Wait, I Homeschool? Part 1 of ?

This post is not meant to convince you to bring your children home.  
Instead, it is to remind me why I did.  

I homeschool my children.  Never in a MILLION YEARS would I have thought I would type that last sentence.  I am a teacher at heart.  I believe in public education.  I am PRO-SCHOOL.  Yet, I homeschool my children.  I do it for a host of reasons, but first and foremost, I do it because I love them.

Here are some other reasons:
1) They both struggle desperately
It nearly breaks my heart to watch them try to learn new concepts.  Our day, literally, starts at 7:30/8:00 and we go until 4:00/5:00 depending upon the day.  I have two students, two.  Why does our day take this long?  My children struggle.  They are not students by nature.  That does not mean they aren't smart.  It means, they do not learn well traditionally.

2) They are smart,  but not according to most academic measures
Have you ever heard of the Multiple Intelligences?  MI show that everyone is smart.  It's not IF you are smart, but HOW you are smart.   

My kiddos are Nature Smart, Self Smart, Music Smart, Body Smart and Word Smart.  MOST classrooms/schools teach using logic and word smart methods.  In most cases, this approach just doesn't work with my kiddos.  Dr. Kathy Koch has written the most phenomenal book called How am I Smart.  It refers to the Multiple Intellegences.  Her website is here: http://www.celebratekids.com/smart.html 

Knowing which smarts are our strengths helps us make informed decisions about how to be more successful, how to enhance relationships, our career, what to do in our spare time, and how to liftdepression. We also can choose to strengthen our weakest intelligences, which will improve our lives. Dr. Koch describes eight:

Word Smart - thinking with words
Logic Smart - thinking with questions
Picture Smart - thinking with pictures
Music Smart - thinking with rhythms and melodies
Body Smart - thinking with movement and touch
Nature Smart - thinking with patterns
People Smart - thinking with people
Self Smart - thinking by reflecting

3) The schools don't have the time or the resources to offer the attention my children need
My children have multiple diagnoses.  They need extra care and attention.  Through painstaking research, daily trial and error, abundant informal assessment, day-to-day work and God's GRACE, I am able to offer that to them.  No one has the investment or the buy in that I have for my children.  No one wants their success more than I do.

Also, In my heart, I am not sure the schools can or honestly should offer the level of one on one that my children need.  I know what it feels like to have a classroom and to constantly feel the strain and struggle of never having enough time, resources, consistency, and plain ol' HELP needed to give each child everything they need.  TEACHERS ARE HEROES!  I believe that with all my heart.  Lord-willing, one day it will be my time to pay back, but today is not that day.

4) God has called me to it
He has called me kicking and screaming!  I never signed up for this.  In fact, teaching my own children is immeasurably more difficult than having a classroom.  Each and every time I think of pulling out of this path, I get a resounding, "NO!"  For such a time as this, I am to be here, doing this.  I am supposed to be teaching my children.  I am often heard to say, "I gave up the job of my dreams, to teach the children of my dreams!"

5) It is the right thing to do for MY children
There will be more on this in another post, but for now, let me give you the short version.  I teach my children at home because it is best for OUR family.  I have no preconceived notions or judgement about you choosing to send your children to school.  In fact, I applaud, honor and esteem your choice.  Homeschooling is not for everyone.  It is crazy how often I feel people almost defend themselves when they say that their children go to school.  Of COURSE they do!  Only weirdos home educate (wink)!  Yet, somehow I have become the confessional/granter of indulgences for lots of people!  I am not trying to convert, convince, connive, contrive or manipulate you in any way.  I am simply choosing to educate my children at home, because it is best for them.

6) It is flexible and fun!
I mean really, how may people can take a couple of weeks to have school at the ocean??  What an absolute gift and BLESSING from God.  My children have had such AWESOME experiences road schooling.  We have had the joy and pleasure of seeing so very much of God's creation and living history.  I get choked up at the thought of it.

7) There are health benefits
Who knew?  I mean to tell you, my children have been so stinking healthy!  Glory to GOD!  Being away from the germs and yuck has offered such a gift for our little family.  Plus, seeing to their daily food intake etc. has also been a blessing.

8) Socialization
Wait, what?  That's right, my children get a TON of socialization.  Again, this isn't to criticize school, but rather to see the good in our family's choice to educate our children at home.  Tell me, other than K-12, when in life do people socialize with only people their own age?
NOT:
At Work
Shopping
Church
Volunteering
Social Clubs
Sports
Service Projects

Face it, not anywhere.  Our kids serve the homeless, elderly, play with friends and learn with friends EVERY day.  They are very capable of conversing with people of every culture, age, economic status and then some.   It is truly a joy to watch them talk to people and learn from people from all walks of life.

9) Stress Relief and the Slow-Down Factor
Before we started homeschooling our morning scramble was pitiful.  It was a combination of yelling, anger and frustration mixed with breakfast.  We were UGLY.  One of the sweetest benefits of bringing the children home was our morning routines.  We still have structure, but it's so much more relaxed and serene.  Most days are just a morning mix of quiet time and getting ready.  I am a planner, so we still follow a schedule.  But, it is just less rushed and more peaceful.  For us, this has been a gift.

Okay, that is all for today.  I have such random ramblings that need to be written, so stay tuned for the next installment!

Father, 
Thank you for my children.  I am so grateful that you allow us to be home.  It is truly a gift for our family.  I pray that you will continue to bless our endeavors.  May we keep you first in our home and show our friends and family what You look like.  Thank you for Your Son, Jesus.  It's in His name I pray.  

Amen

A Fresh Word from the WORD

Lately, I have been meditating on Ephesians 4:26.  He has had me there for a while.  It says, "'In your anger do not sin':  Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." (NIV)

For, like, my whole life, I always thought that meant that Ken and I needed to work it out before we went to sleep!  I was sure that at all costs, this meant that we could NOT go to bed in a fight or we were somehow dishonoring God.  In fact, there were times that Ken begged me to leave him alone.  But, the idea of that verse always naggled at the back of my brain leading me to push my agenda.  

Just recently we had a knock down, drag out, doozy of a fight bit of a disagreement.  Words were said.   Looks were given.  Challenges were made.  Bathrooms were cleaned.  Breaths were huffed.  Made-up come backs were plotted.  Through hot tears I found my way to the comfort of His word.  God brought me to cat and mouse clash and combat of Saul and David.  The cliff notes of the cliff notes being: Saul is jealous of David and wants to kill him.  He attempts to do so many times.  Conversely, David also has plenty of chances to kill Saul, but he doesn't.  He has mercy on him.

That really has nothing to do with the post, but that is what I read, and for whatever reason, during that time of study, I found peace.  My body calmed and my anger abated.  When I say peace, I mean like my agenda, my anger, my me-me-me-ness just fell away and I felt merciful.  I did not want to get my way nor did I have a driving desire to work it out right now!  Rather,  I was resting in the redeeming love of Christ.  I was wrapped in blanket of peace.  I was lounging in his lavish love for me.  It was then He whispered, "Do not let the sun go down while YOU are still angry."

In that moment, years of discontentment, pride and selfishness were lain upon the altar.  My eyes and heart were opened and I realized that we were not necessarily supposed to work it all out before our head hit the pillow!  We did not need rapid release therapy for a good night's rest.  Rather, I was to work out MY anger.

Check this out.  The part of that verse that says "In your anger, do not sin" is a reference from Psalm 4:4.  It says, "Don't sin by letting anger control you.  Think about it overnight and remain silent."  Now, don't get excited, this is not advocating the silent treatment.  But, it IS warning us not to let our anger control US.  And, interesting that it says to wait, think and remain silent...overnight!  Such a different picture than my, must work this out or we will die mindset.

Ack, love it when the Holy Spirit opens my mind to new inspiration.

Father,
Thank you for giving me a fresh word in your Word.  I love that you open my heart and mind to fresh perspective.  I am thankful for your wisdom, grace and mercy.  I LOVE that your word offers comfort when anger tries to take hold.  Thanks for renewing my heart and mind.  
In Jesus Name, Amen    

Glory Through Glass

The windows of my home are filthy.  When I say, 'filthy', I mean, winter-beaten, dust-covered, outdoor muck and grime FILTHY.  So, yesterday when my 10-year-old stopped mid step and gasped, "MOM, LOOK!" I sorta wanted to walk away.  But, his delight was so contagious that I walked over to him.

"Isn't it BEAUTIFUL?"  He asked.  I was so confused.  Um, yeah, I guess if you love dirt, dust and disgustin'.  "What are you talking about?"  I asked, perplexed.  K-Dog said, "The glorious streams coming into our home!  It's like God is shining right into our house!"

I looked over at the light struggling to break through the nastiness on the windows, not to mention the dust particles floating through the air and almost shrugged my shoulders and moved on.  But, something stopped me.  My son was seeing the the light, the beauty, the iridescence of glory streams breaking through.  He didn't even notice the windows or the dust.  He just saw the lovely.  In his mind, blessings of the Lord were gleaming into our very presence.

Then, I thought to myself.  THAT is how God sees us!  He sees us through the filter of Christ!  When he looks at us, He doesn't see the yeller, the adulterer, the proud, the ungrateful, the drunk, the thief, the liar or the broken.  He sees us at our completion in JESUS!  No, our sin isn't hidden from Him, He's GOD. But when He looks upon us, he sees us through our High Priest's testimony on our behelf!  2 Corinthians 5:21 says, "God made Him who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in HIM we may become the righteousness of God"   

Jesus is like the purifier used sift and cleanse.  When God the Father looks at our, well, our US, He sees JESUS.  This isn't our license to go on a sin safari, rather it's a calling to holiness and gratitude!  What Jesus did when he paid the ultimate price is sometimes overwhelming to me.  What a gift!

Now, I should probably go wash some windows...

Lord,
Thank you for seeing me and loving me despite my sin.  THANK you for sending Jesus as a substitute.   I love You.  You are mighty, amazing and glorious.  I feel Your streams of love and I am comforted by Your Son and what He did for me.  Fill me with the Holy Spirit, so that I may show others about your grace and mercy...
Amen

Lord, Have Mercy

Today, I decided to start a journal and I am using this space.  Why?  Because I NEVER use this space.  So, here goes.

I love God.  I mean, I LOVE the Lord so much, in nearly every moment of the day, I think about Him.  My love for Him seasons my thoughts and so many details of my life.  I want everyone to know the intimacy and joy of loving Him.  I am HIS and He is mine.  I tell my kids that He is the most fun they will ever have.  I believe that with my whole heart.  Earth will pass away, but He never fails, they can lean on Him, trust Him, know Him and love Him.  Truly.  Really.  I mean it.  Yet...

I am so underwhelming, it's not even funny.  Every day my inadequacy greets me like wretched, morning, puppy breath.  Nearly every day I worry that the home I create for my family is a therapy incubator.  You know that our home is the perfect environment for codependency, shame, guilt, lack of security, unmet expectations, never living up, yelling, shouting, frustration and basically laying the foundation for years of, "I could never meet my mother's expectations."  Every day, my mind is riddled with self-doubt.  I worry that I am not meeting my children's  needs, that I am wounding them, that I am messing them up for life, that they are on the A-Train to the Hamlet of Hate and Discontent in the Commonwealth of Cuckoo and I am the engineer.  Lord, have mercy!

That's when I remind myself that grace is real.  Like, He died for these moments, for all of my sin, every nasty bit of it.  Some people may think this is a my license to live in a cycle of heinousness.  But, that is not the case with amazing grace.  Because when it's offered, or rather, when I receive it...I want to be better.  I want to do better.  I want to change.  In fact, I get on my knees, fall on my face and pray through tears that HE will cover this day with His blood.  I pray that He will redeem my messes and use this graceless, haughty, stubborn, self-righteous, pitiful, proud, lazy, ungrateful sinner to be their mom, teacher, mentor, trainer, servant, champion and cheerleader.  And, he does.  Lord, have mercy!

Then, I pick myself up off the carpet and I remind myself that I am His.  Then, I remind myself that THEY are His and that same grace and redemption offered to me, is theirs for the taking!  Suddenly, through the darkness, the Light shines through and I offer apologies, love, forgiveness, humanity and GRACE.  Because,
He will.  He does.  He did.  He died.  Lord, have mercy!

Father, I am yours.  Reveal Yourself despite my resistance and unwillingness to let you reign in me.  Help me show my children YOU, and when I cannot, when I DO not, please, offer Your grace.   Thank you for loving me, thank you for loving them, help me to love them more like you love us all.  Lord, have mercy...
Amen

Shine

I talk to my kids a lot about being Jesus and looking like Jesus.  (Funny, I don't always offer a very good example to them.)  I say things like, "Guys, I love Jesus so much that sometimes He leaks out of me."  This is good.  And, it's true.  But, then I got to thinking about it.  You know, I don't really just want to accidentally leak his fragrant loving aroma.  No, I want to SHINE!  Rather,  I want Him to shine so brightly that people don't see me, they only see Him.  


So, the other day we were traveling and God gave me a visual for them.  It was truly a moment that I am certain was just for us.  The sun was trying SO hard to peak from behind a cloud.  It just kept trying and trying and the kids were cheering it on.  I was driving, so I only snapped the before picture.  And honestly, I am sure a photo would not have done an after shot justice.  But, for one brief moment, the sun came out.  I am talking full on, 

SHINE!

 you couldn't even look at it any longer.  Then quickly it tucked back behind the clouds.  And it opened the most beautiful discussion and visual picture of how we want to be SHINING for Christ, not just leaking out a little at a time.  It was a precious picture that I know was meant just for my children and I. 


I love it when He does that...

Poser

I'm not really a blogger.  I am more of a poser.  I blog roughly twice a year.  I was considering starting a blog about the reasons I don't blog, but I probably wouldn't write very often.

Life is probably the biggest obstacle.  When life is happening, blogging is not.

Fear might be another obstacle.  I am all kinds of bravado and bull shnooky, but really I am afraid to put everything out there.  I'm not a fan of judgement and usually what I have to say is hard for me to type.  It's not that what I have to say is even for anyone other than myself.  It's just that someone might think it's advice they need to take or not take and then kaplooie!  You see, I have to look at the keyboard sometimes and with that enormous plank in my eye, that's really difficult.

Whatever the case, I am realizing that I am just a poser.  I have a passion for story-telling.  But, I don't necessarily have the craving to write.  Nor do I have the chops.  Let's face it, some people are writers.  I am more a chatter.

So, once or twice a year, I will pose.  And maybe, if I am feeling ambitious.  Then, maybe I will write.

Who Does That?

Each year, I throw my own birthday party.  That's right; I have a birthday party for myself every year.  This year someone flippantly said, "Who does that?!"  I was all, "Tuh. Puh. Kuh. - I DO!"

  

Upon first glance it may seem that I suffer from Narcissistic Personality Disorder.  After all, I tell people that I secretly think I’m God’s favorite.  The truth is I just really like being alive.  And while we are being honest, I also really like being me.   Please don't misunderstand; I do not think I am better than anyone else.  I don’t.  You see, I want you to think that you are God’s favorite, too.  I think kids in the world should all secretly think they are their parents’ favorite child.  That’s good parenting!  And since God is the Best Dad Ever, it makes sense that we all think we are His favorite.

When I was small, there was a sign over the water fountain at school that said, “I know I’m somebody cuz’ God don’t make no junk!”  Grammar aside, I believe that with my whole heart.  Psalm 149:13 says that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made, and so am I!  Instead of complaining about our lives, we should be celebrating them. 

The other reason I have a party for myself is because I love watching people have fun.  Some of my favorite words are: laughter, joy, happiness, silly, delightful, spontaneous, giggle, grateful, humorous, and thankful.   The list goes on ad nauseum, but I will spare you.  Basically, I am your quintessential sunshine and lollipops kind of girl.  I enjoy watching people enjoy life.  After all, like Psalm 118 says, “This IS the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  Emphasis mine!

Yes, every year I have a party for myself.  I DO that.  I throw a party to celebrate lots of things.  True, it’s my birthday.  But, it’s also a perfect opportunity to praise the Lord, laugh, celebrate you, do something crazy and just be beautiful in His eyes.  You are beautiful in His eyes.  You are His favorite.   

Consequently, come next July, be looking for an invitation to my party.   

Muu Muus and House Shoes ~ 

37 Birthday Blessings!

Goin' Dancin' at Hanks! 

 
 

Overheard

Lately The Dog has been into counting his money.  We recently opened a bank account and he's all about earning money and saving money.  In the process we have talked about tithing, giving to others, saving for college etc.  He has a blue, ceramic pig where he keeps his booty...it's sacred.  No one touches the pig.  Often, K-man carefully takes out his precious porker, jiggles it obnoxiously, dumps the money out on the floor and counts it.  (Psssst, do NOT tell him that he is doing math *wink*)

On one such occasion, the following was overheard:

Dog: Lou, I'm sorry to tell ya, but I will be moving out.
Bear: WHAT?!
Dog: Well, not today, but when I go to college.
He vigorously shakes his piggy bank filled with money.  
Dog: I'm already saving up.  You will totally miss me.  You will cry a lot.
Bear: Oh, yeah, well I have a bank, too.  I am going to college, too.

She indignantly stomps off and returns armed with her petite, prettily-painted butterfly bank that is no bigger than a minute.  She jiggles it under his nose and looks a little disappointed at the pathetic bit of jingling.  


K-man chuckles, points his thumb and out of the corner of his mouth cracks, 
"I guess someone's not going to college."

Eternal Journal Entries (ad infinitum...so if you're bored)

Tonight is the eve of Lou Bear's birthday.  She will be 7-years-old tomorrow.  As I have written before, on the eve of our children's birthdays we always share their birth story with them.  They are adopted, so that looks a little different to us.  Shoot, the last time I blogged about my baby girl's birthday was when she turned FOUR!  How sad is that?!

Well, tonight I was starting to reflect on what an incredible blessing she is, when I remembered my journal!!  I have a journal with letters to the kids before they were born.  They are prayers, hopes, thoughts, rants etc.  They also help me remember, and if you know my memory...this is a very good thing.

So, my longing for child #2 started shortly after Christmas 2003!  (K-Dog was a really good baby)  I just had to share God's faithfulness...
  
12/27/03
Dear Little One, 
Do you know that I love you already?  Do you know that God loves you?  I cannot wait to hold you in my arms one day.  I can't wait for K-Dog to meet you, he will be a wonderful big brother.  I pray that God will allow you two to be close and that you will get along well together.  Oh, precious child, may God protect you as you grow...whenever that may be.  I pray that your birthmom loves you.  I pray that she knows that there is a Father our that that she can lean on during scary times...a loving, faithful Father she can turn to when she feels afraid and alone.  I hope you are a joy to her and you will be to us.  I excited and a little bit scared to be your mommy.  Oh, sweet one, you are loved.  


1/15/04 
Dear Precious Child,
I can sleep tonight because I am thinking about you.  I'm wondering whether you will be a boy or a girl.  I talked to the social worker at LSS, she said there would be a class coming up soon and that we could get our profile in.  However, she said that there weren't a lot of women placing right now, so it may be a while.  That's okay, but I was kind of disappointed to hear that.  I wonder what your disposition will be like.  Will you be super sweet like your little brother or will you be a spitfire?  
Oh, Sweet One, I just pray so often that you will be healthy.  I pray that your birthmom is taking care of herself and of you.  I pray that she is talking to you and loving you.  I pray that you will know love right away. My love for you is already so great.  I can't wait to meet you.  God is is with you.
Love, Mommy


1/22/04
Dear Precious Child,
We started the process today!!  We signed up for a workshop!!  Once we finish the process we can submit a profile and become a waiting family.  Little one, I love you so much already.  I can't wait to hold you.  I pray for you every day.


2/13/04
Dear Little One,
Every day we get closer.  We are working on our profile!!  Once we submit it, we become a waiting family.  Oh, baby, you are so wanted, you are so loved.  I pray that you relationship with your big brother will be strong.  I pray that your mommy and daddy with be a good example of a godly marriage.  I can't wait to touch your hands and feet and kiss your forehead.  I just love you so much.  I pray that you are safe and growing stong and healthy if you are already growing.  Remember, God is with you always.  
Love, Mommy


2/23/04
Sweetie,
It's mommy.  I was cleaning out some cupboards today and I saw some bottles and formula.  I thought, maybe I will get to use these again, soon.  Oh, I do so pray that is the case.  I hope we don't have to wait long for you.  I trust the Lord's timing, but I am so anxious to meet you.  I pray your birthmommy is safe and cared for.  I pray sometimes that you are a girl.  I would be fine with a little fella, but sometimes my selfish heart wants a little girl.  Oh, who am I kidding, I will take you if you are a green boy!!  I will love you so much...I already love you. 


A couple more entries on 2/27, 3/4, 3/5 saying much of the same


3/25 
Dear Child,
I am thinking about you a lot lately.  For some reason, I am imagining you are a girl.  I also have been praying that you will love your birthmom.  I pray that we will always remain close with her.  I pray that when you are older, you will embrace the fact that you are adopted an that you will LOVE being adopted.  I so want to be an example of that for you.  Oh, how I want to be an example of a Godly woman for you.  I pray every day that I can be the kind of woman my children can be proud of...I want you to see Jesus in me.  I love you my sweet.
Mommy


4/4/04
Hi there Little One,
I have been praying for you.  Lord, let this child grow healthily and strong.  Father, protect our little one.  Cover her birthmom with your love and protect them both with your Holy Spirit.  I pray for your birthmom.  I hope she knows that she is loved by you, and by us.  I pray that she is taking care of herself, not just for the baby but because she is worth it.  She is YOUR child, God.  Love her Lord, help her to know You, love You and lean on You.  Lord, help her to love this little baby, show her that her decision is a good one and that we will never let our children forget their birthmoms.  Thanks for BOTH of them...what a blessing they are. 
I love you little one,
Love Mommy


4/27/04
WE GOT OUR PROFILE IN!!!  WE ARE A WAITING FAMILY!!!  I stopped by LSS yesterday.  The birthmom counselor said they have 3 or 4 birthmoms currently looking at profiles.  She also said that they are all pregnant with girls!!  Hmmmmmm...could I even dream that one of those birthmoms could be carrying our baby?!?!  I know, I know, settle down!!  Well, whatever the case we are starting to move Big Brother into his big boy room.  I mean, you never know things could go quickly?!  I pray that your birthmom is talking to you, singing to you and loving you.  I pray that she has support.  I pray that she knows that she can lean on God and trust Him if she feels scared.  Lord, you are faithful and I trust you.  


5/22/04 
Mommy's been busy teaching.  While I haven't written much, I have been praying a lot!  We are starting to prepare the nursery and get things ready.  K-Dog moved to his big boy bed, so there is a crib should God decide that you will join our family soon.  I know it will happen in God's time.  God will find you for us and get you ready for us in HIS time.  I pray you are safe and loved.  


5/25/04
YESTERDAY we received a phone call from LSS!!!  They said a birthmom had chosen our profile!!!!!!!!  Oh, my word, what if I'm not ready!!  I was so calm when I talked to her, but now, I am so freaked out.  Here are the details we know:
BM - 22-years old, red hair, lives with her family (who is very supportive of the adoption) caucasian.
BF - Older, cannot support a baby, still with birthmom, african american.  
Your due date is in July we are going to meet your birthparents on June 1st!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Well, if you made it this far you get a gold star.  I am not really even sure why I shared this, but my heart felt like someone needed to read it.  I have no idea who would even GO to all that trouble, but I know this.  God, is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!  I cannot believe how many prayers have been answered.

The Bear's first mommy is still very much a part of our lives.  LOU...my little GIRL is more precious than I could even believe.  I am so, incredibly humbled to call her my daughter and I am SO awe struck at God's faithfulness.

Thank you Lord for adoption!!!!!!!!

Isaiah 25:1

Sticky, but not Sticky

I am not now, nor have I ever claimed to be a cook. While I have come a long way in my nearly 15 years of marriage, I am no Emeril. Shoot, who am I kidding, I'm not even Sandra Lee! But, since I started homeschooling, I figured I'd better get cookin'. After all, I want to do everything I can to perpetuate my smocks and suspenders reputation!

Therefore, my mom gave me a recipe for homemade pizza crust. (In fact, she even sent along some yeast in a ziploc bag because let's face it, if she hadn't I likely would never have gone to the store to buy any.) In preparation, I faithfully line up the ingredients on the counter, get out all my Pampered Chef measuring tools (I still want to have the appearances of being a cook) and look at the recipe. As I am reading I think to myself, I'd better call mom and discuss the best way to go about this.

ME: Hey mom, I am making that pizza crust.

Mom: (squealing) YOU ARE?! That's wonderful honey!!

ME: So, I just follow the recipe and it will be fine, right?

Mom: Of course, it's SO easy!

ME: What temperature do I set the oven at?

Mom: Oh, I don't know 350, 400, maybe 425.

Um, that is three completely different settings.

ME: Which one of those?

Mom: Oh, I don't know, you just have to watch it.

Watch it do what?

ME: Mom should I set it at 350 or 400?

Mom: Well what do you think?

At this point my heart rate starts to increase, as I would have no idea what temperature to set the oven. I think maybe I'd better ask a different question. You know, let her think about it for a bit. I'll come back to it.

ME: Okay, well, how long do you cook it?

Mom: Oh, well that's easy, 20-45 minutes.

ME: What? So, like 30 minutes?

Mom: It just depends on the pizza. I’d say 20-45 minutes.

Ladies and gents, I am not cook, and I also tend toward the stupid when it comes to numbers but a 25 minute span of time seems like an awful lot of wiggle room.

ME: So, I am thinking Pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, maybe some veggies. How long would that be?

Mom: Oh, I don't know ovens all vary.

At this point I feel like I am in a hamster terrarium running on the spinning wheel. I mean, I am getting nowhere fast. The scary part, I am planning to prepare this for company. I'm under a time crunch and starting to question the intelligence of making something I have never made before. So, I decide to rephrase the questions with the hope of coming to some sort of conclusion.

Me: So, you have seen my oven, what would you set it at if you were

making a pizza?

Mom: Oh, I supposed about 350, 400 or maybe 425.

Are. You. Kidding. Me.

Me: MOM, please, I beg you, give me something here. Say I pick 400. Will that work?

Mom: I think so, try it and see.

Me: Okay, so if I have it at 400, how long will it need to cook?

To which she rankles, "Honey, you aren't listening to me!"

Nope, nope, I am not even kidding. At this point we hang up the phone and I get busy mixing the ingredients. At some point, I call her back. (I know, I know, what can I say, I guess I was missing my wheel.)

Me: Hey, I think I've got it. But, the dough is kind of sticky. Do I need more flour?

Mom: Yes, I just guessed when I gave you the recipe.

WHAT?!?

Mom: You must have enough so that the dough is sticky, but not sticky.

Did she just say what I think she said?

Me: Um, sticky, but not sticky?

Mom: Yes

Ancient Chinese Secret, hmmm??

Me: Um, what does that mean exactly?

Mom: Well, it means that the dough is just right.

Because sarcasm is one of those things I tend toward in frustration, I say, "Oh, of course, just right - you mean sticky, but not sticky."

And because my mother is so blissfully oblivious to sarcasm she praises, "Exactly!"

The pizza was wonderful, everyone loved it! I give all the credit to my mothers detailed instructions.   What can I say, she's a cook!

Jonah: Before and After

My son is likely an evangelist. No, I'm not talkin' Benny Hinn!! Nor, am I necessarily talking Billy Graham. Rather, he is a simple, precious, truth-telling faith sharer. K-Dog does NOT shy away from telling people about Jesus! Frankly, his boldness freaks me out and challenges me in the same breath. More often than not his encounters leave me questioning my heart and motivating me to spread His love throughout my world! The Dog talks to homeless veterans about Jesus. He talks to his friends about Jesus. He talks to MY friends about Jesus. Shoot, he talks to perfect strangers about Jesus! The following is one of those times:

Picture this, Silver Dollar City, sweltering heat, a never-ending line in hopes of sweet relief by way of the Lost River of the Ozarks. You will have to take your items with you. You will wait in line for an hour. You will get wet. Really? UGH...okay, after all it's for the kids.

So, we start our wait. And about 10 minutes into our wait, K-man strikes up a conversation with a little boy. He's a precious little Indian boy. They are both pumped to find out that they are the same height AND the same age. (This is very rare for K-Man as he is, um, he is, vertically challenged) The boy's father, mother and much older sister are all watching this unfold. The whole family is BEAUTIFUL, all of them. Their skin is flawless and lovely. Their hair is thick and rich, all a shade of some sort of strong coffee.

The mom is wearing a Sari of every shade of pink and gold. Her daughter, stunningly flawless, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt translates the happenings of the moment. Both ladies have the traditional bindi on their forehead and both share an obvious affection for little Situ, the boy in line. Shoot, all of us share in the joy of these two precious fellas, these two scalawags who have formed an instant bond in an eternal line.

Even the father, resigned at first, cannot help but be delighted by K-man and Situ. The man breaks from his stoic stance to joke with the boys about getting soaked on the water ride to come. The conversation ranges from the rides they have been on that morning, to holes in the side of the fence, to pizza and everything in between.

Ken and I turn around and start to chat whileK-man and Situ linger over a spider web. In that moment, K-man looks at the little boy and in his shootin' the breeze fashion, K-man says, "So, do you know Jesus Christ? You know? Son of God? Died on the cross for our sins? Jesus?" He spreads his arms out like Jesus did on the cross and looks at the boy with big, questioning eyes. The lil' fella says, "What?" The Dog continues, "Jesus. He loves you, he died on the cross for you. You know, your Savior, Jesus?" The boy quietly says, "Um, I think I have heard about Him..."

The thing I find interesting is MY reaction. At first, I almost pulled him away and politely changed the subject. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit stopped me!! But, I just sort of awkwardly turn around and talk quietly to Ken hoping not to interrupt the Power of the moment.

K-Man continues, "Well, you should now that He will NEVER, EVER send a flood to cover the earth. Every time you see a rainbow, you should be reminded of that promise." (Earlier that day, Table Rock Lake was going to release the Dam for controlled flooding purposes. KJ was kinda worried that they were flooding things on purpose which could totally mess with God's plan! We had just been explaining to him that there would be flooding. But, there would NEVER be another flood like the flood of Noah that covered the whole earth.) Situ just listened as K-man went on about how Jesus loved him and died for him. All the while, I just stood face forward praying the Holy Spirit would bless this boy and his family. WOW! WOW! My little soon to be 9-year-old son was completely sharing the gospel in the boldest, simplest way possible. Then in one single second, the conversation switched back to pepperoni pizza and it was done. The two of them bantered again about all things boy. The adults looked at each other and parted ways, each to our own round, river ride.

Yes, we did wait an hour, we did carry our stuff with us and we did get wet. And amidst all of that, a sweet, Jesus-loving boy could not hold onto the secrets that spilled over in his heart. He could not stop himself from sharing with this little boy. He thought this little boy was too neat NOT to know his deepest, coolest, most amazing things on his heart and he just had to tell him for fear he would burst!

As we exited the ride, I looked at my boy and said, "WOW, son you are so bold! I love how you told that little boy about Jesus. You are braver than mommy. Do you know that?" He looked at me and said, "Mom, you are like Jonah before and I am like Jonah after." Ouch. Um, uh, um, yeah...

I said, "Hmmm...you know what, you are exactly right! Thank you for being an example to me, son. I am proud of you and I love how you have such a desire to share about God's love." To which he humbly replied, "Mom, I had to tell him about Jesus, you know why? Because he didn't know about Him." I got goose bumps to the roots of my hair. I said, "How do you know he didn't know Jesus?" He said, "I don't know, I just knew. Somehow, I just knew." Somehow, indeed.

So, my challenge to myself is to try to be like Jonah AFTER...you know after the running away, after the being swallowed by a whale, after the obeying God part.

Yeah, that K-man, er I mean, Jonah.

False Gods

Okay, it's been a while I know. But, this is so good, it will be worth the wait.

Here's the scoop: K-manINSISTS upon pointing to everything with his middle finger.
*"Mom, Mom, look!" I look over and see him pointing at something. I have no idea what he is pointing at because I cannot get past the fact that he is pointing with his middle finger.

* When he reads he points with his middle finger.
* When he looks in magazines he points with his middle finger.
* Without fail, he keeps using his middle finger.
I think to myself, "Eh, this will go away, relax, no big whoop!"
* It doesn't go away.
*Every. Single. Day. He points with his middle finger.
So, I decide it's time to try and put a stop to it. My tactic is not to reveal the meaning behind the middle finger, rather to enhance and puff up the ol' pointer finger.

I say, "K-man, are you aware that God made a special finger just for pointing?! In fact, it's called a pointer finger." I raise my digit to show the appropriate one, then I take his little hand and show him where it is on his hand. "K-man, you should really use that finger to point. That finger is feeling a little left out because you keep using the other one." He looks at me, shrugs his shoulders and says, "Hokay!" I breathe a sigh of relief. Just to make sure he's got it down I reiterate that the pointer finger is really better for pointing than the middle finger. He quips, "Mom, it's also your light finger!!" Confused I query, "Huh?" He grins, "You know like the song, 'This Little Light of Mine!" Ahhhhhh, yes, now I understand. "YES! It is the same finger, good thinkin' buddy."

Next day...
*He points to the cupboard with his middle finger. I remind him.
*He reads pointing to the words with his middle finger. I remind him again.
* He points to the stars with his middle finger. I remind him yet again and even add, "Sweetie, use the finger God made for pointing. The middle finger really isn't a good finger." That's all I say.

Well, SOMEWHERE along the line the K-Dog became very confused in his theology. Whilst we were dining in Zaxby's he points to his cup and says, "Look guys, a chicken!" Exasperated I say "K-man, use your pointer finger!" And he says "OH, sorry, sorry, sorry, I know, I know, I know!" and he holds up both middle fingers, flails them in the air and shouts accenting each word with his middle finger, "I should NEVER bow down to false gods!"

At this point the waitress walks by and Ken and I are laughing SO hard. I mean, I am cackling so loud people are staring. Finally, I choke out, "WHAT?! What do you mean?!" Perplexed he says, "Well, I gotta use my God finger, not my false god finger." With a very solemn face he warns, "One should never bow down to false gods."

Oh. My. Word. I have no idea how it went so awry, but now when he points with his middle finger all we have to say is, "false gods" and he switches to his pointer finger. Problem solved!

It's Like Pulling Teeth

You may find this hard to believe, but growing up, my Dad had this thing. Every time we had an ailment - sliver, skinned knee, infected something, possible broken bone, loose tooth etc. He was always there to check it out. Mom would say "Let's ask Dr. Dad." Which now I realize was either 1) her way of not wanting to deal with it or 2) her way of calming us down. Probably the latter, she was good like that.

Anyway, Dad would check out our wounds and declare them fine or not so fine depending on the situation. However, when it came to loose teeth, he would always want to try things. It was kind of mad scientist-esque. Like I distinctly remember John tying a string on his tooth and tying the other end to a door knob and slamming it shut. I also know there were several occasions where the pliers came into play. Whatever reason when Dad became part of the loose tooth equation, THAT NIGHT the tooth would come out! He was like a man on a mission.

Well, much to my husband's dismay, I have adopted this twisted, desperate need to pull out loose teeth. Right now as I type K-man's other front tooth is loose and it's all I can do not to go help him yank it out.

So, a couple of weeks ago K-man's top front tooth was loose..very loose. For DAYS I let him "wiggle it" and nothing came of it. So, I said "Buddy, I think we need the pliers." To which my boy said "WHAT?!?!?" After putting his fears to rest (convincing him it would be AWESOME) I proceeded to the garage all the while hearing my husband say "JUST LEAVE IT ALONE? What is your deal? Why does it HAVE to come out?"

We went to the bathroom in front of the mirror. He looked at me with big, suspicious, brown eyes and said "Do you think it will work?!" To which I replied "I don't know, but this is the way Grandpa pulled mommy's teeth out!" So, I told him I would clamp the pliers and he would PULL really hard. And guess what - IT TOTALLY worked!! K-man's eyes were as big as saucers. He thought it was WAY cool. But, for whatever reason he is loathe to pull the other one out that way? Hmmm...weird?

Anyway, hey Dad, aren't you proud?

Hair's the deal...

Aren't these pictures of Lou Bear so beautiful? They were taken before school one morning. For sake of story, we will call them the "after pictures!"

Lou Bear is STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL. (Yep, I am her mother, I can totally say that.) She is GORGEOUS to me (and her daddy.) One of our favorite things about our beautiful daughter is her hair. We LOVE her hair. We love it when it's wild, we love it when it's untamed, we love it when it's poofed, twisted, braided or wet. E-Bear has GREAT hair!

School mornings are like a well-oiled machine at our home. Everything is carefully laid out the night before. No, I am not kidding. I am the queen of planning for perfection!! Each night before bed I carefully plan each detail. Shirt-check; Pants-check; Uniform-Check; Socks-check; Louies-check; Shoes-check; Back-packs-check; Lunch Box- check. I think you get the point. It's like a morning ballet.

However, even the most rehearsed Ballet is still performed LIVE...
On this particular morning we were JUST about to get into the car. Am I forgetting something????





Yes, we were late for school that day in the name of WE HAVE GOT TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THIS!

Luuuuucy, you got some 'splainin' to do.

Okay, so it's been a while. I know, I know. So, here is the deal. This week is Spring Break. I hope to have several entries!

Be watching....

Fall Full of Fun!

The colors of Arkansas haved turned and they are reflecting God's design. K-man is learning about leaves and to see the process that each individual leaf goes through from life to dormancy is just awesome. It reminds me of how personal and intricate our Daddy God is. If He cares this much for a leaf, imagine how He cares about YOU!


This fall we have done so much already. One of the MANY joys of living in Arkansas is the mild fall weather. This allows for much extended outdoor fun. We have been homeschooling outside, riding bikes, going to the park and just enjoying every minute of it.


Following are some pictures from this fall. They range from Homeschool Fun at the Pumpkin Patch to Family Fun Fest (Halloween!) K-man was Buzz Lightyear and Lou Bear was a Pincess (Princess.)

Hope all is well with you. We love you and miss you. Oh, incidentally, the little fella with us is Eric. He is Kaden's best buddy. His mom MADE...that's right MADE his Larry Boy Costume!

Prayer Party of Three

Teaching our children to pray is a pretty amazing thing. Every day we pray with them, for them, about them etc. I have tried to tell the kids that they can be completely transparent and honest ("your most real self!") with God. I tell them that they don't have to be fancy and can pray about anything. God loves them and He will listen.

I also tell them that they can pray anywhere, at any time - and we practice that. Every day on the way to school we pray in our car. I ask the kids what they want to pray about. I get the usual - Pray for Dad, Grandparents, trees, flowers, etc.

Well, one day, on the way to school I said "What should we pray about today?" Elaina said "Um...school, Gaddy (Daddy)!" And The Dog was unusually quiet. Not sure I wanted to know and desperately hoping I wasn't going to hear about body parts or functions I fearfully asked "K-man, do you have anything you'd like to pray about?" I look in the rearview mirror and I am met by beautiful brown eyes of love. Then he points his head at his sister and says dismissively "Pray for Elaina, she sets a pretty good tea party!"

CRACK ME UP I TELL YA!

And you know what folks - she REALLY does!

To see the evidence click
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbZCoznHgbQ

Dad Cakes

I am in love. Every single day I fall deeper into love. I am so in love that I have GOT to blog about it.

My husband is the most amazing guy in the world. I am blessed, blessed I say, to be married to him. I am so thankful for his friendship, laughter and love. He is an awesome provider, a great friend, a skilled....well, you get the picture. I love my Q Bear.

He is also a great Daddy. The kids look up to him in such a humbling way. They worship him as a Daddy and love him so much. They have special things they do together like dropping the hammer, eating stubbies and just goofing around. There are things that I cannot emulate nor would I want to. They are special things...Daddy things. This is yet another reason I love this man. He is a great Dad.

Every Saturday since right after K-man was born, on Saturday mornings we have a tradition - DAD CAKES. Dad cakes are pancakes made with a secret ingredient that only Dad knows. He makes these round, flat-tastic fabulous cakes of goodness. They are delicious. The kids beg for them and the whole routine is just a big 'ol family festival. The kids wait with looks of awe and anticipation and we often have fun conversation and great memories while waiting for Dad Cakes.

So, I thought I'd let you in on what that looks like:

To me, it's a foretaste of a much bigger Feast :) (A bit of Heaven on Earth if you will)

Love you Q!

"Luke, I'm your father..."

So, Ken is a movie hound, right? Well, he might be just a wee bit (whole lot) more permissive than I am when it comes to what the kids watch on TV. Right now K-man is hooked on Star Wars, much to my dismay. But, I am trying to be open minded about things.

That said, I will NOT buy Star Wars junk. I refuse, I mean it's all so commercialized and ridiculous. I will not be a party to that. I absolutely, positively will not allow him to play with Jaba the Hut dolls, Sand people and the like. And no way, no how will I allow Darth Vader ANYWHERE in this house - GOT IT!




Or will I???????








Oh, and by the way, just in case you are wondering how I KNEW Darth Vader had entered my home it's because before I saw him, I heard

"kshhhhhh, kshhhhhhh, kshhhhhhhhh Luke, I am your father!"

No, no, I am not kidding, not even one little bit.

ETA: YES he came up with the costume on his own - yes, yes he did indeed.

Accountability...and a big ol' update

Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement (taunting), your thoughtful notes (rage mail), your sweet phone calls (nagging!) Because of your love and tenacity I am finally updating my blog. I should name names, but I won't, you know who you are! (Liz, Jessie, Sarah, Molly, Mary Kay, Tracie, Tracy ad infinitum...) Quietly in the background you sheepishly hear, "Oh, and thanks, you are just what I need in my life."
I know, I know, I should really entitle the post Shock and Awe but I wouldn't want to misconstrue anything as being political. I mean, I just have some pictures of the kids and some chit chat.

Life is CRAZY right now. But, it's also really fun. For years I have watched mini-vans with bumper stickers, pictures, license plates and other car memorabilia that read "MOM's TAXI!" I'll be honest, I totally made fun of them. Well, to every mom I made fun of, laughed at, rolled my eyes at, wondered at your sanity - I am SO, SO, SO sorry. I get it now. I really do. We are constantly on the go from one thing to the next. Between homeschool, pre-K, homeschool co-op, Body and Soul, Awana, Choir, Swimming Lessons and everything in between we spend HOURS in the mini-van. While we haven't taken up residence in the van, I can't say the same for old fries, yogos, candy wrappers, juice pouches, straws and many other treasures. I am pretty sure if we buried the van in the ground and they found it in the year 3008 they would think it was a time capsule!

Well, on to the updates. K-Man is ROCKIN' and ROLLIN' with homeschool. He is learning so much. We are using the My Father's World curriculum. He is really just amazing me. I find that he is super motivated by sending things to other people. He was so proud of the gifts he sent to Grandma and Grandpa Simon. He could hardly contain the fact that he was "sending them a special delivery."













K is learning about the phases of the moon, the sun, the planets, apples and so much more. I love the homeschooling aspect in that every time he is REALLY interested in something we use that to supplement every aspect of his education. It works great! This way he has no idea he's learning...shhhhhhhhh. He is struggling with his fine motor skills a bit and we are visiting and occupational therapist every other week. But, he has GREATLY improved since the beginning of the year.

Following you will see his alphabet accomplishments and his Creation creations. Day four was his favorite, so we took a special snappie for you!
































The Lou Bear is doing equally wonderfully. She started Pre-K at William Jefferson Clinton Elementary (What can I say, we live in Arkansas!) She attends school 5 days per week. LB has some special learning challenges with her speech, so rather than have her home in our we translate for her, K talks for her, we know her needs and meet them before she needs to talk environment we threw her to the clutches of the public school system And, thus far we have been very pleased, er, at least I think we are. Now, she won't stop talking. "Doknowhatmom?" (Do you know what, Mom?) Is her favorite question. She loves school and talks from the moment we pick her up until she crashes to bed each night.

Of course we miss her a lot, but we know she is well cared for. And EVERY day we get a report on what was for lunch! "Doknowhatmom?" she says. "What?" I respond. "Today we had Tsicken (Chicken)," she explains with big eyes "ON A BUN!" What can I say, a girl after my own heart, the highlight of her day is lunch!

She also has had a run in with the the boy in the purple shirt. Evidently the bitps (boy in the purple shirt) is not a very nice boy. Well, he tried to push her down the slide. So, she came home and told us about this little fella. And I said next time you need to say "Don't push me down the slide I don't like that!" And then if he doesn't listen you can tell the teacher. Well, I hear her telling daddy and he has some different advice. I only heard the tale end of the conversation, but it sounded like "and if that doesn't work - push him back!!" WHAT?! Oh, well, I guess that could work too. Anyway, here is my Lou Bear!












Wow - where does the time go?! I will also try to do a few more posts this week. Bug me about it though, okay?!

Love you all and miss you~
Q and Crew