G.K. Chesterton
"The Bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing. But in our culture we apply for a curse and reject blessings. Something is wrong with this picture."
Doug Phillips
Thursday, August 28, 2008
05:57
Another Child in God's Big House
I don't even know what to say. I just helped (as much as anyone can "help", but I can't think of a better word) my friend bury her 14 month old toddler two months ago. And now another mother, she from blogsville, buries her 3 year old, who died in another tragic accident.
These things happen every day.
We worry so much about what to feed our kids, what curriculum to buy, and how to slosh through all of the entertainment/education/excess that the world wants to engage our children in.
Really, it's all meaningless, foolish ways in which to distract us, to keep us occupied, to come to the arrogant assumptions that our tomorrows will be just as uneventful as our todays.
You (or I).......might actually be sitting at a funeral next Thursday morning.
You (or I).......might actually have an ash heap that used to be a home next Tuesday.
You (or I).......might get a diagnosis from a doctor that cuts the clock short next Friday.
Are you (am I) ready for that?
I'm not sure what matters nearly at all, but I am certain that the Lord Jesus Christ is at the forefront of it all, and that, without Him, the black hole of grief and pain caused the quicksand of sufferings would be bleaker than death itself. I am also certain that the *stuff* of life also robs us from relationship from one another. Do our families know how PRECIOUS they are to us?
Do pray for this dear family. And if you do not know (and you know if you KNOW) the Lord Jesus Christ, perhaps it is time for you to meet, so that you, also, will know the great comfort and carrying-power of our great God.
2 Corinthians 6:2 .....behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
These things happen every day.
We worry so much about what to feed our kids, what curriculum to buy, and how to slosh through all of the entertainment/education/excess that the world wants to engage our children in.
Really, it's all meaningless, foolish ways in which to distract us, to keep us occupied, to come to the arrogant assumptions that our tomorrows will be just as uneventful as our todays.
You (or I).......might actually be sitting at a funeral next Thursday morning.
You (or I).......might actually have an ash heap that used to be a home next Tuesday.
You (or I).......might get a diagnosis from a doctor that cuts the clock short next Friday.
Are you (am I) ready for that?
I'm not sure what matters nearly at all, but I am certain that the Lord Jesus Christ is at the forefront of it all, and that, without Him, the black hole of grief and pain caused the quicksand of sufferings would be bleaker than death itself. I am also certain that the *stuff* of life also robs us from relationship from one another. Do our families know how PRECIOUS they are to us?
Do pray for this dear family. And if you do not know (and you know if you KNOW) the Lord Jesus Christ, perhaps it is time for you to meet, so that you, also, will know the great comfort and carrying-power of our great God.
2 Corinthians 6:2 .....behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
Permanent Link
Isn’t God good?
If God should choose to extend such grace to me, this is what I hope to do today:
* follow our Bible time with a good read aloud session
* pick a couple bouquets of sunflowers from my yard
* bake chocolate chip cookies with my 4yo
* hold my snuggly peanut baby lots and lots
* prepare a meal for my postpartum friend and her family
* bring my hubby and his staff drinks from the locally owned coffee shop
* pick up our fresh milk from our local famerette
* get a nap to refresh from my late night
* touch base with our music teacher (she’s been in Kenya!)
* school all of the children in various subjects
* have a good cup of black tea with milk and sugar while the children play
* clean the master bathroom
* begin cleaning out garden beds to prep for fall planting
* spend time with my hubby working on barn plans
Well, even if it all falls apart, at the very least I hope to just walk with my God today in a more peaceful manner. It’s light outside. That alone is a good sign.
Psalms 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
06:54
Morning Showed Up!
Isn’t God good?
If God should choose to extend such grace to me, this is what I hope to do today:
* follow our Bible time with a good read aloud session
* pick a couple bouquets of sunflowers from my yard
* bake chocolate chip cookies with my 4yo
* hold my snuggly peanut baby lots and lots
* prepare a meal for my postpartum friend and her family
* bring my hubby and his staff drinks from the locally owned coffee shop
* pick up our fresh milk from our local famerette
* get a nap to refresh from my late night
* touch base with our music teacher (she’s been in Kenya!)
* school all of the children in various subjects
* have a good cup of black tea with milk and sugar while the children play
* clean the master bathroom
* begin cleaning out garden beds to prep for fall planting
* spend time with my hubby working on barn plans
Well, even if it all falls apart, at the very least I hope to just walk with my God today in a more peaceful manner. It’s light outside. That alone is a good sign.
Psalms 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
Permanent Link
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
11:22
Hope for an Imperfect Mother
I blew it tonight.
It actually was a good day today. But tonight.....oy!
I finally got all of the children jammied up and ready for some read alouds before bedtime. It had taken quite a while to get all of the toys, hairbands, clothing and trash picked up from the upstairs, but the promise of a late storytime was the impetus to find the color of the carpet again. It looked like we were (did I already mention “finally”??) going to have a cozy time on the couch, but when one child began whining about wanting a particular spot to sit--apparently the *only* suitable place in the entire room--and another child began flaunting (via behavior) how much better he/she had it.....well, I just snapped the book shut and said, “Ok, I’m done. Go to bed.”
Tears exploded. I was (and am) tired. I didn’t care. I was ready to cry myself, mental pictures of a sweet read aloud time dashed and all. We all marched back upstairs, and after getting the kids to bed with “maybe we’ll try again tomorrow” (ha! gotta love those “Mommy-Maybes”......as in, *it probably won’t happen but if it keeps you quiet enough to go to sleep, then yes, I’ll ponder that*) I grumpily finished cleaning up the still dirty kitchen awaiting for me. And sweeping up the floor. And taking out the trash. I tried not to slam the doors.
Some days (or evenings!) it just seems like the little foxes of irritations just add up. Some days it feels like imperfect circumstances demand too much mental attention. Some days it just feels like one big marathon of frustration, repentance, and extremes of arrow prayers for help and wisdom swinging to just “bucking up” and making it all work on my own.
Know what I mean?
Now I have a sleeping baby on my left, and a sleeping hubby on my right, and five more sleeping children upstairs. I think.......I think......I think I will be grateful for their sweet sounds of slumber. I think.......I think I will just go to sleep myself, and, in hope, know that the sun will rise tomorrow.
And I think I will be catching up on a lot of cuddle time and reading aloud with my children tomorrow. The kitchen can stay stinky all day for all I care.
Hope. Thank you, Jesus, for hope. Because, without Him.....where else would I go for that?
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
It actually was a good day today. But tonight.....oy!
I finally got all of the children jammied up and ready for some read alouds before bedtime. It had taken quite a while to get all of the toys, hairbands, clothing and trash picked up from the upstairs, but the promise of a late storytime was the impetus to find the color of the carpet again. It looked like we were (did I already mention “finally”??) going to have a cozy time on the couch, but when one child began whining about wanting a particular spot to sit--apparently the *only* suitable place in the entire room--and another child began flaunting (via behavior) how much better he/she had it.....well, I just snapped the book shut and said, “Ok, I’m done. Go to bed.”
Tears exploded. I was (and am) tired. I didn’t care. I was ready to cry myself, mental pictures of a sweet read aloud time dashed and all. We all marched back upstairs, and after getting the kids to bed with “maybe we’ll try again tomorrow” (ha! gotta love those “Mommy-Maybes”......as in, *it probably won’t happen but if it keeps you quiet enough to go to sleep, then yes, I’ll ponder that*) I grumpily finished cleaning up the still dirty kitchen awaiting for me. And sweeping up the floor. And taking out the trash. I tried not to slam the doors.
Some days (or evenings!) it just seems like the little foxes of irritations just add up. Some days it feels like imperfect circumstances demand too much mental attention. Some days it just feels like one big marathon of frustration, repentance, and extremes of arrow prayers for help and wisdom swinging to just “bucking up” and making it all work on my own.
Know what I mean?
Now I have a sleeping baby on my left, and a sleeping hubby on my right, and five more sleeping children upstairs. I think.......I think......I think I will be grateful for their sweet sounds of slumber. I think.......I think I will just go to sleep myself, and, in hope, know that the sun will rise tomorrow.
And I think I will be catching up on a lot of cuddle time and reading aloud with my children tomorrow. The kitchen can stay stinky all day for all I care.
Hope. Thank you, Jesus, for hope. Because, without Him.....where else would I go for that?
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
Permanent Link
Monday, August 25, 2008
07:36
Makes Complete Sense to Me!
Count me in for getting rid of the Department of (non)Education. This is hilarious:
Of course, it would never fly. I didn't know I was so serene! LOL
Of course, it would never fly. I didn't know I was so serene! LOL
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
Permanent Link
Saturday, August 23, 2008
09:28
Am I a Snob?
The thought did cross my mind.
I was asked to host the next carnival, and after thinking on it, I decided not to.
I wanted to say “yes”. I want to be liked.
But hosting entails spending time putting together a multitude of submissions into something coherent, and hopefully, fun to read. A multitude of submissions means I’d have to read a lot of blog entries. And posting links to them all means I’d have to read through a lot of blogs to feel good about linking to them, because I hesitate to link to more blogs that link to more blogs that link to more blogs.....it all ultimately robs precious time.
I am greatly concerned with idle time. Online, there is so much to read, so much to learn, so much to gain encouragement by and enjoy. And yet......
the dishes still need washing
the laundry still needs folding
the babies still need rocking
the children still need read-alouds
the meals still need prepping
the hubby still needs attention
the garden still needs tending
I truly don’t read very many blogs. I just don’t allow myself the time, because if I do.......I get sucked in (do you ever get that way?).....and then all my family sees is my rear end on a chair in front of a computer. I don’t want my children to grow up remembering that I spent a lot of time in front of a computer. It is one of the reasons I don’t take comments. I’d feel compelled to respond to them, to look for them, to visit new blogs, to mediate debates and misunderstandings. I’d do all these things, because, well.....I want to be liked.
Come to think of it, I'm awfully short on the telephone also...
So, am I a snob? I think not, but rather, like everyone else on the planet, just “misunderstood”. Thankfully my Savior loves me, fills me, and blesses the short time I daily have (only 24 hours!) to give to my family. He will do the same for you, also, but it might entail saying “no” to people and opportunities. The devil might tell you you’re unfriendly, aloof, stuck-up...and that the internet world would miss your presence should you decide to limit your visits.
It’s OK. You can just tell him to go take a hike.
And then, maybe, just perhaps....get off the computer and go do something more useful. Like read neglected books on the bedside. Like bake cookies for the empty jar. Like go outside and cut flowers before the winter folds them into memory. Like learn or practice a new homemaking skill.
Like make nachos and cuddle with your honey. That’s what I am going to do now, and I just realized....
He likes me just fine.
I was asked to host the next carnival, and after thinking on it, I decided not to.
I wanted to say “yes”. I want to be liked.
But hosting entails spending time putting together a multitude of submissions into something coherent, and hopefully, fun to read. A multitude of submissions means I’d have to read a lot of blog entries. And posting links to them all means I’d have to read through a lot of blogs to feel good about linking to them, because I hesitate to link to more blogs that link to more blogs that link to more blogs.....it all ultimately robs precious time.
I am greatly concerned with idle time. Online, there is so much to read, so much to learn, so much to gain encouragement by and enjoy. And yet......
the dishes still need washing
the laundry still needs folding
the babies still need rocking
the children still need read-alouds
the meals still need prepping
the hubby still needs attention
the garden still needs tending
I truly don’t read very many blogs. I just don’t allow myself the time, because if I do.......I get sucked in (do you ever get that way?).....and then all my family sees is my rear end on a chair in front of a computer. I don’t want my children to grow up remembering that I spent a lot of time in front of a computer. It is one of the reasons I don’t take comments. I’d feel compelled to respond to them, to look for them, to visit new blogs, to mediate debates and misunderstandings. I’d do all these things, because, well.....I want to be liked.
Come to think of it, I'm awfully short on the telephone also...
So, am I a snob? I think not, but rather, like everyone else on the planet, just “misunderstood”. Thankfully my Savior loves me, fills me, and blesses the short time I daily have (only 24 hours!) to give to my family. He will do the same for you, also, but it might entail saying “no” to people and opportunities. The devil might tell you you’re unfriendly, aloof, stuck-up...and that the internet world would miss your presence should you decide to limit your visits.
It’s OK. You can just tell him to go take a hike.
And then, maybe, just perhaps....get off the computer and go do something more useful. Like read neglected books on the bedside. Like bake cookies for the empty jar. Like go outside and cut flowers before the winter folds them into memory. Like learn or practice a new homemaking skill.
Like make nachos and cuddle with your honey. That’s what I am going to do now, and I just realized....
He likes me just fine.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
Permanent Link
Friday, August 22, 2008
06:58
The County Fair
Good morning! This is what greeted me as I nursed baby. Naturally, the camera doesn’t give the Lord enough credit.
Fall is definitely tickling the senses these days. Not only are we seeing goodly amounts of chilly rain inbetween searing sun breaks, but children we know are already fighting colds and fevers. I’m getting plenty of emails regarding “back to school”, and sunup is about 90 minutes later. I’m getting into the mood to do “Fall cleaning”, which I think is far more sensible than the notion of “Spring cleaning”. After all, we’ve had all summer of children tromping in with soiled shoes from outside play and dust blowing in from open windows. Furthermore, when the holidays creep around (or surprise) us, the house will already be in relative order. So, we shall set about “Fall cleaning” .
After the county fair is over, that is.
I’m a little *fried* from all of the multitude of round trips we’ve made in the past three days, 35 miles each way. Each time, I’ve packed up children, foodstuffs, and children cartables (stroller and Moby wrap) and we’ve headed to the land of farm animals, exhibits, and entertainment. I’m wiped out and we’re only halfway through!
I’ve put the brakes on for today. My daughter was only lukewarmly interested in participating in the rabbit contest d’jour, so that was the only nudge I needed to stay home for the day. We got someone else to feed and water her animals, and we’re going to spend our time catching up on chores, tackling the laundry, resting, and eating some good wholesome food. Today we will all take our vitamins and take naps, too. If I can head off “colds and fevers” from our home by taking a break from the craziness, then I’m going to take the opportunity to do so.
We just love going to the county fair, although I’m beginning to see the value of camping there instead of going there every day. The price of admission is great (FREE for all days if you enter something!) Anyhow, here are some photos from the last few days:
There are playstations to explore (thankfully indoors so we stayed dry):
We love looking at all of the exhibits. There are some amazingly talented people in our county! It’s so much fun to get ideas of things we could do and learn for ourselves, and my children get a boost in their own confidence when they see that, “Hey, a 10 yo girl sewed that skirt!” or “Wow, look at the train that boy carved!” My kids ran around to see their own ribbons first, and we were very pleased with their rewards which included some of the massive ribbons. My 10yo even won a cash prize for her embroidery sampler! I personally did not enter anything this year, but in previous years, I’ve won ribbons for the flowers in my garden, cookies from the oven, and stitchery projects from my hands.
Of course, there are lots of animals to meet and greet. The fair is a great place to see all sorts of breeds of animals, and to talk with owners about their care. If you are at all interested in livestock of any kind, or of finding a source for dairy milk or fresh beef (for example), the fair’s the place to go! Here is a goat meeting my 2yo son. He just patted the goat’s nose and laughed and laughed.
Shows are fun to watch! This was a comedian juggler dude who just cracked us all up as we ate our corn dogs ( I know, “EWW”, but sometimes we just “gotta”, y’know?).
The rodeo is a family favorite event. These cowboys are crazy! I’ve never seen such horses jumping around and cowboys are just hanging on for that eternal eight second ride. This night was the coldest we had ever gone to, and because of the rain, it was a very, very muddy arena. The rodeo clown kept us in stitches.
My 10yo daughter is in the throes of competition for her 4H rabbits, and enjoying it all immensely. She even loves cleaning up the barn (we’ll see how that translates at home once we get ours built!). This was her first full year of 4H, and it was extremely positive. My 8yo son is joining up this fall, being of age now. He wants to do archery, and I’m sure my eldest daughter will join him in that as well.
There are plenty of places to get hands-on practice and learning at the fair. Here my son decides to stitch up his own stuffed animal. My 10 and 6yo daughters did the same.
Demonstrations are plenteous. Our favorite is watching the police dogs do their stuff, and of course the policeman giving the show is pretty funny as well. Yea! Go get those bad guys!
You always learn something new at the fair. Here is something we already knew :)
Lastly, there are copious amounts of vendors selling everything from fresh lemonade to hot tubs, and plenty of rides to enjoy. We have yet to walk through all the people selling things, but I’m sure we will tomorrow as we visit the merry-go-round and whatever dizzying rides the children want to climb aboard. Me, I’ll just walk around with baby in the Moby wrap, sharing her with sweet grandmas and toddlers (and yessing, "They're all mine" *smile*). It’s all good.
Fall is definitely tickling the senses these days. Not only are we seeing goodly amounts of chilly rain inbetween searing sun breaks, but children we know are already fighting colds and fevers. I’m getting plenty of emails regarding “back to school”, and sunup is about 90 minutes later. I’m getting into the mood to do “Fall cleaning”, which I think is far more sensible than the notion of “Spring cleaning”. After all, we’ve had all summer of children tromping in with soiled shoes from outside play and dust blowing in from open windows. Furthermore, when the holidays creep around (or surprise) us, the house will already be in relative order. So, we shall set about “Fall cleaning” .
After the county fair is over, that is.
I’m a little *fried* from all of the multitude of round trips we’ve made in the past three days, 35 miles each way. Each time, I’ve packed up children, foodstuffs, and children cartables (stroller and Moby wrap) and we’ve headed to the land of farm animals, exhibits, and entertainment. I’m wiped out and we’re only halfway through!
I’ve put the brakes on for today. My daughter was only lukewarmly interested in participating in the rabbit contest d’jour, so that was the only nudge I needed to stay home for the day. We got someone else to feed and water her animals, and we’re going to spend our time catching up on chores, tackling the laundry, resting, and eating some good wholesome food. Today we will all take our vitamins and take naps, too. If I can head off “colds and fevers” from our home by taking a break from the craziness, then I’m going to take the opportunity to do so.
We just love going to the county fair, although I’m beginning to see the value of camping there instead of going there every day. The price of admission is great (FREE for all days if you enter something!) Anyhow, here are some photos from the last few days:
There are playstations to explore (thankfully indoors so we stayed dry):
We love looking at all of the exhibits. There are some amazingly talented people in our county! It’s so much fun to get ideas of things we could do and learn for ourselves, and my children get a boost in their own confidence when they see that, “Hey, a 10 yo girl sewed that skirt!” or “Wow, look at the train that boy carved!” My kids ran around to see their own ribbons first, and we were very pleased with their rewards which included some of the massive ribbons. My 10yo even won a cash prize for her embroidery sampler! I personally did not enter anything this year, but in previous years, I’ve won ribbons for the flowers in my garden, cookies from the oven, and stitchery projects from my hands.
Of course, there are lots of animals to meet and greet. The fair is a great place to see all sorts of breeds of animals, and to talk with owners about their care. If you are at all interested in livestock of any kind, or of finding a source for dairy milk or fresh beef (for example), the fair’s the place to go! Here is a goat meeting my 2yo son. He just patted the goat’s nose and laughed and laughed.
Shows are fun to watch! This was a comedian juggler dude who just cracked us all up as we ate our corn dogs ( I know, “EWW”, but sometimes we just “gotta”, y’know?).
The rodeo is a family favorite event. These cowboys are crazy! I’ve never seen such horses jumping around and cowboys are just hanging on for that eternal eight second ride. This night was the coldest we had ever gone to, and because of the rain, it was a very, very muddy arena. The rodeo clown kept us in stitches.
My 10yo daughter is in the throes of competition for her 4H rabbits, and enjoying it all immensely. She even loves cleaning up the barn (we’ll see how that translates at home once we get ours built!). This was her first full year of 4H, and it was extremely positive. My 8yo son is joining up this fall, being of age now. He wants to do archery, and I’m sure my eldest daughter will join him in that as well.
There are plenty of places to get hands-on practice and learning at the fair. Here my son decides to stitch up his own stuffed animal. My 10 and 6yo daughters did the same.
Demonstrations are plenteous. Our favorite is watching the police dogs do their stuff, and of course the policeman giving the show is pretty funny as well. Yea! Go get those bad guys!
You always learn something new at the fair. Here is something we already knew :)
Lastly, there are copious amounts of vendors selling everything from fresh lemonade to hot tubs, and plenty of rides to enjoy. We have yet to walk through all the people selling things, but I’m sure we will tomorrow as we visit the merry-go-round and whatever dizzying rides the children want to climb aboard. Me, I’ll just walk around with baby in the Moby wrap, sharing her with sweet grandmas and toddlers (and yessing, "They're all mine" *smile*). It’s all good.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
Permanent Link
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
04:31
Mental Gymnastics
I’m trying to figure out the *perfect* time to begin a full schedule of homeschooling again, with the *perfect* mix of curriculum.
Hahahahahahhahahahahahaha
The *perfect* time is......never! I don’t know why or how I ever got it into my head that we have to have (1) a full five day week to do anything and (2) that somehow education stopped at Memorial Day and magically began at Labor Day. All I know is that I need to get back in some semblance of a gear, and at least begin our read alouds again.
But first I have to find two hours in my day. Because that is about what I’ve lost from my mornings postpartum. Part of that is: I used to be up at 5:30 or 6:00. I guess I still am. But, now I just nurse and go back to sleep!
The children have taken that cue and I hear them slowly lounging around, getting around to feed the animals outside around 8:00. Sometimes, they are up before ME (and that’s asking for trouble!).
Daddy’s been sleeping in, too, leaving most mornings without breakfast, without our “Family B’s” (Breakfast, Bible, prayer Box, and “Bye!”), without saying good morning to the 2yo.
I don’t know how to begin again. Do I set an alarm to get back to my routine? Or do I just let it “be” and allow myself the extra rest? Do we tackle the math books in the afternoon instead?
And when do I start “schoolwork” again? Do I wait for a Monday? Next Monday is “pick stuff up at the fairgrounds” day, and I don’t know about your house, but at mine, if we go anywhere, the GOING somewhere IS our day. The next Monday is without my 8yo, on a hunting trip with my hubby. The following Monday.....I don’t know, but I bet LIFE will show up!
It isn’t as if NOTHING’S been going on around here. We still have a Bible time of reading and praying. My 4yo finally learned to count to 10, and even got the “ten”ness of what “ten” really means. I taught my 6yo how to measure with a ruler as she was following some sort of craft directions. My 8yo learned how to drive the tractor, and moves the duck and chicken tractors in the evening (supervised of course). My 10yo is sewing together a topsy-turvy doll (with the 6yo...and her mommy). And I bribed my kids with cash to write out scripture every morning and to journal every evening in their notebooks. Yes, I'm shameless.
Are we learning? Lots!
So I’m pondering what our day ought to look like, and when it should begin, and what I’d like us all to accomplish during the week. We’re about to begin our Keepers club again, and a new 4H year in October. We’ll continue meeting for small group, play dates, church, music lessons and “Family Film” nights.
Too bad our children won’t get opportunities for “social interaction”, har har har.
It’s all pondersome stuff. In the meantime, I’m going to start supper: braised chicken legs, fingerling potatoes, fresh green beans and salad. Some people do their thinking in the shower. I do mine while preparing meals. I’ll let you know if lightning strikes my brain waves.
Hahahahahahhahahahahahaha
The *perfect* time is......never! I don’t know why or how I ever got it into my head that we have to have (1) a full five day week to do anything and (2) that somehow education stopped at Memorial Day and magically began at Labor Day. All I know is that I need to get back in some semblance of a gear, and at least begin our read alouds again.
But first I have to find two hours in my day. Because that is about what I’ve lost from my mornings postpartum. Part of that is: I used to be up at 5:30 or 6:00. I guess I still am. But, now I just nurse and go back to sleep!
The children have taken that cue and I hear them slowly lounging around, getting around to feed the animals outside around 8:00. Sometimes, they are up before ME (and that’s asking for trouble!).
Daddy’s been sleeping in, too, leaving most mornings without breakfast, without our “Family B’s” (Breakfast, Bible, prayer Box, and “Bye!”), without saying good morning to the 2yo.
I don’t know how to begin again. Do I set an alarm to get back to my routine? Or do I just let it “be” and allow myself the extra rest? Do we tackle the math books in the afternoon instead?
And when do I start “schoolwork” again? Do I wait for a Monday? Next Monday is “pick stuff up at the fairgrounds” day, and I don’t know about your house, but at mine, if we go anywhere, the GOING somewhere IS our day. The next Monday is without my 8yo, on a hunting trip with my hubby. The following Monday.....I don’t know, but I bet LIFE will show up!
It isn’t as if NOTHING’S been going on around here. We still have a Bible time of reading and praying. My 4yo finally learned to count to 10, and even got the “ten”ness of what “ten” really means. I taught my 6yo how to measure with a ruler as she was following some sort of craft directions. My 8yo learned how to drive the tractor, and moves the duck and chicken tractors in the evening (supervised of course). My 10yo is sewing together a topsy-turvy doll (with the 6yo...and her mommy). And I bribed my kids with cash to write out scripture every morning and to journal every evening in their notebooks. Yes, I'm shameless.
Are we learning? Lots!
So I’m pondering what our day ought to look like, and when it should begin, and what I’d like us all to accomplish during the week. We’re about to begin our Keepers club again, and a new 4H year in October. We’ll continue meeting for small group, play dates, church, music lessons and “Family Film” nights.
Too bad our children won’t get opportunities for “social interaction”, har har har.
It’s all pondersome stuff. In the meantime, I’m going to start supper: braised chicken legs, fingerling potatoes, fresh green beans and salad. Some people do their thinking in the shower. I do mine while preparing meals. I’ll let you know if lightning strikes my brain waves.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
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Monday, August 18, 2008
08:05
Kitchen Clean-Up
I've been working in my kitchen, cleaning it from top (literally) to bottom. I'm about midway, ready to tackle the lower cabinets. They may have to wait, however, as the fair is this week, and that alone will take up my days and strength.
I had to take a picture of my oven, it sparkled so:
I showed my hubby and he held his hands to his eyes, "the LIGHT, the LIGHT!" I've been hesitant to mess it up, but the babysitter made pizza on it two nights ago, so we're broken in again :)
Here is my pantry:
I organized it, throwing out the I-don't-know-how-old foodstuffs. On the top I have my pasta, crackers, and all the dried and canned beans. The next shelf I have grains of all kinds. And on the bottom are packages of tomato soup, lots of jams I made, and various odds and ends like unopened lemon juice and canned tomatoes. I don't buy a lot of processed foods.
The next side of my pantry has all of my herbs and soap making supplies:
I love playing with herbs! It's so much fun to make my own teas, cough syrups, tinctures, bath salts mixes, facial scrubs, etc. etc. I keep my herb books there for easy access. Here are the titles:
Encyclopedia of Natural Health and Healing
School of Natural Healing (found at a used book store!)
10 Essential Herbs
Jude's Herbal Home Remedies
The Herbal Body Book
Children's Health
Men's Health
Herbs to the Rescue
The ABC Herbal
Elementary Treatise in Herbology
Lastly, my husband got involved in the clean-up as well. Here he is using an air compressor to get those stubborn crumbs out of the toaster!
Lots more to do! I hope your day is blessed!
I had to take a picture of my oven, it sparkled so:
I showed my hubby and he held his hands to his eyes, "the LIGHT, the LIGHT!" I've been hesitant to mess it up, but the babysitter made pizza on it two nights ago, so we're broken in again :)
Here is my pantry:
I organized it, throwing out the I-don't-know-how-old foodstuffs. On the top I have my pasta, crackers, and all the dried and canned beans. The next shelf I have grains of all kinds. And on the bottom are packages of tomato soup, lots of jams I made, and various odds and ends like unopened lemon juice and canned tomatoes. I don't buy a lot of processed foods.
The next side of my pantry has all of my herbs and soap making supplies:
I love playing with herbs! It's so much fun to make my own teas, cough syrups, tinctures, bath salts mixes, facial scrubs, etc. etc. I keep my herb books there for easy access. Here are the titles:
Encyclopedia of Natural Health and Healing
School of Natural Healing (found at a used book store!)
10 Essential Herbs
Jude's Herbal Home Remedies
The Herbal Body Book
Children's Health
Men's Health
Herbs to the Rescue
The ABC Herbal
Elementary Treatise in Herbology
Lastly, my husband got involved in the clean-up as well. Here he is using an air compressor to get those stubborn crumbs out of the toaster!
Lots more to do! I hope your day is blessed!
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
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Response from a friend regarding our last pregnancy: "I dunno......that's a lot of mouths to feed......."
Delivered today: four huge bins of clothing and shoes from a friend (THANK YOU!) for my baby, all beautiful. I didn't even know Liz Claiborne had a clothing line for babies. As it turns out, my friend had a surprise baby boy (when her ultrasound announced it was supposed to be a girl!), so my wee one is the very blessed recipient of these good things. Is her heavenly Father crazy in love with her or what?!
Matthew 6:31-4 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Friday, August 15, 2008
09:56
Baby Has Shoes (and Then Some)
Response from a friend regarding our last pregnancy: "I dunno......that's a lot of mouths to feed......."
Delivered today: four huge bins of clothing and shoes from a friend (THANK YOU!) for my baby, all beautiful. I didn't even know Liz Claiborne had a clothing line for babies. As it turns out, my friend had a surprise baby boy (when her ultrasound announced it was supposed to be a girl!), so my wee one is the very blessed recipient of these good things. Is her heavenly Father crazy in love with her or what?!
Matthew 6:31-4 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
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You need a sign. What better one could I give than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it; but I will not. I am the Lord and not a conjurer.
I gave this mite a gift I denied to all of you--eternal innocence. To you see looks imperfect--but to me she is flawless, like the bud that dies unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the ants. She will never offend me, as all of you have done. She will never pervert or destroy the work of my Father’s hands. She is necessary to you. She will evoke the kindness that will keep you human. Her infirmity will prompt you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More!
She will remind you every day that I am who I am, that my ways are not yours, and that the smallest dust mote whirled in darkest space does not fall out of my hand. I have chosen you. You have not chosen me. This little one is my sign to you. Treasure her....
from The Clowns of God by Morris West, as quoted by Joan Hebden in She’ll Never Do Anything, Dear, kindly loaned to me by the author's neice
Friday, August 15, 2008
07:25
Signs of the Potter
You need a sign. What better one could I give than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it; but I will not. I am the Lord and not a conjurer.
I gave this mite a gift I denied to all of you--eternal innocence. To you see looks imperfect--but to me she is flawless, like the bud that dies unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the ants. She will never offend me, as all of you have done. She will never pervert or destroy the work of my Father’s hands. She is necessary to you. She will evoke the kindness that will keep you human. Her infirmity will prompt you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More!
She will remind you every day that I am who I am, that my ways are not yours, and that the smallest dust mote whirled in darkest space does not fall out of my hand. I have chosen you. You have not chosen me. This little one is my sign to you. Treasure her....
from The Clowns of God by Morris West, as quoted by Joan Hebden in She’ll Never Do Anything, Dear, kindly loaned to me by the author's neice
Blessings,
Keri Mae
Keri Mae
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All material contained on this page and this website are protected under international Copyright. Permission is granted to reprint any article from this site as long as the article is printed in its entirity, and the website address is included with my name. Thank you!
Ponderings of a happy help meet to Tom and mama of many, looking to joyfully serve the Lord out of a happy home.
