How It Went...

So last week (Mon-Fri) we had no TV, Computer, Toys or Library Books. What did we do, you ask? Well I told the kids fasting would give us more time to read our Bibles and Bible stories. To which Handsome replied, "Morning, noon and night." I told him that was a great idea. So we had our normal morning Bible time then at noon before naps, we had another one and again at night before bedtime. Most of the noon Bible time consisted of reading Little Pilgrim's Progress. If you haven't read it, it's a must! We couldn't put it down and read throughout the day so that we were 3/4 of the way through by Friday.

We played cards and boardgames together. I had paper and colored pencils sitting out and they drew and traced. We had play-dates Wed and Thurs. We played in the backyard a few nights after supper. They reenacted parts of Narnia and set up a store in the guest room with stuff around the house.

Monday was the hardest day for me. I was a little cranky by the evening. The kids did great. Sweet Pea said she thought it was going to be boring but it wasn't at all. By Wed I was disappointed that we only had 2 more days.

I was better able to focus on little, yet nagging, areas of training that needed attention because we were all together so much. We are home all the time but if I'm on the computer or doing my own things here or there in the house, I miss a lot. Last week, I spent time on the basics that needed to be done around the house and spent more time playing. I've got to figure out how to schedule more of that in when school starts.

Our verses ended up being Ephesians 5:1-2

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

I mentioned to Hubby that if it worked out on the calendar, I'd love to do this every 7th week - kind of a week of rest. We'll see.

Fasting

We talked with the kids tonight about fasting. We told them ordinarily when you fast, you give up food. And the purpose is to help you focus on God. We're not giving up food but we are all fasting this week from TV, computer and toys.

We're going to focus on God by spending more time in His Word, by working on our mouths (if you know what I mean), by being responsible to pick up after ourselves, and by being thankful for all that we have.

It will be interesting. I'm excited about what God is going to show us.

Dinner For Two

One afternoon, Little R asked me not to come in the office. A little while later he asked if we could eat dinner upstairs. I wanted to say no because I could just see all the food scattered from the kitchen to the playroom table. But I said I'd think about it. Later I told him to ask Daddy. He said it was okay. After an hour and a half of secrecy and lots of trips from the kitchen, Daddy was home. Sweet Pea showed up all dressed and told us they were ready when we were. So I put on a dress and heals and she escorted us to the boys' room where the door was closed.

When she opened it, this is what we saw:

The room was decorated with streamers, and a sign that said, "You are The Best."

They had the table set for two with salad, name cards and menus. They served us leftover pasta, chips and pretzels and soda. Dessert was the best, though. All on their own, they made Starbucks Java Chip ice cream milkshakes!

They had their dinner in the office and checked on us from time to time to see how we were doing.

We gave them a nice big tip and told them it was the best restaurant we had ever eaten at.

Update on My Parents

They changed their checking account numbers and added alerts to them, but somehow the jerks (as I affectionately call them) tried to take out another $1,600. The teller asked for ID and they sent in Mom's credit card and DL. When the teller told them they would need to come inside, they sped off!

Waiting to hear more from the bank as far as surveillance goes.

Kid in a Candy Shop

I feel like a kid in a candy shop. Most of y'all know we have a butterfly garden. The other day I discovered that we have a new kind of caterpillar! Our old timers are Gulf Fritillaries, Monarchs and Zebras. We now have Queens - which are cousins to the Monarchs. I'm so excited.

We have 14 Monarch caterpillars, 5 Queens, 6 Gulfs and 55 (and counting) eggs!

They're in the aquarium in the house because we have wasps that like to eat them. Several months ago I counted around 150 caterpillars and eggs and within a week, they were gone. I finally realized what was going on but it was too late.

So every day, several times a day, we go out to the garden and pick leaves to feed them. In the process I watch the Mommy Monarch fly around laying more eggs!

When they start making chrysalises I'll have a little science class for everyone to show all the stages.

(Pictures to follow)

Rated BG

That's "Biblical Guidance Suggested"!

So much of what we hear and read is infused with worldly values. "Experts" are considered experts because they've spent 20 years going to school and working in their "fields" instead of spending time at home actually putting into practice what they preach. In reality, there is only One expert! Even Super Nanny with all her practice, leaves. She doesn't actually raise these children. And she doesn't base her suggestions on the Word! Which is ultimately the point.

I don't claim to know it all, either. And I know I don't know it all because I used to think I knew it all and I was wrong. I do know one thing that is undisputable, though. God's Word is true. It is our only reliable source of truth in a world that says truth is whatever you want it to be.

Whatever we read or hear (in Christian or worldly magazines and books, from blogs, on tv, etc), before we jump in and apply it to any area of our lives, we need to hold it up to the only standard that matters.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1:3

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

Psalm 18:30

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

Sometimes we doubt that following His Word will work because we doubt it's relevancy to us today. But He doesn't change. We can rest in the comfort of knowing that if we "take refuge in Him" and in His perfect ways, He will be the shield that protects us. He will honor our efforts.

So say no to what the world teaches.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Read His Word. Pray for wisdom and discernment to filter out all the junk out there.

Identity Theft

"We always think it will happen to someone else." Whatever it is, we think we're safe from it. Last Saturday my mom was in Publix and a couple of guys distracted her with friendly conversation while they slipped her wallet out of her purse. It had 2 credit cards, driver's license, insurance, medicare and social security cards.

After shopping at 4 of the touristy outlets with both cards (8 transactions), one of the cashiers got suspicious. She asked for ID and he said he had left it in the room at the resort. So she verified his signature and it matched exactly. But after he left she called the credit card company who then called my mom. She had no idea her wallet was missing. She uses cash and didn't notice it was gone.

So we spent a couple of hours calling here, there and everywhere to close her accounts, etc. Monday, Mom and Dad went to SunTrust to find out what they should do with their checking account. The lady told them there was no point in closing it since they had her social anyway. So she put an alert on the account.

Dad called the automated line this morning to see if his SS check had been deposited and discovered that $1,800 had been withdrawn two days ago. So they probably went to the bank drive-thru and sent in her DL and took their money!

Can I tell you how sickening and infuriating it is?! More so than if it happened to us. These are my parents who work their butts off. And a couple of jerks come in and take their money, security and peace of mind.

Be careful with what is in your wallet/purse and how you guard it!

I know God is in control of all this. Allowed it for a reason. I do know that. I know the money is really His and not theirs. I know He supplies for their needs and takes care of them. I know He will take care of the jerks! I also know I'd like to take care of them!

I know there are far worse things that could happen, too.

Please say a quick prayer for them. Thank you.

UPDATE since this morning: Apparently, a teller in St. Cloud overrode the alert on the account. The jerks (aka suspects, thieves, scoundrels, low-lifes) sent in a withdrawal slip with Mom's license and just her social on the slip. The teller filled in the account number for them and sent out $1,800. Fortunately, the money will be put back in their account in a few days. My parents now have an alert and a password on their new account. So even if they took one of their checks to the branch with their ID, the teller is supposed to ask for a password before passing out cash!

2 Questions

The two questions I am asked the most are:

Are they all yours? and How do you do it?

My answers are: Yes. and I have an awesome husband.

Proof of that was this morning when I opened the dishwasher and fully expected to put away some dishes. But as I reached for it, I thought, "I bet Hubby already emptied it." Because he always does. And he did!

Yesterday, he jump started my laundry for the week by sorting all last week's laundry and washing about 6 loads. Then another 2 this morning.

He doesn't understand how guys sit around while their wives do everything. It bothers him that people are so surprised that he takes all of them to the grocery store but that it is expected for me to do it.

These are just a few examples. If you want to know more, go to my older post titled, "The Best Husband Ever..."

I'm thinking of cloning him if the price is right. Send in your bids and we'll talk.

Harvest of Righteousness

Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.
Without having any chief, officer, or ruler,
she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.
How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.
Psalm 6:6-11

Normally when we think of these verses, we think of someone who is lazy in their work habits. But you know how sometimes verses just hit you in other ways? I realized this verse also applies to my parenting. If I am lazy or slack in my parenting, what will be the result? What will "poverty" in the lives of my children look like? Discord between siblings, selfishness, lack of concern for pleasing God?

But if I am careful to love, discipline, disciple, train and instruct my children, what is the result? Love for God and others. Hebrews says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." And James says, "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

What kind of harvest do I want to yield? If a harvest of righteousness, am I willing to put my selfish desires aside to put time and energy into the things that will produce that in my life and my children’s lives?

Good One

My sister sent an email to me with lots of good one-liners like:

Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

Be ye fishers of men. You catch 'em - He'll clean 'em.

The good Lord didn't create anything without purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

But my favorite was this one:

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

4th of July Photo Session

We thought while Hubby's sister and family were over on the 4th, we'd get some family pictures in. We had a great day eating, playing cards and setting off fireworks.

Young Wisdom

Last night Little R said, "I think I know why parents get frustrated."

I said, "Oh yeah. Why?"

He said, "Because they forget what it was like in the small days."

Surf's Up!

Spent Sunday afternoon at the beach with Hubby's family. Always lots of fun!

Labels: Great for Organizing, Not for Kids!

Labels are great when you're trying to get organized. You sort, purge, assign a home, containerize and then stick a label on those containers so everyone knows what's inside and anyone can easily put things back where they belong. It's a great little tool.

Unfortunately, we have a tendency to label our children as well. And this is not great. We use labels such as "bossy", "strong-willed", "shy", "hard", "lazy", "ADD", "outspoken", etc. to describe our children. We make excuses like, "She's just like her father" or "Boys will be boys" which also label them.

Our children will live up to the labels or expectations we place on them. Labels limit our children's potential. When they hear themselves described that way enough, they see no reason to try to do better. Something as simple as "poor-speller" gives them something to settle for, instead of striving to meet a higher standard.

We even have to be careful with labels that are neutral or sound positive. In school one of my brothers excelled in math. He was advised by someone once that that was the area in which he should concentrate for his career. God had different plans. As a pre-teen, He called Larry into full-time ministry. He is an assistant pastor at a church in Virginia, fulfulling God's expectations for him.

We have a child that truly is strong-willed. But I'm not going to limit him with a label that says he can't learn to submit to authority. This child is going to change the world. He has strong convictions and it is my job to give him the right convictions. I'm also not going to limit myself as a parent and use the excuse that he's not able to learn to obey the scripture that says, "Children obey your parents in everything" and "Honor your father and mother." When I do that, I take away the blessing that God promises him and I fail.

We have a child who is naturally a leader. There is a tendency to label this type of child as "bossy". And she very well could be. But instead of allowing her to be bossy, we are teaching her how to lead as Jesus did.

One of our children is very talkative. So we have to teach him how to use his words to glorify and honor God and to build others up. We've also taught him "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds is tongue is wise." I'm working on that one myself!

My point is, if you see a negative characteristic in your child, find the positive. Work on minimizing their weaknesses and maximizing their strengths. Study your children. Learn what they need help with and help them. If they need extra training in an area - like diligence, sharing, table manners - spend some time on it. And do it for their benefit, not yours!

Teach them no matter what they struggle with or even what they excell in, they are here for a purpose. That is to worship, honor and glorify God. When they learn to seek to fulfill God's expectations, God's plan for their lives, that is when they have succeeded.

VBS & Genesis 2:18

"Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone;

I will make him a helper fit for him.'"

I am learning how to be a better wife this week in VBS. Weird, I know. Allow me to explain. I'm in charge of leading a group of 12-14 kindergartners (depending on the day). I also have 2-3 helpers. One of my helpers wasn't good at helping or following my lead to be exact. She wanted to lead. For instance, the first day I put each of us leaders/helpers in charge of keeping up with 3 children each. What I mean is, when we transitioned from the sanctuary to craft to Bible to recreation to snack and then back to the sanctuary, we only needed to keep an eye on 3 kids each. I should mention there are over 1,000 children at VBS this week and whole grades transition at the same time.

Anyway, the second day we were short a helper and had 2 extra kids so I needed to add to our original 3 each to keep up with. This helper (who wanted to lead) thought we should just pick all new groups and proceeded to tell the kids who they were going to go with. Not that big of a deal really, but I didn't want the kids to get confused and wanted to change as little as possible. So I had to nix her idea and reexplain mine. This kind of thing happened a few times the first 2 days and well, too many chiefs...

So I had an opportunity today to trade her for a teen helper. The teen helper was one of 3 teens leading a kindergarten group that did not have an adult and they were pretty much - how do I say it nicely - worthless. The teens were too busy socializing and texting to pay attention to the children. They needed a leader and I needed to get rid of one.

This new 12 year old girl was just the opposite. She initiated no action or help whatsoever. She didn't talk to the kids. She didn't do anything except stand or sit. However, when I asked her to do something, she did it and didn't come up with her own ideas of how it should be done. So in that way it was better.

You ask, "What does this have to do with Genesis 2:18?" Everything! My husband needs a helper not another leader. Of course, when he's not around, I need to take charge of the house and children. Although, ultimately, my "leading" should be fulfilling his wishes for our house and family. But when he is around, he's the "lead dog". See an earlier post if you haven't read this illustration yet. I am to follow his lead and help him out. If he says he wants something done, I don't need to sit around like a bump on a log. I need to figure out how to accomplish it without taking it over and making it mine.

Who knew there would be such good stuff for me to learn this week at VBS.

Quirky Things About Me

I've been tagged and must tell you 6 quirky things about myself. You've all probably got a list of my quirks just flowing out of your minds but here are the ones I could think of...

1. I am ridiculously nutty about how my laundry is done! I realize it's a sickness and I'm working on it. Baby steps.

2. I have this thing about sorting colors (more laundry talk). Like all my extra buttons are organized by color and the thumb tacks on my bulletin board are in a straight line along the edge of the board sorted by color. My clothes in my closet are sorted by color and season - all sleeveless black shirts together, etc. Now that does not mean everything in my house is like that. After all, there are 6 other people living here. I can't do it all, people! :)

3. I don't like noise. You'd think I'd be over that one. I can handle it for short periods.

4. I have conversations in my head. When my children interrupt them, I want to say, "Don't interrupt, please. Can't you tell I'm talking?"

5. I always have a song in my head, too. It could be the first one I heard for the day or who knows. Right now I have one from someone's blog I just visited. Sometimes the song starts making me crazy, and I'll have to start thinking of a new one. Kind of like changing the station.

6. If there's a bug in the room, I will find it. Even if I'm asleep.

So there you have it. Quirky me.

3 out of 5

I love rain! I love the fact that we get a repreave from the scorching sun and my ac unit gets a rest. I love the free irrigation.

I love thunderstorms. And hurricane season competes with Fall as one of my favorites - probably because it means Hubby can't go to work if there's one coming our way.

Well, last night was a doozy of a storm. #1 came in our room around 2 a.m. and woke me from my dream that had something to do with the crazy lightening that sounded like it was on top of the house. Then I realized I left the phone out on the porch under the gazebo. When I came back upstairs, three of the kids were in our bed - all a little nervous from the very loud thunder and the cracking of the lightening. I told them I love storms because they remind me of God's power. They make me think of how incredibly awesome and in control He is. This is so comforting to me.

Here comes another storm now...ahhhh

Science & Snakes

I haven't officially been teaching the kids science in school. I do have something for next year.

Unofficially, we've raised hundreds of butterflies, explored the woods behind the house, made a home for our pet squirrel, read lots of ZooBooks magazines, dissected a snake that was road kill by our mailbox and caught several snakes to live with us for a couple of days. This is our current capture in our aquarium - a garter snake.

The next picture is #2 releasing a black racer.

Next is #1 so professionally handling a small rat snake.

And last, me 2 years ago, with another rat snake from the neighbors' yard.

Picture Taking

Having the kids' pictures taken used to be so stressful. And it's still not a breeze when you think about washing and ironing 5 sets of clothes; coordinating baths and getting hair done.

What used to stress me out was trying to get everyone to look in the same direction and smile. I got over having to have them all smile and was content to just have them all looking. But I have learned that even when the pictures don't seem "picture perfect", later I will look back and love them anyway - like this one taken of the first 3 kids when I was pregnant with #4. It cracks me up!

Good Grief!

Hubby had a basil cell the size of a nickel removed from his back last week. He's having the 30 or so stitches (3 1/2 inches) removed this morning.