"Why do we have to always do school! I am sick of school. It is nice out, can't we just go outside and play?"

Ted fussed and whined as we returned from music lessons yesterday.  "Teddy, if you never went to school you would never learn and you would be stupid for the rest of your life." counselled Alisa.  She's right and I stayed out of the conversation.  Teddy was not happy with her motherly instruction and shared his dislike.  "Teddy, I didn't call you stupid.  I just said if you don't learn you would be stupid." she defended.

A date in the middle of the afternoon...

was a very good idea! Lunch was yummy!

The drive relaxing!

The shopping profitable.

What a difference the sun makes...after the rain!

The bleeding heart outside our backdoor grew overnight!  Or so it seems...the little pink hearts are visisble!  The birds are noisy and the grass is begging to be mowed all of a sudden. 

What a beautiful spring day that God has given! 

I know that God is working...all the time...even in the rain!  What He is doing in the rainy, stormy days...is clearly seen...on the sunny days!  Thank you, Lord, for a such a beautiful reminder today!

Were it not for grace...I can tell you where I'd be!

Time measured out my days...life carried me along.  In my soul, I yearned to follow God, but knew I'd never be so strong.  I looked hard at this world, to learn how Heaven could be gained.  Just to end where I began where human effort is all in vain.
Were it not for grace...I can tell you where I'd be.  Wandering down some pointless road to nowhere, with my salvation up to me. I know how that would go. The battles I would face.  Forever running, but losing the race.  Were it not for grace!
So here is all my praise.  Expressed with all my heart.  Offered to the One who took my place and ran a course I could not start.  When He saw in full just how much His love would cost, He still went the final mile between me and Heaven.  So I would not be lost.

"Sundaes on Wednesdays...does that mean they can be bigger?" asked Dad.

I don't know that they have to be bigger...but they sure hit the spot!

I am still stunned by how quickly our three make a mess...can walk over the mess...walk around the mess...

play on the mess...and would go right on  living in a mess till we step in!  They are capable of not only making messes...but cleaning them up too!

When it is so much easier to live...without a mess to fight!  Amazing!

Yes, I know there is still an unpainted wall in their room.

And they have learned from our example...the end of the bed and the posts of the bed serve as optional closet space.

Of light switches, marbles, and underwear

Another title might be:  Conversations around the breakfast table
Or:  Teachable moments continue

Or maybe:  Losing our marbles

All I know...by 8:30am...both Ted and I had headaches.  School got started a little late because we had to sit and counsel our children.  It began while we ate breakfast...the perfect time to listen to what your children want to talk about...or need to talk about!  We do not follow the idea that children should be quiet at the table.  There are times when we have to help them tone it down...but it is the perfect place and time to sit and talk as a family.  It is an opportunity that many families don't see as important.  Parents, we must try to protect that time!  We are doing everything we can to keep this time as a priority. 

Our children are still young and love to talk...about anything and everything.  We see them growing up so quickly!  They need to know that we are here to listen and help them through whatever struggle they have, laugh with them, cry with them, plan with them, and pray with them.  They are moving toward those years where intellectuals tell us that children will keep things to themselves and that is how it is.  Are you kidding me?  We are supposed to listen to men and women who follow changing fads tell us what is an acceptable parenting style?  Yes, that is how it is...if we choose to neglect the responsibility that God has given us!  Since we find God's Word to be a better authority than anything we can find online or in the accepted reads of the day, we are choosing to follow God's way.  It makes so much more sense!  It is less confusing.  The results bring love and peace. 

We didn't say it was quick or easy...or headache free!  The challenge of dealing with the little things...each and every day...demand a strength that parents often run out of in their own strength!

We have had words over "whose turn it is to shut off the light" before hopping into bed.  We have had words over whose underwear is whose? (Don't ask.)  We had struggles over who had the most marbles and who exactly was the proper owner.  The arguing escalated and boundaries were crossed.  That is not ok! 
They needed guidance to handle things in the right way and make it right with one another.  We shall see if they follow the steps that we were able to share with them.  They each have a choice...to be like Jesus or be like myself.  If we, as parents, don't help our children figure out how to handle these "little problems"  using God's authority, who do you think is going to teach them?  Do you honestly think they have the maturity to follow God's Word to figure it out themselves?  The answer is NO!  It takes time to search the Scriptures and disciple your children.  You may have to get off the computer.  You may have to cut your phone call short.  You may have to do some Bible study for yourself.
Ephesians 4:32 was our focus today.
But there are so many other helpful passages too!  II Peter 1:3-9 "...all things that pertain unto life and godliness..." 
Romans 8:28-29,  Phil. 2:5-8,  Matt. 22:37-39  All deal with our sacrificial submission to God (obedience) and our sacrificial service to men (ministry). 
We have a choice to serve God or serve ourselves...in every area of life!  Then fights about light switches, marbles, and underwear won't be a problem!

Our Monday...

in the schoolroom went well.  The kiddos worked hard after seeing on the calendar our expected finish date.  Teddy read his chapter to me...and I always get sleepy!

Here's the other angle...bad Mommy/teacher!  Now you know the whole story...many of our problems in the schoolroom...are the fault of the Mommy!

A Sunday Evening Recap

As we sat together last night before bed, Ted asked Teddy, "What did you learn in Sunday School today?"  This is a regular question that is usually asked at our Sunday dinner table.  "UM...well, we just reviewed the story of Abraham...I didn't learn anything." he replied.

Alisa and Ashlynn skipped into the room...finally...after getting ready for bed.

"Alisa, what did you learn in Sunday School?  You are in the same class as Teddy...did you learn the same as he did?" Dad asked.

She learned "all about Abraham and Sarah...and then they...and...they gave food to these men who were really angels...and then...and then Lot and his wife left the city...and Lot's wife turned...and do you know what she did?  She turned and looked back...and became a pillar of salt.  Would salt really be able to stay as a pillar or would it just turn to a pile?  The picture showed it was a whitish pillar.  Someone asked our teacher that and she said that was a good question...."

We both smiled...and sort of giggled...but not out loud.

"Ashlynn, what did you learn?" Dad asked.  "Dad, you know, you were the one who taught the lesson today.  You told us about apathy...or is it ape-athy?  We aren't to be lazy Christians." she answered.

We are always blessed when we listen to our children during these times.  Well, sometimes...we are concerned...inserting a big smile here!  But most often blessed...and even convicted!

As you think back over the services you placed your family in yesterday...there should be much to think and talk about!  God's Word has the answers for daily life...but how much time do we spend learning and talking about those answers?

What did you fill your family members' minds with yesterday?  Is it worth talking about?

Happy Monday!

"I have a story to tell you about Easter...but it has nothing to do with bunnies, eggs, and baskets!"

We have been bombarded with advertisements for special dresses/suits and accessories, baskets and accompanying paraphenalia, special sales on hams and lilies, community egg hunts, and all sorts of other expectations surrounding this Sunday. 

I took a mental inventory.  We're set...we dress like that every week for church.  God deserves our best...always.  We will spend the day in God's house.  We will have dinner with Papa and Grandma and eat cheesecake for dessert.  The girls picked out chocolate treats for the men in our life.  I still do fun things.

But...I sit here still wondering...what is the big deal!?! 

As one of God's children, everyday that we have breath should be lived in submission to the work that was completed on the cross and triumphed over the grave!

Why the big show this Sunday? 

What about every other Sunday of the year? 

What about every day of the week? 

I wonder who we think we are impressing by all the extra "ta-da" we are putting into this Sunday.

Do we forget that God looks on the heart?

I am confused and tired by all the fussing. 

It didn't matter last week...why now?

What are we teaching our children by our actions?  Are we confusing them by "all of a sudden" making how they dress this week for church a big deal?  Are you causing them to stumble by "all of a sudden" making church top priority this week?  What is your motivation?  What is your purpose? 

If I am an adult...and I am confused...I am sure our children are!

I saw the looks on the faces of several children this week as we shared

the true Easter story during Kid's Club.

We have forgotten the price that was paid on the cross. 

We have forgotten the power of the resurrection. 

We have forgotten the promise of Heaven.

But...we remembered the bunnies, eggs, baskets, and fancy clothes!

And the little children around us...are confused...

because the adults in their lives

either

don't know the truth or practice the truth.

I've been known to...

...go to bed numerous times with dishes in the sink!
...leave clothes unfolded in the basket and have to throw them back in the dryer with a wet cloth to get the wrinkles out...possibly more than once.
...sit and grade stacks of papers one day and none for the next two days.
...serve leftovers for an impromptu meal...to guests!
...let my dark/gray roots show.
...leave the fingernail polish on so long...that it is almost all worn off before I do anything about it.
...have piles on more than one surface in more than one room of our house.
...sit all afternoon wrapped up in a blanket and do nothing but yet it is everything.
...let our children have more than one...or two...or...sugary snacks in one day.
...deliver treats on a plain paper plate covered in tin foil.
...have company knowing there may be some dust on the shelf or a stray cobweb.
...just stop and stare...knowing there is something more to be said.
...cry...because there just aren't any words.
...greet people in our home with no make-up, sweats, and bad hair.


It has taken me several years to reach this point...of not sweating the small stuff.  The stuff that has no eternal value...other than hindering what God wants me to do at a moment's notice.
Life...
God has ways of changing you in your lifetime. 
I am seeing the changes...feeling the changes...hearing the changes...and I am grateful that I have learned to be flexible and not frazzled.
I have learned that there are more important things in life...than my "to do" list or housework or what I want to do for myself.  Oh, we keep a clean house.  We take care of ourselves.  We have responsibilities that are not neglected. 
But...there are days...when the priority must be people...and their needs! 

My children will know that their Mom has been known to say..."It isn't a big deal...it will be there tomorrow...today...we took care of the important stuff!"  God brought us to the point where we have had to just say, "Ok, Lord, you have our attention...now help us!"  We make things so difficult for ourselves sometimes...when all we need to do is take a deep breath and trust God for His mind and His help.  He's never failed us yet!
My husband and I have helped each other remember this.  All Ted has to do now...is look at me with a smile and move like he is taking a deep breath...and I hear his words across the room, "Take a deep breath...it will be ok!"

And so tonight, like many other nights...I will go to bed...not feeling one bit guilty about neglecting the people in my life!

I know God started our day with this song for a reason!

I will honor God with all my heart,
I will honor God with all my soul.
I will honor God for He is worthy,
I will honor God.

I willl honor God with praise, till the end of all my days. Joyfully proclaiming all He's done for me.  I will honor Him, always lifting up His name in praise.  I will honor God.

Listen to the heavens above, let the nations honor God.  Giving honor to whom honor is due.
Honor God with all your might! Honor God for it is right!
Will you honor God?

http://www.gbcsuncity.org/mp3s/music/2010-2/100926-am-music-3.mp3

A special story is shared...

Ashlynn read aloud the special letter the kiddos received in the mail...another memory shared in our edition of Letters from Grammy!  They listened...and giggled...and their Mom got all teary.  Thank you, Mom, for the special memories you are sharing...and the wonderful reminder that God's Word is faithful and true!

We are looking forward to the next one. 

For sweet Bryn!

The Doughnut Recipe...
which by the way...the doughnuts (or is it donuts?!) still taste good the next day!  I thought they would leave a greasy coating in my mouth.  I didn't notice one...but then I again I was drinking hot coffee!

3 1/3 cup flour
1 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons veg. shortening
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk

Heat 3-4 inches of oil in a deep fryer or heavy kettle.  Approx. 375 degrees...I guessed by the bubbles when I added the first doughnut!
Mix half of the flour and remaining ingredients in a mixer for 2 minutes and scrape down sides.  Add the remaining flour.  Dough will be sticky!  Generously flour surface before rolling or patting out dough to desired thickness.  Cut doughnuts in desired shapes.  Don"t forget to make doughnut holes!  Fry in heated oil till golden brown.  Drain on paper towels or rack.  Roll in granulated sugar, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar.

4:05 pm let it be known...

the sun broke through and is beautiful against the dark, grey-blue clouds that seem to be moving on!!!

Out of the blue on a third day of grey

"I thought life was going to get easier," commented Teddy at the breakfast table this morning.
Ted and I looked at each other working hard to keep our faces expressionless.
Ashlynn piped up, "Yah, I thought that too...then I started fourth grade!"
Smiles emerged...we couldn't help it!  It proved to be a great conversation starter.
Thank you, Lord, for the joy and refreshment that comes from the innocency of children!

"I wanted to hurry up and be done with school." was her answer.

We all have "those days" as teachers or parents! 

Some of us will admit it to the world, and some of us wouldn't breathe a word to anyone. 

WELL...if you visit here very often...you know that I share the good, bad, and ugly.  We have our good days...our bad days...and everything in between.  We try our best to handle every situation in the right way...using God's Word as our compass. 

Since the end of January, our principal has been very involved in the day to day running of our school program.  I find myself running to him frequently for his help!  Today, he happened to walk into the room as I searched for a missing paper.  We had it yesterday!  Where did it go? 

The children were on a break when I made a discovery...that sent my blood pressure on a rapid rise.  No, I don't always respond correctly...thankfully...I was the only one in the room...and it gave me time to slow down.

  Shredded paper pieces, 15 chapsticks, eraser bits, broken crayons, mirrors, pencil tips, colored pencils, staples, used tape, rulers, hair ties, empty gluestick containers...all pretty common findings in the corners of shelves, drawers, or on the floor.  It is an elementary schoolroom.  It hasn't been that long since I have been out of the classroom...yet, I forget all the little things.  I did laugh...out loud..."I am so glad that we do not have desks with lids!  I dumped a few of those over to start the cleaning process when I taught."  It is amazing how three students can make such a mess sitting at their desk table...and they were focused on doing their lessons!?  What is worse...I tend to sit in the same room at my desk...how can I not notice this?

Back to the story...

I found the missing paper...tucked into another book.  Hmmm!?  I also happened upon a couple unfinished penmanship papers.  The principal walked in about then...and took over the "how to deal with this" plan.  I was relieved!  I was ready to stop lessons today and see those papers completed.  The voice of reason and logical thinking spoke.  His plans are always presented in such compassionate ways that I find myself getting teary-eyed and shaking my head to say, "Yes, sir." right along with our children.  Today was no different. 

Well, we have learned that when you hurry in order to get done with school by stashing papers in odd places...your school year gets a little longer...because the work must be done...sometime!  I don't intend to embarrass our little girl by this post.  I want to remember the way her Daddy took care of a problem we have had off and on all year, the way she responded to him, and the way he ended our conversation, "I love you!  And I want you to do right."  He then drew her attention to the verse on our bulletin board...

Colossians 3:23

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."

Thank you, Uncle Paul and Aunt Carma!

We are thankful for hand-me-downs and hand-me-overs from our family and friends!

          We have grown-up cousins who have moved on to bigger, better, and faster things than bikes!

Today...blessings came our way in pick-up trucks.  God provided a basketball hoop for Teddy!  Uncle Paul and T.J. took time to play a game of PIG with Teddy.  Then there was a little neighborhood pick up game with Daddy.  I think bouncing a ball will be easier without gloves.

Is it...feed a fever and starve a cold or starve a fever and feed a cold?

I couldn't remember...so we fed both the fevers and the colds!  The three kiddos have colds and two of them have slight temps.  We finished most of our schoolwork before lunch...so I made a yummy tag-a-long.  The "perfect" comfort food on a chilly, spring day.

Basic cake doughnuts out of my Gram's Betty Crocker's binder.

I scored all thumbs up on this treat!  Now we are enjoying some rest time.

We lowered our umbrella in surrender...

the weather has been temperamental the last few days...high winds, rain, cooler temps...and today...snow!

Another use for plastic eggs...

we bought this set when our children were much younger...they still love to "play" with them and tell the Resurrection story.

No naps this Sunday afternoon!

We had a little competitive Wii bowling game going...boys against the girls!  Teams were even as Alisa got to spend the afternoon and night with Papa and Grandma.  (We enjoyed a potluck dinner and afternoon service at our church today.)  We were trying our best to beat those guys.  Ashlynn had a great idea, "Losers get ice cream!"  Sounded good to us!

We lost...but not on purpose!  I was only 4 points off Ted's lead.

We did our own version of Extreme Couponing.  We saved the DQ booklet from the paper and then had three transactions.  Pretty smart plan of Daddy's to get those losers some ice cream!

"Boys rule...and girls droole!" teased the guys.

"Yah, we droole for ice cream!" Ashlynn and I agreed.  We make a good team! 

We would have really won if we would have had Alisa's help!

The mothers and the daughters of our family...

enjoyed the tea party themed gathering at church today.  The luncheon was yummy!

The girls got to eat dirt!  What a fun treat!

Our speaker, Myra Wright, asked us two questions:

What is your (tea) cup (of life) full of?

Sickness, pain, sorrow, worry, God's love, God's mercy, family, friends, blessing, bitterness, anger, sin, guilt, work, God's provision, anxiety, peace...

What spills from your cup?

Psalm 23

When God sees my cup...does He see a cup that is bone dry, already filled with the world's cares, or overflowing with His goodness and mercy?

"Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord...come and quench this thirsting of my soul!"

He swears by it...and will try to make a believer out of you too!

"It's cheaper than a doctor's visit and more reliable than the antibiotics that cost an arm and a leg...'cause you have to keep going back for more!"  Garlic has once again helped Ted fight the infection.  I can't dispute that.  I have seen it with my own eyes...and smelled it with my own nose.

Encouragement in the shape of music notes this morning!

"Jesus leads on the brightest day of sunshine.  Jesus leads through the deepest, darkest night.  Jesus leads with a loving hand that knows the path before me...."

There are some days when God brings song after song across the airwaves to minister to my heart.  This morning was one of those times!  Every time I turned around...there were words that I needed to hear. 

"I need never have a fear!"

It is VERY QUIET in our house right now!

We were able to go to the park!!!

                                                  Blessings come in all shapes and sizes!
    Another blessing...for the children, of course, "Do not get up early!  You are to sleep till you wake up!"

"You are not going to believe what your children did!" was his morning greeting.

"They are almost done with school!" he continued.  "What?  What time is it?  Why didn't you wake me?" I stammered.  "It wouldn't have made a difference...they started school at 4:20am!  I was awake and thought I heard some noise and saw the light.  When I went downstairs...there they were sitting...dressed and at their desks with their headphones on...doing their schoolwork. Let's see, it is almost 9:00am.  Teddy just finished and the girls will be done soon.  Oh...and they took an hour break for breakfast and cartoons." he explained.

I was still trying to wake up and compute all of this.  "Ashlynn said she set their alarm for 3:25am, but forgot to turn it on.  She woke up about 3:30am or so and woke the other two up." Ted went on with more details.  I can't believe they all agreed to the plan and I am still shaking my head!  Ted was awake and ended up going down to "supervise".  They decided to let me sleep till I woke up!  What a wonderful treat!  And then the added bonus...no schooling responsibility!  We will be taking rest time later on...after we enjoy the whole reason for their scheme...a playdate with new friends!  Something tells me...it is going to be worth it!!! 

Heard it this morning...

"Take pride in being a home-body rather than a busy-body."
You can take the meanings of being a busy-body...
1. Always being busy
2. Always in other's business
...and both fit the idea. 
I'd rather be a keeper at home rather than a "keeper-upper" of other's schedules and activities.  It makes our homelife so much more peaceful!  So many things go on...but how many of them are truly needful and productive to our family? 
I heard this statement this morning...and I paused to thank the Lord for the privilege I have to be at home and the strength to say "No!" to things that are not necessary or helpful to our family life.  It is a constant decision about what things we place as priorities...and there are some things that just aren't worth the busy-ness!

Mini-get-away in honor of spring's arrival

We headed out yesterday afternoon for a little adventure.  We enjoyed the drive and the evening church service we attended.

Our original reservation turned out to be a disappointment as the pool was out of service.  After a phone call and a switch-a-roo...we ended up at another hotel with a bigger room, cheaper rate, and functioning pool that was open till 11pm!  That was an opportunity for a teachable moment!!!

Fun adventure...church...pizza...swimming...and go to sleep late!

Ted and I had a bit of a discussion about which one of us had to be responsible.  By 10:30pm...we both felt pretty irresponsible and tired.

We had the place to ourselves and the kiddos had fun!

Can you find the missing piece to this puzzle?

Thanks, Dad!  We had fun...and it is always a nice feeling to come home!

The candy man can 'cuz he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good!

We found a place to visit by browsing through the hotel information book.  Hmmm, a candy factory?!  Free Admission! Self-guided tours!? Chocolate waterfall?  With a store too!  We're game!

"I have no idea what we will find when we get there...I'm just saying.  Their webpage is pretty nice looking.  We can always hope!"  We pulled up and decided it was worth a look!!!

We walked inside and were met with a beautifully decorated and festive store.  "It smells wonderful in here!"

Ted and I weren't quite convinced it was true chocolate...it made splashing sounds.  "Chocolate should make glumping sounds...shouldn't it?"

Another use for those plastic eggs...a wreath!  Silly me...why didn't I think of that?!

The self-guided tour turned out to be eight large windows where you could peer into the factory.  We could see the trays filled with cornstarch ready to be filled with the gummy bears.  We could see the workers in their white uniforms.  We could see the completed gummies dropping off the conveyor belt moving toward the robotic arms for packaging.  The last four windows were not accessible due to a fancy set-up for pictures with the Easter bunny...seems he only shows up Wednesday through Sunday for this over-priced photo op.  OUR CANDY MAN let his little loves (and his big love) pick out a few special sweets.

After lunch and our ride home...they tasted those treats!  Teddy wasn't too happy...his sucker was in pieces...but that is what happens when you drop it on the cement floor on your way to the register!  "I wish I would have put it back and got another one," he said.  Um...NO!  now maybe you will understand what it means when you hear, "You break it, you buy it!"  Why should some other little boy get the sucker that you broke?  Just think of it as being easier to eat the little pieces...and maybe...it will last longer that way!