1975. a brunch gathering in my home with lovely ladies and yummy food
1976. children playing nicely in the back yard
1977. being able to laugh at how I cleaned my house BEFORE guests arrived and AFTER they left
1978. learning to balance life between Mary & Martha
1979. good conversations with friends - even if they last until almost 1 a.m. in Erin's driveway
1980. friends who are willing to walk out with me in the dark to check for spiders
1981. extra cups of coffee on days when my eyelids are heavy (from said 1 a.m. conversation!)
1982. lunch with my mama, my kiddos, and Mere and her kiddos
1983. fun turquoise jewelry spotted by my Birdie-girl
1984. how proud Birdie was when I wore the earrings she picked out for me
1985. taking the kiddos to church in their PJs
1986. Peanut successfully staying in the nursery - a few tears at first, but settled down and had fun
1987. Buddy-Ro planning a date for us to play putt-putt
Ephesians 5:20, "Always give thanks for everything to our God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Monday, September 30, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Multitudes on Monday {on Tuesday}
{Peanut and I didn't go to church on Sunday and Scott has been out of town...so I lost all track of my days. Didn't realize it was Monday until I was getting in bed last night after Scott got home.}
1963. cutting the last roses of the year from our rose bushes
1964. a tiny but strong 18 month old baby boy (today!!)
1965. "real" conversations with Birdie-girl...she's starting to mature lately (in some areas ;)
1966. Buddy-ro's awareness of others' needs
1967. going on a leaf-hunt in our backyard
1968. Buddy-Ro's preparedness with binoculars for our leaf-hunt :)
1969. Advil + Coffee + Allergy meds on these allergy-filled-Fall-days
1970. a slumber party at Nana's house, because this Mama could only handle so many nights in a too-quiet and too-dark house by herself with the littles
1971. photo books to hold wonderful pictures and memories of our vacation
1972. Peanut's excitement watching leaves fall from our trees on a windy day
1973. having help cleaning the kitchen after meals - teaching responsibility and that when things get done quickly we can move on to fun things!!
1974. the smell of banana bread baking in the oven while we work
Psalm 107:1, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His loving kindness is everlasting."
1963. cutting the last roses of the year from our rose bushes
1964. a tiny but strong 18 month old baby boy (today!!)
1965. "real" conversations with Birdie-girl...she's starting to mature lately (in some areas ;)
1966. Buddy-ro's awareness of others' needs
1967. going on a leaf-hunt in our backyard
1968. Buddy-Ro's preparedness with binoculars for our leaf-hunt :)
1969. Advil + Coffee + Allergy meds on these allergy-filled-Fall-days
1970. a slumber party at Nana's house, because this Mama could only handle so many nights in a too-quiet and too-dark house by herself with the littles
1971. photo books to hold wonderful pictures and memories of our vacation
1972. Peanut's excitement watching leaves fall from our trees on a windy day
1973. having help cleaning the kitchen after meals - teaching responsibility and that when things get done quickly we can move on to fun things!!
1974. the smell of banana bread baking in the oven while we work
Psalm 107:1, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His loving kindness is everlasting."
Thursday, September 19, 2013
The boy who loves to learn
After bath Buddy-Ro said, "Mama, I want to do more school."
Really? It had been a long day. It was already after bath time, and I was mentally ready for bedtime.
But how do you say no to the boy who loves to learn, who went straight into the school room and got out his own math book? Who loves to learn so much that he didn't even remember to put his PJs on first?!!?
Gotta go with it while he's so eager! :)
Really? It had been a long day. It was already after bath time, and I was mentally ready for bedtime.
But how do you say no to the boy who loves to learn, who went straight into the school room and got out his own math book? Who loves to learn so much that he didn't even remember to put his PJs on first?!!?
Gotta go with it while he's so eager! :)
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Should Christians Homeschool?
(Disclaimer: This is my from my heart, and my opinion. :))
Over the the past few months, I have come across a whole lot of people asking the same question: Should Christians homeschool?
There are many different reasons people choose to homeschool, and most of them are valid. Many families choose to homeschool because it is convenient for their busy schedules. Many families choose to homeschool because they want to be with their children all-day-long-every-day (I'm one of those "crazy" people!). People choose to homeschool because they feel that their children will receive a better education at home, or because they want to filter the influences in their children's lives. People choose to homeschool because of their physical location. See, lots of different reasons.
Of course, there are also a lot of different reasons that people choose not to homeschool: the whole "socialization" issue, parents have to work, parents don't feel called to homeschool, parents feel that their children will receive a better education in the public school system, parents want their children to be able to play sports competitively. All of these are valid reasons.
However, I have heard many people lately say, "Christians should not homeschool their children because they need to be a light for Jesus."
Hmmm. I think this reasoning needs to be evaluated.
Children are children. They are young, they are immature, and most of them simply do not have the ability to be a "light for Jesus." Children cannot evangelize public schools when they don't know what they truly believe and why they believe it. When we believe something, believe in something, we are not influenced by others and what they believe.
In the Bible, Jesus himself is not reported to have started any kind of evangelism until age 12 when He and His parents went to the temple. Twelve years old is a mighty big difference from five, or six, or even 10 years old. A twelve year old has the ability to understand {more of} what s/he believes and why. So if the argument was that "I am sending my high school student into public school to be a light for Jesus," it may have a better argument behind it.
But it's many elementary school parents who are saying this, and that is what's being evaluated here. Children are the most impressionable beings on the planet. Children know better, but still do wrong all of the time. Do you tell your children not to lie at home? Do they? Do you tell your children to speak politely at home? Do they ever speak rudely? Do you tell your children to be kind to one another at home? Do they ever treat others unkindly? Do you tell your children that it doesn't matter what your brother/sister is doing, you still need to make your own decisions at home? Do you have to discipline your child for "going along" with poor behavior?
My point? You can raise your child in a Christian home, but you will still deal with human issues. If you are rearing your child at home with Christian values, but you still see sin in their lives - how is that going to change by sending them to public school? Many Christian parents today argue that their children should have an opportunity to influence the secular world and, thus, send them to public schools. They see themselves as using public school as a ministry opportunity. Question: Are they sacrificing their children and their faith on the altar of opportunity? Children are immature little creatures. Are they really ready to be a light for Jesus? Can you truly think of a situation in which a child will not be influenced - good or bad - at a young and impressionable age?
The Great Commission (which is what most parents are referring to when they say they want their child to be a "light for Jesus") says this: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I commanded you…" If our children do not understand and obey all that the Lord commands within our own homes, how will they "make disciples" in the public school? How will they, as children, not be influenced by the secular ideas that you teach against in your home?
I am not arguing whether public school is better or worse than a homeschool environment. If you feel that your child will receive a better education at public school - send him. If you think that your child needs socialization or exposure to sports - send her. But if your only reason to send your child to public school is so that s/he will be a "light for Jesus," I think you need to examine that. Children aren’t to the age yet to be disciples as they are still little sheep. And they are easily led astray.
Again, if public school is your choice because of academic standards or sports opportunities or because you work - that is a sound decision.
But if your decision to send your child to public school rests solely on the basis of your child being a "light for Jesus," I hope you will reevaluate your reason.
Over the the past few months, I have come across a whole lot of people asking the same question: Should Christians homeschool?
There are many different reasons people choose to homeschool, and most of them are valid. Many families choose to homeschool because it is convenient for their busy schedules. Many families choose to homeschool because they want to be with their children all-day-long-every-day (I'm one of those "crazy" people!). People choose to homeschool because they feel that their children will receive a better education at home, or because they want to filter the influences in their children's lives. People choose to homeschool because of their physical location. See, lots of different reasons.
Of course, there are also a lot of different reasons that people choose not to homeschool: the whole "socialization" issue, parents have to work, parents don't feel called to homeschool, parents feel that their children will receive a better education in the public school system, parents want their children to be able to play sports competitively. All of these are valid reasons.
However, I have heard many people lately say, "Christians should not homeschool their children because they need to be a light for Jesus."
Hmmm. I think this reasoning needs to be evaluated.
Children are children. They are young, they are immature, and most of them simply do not have the ability to be a "light for Jesus." Children cannot evangelize public schools when they don't know what they truly believe and why they believe it. When we believe something, believe in something, we are not influenced by others and what they believe.
In the Bible, Jesus himself is not reported to have started any kind of evangelism until age 12 when He and His parents went to the temple. Twelve years old is a mighty big difference from five, or six, or even 10 years old. A twelve year old has the ability to understand {more of} what s/he believes and why. So if the argument was that "I am sending my high school student into public school to be a light for Jesus," it may have a better argument behind it.
But it's many elementary school parents who are saying this, and that is what's being evaluated here. Children are the most impressionable beings on the planet. Children know better, but still do wrong all of the time. Do you tell your children not to lie at home? Do they? Do you tell your children to speak politely at home? Do they ever speak rudely? Do you tell your children to be kind to one another at home? Do they ever treat others unkindly? Do you tell your children that it doesn't matter what your brother/sister is doing, you still need to make your own decisions at home? Do you have to discipline your child for "going along" with poor behavior?
My point? You can raise your child in a Christian home, but you will still deal with human issues. If you are rearing your child at home with Christian values, but you still see sin in their lives - how is that going to change by sending them to public school? Many Christian parents today argue that their children should have an opportunity to influence the secular world and, thus, send them to public schools. They see themselves as using public school as a ministry opportunity. Question: Are they sacrificing their children and their faith on the altar of opportunity? Children are immature little creatures. Are they really ready to be a light for Jesus? Can you truly think of a situation in which a child will not be influenced - good or bad - at a young and impressionable age?
The Great Commission (which is what most parents are referring to when they say they want their child to be a "light for Jesus") says this: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I commanded you…" If our children do not understand and obey all that the Lord commands within our own homes, how will they "make disciples" in the public school? How will they, as children, not be influenced by the secular ideas that you teach against in your home?
I am not arguing whether public school is better or worse than a homeschool environment. If you feel that your child will receive a better education at public school - send him. If you think that your child needs socialization or exposure to sports - send her. But if your only reason to send your child to public school is so that s/he will be a "light for Jesus," I think you need to examine that. Children aren’t to the age yet to be disciples as they are still little sheep. And they are easily led astray.
Again, if public school is your choice because of academic standards or sports opportunities or because you work - that is a sound decision.
But if your decision to send your child to public school rests solely on the basis of your child being a "light for Jesus," I hope you will reevaluate your reason.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Multitudes on Monday
1963. good neighbors to hang out with in the evenings
1964. fun times out in the country with the kiddos and lots of friends
1965. tire swings
1966. riding horses
1967. a newly cleaned van
1968. not losing my "cool" after making a cRaZy big mess
1969. the results from organizing the bathroom cabinets
1970. fun finds on Etsy...and for the people who have more time in their day than I do
1971. Sunday mornings with my girl as we go to church together early, early, early
1972. Birdie-girl asking me to put her hair in pig-tails.......seems like it's been forever
1973. Scott finishing a fun project for ME :)
1974. a beautiful Saturday that makes me think that *maybe* Fall is right around the corner
1975. Buddy-Ro coming to me for "the best back scratches"
Psalm 30:12, "That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever."
1964. fun times out in the country with the kiddos and lots of friends
1965. tire swings
1966. riding horses
1967. a newly cleaned van
1968. not losing my "cool" after making a cRaZy big mess
1969. the results from organizing the bathroom cabinets
1970. fun finds on Etsy...and for the people who have more time in their day than I do
1971. Sunday mornings with my girl as we go to church together early, early, early
1972. Birdie-girl asking me to put her hair in pig-tails.......seems like it's been forever
1973. Scott finishing a fun project for ME :)
1974. a beautiful Saturday that makes me think that *maybe* Fall is right around the corner
1975. Buddy-Ro coming to me for "the best back scratches"
Psalm 30:12, "That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever."
Friday, September 13, 2013
Right now
This week has been stressful. For no other reason than I have three kiddos, a house that refuses to clean itself, clothes that refuse to put themselves away, and mouths that keep getting hungry. :)
I am thankful for all of these things. Truly.
But, right now I wish I was here:
I've gone so far as to make this the background on my phone. I just wish I was Mary Poppins and could jump into the picture!
I am thankful for all of these things. Truly.
But, right now I wish I was here:
I've gone so far as to make this the background on my phone. I just wish I was Mary Poppins and could jump into the picture!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Multitudes on Monday
1950. Scott completing the massive-deer-stand-project and having a clean (my half) of the garage
1951. a day to spend with Birdie-girl and Peanut (even having 2 feels more "one-on-one" than all 3 at once)
1952. fun, vintage finds from a friend
1953. making fun handmade gifts for a special friend's birthday
1954. teaching Birdie how to coordinate patterns and make cute designs
1955. Birdie's love for accesorizing
1956. hearing Buddy-Ro re-tell the story of Daddy getting stuck on the roof of the deer stand at deer camp - love his animation :):):)
1957. care packages to Alaska...with seashells from the beach
1958. Wise Words for Moms - practical, heart-probing ways to handle discipline
1959. journaling my prayers so that I can really dig into the issues I'm facing and come back to them to see how the Lord is blessing me, growing me, and caring for me through them.
1960. shade to sit in while the bigger kiddos play outside on these late summer days
1961. watching the Peanut walk all over the place and laugh at himself and what he can do
1962. strong, healthy legs for the tiny boy who is growing so big
Psalm 100, "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."
1951. a day to spend with Birdie-girl and Peanut (even having 2 feels more "one-on-one" than all 3 at once)
1952. fun, vintage finds from a friend
1953. making fun handmade gifts for a special friend's birthday
1954. teaching Birdie how to coordinate patterns and make cute designs
1955. Birdie's love for accesorizing
1956. hearing Buddy-Ro re-tell the story of Daddy getting stuck on the roof of the deer stand at deer camp - love his animation :):):)
1957. care packages to Alaska...with seashells from the beach
1958. Wise Words for Moms - practical, heart-probing ways to handle discipline
1959. journaling my prayers so that I can really dig into the issues I'm facing and come back to them to see how the Lord is blessing me, growing me, and caring for me through them.
1960. shade to sit in while the bigger kiddos play outside on these late summer days
1961. watching the Peanut walk all over the place and laugh at himself and what he can do
1962. strong, healthy legs for the tiny boy who is growing so big
Psalm 100, "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Beach Vacation - it's picture time!!
Look! Mama was there!! Mama was on vacation. And she had a blast!!
This was Peanut's first time experiencing the ocean. He wasn't so sure about the water temperature or the waves at first.
But he warmed up pretty quickly. :) And this was just day 1.
What made the trip the most special for me is that Buddy-Ro was not afraid of the ocean at all. No sign of jelly-fish; beautiful, clear water; his Mama felt comfortable enough to swim thanks to said beautiful, clear water. This year he was ALL ABOUT being in the water!!
Love how these two can truly enjoy one another most of the time.
Mama is in SO many pictures this year!! I couldn't believe it when I was going through my pictures. This may be the first vacation that I can actually prove that I was there. And I played just as hard as the kiddos. See, Mama can be fun!! ;)
Boogie-boardin' time with Daddy!!
Every day Peanut would take his nap on the beach. We may or may not have fought over who got to snuggle and catch a nap, too. :)
Frisbee time!
While I love this picture, I sure do wish I was in it. ;)
These pictures have not been touched-up in any way. Promise. The water was truly this amazing. God was SO good to us on our vacation!!
This picture makes me smile. It looks like they were praying, but really they were just watching fish. :)
Scott was ready to come home after our 8 days of restful beach bliss. But is it any wonder after seeing these pictures why Mama was NOT ready?!!? Take me back soon!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Multitudes on Monday
1932. a wonderful family vacation to the beach
1933. Kim's family for so wonderfully offering their condo to us
1934. no sunburns
1935. water-proof sunscreen for all of us who lived in the ocean for 7 full days
1936. beautiful turquoise water that had this Mama and her girl squealing every day
1937. finding huge shells at "shell island" to take home and add to our collection
1938. boogie boards with dolphins and sea turtles
1939. no jellyfish so Buddy-Ro could enjoy the ocean without worry
1940. delicious shrimp recipes (thank you, Pioneer woman!)
1941. big breakfasts in the morning
1942. "vacation food" (aka. junk food) for snacking on during the day
1943. eating out only twice because we enjoyed staying in so much
1944. fun memories for the kiddos at the kiddie amusement park and arcade
1945. delicious ice cream
1946. ocean breezes to keep us cool - even with temps in the high 90s
1947. swimming with fish....my kiddos and real ones!
1948. making memories to last a lifetime
1949. 1,912 pictures to remember the memories :)
Psalm 28:6-7, "Blessed be God— he heard me praying. He proved he’s on my side; I’ve thrown my lot in with him. Now I’m jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him."
1933. Kim's family for so wonderfully offering their condo to us
1934. no sunburns
1935. water-proof sunscreen for all of us who lived in the ocean for 7 full days
1936. beautiful turquoise water that had this Mama and her girl squealing every day
1937. finding huge shells at "shell island" to take home and add to our collection
1938. boogie boards with dolphins and sea turtles
1939. no jellyfish so Buddy-Ro could enjoy the ocean without worry
1940. delicious shrimp recipes (thank you, Pioneer woman!)
1941. big breakfasts in the morning
1942. "vacation food" (aka. junk food) for snacking on during the day
1943. eating out only twice because we enjoyed staying in so much
1944. fun memories for the kiddos at the kiddie amusement park and arcade
1945. delicious ice cream
1946. ocean breezes to keep us cool - even with temps in the high 90s
1947. swimming with fish....my kiddos and real ones!
1948. making memories to last a lifetime
1949. 1,912 pictures to remember the memories :)
Psalm 28:6-7, "Blessed be God— he heard me praying. He proved he’s on my side; I’ve thrown my lot in with him. Now I’m jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him."
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