Garage Sale Babies

Yesterday I was telling #4 what a great kid I think he is and how I'm so thankful God gave him to us. He said he was glad we bought him at the garage sale. I said, "Really?" He explained that we bought all of them at garage sales when they were babies. #'s 1, 2 & 3 were at separate sales but he and #5 were at the same one. God put them there and we saw them and said, "This is (insert name)" and bought them.

I have no idea where he got that from! But he was dead serious! I should have asked him were we could find some more.

Discipling Our Children

I went to the Homeschool Convention this past weekend along with about a million other people. I love it! This year I didn't come away with a new curriculum plan or millions of questions about what I'm going to do next year. This year, I came away with a new understanding of my role in my children's lives.

First of all, RC Sproul Jr. spoke in one of his sessions about Deuteronomy 6:5-9. This is a passage Roddy and I also speak of in our parenting classes on Sundays. He said we can't live out this passage - teaching Jesus all day, every day - and send our kids to school for 6-8 hours a day. Just confirmed what I already believe.

Secondly, Phil Downer (father of 6) spoke on discipling our children. Which prompted me to look at how Jesus discipled his 12 children.

1. He was with them! As stay home moms we think, "Of course, I'm with them." But being on the computer and phone for hours a day, doesn't count. (Guess I better hurry, right.)

2. He taught them as they sat, walked, rested, and rose. God's Word must be part of everything in our day.

3. He led by example. Yikes! That is so hard. But I know when I fail, to apologize. Oh and how quickly they forgive. I also know this means I need to show compassion not condemnation to my children when they fail.

4. He took time away to spend alone with God. Do we seek Him early? Late? Throughout the day?

5. He loved them. Beverly Bradley says Jesus doesn't save us to fix us. He suffered excruciatingly and died for us so that He could be with us because He loves us! I am a fixer. I want to fix everything. You tell me you don't feel well and I'll tell you how you can feel better. You want to eat better, I'll make a plan for you. You want to have a more efficient schedule, I'll get you going. Want to save some money, I'll whip that budget into shape in no time. My kids not quite trained yet, I'm on the job, Bob. And they do need training and discipline, but my goal should not be to "fix" them. My goal, because I love them and want what is best for them, should be to teach of God's blessings for a life that honors Him.

There is so much more to be learned from Jesus. I'm thankful He is patient with me and continues to teach me these things.

"Theee" Talk

Cece has been telling us that we need to have "theee" talk with the kids before they come home asking questions because some other kid has already given them some information or before they place a stigma on it. So I decided I would make it part of Science time.

Well, yesterday Gray found a newly dead snake in the road by the mailbox. We decided to disect it. We then looked for organs like the heart, stomach, intestines, etc. I told him now that we've looked at the snake's body, we need to learn about ours.

I have this huge book on the human body, which has been high on a shelf for the past year. This morning I pulled it out. I started with the cell and then muscles and bones. I made sure to tell them that we don't always call body parts by their real names. Like our jaw is actually called the mandible. This way I could tell them the real names for other parts that we have nicknames for. We moved on to the digestive system. Of course, as I'm realizing this is a perfect opportunity to then talk about the reproductive system, I start getting nervous. "Please, Lord, help me get through this."

It was painless. I talked about it just as if I was talking about how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. They would ask questions here and there but didn't seem weirded out or anything. "Thank you, Lord!" Because now, to them, it's just another fact like: the sky is blue, water is wet, and God is good.

I was not looking forward it but I'm so glad it's done and it went so well. Thanks for the advice, Cece.

Boyfriend, Girlfriend

I had heard some of the children using the words "boyfriend" and "girlfriend" here and there and would ask them what the words meant. Usually the answer (which is standard around here for just about any question) was, "I don't know." Sometimes they would say, "It's a boy that is a friend."

Well, Hubby and I decided several years ago that in our home dating would be for the purpose of marriage. In other words, when our children feel God is telling them they are at a point in their lives where they are ready to marry, and when God brings someone into their lives that could be a potential mate, then they would spend time with that person ("date") to get to know them.

I used to think this was a ridiculous idea and bought into arguments like: "Well how will you know what you want in a mate?" or "Don't you want to know what else is out there?" "You don't want to look back and think you missed out on something."

Why? God knows what we need in a mate. And knows who is best for us. So why waste time dating around? Why give your heart away mulitple times to other people before finally giving it to your spouse? If I could go back and do it again, I would absolutely save my heart for my hubby. Why subject ourselves to being emotionally attached to a guy or girl that we will have no contact with the rest of our lives. And even if we do, what's the point? Our hearts should be reserved for Jesus and then for the spouse that He has for us.


So, I first talked with #1. I asked her if kids in her Sunday School talked about boyfriends and girlfriends. She said they did. And I explained that the time to have a boyfriend or girlfriend is when you are actually ready to get married. So she asked me what she should say if someone asks her if she has a boyfriend or why she doesn't. I just told her she can tell them that having a boyfriend is for when she's ready to get married and that she's way to young to get married.

Then we shared our conversation with the boys. It made perfect sense to all of them and I haven't heard them talking about it since.

Vacation!

We were on vacation this week. Hubby's parents have a timeshare and every year they 'share' it with us. We usually go in September but this year we picked May. It was perfect timing because we finished school last Friday. So it was a great way to kick off our summer. We checked in Monday and got home tonight (Fri). We swam and read, relaxed and played. We got to go to Disney Wednesday thanks to a couple of generous friends who work there and got us all in - Thanks Kevin and Adam! It was the first time the kids have been to Disney and the first time Hubby and I have been since before we were married. It was an awesome day.

We did really well all week with the sunscreen and not getting burned...until today. I realize our mistake now. All week we had gone in for lunch and naps from noon-3pm, the worst time to be in the sun. But today we had to be out of the room by noon. After checking out, we stayed at the pool until 4:30pm. Yeah, not good. I'm just hoping I don't peal. The kids and Hubby only had their faces burned because Hubby bought everyone spf shirts. He just found out he has another basil cell he has to have removed and that motivated him to keep everyone protected from the sun. He knew I was out to get a tan so he didn't buy me one. Well, I'm tan all right from the first 4 days but I have a nice shade of "crispy fried red" on top.

Other than that, the week was perfect! Thanks Meme & Papa for spoiling us again!

My Mom

In honor of my mom I want to tell you a few of the many things I love about her:

1. I love her honesty. I asked her a question today and she gingerly and sweetly told me the brutal truth.

2. I love how she gets excited over things. She is my encourager and cheerleader.

3. I love her giving spirit. It makes her happy to surprise us with her thoughtful gifts - like the 2 wreaths I just hung on my front doors.

4. I love her unselfishness. She always thinks of others first. She's always ready and willing to run to my rescue when Roddy can't.

5. I love her sense of humor. She cracks me up without even trying.

6. I love how she loves my children. And though she may have a favorite, the others would never know it.

My mom is sweet and kind, generous and loving. Most importantly, she laid the foundation - through her example - for my unwavering commitment to and faith in Jesus Christ.

Thank you, Mom! I love you more than you know!

My Little Giver!

My sweet girl! She's special in so many ways, but one of the more obvious ways is in her giving spirit. When she has friends over, she's always giving away something - toys, hair accessories, jewelry. Whatever it is her friend has been into, she may go home with because #1 likes to give. When we go somewhere, she's the first to think of drawing a picture or making a card. Yesterday she gave the ladies that clean our house (that's a blog for another day) a picture that she had drawn just for them. Last night she gave away half of her snackbar to a girl she didn't even know.

Well, today my sweet daughter cut off 10 1/2 inches of her beautiful blonde hair to give to another child who needs it. Here are the before and after pictures.

My mom came to support her. She also gave us money to celebrate at Twistee Treat! Thanks, Mom!!

A Rare Bird...

Have you ever heard someone say, "Well, she's a rare bird"? Or is it "rare breed"? I don't know, but I was thinking about that on my way home from the gym. We have a couple of eagles that live near us and when I saw one this morning, I started thinking, What is our fascination with these birds? Every time we go by we all search to see if they are there. I guess it's the fact that it is such a rare sight and I feel privileged to have them so close by. So even though I get to see them often, I realize how uncommon and extraordinary it is.

Then I thought about my "rare bird" of a friend, Cece. She epitomizes Phil 2:14-15, "Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,"

and Col 4:5-7 "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Those are just 2 that come to mind)

Doesn't matter how much time I get with her, I always want more because to have someone who is so wise and loving and gracious is a rare find! I am a better Christian, wife and mother because of her and I'm so thankful to God for allowing me the awesome privilege of calling her friend.

Camping in the Back Yard

The kids wanted to camp out in the backyard one night so I said, "Sure." They got everything set up, packed their bags, bathed and dressed to brave the elements. One-by-one, they each came in with different reasons why they had changed their minds.













So Hubby told them he would sleep out with them Friday night. He fired up the hibachi, skewered some chicken and cooked baked beans. Then we roasted smarshmallows (as the kids call them) and made 'smores.















At 8 o'clock everyone loaded up in the tents. Yes, they are on the trampoline. By 8:30 #3, #4 & #5 were back inside. But Hubby, #1 and #2 made it all night.

Field Day

My sweet friend, Stef, put on a field day for several home-schooled families last week. The kids had a blast! They played tug-o-war,had a sack race, a leap-frog race,an obstacle course race, had a water balloon fight, blew bubbles and to top it off got ribbons to remember it by. God provided beautiful weather and Stef supplied the fun!

Extreme Makeover - Wagner Kids' Edition

One morning after Bible-time, the kids and I were going over math flashcards. The boys were quizzing each other while I worked with #1. When I finished with her, I said, "Okay, boys, Mommy's going to do some with you." Then I added as I sprawled out on the floor, "Right after I take a little nap." (Sometimes getting up at 5:15a.m. makes me very tired.) Well instantly, #2 comes over and starts massaging my shoulders while #3 goes to get some baby blankets to cover me with and #1 decides to give me a pedicure. She got the electric foot buffer and some lotion and proceeded to smooth my feet. Well, of course, that gives them the idea to make me over. #2 painted my nails and someone put makeup on me. Then they picked out a dress and shoes and did my hair - with the hairdryer, no less. While #2 and #1 were working on me, #3 went downstairs and heated up leftover lasagna (with some help from #1) for me to eat and brought it up. It was quite the pampering, I must say.

The sad part was that we were heading to the library after an early lunch and #2 was so disappointed when I took my hair down and changed my dress. I did keep the polish on the entire week, though.

Wash One Another's Feet...

From John 13: [Jesus] began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him...When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."

The kids were painting this morning and somehow #3 had gotten paint on the bottom of his feet. The next thing I know, #2 has gotten a rag and is washing #3's feet. He didn't stop there. He even washed the paint off his hands. Just filled my heart up.

Tagged

Stef "tagged" me. I am supposed to tell you 7 things about myself.

1. I had a crush on my husband in high school. I had a picture of him from his graduation in my locker my senior year. That is until my boyfriend at the time came to school and saw it. I still have that picture somewhere around here.

2. I eat Starbucks Java Chip ice cream as my afternoon snack! Yum!!!

3. I hate spending money. When Hubby buys me something, my first thought after, "How sweet" or "How thoughtful" is "I wonder how much it cost."

4. I like big, shiny trucks with big wheels and big sound. I like Harleys too. My dream car, though, would be a '58 or '67 Corvette.

5. I love gray hair. Could be because my dad's been gray since I was in high school. I also love my mom's hands.

6. I would love to live with an Amish family for a month. Not sure how I'd do without make-up, though. I don't even go to the mailbox without it.

7. I'm an imperfect perfectionist. I'm a sinner saved by grace alone! God is so patient, loving and gracious that despite my many flaws, He has blessed me with 5 awesome, beautiful, loving children and the best husband ever!

Baby Goes to Awanas

#5 went to Awanas with #1, #3 and #4 Sunday night for the first time. They go to the one at Mom and Dad's church (right behind our house).

It ends this month so we just outfitted her with #2's old vest and bag.

10 kids!

Saturday evening, the Fittro family came over for dinner. We had 4 adults and 10 kids - ages 1 to 8. The kids had a great time and got along famously! Can't wait to do it again.

The Beach

Friday afternoon we drove to the Beach. Hubby's parents are vacationing in Hawaii so we stayed at their condo overnight. It was actually cold because we didn't get there until 3:30 and the breeze off the water was chilly. Of course, the kids loved it anyway.

Laundry

Had a little laundry to do Thursday. What's ridiculous is we weren't missing any of it - not really. But for the 2 weeks before this day, I hadn't been on top of it. In our house, we are NEVER done with laundry. I used to think when my laundry basket was overflowing, I had a lot to do. Now I have 9 laundry baskets. One holds the clean laundry that just comes out of the wash to be hung up or folded from out of the dryer. One collects clean matchless socks and other items that don't get put away right away and it stays in our closet. One is to collect the dirty laundry in our bathroom. That's where the kids bathe and we put all our laundry until it is brought downstairs. Hubby built shelves in our laundry room where the utility sink area is. So I fit 2 baskets per shelf there.

Want to know what they're for? One is for towels, wash clothes and very dirty white socks - this load gets bleached and washed in hot water. One is for nice whites that get washed in cold water. One is for underwear - washed in hot water. One is for darks - red, blacks, dk brown, dk blue, dk orange, dk green - washed in cold. One is for lights - khaki, lt blue, pink, green, pastels basically - and for dark clothes that have any white on them - like a dk blue shirt with a white collar - washed in cold. The last one is for sheets, blankets, white socks that aren't needing bleach, and Hubby's t-shirts - washed in warm water.

I had 11 or 12 loads here. I got 6 done Thursday, 4 done Friday. Then the weekend came. I did 2 Saturday after getting back from Daytona and while getting ready for the Fittros to come over; 3 Monday and only 2 today. So the baskets are low but none are empty. The underwear basket was empty for about 30 minutes.

I'm sure this is way more information than you ever wanted to know about the Wagners' laundry. If so, enjoy the next blog!

My Bike-riding Girl

Iris turned 3 the end of March and right on schedule started riding her bike. Actually it's Emma's bike that she got when she turned 3.

Here's my cutie pie in Charlie's basketball clothes riding on the back porch. At least the helmet is hers.

The Best Husband Ever...

and he's all mine!

A couple of nights ago, I was in need of a break. This doesn't happen too often. But Monday night I asked Hubby if I could run up to the gym for a little while. He enthusiastically said, "Sure, Baby. I'll be home in 20 minutes." Well I decided instead of doing that, I wanted to have some one-on-one time with #1. We went to one of her favorite places - the library. While we were there, Hubby called and said, "Why don't you two go out to eat. They are growing fast and we need to make the most of these opportunities." We ended up at a yummy little coffie house that serves delicious waffles. Yum! When we got home, Hubby already had dinner cleaned up, had mopped the kitchen floor, had #5and #4 cleaning the playroom (which was a week overdue) and greeted me with a smile. The next morning I found love notes in the kitchen that he had written to the children and me - while he was fixing dinner the night before.

How does he love me? Let me count the ways: He puts me before the children. He always forgives me (before I even ask). He encourages me. Serves me willingly and cheerfully without being asked. He reads the Bible to the children at dinner. He is oh so patient with me. He checks on me throughout the day. He prays for me. He desires to be a better husband and father. He loves God. He understands the importance of training our children in righteousness. He wrestles with the kids and makes up crazy, fun games for us to play. He chooses his family over work. He's an awesome example to our children. He loves me as Christ loves the church. He loves me unconditionally! (and the list goes on)

There's a Shania Twain song that makes me think of him every time I hear it. The verses are below:

In your arms I can still feel the way you want me when you hold me....I can still hear the words you whispered when you told me....I can stay right here forever in your arms

In your heart I can still hear a beat for every time you kiss me....And when we're apart, I know how much you miss me....I can feel your love for me in your heart

In your eyes I can still see the look of the one who really loves me....The one who wouldn't put anything else in the world above me....I can still see love for me in your eyes!

And the chorus says:
I'm keeping you forever and for always....We will be together all of our days....Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face--always

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om4s71i0J5Q&NR=1)

Our Pet Squirrel

A couple of months ago Hubby's co-workers found this very young squirrel in the company parking lot. So Hubby brought it home for us. #2 was the next child to get a pet since #1 got a gold fish for her 7th birthday in '06. We have gone through names like Brownie, Chestnut, Carmel, Spaghetti and are currently on Lolli (short for Lollipop). What's up with all the food names? Anyway. We're having lots of fun with her. Here she is on #3's head eating something. And that's Hubby rescuing her after she climbed up the side of the house.