It has been too long since I blogged. Especially being that it was a New Year's resolution, but oh, well. Lots has happened. Most specifically was Josiah's bacterial meningitis. But that is for another day.
This summer has been a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my kids. I love summer vacation, and hate when school starts again. Lucky for me...this year Josiah will be doing an online academy, so I will be his learning coach/fellow student for a majority of the school day. He will attend Idlewild for a little also, so he maintains friendships and peer contact. But I am soooooo happy to have him home more! I hate when they leave for school.
Next week I will have my hands very full. Both my brother and sister will be going to work for the week, giving me 4 extra little girls, ages 4, 4, 2, and 1. I can't wait! My kids are very excited for "Cousin Camp" and are planning activities and things. We are also trying hard to clean up our house and "toddler-proof" is again, at least sort of. It has been a while since we had a toddler in the house, and we are trying to "purge" and go back to living in a "simple" house. That has left a ginormous pile of stuff for our garage sale right in front of our door. Today we got most of it picked up and taken up to Josiah's room. We have made quite a bit of progress toward the garage sale, but still have a long way to go.
Some of the things we need to prepare for "Cousin Camp". Menu that is easy, the kids will like, and we can stick too. Then need to get grocery shopping done on Sunday. Recipes....edible playdough, fun snacks, that kind of thing. Our character quality for the week is "gratefulness", so we are going to include the little ones and are printing our coloring pages, and making a porcupine out of pipe cleaners. We hope to run through the sprinkler, watch the newest VeggieTales movie, and read some books too. We also want to make concrete garden stepping stones, so we need to get those materials in the next few days also. I really wish we had a 15 passenger van, so we could go to the park, but alas...not yet.
To make us even busier! The Danskin Triathlon is the weekend. Tomorrow I will be taking my bike up to Seattle, and picking up my race number and such. The family has not been to the traithlon in a few years....rain, sickness, laziness on my part. But they are coming this year, and I am looking forward to that. Noelle did not want to go though, she doesn't remember it at all, and thought she would have to DO the triathlon. Poor girl. She was fine with it once I told her she could just watch. Though this really hinders my preparation time for next week, I am glad to have a little "me" time this weekend. I really enjoy the triathlon, and hope to really run this year. I have never really run well in the triathlon, but having finished two half marathons now...well, I'm hopeful.
Better get to work!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
What to do??
So many options! And so little time!
It is Wednesday, the middle of spring break. The first half was consumed with Randy's parents either coming (must clean house!) or spending time with them. We enjoyed this trip probably more than we have ever enjoyed them before. The kids absolutely loved them. They got spoiled, but were very gracious and behaved beautifully the whole time. I was very proud. It was a fun spring break.
But now we are alone. Today and tomorrow we have nothing planned. Our house is clean, the laundry is mostly done, and we can just be together. How can I make this special and not waste this time just doing the usual? If we are not careful, this chance will be gone, with nothing to show for it.
I believe we will play lots of games, have good food, and watch some movies. I kind of hope to sneak in a date with my husband also. But we will see.
I delight in my family. I am proud of them, I enjoy spending time with them. I love the people they are becoming. I love the way they love each other (most of the time). We are a team. We work best together.
We did get some things done with around here despite our company. We got the garden going, weeded, added compost, and planted a lot of broccoli, spinach, lettuce and some peas. And today it is raining, so everything will be well watered.
We also got Rayana riding a bike, and that is quite an accomplishment. For the last two years (since I removed her training wheels) she has refused to get on her bike. And had since outgrown it, and really had nothing to ride. Her grandparents bought her a new bigger one, and she learned to ride it yesterday. Stopping and turning are still issues, but that will come. She is very excited, as am I, about all the possibilities that are open to us. She can't wait to ride to the pumpkin patch in the fall.
Ok, off to make a grocery list and get that done so that we can just be together.
It is Wednesday, the middle of spring break. The first half was consumed with Randy's parents either coming (must clean house!) or spending time with them. We enjoyed this trip probably more than we have ever enjoyed them before. The kids absolutely loved them. They got spoiled, but were very gracious and behaved beautifully the whole time. I was very proud. It was a fun spring break.
But now we are alone. Today and tomorrow we have nothing planned. Our house is clean, the laundry is mostly done, and we can just be together. How can I make this special and not waste this time just doing the usual? If we are not careful, this chance will be gone, with nothing to show for it.
I believe we will play lots of games, have good food, and watch some movies. I kind of hope to sneak in a date with my husband also. But we will see.
I delight in my family. I am proud of them, I enjoy spending time with them. I love the people they are becoming. I love the way they love each other (most of the time). We are a team. We work best together.
We did get some things done with around here despite our company. We got the garden going, weeded, added compost, and planted a lot of broccoli, spinach, lettuce and some peas. And today it is raining, so everything will be well watered.
We also got Rayana riding a bike, and that is quite an accomplishment. For the last two years (since I removed her training wheels) she has refused to get on her bike. And had since outgrown it, and really had nothing to ride. Her grandparents bought her a new bigger one, and she learned to ride it yesterday. Stopping and turning are still issues, but that will come. She is very excited, as am I, about all the possibilities that are open to us. She can't wait to ride to the pumpkin patch in the fall.
Ok, off to make a grocery list and get that done so that we can just be together.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Visit from family
My in-laws are here to visit for a few days. They live in northern California. It is very interesting to me to see my husband interact with them. There are many things that are explained when they are together...so many ways that they are alike. It is fun to see where he gets some of his mannerisms. I understand him better because of this.
It is alsy great to see the kids with their grandparents. We are so blessed to have my mom so close and so active in the kids lives. They know and love her like a third parent. But it is also nice to see them spoiled by other grandparents. They discuss and plan who gets to sit by them and are completely enjoying having them here.
It has also been interesting because we have not eaten at home in almost 48 hours. This is pretty strange for me. I enjoy cooking, I would love to be hospitable to my in-laws, but they insist on going out to eat, and taking us with them. On one hand, I hate to think of all the garbage that my kids have in their systems right now. They love to go to restaurants, so they are having the time of their lives. But I worry about all the unhealthyness of it all. On the other hand, I haven't had to do any dishes in the last two days. No cooking, no cleaning, just enjoying my kids...I love that! It is a spring break for me!
Today we will be going to Walmart to get the kids something. It should be interesting and fun.
I plan on looking at some seed while we are there. The garden is almost ready for planting, and I really need to get some things going. Mainly broccoli and spinach, and maybe some lettuce. I hope to produce a lot more of our food this year. Each year will be a learning experience.
It is alsy great to see the kids with their grandparents. We are so blessed to have my mom so close and so active in the kids lives. They know and love her like a third parent. But it is also nice to see them spoiled by other grandparents. They discuss and plan who gets to sit by them and are completely enjoying having them here.
It has also been interesting because we have not eaten at home in almost 48 hours. This is pretty strange for me. I enjoy cooking, I would love to be hospitable to my in-laws, but they insist on going out to eat, and taking us with them. On one hand, I hate to think of all the garbage that my kids have in their systems right now. They love to go to restaurants, so they are having the time of their lives. But I worry about all the unhealthyness of it all. On the other hand, I haven't had to do any dishes in the last two days. No cooking, no cleaning, just enjoying my kids...I love that! It is a spring break for me!
Today we will be going to Walmart to get the kids something. It should be interesting and fun.
I plan on looking at some seed while we are there. The garden is almost ready for planting, and I really need to get some things going. Mainly broccoli and spinach, and maybe some lettuce. I hope to produce a lot more of our food this year. Each year will be a learning experience.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Pain in change
The kids are asleep. But I can't get any. I couldn't fall asleep last night, and I woke up a couple of hours ago, and can't go back to sleep. I am not shocked, just frustrated.
Today I start a week long course on Grantmanship. 4US is paying for me to go so that I can learn to write grants and hopefully help to raise funds to grow 4US into a national organization. I am very excited for the opportunity. I would love to be able to help 4US in a much bigger way than I have, and I know that they skills that I learn could be very useful in many other aspects. I have hopes that it might be helpful in adoption also...if we can ever get there.
My struggle with this come in two ways though, the first the biggest. My family is, and always has been my first priority, and my purpose. It was a very tough decision to leave them for a week to take this class. Mom has them today, then Noelle is going to stay with Beth for 4 days. My heart aches thinking of her sleeping somewhere else for so long. I know that she is in very, very good hands, but I love her so much and want the to be the one to scratch her itchy back.
In addition to my struggles with leaving them to fend for themselves, I had no doubt that they would be sick or something. Sure enough, Rayana has had a fever for the last 3 days, and Noelle felt very warm to me in the night. Josiah says that he doesn't feel well, though he does not seem to have the fever yet. They only thing I hate worse than not being there for my kids, is not being there for them when they are sick. It pains me to leave them.
Second, I feel very inadequate. While I know that I am pretty intelligent, I have a very limited knowledge of business, and have been a stay at home mom for the last 10+ years. I can bake a mean loaf of bread, but can I keep up in a classroom with these people? I have always struggled with confidence, and have not been in a classroom since losing weight. Will it make a difference, or will I still feel like I don't belong. I hate that feeling, it just makes me want to run home to my kids, and to where I am comfortable.
God is definitely stretching me this week. I am moving out of my comfort zone in many ways. I am leaving my family in the care of others, letting God be sufficient for them. I am exploring areas in which I am not very knowledgeable, and may feel dumb...(which I am not very used to). And I will need to work through my weaknesses and practice loving those that I just met. I hope also that I will be articulate and compassionate with the people in this class. My greatest desire would be that I would not only learn the skills that are needed to help raise funds, but that those in this class would come to view our mission, both at 4US and as Christians, in a new way.
JOY - Jesus first, others second, yourself last....I have to keep that in mind this week. This class is for Jesus and for others, my insecurities will have to be faced head on so that God can be given the glory this week.
Time for my alarm to go off, I better get started...
Today I start a week long course on Grantmanship. 4US is paying for me to go so that I can learn to write grants and hopefully help to raise funds to grow 4US into a national organization. I am very excited for the opportunity. I would love to be able to help 4US in a much bigger way than I have, and I know that they skills that I learn could be very useful in many other aspects. I have hopes that it might be helpful in adoption also...if we can ever get there.
My struggle with this come in two ways though, the first the biggest. My family is, and always has been my first priority, and my purpose. It was a very tough decision to leave them for a week to take this class. Mom has them today, then Noelle is going to stay with Beth for 4 days. My heart aches thinking of her sleeping somewhere else for so long. I know that she is in very, very good hands, but I love her so much and want the to be the one to scratch her itchy back.
In addition to my struggles with leaving them to fend for themselves, I had no doubt that they would be sick or something. Sure enough, Rayana has had a fever for the last 3 days, and Noelle felt very warm to me in the night. Josiah says that he doesn't feel well, though he does not seem to have the fever yet. They only thing I hate worse than not being there for my kids, is not being there for them when they are sick. It pains me to leave them.
Second, I feel very inadequate. While I know that I am pretty intelligent, I have a very limited knowledge of business, and have been a stay at home mom for the last 10+ years. I can bake a mean loaf of bread, but can I keep up in a classroom with these people? I have always struggled with confidence, and have not been in a classroom since losing weight. Will it make a difference, or will I still feel like I don't belong. I hate that feeling, it just makes me want to run home to my kids, and to where I am comfortable.
God is definitely stretching me this week. I am moving out of my comfort zone in many ways. I am leaving my family in the care of others, letting God be sufficient for them. I am exploring areas in which I am not very knowledgeable, and may feel dumb...(which I am not very used to). And I will need to work through my weaknesses and practice loving those that I just met. I hope also that I will be articulate and compassionate with the people in this class. My greatest desire would be that I would not only learn the skills that are needed to help raise funds, but that those in this class would come to view our mission, both at 4US and as Christians, in a new way.
JOY - Jesus first, others second, yourself last....I have to keep that in mind this week. This class is for Jesus and for others, my insecurities will have to be faced head on so that God can be given the glory this week.
Time for my alarm to go off, I better get started...
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ministry
I have been thinking a lot about your purpose as a family. I know a big part of our purpose is to raise our kids to know and love God with all their hearts and to be "in the world and not of the world". That is our formost goal and passion. We also want to impact the larger world for the glory of God. We care specifically and focus our attention on Haiti, as God has given us all a passion for that small country.
But these days, especially as it is baseball season, and Randy is in his own classroom, I have been thinking about our purpose in our local community. We have struggled a long time to get the point where we are right now, with me at home with the kids, and Randy, a teacher. And much of the time we lost focus on the reason for that. We wanted the stability of a regular paycheck, the schedule that allows for great family times, and to be involved with youth, as Randy is so gifted in this area. Teaching was a very natural fit. However, in the last few months, I have seen so plainly how teaching history is simply a means to an end, not the end in itself. It is the cover for getting Randy in the schools and allowing him to impact students with the love of God, when so many of them need it the most. The things that are dealt with in the school he teaches in is incredible. In the last month, an abortion and the death of a newborn, have been things that Randy has brought home to us. He is not only a teacher, but a friend, and advisor, and a confidante to these kids. And with more time, I see us all, as a family, becoming more and more involved in this ministry. With baseball season here, we are meeting some of these kids, and they are getting to know us. If our desire is to show them love, we (especially me) need to focus and plan for that end.
What that looks like in the future, I don't know. Maybe it means more kids staying with us, maybe more dinners, more phone calls...I don't know. But I want to be open to whatever God has for us. I want to be prepared to offer our family as a place of acceptance, love and truth, as a place of refuge from the world, not only for my own kids, but for any who need it. My home is not ready for that right now. I have a lot a work to do, and I am behind. I pray that God will give me the discipline to be ready for those occasions, so that I can be Mary, not Martha....
But these days, especially as it is baseball season, and Randy is in his own classroom, I have been thinking about our purpose in our local community. We have struggled a long time to get the point where we are right now, with me at home with the kids, and Randy, a teacher. And much of the time we lost focus on the reason for that. We wanted the stability of a regular paycheck, the schedule that allows for great family times, and to be involved with youth, as Randy is so gifted in this area. Teaching was a very natural fit. However, in the last few months, I have seen so plainly how teaching history is simply a means to an end, not the end in itself. It is the cover for getting Randy in the schools and allowing him to impact students with the love of God, when so many of them need it the most. The things that are dealt with in the school he teaches in is incredible. In the last month, an abortion and the death of a newborn, have been things that Randy has brought home to us. He is not only a teacher, but a friend, and advisor, and a confidante to these kids. And with more time, I see us all, as a family, becoming more and more involved in this ministry. With baseball season here, we are meeting some of these kids, and they are getting to know us. If our desire is to show them love, we (especially me) need to focus and plan for that end.
What that looks like in the future, I don't know. Maybe it means more kids staying with us, maybe more dinners, more phone calls...I don't know. But I want to be open to whatever God has for us. I want to be prepared to offer our family as a place of acceptance, love and truth, as a place of refuge from the world, not only for my own kids, but for any who need it. My home is not ready for that right now. I have a lot a work to do, and I am behind. I pray that God will give me the discipline to be ready for those occasions, so that I can be Mary, not Martha....
Concert with the kids
Last night I took the kids to Seattle to go see the Rock and Worship Roadshow. It was a concert with Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, Tenth Avenue North and Addison Road. I had not been to a concert since I was pregnant with Josiah, and the kids had never been to a concert. It was quite an ordeal, as the kids usually go to bed at 7:30-8 but the concert didn't start until 7. We knew it would be a late night, but I didn't realize how much the kids would be affected. We didn't get home until about 11:30. Thankfully, the kids slept on the way home.
Noelle fell asleep on the way to the concert, no problem. Until we were a few blocks from the concert and I realized that she had had an accident in there sleep. I don't bring changes of clothes for them anymore...though maybe I should. Be had brought pajamas to change into after the concert, so the kids could go to sleep on the way home though. But Noelle's were too cold, and rather loud, so she put her sister's pajama pants on and off we went.
The concert was great. It was fun to watch the kids dancing, yelling and really enjoying themselves. Rayana got tired very early, and just couldn't stay awake for at least half the concert. It seemed a bit unusual, because usually, she is the party animal and can stay awake for days. Then when I got her up this morning, I realized she was sick and had a fever! The poor girl...sleeping through a concert!
Noelle was very good, I had fun sitting by her, and loving on her while she daydreamed and watched the lights. Josiah looked bored out of his mind. He was also extremely tired and started to nod off a few times. But when Mercy Me played "Imagine", he was wide awake and singing along. On the way back to the car, he kept talking about how great the whole thing was and how much he loved it. I guess his expression is not necessarily an indication of what is going on in his head.
The best part for me, was watching my kids practice what we have been trying to teach them. Before we walked in, I overheard Josiah telling his sisters that is would be very crowded and they needed to listen to me, stay close, and hold his hand so they wouldn't get lost. So they did. They obeyed perfectly, held each other hands (even though it has to be very uncool when you are 10 to hold your sister's hand), and cooperated fully. They were considerate of the people sitting around us and thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the concert. I was full of joy!
The concert was impressive. I have kind of avoided concerts, in part because of the cost, and in part because of the cost (out of our pocket!). This was different. We would not have gone if it was more than $10. In fact, all night I was waiting for the catch....like we would have to pay another $20 each or stay and pick up every bit of trash before we could leave. Instead, the artists asked that the money go the a few charity causes that were at the event. I believe God was honored by that philosophy. The focus was on worshipping God and using what he has blessed us with to bless others. It was right. I was excited to be a part of it.
Worshipping with your kids has got to be the best thing in the world. And to see their excitement over a new CD is great. I know they have the best in that CD. Good intentions, great words and a heart for God that is demonstrated over and over. I love that this CD will take us back to that place, and to those memories.
Noelle fell asleep on the way to the concert, no problem. Until we were a few blocks from the concert and I realized that she had had an accident in there sleep. I don't bring changes of clothes for them anymore...though maybe I should. Be had brought pajamas to change into after the concert, so the kids could go to sleep on the way home though. But Noelle's were too cold, and rather loud, so she put her sister's pajama pants on and off we went.
The concert was great. It was fun to watch the kids dancing, yelling and really enjoying themselves. Rayana got tired very early, and just couldn't stay awake for at least half the concert. It seemed a bit unusual, because usually, she is the party animal and can stay awake for days. Then when I got her up this morning, I realized she was sick and had a fever! The poor girl...sleeping through a concert!
Noelle was very good, I had fun sitting by her, and loving on her while she daydreamed and watched the lights. Josiah looked bored out of his mind. He was also extremely tired and started to nod off a few times. But when Mercy Me played "Imagine", he was wide awake and singing along. On the way back to the car, he kept talking about how great the whole thing was and how much he loved it. I guess his expression is not necessarily an indication of what is going on in his head.
The best part for me, was watching my kids practice what we have been trying to teach them. Before we walked in, I overheard Josiah telling his sisters that is would be very crowded and they needed to listen to me, stay close, and hold his hand so they wouldn't get lost. So they did. They obeyed perfectly, held each other hands (even though it has to be very uncool when you are 10 to hold your sister's hand), and cooperated fully. They were considerate of the people sitting around us and thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the concert. I was full of joy!
The concert was impressive. I have kind of avoided concerts, in part because of the cost, and in part because of the cost (out of our pocket!). This was different. We would not have gone if it was more than $10. In fact, all night I was waiting for the catch....like we would have to pay another $20 each or stay and pick up every bit of trash before we could leave. Instead, the artists asked that the money go the a few charity causes that were at the event. I believe God was honored by that philosophy. The focus was on worshipping God and using what he has blessed us with to bless others. It was right. I was excited to be a part of it.
Worshipping with your kids has got to be the best thing in the world. And to see their excitement over a new CD is great. I know they have the best in that CD. Good intentions, great words and a heart for God that is demonstrated over and over. I love that this CD will take us back to that place, and to those memories.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Bigger Family
These last few days we have been fortunate to have my beautiful nieces Mia (3 1/2) and Zoe (1 1/2) stay with us while my sister Beth and her husband got some time away to celebrate their anniversary. I learned some things from our time as a family of 7.
1. I loved it. I love having a car full of kids everywhere we go. I love the dynamics of a larger family. There were many hands to pitch in a get things cleaned up, lots of entertainment for the little ones, lots of laughs, and a few more messes too. I really enjoyed having more kids around.
2. My sister is a very good mother. Mia and Zoe are sweethearts and very good kids. It is obvious that they are well cared for, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. They are polite, obedient and just fun to be with.
3. 5 kids, especially 3 of them 4 years old and under, take a lot more organization and planning then I tend to have on a daily basis. We did great, but the time that they were here was pretty well planned. There was not a lot of room for spontinaity. That is fine, but it is certainly not my strongest area and something I need to work on if we are to add to our family.
4. I love my own kids SO much! It was such a joy to watch them with their younger cousins. I could not have managed without them. They were helpful, caring and tender. They picked up the slack when I needed them to, and did everything asked of them with a joyful heart. I was especially impressed with Noelle, as I had worried how she would feel about first, not being the baby, and having to do more to take care of herself, and second, sharing everything she owns, with out holding anything back, with her cousins. She was terrific! She loves them, and so what was her's was theirs. It was a privilege to watch. We are definitely doing a few things well as parents.
5. I need to be more consistent. I guess that probably goes with #3, but it is in a different arena. I need to be consistent in making sure that the kids clean up after dinner, in making them put their dirty laundry away, instead of on the floor, and in making sure that their chores get finished well. Consistency would make this household run much smoother, with fewer issues.
I loved having Mia and Zoe, but I am also enjoying my time with just my kids now that they are gone. While we waited for the bus this morning, I couldn't help smiling at them. I love them and am so proud of them! I look forward to spending the day with my Noelley, just the two of us. And can't wait to see the older two as they get off the bus. (I might just pick them up from school, so I can see them sooner!)
God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve!
1. I loved it. I love having a car full of kids everywhere we go. I love the dynamics of a larger family. There were many hands to pitch in a get things cleaned up, lots of entertainment for the little ones, lots of laughs, and a few more messes too. I really enjoyed having more kids around.
2. My sister is a very good mother. Mia and Zoe are sweethearts and very good kids. It is obvious that they are well cared for, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. They are polite, obedient and just fun to be with.
3. 5 kids, especially 3 of them 4 years old and under, take a lot more organization and planning then I tend to have on a daily basis. We did great, but the time that they were here was pretty well planned. There was not a lot of room for spontinaity. That is fine, but it is certainly not my strongest area and something I need to work on if we are to add to our family.
4. I love my own kids SO much! It was such a joy to watch them with their younger cousins. I could not have managed without them. They were helpful, caring and tender. They picked up the slack when I needed them to, and did everything asked of them with a joyful heart. I was especially impressed with Noelle, as I had worried how she would feel about first, not being the baby, and having to do more to take care of herself, and second, sharing everything she owns, with out holding anything back, with her cousins. She was terrific! She loves them, and so what was her's was theirs. It was a privilege to watch. We are definitely doing a few things well as parents.
5. I need to be more consistent. I guess that probably goes with #3, but it is in a different arena. I need to be consistent in making sure that the kids clean up after dinner, in making them put their dirty laundry away, instead of on the floor, and in making sure that their chores get finished well. Consistency would make this household run much smoother, with fewer issues.
I loved having Mia and Zoe, but I am also enjoying my time with just my kids now that they are gone. While we waited for the bus this morning, I couldn't help smiling at them. I love them and am so proud of them! I look forward to spending the day with my Noelley, just the two of us. And can't wait to see the older two as they get off the bus. (I might just pick them up from school, so I can see them sooner!)
God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve!
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