Okay, 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.
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!)
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?
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!)
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Teaching our Children to Hear Us
In 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.
Here is the post I read this morning: 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
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.
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 beg 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.
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.)
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.
Here is the post I read this morning: 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
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.
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 beg 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.
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.)
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.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Dear Young Mom (on Obedience)
Dear Young Mom Friend of Mine,
Do not give up! Do not grow weary in doing good. You have young ones and it is a busy, hard, sleep-deprived, intensely physical season of mothering. I know it. You are working hard. Your weariness, your insecurities. . . they are valid and it is okay. This is simply one of your earliest seasons of mothering and what it looks like (for all of us!). I want you to know that I know it is hard and I commend you for the effort you are putting forth through these long days.
I want to encourage you to do the hard work of consistently training your little person. As an older mom, I see what good training brings about. A well-trained baby and toddler will be a well-behaved and delightful child. A well-trained child will bring joy to his mother. It gives me joy when my children come when I call them (while other moms wheedle and plead and coax their children from the playground). It gives me joy when we visit others and I see our hosts eyes light up when my children shake hands, introduce themselves, and thank the host (mind, we do all of this imperfectly!). It gives me joy when I tell my toddler "no" at the grocery store and he is able to manage his disappointment with self-control. I have seen obedience save the life of my child (one dramatic incident when a 4 year old was riding his bike and had to stop immediately when I told him), and the memory is seared in my mind (not for what I did, for I was utterly helpless to save my child, but the grace of God to give me more days with my sweet boy). Because of these things, I believe obedience matters.
Obedience: first time, right away, with a happy heart. Anything other than this is really disobedience. "Start as you intend to go" has always been my motto (though I sometimes lose sight of it in the tyranny of the urgent). If you would like your teen to heed your advice and instruction, you need to start by training your little person to heed. Won't it be nice to say, "please change your clothes," and have your child say, "Yes, Mom" without complaint and rebellion?
The seeds of disobedience run deep in my own heart and I have struggled with this concept of trying to teach my little ones something that I err in daily. I know what God has told me to do (in His Word), and yet I too often rebel, complain, or delay to follow his commands. It's not the best way for me, just as it is not the best way for my children. Because I desire my children to follow God in better obedience than my own, I know they need to learn obedience now, to their earthly masters and parents.
A child left to himself brings shame and disgrace. Oh, how hard it is sometimes to get my lazy self up to discipline my child! It's especially hard when your toddler is disobedient and you are nursing or changing a baby. But don't let these little episodes pass by! Your toddler KNOWS you are probably not going to interrupt a feeding to nip his infraction in the bud. If you can show that you mean it, that you really will discipline that child each and every time because you love them too much to let them develop a sinful habit. . . you will be working on future honor and a jewel of a daughter (or son). These are the times it is SO hard, but you must know that counting to 3 or 10 or 1000 isn't going to help. Raising your voice is not going to work. Threatening... do you even want to be doing that? No, our toddlers reduce us to pleading, threatening, unhappy mommies when we don't have a plan in place to deal with their disobedience.
Lest this sound hard and unbearable, remember there is grace! Mercifully, our children can forget our errors! And I have truly found joy in practicing obedience with my children. Here are a few ideas that have worked well for me:
Blanket time, lap time, room time, etc. These are times that I train the baby (or toddler) to stay where I tell them to stay for a determined amount of time. Start small and reward big! If you give them a book and put them on a blanket and tell them to stay for 5 minutes, it's fun to cheer for them when they have done what you asked. (I use words like, "You did a great job obeying mommy and staying on the blanket!") Gradually, I extend the length of time. I started lap time while I was reading to the older children because it trained the baby to sit on my lap so that he could remain on my lap during our entire church service. (again, imperfectly! but better than it was naturally!) Truthfully, this is sometimes the worst part of the day for me. I SO dislike being interrupted while I read... and inevitably, the baby needs trained multiple times as I read. Sometimes, though, he sits beautifully, and I'm amazed by his self-control. Harnessing that self-control is the key.
Fun times to practice obedience also work well for me. The kids think it is a game and I'm happy with all we can accomplish through this practice that we all enjoy. It looks a lot like Simon Says. After I would change the baby's diaper, I would tell him to go to the wall or the door or the bed. Then I would call him back to me. Then I would say "stop" as he was running back and work on quick, first-time responses. The older kids want to join in, too, and I have them all say "Yes, ma'am" or they have to go back where they started. We throw in silly things, like command to put their hands on their head or somersault to me... but it is AMAZING how this fun practice translates to real obedience in real life situations.
I just want you to know that it's worth it. That you are investing in that little person in ways that have eternal value. I see things in my older children that are the same sin patterns as they had as children, and I wish I had taken more seriously my job of correcting them then. I see how training the FIRST one well is of utmost importance, because that older child will set the tone for all of the children who follow (again, there is grace!). Honestly, I give O (13) a lot of credit for the good traits I see in our younger children that he has modeled for them over the years. And if you can teach your first children to obey well, it sets the standard and example for everyone else. If they don't see whining and complaining and sassing back, they will know that those aren't the things your family is about.
All of this I write in love, as a mama who looks back with some regret and also with so much thankfulness for the (very few) things I did well by God's grace when I didn't even know better. This time as a young mother is such a time for you to focus in on what God says about training children. You want wisdom as a mom? It's all there in His word. There are some other great, practical books (I like Shepherding a Child's Heart as well as Don't Make Me Count to Three, Wise Words for Moms and things from Doorposts and Above Rubies). And this is the time! Now matters! For your children, NOW is so precious and so important. You set the tone for your home, for years to come, and my hope for you is that your children would rise up and call you blessed and that you would take great delight in them.
With humble love,
A Mama of 6
*disclaimer: much Scripture is quoted here. If you read something good, it's probably the Good Word. I hope to go back later and add in references... but I'm in a busy season, too. Please extend grace!
Do not give up! Do not grow weary in doing good. You have young ones and it is a busy, hard, sleep-deprived, intensely physical season of mothering. I know it. You are working hard. Your weariness, your insecurities. . . they are valid and it is okay. This is simply one of your earliest seasons of mothering and what it looks like (for all of us!). I want you to know that I know it is hard and I commend you for the effort you are putting forth through these long days.
I want to encourage you to do the hard work of consistently training your little person. As an older mom, I see what good training brings about. A well-trained baby and toddler will be a well-behaved and delightful child. A well-trained child will bring joy to his mother. It gives me joy when my children come when I call them (while other moms wheedle and plead and coax their children from the playground). It gives me joy when we visit others and I see our hosts eyes light up when my children shake hands, introduce themselves, and thank the host (mind, we do all of this imperfectly!). It gives me joy when I tell my toddler "no" at the grocery store and he is able to manage his disappointment with self-control. I have seen obedience save the life of my child (one dramatic incident when a 4 year old was riding his bike and had to stop immediately when I told him), and the memory is seared in my mind (not for what I did, for I was utterly helpless to save my child, but the grace of God to give me more days with my sweet boy). Because of these things, I believe obedience matters.
Obedience: first time, right away, with a happy heart. Anything other than this is really disobedience. "Start as you intend to go" has always been my motto (though I sometimes lose sight of it in the tyranny of the urgent). If you would like your teen to heed your advice and instruction, you need to start by training your little person to heed. Won't it be nice to say, "please change your clothes," and have your child say, "Yes, Mom" without complaint and rebellion?
The seeds of disobedience run deep in my own heart and I have struggled with this concept of trying to teach my little ones something that I err in daily. I know what God has told me to do (in His Word), and yet I too often rebel, complain, or delay to follow his commands. It's not the best way for me, just as it is not the best way for my children. Because I desire my children to follow God in better obedience than my own, I know they need to learn obedience now, to their earthly masters and parents.
A child left to himself brings shame and disgrace. Oh, how hard it is sometimes to get my lazy self up to discipline my child! It's especially hard when your toddler is disobedient and you are nursing or changing a baby. But don't let these little episodes pass by! Your toddler KNOWS you are probably not going to interrupt a feeding to nip his infraction in the bud. If you can show that you mean it, that you really will discipline that child each and every time because you love them too much to let them develop a sinful habit. . . you will be working on future honor and a jewel of a daughter (or son). These are the times it is SO hard, but you must know that counting to 3 or 10 or 1000 isn't going to help. Raising your voice is not going to work. Threatening... do you even want to be doing that? No, our toddlers reduce us to pleading, threatening, unhappy mommies when we don't have a plan in place to deal with their disobedience.
Lest this sound hard and unbearable, remember there is grace! Mercifully, our children can forget our errors! And I have truly found joy in practicing obedience with my children. Here are a few ideas that have worked well for me:
Blanket time, lap time, room time, etc. These are times that I train the baby (or toddler) to stay where I tell them to stay for a determined amount of time. Start small and reward big! If you give them a book and put them on a blanket and tell them to stay for 5 minutes, it's fun to cheer for them when they have done what you asked. (I use words like, "You did a great job obeying mommy and staying on the blanket!") Gradually, I extend the length of time. I started lap time while I was reading to the older children because it trained the baby to sit on my lap so that he could remain on my lap during our entire church service. (again, imperfectly! but better than it was naturally!) Truthfully, this is sometimes the worst part of the day for me. I SO dislike being interrupted while I read... and inevitably, the baby needs trained multiple times as I read. Sometimes, though, he sits beautifully, and I'm amazed by his self-control. Harnessing that self-control is the key.
Fun times to practice obedience also work well for me. The kids think it is a game and I'm happy with all we can accomplish through this practice that we all enjoy. It looks a lot like Simon Says. After I would change the baby's diaper, I would tell him to go to the wall or the door or the bed. Then I would call him back to me. Then I would say "stop" as he was running back and work on quick, first-time responses. The older kids want to join in, too, and I have them all say "Yes, ma'am" or they have to go back where they started. We throw in silly things, like command to put their hands on their head or somersault to me... but it is AMAZING how this fun practice translates to real obedience in real life situations.
I just want you to know that it's worth it. That you are investing in that little person in ways that have eternal value. I see things in my older children that are the same sin patterns as they had as children, and I wish I had taken more seriously my job of correcting them then. I see how training the FIRST one well is of utmost importance, because that older child will set the tone for all of the children who follow (again, there is grace!). Honestly, I give O (13) a lot of credit for the good traits I see in our younger children that he has modeled for them over the years. And if you can teach your first children to obey well, it sets the standard and example for everyone else. If they don't see whining and complaining and sassing back, they will know that those aren't the things your family is about.
All of this I write in love, as a mama who looks back with some regret and also with so much thankfulness for the (very few) things I did well by God's grace when I didn't even know better. This time as a young mother is such a time for you to focus in on what God says about training children. You want wisdom as a mom? It's all there in His word. There are some other great, practical books (I like Shepherding a Child's Heart as well as Don't Make Me Count to Three, Wise Words for Moms and things from Doorposts and Above Rubies). And this is the time! Now matters! For your children, NOW is so precious and so important. You set the tone for your home, for years to come, and my hope for you is that your children would rise up and call you blessed and that you would take great delight in them.
With humble love,
A Mama of 6
*disclaimer: much Scripture is quoted here. If you read something good, it's probably the Good Word. I hope to go back later and add in references... but I'm in a busy season, too. Please extend grace!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Just in Time for the Black Friday Sales. . . or not. . .
My blog friend (whom I've never met and who I'm sure doesn't know who I am!) Sarah has a great post on Christmas ideas for kids. Hers is beautiful, with photos and cute little things she has to say about each toy/game/doll/book. I've gotten great ideas from her before and like to share her post. You can see it all here!
I have a smaller list (and I lack all the beautiful photos!), but I did think it was time to update our "favorite things." And, I did go to the painstaking trouble of linking up most things for you, so you can easily find what I'm talking about!
Hopefully, there will be some ideas in here for the special people on your list this year. Admittedly, we are trying to stay as simple and uncluttered as possible in our small space (which is impossible with six children, I think!). We are opting not to purchase Christmas gifts this year. . . but there are still some fun things that can fit in our (giant, homemade, wonderful) stockings! These are also good birthday gifts and even some gifts that are family-building for any time of the year.
Curtis-Kid Approved Favorites
For Outside Fun:
Indoor Fun:
Games:
I have a smaller list (and I lack all the beautiful photos!), but I did think it was time to update our "favorite things." And, I did go to the painstaking trouble of linking up most things for you, so you can easily find what I'm talking about!
Hopefully, there will be some ideas in here for the special people on your list this year. Admittedly, we are trying to stay as simple and uncluttered as possible in our small space (which is impossible with six children, I think!). We are opting not to purchase Christmas gifts this year. . . but there are still some fun things that can fit in our (giant, homemade, wonderful) stockings! These are also good birthday gifts and even some gifts that are family-building for any time of the year.
 |
| Trampoline even in the Snow |
Curtis-Kid Approved Favorites
For Outside Fun:
- Razor Scooter
- Razor Rip Rider
- Unicycle
- Lightsabers
- Trampoline. A serious must-have for our boys. Hours and hours and hours. . .
- The Flying Turtle. M (3) draws a lot of attention when he zips around our neighborhood on this. He has his own style!
M on the Turtle 
T on the Rip Rider
Indoor Fun:
 |
| pattern blocks |
- Build a Road
- Trains and train tracks
- Zoobs
- Tinkertoys
- Bristle Blocks
- Rainbow Loom
- Knitting Loom
- Legos
- Pattern blocks. Our kids get creative with these. They are an assigned quiet time activity one day/week!
Games:
- iQ twist game: A good game to keep an individual occupied for a time!
- i Q Fit game: Another version of the IQ game.
- The Settlers of Catan- This game is great for my older set (9+) because it does take some time and perseverance.
- Telestrations- We've just played this recently and it really got us laughing. It works best with those who can sketch and write on their own.
- Quirkle- A favorite with my younger crew. M is good at this one (3) and it's often played with the older kids, too.
- Rack-O The kids and The Lawyer joke that I always win. I don't always. . but I've enjoyed this game since childhood!
- Rummikub. This is a version of rummy with tiles; teaches number sequencing and patterns!
- Sequence They have a "kid" version, too. Our kids have played the adult version from about age 4 or 5 on up. This is a great game for teams and up to 12 people can play.
- Jesus Storybook Bible- We just LOVE this book. We've gone through 2 already.
- Harry the Dirty Dog- There are more books in this series; all super cute and fun for me to read to them.
- Billy and Blaze- T (6) wanted ALL of these books when he was 4 and he has loved them. They are also good books for early readers.
- Ralph Moody Little Britches series. My biggest boys have loved these and read and reread them (starting at about age 8 or 9).
- Miller Family books. These are good for reading aloud as a family. It doesn't get much better for instilling good values and reading wholesome family stories.
- Danny and Debbie books or Don and Joyce books, and A Hive of Busy Bees. These are right up there with the Millers!
- The Pineapple Story. There is a book and audio cds. We really enjoyed listening to the audios in the van.
- G.A. Henty books on tape. We prefer those read by Jim Weiss. My boys (age 4+) love these; there are battles and blood, intrigue, and plot twists in these historical fiction books. Others (like L) might find them to be a bit dry and not their cup of tea.
- Your StoryHour audios. Favorites to listen to in the van. We have borrowed some from friends.
- Runner from Ravenshead. A favorite of the 2-8 age set. Very simple but really sweet with children actors.
- Kipper. Still . . . ever and anon. . . a favorite around here. The big kids are still drawn in if they hear Kipper and before I know it, everyone is gathered around the computer screen to watch the same episodes they have seen a hundred times!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Defer to the "Older and Wiser"
Yesterday's reading of Proverbs led us to consider this:
"By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom." Proverbs 13:10
There is strife in our home when our children are insolent, (proud, presumptuous, rude, or disrespectful). This often happens amongst our children. They are unwilling to give ground to each other and each wants to be right and have his own way. (Sometimes this sounds like, "no, it's not" and "yes it is" kinds of conversations.) Even though there are not many years between each child and the next, we endeavor and hope that they are growing in wisdom.
It is in this spirit that I think of the wise words of a friend of mine. She is a mother of six who seems to mother so intentionally with such grace and yet also with practicality and love. She told me once that she taught her children to say, "You are older and wiser than I am. I will defer to your judgment."
She had a specific purpose in teaching this and I think it was for a certain child's training for a season, but I have loved these words! When there is strife between my children because of their PRIDE, it has been GOOD for the younger child to defer to the older child and use this phrase: "You are older and wiser than I am. I will defer to your judgement."
Of course, the older child has the responsibility in these situations and will be held accountable to his parents. (They don't just choose what makes them happy, but what they really think is best). The strife usually arises in small matters of preference and the conflict should not merit parental energy. I've found that the distraction of these small scuffles disrupts our home's peace. I want to teach my older children to shepherd and be responsible for the younger children (under our authority, of course) and our desire is for all of our children to be humble and able to take advise and also seek the advice of wise counselors.
"By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom." Proverbs 13:10
There is strife in our home when our children are insolent, (proud, presumptuous, rude, or disrespectful). This often happens amongst our children. They are unwilling to give ground to each other and each wants to be right and have his own way. (Sometimes this sounds like, "no, it's not" and "yes it is" kinds of conversations.) Even though there are not many years between each child and the next, we endeavor and hope that they are growing in wisdom.
It is in this spirit that I think of the wise words of a friend of mine. She is a mother of six who seems to mother so intentionally with such grace and yet also with practicality and love. She told me once that she taught her children to say, "You are older and wiser than I am. I will defer to your judgment."
She had a specific purpose in teaching this and I think it was for a certain child's training for a season, but I have loved these words! When there is strife between my children because of their PRIDE, it has been GOOD for the younger child to defer to the older child and use this phrase: "You are older and wiser than I am. I will defer to your judgement."
Of course, the older child has the responsibility in these situations and will be held accountable to his parents. (They don't just choose what makes them happy, but what they really think is best). The strife usually arises in small matters of preference and the conflict should not merit parental energy. I've found that the distraction of these small scuffles disrupts our home's peace. I want to teach my older children to shepherd and be responsible for the younger children (under our authority, of course) and our desire is for all of our children to be humble and able to take advise and also seek the advice of wise counselors.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Music in the House- (Another Story of Provision!)
There is music in our house and The Lawyer and I are thrilled.
The three biggest kids started piano lessons seven months ago.
Now, I could teach them piano. I've taught other children to play the piano. I've even given our children sporadic lessons. Teaching them piano, however, became one of the last things on my too-long to-do list. It was easy not to do when the day felt too busy. It was tacked on with my home school agenda and I wasn't finding pleasure in it. So, I prayed about lessons for our kids.
Right away, The Lawyer (bless him for his practicality!) decided that we couldn't afford lessons. I checked around, asked for recommendations from people, tried to think outside the box (home school band? Online? Through a college?). I was shocked by the price of lessons and also realized that even though I wanted our children to have the benefits of lessons, I didn't feel like I could commit to long weekly drives- especially because I was contemplating this during a season of pregnancy and postpartum! Lessons seemed like a luxury and not a necessity and when I looked at our budget, I also wondered if it was wise to add another monthly expense. So, I asked the Lord to provide for us IF He would be pleased to give our kids music lessons.
Well, the Lord provided again. (Isn't he GOOD to give us things for the sheer pleasure it brings us and Him?!) I asked Him for music and asked Him to make a way for our children to learn music. We heard about a teacher who lives in the next neighborhood, charges less than any lessons I had heard of, and had three time slots in a row available on a Tuesday afternoon after my littles' rest time. Amazing. Then, the Lord also worked out the finances for us (mainly through an exceptionally generous gift!) and The Lawyer gave approval to the lessons.
And we are so glad! We hear our children on the piano every day. It's lovely! (Though I'll confess I sometimes weary of the Indian war dance and roll my eyes at the speedy Revilie at 6:45 a.m.) The children have memorized pieces and they'll pop in and play a few songs at various times throughout the day. The Lawyer and I enjoy the music we're hearing!
There have been no complaints about practicing. The three of them are competitive and they all want to be able to play each other's songs. They have moved quickly through their books and are genuinely enjoying what they are learning. It is good for them to have Mrs. H as their teacher. I see that they want to please her and her perspective and influence has been good for them. They have had a recital and are preparing for one in June. (This one will be without music! I'm not one to play well without music and I'm so proud of the effort that they are putting in to prepare themselves. I love seeing them rise to the occasion.) Our three have grown and been stretched just through these half hour lessons. I'm unbelievably thankful for the music in our home!
The three biggest kids started piano lessons seven months ago.
Now, I could teach them piano. I've taught other children to play the piano. I've even given our children sporadic lessons. Teaching them piano, however, became one of the last things on my too-long to-do list. It was easy not to do when the day felt too busy. It was tacked on with my home school agenda and I wasn't finding pleasure in it. So, I prayed about lessons for our kids.
Right away, The Lawyer (bless him for his practicality!) decided that we couldn't afford lessons. I checked around, asked for recommendations from people, tried to think outside the box (home school band? Online? Through a college?). I was shocked by the price of lessons and also realized that even though I wanted our children to have the benefits of lessons, I didn't feel like I could commit to long weekly drives- especially because I was contemplating this during a season of pregnancy and postpartum! Lessons seemed like a luxury and not a necessity and when I looked at our budget, I also wondered if it was wise to add another monthly expense. So, I asked the Lord to provide for us IF He would be pleased to give our kids music lessons.
Well, the Lord provided again. (Isn't he GOOD to give us things for the sheer pleasure it brings us and Him?!) I asked Him for music and asked Him to make a way for our children to learn music. We heard about a teacher who lives in the next neighborhood, charges less than any lessons I had heard of, and had three time slots in a row available on a Tuesday afternoon after my littles' rest time. Amazing. Then, the Lord also worked out the finances for us (mainly through an exceptionally generous gift!) and The Lawyer gave approval to the lessons.
And we are so glad! We hear our children on the piano every day. It's lovely! (Though I'll confess I sometimes weary of the Indian war dance and roll my eyes at the speedy Revilie at 6:45 a.m.) The children have memorized pieces and they'll pop in and play a few songs at various times throughout the day. The Lawyer and I enjoy the music we're hearing!
There have been no complaints about practicing. The three of them are competitive and they all want to be able to play each other's songs. They have moved quickly through their books and are genuinely enjoying what they are learning. It is good for them to have Mrs. H as their teacher. I see that they want to please her and her perspective and influence has been good for them. They have had a recital and are preparing for one in June. (This one will be without music! I'm not one to play well without music and I'm so proud of the effort that they are putting in to prepare themselves. I love seeing them rise to the occasion.) Our three have grown and been stretched just through these half hour lessons. I'm unbelievably thankful for the music in our home!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Family Comparisons
In a family with five boys, there is a lot of competition going on ALL the time. Already, the gang is trying to figure out how G stacks up and fits in. Here is what we've come up with:
G is the FIRST of our babies to be born in the water. (And first birth watched by a sibling!)
G is the FIRST baby to be born on his due date.
G is the SECOND baby born in November (like R).
Both boys born in November were born on Mondays.
R was the hairiest baby, but G takes second place (with lots of dark hair in back!).
G has ONE dimple (that we've seen so far). That ties him with T, who also has one dimple. R has two. No one else has dimples (dimples are a Baughman trait).
G was the HEAVIEST baby at 7 pounds, 10 ounces. He had 7 ounces on T, the next heaviest. (I hope this is why I gained the most weight in this pregnancy!)
But, G was not the longest. In fact, he falls nearly last on length.
G was born the earliest in the morning, at 6:23 a.m. T would be next, then O, R, L, and M (at night).
G was the THIRD baby born at 40 weeks or later, along with the other "full" JuicePlus+ babies, T and M.
So far, G wins on sleeping. He has given me some good four and five hour stretches at night (perhaps because of health and weight?).
and... we're only just getting to know him.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Savoring September- First Landing State Park
We are trying to have once/monthly outings as a family. As we haven't made it to the beach this summer, we decided to make a trip today. The kids were SO excited that I joked we should come at least twice a year just so that the excitement would be manageable. Poor O was ready to go at 7 (the time the kids and I thought would be good to leave this morning), but it took us a bit longer to get everything packed and us all on the road.
Today we went to First Landing State Park, part of Virginia Beach. The waves were small and the beach was strewn with horseshoe crabs. Still, it was lovely to walk over the dunes, to have the tall grasses as our backdrop and the bay/ocean before us. Though the weather was supposed to be overcast and very warm (89), it turned out to be amazingly beautiful by afternoon. Fluffy, white cumulus clouds parted to reveal brilliantly blue sky. The water sparkled blue and green and was invitingly warm. Our kids LOVED it and would return tomorrow given the option.
Today we went to First Landing State Park, part of Virginia Beach. The waves were small and the beach was strewn with horseshoe crabs. Still, it was lovely to walk over the dunes, to have the tall grasses as our backdrop and the bay/ocean before us. Though the weather was supposed to be overcast and very warm (89), it turned out to be amazingly beautiful by afternoon. Fluffy, white cumulus clouds parted to reveal brilliantly blue sky. The water sparkled blue and green and was invitingly warm. Our kids LOVED it and would return tomorrow given the option.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
See Kai Run Review
I don't normally do product reviews (no one is sending me free products, or I might!), but this company impressed me enough that I wanted to share my good experience. If you are in the market for kid shoes, these are shoes you should consider. First, the price is fair (and very good if you find shoes on sale). Secondly, they wear well (except the fluke I seemed to have had with the first pair). Third, they are really, really cute. And fourth, the company is great to do business with.
Back when M was one and just tottering around I purchased a pair of See Kai Run shoes. Loved that they were soft leather and yet had a nice reinforced bottom. They were easy to put on and off (no laces!) and they were super cute red shoes.
BUT... M really started walking and somehow wore this hole right through the toe of the left shoe. (It's not too hard to imagine if you've been around little boys chasing after big boys outside.) I was really sad, however, and had hoped these shoes would last much longer.
I contacted See Kai Run and their customer service was wonderful. They had me send a photo of the damaged shoe. Then, they let me choose a new pair of shoes and they sent them to me- totally free, including the shipping! I was a very happy mama.
So, M got new (blue) shoes. This time I chose the super-cute Park shoes. M has worn them for months and months and has just recently outgrown them. They were his favorite shoes and he was quite upset when I put them on and he stood up, declaring, "Ouch! Hurts me!"
After such a good experience with this company and their shoes, I'll be looking for another pair.
Back when M was one and just tottering around I purchased a pair of See Kai Run shoes. Loved that they were soft leather and yet had a nice reinforced bottom. They were easy to put on and off (no laces!) and they were super cute red shoes.
BUT... M really started walking and somehow wore this hole right through the toe of the left shoe. (It's not too hard to imagine if you've been around little boys chasing after big boys outside.) I was really sad, however, and had hoped these shoes would last much longer.
So, M got new (blue) shoes. This time I chose the super-cute Park shoes. M has worn them for months and months and has just recently outgrown them. They were his favorite shoes and he was quite upset when I put them on and he stood up, declaring, "Ouch! Hurts me!"
After such a good experience with this company and their shoes, I'll be looking for another pair.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
On Bearing Children
I just read a wonderful (older) post on Generation Cedar. Kelly has deep convictions about fertility and viewing children as a blessing. This was such a great reminder and encouragement for me today. Here is what she writes:
"Children are given to us as gifts, as tools, as a heritage, as added numbers to His church, and as a means by which we are changed, challenged and formed more into the Lord’s image. Children are His people, showing us the keys to Heaven (“unless you become like a little child…”) He knows. Christians cannot make light of turning fertility on and off like a faucet. Children are not for us. They are not for displaying and showcasing. They are His “to do and to will of His good pleasure”. May we be honored to serve as vessels, ushering them into the world and then immersing them in His love."
"Children are given to us as gifts, as tools, as a heritage, as added numbers to His church, and as a means by which we are changed, challenged and formed more into the Lord’s image. Children are His people, showing us the keys to Heaven (“unless you become like a little child…”) He knows. Christians cannot make light of turning fertility on and off like a faucet. Children are not for us. They are not for displaying and showcasing. They are His “to do and to will of His good pleasure”. May we be honored to serve as vessels, ushering them into the world and then immersing them in His love."
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Lynchburg Air Show
We spent most of Saturday at the Lynchburg Air Show. This was a family celebration for us, using gift money to spend a fun day together.
Highlights: The flying circus- including a wing walker in a red jumpsuit. WWII planes "catching" balloons and destroying them with their propellers. Parachutists. And the Blue Angels, of course. Amazing. We also had ice cream twice- once at the air show and vanilla with fresh strawberries when we were finally home and cleaned up and happily sitting in the shade on the front steps.
We also stood in lines for a great deal of the day, including nearly an hour to get to the air show, an hour to get inside a helicopter, an hour for hot dogs, and two hours to get on a bus to take us back to our van. Most of this was taken in good stride, though the wait to get home (when we were already hot, tired, and thirsty) was taxing on all.
R (7) today: "Mom, I think I'm going to join the Special Forces at age 11, if I keep growing at this rate."
Highlights: The flying circus- including a wing walker in a red jumpsuit. WWII planes "catching" balloons and destroying them with their propellers. Parachutists. And the Blue Angels, of course. Amazing. We also had ice cream twice- once at the air show and vanilla with fresh strawberries when we were finally home and cleaned up and happily sitting in the shade on the front steps.
We also stood in lines for a great deal of the day, including nearly an hour to get to the air show, an hour to get inside a helicopter, an hour for hot dogs, and two hours to get on a bus to take us back to our van. Most of this was taken in good stride, though the wait to get home (when we were already hot, tired, and thirsty) was taxing on all.
R (7) today: "Mom, I think I'm going to join the Special Forces at age 11, if I keep growing at this rate."
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| T (3)- if you can't tell! |
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| The Blue Angels |
Monday, May 9, 2011
A Real BangUp Weekend
(And why I'm glad I have a daughter!)
What a weekend! We hiked Crabtree Falls again, and this time made it to the top (which was The Lawyer's chief objective).
On this trip the big boys fell into the falls at the top and were drenched with the cold water. They were adequately frightened as the water pulled them down the rocks- especially as we had been talking much about the number of people who have died at the Falls by climbing on the rocks which are slippery with a clear algae.
T (3) fell down several times on the hike, once at the top which resulted in a cut and bleeding lip. He carried a tape measure with him and dutifully measured most of the tree trunks that were cut beside the trail.
M (1) rode happily- mostly- in the Ergo and I am SO glad for this carrier. It's the best!
The Lawyer cut his wrist on a nail this weekend which required a tetanus shot and medicine.
And sweet L (6) is near and dear to my heart as the girl gave me at least 5 Mother's Day cards she created.
What a weekend! We hiked Crabtree Falls again, and this time made it to the top (which was The Lawyer's chief objective).
On this trip the big boys fell into the falls at the top and were drenched with the cold water. They were adequately frightened as the water pulled them down the rocks- especially as we had been talking much about the number of people who have died at the Falls by climbing on the rocks which are slippery with a clear algae.
T (3) fell down several times on the hike, once at the top which resulted in a cut and bleeding lip. He carried a tape measure with him and dutifully measured most of the tree trunks that were cut beside the trail.
M (1) rode happily- mostly- in the Ergo and I am SO glad for this carrier. It's the best!
The Lawyer cut his wrist on a nail this weekend which required a tetanus shot and medicine.
And sweet L (6) is near and dear to my heart as the girl gave me at least 5 Mother's Day cards she created.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Sleep Experiment Conclusion
Okay. So it's not conclusive, but I would like to update our sleep experiment. I feel successful!
The baby is ONE (oh, my!) and he is sleeping through the night consistently. I usually put him to bed between 6:30 and 7 p.m. Sometimes he wakes between 5 and 6 a.m., but after nursing he goes back to sleep until about 7 a.m. This makes me feel great!
Key #1 was putting him in his own room to sleep. We temporarily moved L out of her room so that he could be alone. Even though I generally think Americans over-value independence, I did want the boy to be able to look around, realize he was alone, and be okay with it.
Key #2 was that he was in his own room- down the hall from me. While I did keep his door cracked and mine wide open. . . I was able to sleep. And I sleep hard. It sounds callous, but if he was crying, I probably slept through some of it- allowing him to learn to go back to sleep without me. (I'm not kidding; in college I once slept through tornado alarms that had the rest of the dorm in the basement.)
Key #3 was his blue blanket. He's fallen in love with it. He sticks his fingers in his mouth and sniffs that blue blanket and all is well. (And I didn't realize how important this was. The Lawyer and M and I just had a weekend away and I failed to bring the blue blanket, assuming the green "car" blanket was sufficient (the one we keep in the car for him that is oh, so similar to the blue blanket). It wasn't. M spent most of two nights in our bed, barely consolable.)
That's all I can come up with. Nothing amazing. He's still nursing, still taking two naps each day, and still sleeping in the pack n' play. And now he's ONE! (I know, I mentioned that earlier; it's still a bit of a shock to me.) We've moved L back into her room and he seems to be doing just fine. . . and therefore, so are we.
The baby is ONE (oh, my!) and he is sleeping through the night consistently. I usually put him to bed between 6:30 and 7 p.m. Sometimes he wakes between 5 and 6 a.m., but after nursing he goes back to sleep until about 7 a.m. This makes me feel great!
Key #1 was putting him in his own room to sleep. We temporarily moved L out of her room so that he could be alone. Even though I generally think Americans over-value independence, I did want the boy to be able to look around, realize he was alone, and be okay with it.
Key #2 was that he was in his own room- down the hall from me. While I did keep his door cracked and mine wide open. . . I was able to sleep. And I sleep hard. It sounds callous, but if he was crying, I probably slept through some of it- allowing him to learn to go back to sleep without me. (I'm not kidding; in college I once slept through tornado alarms that had the rest of the dorm in the basement.)
Key #3 was his blue blanket. He's fallen in love with it. He sticks his fingers in his mouth and sniffs that blue blanket and all is well. (And I didn't realize how important this was. The Lawyer and M and I just had a weekend away and I failed to bring the blue blanket, assuming the green "car" blanket was sufficient (the one we keep in the car for him that is oh, so similar to the blue blanket). It wasn't. M spent most of two nights in our bed, barely consolable.)
That's all I can come up with. Nothing amazing. He's still nursing, still taking two naps each day, and still sleeping in the pack n' play. And now he's ONE! (I know, I mentioned that earlier; it's still a bit of a shock to me.) We've moved L back into her room and he seems to be doing just fine. . . and therefore, so are we.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
L is SIX!
Snapshots of a great day!
In the sunshine at the front door.
At a special birthday lunch- just ladies. We ate outside (and this girl ATE!).
The requested PINK frosted cake (raspberry buttercream).
The big birthday bike- her first new bicycle.
In the sunshine at the front door.
At a special birthday lunch- just ladies. We ate outside (and this girl ATE!).
The requested PINK frosted cake (raspberry buttercream).
The big birthday bike- her first new bicycle.
Monday, April 18, 2011
A "Get To" Life
A friend recently shared with me her "secret" to joy in the now (crazy moments). She loved growing up near the beach and yet she said she was able to move into the next phase of her life (which wasn't seaside!) without regret- because while she lived in New Smyrna beach she valued it and enjoyed it and supposed it wouldn't last forever.
Isn't that the secret? To enjoy and savor and embrace the NOW because it absolutely won't last forever. I have an "I get to" live. I get to listen to these boisterous children and perseverate in instructing them. I get to fold these shirts and wash these dishes and sit at a soccer game. I wouldn't want to give these joys away! All too soon this season will be over and I want to fully embrace the next one, too. . . living each moment from JOY to JOY.
And I found it true, today, that when I took my camera and looked for things I could take photos of that brought me JOY today, there were so many!
Here are just a few:
551) Lilacs in bloom (I can list this again, right? Especially since I found white ones today.)
552) Bean sprouts jumping to the sun.
553) Girl asleep on the step.
554) Baby with tears, smiling up to me.
555) Boy who is so happy to make eggs for me. ("Are you hungry? Would you like an egg?" he asks me at 4:30 pm)
556) Falling by Caleb Rowden
557) Easter art
558) Plastic Easter eggs all over the house
559) Mancala spread on the table
560) Leaning piles of books all over the living room
561) Smile on the boy who just won his first soccer game of the season
562) Sweat during a great p90X workout! (Yay for Kenpo)
563) Birthday packages crowding the mantle
584) Bleeding hearts in the neighbor's yard
585) His broken, bleeding body . . . indescribable grace
Isn't that the secret? To enjoy and savor and embrace the NOW because it absolutely won't last forever. I have an "I get to" live. I get to listen to these boisterous children and perseverate in instructing them. I get to fold these shirts and wash these dishes and sit at a soccer game. I wouldn't want to give these joys away! All too soon this season will be over and I want to fully embrace the next one, too. . . living each moment from JOY to JOY.
And I found it true, today, that when I took my camera and looked for things I could take photos of that brought me JOY today, there were so many!
Here are just a few:
551) Lilacs in bloom (I can list this again, right? Especially since I found white ones today.)
552) Bean sprouts jumping to the sun.
553) Girl asleep on the step.
554) Baby with tears, smiling up to me.
555) Boy who is so happy to make eggs for me. ("Are you hungry? Would you like an egg?" he asks me at 4:30 pm)
556) Falling by Caleb Rowden
557) Easter art
558) Plastic Easter eggs all over the house
559) Mancala spread on the table
560) Leaning piles of books all over the living room
561) Smile on the boy who just won his first soccer game of the season
562) Sweat during a great p90X workout! (Yay for Kenpo)
563) Birthday packages crowding the mantle
584) Bleeding hearts in the neighbor's yard
585) His broken, bleeding body . . . indescribable grace
Monday, April 4, 2011
Adding to the List
Adding to my gratitude list, working my way to 1000 and beyond as I learn to live a life of thanksgiving. To give thanks in all things, to be content, even to find JOY- these are the things I seek to learn this year.
523. Three year olds. Mine says great things. He also gives terrific smiles and wonderfully tight hugs. This week he also dumped out packing peanuts (I had been saving) all over the basement, carefully put his clothes into the bath and then wrung them out over the bathroom floor, colored the coffee table with green crayon, poured flour out on the counter, filled the toothpaste tube with water, and stuffed The Lawyer's water bottle (empty of water) full of onion grass.
524. Nine year olds. Mine wore a yellow soccer jersey tonight and sprinted back and forth on the field. He was enthusiasm (and reminded me very much of myself). There was one wonderful moment when he was waiting on the sideline and I was marveling at the straight back and bearing of this boy-man, when he turned to catch my eye and gave me a huge smile and thumb's up. It was so important to him that I was there.
525. Seven year olds. Mine makes me laugh with his stories, ideas, word-plays, and continual chatter. Today was the FIRST day I can ever remember that he did all of his morning chores without constant reminders and was prepared when it was time for school. I was so proud of him I could hardly hold it in; so great!
526. 11 month olds. Even though the first year can be challenging for me, there are moments that are just pure delight. Three kids helped me plant today and M was content the entire time. Granted, he probably ate dirt and rocks and sticks when I wasn't looking... He also entertained himself grandly at the soccer game (though I had been dreading having him there, knowing I came woefully unprepared with distractions); an empty ziplock baggie occupied him for half an hour!
527. Five-nearly six-year olds. Mine really enjoys writing and it warms my heart to see her neatly penning (and mailing) letters to those she loves. Today we celebrated her progress in reading; it seems to be coming along quickly and she has fun reading library books aloud (which T then repeats to himself throughout the day!). She is counting down the days until her birthday and I'm anticipating a special, girly celebration and I'm so glad that I get to do that at least once a year.
528. Lawyers. Mine is much too smart for me. He also works incredibly hard and impresses me with his work ethic. He keeps me grounded in reality when I think I can do it all (he knows I'll crash and burn and I think he's saving himself from some tears by pointing out beforehand that it's unlikely I'll exercise, have a quiet time, start the laundry, AND make breakfast before 7:30.) I can trust him with everything.
529. Lilacs blooming. One of my favorites. LOVE the shape; love the scent. Reminds me of my mother and my grandmother.
530. Cherry blossoms. Beautiful. Promise of fruit to come.
531. Homemade bread. This has to be the best thing to eat, ever. I'm so sorry that some people shouldn't eat wheat. This is such a pleasure!
532. New babies!
533. Looooong phone conversation with a dear friend. We've been friends for 10 years! And only lived near each other for a few of them. And still, it is encouraging for me, so good for me to hear her heart and of her life with four boys and a man. I hear Christ in her words- not law, but Gospel life.
534. Scent of coming rain.
535. Children gathered round me at the piano as we try out the new month's hymn and practice the harmony.
523. Three year olds. Mine says great things. He also gives terrific smiles and wonderfully tight hugs. This week he also dumped out packing peanuts (I had been saving) all over the basement, carefully put his clothes into the bath and then wrung them out over the bathroom floor, colored the coffee table with green crayon, poured flour out on the counter, filled the toothpaste tube with water, and stuffed The Lawyer's water bottle (empty of water) full of onion grass.
524. Nine year olds. Mine wore a yellow soccer jersey tonight and sprinted back and forth on the field. He was enthusiasm (and reminded me very much of myself). There was one wonderful moment when he was waiting on the sideline and I was marveling at the straight back and bearing of this boy-man, when he turned to catch my eye and gave me a huge smile and thumb's up. It was so important to him that I was there.
525. Seven year olds. Mine makes me laugh with his stories, ideas, word-plays, and continual chatter. Today was the FIRST day I can ever remember that he did all of his morning chores without constant reminders and was prepared when it was time for school. I was so proud of him I could hardly hold it in; so great!
526. 11 month olds. Even though the first year can be challenging for me, there are moments that are just pure delight. Three kids helped me plant today and M was content the entire time. Granted, he probably ate dirt and rocks and sticks when I wasn't looking... He also entertained himself grandly at the soccer game (though I had been dreading having him there, knowing I came woefully unprepared with distractions); an empty ziplock baggie occupied him for half an hour!
527. Five-nearly six-year olds. Mine really enjoys writing and it warms my heart to see her neatly penning (and mailing) letters to those she loves. Today we celebrated her progress in reading; it seems to be coming along quickly and she has fun reading library books aloud (which T then repeats to himself throughout the day!). She is counting down the days until her birthday and I'm anticipating a special, girly celebration and I'm so glad that I get to do that at least once a year.
528. Lawyers. Mine is much too smart for me. He also works incredibly hard and impresses me with his work ethic. He keeps me grounded in reality when I think I can do it all (he knows I'll crash and burn and I think he's saving himself from some tears by pointing out beforehand that it's unlikely I'll exercise, have a quiet time, start the laundry, AND make breakfast before 7:30.) I can trust him with everything.
529. Lilacs blooming. One of my favorites. LOVE the shape; love the scent. Reminds me of my mother and my grandmother.
530. Cherry blossoms. Beautiful. Promise of fruit to come.
531. Homemade bread. This has to be the best thing to eat, ever. I'm so sorry that some people shouldn't eat wheat. This is such a pleasure!
532. New babies!
533. Looooong phone conversation with a dear friend. We've been friends for 10 years! And only lived near each other for a few of them. And still, it is encouraging for me, so good for me to hear her heart and of her life with four boys and a man. I hear Christ in her words- not law, but Gospel life.
534. Scent of coming rain.
535. Children gathered round me at the piano as we try out the new month's hymn and practice the harmony.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Signs of Spring!
Recently, we had surprisingly warm weather here in VA. Here are some photos from our family walk. We set out to photograph the many signs of spring but then realized our camera does not take good close-up photos of the flowers and trees and small things we were enjoying the beauty of. The Lawyer did capture daffodils, a tulip tree, and a purple iris... as well as our stop at the playground (where T thought it was so warm he needed to remove his shirt!)
Memorizing Colossians
The kids and I have the goal of memorizing the book of Colossians this year. We have worked through the first chapter of Colossians and are moving into chapter two. At this point, O and I can recite the first chapter by memory- if we help each other out. Once we can do it flawlessly, we plan to reward ourselves with a celebratory ice cream date.
This month we started on Colossians 2. Our basic plan is to say the previous verses every day (so at the end of last month we were saying the entire first chapter each day), then we learn the new verse (or portion of a verse if it is very long). I like to use some ASL to help us with this, and it teaches us another language. We then say the new verse 10 times. Each day, the big boys (age 7 and 9) are to review their verses by themselves by using the memory section of their binder. There, I've given them this version, which I find really stretches our brains and helps us commit the Word to memory.
What about you? Are you sowing God's Word in your heart? Helping your children? I'd love to do this better.
Using the first letter of each word looks like this:
Colossians Chapter 2
1 F I w y t k h g a s I h f y a f t a L a f a w h n s m f t f, 2 t t h m b e, b h t i l, t r a t r o f a o u a t k o G's m, w i C, 3 i w a ha t t o w a k. 4 I s t i o t n o m d y w p a. 5 F t I a a i b, y I a w y i s, r t s y g o a t f o y f i C.
This month we started on Colossians 2. Our basic plan is to say the previous verses every day (so at the end of last month we were saying the entire first chapter each day), then we learn the new verse (or portion of a verse if it is very long). I like to use some ASL to help us with this, and it teaches us another language. We then say the new verse 10 times. Each day, the big boys (age 7 and 9) are to review their verses by themselves by using the memory section of their binder. There, I've given them this version, which I find really stretches our brains and helps us commit the Word to memory.
What about you? Are you sowing God's Word in your heart? Helping your children? I'd love to do this better.
Using the first letter of each word looks like this:
Colossians Chapter 2
1 F I w y t k h g a s I h f y a f t a L a f a w h n s m f t f, 2 t t h m b e, b h t i l, t r a t r o f a o u a t k o G's m, w i C, 3 i w a ha t t o w a k. 4 I s t i o t n o m d y w p a. 5 F t I a a i b, y I a w y i s, r t s y g o a t f o y f i C.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
School Art- Circles
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
10 Month Scare!
On his 10 month "birthday" M and I had a little scare.
I went into the office to check something and left him happily playing in the front room- or so I thought. It was a rare moment when the other children were all outside.
When I heard a noise followed by crying, I went to investigate . . . and found the 10 month old on the fourth stair step, head down, with his legs on the fifth step. He had climbed the stairs and fallen!
Last I knew, he couldn't climb stairs. Things change so quickly around here.
I went into the office to check something and left him happily playing in the front room- or so I thought. It was a rare moment when the other children were all outside.
When I heard a noise followed by crying, I went to investigate . . . and found the 10 month old on the fourth stair step, head down, with his legs on the fifth step. He had climbed the stairs and fallen!
Last I knew, he couldn't climb stairs. Things change so quickly around here.
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