Everyday Photos

My friend Ami posted a challenge to take ordinary, everyday photos. So here are mine. Gracie is enjoying cutting and pasting.

John is writing his spelling words in his spelling long that I just dictated to him.

In the photo above and below, both children are working on their pages from our music class.

A Six Year Old's Perspective

At lunch time today I flipped on the television to see what was going on politically. I'm not a huge fan of politics by any means, but just thought I'd take a peek. To be honest, most of the time what I see on the news just depresses me so I don't watch.

On the news they were discussing other countries' views on Mr. Obama and how excited they were. They began to speak of other leaders who were commenting on Obama. One of the leaders said something to the affect about how they were looking forward to Obama getting to work so they could change the world together.

I could see John at the dining room table shaking his head no. I asked John, "What?" He then said, "Obama is not going to change my world, I have another world I'm going to." What a perspective. To have the faith of a child as the Bible speaks about.

Some people act like Obama will be the Saviour from all the terrible things that Mr. Bush has done to us (not my opinion). Others act like he's Satan himself. I'm not here to discuss those things, but to give a child's perspective. No matter what Obama does (and I'm sure I won't agree with much of it), he cannot ultimately change our eternal destiny and for that I am thankful. Our God is in control and as it says in Psalm 37:25, " I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. " The Lord will provide for us. The Lord is good. Let's have our sights on our Heavenly home just like a little six year old boy does.

Loving Hands

Today has been a busy day for us. I've done a ton of cooking. I've made two Italian Turkey Meatloaves, three pounds of California Style Turkey burgers, one pound of turkey browned with onions, and mixed up the insides of Enchiladas in a bowl. My hands are dry and burning from washing them so much. All this on top of schoolwork and vacumming and general housecleaning.

This evening I told Amos that I was just tired and my hands hurt. John came into the kitchen and says, "Momma, do you want a massage?" Now John is sick now. He's barking like a seal even during the day. This morning he had me worried. I thought I was going to have to take him to the doctor. For many of you who don't know, not so long ago John battled asthma issues. Either the Lord has healed John or his body has been healed through the use of some supplements that we now use. Who knows? All the glory goes to God anyway.

I then tell John that he may not feel up to giving me a massage. He just stands there looking at me. I ask him, "Did you want to give Momma a massage?" He said, yes.

We head to the living room. I lie down and he rubs lotion into my hands making sure to massage each finger. He rubs my back and brushes my hair. He then has me take off my shoes and socks and massages me feet with lotion.

Why am I talking about all this? The Lord reminded me of Galatians 6:9, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. " Personally, I don't think most six year olds would have given a hoot if their momma was draggin'. The Lord used this today to encourage me. To be honest, I don't feel like I'm anywhere near a good momma. I want to be. I want the Lord to use me to bless my children. I want to be an example.

How many hours have I spent rubbing my children's backs at night when they've been sick? How many times have I gotten up to get them a cold wash rag? All you mommas know what I'm talking about. Was I reaping what I've sowed? What a blessing to think so! On the other hand how scary to think so.

Why scary? It seems to me as a mother that the things I try to instill in my children often take so long to be ingrained in them. Then the things I don't want them to pick up from me, they so easily do. This is a fearful thing to be such an influence on a little soul for all eternity.

I'm so thankful for my sweet boy. My prayer is that one day that he'll take those sweet loving hands, turn them over to the Lord and serve Him all his life.

Getting Back on Track:The Morning Routine

I have been dwelling on how I need to make more efficient use of my time. That's about all I'm getting done really. I need to do more than just think about it. There's a lot to get done in a day here with homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, planning, and the list seems to go on and on.

I know that not everything is going to be done every day and perfectly, but I know that I can be doing a better job than I have been lately. It seems like when I get overwhelmed I just freeze. It's hard to do anything since there's so much to do. You don't know what to do. Amos and I were just discussing this week his new morning routine and how much he's enjoying it. I told him that I needed to work out a new morning routine too.

I was reading over at Crystal's blog how's she is implementing a new morning routine herself and has encouraged others to do so. Now it's more fun to do things with others so I thought I'd join her and try it out for a few weeks. Things could only get better.

Here's my planned morning routine:
1. Get up by 6 a.m. do my walk video
2. Eat, read Bible and pray
3. Shower and dress
4. Start load of laundry
5. Get my children up

I'd say the biggest one for me is to get John and Gracie up. It's hard not to just let them snooze while I enjoy some quiet personal time. I realize I'm just being selfish to be honest. I know I will be happier (uh, really have more joy, my word for the year) doing what is right.

Uh Oh, Spaghettios!

To start off, I want to say we have never ever made Spaghettios in this house before. I do not like them and never have. To be honest, I think they smell like barf. I know, I know, that's not nice, but we're being honest here.

There's been lots of sickness here lately and everything doesn't seem to be getting done like I'd like. As a result, last night I decided we were having a very quick dinner. I pull out Spaghettios for the kids which I got free at one of the grocery stores. They have never had this as far as I know. Then I pull out soup in a can for me. Amos was not eating because he has a stomach bug. I also threw in some garlic toast in the oven.

When it's all ready the children ask me what it is. I say it's Spaghettios. John tries it and says, "I don't like the sauce." I give him some of my soup which to be honest is okay. I much prefer my homemade soups. Gracie says she likes it, but is picking at it which is not a sign that she likes it. I finally ask her, "Do you like it, Gracie?" She answers no.

This is not turning into such a quick easy dinner. John is finished with his soup and garlic bread by now and says he wants an apple. Gracie says she wants blueberries and an apple. I serve them up.

Amos comes into the kitchen and I tell him that neither one of the kids liked the Spaghettios. He then says, "I never liked them either." This put me to thinking. Are Spaghettios just disgusting and no one like them? Is this just hereditary that my kiddos don't like them? What do you think?

It's Snowball Cookies and a Tea Party

We've been doing everything wintery around here. So we decided to make some snowball cookies. Now I'm not the best cookie maker in the world. My best is giant chocolate chip cookies, but that's only because I have a wonderful "secret" recipe. I definitely include the kiddos. They're learning about fractions while they're having fun.

John is like a major cook. He enjoys all of it. Gracie hung with us for awhile, but eventually petered out.

I had never made these cookies before, so I sent John for his ruler. I just wanted to measure one and make sure they were 1", then I'd eyeball it from there. Well, John wanted to measure every single one. Even after we were done with the cookies, he went around the house measuring things.

After the cookies were done, it was time for our tea party. Doesn't Gracie look cute? She loves to dress up.

My mom bought Gracie this beautiful tea set for Christmas over a year ago.

Tea parties are fun, but they learn so much from them too. They have to be careful with such delicate things.

Gracie is serving daddy and using her manners. She said, "What can I get for you, sir?"

In our house tea parties aren't just for girls. John enjoys them too. He pretends he's a Sheriff.

The cookies actually turned out fine, but great-grandma has a better tasting recipe that we need to get from her. We also enjoyed watching Treasures of the Snow.

Sale at In the Hands of a Child

I received an e-mail today from Hands of a Child about a sale. I'm very excited to try one of their Kit Packs as I always print and cut things myself. Hopefully, I won't be too spoiled by it. Go check out the sale. Plus if you have a blog then you can advertise and get yourself an extra Kit Pack for free. All the details are found at In the Hands of a Child.

The e-mail follows:

Dear Valued Customers,
Due to the new CPSIA law In the Hands of a Child, for the time being, is discounting our Kit Pack inventory in order to lessen our possible loss in the event that an exemption is not granted.
While we are still praying for this situation to work out for all small businesses we feel that it is in our best interest to lessen our possible loss. And what better way than to pass the savings on to you, our wonderful customers, who are praying with us through this difficult situation!!
Please help us clear our shelves and enjoy a 35% savings on all Kit Packs!! Savings will be automatic! Spread the word and help us empty the shelves!!
This sale will continue until our Kit Pack inventory has been exhausted, so purchases will be on a first-come-first-served basis.
Once they are gone, they are gone!
In the event the law is modified, In the Hands of a Child reserves the right to bring back Kit Packs in the future at full price without any discount, implied or expressed, during this sale.
Cannot be combined with any other offer, special, discount, coupon or sale. Super Member discount DOES NOT apply to this sale.Tax and Shipping not included in calculating discount price. Not valid toward prior purchases. No rainchecks.

If you're interested, I'm getting Blueberries for Sal for Gracie and The Girl in the Rag Coat for John.

Teaching Children to Work

I've always thought it's important to teach children to work. My philosophy is that if they've always done it even when they weren't much help, they would have more of a chance to do it happily when they are a big help. If you wait too long when they can be a help, then they'll have an attitude wondering who you are asking for help. For example, a two year is not going to be able to unload a dishwasher, but she can sort things. Right? Our children have always unloaded the silverware from the dishwasher basket (excluding sharp objects) and they really have enjoyed it. Plus it helps them with their sorting skills. :) My kiddos just come when I call and say it's time to unload the dishwasher. We don't usually wash dishes by hand, but at times there's some left over and I'll wash them by hand. John saw me about ready to wash the dishes. He told me he wanted to help. I needed to scrub the sink first, and he told me he'd do that too. John is a big help to me. He'll help me with whatever I ask. He's a big help to his sister too. Many times Gracie will call for her brother when she needs help. I know he's not the momma or daddy, but one day I think he'll make a good daddy and husband.

The picture above is of my granny's (my great-grandma) thinga-ma-bob. I don't know what you call it. She use to put her rings and necklaces on it. I juse it for my brush and scrubber. I know, it sounds terrible, but this way I use it everyday and can think of her and it's not just collecting dust in my bedroom. John told me he wanted it when I die. :) Gracie then pipes up saying she wants it too.

We sing a lot when we work. We listen to music. We work TOGETHER. It's a lot of fun. In the picture above John was dancing around with his Shaklee cleaning cloth singing, "He Gives Me Joy". It is a joy to work with my children. I made up a little song for my kids when they work with me. I know you can't hear the tune (and it's original), but here are the words.

"John's a hard worker bee, zzzz.

He works so happily, zzzz.

He loves to help mommy.

John's a hard worker bee,zzzzzzzzzzzz."

Here's his job well done. I should give Gracie credit for the bowl. She washed it for about ten minutes, I think.

Growing up we never had a hand vac like this and to be honest I thought people who did were rich. I don't need a hand vac, but my kiddos do. Gracie is sweeping up tortilla chip crumbs off the couch. She loves it!!!

My ultimate favorite household machine is the Swiffer Sweeper. Click on that link too, it's for a money back guarantee if you want to try the Swiffer out and you don't like it. I use it every single day in my kitchen and hall. John sweeps the very tiny bit of tile inside the front door with it everyday. Does it need done everyday? Probably not, but it gives him something to do when I'm busy working.

I have more thoughts on children working. My children know that they are a help to our household. I tell them so. They know they are valued and that they have purpose. I don't have to pump them up with some false self-esteem mumbo jumbo. I tell them that they are my "Big Helpers" I tell them I'm not as tired as I would be if I had to do all this work by myself and it's true.

Now is their work perfect or is as good as I would do? Not at all. They're in training for real life and we're having fun at the same time.

99 Outdoor Things to Do

I saw this on Candace's blog, followed a comment to Debbie's blog, but it all originated with Barb and her hubby. I thought it would be fun to do. I have put a star by the ones that I have done.

1. Make maple syrup.
2. Stand under a redwood/sequoia.
3. Ski down a mountain. (I've skiied down a hill, does that count?)
4. See a saguaro cactus.
5. See an alligator in the wild.
6. Find a shell on a beach. *
7. Skip a rock on a lake. *
8. See a sunrise. *
9. Pick an apple from a tree.
10. Grow a sunflower. (We tried this year, but they didn't come up.)
11. Sleep under the stars in a sleeping bag.*
12. Find the Big Dipper.*
13. Climb a sand dune.
14. Walk in the rain with or without an umbrella. *
15. Find a fossil.
16. Take a photo of the Grand Canyon. (That's my ultimate trip.)
17. Go to the lowest point of North America-Badwater, CA
18. See a raptor fly.
19. Be able to identify ten birds. (I'm workin' on it.)
20. See a mushroom. *
21. Visit a tide pool.
22. Visit a volcano.
23. Feel an earthquake.
24. See a tornado.
25. Experience a hurricane.

26. Catch snow on your tongue. *

27. See a deer in the wild. *

28. Touch a dolphin.

29. Go ice skating on a pond.

30. Go fishing. *

31. Go snorkeling.

32. Whittle a stick.

33. Gather chicken eggs. *

34. Milk a cow or a goat.*

35. Ride a horse. *

36. See a moose.

37. Gather acorns.*

38. Pick berries and eat some.*

39. Watch a lightning storm. *

40. Build a campfire.*

41 Press a flower.*

42. Use binoculars to spot a bird. *

43. Identify five wildflowers. (No, and I'm sorry to say that.)

44. Take a photo of Half Dome.

45. Find a piece of obsidian.

46. See a tumbleweed.

47. See a wild snake.*

48. Watch a spider spin a web. *

49. Climb a tree. (No, I'm too chicken.)

50. Get lost on a hike. *(Yes, and that was on my honeymoon)

51. Watch ants in a colony. *

52. Hatch a butterfly. *

53. Climb a rock. *

54. See the Continental Divide.

55. See the Northern Lights.

56. See a bear in the wild.

57. Dig for worms. *

58. Grow a vegetable and then eat it. *

59. See a bat flying. *

60. Feel a sea star.

61. Swim in the ocean.*

62. See a geyser erupt.

63. Walk in the fog. *

64. Observe a bee.*

65. Find a bird’s nest. *

66. See a beaver’s den.

67. Go whale watching.

68. See a banana slug.

69. Stand on the edge of a cliff.*

70. Blow a dandelion. *

71. Throw a snowball and build a snowman.*

72. Cook an egg on the sidewalk...can you actually do that?

73. See a lightning bug. Or do you call it a firefly?*

74. Visit a cave. *

75. Make a sandcastle. *

76. Hear a cricket. *

77. Catch a frog.

78. Watch for the first star in the evening.*

79. Smell a skunk. *

80. Feel pine sap. *

81. Feed a duck. *

82. Learn to use a compass or GPS.*

83. See a buffalo.

84. Get wet in a waterfall. *

85. Swim in a lake. *

86. Walk on a log. *

87. Feel moss.*

88. Jump in a pile of leaves. *

89. Fly a kite. *

90. Walk barefoot in the mud. *

91. Hear a sea lion bark. *

92. Hear a coyote. *

93. Pan for gold.

94. Crack open a nut. *

95. Go snowshoeing.

96. Feel a cattail. *

97. Smell a pine forest. *

98. Sit under a palm tree.*

99. Walk across a stream on rocks.*

Word for the Year 2009

I participate on two homeschool forums and many people are talking about a word for the year. In a way it's like a resolution, but something that you focus on throughout the whole year. It's meant to allow the Lord to work in you. I had been praying for a word. It seems there are millions of words that I need to work on. Do you ever feel that way? Sometimes I am just so overwhelmed with my own sin nature. It's just a good reminder of the goodness of God.

Anyway, after praying for a week, we were listening to the John Marshall Family. They sing a song entitled He Gives Me Joy. I began to cry when I was singing and I know that this is what the Lord wants me to focus on for the year-JOY.

To be honest, I am a very serious turned person. I am not bubbly, hopping around singing praises all the time. I am thoughtful and contemplative. There are days where I wish I could be in someone else's body for a day just to get a break from my heavy thoughts. I am not wishing to be someone else. I know the Lord created me to be who I am and though more bubbly personalities may be more popular that's just not who I am.

When I speak of joy, I am not talking about just being happy. I'm talking about joy that's found in God's Word. I'm talking about joy that abides when things are tough. I love what John 16:22 says, "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again,and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." The joy that God gives no man can take from me.

I love the following little acronym.

J-Jesus
O-Others
Y-Yourself

I will be studying joy in the Bible and posting my thoughts on it in a regular manner. I think it will be good for me to type up my thoughts.

My prayer:"Lord, thank you so much for your grace. Please give me the joy that only You can. Help me to be yielded to You that I may be a blessing to others and that You might be glorified."