2014. 2014. Wow, 2014 brings many emotions with it. I've been out of high school for 20 years this year. My oldest child turns 10. This is going to be our second full year w/ T1D. 2014 brings with it many possibilities, new hobbies, new habits, new people.
This year is the year I have decided that I start over. Not from scratch mind you. I love my husband, my family and our life together. I am starting over on me. Starting over on my outlook on life. Starting over on how I treat myself and those around me.
This year I am starting a new lifestyle. A keto-adapted lifestyle. I spent the majority of 2013 researching this new way of thinking and I fully support it. Granted I researched it and dabbled in it but never really went for it. I want to be healthy for a long time so I can watch my now 10 year grow into a godly young man and watch my daughter become the graceful dancer she longs to become. To watch my middle son develop a sense of confidence and become a great leader. To watch my youngest as he grows in his leadership skills and takes on the world. I want to be able to play with grandchildren if God blesses me with them. All of these dreams, I will need to take action today if I want to see them through not wait till it happens then wish I had been more diligent w/ what God gave me.
This year I want to fine tune our homeschool. I want to be more organized, meaning being able to find that book I know I bought two years ago for just this very lesson. I am not an organizer by nature. I like organization and I like organizing other people's stuff, just not my own. So this new year I am going to put effort into organization. Clearing out the clutter and putting everything in its place. Making our homeschool one of joy not frustration and dread. Having a place the kids can sit and concentrate not having to move around toys to find a place to study but to have a set place to do so in a conducive environment.
This year I want to grow the relationships I have and create new ones. I want to start a Bible Study for homeschool moms. I have tons of ideas in my head and the desire to do it, I just need to stop making excuses of time and a clean house and just do it. I want to work on my hospitality skills. They exist but never get used because I always have an excuse. The built in mess of a homeschool mom. Not this year, we are going to have people over, mess or not. We are going to show God's love even when I don't feel like it.
2014 has so much potential, I can't wait to see where God takes us. Stay tuned for an action packed adventure in our Fresh Start.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Monday, October 22, 2012
God's Challenge to Me....
So the last few weeks have been very lets say exciting. We have had several fieldtrips, a out of town funeral and a week in the hospital.
God has a way of getting our attention. I am ever so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be so in tune with my children so that when our latest challenge appeared I was able to act on it immediately.
My daughter started becoming really thirsty last Thursday on our trip to St. Louis for my husband's grandfather's funeral. At first I thought maybe she was just bored and that was something she could do but when she started becoming emotional when we could not give her water right away I knew it was more serious. Throughout the weekend we kept close tabs on her and got her immediately into the pediatrician upon returning home.
The pediatrician gave us a clean bill of health and was ready to send us home. I reminded her why we had come and she said she would test her blood sugar to ease my mind but said she didn't think there was anything to worry about....moments later she was standing in the doorway ashen and asking to see me in the hall.
That began my journey to God's Challenge for me. I by nature am not an organized person. In fact quite the opposite. My mom and aunts used to tease me about being disorderly. This new challenge in our life of type 1 diabetes puts this subject of disorganization right up front...
God has blessed me with my four children and a wonderful husband and a nice sized house and the option to stay home and home school my children. That all comes with a bit of organization that I have haphazardly put together... This new challenge has me scrambling to find structure and order in my day.
So for the near future my challenge should I choose to accept it is to get this wonderful life of mine organized. This challenge I accept. Look forward to posts on how I plan to tackle this soon.
God has a way of getting our attention. I am ever so thankful that the Lord has allowed me to be so in tune with my children so that when our latest challenge appeared I was able to act on it immediately.
My daughter started becoming really thirsty last Thursday on our trip to St. Louis for my husband's grandfather's funeral. At first I thought maybe she was just bored and that was something she could do but when she started becoming emotional when we could not give her water right away I knew it was more serious. Throughout the weekend we kept close tabs on her and got her immediately into the pediatrician upon returning home.
The pediatrician gave us a clean bill of health and was ready to send us home. I reminded her why we had come and she said she would test her blood sugar to ease my mind but said she didn't think there was anything to worry about....moments later she was standing in the doorway ashen and asking to see me in the hall.
That began my journey to God's Challenge for me. I by nature am not an organized person. In fact quite the opposite. My mom and aunts used to tease me about being disorderly. This new challenge in our life of type 1 diabetes puts this subject of disorganization right up front...
God has blessed me with my four children and a wonderful husband and a nice sized house and the option to stay home and home school my children. That all comes with a bit of organization that I have haphazardly put together... This new challenge has me scrambling to find structure and order in my day.
So for the near future my challenge should I choose to accept it is to get this wonderful life of mine organized. This challenge I accept. Look forward to posts on how I plan to tackle this soon.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Ouch!!!
So I have been trying to workout more diligently and watch what I am eating for a month now. And let me tell you, I am kicking my bum.
A couple of friends have started walking with me various days of the week. (one will come three days and the other comes one or two of the other days, so I'm walking almost every day) My wonderful hubby has been working out with me at night. We had been using an old VHS tape I had from when I was in high school. We did Tony Little Fat Free Upper Body and Tony Little Fat Free Lower Body alternating days. We were enjoying the early 90's attire and hair styles, reminiscing of when we sported such things (including the fitter body) I was having great results but my hubby was wanting more.
So today while I was out looking at what fall decorations I could find, I came across The Biggest Loser Last Chance Workout. I thought what the hey, it works for the people on t.v. right?! So I picked it up and when I got home my dear hubby said lets try it out. I've never seen him so excited to exercise. So we sent the kiddos down to the Lego room to build a magnificent building together. (I'll try to take a few pictures for another post) And we started working. Oh my goodness. Let me just say that it ended in one of us loosing our cookies. We are going to keep going with this and see what result we find. It would be great if I lost what the people on the show loose but I won't hold my breath.
To give you an update from last month. I have lost 5 pounds, and my inches continue to go down.
Start: After 1 Month:
Waist: 46 in 41 in
Thigh: 32 in 29 in
Hips: 52 in 48 in
Arms: 16.5 in 16 in
I am pretty happy with how far I have come. My endurance is up and I have more energy to be with my kids every day!
I'll let you know in a month how I am doing with the change in workouts. :)
A couple of friends have started walking with me various days of the week. (one will come three days and the other comes one or two of the other days, so I'm walking almost every day) My wonderful hubby has been working out with me at night. We had been using an old VHS tape I had from when I was in high school. We did Tony Little Fat Free Upper Body and Tony Little Fat Free Lower Body alternating days. We were enjoying the early 90's attire and hair styles, reminiscing of when we sported such things (including the fitter body) I was having great results but my hubby was wanting more.
So today while I was out looking at what fall decorations I could find, I came across The Biggest Loser Last Chance Workout. I thought what the hey, it works for the people on t.v. right?! So I picked it up and when I got home my dear hubby said lets try it out. I've never seen him so excited to exercise. So we sent the kiddos down to the Lego room to build a magnificent building together. (I'll try to take a few pictures for another post) And we started working. Oh my goodness. Let me just say that it ended in one of us loosing our cookies. We are going to keep going with this and see what result we find. It would be great if I lost what the people on the show loose but I won't hold my breath.
To give you an update from last month. I have lost 5 pounds, and my inches continue to go down.
Start: After 1 Month:
Waist: 46 in 41 in
Thigh: 32 in 29 in
Hips: 52 in 48 in
Arms: 16.5 in 16 in
I am pretty happy with how far I have come. My endurance is up and I have more energy to be with my kids every day!
I'll let you know in a month how I am doing with the change in workouts. :)
Sunday, August 19, 2012
New Day!
So the last few days, months I dare say even years, the Lord has really been impressing on my heart to loose this weight. I have a million excuses as to why I'm this way.
As a child I was told I was chunky. Looking back at those photos... not so much. I was a tall girl. Two years younger than those in my class and I was still measuring in the middle of the group, some years I was toward the top. At 18 I was 5 ft. 9 1/2 in. and weighed in at 156 pounds. That is actually what I'm supposed to weigh.
I went off to college and gained the college 15. Then after a year of not so good choices found myself relying more on food for comfort. A few years later and after getting married I gained another 10, then six months later became prego with baby #1. I gained 30 pounds. Nine months after he was born prego again with #2. Gained a few more. Less than a year later I was prego again with #3 and a year and a half later prego with #4. Needless to say I've gained a few pounds and have not lost much. Nursing was supposed to be my quick fix... Not so much. I actually gained most of my weight while nursing. I took those added 500 calories to heart I guess.
The last year has been really rough on my body as I've had 3 miscarriages since December of 2011. (as of writing this it is Aug 2012) One was a mid term miscarriage that took its toll on my hormones and body after loosing twin a only two months prior.
After 3 months of working to stabilize my hormones, God has impressed on me it is time to work on the weight. This is a very daunting thing for me. I don't want to be fat. But I'm lazy by nature. So after trying to ignore, push back and even reason with God...its time. I want to be healthy for my kids, be a good example and honestly I'm tired of not being able to play with them.
So once a month I am going to give a Mommy Weigh Down up-date. I will be trying to eat healthy. Which means more raw foods. I plan not to eat out more than once or twice a month. I have off and on over the last couple of years used myfitnesspal.com to count my calories and exercise. So I will again use this to keep track. I will be walking/running in the mornings and doing a workout dvd with my hubby in the evenings.
I'm giving this all to the Lord as He knows I do not have the strength in myself to do this. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Phil 4:13.
I hope to update you next month with happy results.
Here are the beginning stats:
*UPDATE after one week*
Weight: 255 lbs. Weight: 252
Waist: 46 inches Waist: 43
Thigh: 32 inches Thigh: 31
Hips: 52 inches Hips: 51 1/2
Arm: 17 inches Arm: 16 1/2
As a child I was told I was chunky. Looking back at those photos... not so much. I was a tall girl. Two years younger than those in my class and I was still measuring in the middle of the group, some years I was toward the top. At 18 I was 5 ft. 9 1/2 in. and weighed in at 156 pounds. That is actually what I'm supposed to weigh.
I went off to college and gained the college 15. Then after a year of not so good choices found myself relying more on food for comfort. A few years later and after getting married I gained another 10, then six months later became prego with baby #1. I gained 30 pounds. Nine months after he was born prego again with #2. Gained a few more. Less than a year later I was prego again with #3 and a year and a half later prego with #4. Needless to say I've gained a few pounds and have not lost much. Nursing was supposed to be my quick fix... Not so much. I actually gained most of my weight while nursing. I took those added 500 calories to heart I guess.
The last year has been really rough on my body as I've had 3 miscarriages since December of 2011. (as of writing this it is Aug 2012) One was a mid term miscarriage that took its toll on my hormones and body after loosing twin a only two months prior.
After 3 months of working to stabilize my hormones, God has impressed on me it is time to work on the weight. This is a very daunting thing for me. I don't want to be fat. But I'm lazy by nature. So after trying to ignore, push back and even reason with God...its time. I want to be healthy for my kids, be a good example and honestly I'm tired of not being able to play with them.
So once a month I am going to give a Mommy Weigh Down up-date. I will be trying to eat healthy. Which means more raw foods. I plan not to eat out more than once or twice a month. I have off and on over the last couple of years used myfitnesspal.com to count my calories and exercise. So I will again use this to keep track. I will be walking/running in the mornings and doing a workout dvd with my hubby in the evenings.
I'm giving this all to the Lord as He knows I do not have the strength in myself to do this. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Phil 4:13.
I hope to update you next month with happy results.
Here are the beginning stats:
*UPDATE after one week*
Weight: 255 lbs. Weight: 252
Waist: 46 inches Waist: 43
Thigh: 32 inches Thigh: 31
Hips: 52 inches Hips: 51 1/2
Arm: 17 inches Arm: 16 1/2
Thursday, August 16, 2012
My Love Language
I have know for years that my love language is "Gifts". I love to shop for, make and think about how I'm going to give the next gift. It may be something huge for a wedding or a birthday or little like an eraser after a huge mistake. I'm constantly thinking about what gift I could give someone when I'm talking to them. Yes, its weird but that is how I roll.
We are attending CC orientation today and I've been working all summer gathering as much information on my kids' teachers and our CC director so I could come up with a cost effective beginning of the year gift for them. After much thought and perusing of Pinterest, I have come up with these.
The pencil set is a set of three pencils, a pencil sharpener and a note saying you're so sharp. These I'm going to give to each of the students in my class. The can of M & M's is for my older two children's tutor. She loves chocolate and she her language is "Words of Encouragement". This gift fits both bills.
I also made a school tree. This tree has the fingerprint of all the students and moms for our CC community this year. This gift is for our director. It is her first year as a director and I just wanted to give her something to remember the year by.
Can't wait to share the love!
We are attending CC orientation today and I've been working all summer gathering as much information on my kids' teachers and our CC director so I could come up with a cost effective beginning of the year gift for them. After much thought and perusing of Pinterest, I have come up with these.
The pencil set is a set of three pencils, a pencil sharpener and a note saying you're so sharp. These I'm going to give to each of the students in my class. The can of M & M's is for my older two children's tutor. She loves chocolate and she her language is "Words of Encouragement". This gift fits both bills.
I also made a school tree. This tree has the fingerprint of all the students and moms for our CC community this year. This gift is for our director. It is her first year as a director and I just wanted to give her something to remember the year by.
Can't wait to share the love!
Monday, August 6, 2012
First Day of School
Today we started school. We were all so very excited to begin. The boredom of Summer had set in and we were missing the structure that school provides. I have spent the last several weeks pouring over curriculum, blogs, and pinterest to gather all the information that would be useful for this years goals.
Last night we all went to bed with smiles on our faces in anticipation for the very first day of school. For two of the kids it was old hat, gonna just start another year but they were excited to use their new supplies that had been set aside just for today. One started Kindergarten today and his excitement was overflowing. He told everyone for the past week that he saw that he was starting Kindergarten. The youngest was just excited as everyone else was excited so something cool must be going on right?!?
With all this anticipation there was bound to be a mishap somewhere. We all slept in!!!! That's right, every single one of us (including the hubby who needed to be at work) slept in. My daughter who is our late sleeper woke to a quiet house and began to freak out. She ran from room to room waking everyone to make sure they were all okay. Once everyone was awake, we began to flutter around so that we could begin a day that really should have started two hours earlier.
Once school began we flowed from one subject to another with ease and everyone had a great day. We stayed on schedule (well, the altered schedule) and finished by nap time.
I was so blessed when my husband asked the kids what they learned that they reiterated almost every point we had studied today. I accomplished my goal today. YEAH!!!! Now if the rest of the year will go this well we will have a marvelous year!
Last night we all went to bed with smiles on our faces in anticipation for the very first day of school. For two of the kids it was old hat, gonna just start another year but they were excited to use their new supplies that had been set aside just for today. One started Kindergarten today and his excitement was overflowing. He told everyone for the past week that he saw that he was starting Kindergarten. The youngest was just excited as everyone else was excited so something cool must be going on right?!?
Once school began we flowed from one subject to another with ease and everyone had a great day. We stayed on schedule (well, the altered schedule) and finished by nap time.
I was so blessed when my husband asked the kids what they learned that they reiterated almost every point we had studied today. I accomplished my goal today. YEAH!!!! Now if the rest of the year will go this well we will have a marvelous year!
Friday, August 3, 2012
Seven
Rach loves butterflies so when we saw the chocolate butterflies in one of our idea books we knew that was the cake we had to make. Her and I got all the supplies and made tons of chocolate butterflies.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
First CC Meet n Greet
Today was very exciting. It started with news that I am an aunt again. YEAH!! Asher Jacob was born at 1:03 a.m. weighing in at 8lbs 2 oz. Mommy and baby are doing well. Daddy sounded a bit tired when I talked to him this afternoon though. I was hoping to have a picture to share but unfortunately living so far away I don't have any yet.
After a long day at Six Flags Over Georgia yesterday with my family we slept in this morning. Which wouldn't normally be a bad thing. In fact I would embrace it wholeheartedly. But, today would have it that we were to meet our new friends in our new community of Classical Conversations. So as any "good" mommy would I sat the kids down in front of the television for a 20 minute show while I shower and then we all jump in the van and hit drive through on our way to the meet n greet. Gosh, I wish I were more organized so that I could have had a healthy breakfast ready to serve the kids this morning instead of the deep fried, grease dripping, calorie laden breakfast sandwich they received from a certain fast food place. Oh, well, I rest in the knowledge that my kids eat healthy most days and I have grace for the days they don't.
At 10 o'clock this morning we arrived at a church that had a nice playground in the back. My kids were so excited to see this playground. Our last community met at a church that had a very small young child play area. When we jumped out of the van my kids were off to see old friends and make new ones. This just assured me that our decision to move communities was the right one.
Our new director Shannon gave us a lovely tour of the church which has all the facilities we could ask for.
My new room has many windows so I won't feel claustrophobic and it overlooks the gym. I think this will be a perfect room for the ABC class. My class is full a month before school starts which is really neat. I will have a couple of four year olds and a handful of Kindergarteners. An active bunch to say the least.
My older two are going to be in the same class this year. My Rach will be the only girl in her class but as the only girl here at home, I think she will do just fine. They will both have the same tutor James had last year which is really cool as James just adored her.
This year is going to be so much fun. I am excited for the possibilities that are in front of us.
Here is to a fabulous year!
After a long day at Six Flags Over Georgia yesterday with my family we slept in this morning. Which wouldn't normally be a bad thing. In fact I would embrace it wholeheartedly. But, today would have it that we were to meet our new friends in our new community of Classical Conversations. So as any "good" mommy would I sat the kids down in front of the television for a 20 minute show while I shower and then we all jump in the van and hit drive through on our way to the meet n greet. Gosh, I wish I were more organized so that I could have had a healthy breakfast ready to serve the kids this morning instead of the deep fried, grease dripping, calorie laden breakfast sandwich they received from a certain fast food place. Oh, well, I rest in the knowledge that my kids eat healthy most days and I have grace for the days they don't.
At 10 o'clock this morning we arrived at a church that had a nice playground in the back. My kids were so excited to see this playground. Our last community met at a church that had a very small young child play area. When we jumped out of the van my kids were off to see old friends and make new ones. This just assured me that our decision to move communities was the right one.
Our new director Shannon gave us a lovely tour of the church which has all the facilities we could ask for.
My new room has many windows so I won't feel claustrophobic and it overlooks the gym. I think this will be a perfect room for the ABC class. My class is full a month before school starts which is really neat. I will have a couple of four year olds and a handful of Kindergarteners. An active bunch to say the least.
My older two are going to be in the same class this year. My Rach will be the only girl in her class but as the only girl here at home, I think she will do just fine. They will both have the same tutor James had last year which is really cool as James just adored her.
This year is going to be so much fun. I am excited for the possibilities that are in front of us.
Here is to a fabulous year!
Monday, July 30, 2012
Getting Started. Again.....
Wow, has it really been a year since my last blog entry. Life has just plowed us over this year.
We are really excited about the upcoming school year. This will be our second time through CC cycle 1. Jordi was 2 last time we did cycle 1. This will be a true test of whether the kids retain the information. I have been planning for weeks and pouring over curriculum choices.
Our community was going to be just .5 mile from our home but due to some unforeseen issues we have joined our group with one 5 miles away and will be utilizing their facility. We are still excited about the new friends we will be making.
This year James will be in 3rd grade, Rachel in 2nd and Jordi will be joining the ranks of school by starting Kindergarten. Joshi will be doing Pre-K3 this year. We are going to continue using Saxon Math, and The Phonics Museum for everyone. New to the mix this year will be Primary Arts of Language or PAL for our Grammar studies. Our other program was great but PAL was made as a precursor to the IEW studies CC utilizes in 4th grade and above and I wanted to kids to be familiar with the terminology and flow of Essentials before they hit that intense study. We will be doing a overview of the Old Testament for our Bible studies this year and we will be studying science along side CC with supplements from the Magic School Bus and other books from the library. For history this year we will be changing to Story of the World. I can't wait to start all of these next week.
Joshi will have also have some structured play during our school time doing Playdough Counting mats, Pom-Pom mats, pattern blocks, counting bears and of coarse lots of reading. Hopefully this will keep his busy hands BUSY while everyone else is trying to focus.
I look forward to sharing our adventures with you this year.
We are really excited about the upcoming school year. This will be our second time through CC cycle 1. Jordi was 2 last time we did cycle 1. This will be a true test of whether the kids retain the information. I have been planning for weeks and pouring over curriculum choices.
Our community was going to be just .5 mile from our home but due to some unforeseen issues we have joined our group with one 5 miles away and will be utilizing their facility. We are still excited about the new friends we will be making.
This year James will be in 3rd grade, Rachel in 2nd and Jordi will be joining the ranks of school by starting Kindergarten. Joshi will be doing Pre-K3 this year. We are going to continue using Saxon Math, and The Phonics Museum for everyone. New to the mix this year will be Primary Arts of Language or PAL for our Grammar studies. Our other program was great but PAL was made as a precursor to the IEW studies CC utilizes in 4th grade and above and I wanted to kids to be familiar with the terminology and flow of Essentials before they hit that intense study. We will be doing a overview of the Old Testament for our Bible studies this year and we will be studying science along side CC with supplements from the Magic School Bus and other books from the library. For history this year we will be changing to Story of the World. I can't wait to start all of these next week.
Joshi will have also have some structured play during our school time doing Playdough Counting mats, Pom-Pom mats, pattern blocks, counting bears and of coarse lots of reading. Hopefully this will keep his busy hands BUSY while everyone else is trying to focus.
I look forward to sharing our adventures with you this year.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Whole Food
So I'm on a new journey to eat healthier and for my family to eat healthier as well. Along my journey I have run across a few blogs and websites that I am finding a ton of information on. Here are a couple. :)
<a href="http://wholefoodmommies.com/"><img src="http://www.wholefoodmommies.com/Content/Images/Ad_WFM.png"/></a>
http://myorganicglutenfreelife.blogspot.com/
I'm really looking forward to this journey I'm going on. So far it has been exciting and fun. Here is to many more years of exciting and fun. I'll periodically share about my journey and what new things I've found. :)
<a href="http://wholefoodmommies.com/"><img src="http://www.wholefoodmommies.com/Content/Images/Ad_WFM.png"/></a>
http://myorganicglutenfreelife.blogspot.com/
I'm really looking forward to this journey I'm going on. So far it has been exciting and fun. Here is to many more years of exciting and fun. I'll periodically share about my journey and what new things I've found. :)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Contentment and Joy
So this summer has been a whirl wind of change. We, only being in GA for 7 months, decided to buy a home and move yet again. This means: packing, packing and more packing to eventually unpack, unpack and more unpacking. Through all of this change we have seen many issues arise in our family.
These issues range from the small of too much stuff to the large of character issues. The two largest issues we have noticed is our lack of joy and lack of contentment. I say our because I noticed it in me first. We know this move was hard on everyone. Taking what was comfortable and easy to what is different and hard. From lots of friends and family to no friends or family. As an adult it is easy to see and say... "This is what God wants for us." But, we didn't even fathom the difficulty our children would have with the changes.
I still have no doubt in my mind that moving to GA and then moving to our new home were the best decisions and the ones God had in store for us. However, watching the pain, and heartache that my children are going through makes the sting all the more real. I myself am struggling day to day with the loss of close ties and to watch my children struggle with not seeing their friends and being lonely breaks my heart.
So we have tried to focus on finding joy and contentment in a world of chaos and sadness. Choosing joy vs depression, choosing contentment vs anger. These are hard things as an adult. Teaching them to a child is an uphill battle that I must conquer. We are studying Abraham, Joseph, Jonah and the many other people in history that either by choice or not left what was comfortable and familiar to follow God's will. Through that, seeing what blessing or lack of blessing they received, and we are finding that picking joy and contentment in the situation and following God's plan is always the best coarse of action in any circumstance.
These issues range from the small of too much stuff to the large of character issues. The two largest issues we have noticed is our lack of joy and lack of contentment. I say our because I noticed it in me first. We know this move was hard on everyone. Taking what was comfortable and easy to what is different and hard. From lots of friends and family to no friends or family. As an adult it is easy to see and say... "This is what God wants for us." But, we didn't even fathom the difficulty our children would have with the changes.
I still have no doubt in my mind that moving to GA and then moving to our new home were the best decisions and the ones God had in store for us. However, watching the pain, and heartache that my children are going through makes the sting all the more real. I myself am struggling day to day with the loss of close ties and to watch my children struggle with not seeing their friends and being lonely breaks my heart.
So we have tried to focus on finding joy and contentment in a world of chaos and sadness. Choosing joy vs depression, choosing contentment vs anger. These are hard things as an adult. Teaching them to a child is an uphill battle that I must conquer. We are studying Abraham, Joseph, Jonah and the many other people in history that either by choice or not left what was comfortable and familiar to follow God's will. Through that, seeing what blessing or lack of blessing they received, and we are finding that picking joy and contentment in the situation and following God's plan is always the best coarse of action in any circumstance.
Monday, June 27, 2011
No Change
I wish that since my last post things for me had changed. However, they haven't. I am still struggling with a depression I've never experienced. I feel like a failure in personal, spiritual and physical aspects of my being. I honestly feel like someone trapped in a bubble and I'm watching what is going on in my life screaming "Fix that stupid" and yet watching myself make the same mistakes over and over again. It is a horrible nightmare.
After a long chat with my husband today I believe that I have the accountability that I need through him now. We discussed my feelings, my actions and my doubts. He was truly an amazing man as he listened to all I had to say and with love he then gave me wisdom and encouragement. Both of which I needed desperately.
Since moving to Atlanta, I have watched myself slip into oblivion and thought I had no way out of the deep abyss I now find myself in. Knowing in my head that God will see me through and knowing in my head that there is light at the end of the tunnel but feeling in my heart heavy and trapped. What a frightful feeling. I know I am not out of the dark yet but I at least feel a hand holding mine in the dark. The Lord definitely sends us exactly what we need at the exact moment we need it.
After a long chat with my husband today I believe that I have the accountability that I need through him now. We discussed my feelings, my actions and my doubts. He was truly an amazing man as he listened to all I had to say and with love he then gave me wisdom and encouragement. Both of which I needed desperately.
Since moving to Atlanta, I have watched myself slip into oblivion and thought I had no way out of the deep abyss I now find myself in. Knowing in my head that God will see me through and knowing in my head that there is light at the end of the tunnel but feeling in my heart heavy and trapped. What a frightful feeling. I know I am not out of the dark yet but I at least feel a hand holding mine in the dark. The Lord definitely sends us exactly what we need at the exact moment we need it.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Struggling
The last few days for me have been an uphill battle. I have no idea why. I just know that every moment seems like a huge struggle. I don't want to get out of bed. I seem to only fight with my kids. I trudge through school. I procrastinate on dinner till I'm frustrated and just wanna scream.
I have found myself slipping into an oblivion and don't care that I am. Several verses keep popping into my head... "Look to the ant, you sluggard.", "Think on whatever is righteous, pure and true" and many others. I think my prayer to the Lord is all that is holding this shred of anything together. Somehow he is giving me the strength I have (ever so little it seems) to trudge through this dismal day.
My prayer is that each day I will hold on to a little more of His strength and a little less of the selfish me that has seemed to take over my whole being. I want to stand up tall and be a loving mom whom her kids will always be proud to say "That's my Mom". I want to be the wife that has the home ready for her husbands arrival. I want to be the teacher that makes learning fun. I am currently failing in all accounts but I know my Lord has better things for me, I just need to give up myself and see the wonderful life he has for me instead.
I have found myself slipping into an oblivion and don't care that I am. Several verses keep popping into my head... "Look to the ant, you sluggard.", "Think on whatever is righteous, pure and true" and many others. I think my prayer to the Lord is all that is holding this shred of anything together. Somehow he is giving me the strength I have (ever so little it seems) to trudge through this dismal day.
My prayer is that each day I will hold on to a little more of His strength and a little less of the selfish me that has seemed to take over my whole being. I want to stand up tall and be a loving mom whom her kids will always be proud to say "That's my Mom". I want to be the wife that has the home ready for her husbands arrival. I want to be the teacher that makes learning fun. I am currently failing in all accounts but I know my Lord has better things for me, I just need to give up myself and see the wonderful life he has for me instead.
Friday, May 6, 2011
5 mo and counting
This year has been a huge rollercoaster for my family. My husband was given a great opportunity with the company that the previous company so we made a drastic move to Atlanta, GA. A week after arriving my youngest turned one year old, and he started walking. We moved from a state that required no notice of homeschooling to a state that not only requires notice but also a monthly attendance record. We left behind our friends, our family and life as we know it.
Today, 5 months later we are looking to buy our first house here. We have joined a new church that is probably 50 times larger than the one we left behind. We are actively involved with AWANA, baseball, ballet and Playball. We have been more structured in our daily homeschool routine to fit the state requirements and we have also joined a homeschool group that does monthly field trips.
Life is chaotic and yet somehow perfect all at the same time.
We have found that our marriage is stronger, our family is tighter and our love for one another is fused. We have seen all of our weaknesses through this and have rejoiced in one another's strengths.
I would have to say that the one thing we are still missing in this picture are friends. We have met acquaintances but have not found those friends you can call on a whim and chat, or friends that you know you can count on in thick and thin. We have not found a person that just clicked.
We know God sent us here for a reason. We know and trust he has a plan for us. We are truly blessed by His Grace and overwhelmed by His Love. It is by His strength alone that we survived the first 5 months. :)
Today, 5 months later we are looking to buy our first house here. We have joined a new church that is probably 50 times larger than the one we left behind. We are actively involved with AWANA, baseball, ballet and Playball. We have been more structured in our daily homeschool routine to fit the state requirements and we have also joined a homeschool group that does monthly field trips.
Life is chaotic and yet somehow perfect all at the same time.
We have found that our marriage is stronger, our family is tighter and our love for one another is fused. We have seen all of our weaknesses through this and have rejoiced in one another's strengths.
I would have to say that the one thing we are still missing in this picture are friends. We have met acquaintances but have not found those friends you can call on a whim and chat, or friends that you know you can count on in thick and thin. We have not found a person that just clicked.
We know God sent us here for a reason. We know and trust he has a plan for us. We are truly blessed by His Grace and overwhelmed by His Love. It is by His strength alone that we survived the first 5 months. :)
Friday, April 22, 2011
Easter or Resurrection Day?
So the last few weeks everyone is gearing up for Easter or Resurrection Day. But what do you call it? I have been bombarded with emails, post cards, facebook posts and the like all of which giving their argument for one or the other. This makes me ponder if it really matter what I call it as I have four children that I am teaching daily the ways of the Lord. Am I doing them a dis-service by not labeling it correctly?
I have done the research and know where the origins of the "easter" celebration came from. I also know that the Christians used these pagan ritual days to mask their own church services so they could worship the Lord of Lords without persecution.
I see both sides of the coin and I see merit in both.
After discussing it with my husband we came to the conclusion that we are raising children to love the Lord our God with all their heart, soul and mind. We have seen fruit from our oldest two in their attempt to follow the Lord. We have also seen them face many persecutions from other children for making the right choice. As such we are going to focus on what Easter is all about for a Christian. We are not going to mince over words and rituals that would further the persecution. Thus setting them up to not be able to be the light to our neighborhood as they would be outcasts.
We do not believe in the Easter Bunny but we do hunt eggs and afterward we go through the Resurrection story finding the empty one last for the empty tomb. Our children will not feel they are missing "greener grasses" and long to not have that which they do not, we hope.
That being said, I pray that those who celebrate a traditional Easter or those who celebrate a Resurrection Day can see and appreciate one another. For as long as we are celebrating a Savior who died on the cross and rose again three days later we are celebrating the same thing. No matter how we choose to steep our traditions.
I have done the research and know where the origins of the "easter" celebration came from. I also know that the Christians used these pagan ritual days to mask their own church services so they could worship the Lord of Lords without persecution.
I see both sides of the coin and I see merit in both.
After discussing it with my husband we came to the conclusion that we are raising children to love the Lord our God with all their heart, soul and mind. We have seen fruit from our oldest two in their attempt to follow the Lord. We have also seen them face many persecutions from other children for making the right choice. As such we are going to focus on what Easter is all about for a Christian. We are not going to mince over words and rituals that would further the persecution. Thus setting them up to not be able to be the light to our neighborhood as they would be outcasts.
We do not believe in the Easter Bunny but we do hunt eggs and afterward we go through the Resurrection story finding the empty one last for the empty tomb. Our children will not feel they are missing "greener grasses" and long to not have that which they do not, we hope.
That being said, I pray that those who celebrate a traditional Easter or those who celebrate a Resurrection Day can see and appreciate one another. For as long as we are celebrating a Savior who died on the cross and rose again three days later we are celebrating the same thing. No matter how we choose to steep our traditions.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Ache
My heart is aching. I just read a discussion on facebook that a group of old friends were involved. I am shocked and amazed at how people who grew up being told the truth and profess it to be true can so vehemently oppose it now. I have been watching the last few months as a couple, man and wife, that I grew up with completely turn their backs on God and are now trying to bring others with them.
I have on the other hand watched as friends who were luke warm in their faith as teens flourish in their adulthood into servants of Christ. It is this that has brought these two worlds together and has made my heart ache today.
I saw a post by an old friend informing of a decision a well know cancer organization had made to support a well known abortion supporter I upon reading it was so proud of that friend for being bold enough to post it. Then I started reading the posts in reply to the original. Several of the comments were by people I did not know and therefore was just sad for a few and very impressed by others.
However, one post caught my eye. It was from the couple whom I have ached for the past month because I've seen that they have allowed their hurt by other "Christians" to turn them the opposite directions and they therefore label themselves "free thinkers". In his post he says that Christians are self righteous hypocrites because they choose to oppose abortion and yet not adopt the many children in foster care. Really, so my status as a Christian is based on whether I have the money to adopt children?!? not on whether I choose something because it is done in obedience to the Word of God.
I was saddened by the fact that his only defense to his anger toward this post was that he felt Christians had abandoned the defenseless fatherless child. Stating that we stereotyped this business by one persons (the ceo of the company) decision to support another company. However he stereotyped an entire group of people by the decisions of a few. Yes, I agree many Christians don't see the orphan as their responsibility. However to blame the whole for a few is the same thing he is arguing in the defense.
I have not yet figured out what or how or if I should to respond to him. It is the first time in a long time I have actually wanted to get into a debate. However, I don't yet feel I should. My prayer is now more fervent for my old friends and a new prayer for the wisdom and words to say at the appropriate time are added.
I have on the other hand watched as friends who were luke warm in their faith as teens flourish in their adulthood into servants of Christ. It is this that has brought these two worlds together and has made my heart ache today.
I saw a post by an old friend informing of a decision a well know cancer organization had made to support a well known abortion supporter I upon reading it was so proud of that friend for being bold enough to post it. Then I started reading the posts in reply to the original. Several of the comments were by people I did not know and therefore was just sad for a few and very impressed by others.
However, one post caught my eye. It was from the couple whom I have ached for the past month because I've seen that they have allowed their hurt by other "Christians" to turn them the opposite directions and they therefore label themselves "free thinkers". In his post he says that Christians are self righteous hypocrites because they choose to oppose abortion and yet not adopt the many children in foster care. Really, so my status as a Christian is based on whether I have the money to adopt children?!? not on whether I choose something because it is done in obedience to the Word of God.
I was saddened by the fact that his only defense to his anger toward this post was that he felt Christians had abandoned the defenseless fatherless child. Stating that we stereotyped this business by one persons (the ceo of the company) decision to support another company. However he stereotyped an entire group of people by the decisions of a few. Yes, I agree many Christians don't see the orphan as their responsibility. However to blame the whole for a few is the same thing he is arguing in the defense.
I have not yet figured out what or how or if I should to respond to him. It is the first time in a long time I have actually wanted to get into a debate. However, I don't yet feel I should. My prayer is now more fervent for my old friends and a new prayer for the wisdom and words to say at the appropriate time are added.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Learning From My Children
So today I took the four kids to McDonald's for our end of the month "Pat on the Back" for a job well done. We all got chicken nuggets, fries and a soda. We laughed together as we ate our meal and watched other kids playing. The highlight of our trip, for my kids, is getting to play in the playground for an hour. Today there were lots of kids in the playground as it is Spring Break here in Cobb County and its also rainy today so many many parents have brought their restless children out to the fast food joints. (Chik Fil A was full)
I sat back and watched my children play and was so proud of them as I watched them put others first and readily forgive the pushes and proding of other children. One child that was there was particularly bad at the pushing, proding and attempts at biting, which made these instances almost overwhelming. He was there with his teenage babysitter who seemed to be at her witts end.
One of my kids noticed this boy was trying to bite his brother and quickly swooped in. He first moved his brother away from the boy, then he turned to the boy and told him very point blank, "You need Jesus, do you know who He is?" The little boy said "NO, and I don't need anybody!" My son not missing a beat began to go through the gospel with this little boy.
I watched amazed at the knowledge that my son had gathered and was using so well. I was convicted to the core as I sat and pondered how long it had been since I shared Christ with a stranger. I'm always worried about what they would think of me and not that their very eternal soul is at risk. I also have the same knowlege my son does but honestly can't remember when I used it last other than sharing it with my children. My son had no quams sharing with this little boy. He just saw a boy in need of a Savior and a forgiveness he had not yet experienced. I immediately had to pray that the Lord would give me the courage that my son was now showing in sharing His Love with strangers.
The little boy did not accept the invitation to accept Christ as his Savior. But my son was proud of himself that he had done what Christ had asked him to do. When I asked why he started sharing the Love of Jesus with him he simply answered "Because God told me too."
If only we as adults would share the Love of Jesus with all who are in need. Those who are hurting, those who are lost, without the fear that Satan has placed in our hearts. Imagine what our world would be like if we obeyed when God said to share.
I sat back and watched my children play and was so proud of them as I watched them put others first and readily forgive the pushes and proding of other children. One child that was there was particularly bad at the pushing, proding and attempts at biting, which made these instances almost overwhelming. He was there with his teenage babysitter who seemed to be at her witts end.
One of my kids noticed this boy was trying to bite his brother and quickly swooped in. He first moved his brother away from the boy, then he turned to the boy and told him very point blank, "You need Jesus, do you know who He is?" The little boy said "NO, and I don't need anybody!" My son not missing a beat began to go through the gospel with this little boy.
I watched amazed at the knowledge that my son had gathered and was using so well. I was convicted to the core as I sat and pondered how long it had been since I shared Christ with a stranger. I'm always worried about what they would think of me and not that their very eternal soul is at risk. I also have the same knowlege my son does but honestly can't remember when I used it last other than sharing it with my children. My son had no quams sharing with this little boy. He just saw a boy in need of a Savior and a forgiveness he had not yet experienced. I immediately had to pray that the Lord would give me the courage that my son was now showing in sharing His Love with strangers.
The little boy did not accept the invitation to accept Christ as his Savior. But my son was proud of himself that he had done what Christ had asked him to do. When I asked why he started sharing the Love of Jesus with him he simply answered "Because God told me too."
If only we as adults would share the Love of Jesus with all who are in need. Those who are hurting, those who are lost, without the fear that Satan has placed in our hearts. Imagine what our world would be like if we obeyed when God said to share.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Chores
I've been struggling with getting my kids to do their chores. I don't know why.. It is one of my most "favorite" activities. So, I've been looking for ideas to spice up our chore life. For the last few years I have used a card/slot system in which there were cards hung on a peg board and as they finished the card they got to put that card in the slot at the bottom. This worked well for a long time. But I guess as with everything it gets old at some point.
I've read many many many blogs and several books that touch on this subject of chores. Chores being something that has to be done for the betterment of the family. We are not including cleaning our rooms, brushing our teeth and things that must be done for each person each day. More of the weekly cleaning type chores. ie: sweeping the front and back porch, sweeping the stairs, cleaning the playroom (thoroughly) washing the bathroom mirror, washing hand rails etc. Today we tried making a list of chores for each person (age appropriate of coarse) and color coding them to match that person. Then we folded and put all of these in a bowl and let the kids draw out their next chore.
This worked great. The kids were so excited to try something new. The chores hadn't changed just our approach. I also told them that one chore for each of them was marked with a star. That chore when it was picked they could bring to me. When they brought it to me they were given then option to earn money for that chore or they could have my help doing the chore. Ya, know not one kid picked my help... Oh, well.
Each chore had to be checked by me when they were done before they could pick a new one. And you know they had finished all their chores in less than half an hour where it had been taking us close to two hours before. I'm very excited at our change.
I'd love to hear if any of ya'll have chore ideas you use in your home. Please share them with us!
I've read many many many blogs and several books that touch on this subject of chores. Chores being something that has to be done for the betterment of the family. We are not including cleaning our rooms, brushing our teeth and things that must be done for each person each day. More of the weekly cleaning type chores. ie: sweeping the front and back porch, sweeping the stairs, cleaning the playroom (thoroughly) washing the bathroom mirror, washing hand rails etc. Today we tried making a list of chores for each person (age appropriate of coarse) and color coding them to match that person. Then we folded and put all of these in a bowl and let the kids draw out their next chore.
This worked great. The kids were so excited to try something new. The chores hadn't changed just our approach. I also told them that one chore for each of them was marked with a star. That chore when it was picked they could bring to me. When they brought it to me they were given then option to earn money for that chore or they could have my help doing the chore. Ya, know not one kid picked my help... Oh, well.
Each chore had to be checked by me when they were done before they could pick a new one. And you know they had finished all their chores in less than half an hour where it had been taking us close to two hours before. I'm very excited at our change.
I'd love to hear if any of ya'll have chore ideas you use in your home. Please share them with us!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lessons in life
Yesterday it snowed in MO. As soon as I told my kids they said, "mom, why did we move here? We want to be where it snowed". I also had a small tinge of sadness and regret come over me as I love snow! But as a mom who wants to support her husband and all he does for us, sucked it up and told them that we moved here to enjoy so much more.
We can enjoy the snow through pictures while everyone there is wishing they could be here where it was 72 degrees by 11 a.m. We can go sit on our back porch and draw a beautiful tree in full bloom in the second week of March. We can learn about the "thumping" rituals of woodpeckers who are native here and experience it firsthand as one has decided our fireplace chimney is the perfect home. (and since it is against the law to move, touch or otherwise disrupt these birds..we will get to study this nice family of birds for a while) I put on a face of excitement and joy but inside was feeling slight bitterness and alot of sadness.
But funny thing... Lord is showing me that I need to be an example to my kids. They are taking cues from me. If I am crabby and cranky guess what so are they. Therefore I need to be excited about Spring coming earlier than I expect or wanted. I need to be thrilled at the prospects of learning new things about our surroundings. I want to be an encouragement to my children. I don't want them to remember their move to Atlanta as a drudgery and a let down. I want them to be happy for Daddy as he is in a job he loves.
So as we explore our new surroundings we are finding what plants grow well here, what animals are prevalent. And we are making a list of all the neat places that we will get to visit over the next year that we otherwise would not have gotten to see. :) I am now excited that we get to share this time together and explore a whole new world in this Life that the Lord has graciously granted.
We can enjoy the snow through pictures while everyone there is wishing they could be here where it was 72 degrees by 11 a.m. We can go sit on our back porch and draw a beautiful tree in full bloom in the second week of March. We can learn about the "thumping" rituals of woodpeckers who are native here and experience it firsthand as one has decided our fireplace chimney is the perfect home. (and since it is against the law to move, touch or otherwise disrupt these birds..we will get to study this nice family of birds for a while) I put on a face of excitement and joy but inside was feeling slight bitterness and alot of sadness.
But funny thing... Lord is showing me that I need to be an example to my kids. They are taking cues from me. If I am crabby and cranky guess what so are they. Therefore I need to be excited about Spring coming earlier than I expect or wanted. I need to be thrilled at the prospects of learning new things about our surroundings. I want to be an encouragement to my children. I don't want them to remember their move to Atlanta as a drudgery and a let down. I want them to be happy for Daddy as he is in a job he loves.
So as we explore our new surroundings we are finding what plants grow well here, what animals are prevalent. And we are making a list of all the neat places that we will get to visit over the next year that we otherwise would not have gotten to see. :) I am now excited that we get to share this time together and explore a whole new world in this Life that the Lord has graciously granted.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Use of Books
I am a huge sucker for books. I love books. Kid books, adult fiction, how to's, it doesn't matter. I love books. To prove this I have hundreds of books all over my house. I have books on shelves, on coffee tables, in coffee tables, in boxes, on the floor of my bed room, stacked on tables way too high.
If that is not enough, I love to go to the library and find new books to read. I really love to go to book fairs, book sales, garage sales with books. I just can't get enough books.
Recently I have found myself reading books about being organized, a good homemaker, a good wife etc. These have inspired me to be "super mom". Then when I go to sleep I dream of all these great things I'm going to do, like wake up before my kids and clean the kitchen, get a load of laundry in and actually cook breakfast instead of pour a bowl of cereal. However, when morning comes this does not happen. I find I give the kids their first task of the morning while I'm still lying in bed. As they finish their morning chores I'm just crawling out of bed and fumbling into the kitchen to pour a bowl of cereal as I am not motivated enough yet to make that nice yummy breakfast I was so motivated to do the night before.
Two conclusions I've drawn from this. A) I'm not a morning person. I have grand ideas and intentions in the evening but come morning that all has faded all into oblivion. B) I'm lazy. Yup that's right, I've come to the conclusion that I am lazy. I have not set my mind to something well enough to actually do it.
It is all fine and good to read these great books and be super excited to implement some of the ideas found in these great books but unless I'm willing to actually get off my duff and do them it is no good continuing to peruse the book stores, library and my own stash if I don't make myself actually do something about it. I am just wasting time reading about what I should be doing. Hopefully, I will set my mind to actually being a little less lazy very soon!
If that is not enough, I love to go to the library and find new books to read. I really love to go to book fairs, book sales, garage sales with books. I just can't get enough books.
Recently I have found myself reading books about being organized, a good homemaker, a good wife etc. These have inspired me to be "super mom". Then when I go to sleep I dream of all these great things I'm going to do, like wake up before my kids and clean the kitchen, get a load of laundry in and actually cook breakfast instead of pour a bowl of cereal. However, when morning comes this does not happen. I find I give the kids their first task of the morning while I'm still lying in bed. As they finish their morning chores I'm just crawling out of bed and fumbling into the kitchen to pour a bowl of cereal as I am not motivated enough yet to make that nice yummy breakfast I was so motivated to do the night before.
Two conclusions I've drawn from this. A) I'm not a morning person. I have grand ideas and intentions in the evening but come morning that all has faded all into oblivion. B) I'm lazy. Yup that's right, I've come to the conclusion that I am lazy. I have not set my mind to something well enough to actually do it.
It is all fine and good to read these great books and be super excited to implement some of the ideas found in these great books but unless I'm willing to actually get off my duff and do them it is no good continuing to peruse the book stores, library and my own stash if I don't make myself actually do something about it. I am just wasting time reading about what I should be doing. Hopefully, I will set my mind to actually being a little less lazy very soon!
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