Just A Passin' Through

Summer Fun 2011--The Saga of Many Fun Times and Lessons Learned

2011-07-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

What a summer it's been! Just the right amount of busy and not-so-busy. Still, time flies by in the summer. So far, we've had plenty of highlights and here are some of them. Thankfully it's not over yet and we have more days to enjoy.

We kicked off our summer with an ice cream social for our neighborhood and church friends. We enjoy making connections between the two groups. It went over well. Over 30 people came out and chatted for a couple hours in the shade of the house on a perfect evening. The kids played in the sandpile, on the fort and swing se,t and the tramp got quite a work out! We enjoy our home and are thankful to the Lord for it. We are happy to share and share often with others.

In May we headed north to Eau Claire, Wisconsin to see the Munz family. The kids and I spent about 8 hours on the road (mostly interstate highways thankfully). It was our first trip into Wisconsin, and the kids were excited to spot a sign to visit Laura Ingalls Wilder's home by Lake Pepin as well as a sign for a Caddie Woodlawn exhibit. We plan to read Caddie's book this year as part of of our family literature so when we visit the Munz's next, we might have to make a stop at both exhibits. Hopefully that will be with Daddy in tow since I'm not very adventurous without another adult (though Isaiah is a pretty good navigator!). We were able to just hang out on the acreage out in the country in a clearing between the wooded areas. It was beautiful and because there was cleared land, not as "claustrophobic" as other wooded places we've visited in the East. I guess we're kind of used to big sky around here. The kids enjoyed playing outside especially on their tire swing. Mr. Lowell let Gabe help hitch up the hay rack to their old tractor, and they drove us around through their grove and property. Gabe was in hog heaven! We also visited downtown EauClaire, stopped by their church which meets in an old movie theater building, and threw dandelions in the Eau Claire River. Abbey and I put in a start to her garden, and the kids were excited to make their very own mini pizzas too. We're thankful for such good friends that we can settle in with in a matter of minutes and enjoy.

June rolled around with the beginning of many VBS type weeks. We returned to Wayne for the third year in a row to participate in Camp Assurance's Child Evangelism VBS in the Park. This year we opted for Laurel and as an added bonus, got to visit all three great grands daily and see our cousins in VBS while Mama had some good chats with Cousin Kristi. Never enough time for that! We came back on Wed. and spent the last two days attending a Pandamonium VBS with our friends, the Aschoffs, at their church. They even provided dinner for the kids, and Kev and I got two nights of date nights while the kids enjoyed great songs, stories, crafts and friend time.

The second week of VBS was a "down" week so I could prepare to teach for Classical Conversation's "Geography/Drawing Camp". I had 25 6-8 year olds and my three too. We spent three 7 hour days together having fun learning US Geography complete with some fun songs (like our Continent song to the tune "Take Me Out to the Ballgame") and games and map making activities offset with some great basic drawing lessons. Thankfully, I, who am not a great drawer, could learn right along with them from the book I taught :). I enjoyed seeing the kids in a more "traditional classroom environment". Gabe, though the youngest, kept right up with us and worked hard. Elly was in her element...could take on a classroom with one hand tied behind her back and enjoyed making friends and doing "centers". Isaiah, after learning that if he finished ahead...which he did often...he could read his book, did fine too. That smart kid needs to be kept busy and doesn't do "bored" well. I'm so thankful he doesn't have to deal with that environment on a daily basis at school. It was very "squelching" for him, but I told him, it's good for him to know what it's like and have to experience it once in awhile. Patience is a virtue :). I did very much enjoy teaching a full day classroom again. I will never tire of planning fun lessons and seeing groups of kids spur each other on and enjoy their time learning together. I think we accomplished both. We finished out the week with two days at our sister church, Believer's Bible, for their Noah's Ark VBS...always chalk full of great teaching and fun and gave Mama a nice break since I dropped them off on Thursday and caught up on errands, confident that they were in good hands.

The middle week of June brought our own 5 Day Club with Child Evangelism Fellowship. We've hosted many times but took a break last summer...and had so much fun, we'll continue to host as long as we can. We decided to host in the evenings so that kids in daycare or camps during the day could come which was a good choice...and a lot cooler with the shade in the back. Joelle and Ben Friesen and Karsten Miller, all youth from our church and good friends, were our teachers and we had a good turn out--about 16 kids total. We saw two of our older neighbor boys from down the street, who had never attended before, come to the Lord. The first night, the oldest boy asked me "if this is a Christian thing" and I said yes. He then asked if he could come even though he wasn't a Christian, and of course he could. He told me that his dad told him that if he felt uncomfortable he could leave. When he and his brother got up right in the middle of the Bible story the first night (just as the gospel was being presented) and said they had to go eat dinner, I thought they were done. So I prayed and let them go...happily they came back 15 minutes later and the following night stayed the whole evening and went to talk with Joelle when she asked if there were kids who'd like to know more about becoming believers. Later she told me that "they had it down pat" when she asked them confirmation questions and had better answers than some churched kids. So we're praising the Lord and praying for opportunities to invite the boys to Sunday School this fall and maybe AWANA. It was a great week of connecting with kids, having fun learning about the Lord and eating lots of cold, sweet treats :).

June finished quietly, thankfully, and we flipped to July quietly, but not for long. July 4th found us having Pancakes in the Park with our church friends and some Reid family members...always a good combo. Lots of great talk and food and music and fabulous weather even though Zorinsky was sorely lacking in water, contrary to the Missouri which was flooded. We packed up all our Bible Camp backpacks and gear and headed to Wayne to spend the evening with Uncle Luke, Aunt Heidi and Grandpa. It was a fun, low key day spent "blowing up money" as I put it, roasting hotdogs and smores and having an outdoor picnic. Aunt Heidi made our day with a fabulous cake with cream cheese/cool whip frosting and berries...very patriotic and tasty! We missed Grandma but knew she was having fun helping Aunt Sam and spending time with Emma, Eli, Zack and Ean for a couple weeks.

We left bright and early the following morning for Camp Assurance where Isaiah and Elly were campers, Daddy filled in for one day/night as a counselor, and Gabe and Mama got to be nurse, kitchen help and do a little bit of song leading. We all had a blast! Mrs. Kemp (mama's friend from elementary school) was the teacher and even dressed up like an Israelite to tell the story of Elijah's Chariot of Fire trying to help the kids learn about being "Torn Between Two Worlds". Cousin Shannon, our director, made the right call with water activities each afternoon...a huge slip n slide with soap for extra get up and go, and the Laurel pool respectively. The kids enjoyed a new game called Gaga Ball (a low key Dodge ball) that kept all the kids occupied during free time as did the huge tire swing and the "bucking barrel" and oversized, multi-kid teeter totter. Mama found that a bandaid or ice pack really do make all things better when your in 1st, 2nd or 3rd grades :). Gabe did very well just playing along as another camper since Mama ended up in the kitchen the last day and a half and didn't have a watchful eye out for him. Of course, he would keep up...isn't that what he does every day? All three kids came home with camp shirts which they are proud to wear to remind people around that as Christians we are citizens of heaven with our feet currently on earth trying to see how God's working and join him there.

We are enjoying our garden...which as of today is mostly weed free...a major accomplishment for me at the end of July in the heat. We've harvested strawberries, lettuce, spinach, beets, carrots, peas, zucchini and cauliflower. We're looking at little green beans and tomatoes coming now as well as more cucumbers. We made our first "freezer" strawberry jam and are enjoying that. I also made the boys beet pickles,a favorite at Grandma's, and they are almost all gone. Isaiah told me he really wants to make our own pickles too. And we've had more than our share of zucchini bread! Always fun to get to use food you've grown and take a stab at new recipes.

Just today, we said goodbye to our guinea pig, Squeakers, who died of old age and some mysterious guinea pig disease that rendered his legs useless and him unable to eat or drink. After a week of giving him water by syringe and hand feeding him spinach leaves with olive oil on them, he is finally in his final resting place in the garden. Elly and Gabe are planning to add some Columbine seeds to his grave to mark it and help us remember our sweet pet who squeaked to remind us to serve him fresh vegetables and who was none too happy to have a bath and a haircut...but endured. We don't know about pets in heaven since the Bible doesn't teach to this directly. But the Bible does talk about animal in the future kingdom and we're trusting God has a plan even for our Squeaker since he sees the sparrow fall and cares for all His creation. For now, we'll have him live in our memories.

We came home again for what we thought might be a quiet week, and in some ways it was, but our church's VBS was fast approaching so Mama was once again planning for fun and learning for kids. This year, with the help of Joya and Rachel, I did not have to administrate or teach large group or lead songs (though I do love all of those hats). I got to oversee registration and snacks and plan and lead crafts. We were preparing to have the kids make their whole armor of God in our Bible Boot Camp. Time quickly went by and here we are, this week, enjoying the 30 or so kids that God's brought to learn more about how God provides protection for us from sin and the Devil by giving us armor: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the Spirit. It's been a delight to work with and talk to the kids and not run around like a chicken with my head cut off. It's also been a welcome encouragement to see how many teens and adults turned out to help. We have so many EHers around that I feel like we are really getting to know the kids and their families--using our gifts of hospitality and over with which God has gifted our church well. We're thankful for the opportunity to see where He's working in the community and join him.

I've spent quite a bit of time already planning for homeschool which will start up gradually over the month of August. Last year, I added one subject a week until September and it was a perfect, gentle way to start. (And a lot easier on Mama/teacher to not have to have all my ducks in a row on the first day.) I've been happy that all the kids have kept up Reading and Math and a little Geography and writing this summer. Gabe is working on Bob Books even now. Elly has worked hard on sight words, thanks to some great ideas from Miss Jaime who has a reading degree, and is reading like a pro. Isaiah continues to amaze me with his wide range of interest and non-fiction reading selections. He's explored the military, spies and covert operation, more astronomy, and read more of his Child's History of the World and three Genevieve Foster 'biographies' this summer to go with our History lessons. Thanks to Omaha Public Library reading club for some great incentives...coupons for free toys, laser games, kids meals and Coco Keys and ballgame passes :) we have done plenty of reading to keep up skills. We're gearing up to continue our study of the Age of Exploration in History, and we are starting our second course of zoology, "Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day" which has lots of great info, fun crafts and activities, ideas for our notebooks and easy, but fun experiments. Gabe is so excited to be a Kindergartener...Mama is still trying to like the idea of all my babies being able to read. I'm thankful that the kids' birthdays are after the cutoff dates for the Dept. of Ed. so Gabe's kindergarten year, like El's and I's are "off the record" and we can do as much or as little as we need. This year we'll continue to go to AWANA and learn more of God's Word because Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed! I also play to continue to teach the CC group the Arts and Activities class so we'll cover art and PE and probably some literature and music too. Always good to have to plan for a large group those things that I can easily let slide on the home school front. As usual we'll be working tirelessly on our character in our Heirborn Sunday School class which I am team teaching and all the kids enjoy.

More to come later on our journey through this life while looking to the next!

Life with a Ferret

2010-11-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

We have recently embarked on yet another pet adventure...a ferret. I'm not sure this was really in the plan. We had discussed a ferret but decided it was too expensive a pet and moved on. Then a free ferret came over the homeschool etree. I didn't think we wanted to pass this one up and I'm really glad we didn't.

Muffles (soon to be renames Gravity) came to live with us a week ago. Never has a pet been so loved. I think he's kind of exhausted from his "love". All the kids (and half the neighborhood kids) have enjoyed following her around the house, holding her, making mazes in the boxes for her, taking her on walks on a "leash", carrying her around in a little bag outside so she can see the world. Gravity has been a joy so far. She's pretty calm (for a ferret) and will endure cuddling.

Ferrets make nice pets...they don't have to roam your house at will, but can be caged. They can be litter trained. They aren't loud. They don't require much more than food, water and a few toys and a blanket or towel. Ferrets are cuddly and they do smell musky...which I can take over other scents. We clipped her nails this week and she was very good. We have a bath scheduled for this weekend as it might be the last of the warm days.

All in all, a great pet. Probably not a starter pet since little ones might hurt one, but once your kids want some pet responsibility but you don't want a lot of money for upkeep, this pet is great fun. Kind of an intermediate pet as far as responsibility and care.

The Fun of an Eight Year Old Boy

2010-04-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. Recently I realized that Isaiah was making some strides and growing up and because I tend to push my firstborn, I hadn't really enjoyed those changes. I always seem to think that he needs to do better on ___________ rather than see what he's doing well on right now. So this post is an attempt for me to point out to myself some good things we have going.

First of all, Isaiah has made huge strides in his learning this year. He's such an inquisitive kid. He's constantly asking questions and that's good but I have to admit I don't always see it that way. NEVER do we take a ride that he doesn't have something he's thinking about and wants to talk about. Maybe politics...yes, he's actually fairly up on current events and since he's living in a time of very divisive issues, he's learning quite a lot. Sometimes I mourn that he's not just another oblivious kid, but that's just not the way God made him. If there's news...maybe while Dad's watching for a few minutes on TV or maybe an email up on my hotmail account or an article in Grandpa's "WORLD" Magazine, he's paying attention. He knows more about the political process at 8 than I did at 18.

He also has read more of the Bible and discussed more of the Bible than many kids his age. Recently, I remembered that at 8 I read the Picture Bible so I got him one. He takes it to church and reads it during the times that he's not listening to the sermon. And interestingly, he REMEMBERS things. I was watching a movie on Jeremiah the prophet recently, which he ended up watching with me for a bit and afterward, he talked some more about how Jeremiah was freed by King Nebechadnezzar because he had tried to persuade the Jews to surrender to the Babylonians rather than fight. Seriously...I had to stop and marvel at the way he puts thing together.

He's got a problem solving mind...which he got from his Dad. He's constantly engineering legos to match whatever he's into. He's working out math problems when he finds them around him...which happens to be all the time. He's also very good about negotiating...which actually is not all good. But he's very adept at getting you to see his way.

Finally, he's making good strides in responsibility. We've been focusing on this from a "trustworthiness" perspective for quite awhile and it seems that he now understands that telling the truth, not exaggerating, doing what you say you will do and obeying your parents (even if you think it's lame) is a better way to go than the other. I have to say, he had to learn that one the hard way, but then so did his dad and I. We are currently working on self control and sensitivity to others...and while he understands the need and is making strides, somehow is 8 year old mind and body have other ideas. We will be reminding and encouraging for awhile.

That's Isaiah's highlights for right now. Stop in again and there will be another round. He's growing up fast.

Gabe's Growing Up

2010-04-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

Wow, something happens in the 4th (and 5th) years of a little boy's life. Gabe is just changing daily. It's hard to keep up, so I'll blog.

Physically, he's progressing every day. This week alone he learned to pump on the swing AND fasten his own seatbelt. While I was thrilled to not stand behind a swing for half an hour at a pop and to not have to wiggle my way into the backseat of the van (or ask Isaiah or Elly to help), it's a little bittersweet. We got rid of the stroller this week (kept one for baby dolls) since it had been on the garage wall for over a year. He was a bit sad but when he saw the mom with 5 little ones who needed it, he decided it was OK.

Mentally, he's also working hard. He's learned to love starfall.com and pbskids.com. He's quite proficient at the "games"....little does he know he's getting in his "preschool". He's a lover of books. He doesn't mind if he has to "read" them himself, though he will sit for nearly anything you'll read to him (including the books we use for science and history). If it's about a machine...oh, life does not get any better than that. His vocabulary and speech skills have jumped lately. I noticed recently that he can actually tell a story that you can follow now and report details fairly accurately. (His brother and sister are learning that they are not going to get away with some things they thought he wasn't noticing anymore.)

We're discovering "who Gabe is" right now. He's tended toward some character traits but now he's fairly consistent. He love to help. He's right there if we're mowing or planting garden. He trails me when I vacuum and as long as someone is helping, he's good at picking up or folding clothes. He's also fairly focused on others for a 4 year old. Not all the time, but often he's willing to share and will show kindness to Maggie when she needs to play outside or to his sister as they play after "school" or even to his big brother (the toughest of all since there's some teasing that goes on) when they are working on legos. He loves to chat on the phone and he's one of the "gang" outside in the neighborhood making sure everyone has someone to play with and going along with the games the older kids sweetly let him play.

Spiritually, Gabriel has "taken off" and it's thrilling to hear and see. We just came off of Easter and during that time we do our Resurrection Eggs devotions a couple weeks up to Resurrection Sunday. They are plastic eggs with little objects to teach the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. This was the year that I presented the gospel about how there was bad news: that we are sinners and God hates sin...and there is good news: that God sent Jesus to take away our sin once and for all if we just believe him for eternal life. And of his own volition, Gabe was right there, with "I believe that Mama." When asked to articulate what he believes, he can't quite find all the words but he can answer basic questions. I've seen this three times now...how each of my children during this 4th and 5th year come to saving knowledge of Jesus all on their own. The Holy Spirit works in them in amazing ways and those lessons we've been teaching on character start to become their own. What an amazing thing to get to watch and even more amazing to be a small part of.

So if you're praying for us, keep it up. There's something new nearly everyday around here. What an exciting journey we are all on together.

Snow Day--In March after the Snow Melted

2010-03-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

Yep, after a long, white winter from the first week in December until the first week in March, we were pretty excited to have it above freezing. Someone said we set a record this winter for number of day with snow on the ground in a row and for number of days below 40 degrees in a row. Not good for the winter blahs or spring fever. And, just as we were just seeing the last of the snowdrifts, we wake up to huge, beautiful flakes on March 11th, 2010.

Gabe woke me, going to the window as he does frequently, exclaiming, "Snow, Mama! Let's go shovel!" Yep, he's an amazing kid that way. Loves snow and loves to shovel and loves to help. I groaned and rolled over. Later on, Isaiah and Elly were greeted by Gabe with the news and their sentiments ran more to: "Oh! I thought we were done with snow." "I'm tired of snow." Yep, seems to be the sentiments of Omahans everywhere given the number of comments on facebook today.

However, at least it's right above freezing so we have wonderful slush. I don't mind slush. However I will mind the frozen slush likely to make driving very fun tomorrow morning. (No, I'm not leaving the house till afternoon.)

Here are some pics of the kids making the most of this very wet snow...at least it's good for snow forts and snowmen. Elly and Gabe are on hour two...and probably wet through.

Gabe's 3rd Year Highlights

2010-02-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

When the kids were all little, I used to keep a notebook by my bed and every month or so (or more) I'd jot down the new "doings" for each of them. Then, when I scrapbooked, I could add some of their highlights and firsts to their baby books. Well, as happens with life, things change, and that notebook had now collected dust at the bottom of the stack by my bed for a good year now. So, I've decided that blogging some of these little "firsts" might end up being a better deal all around. Gabe, of course, being the third, has been most shafted so we'll begin with him.

Gabe has long been interested in farming. He lives to go to Papa's and visit. The fall he was 2 we were able to visit right at harvest time and we spent many hours sitting on chairs and blankets watching the combines go and the tractors and bogey wagons coming up beside them to unload. We even got to see the semis being loaded by the bogey wagons and roll away to the elevator. On top of that, they parked the huge, yellow combine in the field next to Grammie and Papa's house and Gabe had permission to climb up and see inside. Due to this intense interest, Papa started bringing Gabe his own "books" (magazines put out by implement dealers full of pictures of machinery they want to sell). These books will keep Gabe busy for hours and he loves to "read" them with Papa--pointing out the Case IH combine or the CAT tractor or the John Deere baler, etc. Also Papa stopped by the Case IH and the Cat dealers and got permission, and keys if needed, so that he and Gabe could climb up and sit in the cabs of the big tractors and combines. And, last but not least, no trip to the farm is complete without Uncle Luke firing up the old tractor and taking Gabe (and sometimes his siblings) on a good, long tractor ride. There are no cows to feed anymore, but the tractor rides are still the highlight. Playing with all of Uncle Luke's farm toys is another fun activity that Gabe spends hours at each time we go up.

Gabe is our best playing kid. He plays well with others...mostly Elly, but Ashley, Ady, Isaiah, Zach and Jack are favorite playmates. He's a great sharing boy and also isn't so set on his way that he can't bend to building a house out of duplos...and playing Pet Shops or dressing up, much to his brother's consternation, to dance with Elly to Angelina Ballerina. (A favorite moment: Elly asked Gabe to "dip" her and proceeded to bend back...thankfully, Gabe is about the same weight as Elly and didn't drop her.) This year has been the year that Elly has had "school" in the morning. Gabe is wonderful at playing by himself either in the family room or up in the playroom. Often, he goes up and Elly finds him after she finished about an hour later, happily doing his own thing...usually with tractors. He also has become quite accomplished with the mouse this year. He started with a farm CD rom--imagine that and now has fun on starfall.com working on his letters, sheppard software working on their preschool units and pbskids.org with Curious George, Clifford, and Super Why (with Elly's help). Other times (usually when Mom pulls out a book or an activity...so History or Science or Literature...Gabe comes in and plops on my lap to read along for awhile, and then finds his toys and proceeds to play on the floor nearby and listens along. How do I know this? He answers the questions right along with the others.

Gabe has long loved to be outside. He loves the park, the sandpile, and the street if Mom's up for going out to supervise. He also is the first to grab his shovel when Daddy is shoveling the driveway, to grab his mower, when Daddy is mowing (and the handle of the wagon to weed eat), the hoe or his other gardening tools when Mama heads out to the garden. He loves to help wash the car and wipe down appliances. If you'll help him, he's a great picker upper. Uncle Luke was changing his oil in the truck while Gabe visited and not only did Gabe come out to watch him like a hawk, but he fetched tools for his uncle and much to his uncles delight, put things away when he was done without being asked. Gabe has been gifted with being able to see a need and serve. It's an amazing thing to see a three year old so delighted to help. He also makes his bed and puts away the "kid cups and dishes" in the dishwasher. I guess when you're the third, you see chores being done and you pitch in. Of course, it's always better when there's a buddy though. This willingness to work also asserts itself when learning new things. Gabe followed his big brother's example and learned to ride his bike without training wheels at 3 1/2. It's a little scary, but he's a good driver. Since he's learned to balance on the scooter, he only had to learn starting and stopping and that took about 1 day.

Gabe is the funniest three year old I know. I do wonder sometimes if Elly and Isaiah were this funny, but I had another baby by then and was too exhausted to laugh. He remembers one liners (a talent inherited from his Daddy). He loves to sing but has "chronic lyricosis" (inherited from Mom) so the words are never right. He would love to be the clown at the supper table but Daddy put the kabosh on that trying to train the kids to eat quietly and take turns in conversation. Mama also literally restrained him because the new rule is that if he gets out of his seat once, he gets a warning and then out comes the kitchen towel to tie him in. He's even prayed and asked God at Sunday School to help him sit still so he doesn't have to be tied up. (Yep, had to explain that one.) He loves to watch Looney Tunes and plays "I will hug you and squeeze you and call you, George." with Mama. He's quick to cuddle up with a book on your lap and it will need to be about machines or something funny.

Gabe has been a kid that trains easily. If you sit down and tell him why you need him to ____ or need him to stop _____. He seems to get it. If he forgets (or tests the boundary) usually one or maybe two consequences get his attention. He doesn't like to have people upset with him and notices when they aren't pleased. I realize this people pleasing mentality will have to be watched later on, but for now, in training a three year old, it's a good deal. He's also quick to understand he was wrong and apologize and then in turn to confess and ask God's help. I do pray that this willingness and humbleness will never leave him as he gets older.

Elly's 6th Birthday

2010-02-27T11:21:00.001-08:00

Wow, it's hard to believe we're at the end of February. But at least in the short--but this year, very long--month we have Elly's bday to get us through to the end. I think it's a mixed blessing but she's learned all her days of the week and to count very well as she's checked off days getting here.

Because of the snow and cold and schedules, this year's festivities came in spurts of fun. Wednesday was cupcake and cake baking and decorating day. She wanted something springlike and settled on M&M flowers on a bright green and yellow cake. That day went according to plan, the rest of the day have been increasing Elly's flexibility.

Thursday started out with the fun of Ashley and Ady coming to play but Carissa had a cough and couldn't come in the afternoon. That turned out OK since Mom realized the house needed some cleaning. We met Grammie, Papa, Uncle Luke and his new friend, Heidi in Fremont and Elly picked Runza (so she could have real chicken strips). Since we had the very occasional treat of kids meals to boot which at Runza includes ice cream...all was well. The highlight there was a special jewelry organizer (just what Elly needs!) that her Papa made for her. She and Mama were thrilled. We got home in time to see some Olympic figure skating (no not all of it) and that was an added bonus.

Friday dawned and Elly was in to see if she could open the packages from Mom and Dad...which she did before breakfast while we all camped on the bed. Her favorite was an outfit...which she proceeded to change into immediately and a digital camera. She got the hang of it (thankfully only 4 buttons total (on, playback, up and the clicker) after we bought batteries. And she took some really good face shots.

After that the day kind of morphed. We expected to do school and then get ready to have Bible Study and a little fun for El's bday. But due to sick kids, extra work hours and such that all got cancelled. At this point, Mama knew we needed a little something special...so we hopped in the van after school and got a taco, and then we hit Target where Elly was able to spend her $6 from Grammie getting accessories for her Easter outfit (Yes, she's already got it planned.) and finding batteries to run her camera.

Our afternoon then turned out well...we got to decorate with balloons and streamers which we wouldn't have time for. Then Miss Lynette, Ashley and Lyndsey saved the day by coming over for cupcakes and bringing "my best gift"...a baby polar bear that you can feed and cuddle and a set of hair scarves. GrandMary and Grandpa George came soon afterwards to eat tilapia, rice and raw veggies (Elly's requested dinner) as well as ice cream and her beautiful cake. They brought a beautiful mirror that GrandMary's friend, Mrs. Park had painted with flowers and Elly's name. Elly also opened a tea set from Aunt Sam and all with a lazy susan organizer which she decided made just the right centerpiece for the table.

We had time for a little more Olympics before bed and the new 6 year old went to bed having had a full day of fun--with her new polar bear in tow.

Life with a Dog

2010-02-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

So, my sister's family has a dog. They are going to Virginia with the Army for 14 weeks so my brother-in-law can do some schooling. They don't have a place to stay and thought they'd leave their dog and cat with my parents in Wayne. Fine, fine, fine. Except that my parents have three dogs currently and the "top" female dog hates Maggie. They fight and can't be outside at the same time. And then my sis said, "I don't suppose you guys would take Maggie?" I'm a people pleaser...what do you think I said? I wanted to help them out. This was a way; I was on it with gusto.

So Maggie came to stay early in January. The kids were thrilled. Yes, we'll feed her. Yes, we'll brush her. Yes, we'll walk her. Yes we'll pick up her poop. (My personal non-favorite...who ever decided that would be a good idea?)

Well the kids are thrilled and do fairly well on the feeding. They brush her back at least and take her out for some ball fetching (seeing as there are no sidewalks scooped to walk her on in this neighborhood). Generally we're doing OK. They love Maggie. If I permitted it, I'm sure they'd sleep with her.

However, we are not getting a dog when Maggie leaves. Why you ask? Let me tell you... (And me for I'm sure I will need to reread this post when my children start begging for a dog...3.6 seconds after they say goodbye to Maggie.)

She stinks. Not terrible. Nothing multiple bottles Fabreze and scented candles can't handle but I just don't like it. We were forewarned about this...it's very true.

She has nightmares and howls in the middle of the night. It's enough to wake the dead (all but my children who could sleep through anything apparently). We were also forewarned about this...also very true.

She doesn't stay in the yard if we leave her by herself. The neighbors are kind enough to call me when, oops, I forgot we put Maggie out FIVE MINUTES AGO! This past weekend, Kev let her out at 11pm and came up to tell me something. Maybe a 5 minute conversation. You already guessed what happened? Yes, she was gone. Not a little-calling-out-the-front-door gone. The kind of gone that requires Kev to get in the car and travel the neighborhood and me to call out the back and front door every two minutes and traipse around the yard in my jammies and coat. (Yes, if you're wondering, she did come racing back from way back in the acreages behind our house. I'd say she was chasing a rabbit or squirrel and forgot herself.) I just have to say that I prayed more fervently for that dog to come home for twenty LONG minutes than I have in the recent past. I kept thinking of the phone call to my sis and her kids I would need to make. Not good!

All that to say. I'm not a dog person. I'm happy to dog-sit. But I just like them outside, in a doghouse, all the time! I know, I should go live on a farm...but they don't even do that on farms anymore. My mom lets the three dogs in the utility room in the basement every night 365 days a year and has the cats out in a shed with a HEAT LAMP. I just don't attach well to animals. Could have been raising a bottle calf and then finding out I was eating "Spunky" or maybe the dozens of favorite cats I went through living on the farm. (Cars and tractors and rat poison to not make for long cat lives.)

Oh, and I do love Maggie and the kids are THRILLED to pieces to have her. I'm glad we have her for a little while. She is one sweet, quiet and obedient dog. Thus the reason that she's still in my house!

Gabe's Big Day

2009-10-08T08:49:00.001-07:00

I really was going to not repeat my mistake of letting a 3 year old learn to ride his bike. We'd just wait till spring and he could start on a little bigger bike. However, we biked to the park yesterday and I rode behind Gabe on his training wheels. He didn't use them. And when he had to go across a steep driveway he got off and walked his bike because the training wheels tipped him over and make him go in the street.

So I came home, took off the training wheels (which have been bent and used up so much that they really only touch the ground if he starts to fall). I held the bike and he took off...and didn't stop for 5 minutes. Then he made a too slow turn, jumped off before he fell, and did his victory dance. Proceeded to get back on and START himself. (Something that took the others at least a week to learn...he's been watching I think.) I walked inside to get the camera and phone...came out and he was taking the curbs and going down sloped driveways with Elly. He thinks he needs to go to 'honey (Mahoney) and ride. Since last time he had to ride in the trailer because training wheels just don't keep up. (Not happy!)

That was much easier than potty training. Now preparing for a big bike accident...he was working on riding with his feet off the pedals by the end last night. Never a dull moment with this child. His guardian angel has bumped up his caseload.

What I've Learned From Charlotte Mason (and Sonya Schafer)

2009-06-17T19:14:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago, Rachel and I got to drive 2 hours to Des Moines to spend Friday and Saturday at a homeschool conference put on by the NICHE group. WOW, I had such a good time! I'm not sure if it was 4 hours to talk to Rachel in the car, the info on CM (Charlotte Mason) or the very thought provoking keynote speaker, Voddie Baucham (more on him in another post). But I need to type my learning points so we'll just put it in the blog.

CM was a late 19th and early 20th century educator in England. What draws me to her method of teaching children is her amazing ability to integrate faith into everything, her ability to teach kids to love to learn and inspire their minds, and the simplicity of it all. That and it's a good match for a lot of what I'm already doing and addresses some of the problems areas (writing) well.

CM had a couple great mottos. First for the students: I am (a child of God). I can (do all things through Christ). I ought (to obey my parents and my Lord). I will (be all God has made me to be). And for parents: Education is an atmosphere (everything around us provides learning), a discipline (teaching habits and character), and a life (living ideas that continue to inspire throughout our days).

CM believed in well written "living books". We're not talking the "twaddle" that is published in this day and age (mostly). We're talking books that told first hand accounts of real heroes, narrative stories of important concepts and ideas in rich vocabulary and flowing style. (The kind where you can find a quote nearly anywhere.) She has a list at amblesideonline.org for a start.

These living books were to be used for history and science, literature and even for art appreciation, music appreciation and poetry. Children were to listen to (or read themselves when older) short lessons (10-20 min for younger, up to 30-45 for high school) where the teacher simply read ONCE and asked for a narration (oral or written for older students). A mother/teacher lets the students draw their own connections but helps them by employing a "Book of Centuries" where they record, by century, important events and people (from whatever area they were studying) and a regiment of copywork and later, prepared dication that came directly from passages the students were studying.

For young students, an interesting phrase or sentence (Bible verse, poetry line, quote) was used, and they were to copy with complete attention and perfect execution. This was their handwriting but also helped them see good spelling, grammar and English and filled their storehouses of words and enlightening ideas to meditate. Then older children were to look at a similar passage (eventually several paragraphs) study the words (no more than a few) they didn't know and look carefully at punctuation and capitalization. Then they were to complete a prepared dictation given by the teacher and supervised very carefully. Later, students would begin to find their own inspiring passages and would carefully copy them into their own Book of Mottos.

Reading is taught in a similar way. Very gently. Lots of good books. Looking for phonics application and sight words in the text as mother reads and eventually sharing the reading, and then reading alone with a narration always at the end to check for comprehension. The goal of language arts was accurate communication since CM was right to point out that a deception is not just an out and out lie but also comes when someone communicates inaccurately either on purpose or not.

Math was to be full of hands on lessons and problem solving. Less on the 'rules' and memorizing algorithms and more on figuring out how to work the numbers. A focus on accuracy also was employed. Why? So a child would be honest in all business dealings and not make mistakes.

Nature study was employed. At least one afternoon a week, children were to be "turned loose" outside (rain or shine) and a good sketch book and quality art supplies made available as mother (or teacher) participated but didn't lead the discoveries. A few field guides and specimen jars with maybe a microscope or at least a magnifying glass would be very helpful. Children should learn at preschool age to identify everything in their yards or parks nearby-- from plants to birds to insects and animals. They should be taught to worship their Creator who made such a wonderous world for them to enjoy.

Foreign language and Latin/Greek would be taught in a small amount (a few words at a time) and first by listening and speaking (to a native speaker) before they read and write. Latin and Greek are to promote vocabulary in all languages with those roots.

Art and music appreciation was to be employed as follows. Choose one artist and one composer about every 6 weeks. For art, show the children a print by the artist. Let them study it hard and get it all in their mind's eye. (Always focus on attention and remembering--huge life skills.) Then shut the book and have the children narrate what they saw. Open it and have them check. Then if they are able, have them draw the "chief lines" of the work on paper from memory. Also, have a narrative biography available to read a little here and there so they get an idea about the history of the person's life (add to book of centuries). Do one print study each week and at the end the child will know the artists' style and something about him/her. The same thing goes for the composer...but listening to a work of his/hers throughout the week instead.

The thing I love most about Charlotte Mason---though all the aforementioned ideas and methods are wonderful--is her understanding that children need to be taught good habits, intentionally and consistently. If they don't have habits such as paying attention, obeying immediately, listening respectfully, persevering/fortitude, and 60 more lovely characteristics (simplycharlottemason.com), it doesn't matter how wonderful an education they are exposed to...they will not be "all God has created them to be". Habits are little roads in their minds that make it easy to do the right thing in hard situations because they have been practiced in not-so- hard situations. For a Christian child (or mother) these habits turn to areas of discipleship such as Bible reading and study, memorizing and meditating on Scripture, praying, serving, etc. These are the disciplines that, if trained in childhood..."when he is old, he will not depart from it." This is what I pray for my children...that they will come to faith and then grow to be more like Jesus every day. More than anything I want myself and my children to show his glory to others in what we say and do and be willing to give our lives, no matter what the cost, for the sake of Him who has saved us and given us eternal life.

A Charlotte Mason education...I want that for my kids. I want that for myself.

A Day in the Life...

2009-06-17T18:50:00.001-07:00

Today was what I would term a near perfect day. We got up, but didn't have to be out until 9:30 so we could get breakfast, have our devotions and get our morning chores done without looking at the clock much. Gabe and Elly finished early and were playing nicely in the front room, some combination of trucks/tractors and little animals. Isaiah took a little longer but had time to head outside to check on his bugs and feed his spider.

We headed off to swim lessons. Got there early enough to chat with Joya for a few minutes. Isaiah decided to read Gabe his books for the library summer reading club (Go Isaiah!) and Elly was only too happy to play with Baby Braelyn. Then the two older kids headed off to their classes where they 'did their best' and 'paid focused attention' (my admonition each day). Gabe and I reread his books and then played little tractors, The Itsy, Bitsy Spider and chatted.

We headed home where again, we could really just not have to deal with the clock. Elly and Gabe played playdough (making pies with duplo blocks) while Isaiah tried out a new website recommended by Aunt Sam (questforcompassion.org) with four countries to fly to and learn about through a "mission"...all this connected to their real missions that provide kids with basic needs (including Jesus, which Isaiah says is the fourth and most important basic need).

We had a little lunch somewhere in that. I got some phone calling and emailing done. The kids all headed up for a little quiet time and I read them enough books to "get their library prizes tomorrow". Then the friends popped over for a movie and a romp in the baby pool and sprinkler. I spent some time outside watching and some time inside working at the kitchen table so I could watch. And then a delightful thing happened....Gabe fell asleep 2 minutes in Bob the Builder. Isaiah asked to play with a buddy (but stay on the street) and Elly and Katie headed down to the basement to set up camp. I was a free bird for a little while and in the middle of the day too. That gave me time to contemplate the $950 AC repair Kev said the mechanic thought we needed on the truck. We very quickly and in total agreement decided that we would try a sealant and 3 cans of coolant for $24 instead. And God knows whether that will work or not and I can say, I'm not stressing about it. What will be, will be another day. This one is good and I'm not borrowing any trouble. It also helped that I had that to think about while I was cleaning bathrooms and folding laundry...it goes by fast that way.

Kevin came home to our dinner of beans and ham, cornbread and applesauce. (Yes they at the main dish but the other two dishes were the incentive.) Everyone ate without too much commotion, took turns talking and cleaned up without much reminding. We headed out to the tramp for a little game of "Mummy, Mummy Come Alive" and I puttered in the garden and flower beds while the kids finished playing.

We came in and did the quick bed routine since the stories and baths (via sprinkler) had been taken and they all opted for 1 room for the night with a few books to attend to before they sleep. Here I am typing this blog and I'm headed up to start another great Lamplighter book for myself.

No the day was not perfect. I read that Mr. Obama has decided he can just grant federal employees' same sex partners benefits which makes me wonder how the man figures he can just get around DOMA. But hey, I'm praying and letting it go...and writing him tomorrow. And Kev isn't here tonight, but he's at Bible Study and I'm glad he has that men's group so I can be happy to have an evening to putter.

That's it, my near perfect day. Thanks, Lord for it. I know not to expect a lot of these, but I'll treasure this one...and remember it everytime I read my blog. Thanks for that too. It gives little glimpses of life.

Elly's Prayers

2009-06-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ellyanna has been given an gift for interceding for others. If she hears in church or I tell her about a prayer request that's come on the etree, she's always quick to remember those people and "check in" on them. What has been a big blessing is that many of those she's prayed for have seen God's work in their lives--though she and I are learning that it's not always in the time frame we have in mind. I hope she learns this early and can have absolute faith that God hears and answers later on.

She prays for our special friends in Ukraine who are orphans--specifically Kristina and Pasha. And she prays for our Compassion kid, Jesus. She loves to pray for a man who has terminal cancer from church. And he is off treatment and getting better! She also prays for his wife and little boy, even making him cards and having me send them for her. She also prays for anyone she knows is sick--from having lice, or a cold, to an aunt with cancer. Recently she prayed for her aunt and uncle who's mother passed away suddenly. She regularly prays for her family...even that "Isaiah would be nicer to me."

Isaiah's Latest Musings

2009-06-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

I was sitting here thinking of all the funny things recently around here. It's never too long between laughs. I thought of three different great "processing" moments for Isaiah. They are a comfort and a blessing--to see the conviction of the Holy Spirit alive and well.

So, probably a month ago, Isaiah had invited one of the new neighbor girls to play in our backyard. This was unusual since he's usually so focused on boys. What was even more unusual for Isaiah, and I believe evidence of the Holy Spirit at work, was the fact that he noticed that she was sad and asked her about it. She told him that she was sad because "her Grandpa was in a box". After a little more discussion, Isaiah figured out that her Grandpa had passed away and was cremated and in a "box". So he was trying to comfort her and said, "Did he believe in Jesus?" "Yes," she said. "Well, he's in heaven, not in that box!" he told her. She still looked sad. "Are you a Christian?" he asked. "Yes, well, no, I'm nothing, "was her reply. This was VERY disturbing to him.

I found Isaiah outside with his buddy Connor planning and plotting and spying on this little girl later. I asked them what they were doing and got the story above. And Isaiah says, "We are waiting for her to come out of her yard and we're going to take her my Bible and show her how to be a Christian." (That AWANA training is coming in handy.) We did have a little discussion about being friends with her first and then being ready to give an answer if she asked about it rather than hit her over the head with the Bible. :) I think I would call that "zealous".

Second scenario was a week or so ago at the park. Isaiah came up and ate an ant right in front of me and some friends. I was so proud that I didn't freak out--hoping that less attention would make this new bug eating thing a non-repeat event. Later, I asked him why he thought he would like to eat bugs. "Well," he said, "I want to be a missionary in Africa someday and I want to help with the animals there too. I know they have to eat bugs over there so I figured I better try them out. They aren't so bad." I decided not to tell him about the chocolate covered insects over in the Orient!

And last came an "ah ha" moment in the car the other day. We have been studying Greeks and with that, we've read some tamed down Greek myths which Isaiah found interesting. But he wasn't saying much about them. That day we were listening to KLOVE in the car and the song "God of This City" started. The part of the song Isaiah was singing was "There is none like our God. There is none like You, Lord." And he pipes up, "There IS no God like our God! Those Greeks had so many gods, but they weren't like Ours. They were more like people. Our God was never created, but if He wanted to, he could create other gods...but He won't, because He's the only One." I just about bawled right then and there, so thankful that this belief is rock solid for him. I told him, "You are very wise, Isaiah. Many people don't understand that idea at all and they waste their lives looking to all those other gods who will never save them."

I've typed these up, because I'm sure there will be many hard days when it will seem like our parenting and discipleship is not getting through. But God does amazing things in His time, not in mine.

Pasto' Micah

2009-06-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Gabe and I were folding washcloths upstairs last night. He was jabbering away a mile a minute so happy to have Mommy's undivided attention. Unfortunately, Mommy's "Gabe-ese" was failing so he was having to repeat himself two and three times for me to get it all deciphered.

He started talking about "Micah with blue eyes not like my brown ones." (He's big into eye color these days and would really like blue eyes if he had a choice.) I'm thinking, 'He doesn't have a friend names Micah with blue eyes...who is he talking about?'. So I questioned him trying to get him to say the name more clearly or get more info to figure out who he was talking about. Finally (three repeats later) I heard "Pasto' Micah". Ah ha, light bulb! "Gabe are you talking about Pastor Mike?" I asked. "Yeah, I want hair like his!" he replied with a big grin. "I want my hair shorter." We'd buzzed his hair that morning to 1/4 inch. You don't go much shorter--unless you want hair like Pastor Mike, who is...you guessed it...bald on top.

Oh the things we wish for...I didn't give into the Mommy tape number 321 about being thankful for how God made each of us, but I did giggle for awhile.

Musings About a Two-Year-Old

2008-10-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Gabriel Lucas has reached the ripe age of 2 1/2 this fall...a fun age, a hard age. Lately he's either very happy or very--not happy. Kind of like the little rhyme about the girl with the curl in the middle of her forehead..."When she was good, she was very, very good but when she was bad, she was horrid." I think I've quoted that little rhyme between 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 often with all the kids.

First we have the "NO" saga. Nearly everything out of his mouth is "no". Most of the time with an attitude. And when he lowers his brow and glares at me, I just pick him up and plop him in the nearest time out area until he can "be sweet". I think whoever thinks that little children are innocent needs to come and visit our house for an hour! Then, as I sit there getting frustrated at the umpteenth time he's been on his "NO" bandwagon during the day, I have to see how often I say "NO" to the Lord. No, I don't want to be patient. No, I don't want to control my tongue. No, I don't want to do my work. No, I don't want to obey. No, no, no. I guess I need some time sitting in my "time out" spot letting the Lord work on my attitude too.

Next we have the tendency to not listen, not acknowledge, and ignore any adult giving instructions. He's quick to obey if it's "come and get a snack" or "let's go for a ride in the truck" but suddenly, the child is deaf when it's "put your cup on the counter" or "pick up your shoes". The result is a mama or daddy that goes over to Gabe and takes his hand walks him over to do what was asked...kicking and screaming if needed. Sometimes it takes a time out if the resistance is prolonged and it takes 10 times as long to get the simple task done. And then I realize...yep, sure enough, that's exactly what I do to God. If He says, "Go to church and worship with your friends" or "Sing a praise song with the radio"...no problem. When he says, "Go talk to someone you don't know well" or "Go apologize and ask forgiveness of your husband"...well that's a good time to turn a deaf ear. And then what does the Holy Spirit do? He nags...keeps dragging me over sometimes kicking and screaming inside with a bad attitude.

Finally we have the "nobody but Mama" issues. Gabe has always been the easy one for going with people. He's the one that liked the nursery much better than the others. He's the one who LOVED his daddy to distraction and would run to meet him whenever he saw him. He's the one who would take his brother or sister's hand and go off on an adventure without a look back. Not so much right now. Now if Mama thinks she will leave his sight during naptime or heaven forbid, leave the house for a meeting...it's major meltdown with cries of "Mama, Com'ere!" I thought we were supposed to be moving toward independence! But after much reflection...I think I can learn much about insisting on Jesus' presence alone instead of all the others who can't satisfy from Gabe. Not that I can take the place of the Lord for him, but at this juncture, I am the security, the most familiar, the one who is there though bad and good, the one to run to for help for Gabe. And shouldn't the Lord be that for me?

All in all, 2 1/2 is a steep climb nearly every day. There are surely times when he uses a big word or does something new and his face lights up that we laugh and clap along. (You wouldn't believe the party we have when he goes poop in the toilet!) But some days when he's finally down for a nap I have to sigh in relief for a little respite. Most days by the time he's down for the night I have to collapse into my bed too with no energy or thinking power to spare. But it gets me in good communication with God even if it's frequently..."Lord, I need some HELP!". It's good to see that God sees me in a lot of ways the way I see Gabe...but he's never out of energy or patience. Thank you, Lord, for that!

Reid Family Lessons in Camping (With Small Children)

2008-08-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend (the first weekend of August) found our family of 5 camping at Branched Oak Lake near Lincoln with 4 other families from church. It was a first for Elly and Gabe and Mom but a second for Kevin and Isaiah, who did an overnight this spring.

Friday am found us packing up the tent, bikes, coolers, swimming stuff and way too much clothing and sleeping gear in the truck. Yes, it took us all morning and half the afternoon. But we did make it to the campground by check in time at 4. We were the first ones by a long shot. Could have not stressed about the time...lesson #1, camping is not a scheduled activity time.

We got our tent up--something that should have taken 10-15 minutes but took 3 times that long since Gabe was wandering off and Isaiah and Elly were too distracted by bugs and flower picking to help much with set up or Gabe watching. Lesson #2...take a leash for your 2 year old when camping.

Our first night's meal was simple...I had made the sloppy joes ahead so they only needed heating on the camp stove. I let Kev do the "cooking" or burning whichever the case may be. I realized I'd forgotten most of our fruit/veggies in the fridge at home but it was hot and we weren't too hungry anyway. Lesson #3, even with a list, you still will forget things. Do without or mooch.

Sleeping went OK the first night after we'd gathered for the traditional s'mores. Lesson #4--Always pack glow sticks.I had some glowsticks from Target that saved us as far as keeping track of kids. We could tell where everyone was because they glowed neon! And, bonus feature, they work as nightlights (which are something my kids can't live without)!

The next day was a SCORCHER...we were at the beach all morning and most of the afternoon. Good for keeping cool, bad for sun exposure. Lesson #5--Spray on sunscreen is for the birds. Everyone who used it burned. (Thankfully, we didn't learn this one the hard way because we had "tea tree sunblock lotion". I highly recommend it.)All the kids got on the tube with Daddy. And Mommy and Gabe and El got a really "bumpy and fast" ride back to the dock with lots of "bubbles" (water spray). Gabe was thrilled to have a "boat ride"--words that I heard from morning to night while we were there. In fact, he woke the whole tent with those very words--at 6:30 am.

The evening was hot but we kept our spray bottles handy and made frequent trips to the shower and water spigot to soak ourselves. Finally, when we collectively could take it no longer, we wimped out and drove to the nearby town for ice cream in a semi-air conditioned parlor. (Then our family took a trip through the small town on Malcolm and all the way around the lake in an effort to get cooled off and keep the kids busy till bedtime without being soaked.) The kids were beat so they went down OK but it was SO HOT in the tent that I put them all crosswise on the air mattress with me in the middle and sprayed water mist into the air every 2 minutes or so until they were sleeping and then some. It's a testimony to their exhaustion that they didn't even peep when I sprayed them, even in the middle of the night. Lesson #6...If you have an electical outlet at your campsite (we did) bring an electical FAN!!

Sunday was basically everyone up early to pack up and a unanimous vote to move the family camping weekend to (Lesson #7) early JUNE next year. We loved camping...we're just wimps about hot weather. We're thankful for safety and lots of fun and give the Lord the credit for it.

Mommy Guilt, Casts and Crutches

2008-08-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

Our adventure this week starts on Wednesday night after supper. Kev and I sent the kids to the trampoline to play after supper was cleaned up so we could chat a moment. We were watching, really we were! Isaiah comes to the door distressed that Elly had hurt her knee and sure enough she was crying and holding it. We got her off and put ice one it. Couldn't see anything wrong...but she was pointing to her leg right below her knee. So began the 'Mommy Weight Lifting Regiment' as she couldn't/wouldn't put any weight on it. She slept the night with some Motrin and ice.

The next am we debated, kept ice on it to make her feel better and decided that if it was a twist of some sort, working it was best...so we went to the pool where she cried and whined the whole time even though she was floating. I was exasperated with her for not trying to work it since she didn't say it was hurting, only that she was afraid it would hurt to put it down.

The next am--still more crying and a little bruising showing up so I had her crawl around. She desperately wanted to go to Grandma's with her brother's for the weekend but Gram has a bad leg herself and can't lift her and Grandpa had wrist surgery recently so no help there either. I was sure when we dropped the boys off her desire to see the puppies would give her enough umph to walk...but alas more crying and no walking.

So, we went to the doctor. He pulled, twisted it...she didn't peep. (She was a bit scared of him since he wasn't our regular lady doctor.) He said any swelling was bad for a bone and ordered three X-Rays. We were back in the exam room when he came in to say, "You have to see this!". I was worried we were really in trouble...never having really considered a broken bone. But alas, she has a buckle fracture near the top of her tibia on her right leg. Could see it plain as day (once the doctor explained it). So we got a bright white cast and went to the drug store/med. supply for kid sized crutches...

So far the crutches are a no go but the stroller is good. We had a neighborhood picnic last night so the white cast now is rainbow colored with names and pictures. She's been playing a lot of pet shops on the porch with whoever is feeling sorry enough for her to come and play.

So we have three weeks in a cast and then a promise that it should be healed "beautifully". We'll pray to that end. And pray that lessons in character traits such as perseverance and patience that will be coming for both Elly and Mama won't be too taxing.

Family Moments

2008-07-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Today, my first blog....something I've been noodling around in my head for awhile. At least this might be an online scrapbook of sorts.

A SNAPSHOT OF TODAY: 7/25/08
We had some family fun today. Our new (to us) trampoline is up and has been for several days. Thank the Lord for it! My kids are moving and shaking and if they ever appear to not know what to do...now they know. As long as they are careful and noone gets hurt. Does it seem that it takes a fraction of a second for them to get comfortable with something and then they go right on to mastering something extreme (in this case flips)?

We also spent the late afternoon and early evening swimming at Mona's pool. What fun that finally is now that Gabe has learned to swim with waterwings and isn't grabbing me (and my suit) at all times. Isaiah and Elly who were not too excited about even getting their faces wet in June are now doing cannonballs and flips off the deep end (with some floaties) just to make me feel better. I could use octopus arms but at least today Kev and Mo were there so it was 1:1 correspondence :).

I found a great book in the stash from Swenson's today...on dinosaurs from a Christian perspective. Isaiah is thrilled with it and I'm sure I'll have it memorized by the time I'm done. We learned that what have been drawn for dinos are not necessarily what they looked like. That dinos may have been around as recently as the 1500's and may exist in remote jungles today. That the Great Flood would have made the perfect conditions for making large numbers of fossils...that occurring about 5000 years ago. And we're not through yet...

I also read from the Brrm Brrm book...a book I made for Isaiah when he was into tractors which was a copy of one my mom made my brother, Luke, when he was a baby and called all large movers Brrm Brrm's. I suppose I'll have to come up with a better format than construction paper, magazine pictures and contact paper for Gabe's next one. I need a new one; I'm tired of the old one but at least I can read it with eyes closed :).

Thank you, Jesus, for these little ones and their laughter today. For Kev's chance to come out a play for awhile...for a new blog to record my thanksgiving.