3424. hours spent on the back porch with the kiddos - me working, them playing or rainbow looming or singing and dancing
3425. letting the kiddos lead us through a corn maze over the weekend. It said we'd walk 2.8 miles through the entire maze, but I'm pretty sure we walked closer to 4 ;)
3426. taco night
3427. chips and salsa to go along with taco night
3428. really chips and salsa any time, day or night :)
3429. a church that gives generously to others in the community and around the world
3430. double and triple rainbow loom bracelets in a rainbow of colors
3431. relaxing, go at our own pace days when Mama has a stomach bug
3432. slathering myself in delicious smelling coconut oil before bed each night (and thankful not to dream of being deserted on an island every night!)
3433. all natural cough treatments so the kiddos (and Mama and Daddy) can sleep at night
3434. letting the kiddos enjoy popcorn and a coke along with a movie on a Monday after school, just because
3435. friends who are real and honest -- all of the time
Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Monday, October 27, 2014
Friday, October 24, 2014
Multitudes
3411. hearing Peanut call the iPad the Pie-Pad
3412. if you ask Peanut a question, instead of saying "yes" he responds, "Sure!"
3413. squishy pillows for sleeping with
3414. a really, really good school year with Birdie-girl and Buddy-Ro -- they are loving My Father's World and doing work together for Bible, History, Latin, Science, and Spanish
3415. going at our own pace with learning. Some days we spend a lot of time on history (The Egyptians and pyramids have been a huge favorite around here!), while some days we are able to do 2-3 days worth of work in one day. {Usually} the kiddos' attitudes are flexible and adaptable, and I am so thankful that our year is going well. Dear Lord, thank You! And please let it continue!!
3416. watching Jill Duggar (now Dillard) as she gets ready for her wedding on 19 Kids and Counting and seeing Birdie light up with all of the details.
3417. having great role models that I can actually refer to with Birdie-girl when we need to "discuss" any attitude or behavior that comes up
3418. how my all-time-Daddy's-boy really and truly likes me lately. He's always had a sweet spirit, and I have known that he loves me...but these days, he LIKES me. And I like that a lot. :)
3419. beautiful Fall days
3420. steroids for the bigger boy who still suffers from croup with the change of seasons (darn asthma...)
3421. Mimi's BBQ that was a huge hit with the kiddos. I don't know how many people they have given the recipe to!! [In case you want it: 1 large Pork Roast and 1 can of Dr. Pepper -- put roast in crock pot, pour DP over roast, and cook on low all day. About 30 mins before serving, shred meat with forks and pour BBQ sauce of your choice (and amount) over meat. Mix well. Put back in crockpot to heat back up. Serve. Enjoy!!]
3422. a lovely tea party to celebrate Birdie's sweet friend turning 8
3423. a mama and mother-in-law who both enjoy surprises for Christmas...b/c I've already ordered their gifts :)
Psalm 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
3412. if you ask Peanut a question, instead of saying "yes" he responds, "Sure!"
3413. squishy pillows for sleeping with
3414. a really, really good school year with Birdie-girl and Buddy-Ro -- they are loving My Father's World and doing work together for Bible, History, Latin, Science, and Spanish
3415. going at our own pace with learning. Some days we spend a lot of time on history (The Egyptians and pyramids have been a huge favorite around here!), while some days we are able to do 2-3 days worth of work in one day. {Usually} the kiddos' attitudes are flexible and adaptable, and I am so thankful that our year is going well. Dear Lord, thank You! And please let it continue!!
3416. watching Jill Duggar (now Dillard) as she gets ready for her wedding on 19 Kids and Counting and seeing Birdie light up with all of the details.
3417. having great role models that I can actually refer to with Birdie-girl when we need to "discuss" any attitude or behavior that comes up
3418. how my all-time-Daddy's-boy really and truly likes me lately. He's always had a sweet spirit, and I have known that he loves me...but these days, he LIKES me. And I like that a lot. :)
3419. beautiful Fall days
3420. steroids for the bigger boy who still suffers from croup with the change of seasons (darn asthma...)
3421. Mimi's BBQ that was a huge hit with the kiddos. I don't know how many people they have given the recipe to!! [In case you want it: 1 large Pork Roast and 1 can of Dr. Pepper -- put roast in crock pot, pour DP over roast, and cook on low all day. About 30 mins before serving, shred meat with forks and pour BBQ sauce of your choice (and amount) over meat. Mix well. Put back in crockpot to heat back up. Serve. Enjoy!!]
3422. a lovely tea party to celebrate Birdie's sweet friend turning 8
3423. a mama and mother-in-law who both enjoy surprises for Christmas...b/c I've already ordered their gifts :)
Psalm 100:4, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Teachable Moments
I love teachable moments. Perhaps it is because I have always been a teacher at heart. Perhaps it is because I really enjoyed teaching middle schoolers for five years before coming home to be a Mama and homeschool teacher. Whatever it is, I love those moments when a real learning connection happens that makes a positive change. While teachable moments are not always the most fun to endure at the time (think: first speeding ticket at the age of 18 and watching insurance rate increase - ouch!), those moments cause change that is ultimately for the best.
Jesus was a wonderful teacher to his disciples. He used teachable moments over and over again throughout His ministry and time on earth. I think so many parents are caught up on the word "discipline" these days. Discipline = Punishment, right? Well, no, not really. The definition of discipline is: systematic instruction intended to train a person, sometimes literally called a disciple, in a craft, trade or other activity, or to follow a particular code of conduct. The true definition of discipline is not about punishment. It is about training. And when training is done in love and respect, positive changes can occur.
The other day Buddy-Ro had a friend over to play, and play they did! They had a lot of fun being boys. And making a very big mess. Before time to say goodbye, both of us moms asked the boys to clean up and asked at one point, "Are y'all cleaning up there?" The answer was a resounding YES! So when both boys come bounding down the stairs two minutes later, we walked out the door and said our goodbyes. Fast forward to bed time when I finally went upstairs and actually saw the playroom. There were at least 400 Legos strewn across the floor, cars everywhere, Don't Spill the Beans everywhere, guns and bullets everywhere. Oh boy. My first reaction was to blow a gasket, I'll be honest. But I chose a teachable moment instead.
I called Buddy-Ro into the playroom with me and asked him to look at the mess. He definitely had his tail between his legs, so to speak, because he could see what a disaster the room was. In talking to him I learned that the boys had been having racing car contests trying to knock over towers that they built from Legos. Oh, they certainly knocked them over. Ahem. They played "bad guys/good guys" and when they ran out of ammo they used beans. All in the name of fun, and I have no problem with fun! But the mess was still there, and it wasn't fair to make Mama clean it up. And the more I thought about it the more I felt that it wasn't fair to make Buddy-Ro clean it up by himself either. I let Buddy-Ro go off to bed and told him we'd deal with it the next day. As I thought of what the best solution would be, I kept thinking that if Buddy-Ro helped to make a big mess like that at his friend's house I would want him to help clean it up.
The next morning I called my friend and asked if her son could come over and help clean up the mess. Now, before anyone starts thinking I am Cruela de'Ville, I had every intention to make this a fun teachable moment for both boys. We were actually playing outside when the mom dropped off her son, so we had a very leisurely discussion about the day and tennis shoes -- you know, the important things. ;) Then we go inside and walk up to the playroom together. I said, "So I hear that you and Buddy-Ro had a really fun time making this mess, huh?!" And he agreed and added some extra fun details about a ramp they had built for the race cars. :) Then we talked about cleaning and how we want him to be able to come over often since we are neighbors and the boys had such a great time together...so how about cleaning up next time so that all the fun won't be ruined by a colossal mess.
The boys chose a time that they thought they could beat, so I set the timer for 10 minutes. Well, they had so much fun cleaning and laughing and acting like super heroes that Birdie ran in and started helping!! They had those Legos and Beans and cars and guns picked up in 8 mins and 42 seconds, and they all thought they were big stuff. What's even better is that I had made cookies ahead of time as their reward.
A teachable moment. Discipline. Those two things do not have to equate with negative reinforcement. As Scott and I grow as parents, we have learned again and again that moments matter. It's not what we say, what we demand that sticks -- it's what we teach. It's why I didn't ground Buddy-Ro and forbid his friend from coming over ever again. That would be punishment. Discipline meant talking to, and helping to train the boys to clean up, and then to reinforce the positive behavior that I really hope to see in the future with something good. In this case, homemade peanut butter cookies. :)
This is one of the things I love about our Heavenly Father so much. He does not strike down my mistakes with punishment. Yes, there are consequences that may befall a bad decision, but His wrath is not something that I fear. He is a gentle, meek, humble, patient God who disciplines me through love and by helping me learn to make a better choice the next time. And that is the kind of Mama I strive to be.
Jesus was a wonderful teacher to his disciples. He used teachable moments over and over again throughout His ministry and time on earth. I think so many parents are caught up on the word "discipline" these days. Discipline = Punishment, right? Well, no, not really. The definition of discipline is: systematic instruction intended to train a person, sometimes literally called a disciple, in a craft, trade or other activity, or to follow a particular code of conduct. The true definition of discipline is not about punishment. It is about training. And when training is done in love and respect, positive changes can occur.
The other day Buddy-Ro had a friend over to play, and play they did! They had a lot of fun being boys. And making a very big mess. Before time to say goodbye, both of us moms asked the boys to clean up and asked at one point, "Are y'all cleaning up there?" The answer was a resounding YES! So when both boys come bounding down the stairs two minutes later, we walked out the door and said our goodbyes. Fast forward to bed time when I finally went upstairs and actually saw the playroom. There were at least 400 Legos strewn across the floor, cars everywhere, Don't Spill the Beans everywhere, guns and bullets everywhere. Oh boy. My first reaction was to blow a gasket, I'll be honest. But I chose a teachable moment instead.
I called Buddy-Ro into the playroom with me and asked him to look at the mess. He definitely had his tail between his legs, so to speak, because he could see what a disaster the room was. In talking to him I learned that the boys had been having racing car contests trying to knock over towers that they built from Legos. Oh, they certainly knocked them over. Ahem. They played "bad guys/good guys" and when they ran out of ammo they used beans. All in the name of fun, and I have no problem with fun! But the mess was still there, and it wasn't fair to make Mama clean it up. And the more I thought about it the more I felt that it wasn't fair to make Buddy-Ro clean it up by himself either. I let Buddy-Ro go off to bed and told him we'd deal with it the next day. As I thought of what the best solution would be, I kept thinking that if Buddy-Ro helped to make a big mess like that at his friend's house I would want him to help clean it up.
The next morning I called my friend and asked if her son could come over and help clean up the mess. Now, before anyone starts thinking I am Cruela de'Ville, I had every intention to make this a fun teachable moment for both boys. We were actually playing outside when the mom dropped off her son, so we had a very leisurely discussion about the day and tennis shoes -- you know, the important things. ;) Then we go inside and walk up to the playroom together. I said, "So I hear that you and Buddy-Ro had a really fun time making this mess, huh?!" And he agreed and added some extra fun details about a ramp they had built for the race cars. :) Then we talked about cleaning and how we want him to be able to come over often since we are neighbors and the boys had such a great time together...so how about cleaning up next time so that all the fun won't be ruined by a colossal mess.
The boys chose a time that they thought they could beat, so I set the timer for 10 minutes. Well, they had so much fun cleaning and laughing and acting like super heroes that Birdie ran in and started helping!! They had those Legos and Beans and cars and guns picked up in 8 mins and 42 seconds, and they all thought they were big stuff. What's even better is that I had made cookies ahead of time as their reward.
A teachable moment. Discipline. Those two things do not have to equate with negative reinforcement. As Scott and I grow as parents, we have learned again and again that moments matter. It's not what we say, what we demand that sticks -- it's what we teach. It's why I didn't ground Buddy-Ro and forbid his friend from coming over ever again. That would be punishment. Discipline meant talking to, and helping to train the boys to clean up, and then to reinforce the positive behavior that I really hope to see in the future with something good. In this case, homemade peanut butter cookies. :)
This is one of the things I love about our Heavenly Father so much. He does not strike down my mistakes with punishment. Yes, there are consequences that may befall a bad decision, but His wrath is not something that I fear. He is a gentle, meek, humble, patient God who disciplines me through love and by helping me learn to make a better choice the next time. And that is the kind of Mama I strive to be.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Multitudes on Monday
3399. new homeschooling friends with sweet children
3400. getting to know other friends on a deeper level and seeing our children grow deeper relationships, too
3401. Benadryl for the worse rash ever
3402. Tylenol and Advil for joint swelling and pain
3403. ice packs for hurting joints
3404. crock pot meals on long, tiring days
3405. kind friends who check in when they know days are long and Buddy-Ro has been suffering
3406. hearing Peanut trying to keep Buddy-Ro awake at night instead of going to sleep. "Bubby, you awake? Talk to me! Talk to me, Bubby!"
3407. Birdie-girl sitting up in her bed at 11:30 when I went to check on her and trying to have a conversation with me. Sweet girl was tired and delirious! ;)
3408. an unexpected girls' night out with Mere -- just the two of us -- for dinner and a movie, and always great conversations, encouragement, prayers, and friendship
3409. my new friend, Jennifer, whom I am smitten over and whom my kiddos adore :)
3410. reading through each chapter of Philippians over and over this month as we study it in our small group
Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
3400. getting to know other friends on a deeper level and seeing our children grow deeper relationships, too
3401. Benadryl for the worse rash ever
3402. Tylenol and Advil for joint swelling and pain
3403. ice packs for hurting joints
3404. crock pot meals on long, tiring days
3405. kind friends who check in when they know days are long and Buddy-Ro has been suffering
3406. hearing Peanut trying to keep Buddy-Ro awake at night instead of going to sleep. "Bubby, you awake? Talk to me! Talk to me, Bubby!"
3407. Birdie-girl sitting up in her bed at 11:30 when I went to check on her and trying to have a conversation with me. Sweet girl was tired and delirious! ;)
3408. an unexpected girls' night out with Mere -- just the two of us -- for dinner and a movie, and always great conversations, encouragement, prayers, and friendship
3409. my new friend, Jennifer, whom I am smitten over and whom my kiddos adore :)
3410. reading through each chapter of Philippians over and over this month as we study it in our small group
Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving."
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Erythema Multiforme
When life gives you rashes...freak out. Right? Isn't that what you're supposed to do? Well, when my 6 year old son wakes up one morning with his back looking like this, that's exactly what I did.
This is what Erythema Multiforma looks like. It is HORRIBLE. AWFUL. TERRIBLE. And it makes for a no-good-very-bad-day. Or week and counting if you're Buddy-Ro. It started the craziest way. On Tuesday we were at a friend's house and the kiddos were playing outside. All of a sudden Buddy-Ro started limping. I noticed and asked him about it, but he just shook it off. We left just shortly after and by the time we drove 20 minutes to my MIL's house, BOTH of his feet had swollen to twice their normal size, his skin was red, he could not stand on them, and he would scream if anyone or anything even touched his skin. Oh my word, you have no idea. My MIL and I didn't know what to think b/c I knew he hadn't fallen or twisted his ankles, but we had no clue what was wrong. I took him home, and by time for bed he had a rash. Hmmmm...they didn't seem to go together. Gave him Benadryl and sent him to bed.
And then the next morning he woke up looking like the picture above. As bad as the picture looks, I'm telling you it still doesn't do it justice b/c you can't see how the rash was raised and lumpy. So after calling the pediatrician and posting a pic on Instagram asking for prayers, my friend Carrie calls telling me that her son had Erythema Multiforme just a month ago. As soon as I hung up with her, my pediatrician called and said that he had Erythema Multiforme. At least we had a consistent diagnosis. ;)
The long and short of it is that it's a severe virus. In some people it simply causes cold symptoms. But for many children with severe allergies (Buddy-Ro has dairy, gluten, and very bad seasonal allergies) that Erythema Multiforme causes the immune system to attack the skin cells and joints. Of course, it would be something crazy and weird and horrible. {I was never, NEVER sick as a child. I had perfect attendance K-12 grade (although I did go to school my senior year with chicken pox). But my dear MIL told me that when her kids got sick it was always something strange, never anything normal. Ah, so that's where my kids get these crazy illnesses from -- their DADDY.}
Erythema Multiforme is supposed to last 2-6 weeks (according to the official description). Really hoping for the least amount of time possible. It has been a crazy ride. Every other day it has been a different joint that is swollen: 1) ankles, 2) hands, 3) knees. Maybe he is through that side effect, and can just get finished with all of the others. Soon!
This is what Erythema Multiforma looks like. It is HORRIBLE. AWFUL. TERRIBLE. And it makes for a no-good-very-bad-day. Or week and counting if you're Buddy-Ro. It started the craziest way. On Tuesday we were at a friend's house and the kiddos were playing outside. All of a sudden Buddy-Ro started limping. I noticed and asked him about it, but he just shook it off. We left just shortly after and by the time we drove 20 minutes to my MIL's house, BOTH of his feet had swollen to twice their normal size, his skin was red, he could not stand on them, and he would scream if anyone or anything even touched his skin. Oh my word, you have no idea. My MIL and I didn't know what to think b/c I knew he hadn't fallen or twisted his ankles, but we had no clue what was wrong. I took him home, and by time for bed he had a rash. Hmmmm...they didn't seem to go together. Gave him Benadryl and sent him to bed.
And then the next morning he woke up looking like the picture above. As bad as the picture looks, I'm telling you it still doesn't do it justice b/c you can't see how the rash was raised and lumpy. So after calling the pediatrician and posting a pic on Instagram asking for prayers, my friend Carrie calls telling me that her son had Erythema Multiforme just a month ago. As soon as I hung up with her, my pediatrician called and said that he had Erythema Multiforme. At least we had a consistent diagnosis. ;)
The long and short of it is that it's a severe virus. In some people it simply causes cold symptoms. But for many children with severe allergies (Buddy-Ro has dairy, gluten, and very bad seasonal allergies) that Erythema Multiforme causes the immune system to attack the skin cells and joints. Of course, it would be something crazy and weird and horrible. {I was never, NEVER sick as a child. I had perfect attendance K-12 grade (although I did go to school my senior year with chicken pox). But my dear MIL told me that when her kids got sick it was always something strange, never anything normal. Ah, so that's where my kids get these crazy illnesses from -- their DADDY.}
Erythema Multiforme is supposed to last 2-6 weeks (according to the official description). Really hoping for the least amount of time possible. It has been a crazy ride. Every other day it has been a different joint that is swollen: 1) ankles, 2) hands, 3) knees. Maybe he is through that side effect, and can just get finished with all of the others. Soon!
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