRcF3JZKH9181MJZpZ-xiJL5lGsbELXC-37RTpSFUI5akt4uKLQpvrGk9CG3-9t4/s1600/IMG_3879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1ts5bGRhG99XbjxOIfResXMwluaFYWRl-YJhPVk9wt7qbbEnmrsmmVgmXg2lwicrmP0oFSgvEnWWRcF3JZKH9181MJZpZ-xiJL5lGsbELXC-37RTpSFUI5akt4uKLQpvrGk9CG3-9t4/s320/IMG_3879.JPG" width="320" /></a>R is the son who keeps things light around here. One of his gifts is being able to include EVERYone in whatever fun he thinks they ought to be having. He tells the funniest stories, has an amazing vocabulary, and his love language is still punching. (Family joke; truly, though, he loves to be punched and to have his back scratched.) This past year he taught himself to play guitar and he learned a bit of ballroom dancing. (Look for the slight young man wearing a tie with flair!) He had his first season on swim team (which he enjoyed mostly for the social aspect!). Our avid reader continues to devour hundreds of pages at a time and he will happily chat your ear off on about any topic (he's well versed in a variety of subjects thanks to all that reading!). If he gets in trouble, it's usually for talking instead of working. He is extremely happy to have a friend who lives in our neighborhood and would spend every day with friends if he could (or maybe watching football- or BOTH!). Our R is absolutely a delight to us. He can cause me to feel a level of crazy I'm not comfortable with... but he also adds color and joy to my life. Love him!<br />
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G turned 3 in November. I love 3 year olds. They say the funniest things! When I read to G and there are animals on the pages, he often asks me to stop reading and tell him WHO the animals are. For awhile, I was confused by this. Now, I understand that when there are two animals, I am the bigger animal and the smaller animal is always G. He also uses pronouns incorrectly, although it's endearing. "Him wants to go outside" would be G speak. Also, "Him wearing his hat." G has a weakness for gum. We know better than to give him a pack as a gift; he eats the entire package at once. And then we find it: on our bed cover, in his hair, on the floor, under his bowl at the table...<br />
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For Christmas, G got a new bike. (His old bike had issues with the tires and training wheels.) The boy is ELATED about this bike. He rode circles in the house before we took it outside. He happily took off with a loud, "Weeee-who!" He comes up with all kinds of loud, happy exclamations. Lately, he has even taken to making up songs and singing them to us. (Yesterday he sang about the baby Jesus in the clothes in the manger.) He loves to sit on the counter and help me with everything. Thankfully, he still takes regular naps. He usually gets up from them slowly and still wants lots of snuggles on my lap (which I'm glad for!). He likes for people to lay with him when he goes to bed. I thought he only wanted me because he still likes to put his hand down my shirt (ahhhh!), but apparently anyone's skin will do. And, one night, I found out, that he didn't really want me anyway. He said he wanted Daddy to lay with him. When I asked why Daddy was better than Mommy he said, "Because Daddy shows me funny cat wideos!" (And how can I compete with funny cat videos in bed?!?!) I think we all wish he would stay little and talk with his cute imperfections and need us just a little bit. It may just be me, but I think I detect that we're all in denial that this precious boy is already three.<br />
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<br />callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-85813469410557530582015-11-25T21:08:00.001-05:002015-11-25T21:08:43.837-05:00Feeling Full (and Thanksgiving is tomorrow!)This may be the longest hiatus I've ever taken from the blog. Let me assure you, it's not because our life has become dull and slow and nothing is happening around here. Just one little mama can't quite keep up with it all and also find time to write about it.<br />
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YET.. I'm awfully full these days, and I thought I should share.<br />
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I've been taking a "Joy Challenge" that Tommy Newberry offers. It's 40 days of focusing on JOY and adding joy-producing habits so that you can live more fully the joyful life you were intended to live. I needed this focus. I've grown complacent, lazy in my thinking, and let go of counting gifts (like blogging) as life has felt plenty full. Seems that giving up some of these good little things has had a pretty significant impact on my attitude. The good news is that it's never too late to give thanks and live a joy FILLED life!<br />
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What we focus on expands. As I focus on the good gifts God has given, on the blessings and happy things and lovely things in my life, I'm finding more and more of them! Just this week, I've noticed the amazing gifts of being given a deer (FREE meat?!) and having our particularly amazing landlord teach the boys how to process the deer. Not only that, but my absolutely amazing husband has put in extra time after dinner to clean, cut, and grind the venison.<br />
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Also this week, aforementioned landlord began replacing the (low grade, four-year old, white!) carpet in our rental house with Pergo flooring. Amazing and generous. The big boys have been helping him, learning how to put in floors, etc. I love the skills for them just as much as I love having the nasty carpet out and the shiny, slippery, lovely floors in!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O at special 14th birthday dinner</td></tr>
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There's much more, but the two things that really stand out to me are related to O (now 14). Earlier this week, an older man in our community called to ask if the big boys would rake leaves in their lawn. O and R have also helped this couple spread mulch and done other odd jobs for them in the past. They were able to finish their school work and spend a few hours raking leaves before they started in on the floors here on Monday. That evening, Mr. T called (the older gentleman). After talking to O briefly, he asked to talk with me. For several minutes he explained to me that the boys had done a great job with the lawn, doing everything he asked (and then some!). He said "they worked their butts off" and earned every dollar he paid them. His wife is a teacher and so he clarified with me that our boys were, indeed, home schooled. I told him that was true. He then told me that The Lawyer and I were doing a great job as parents, that we have great boys, and that we are doing things right. After thanking him for the unexpected compliments, he reiterated what a pleasure it was having our boys over and that they would like to call them again for other jobs because O and R were so polite and hard working. Well! What an unexpected gift to have a total stranger affirm the character of our children.<br />
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Finally, my mother heart was touched by O's thoughtfulness this week. He took on the project of adding the tomato cage and Grow Lights to our TowerGarden- just to bless me. (And the effect was stunning AND productive!) While I was out with four of the children for piano today, O managed to install Pergo in our bedroom (with awesome landlord) and was working to clean and put things back in order to surprise me. Again... just trying to bless me. I was so encouraged by this! I'm not sure that these thoughtful acts have happened before. Maybe now that I'm looking for them, I see them?<br />
<br />callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-41760008613221628022015-09-23T00:00:00.002-04:002015-09-23T00:00:33.409-04:00Feast of Trumpets- A Good Season for UsOur family has been learning a lot about the Biblical feast days. We're fascinated by what we are studying! The children have joined The Lawyer and I in watching some video teachings and we've read Scripture together, seeking to understand things we haven't seriously considered before. Because of this, we were talking about whether or not we would celebrate the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) last week. (I apologize that this is long, but I want to remember how the Lord met us!)<br />
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The main reasons we had <i>not</i> to celebrate were that we simply didn't know <i>how</i> to (and reading and figuring it out takes time!), we didn't have a trumpet or horn or shofar, we didn't have special feast foods on hand (and I didn't want to try my hand at making challah!), and we didn't have anyone to celebrate with (and really, celebrations are so much more fun with others!).<br />
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So, this is a story of how the Lord met us in our weakness and neediness and brought glory to His kingly name.<br />
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First, we admitted that even though we didn't know <i>how</i> to celebrate exactly, we did feel compelled <i>to</i> celebrate. We were convicted by the idea that these are the feasts "of the Lord" and that as the Lord's people, we ought to observe them. There is so much about this idea that stirs our hearts, it would be impossible to share it in this post. Suffice to say, feasts are special times for the Lord's families and we believe that special food, special traditions, special ceremonies or music or readings all help us to remember and think on what the Lord has done, what He has promised, and who He is. What wonderful ways to talk to our children about the Lord and prepare our hearts for Jesus' second coming! Celebrating the Feast of Trumpets appealed to us.<br />
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THE SHOFAR: I've learned that when I think I lack something, I can just as my Father. Either He provides it, or I didn't really need it. Therefore, I asked the Lord to provide a shofar or horn IF He wanted us to celebrate this Feast. We needed it by Monday. We couldn't buy it (a shofar runs about $40-$500 and we only had $30 discretionary funds this month). Each day as I walked, I would remind the Lord that we were waiting to see if He would provide a shofar and that we were willing to celebrate this Feast if He met this need.<br />
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Finally, on Saturday night, I had the idea to post on our church yahoo group that I was looking to borrow a horn or trumpet. I doubted that anyone would see a post so late at night or that they would check the group on Sunday. I didn't hear anything back. I wasn't surprised, but I was a little disappointed because this was one of my last hopes for finding a horn. Sunday morning, I pulled in to church with the kids at the same time that another family was just getting out of their car. By the time I got out of our van, the father of the family was beside me, TWO shofar/horns in his hands. We got to PICK which horn we would borrow. It struck me how generous God is to supply MORE than we need sometimes.<br />
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THE FOOD: Now that we had a horn, I really needed to plan a Feast! On Monday (the Feast day), I organized a quick grocery list and prepped a special meal for the evening. I had to run out for something else, and took 2 boys with me to Kroger. We picked up our few items, including the wine, challah, yogurt covered raisins, and bugles. Then, we went to the self-checkout, which is where I realized that my wallet was is the <i>other</i> van. The sweet checkout lady has seen me so often that she let me buy the wine without an i.d. and I wrote out a check for the groceries. She took the check and we took our groceries and began the long walk to the door. Then, another cashier started calling to me across the store, telling me to come back. I so wanted to pretend that I didn't hear her. I was practically out the door with my 2 bags of groceries and 2 little boys who were driving their shopping carts with enthusiasm (and a bit rowdier than I like). Still, I returned. She couldn't accept my check without my i.d. and apparently the other cashier had gone on break after we handed her the check. We ran through options, but they didn't work for me. Come back later? No; I had a napping child at home, food to prepare, and no time to return. Go retrieve the wallet? Same problem with time. Have the Lawyer stop by? Too troublesome. I pleaded with her, "please? I need these groceries for a feast tonight. I can come back tomorrow and pay and you can hold my check?" No way. So, I sadly handed her the bags of groceries and two sad little boys and a very sad me walked back across the store to leave. "Ma'am!" I heard again. She called me back again. Apparently, a woman had overheard our exchange and offered to buy the groceries. Touched by the generosity of this woman, we went over to thank her. I held out my check to her (she declined) and then asked for her name so I could send her cash. She again declined. "You have a very nice family," she said, "and you are a very nice woman. I do this all the time. I'm the Lord's and I do it in His name." Well! I believe I was crying as we walked away for the third time. Now, we had our Feast food- and we didn't even pay for it.<br />
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THE FELLOWSHIP: It's pretty tricky to get together with people; everyone is just so busy. Still, we had a family in mind that lives close to us and has become dear to us over the past few years. On Monday we invited them to join us for our Feast of Trumpets celebration. They said YES! (It's a small miracle that they were even available!) Neither family had much food for the evening meal, so we decided to eat dinner in our own homes and then gather afterward. For some reason, that just didn't sit well with us, and by that afternoon we asked them to also join us for dinner. They did! Not only did we have <i>enough</i> food (I'm surprised how our two small packages of lamb could feed two families!), but they brought food, too, and it truly <i>felt</i> like a feast. Beautiful, varied dishes and flavors, and the fun of sharing mealtime with this precious family made the feast so special to us. And THEN! Then, we took turns reading Scripture, discussing the Feast of Trumpets, eating our fun Feast food, and then singing (with guitar, violin, mandolin, shakers, and horn!) together. It was a lovely, joyous time of learning and celebrating. I can't imagine what it would have been like <i>not</i> to have had others to share this with!<br />
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O and I made a festive, multicolored banner to hang. The kids cooked and cleaned with me. We readied the house for our guests. We combed through information on the Internet and printed little packets for our time together. Our Feast observance surely could have been improved upon (keeping the day holy and without work would be a great start!), but still it was <i>fun</i> and <i>holy</i> and <i>exciting</i> and <i>memorable</i>. We are SO very thankful that the Lord provided, drew our hearts to worship Him in this way, and showed us clearly that He was pleased for us to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. The kids have already started talking about next year and next Feast (Yom Kippur is tomorrow!) ... which is keeping The Lawyer and I digging and reading and learning and praying. What a good season to be in!callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-10518995740644526552015-08-27T23:03:00.001-04:002015-08-27T23:03:12.080-04:00Summer Farm Time 2015<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curtis/Dickson Cousins</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockcut Park with Griffith cousins</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O (13) and R (11)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L (10) with cousin H</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdPX-uHa0b7QyFHe0PJi3zzLr4BCNYh0dkk3ny_nSwV4my12ZIo25QwC4y3ATc8XnDhqRDZVyYIFiznngEeMbtgQN3I5e2utRiOZ1rkAMrSdgWo3JLIpR_m0do-PqNpWekSqJb2wGTCQ/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZdPX-uHa0b7QyFHe0PJi3zzLr4BCNYh0dkk3ny_nSwV4my12ZIo25QwC4y3ATc8XnDhqRDZVyYIFiznngEeMbtgQN3I5e2utRiOZ1rkAMrSdgWo3JLIpR_m0do-PqNpWekSqJb2wGTCQ/s320/IMG_0306.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing with Grandpa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq_Cdjhyphenhyphen9WZGl4IbTBmKXf0dWwjSlHnzqUXuFnNluCdr3nvWguDHg0QxYB2zT0F9RFBmyZmfnW1-pQSdpFonmW3QoPF7xx0z3A6vxL9XJ50HgWpk0vmY6bLuhADr6_edq6jl3d6R-qjQ/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmq_Cdjhyphenhyphen9WZGl4IbTBmKXf0dWwjSlHnzqUXuFnNluCdr3nvWguDHg0QxYB2zT0F9RFBmyZmfnW1-pQSdpFonmW3QoPF7xx0z3A6vxL9XJ50HgWpk0vmY6bLuhADr6_edq6jl3d6R-qjQ/s320/IMG_0323.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G (2)</td></tr>
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<br />callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-18227950385468529502015-08-27T22:54:00.002-04:002015-08-27T22:54:13.859-04:00On Class Reunions and Years Gone ByThis year my high school class celebrates 20 years since our graduation. Whew! That just sounds wrong to me! I am now one of the "old people" who seem to always be tagging on the phrase, "how can it be?" to every milestone, birthday, anniversary.<br />
<br />
I'll admit, I wasn't sure I really wanted to go to this reunion. I've never been to a class reunion. Mostly, because we aren't usually in IL when the class reunions take place, but also because I just wasn't sure I really wanted to put myself in that situation. You know, the awkwardness of having people size you up and seeing if you measure up to what they thought of you back then or what they thought you would make of yourself. I imagined that I wouldn't know what to say to people, that the 20 year span would have obliterated all we once had in common. I wondered if the old cliques would still be circling, leaving me feeling a little like the odd one out. And truly, deep down, I wondered what seeing my peers would reveal to me about myself (how did I compare)... and would I like it? I used to know where I stood with this group of people, in terms of class rank and perhaps in what they thought of me. (My high school self was not one to party or date around, so there are a lot of people in my class I don't know very well because I wasn't at their social gatherings. I was probably known as a bit of a goody goody and one who studied. At the same time, we had a small school, so I was also able to play sports and be involved in lots of activities, too.)<br />
<br />
This dinner was especially intimidating to me because The Lawyer wouldn't be with me. Nor would my cousin (and class mate), Andrew. I hadn't seen most of these people at all in the past 20 years. I'd really have to stand on my own two feet. Would I be confident in who I am? How would I feel if people questioned me about our family size (there are usually some comments!) or our decision to home educate? What was I going to say if they asked what I "do?" On the other hand, what would I ask <i>them</i>- after more years apart than we ever had together? Would I recognize them? Would it be awkward? Would I be able to appreciate and esteem my class mates so they felt valued?<br />
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I'm so happy to say that it was an absolutely lovely evening. It encouraged me and filled me up beyond what I ever would have expected. (Some of that is due to the extrovert in me!) I didn't recognize everyone; there were some pleasant surprises. I was struck by how beautiful these people are. Clearly, we are older. Yet, I felt at home in the same smiles and warm eyes (with gentle creases now!) that I remembered. These ladies and men are wearing the years well and it was good for me to see. Some of us look a little worse for wear, but I know there are stories of heartache, grief, loss, sleep deprivation, hard toil under the sun, the strain of raising children, losing parents, etc. . . and so each one of the people I spoke with seemed more beautiful than I remembered.<br />
<br />
We sat around chatting about school lunches and teenage boys, of sports and spouses and things going on around town. I was struck by the sweetness of sharing the moment with these class mates and friends of mine (I use the term "friend" loosely. We had a small class of 63 students, so we were all pretty well acquainted). They are good citizens to have in their small towns. They are good parents (as much as we can be!) and they are endeavoring to do good in their homes and in their community. I was PROUD of them, proud to still be part of this group of good people who are doing so much for those around them. I heard them supporting each other (buying sausage and pancake breakfast tickets from one another) and I could tell in the way they spoke to each other that it was GOOD that these men and women had each other for support and community. Even though I was the one in the circle who lives far away, I still felt connected to them and thankful that the people I love have these good folk close.<br />
<br />
There wasn't much awkwardness. I was in my element, asking questions to find out all I could about these old classmates of mine. Their past 20 years were absolutely fascinating to me! I needed more time to talk to each of them! There were so many fun surprises- the couple who met online; those who met on a blind date; the farmer who just became a father (of twins!) a few weeks ago; the husband and wife who drive hours and hours to support their superstar softball athletes, the WI beer brewer, the unexpected banker with gorgeous blond wife, the ultra-successful divorced man, the newly married pair, the woman expecting her first baby this fall. With 20 years to look back over, there begins to be a pattern and a tapestry, and a making sense of some things, and surprises that maybe we should have seen coming. It gave me a glimpse of what I expect one day in heaven might be like a "big reveal"- when all the hills and valleys of our lives are laid bare and exposed for their purposes. Just this little glimpse was almost glorious. . . I had the sense that the Master had been working out His plans.<br />
<br />
And so, the night ended and I was full of thankfulness and joy. For my best friend Kim, and all my other friends, too. For this circle of people that I was still connected to. After all these years, it was plain to me that we <i>were</i> still connected in some way, at some level. I'm glad to be part of this group of imperfect people who are yet striving for good. I don't quite feel that I fit in, but I do feel that somehow our strengths complement one another and we have new things to offer than we did 20 years ago. It's mysterious to me, and yet also confirms what I suspected deep down. When we look for good in others, we find it. When we truly share our lives with those around us, we are joined in some way. If there is another reunion in five years, I will be happy to visit with my class mates again.callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-18940187902820318342015-07-19T17:29:00.000-04:002015-08-14T17:40:05.753-04:00Quinoa, Chickpea, Chard SaladThis was DELICIOUS! I'll post pictures (hopefully!) from my phone. I love versatile recipes like this. You could swap chickpeas for different beans. I used baby kale once and the next time I used chard from our TowerGarden. I didn't have toasted nuts, but didn't miss them. The dressing is lovely; feel free to experiment! We had this as a side. I like it on top of greens. It would also go well in tortillas or pitas.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Quinoa, Chickpea, Chard Salad</b></span><br />
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1 cup quinoa<br />
1 can (or 15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed<br />
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered<br />
1 cup diced cucumber<br />
1 cup crumbled feta cheese<br />
3 cups baby kale or chard<br />
1/4 cup diced red onion or shallots<br />
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or almond slivers<br />
<br />
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar<br />
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (I had less, but used 5 drops lemon essential oil)<br />
2 tsp. honey<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
1/2 cup EVOO<br />
fresh pepper, to taste<br />
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1. Cook quinoa according to directions. Let cool.<br />
2. Chop veggies and put in a large mixing bowl.<br />
3. Whisk dressing ingredients together.<br />
4. Add cheese and quinoa to veggie mixture, then pour dressing over and gently stir to combine. Enjoy!callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-27898386224174177272015-07-16T21:51:00.001-04:002015-07-16T21:51:35.874-04:00Easy Hummus<b><span style="font-size: large;">Easy-(Chick)Peasy Hummus </span></b><br />(A reposted recidpe from years ago. Still good; we made it today!)<br />
<br />2 cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed (or about 3 cups cooked beans)<br />Juice of 1 lemon (a little zest is good, too!)<br />1/3 cup of olive oil (less if your processor can do it!)<br />1/3 cup of fresh mint leaves<br />1 tsp. cumin<br />salt to taste<br /><br />1) Put all ingredients in processor and run until smooth.<br />
2) Enjoy with veggies, pitas, or on fresh tomatoes. Yum! callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-29234489986754805862015-07-11T22:12:00.001-04:002015-07-11T22:22:45.815-04:00Two Year Old Perspective<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhiJfNiOM2f3CAHy3Vb3xCtVF0TOJouyd1-VcljkWLT2Fx1baYO0Imim_EPMTCEcaq7DMLzAOHLU_BhlEoxoQN9yNV7S_MsvzFcirhyBOM-yklwCi_3fJB4soun-YqV1YJFjffGTc4zc/s1600/IMG_2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIhiJfNiOM2f3CAHy3Vb3xCtVF0TOJouyd1-VcljkWLT2Fx1baYO0Imim_EPMTCEcaq7DMLzAOHLU_BhlEoxoQN9yNV7S_MsvzFcirhyBOM-yklwCi_3fJB4soun-YqV1YJFjffGTc4zc/s320/IMG_2637.JPG" width="240" /></a>Life is just more fun with a two year old around. It just is. They say the most amazing things. And because they are often hard to understand, you really have to make an effort to catch every word and decipher it, which makes it all the sweeter.<br />
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This week, we saw a giant beetle in the pool during the kids' swim practice. Later, it was in a bucket and the younger boys had fun looking at it. The coaches asked the boys what they thought of the beetle... and had a tough time understanding what G replied. It sounded like he said "is tummy... (something) is ..." but was really an exclamation, "it's as tall as me is!"<br />
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Later, he and M were playing under one of the tables, and he came back to me crying. I asked what happened and he told me that he hit his "front head" on the table. Front head is a lot like forehead!<br />
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Today, we were walking to the van after my exercise class. A silver mini with black stripes had parked next to our (giant looking 12 passenger) van. "Look, Mom!" G (2) exclaimed. "A golf cart!"<br />
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He also likes to ask his brothers, "What's that?" when he sees vehicles and wants to know what kind they are. Jeeps and convertibles are especially interesting. "Guess what!" is another favorite saying of his, and we all melt when he says, "Wook!" (look!). Today, he fell off his chair and screamed, "Oowwwwwwwww! I'm bweeding!"and the big boys thought it was hysterical (because he wasn't really bleeding.) He insisted, "Yes, I am! Wook!" Fun and preciousness! Loving these days!<br />
<br />callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-7568129408012258312015-06-21T23:22:00.004-04:002015-06-21T23:22:58.617-04:00And Now I'm THAT MomWe were at the homeschool convention last weekend. It was only the second time (in the 9 years we've been schooling at home) that I've attended, and it was the first time for my children and The Lawyer to be part of the convention. We decided to go at the last minute, mainly because Ken Ham (Answers in Genesis) was one of the keynote speakers and our children really enjoy listening to him. Plus, The Lawyer seemed inclined to have me attend, which really meant that I should go (whether I felt like it or not!).<br />
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So, I've never attended a convention like this with my children in tow. When I went two years ago with my friend Amy and her family, I was able to stroll around at my own pace, looking at vendor booths and chatting with the few people I knew, sitting in during sessions and taking notes, reviewing my notes and thinking things through in a few quiet moments between speakers. Of course, having half a dozen kids with me changed the experience! We tried not to lose anyone in the vendor area, not to disrupt all of our neighbors during the sessions, and spent a lot of time shuttling little people back and forth to the potty!<br />
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Honestly, it was a very positive experience. The kids loved Ken Ham- so much that we heard him three times! We also listened to Buddy Davis talk about creatures of the Ice Age, which was another of their favorites. They loved seeing so many of their friends and families that we know. The vendor hall was terribly exciting to all of them and we were feeling inspired!<br />
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The surprising thing for me was the realization that I'm not the kind of homeschooling mom I thought I was.<br />
<br />
I've seen myself as a classical education kind of mom. One who is organized and structured and has a plan (including Latin and lots of classics!) to see my kids through high school at a rigorous, academically-rich pace. I identify strongly with my friends who participate in Classical Conversations. They seem to really have their act together all the time! I like their approach to schooling and I like how it looks. But that's not really where I find myself anymore. I still VALUE these things, but it looks and feels a lot different than I thought it would when I actually try to pull this off in our home.<br />
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At the convention, I saw myself as a mom wrangling some little ones and also trying to meet the needs of my bigger kids. I had a two year old who was awfully loud during some of the sessions, and a five year old who was overly tired and whining, as well. Add to that some kids who kept excusing themselves for the restroom... well, you get it. Messy.<br />
<br />
And I found myself in a session with Melanie Young on how to homeschool when you have a houseful. And that's not a session I ever would have thought I would have attended. She was talking about eating off of paper plates and letting things go and being okay with it. She spoke of keeping the baby in bed as the only way to sleep and also mentioned eating fish sticks and other highly processed food as time-savers. These things could have been offensive to me... but I was attracted by her spirit of love toward her children. I heard her mission to raise independent learners (which apparently worked well for her son at Oxford!). She clearly loves her children and has found ways to manage her home so that she can accomplish MUCH (Prov 31). I was impressed by her attention to details for her older kids but also the way she talked about loving on her littler ones by looking them in the eyes and giving them attention that they need during the school day.<br />
<br />
This is me right now. I'm a messy homeschool mom. I'm needing to spend more time loving on my kids and meeting the immediate needs (food! clothes! love!) than achieving the high academic standards I'd like to pursue for/with them. I simply can not pull off the rigorous schedule I have in my head... and it makes us all miserable when I try. Listening to Melanie was surprisingly refreshing! I didn't want to identify with her, and yet I do. I was challenged to clean up some things (our daily schedule, my budgeting), but also to simplify where I can and to focus on what is truly important.<br />
<br />
That. Just that idea of what is truly important; it's a big idea. It's one worth thinking on. Voddie Baucham said that we need to think about why we are really homeschooling. Ken Ham says that we are doing this first for GOD and then for our children. We serve God first. It looks different than I expected, our home school. Yet, I'm encouraged to press on in service to the One who redeemed me. For His sake I'll embrace the messiness, agree to change, go on loving, release my expectations, and even let the world see that we're a little bit unkempt. We aren't pursuing perfection here, or even academic greatness. We're pursuing a knowledge of our Lord.callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-64686797941474058302015-06-08T08:55:00.002-04:002015-06-08T09:09:57.740-04:00Freezer Meals for Summer!Well, it's JUNE already, so I guess that I need to embrace all things summer! With swim team this year (a first for us) and Alpha theater camp (a first for us) and continued learning going on, I realized I needed some time to plan and prepare and pray (for things to run smoothly!).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWsXxVdWnVjj5ki7ZAo_Ae3eRMQTxG2OD5ZAKN3m2YipzRM8TCnRzTrVqHiIXc8Y_hP5yoQ6HwrbShxTkn2B1vMKNiA8WwHXSPnY8daBfaBSvbn9ApNbnGxObxV2l0LuJ1JjeN5GI3OI/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWsXxVdWnVjj5ki7ZAo_Ae3eRMQTxG2OD5ZAKN3m2YipzRM8TCnRzTrVqHiIXc8Y_hP5yoQ6HwrbShxTkn2B1vMKNiA8WwHXSPnY8daBfaBSvbn9ApNbnGxObxV2l0LuJ1JjeN5GI3OI/s320/IMG_2621.JPG" width="320" /></a>It was a blessing to me that my Amelia friends asked me to come and put together some freezer meals with them. This gave me a date and time to focus my efforts. I used <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2015/03/make-10-organic-freezer-meals-from-costco-in-60-minutes.html">this website with 10 Organic Freezer meals. </a>I liked her site because I could get all of the ingredients from ONE place (Costco); no multiple stops with six kiddos for me! I also like that most ingredients were organic, and whole foods. I don't normally buy canned beans, chicken broth, or potstickers... but these little concessions were worth it to me to have pulled together meals for some nights we'll need them.<br />
<br />
I spent about 30 minutes at Costco, and spent $165. This included everything I needed (minus spinach, garlic, and some spices I already had at home), and after making the meals I had olive oil, spices, honey, frozen vegetables, canned beans, and dozens of bags left over. These seem like cost- efficient meals to me! <br />
<br />
I decided to swap out her recipe for Monster Burgers with another recipe she has for Turkey and Black Bean Chili (on the same site; her 12 Crockpot Freezer Meals from Costco list).<br />
<br />
Everything packed up neatly and went to Amelia with me, where my four friends helped me assemble meals. It was fun!<br />
<br />
We made:<br />
4 meals of Turkey and Black Bean Chili<br />
4 meals of Hearty Turkey Tomato Vegetable Soup<br />
2 meals of Italian Chicken<br />
2 meals of Asian Chicken and Vegetable Potstickers <br />
= 12 Meals<br />
<br />
What a great feeling of accomplishment! Love seeing these meals in the freezer and knowing that every Sunday dinner is already made and there are meals for when I'm out of town, meals to give to others, and meals for crazy busy nights. Sounds like I need to make some more meals!<br />
<br />
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<br />callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-50129219410877786242015-05-26T22:14:00.001-04:002015-05-26T22:14:29.789-04:00Just a Photo UpdateThe blog has taken a backseat to my quickie friend, Facebook. Sorry, blog friends. Since I don't seem to have much to say lately, it's easier to stick to reading about others and looking at their fun photos. Still, there is a lot of life going on here... and I don't want to forget these moments and the GIFTS that they are. Here are a few of the more recent snapshots of our life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Budgies at the Richmond zoo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone's favorite outdoor activity.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFrh3Oqfe3PeTEojS1cuEOYgvHFG8HsWMfvFBFZOuEipDH8tdY41PYBCVsQUkK4qj649MkZaste3z-ZrRGmlfJ8PoERzEyYQDS7JPXIsF0RFvp5BJghHs9gclUuuVUY3XAiAB4w8btYo/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFrh3Oqfe3PeTEojS1cuEOYgvHFG8HsWMfvFBFZOuEipDH8tdY41PYBCVsQUkK4qj649MkZaste3z-ZrRGmlfJ8PoERzEyYQDS7JPXIsF0RFvp5BJghHs9gclUuuVUY3XAiAB4w8btYo/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm falling in love with The Lawyer from behind the camera. This was a late night project.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaf9b94G3N48ChdJMtuRr9js0QEPLJzWHBlQKWzKGbDvjYva8XrGQ2rRP8D4iY5HpKCc21yJKwoUToqFF8Y3OtauNR4Ys7miVhX79E4i10g7iU6xRbZsowB1MNEW2tvyXG6wMdNriMBA/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaf9b94G3N48ChdJMtuRr9js0QEPLJzWHBlQKWzKGbDvjYva8XrGQ2rRP8D4iY5HpKCc21yJKwoUToqFF8Y3OtauNR4Ys7miVhX79E4i10g7iU6xRbZsowB1MNEW2tvyXG6wMdNriMBA/s320/IMG_2450.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at what my Astronomy class learned! Do you know those verses? Can you find the constellations on the board?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgS8AxYr2O-VV-Prd6P9fx52_eNKVnjnUjZ0N7wjlCHpS4Ph9Tr6Hx6pznO_HjWO_AtvDtTCPDzgpvYAiCOXLP9U-OadkjkdSecgRmiZjUvdtuV4v8M9dKIDMbc33XMSY6izhY2ttH54/s1600/IMG_2459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgS8AxYr2O-VV-Prd6P9fx52_eNKVnjnUjZ0N7wjlCHpS4Ph9Tr6Hx6pznO_HjWO_AtvDtTCPDzgpvYAiCOXLP9U-OadkjkdSecgRmiZjUvdtuV4v8M9dKIDMbc33XMSY6izhY2ttH54/s320/IMG_2459.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The late night project, proudly completed. L's model solar system.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxEGWIomJWCqV46MpTTSedxqa_F7ptpabdbES6aI9qaIylRKsoHslJkzyvyDw4B7Je0O0KRNK2QA1LPEur9RbXxC5KhQlw2tfuskpNr-ypKNrzaYaL681b_3NMHPEVth2THt_vqYPSYQ/s1600/IMG_2468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxEGWIomJWCqV46MpTTSedxqa_F7ptpabdbES6aI9qaIylRKsoHslJkzyvyDw4B7Je0O0KRNK2QA1LPEur9RbXxC5KhQlw2tfuskpNr-ypKNrzaYaL681b_3NMHPEVth2THt_vqYPSYQ/s320/IMG_2468.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T's model solar system!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLEV-oJUQAG32bBP5QzL884VnRUd2s7YLldnYmFdugl-1LCn0-U28tN6lqLfLJhuT6EggX61U2_Nzp86pi2-MoUqgi-srOqJrbgfCAMwaNb1D-ojhB3Ad47zq-9DkMWWDnCV8tk2haSQ/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLEV-oJUQAG32bBP5QzL884VnRUd2s7YLldnYmFdugl-1LCn0-U28tN6lqLfLJhuT6EggX61U2_Nzp86pi2-MoUqgi-srOqJrbgfCAMwaNb1D-ojhB3Ad47zq-9DkMWWDnCV8tk2haSQ/s320/IMG_2473.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another day, another injury. (Bike accident this time)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2hnCTXbq5y2nDe5jfEtd2UtawU2Tzhg3G27zTS2hM9xImsPZ5DcHbK27b3RyNAwk2ZdPzkFuYny-ETZgzQTFXPdmci4l1GncfHGYheHHdLqoBtA590-KvU1iko1wDl2BO36t0eIeMFo/s1600/IMG_2508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2hnCTXbq5y2nDe5jfEtd2UtawU2Tzhg3G27zTS2hM9xImsPZ5DcHbK27b3RyNAwk2ZdPzkFuYny-ETZgzQTFXPdmci4l1GncfHGYheHHdLqoBtA590-KvU1iko1wDl2BO36t0eIeMFo/s320/IMG_2508.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the best day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTPSvB9TZ6EbfDM4vTgqyUfyiWKdQWNNAp74TrBlssZAxu-MpGGRthcCUkr7X_i_r4hozhX9t_luPs8m_39UR8dbr3vCylVIqr6W4z_t34mJ-KLXvIUMjkyl6jBGNluJEpbkhq9umbmQ/s1600/IMG_2509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTPSvB9TZ6EbfDM4vTgqyUfyiWKdQWNNAp74TrBlssZAxu-MpGGRthcCUkr7X_i_r4hozhX9t_luPs8m_39UR8dbr3vCylVIqr6W4z_t34mJ-KLXvIUMjkyl6jBGNluJEpbkhq9umbmQ/s320/IMG_2509.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the other 3 were just as muddy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw9UYXn4W3g7bXnTPZvb1bd_F_6mdAFTDz5HvcQS2e8ZBwGtjp1EDq3qHesNdegiLPE1TzHS-QqTCgvJhH9Pgh-H2e5CnQfpl-NzPXL8vea5cxhQy0ChmHmJ_YC2WYucaje1vJPRHsm4/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjw9UYXn4W3g7bXnTPZvb1bd_F_6mdAFTDz5HvcQS2e8ZBwGtjp1EDq3qHesNdegiLPE1TzHS-QqTCgvJhH9Pgh-H2e5CnQfpl-NzPXL8vea5cxhQy0ChmHmJ_YC2WYucaje1vJPRHsm4/s320/IMG_2521.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry picking. The face gives him away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzblvQaWbvFSKZMExNMcguTevsdLpQhDE9q-6gGXV07CnOovW4zrJSiOpFtKDyzFXAJyN528XqHH9_IhuLG33BJ-HKLI84fR3ffHbQGtXfmRELjATwaMgfNyDzs9u_c7BeupLGm6qUmzY/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzblvQaWbvFSKZMExNMcguTevsdLpQhDE9q-6gGXV07CnOovW4zrJSiOpFtKDyzFXAJyN528XqHH9_IhuLG33BJ-HKLI84fR3ffHbQGtXfmRELjATwaMgfNyDzs9u_c7BeupLGm6qUmzY/s320/IMG_2526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were so happy to fill their buckets!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmK6347gZSNd2eLHy-Gcv2lHyRIan_RgV73FohKcpTbehreMDp3rpqROcvB9lbIqD4N-IM7sOX2sGY9S0i0o0fQmjsduDyynPozgVb_zOfOxoaKrQ8pnQmWOhM4YutTR3oyBmPEx3sT8/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMmK6347gZSNd2eLHy-Gcv2lHyRIan_RgV73FohKcpTbehreMDp3rpqROcvB9lbIqD4N-IM7sOX2sGY9S0i0o0fQmjsduDyynPozgVb_zOfOxoaKrQ8pnQmWOhM4YutTR3oyBmPEx3sT8/s320/IMG_2534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial day in Amelia, VA.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SDJPUWDXvEHARNc0j-wuqXvMxQuVELnp12xsaOgE-UISIkKVcHanJV873CLHQQdG7YwJGxg1MHPwEOr4yx79lV81H1X1BfIInTeCtPauP11nvIOgovsu6I1f_Y2oxmYvmEl74RBne1c/s1600/IMG_9849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SDJPUWDXvEHARNc0j-wuqXvMxQuVELnp12xsaOgE-UISIkKVcHanJV873CLHQQdG7YwJGxg1MHPwEOr4yx79lV81H1X1BfIInTeCtPauP11nvIOgovsu6I1f_Y2oxmYvmEl74RBne1c/s320/IMG_9849.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L's 10th birthday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRANPDKnQDkYzp1P-9BPRgCBFw5eVYJ7ywSp-JlTz7DUP_YCTSzIMD3W0ZAQ3f6SZ5vckLxu2Sfcqpcr1ExEjBxcy9vSHA_CWe6ovVkVfm0xOLkeD_SS98bVQ3Q-7Fw3xPlRj8Jng-I4/s1600/IMG_9861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsRANPDKnQDkYzp1P-9BPRgCBFw5eVYJ7ywSp-JlTz7DUP_YCTSzIMD3W0ZAQ3f6SZ5vckLxu2Sfcqpcr1ExEjBxcy9vSHA_CWe6ovVkVfm0xOLkeD_SS98bVQ3Q-7Fw3xPlRj8Jng-I4/s320/IMG_9861.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M's 5th birthday- even though G got the candle first.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-88384770488366458382015-04-14T22:16:00.003-04:002015-04-14T22:16:38.028-04:00Sweet FellowshipThis past Sunday I was struck by the sweetness of fellowship, which brought me to tears.<br />
<br />
The Lawyer took O on a special weekend trip, so I was with the other 5 children at church. I decided to fore go our usual seats in the second row, and head toward the back of the room, where we might be less noticeable if we were having difficulties (say, like a two year old being noisy or a four year old who only wants to lie down or children knocking things over and being otherwise disruptive). I do love that our children worship during the entire service, but I'm also sensitive toward others and want to be as inconspicuous as possible.<br />
<br />
It so happens that usually, G falls asleep on me during the service. This is great for me, as he is quiet and easier to hold. It's challenging, in that 2 year olds can be heavy and he keeps me from wanting to move around/stand up. On this Sunday, he fell asleep and was still sleeping soundly when it came time for communion. I decided that I was happy to stay in my seat, keep him asleep, and use the time for introspection and prayer. Though I was a little sad to miss sharing the Lord's supper, it seemed a better option to me than to stand and wake G (who doesn't usually wake happily).<br />
<br />
So, I remained in my seat while others had communion. Then, it happened. I was totally surprised by a hand on my shoulder and the cup and bread offered to my free hand. The elders of the church had come to me, in the middle of the next-to-last row, surrounded by my children, at the end of our communion time. That they sought me out, that they noticed my state, that they had compassion on me, that they extended themselves to bring the elements to me, that they were unwilling that I should not participate . . . I was so moved by this. I had noticed before that they would take the elements to mothers who were in the back room with restless children, but I have never before seen the elements come to a mother with a sleeping child on her lap. It was so compassionate that I cried. Never before have I been in a church where I thought that the elders even noticed who did and did partake in communion. This single act struck me with the closeness of this body of believers. They truly act like a family and strive to take care of one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. The tenderness of this moment reminded me of the lost lamb who is brought back to the fold, and the sheep who are protected and looked after by the shepherd. It was sweet to me to take the bread and the wine and at the same time, accept the sweetness of fellowship in Christ. callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-81465575333785268752015-03-17T15:18:00.000-04:002015-03-17T15:18:00.093-04:00Beauty to be DesiredOh, the richness of the Word!<br />
<br />
From my study of Isaiah today, I am struck by these words of Matthew Henry.<br />
<br />
"Being generally apt to judge of persons and things by the sight of the
eye, and according to outward appearance, they saw <span style="font-size: large;">no beauty </span>in him that
they should desire him. There was a great deal of true beauty in him,
the <span style="font-size: large;">beauty of holiness</span> and the <span style="font-size: large;">beauty of goodness</span>, enough to render him <i id="yui-gen62"><span style="font-size: large;">the desire of all nations</span>;</i>
but the far greater part of those among whom he lived, and conversed,
saw none of this beauty, for it was spiritually discerned. Carnal hearts
see no excellency in the Lord Jesus, nothing that should induce them to
desire an acquaintance with him or interest in him."<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYndQqEwLKUgw4pyTyKmXLY6p0W9RLNeN9UBGAyqo5SEEeIga4ZuRqrlwctVQTbA9vMXQTV6cF-z0gKSJ-NQm5PWgIDTuURR3PEbB-3Da7SCMDzJVrMS_Weh8PeJR0kh_2EpP0hKksJc/s1600/Man_of_Sorrows_by_Tazi_san.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYndQqEwLKUgw4pyTyKmXLY6p0W9RLNeN9UBGAyqo5SEEeIga4ZuRqrlwctVQTbA9vMXQTV6cF-z0gKSJ-NQm5PWgIDTuURR3PEbB-3Da7SCMDzJVrMS_Weh8PeJR0kh_2EpP0hKksJc/s1600/Man_of_Sorrows_by_Tazi_san.jpg" height="311" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">art by tazi san</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-88428653716678750772015-03-02T21:18:00.000-05:002015-03-02T21:18:01.091-05:00<span class="item">
</span>
<h2 class="fn">
<strong>Crockpot</strong> Chicken and Vegetable Wild Rice Soup </h2>
<br />
<div class="time">
<a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/slow-cooker-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup/print/"><strong>an adaptation from Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup</strong></a><br />
<strong>Yield:</strong> <span class="yield">Serves 8-10</span><br />
<strong>Prep Time:</strong> <span class="preptime">10 minutes</span><br />
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> <span class="cooktime">3 1/2 hours-6 1/2 hours</span><br />
<span class="cooktime">This is a hearty chicken soup with veggies and blend of wild rices </span></div>
<h3>
Ingredients:</h3>
<div class="ingredient">
1 large onion, chopped<br />
5 carrots, peeled and chopped<br />
4 stalks celery, chopped<br />
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped<br />
2 cups sliced baby bella mushrooms<br />
1 and 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice, rinsed and drained<br />
2 bay leaves<br />
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme to add at the end of cooking<br />
Salt and black pepper, to taste<br />
2- 3 cups chopped, cooked chicken<br />
12 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or stock and water mixture)<br />
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley<br />
</div>
<h3>
Directions:</h3>
<div class="instructions">
1. In a 6 quart slow cooker, combine onion,
carrots, celery, garlic, wild rice, mushrooms, chicken, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and
pepper. Add the chicken stock and water. <br />
2. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low heat setting for 6
to 6 1/2 hours or on high-heat setting about 3 1/2 hours. Remove the bay leaves. Add the parsley and fresh thyme and season with additional
salt and pepper, to taste. <br />
</div>
callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-53692896955345958392015-02-26T10:57:00.000-05:002015-02-26T10:59:58.446-05:00Too Good Not to Mention!You know I like to share great things with you! I'm excited about two things today:<br />
<br />
1) <a href="http://www.momagenda.com/products.cfm?cID=34&utm_source=momAgenda+newsletter&utm_campaign=4d5220e560-20150224-50OffDayPlanners-Resend&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_136f436238-4d5220e560-195179149&mc_cid=4d5220e560&mc_eid=cd04bbcbef">Momagenda day planners</a> are 50% off with FREE shipping today. I don't know how long this deal lasts, and I know it's a warehouse clearance. I LOVE these planners and I truly think that organizing our time and days helps us to be more productive and better stewards of our time and resources. <a href="http://www.momagenda.com/products.cfm?cID=34&utm_source=momAgenda+newsletter&utm_campaign=4d5220e560-20150224-50OffDayPlanners-Resend&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_136f436238-4d5220e560-195179149&mc_cid=4d5220e560&mc_eid=cd04bbcbef">Here is a link. </a><br />
<br />
2) EVEN better... there is a new <a href="http://www.doorposts.com/blog/2015/02/26/get-ready-to-study-isaiah-53/?awt_l=NxwGI&awt_m=3mFDT682D6F_QyO">Busy Mamas Bible study</a> starting in March!! I'm so excited to study Isaiah 53. I've only done one of these studies, but SO appreciated the depth of learning and the insight into Scripture and how much the Lord used His word to convict my heart and lead to changes within our home.It was challenging for me to stay on track daily, but I think this is a wonderful opportunity to dig into God's word AND to fellowship with believers AND to share His Word with our children. Would you join me?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSBH2DtOLDM1qwIyx-TLhCc4QXJWHz-qvlaZRbMzQFucG3hkWkUtWbclUY_qOEc4E7Gx9i7XbdRUT0D2FDePSHkcK4zXNDEOgo2Mrj4cMgXdFckRQ0akCa0wVqdi8deVt8bMxiAAACVk/s1600/IMG_8022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSBH2DtOLDM1qwIyx-TLhCc4QXJWHz-qvlaZRbMzQFucG3hkWkUtWbclUY_qOEc4E7Gx9i7XbdRUT0D2FDePSHkcK4zXNDEOgo2Mrj4cMgXdFckRQ0akCa0wVqdi8deVt8bMxiAAACVk/s1600/IMG_8022.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this photo of the dear friend who introduced me to the Doorposts studies! She is a BUSY, godly mama of 7.</td></tr>
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<br />callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-3087169391444415342015-02-18T22:43:00.001-05:002015-02-18T22:43:25.115-05:00Community. A Strange Thing.It's not that "community" is such a strange thing. It's just that I've noticed something strange happening in my heart.<br />
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I grew up on a farm, out in Midwest farm land, where the countryside is dotted with small towns. Or nearest town had 1200 people living in it. My high school class graduated 64 (I think, but don't quote me!). In that small community, everyone knew everyone and often, there was generational knowledge, too, because many of my classmates' parents had also grown up in this community.<br />
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We went to one of the five churches in town, a church my grandparents had been heavily involved in. My parent's friends were my youth leaders and choir director. The prayer chain was a quick series of phone calls to neighbors when a need arose. News got around quickly, and folks weren't slow to bring casseroles, watch children, pray, or offer support.<br />
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People there have known me since I was born. When I go back to visit the farm, they ooh and ahh over our children and exclaim that they look "just like" me or my siblings. They reminisce about days when we were young.<br />
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That's how I grew up. It was special and unique, and yet I barely recognized it. Then, came years of anonymity. Well, not really years, but seasons. We would move to a new town and I would go to the grocery store and not know anyone there. I would take the kids to the park and we would make all new friends. We would visit churches and miss Sundays and I don't think anyone noticed.<br />
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Then, we stayed awhile. Living in Lynchburg was our longest time in one place. It started to surprise me if I <i>didn't</i> know anyone when I went out on errands. We were more involved in church (helping with children and playing music) and had friends for <i>years</i>. That was a sweet surprise. We watched our children and their friends growing up, which was sweet. I had friends who knew me, who saw me through pregnancy sickness and the overwhelming season of littles and through law school. They celebrated with us as babies were born and the law degree was conferred... and then our house was rented and we moved again and started over again.<br />
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This time, I grieved the loss of what was just beginning to happen for us- that sense of being known, of being part of a community, of feeling that we were going long with some people. It was hard to start over again, especially because we were renting our house and were unclear about how long we would be staying in it, or even in the area. We wondered if it was time to return to IL, or if we could finally put down roots. We started attending a church, but never joined. The kids were involved in activities, but we never really committed ourselves to anything. I still felt anonymous. But that has changed.<br />
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We've now been in Midlothian for almost 4 years. I'm shocked that I seem to know someone every time we go to Costco or into the library. I know which checkout ladies are my favorites at Kroger and the family that runs the neighborhood post office knows me by name. Sometimes, I even see people I know driving beside me when I'm on the way somewhere in our big van with the kids. And for the very first time, I drove north on 288 through the scrubby trees and red earth of Richmond that I've never liked and I thought, "this isn't SO bad." Though I thought the city of Richmond was so large, I've realized it's a relatively small metropolitan area and Midlothian is just a little piece of that. And, apparently, it's growing on me.<br />
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The neatest thing that has happened this past year is a new sense of community we have through the fellowship of believers. I'd like to tell you about this, but it deserves it's own post. Suffice to say, for now, that we are feeling part of a community- an unfamiliar, if not "strange", sensation for this family.callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7084742233948632050.post-66635439317783607652015-02-18T22:34:00.002-05:002015-02-18T22:34:49.781-05:00Snow DaysFor our homeschooling family, snow days are aka "school days." Every good school day involves some book work, some reading aloud, brother time (and sister time!), and outdoor play (and eating, of course!). This play is extra fun (and chilly), but it makes it easier to get the inside work done. The kids are happy to warm up and also motivated to get things done so they can go back out to sled. It really is a wonderful life.callihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07071430265983003196noreply@blogger.com0