I can't begin a Friday post without 'shouting' "It's Fridayyyyyyy!!!!"
So glad. Today was also the last day of school/MMO for my girls which is prompting the reason for this post.
E is actually missing the last 3 days of school so we can go to the beach with my entire family (our priorities are right, aren't they?). Anyway, that made today her last day and I am over the moon proud of her. She has done so well and is now officially a 2nd grader (what on earth?). Seems so weird to say that.
Yesterday was her awards ceremony? day? I've written about previous year's awards days here and here. At E's school, each student is given a 'biblical character award' and each and every year she has received an award for Wisdom.
Before school Thursday morning, she was asking what award we thought she would get. I told her any award she received would be great and would be exactly what God wants her to have. Eric took the less-spiritual approach and told her she may be receiving the 'Oprah' award for best TALK SHOW - ha! This, surprisingly, cracked E up and then she said, "Well, I sure have done of lot of talking this year".
True. So true.
But, in reality what she did get was the Lover of God's Word award.
If you know me at all, you know that very award reduced me to tears because oh.my.goodness how I want a child that LOVES the Word of God. Her teacher wrote a sweet note on the back that said, "The Lord encourages us to hunger and thirst after righteousness, and E does just that. She is so eager to learn and live her life for Christ. I look forward to hearing how the Lord fills her life with His righteousness over the years!"
I walked a little taller out of school and while driving away I rolled the windows down and shouted, "Excuse me, excuse me .... coming through. Make way for the winner of the Lover of God's Word award!"
I am no success at all if I can't have liberty to embarrass my children. Fortunately, for now E loves it when I do such things, but I fear in the not-so-distant future she will change her mind.
And, then I'll stop.
Except I won't.
I guess all those days of making her go to her room and saying, "You WILL read your Bible for at least 15 minutes" is finally taking root. Or, at least I like to think so.
This was also O's last day of MMO and she has had the best teachers ever for 2 straight years. They LOVE my baby girl and anyone that loves my kids that much wins my heart forever. I was doing fine until I hugged them goodbye and then broke down into a puddle of tears. I couldn't get myself together until O shouted, "Mom! Come on already! I need to get out of this place!"
And, just like that .... goodbyes were over and we were out of there.
In true Mom fashion, as we were driving away I rolled down the window and shouted, "Excuse me, excuse me ... coming through. I have a TK student in the car - no more preschool!".
O was not impressed. I heard her whisper, "Mom, you are so weird!"
And then I stopped.
Except I didn't! :)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Learning to Read
Today is a rainy day and I'm fighting the urge to crawl under my blanket and sleep. I cannot remember the last time I was able to do that (before kids, maybe?).
But, today I'm going to be THAT MOM. You know, the one that obnoxiously brags on her children? If that offends you, you may want to skip this post because I can't help myself today. This blog is first and foremost a family scrapbook, so I have to post it. I am so proud of my kids!
I want so badly to figure out how to post a video for proof, but fear my computer would give up for good if I push my limits (it's still not 100%). O has been like a sponge lately and is fascinated with learning the sounds of letters and how they spell a word.
Last night Eric, E and I had the best time teaching her how to spell. I would call out a word (BAG, DOG, GOD, FIT, POT and so on) and using her wood puzzle, she would sound it out on her own and put the correct letters together to form the word.
She did it every. single. time. to 40+ words.
So great for three years old!
Then, I would put words on the puzzle and she would read them. We were obnoxiously cheering over every single word and had the best time. Before we knew it, we had surpassed bedtime and it was 9:30. Yikes! Before we ended, Eric put the word BEST on the puzzle and she sounded it out correctly. Melts my heart. I love to see my girls learn something for the first time.
As we were tucking her into bed, Eric said, "O when you learn to read your whole world will change for the better". She giggled and said, "I know! The whole world will be mine!"
Yes, it will baby. Yes, it will.
I'm so proud of you, O!
But, today I'm going to be THAT MOM. You know, the one that obnoxiously brags on her children? If that offends you, you may want to skip this post because I can't help myself today. This blog is first and foremost a family scrapbook, so I have to post it. I am so proud of my kids!
I want so badly to figure out how to post a video for proof, but fear my computer would give up for good if I push my limits (it's still not 100%). O has been like a sponge lately and is fascinated with learning the sounds of letters and how they spell a word.
Last night Eric, E and I had the best time teaching her how to spell. I would call out a word (BAG, DOG, GOD, FIT, POT and so on) and using her wood puzzle, she would sound it out on her own and put the correct letters together to form the word.
She did it every. single. time. to 40+ words.
So great for three years old!
Then, I would put words on the puzzle and she would read them. We were obnoxiously cheering over every single word and had the best time. Before we knew it, we had surpassed bedtime and it was 9:30. Yikes! Before we ended, Eric put the word BEST on the puzzle and she sounded it out correctly. Melts my heart. I love to see my girls learn something for the first time.
As we were tucking her into bed, Eric said, "O when you learn to read your whole world will change for the better". She giggled and said, "I know! The whole world will be mine!"
Yes, it will baby. Yes, it will.
I'm so proud of you, O!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Embrace Who I Am
It's Friday! We are sliding into a long weekend and couldn't be more thrilled! In all our busyness, Eric and I just realized that Monday is a holiday for the kids AND HIM and we haven't planned a thing. Love it!
I have just one more week before my oldest baby is out for summer and I have a ton of things to do until then. I have this ridiculous idea to have certain projects completed before she's out because I know .... I know I won't do them once she's here all day.
Man, that sounds good .... to have her here all day (remind me of that come July, okay?).
Seriously, the very day we were moving into this house she was starting first grade. Her first year of going to school all day and I feel like we've been playing catch-up ever since. I have MISSED her and I believe our relationship is showing signs of surrender and begging for TIME.
And, TIME is what we'll have - thank you, Jesus!
With all that said, I found a wonderful devotion this morning that I feel I should link to. It's by Lysa TerKeurst from Proverbs 31 ministries. My Father has put this very subject of comparing myself to other women THREE different times this week and I am listening .... and thanking Him for every word. It's time to embrace who I am and there is so much freedom that comes with that. Check it out (read it, Mandy - you'll love it!).
Have a great Memorial Weekend everyone! What a great opportunity to pray for our country ... Love you guys!
I have just one more week before my oldest baby is out for summer and I have a ton of things to do until then. I have this ridiculous idea to have certain projects completed before she's out because I know .... I know I won't do them once she's here all day.
Man, that sounds good .... to have her here all day (remind me of that come July, okay?).
Seriously, the very day we were moving into this house she was starting first grade. Her first year of going to school all day and I feel like we've been playing catch-up ever since. I have MISSED her and I believe our relationship is showing signs of surrender and begging for TIME.
And, TIME is what we'll have - thank you, Jesus!
With all that said, I found a wonderful devotion this morning that I feel I should link to. It's by Lysa TerKeurst from Proverbs 31 ministries. My Father has put this very subject of comparing myself to other women THREE different times this week and I am listening .... and thanking Him for every word. It's time to embrace who I am and there is so much freedom that comes with that. Check it out (read it, Mandy - you'll love it!).
Have a great Memorial Weekend everyone! What a great opportunity to pray for our country ... Love you guys!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I do believe a bond is forming
I have enjoyed watching my girls bond with each other lately. Sure there are still the afternoon meltdowns with "Mom! She touched me!" and "Mom, tell her to leave me alone!". But, even those are minimal and short-lived.
They love sleeping together now and O recently insisted I take her bed down because she doesn't need it. (I know her a little too well, though. If she's really tired, she wants to sleep alone in her bed).
Watching them grow closer has been so neat for me. I always wanted a sister. I prayed the moment I found out we were having another girl that they would be close and the best of friends.
This morning, O stopped what she was doing and said, "Mommy, someone has a boyfriend and I can't say their name."
Me: "What do you mean? Does E have a boyfriend?" (you better say 'no'!)
O: "E told me a secret and I'm not suppose to tell it. Ever. Never. I can't say it out loud where people can hear me."
Me: (dying to know what the secret is - dying! - but, sensing I have to teach O the importance of being someone who is trustworthy) "Well, if your sister has told you a secret you need to respect her and keep it. You shouldn't tell anyone."
O starts to cry.
Me: "Why are you crying?"
O: "I really want to tell you but I can't."
I hug her and tell her she doesn't have to tell me. I tell her how proud I am of her for keeping a secret for her sister. I tell her the only time it's okay to tell a secret is if that person is in trouble or danger. Then, she must tell.
I do appreciate her honesty and know she is learning what it means to be trustworthy, but don't think I didn't whisper to the Lord later he should fill me in on any secrets they are keeping :)
He will tell me, won't he?
They love sleeping together now and O recently insisted I take her bed down because she doesn't need it. (I know her a little too well, though. If she's really tired, she wants to sleep alone in her bed).
Watching them grow closer has been so neat for me. I always wanted a sister. I prayed the moment I found out we were having another girl that they would be close and the best of friends.
This morning, O stopped what she was doing and said, "Mommy, someone has a boyfriend and I can't say their name."
Me: "What do you mean? Does E have a boyfriend?" (you better say 'no'!)
O: "E told me a secret and I'm not suppose to tell it. Ever. Never. I can't say it out loud where people can hear me."
Me: (dying to know what the secret is - dying! - but, sensing I have to teach O the importance of being someone who is trustworthy) "Well, if your sister has told you a secret you need to respect her and keep it. You shouldn't tell anyone."
O starts to cry.
Me: "Why are you crying?"
O: "I really want to tell you but I can't."
I hug her and tell her she doesn't have to tell me. I tell her how proud I am of her for keeping a secret for her sister. I tell her the only time it's okay to tell a secret is if that person is in trouble or danger. Then, she must tell.
I do appreciate her honesty and know she is learning what it means to be trustworthy, but don't think I didn't whisper to the Lord later he should fill me in on any secrets they are keeping :)
He will tell me, won't he?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time to slow down
When you go 6+ weeks without a computer and without means to post regularly on your blog (with the exception of a few updates), it becomes difficult to put a sensible post together. That's the reason I'm having trouble, or the fact that I experiencing a little burnout.
May has been one of the busiest months we've had in awhile. Actually, it is busy every year and is unavoidable. We're running in circles with piano recitals, gymnastics meets, end of year school events, women's bible study, girls retreat and a women's brunch. Eric's job is picking up more and more business (thank you, Lord) so he's starting to travel more. You can look at any one of us and see we need to slow down and rest.
Last night was our last night of bible study until September. While I LOVE bible study very much, I know how much it consumes me and apparently my family sees it as well. The girls are usually sound asleep when I get home, but last night when I pulled into the driveway I saw their bedroom lights still on. I ran inside and upstairs and they started screaming, "Mommy's home! Mommy's home!" I had made it just in time for bedtime prayers.
While O prayed, she thanked God for bringing Mommy home finally. As I kissed them goodnight E said, "Mommy, are you going to be home with us for awhile now?"
Talk about pulling at my heart strings.
You have to understand I am here all day everyday, but I know I haven't really been available lately. Instead of letting that false Mommy guilt creep in, I'm just going to thank the Lord for the summer ..... and for rest. I get to spend some quality time with these cuties...
May has been one of the busiest months we've had in awhile. Actually, it is busy every year and is unavoidable. We're running in circles with piano recitals, gymnastics meets, end of year school events, women's bible study, girls retreat and a women's brunch. Eric's job is picking up more and more business (thank you, Lord) so he's starting to travel more. You can look at any one of us and see we need to slow down and rest.
Last night was our last night of bible study until September. While I LOVE bible study very much, I know how much it consumes me and apparently my family sees it as well. The girls are usually sound asleep when I get home, but last night when I pulled into the driveway I saw their bedroom lights still on. I ran inside and upstairs and they started screaming, "Mommy's home! Mommy's home!" I had made it just in time for bedtime prayers.
While O prayed, she thanked God for bringing Mommy home finally. As I kissed them goodnight E said, "Mommy, are you going to be home with us for awhile now?"
Talk about pulling at my heart strings.
You have to understand I am here all day everyday, but I know I haven't really been available lately. Instead of letting that false Mommy guilt creep in, I'm just going to thank the Lord for the summer ..... and for rest. I get to spend some quality time with these cuties...
Monday, May 18, 2009
Quick News
As I type this post, it's important for you to know I am NOT sitting at the library. I did NOT have to punch in a 15-digit number to sign on. I did NOT have to fight for a computer. No, instead I am sitting on my sofa listening to O sound out her letters (can't wait to go help her). I can do that because I AM AT HOME working on my own computer!
I finally have it back! And, while it isn't quite the same (I lost a lot of files - all my lessons, etc.), I am thankful I have it and can use it.
I had almost worn Eric down and we were pricing new ones. I was getting desperate when I went to the library Friday to work on my lesson for a women's brunch at my church we were having on Saturday and I lost four pages of notes before I could get it printed or saved. Sadly, that happened to me three times at the library and Friday afternoon I was done. I'm not proud at all to tell you I lost it that afternoon and cried over not having a computer (I know - pathetic).
Anyway, it's back and I'm anxious to visit you all again. I was able to catch up with some of you last night (briefly before watching the Survivor finale - yay JT!), but have more catching up to do.
But, if God taught me anything over the past 6 weeks it was to prioritize my time a little better than I was. So, I'm signing off right now, and spending some time with O before taking her to MMO. I'll be back (hopefully) later today to post some things on my heart.
Thank you for sticking with me! I love this blog community!
I finally have it back! And, while it isn't quite the same (I lost a lot of files - all my lessons, etc.), I am thankful I have it and can use it.
I had almost worn Eric down and we were pricing new ones. I was getting desperate when I went to the library Friday to work on my lesson for a women's brunch at my church we were having on Saturday and I lost four pages of notes before I could get it printed or saved. Sadly, that happened to me three times at the library and Friday afternoon I was done. I'm not proud at all to tell you I lost it that afternoon and cried over not having a computer (I know - pathetic).
Anyway, it's back and I'm anxious to visit you all again. I was able to catch up with some of you last night (briefly before watching the Survivor finale - yay JT!), but have more catching up to do.
But, if God taught me anything over the past 6 weeks it was to prioritize my time a little better than I was. So, I'm signing off right now, and spending some time with O before taking her to MMO. I'll be back (hopefully) later today to post some things on my heart.
Thank you for sticking with me! I love this blog community!
Friday, May 08, 2009
A list for those of you still hanging around
I don't have much time (and DON'T have a computer) so I'll keep this in simple list form ....
1) I'm at the library AGAIN. I have a million things to do today, but came in quickly to check email. I have trouble remembering much of anything, but now seem to have memorized my 15 digit library card # so I can sign onto the computer.
2) The situation with my computer isn't looking good. I dreamed last night I won the lottery and I was standing on the platform receiving my reward. It was a box tied with a giant bow and contained only one thing. A computer. I was crying, the crowd was cheering. It was a magnificent reward. What on earth? Am I really that attached? I'll go ahead and answer that - YES! Seems I do everything on the computer ... I check the weather (haven't known what to wear for over a month now), get recipes (awesome excuse for not cooking), read E's classroom newsletter each week, do all my 'price comparison' before heading to a store, etc. Not to mention I have been waiting on some important emails for E's summer schedule. It's just weird and not at all how things should be.
3) The girls retreat was great, not-so-great, exhausting and rejuvenating all at the same time. I had a blessed, blessed time with the girls that went (and counselors) and love them all so much more than I ever did. We spent the weekend studying about the false gods in our lives and asking the ONE TRUE GOD to help us lay some things aside and serve him without abandon. It's tough to do. It's humiliating when you realize all the sillyness you put before the ONE that created you, forgives you and sustains you. That was the not-so-great part of the weekend. I have so much junk in my life that's ugly, I felt incredibly unworthy to stand before those precious girls. I went through a spiritual warfare like never before. Even tried to sleep it off this week, but couldn't. I've learned that's the place God wants me ..... understanding FINALLY that my confidence lies in Him and Him alone. I am never going to be able to do anything without Him, but WITH HIM - I am GOOD ENOUGH.
4) Eric did a terrific job taking care of the girls this weekend. Poor thing even had to take care of O who was throwing up most of Saturday. When we would talk on the phone, he would leave out the bad points of the weekend so I wouldn't worry. O was sick and E fell out of a tree (just scratched her back - he thought she had broken her arm). Because he's an overachiever, he decided to sponge roll the girls hair on Saturday night so it would be curly for church on Sunday morning. He really did do a great job with everything.
5) Eric has been out of town this week and comes home today. Last night, O told me he was the fun one. Dern. I'm not fun? If I would've had enough energy I would have let her stay up all night and drink milkshakes and pop popcorn just to prove a point. Instead, I kissed her goodnight and surrendered to daddy being the winner of the 'fun' title. There are worse things, I guess.
6) Tomorrow my little brother graduates from college.
That sentence should stand on its own. I'm just so proud of him. He has worked hard and is such a neat, neat kid. I cannot wait to see what God does with his life. Oh, and my big brother graduates from bible college in a month. I am one proud sister. A proud sister that realizes she is being left out and isn't graduating from anything - except from diet coke to water. Doesn't seem as rewarding.
6) I thought about some of you who have had computer problems and were so crafty to raise money on Etsy to purchase another. I seriously contemplated what I could make to sell. Then, I came to the realization that not many people would pay money for a drawing of stick people. That's all I can do. So, we wait .... and I'll continue to come to the library. I know my # by heart ....
1) I'm at the library AGAIN. I have a million things to do today, but came in quickly to check email. I have trouble remembering much of anything, but now seem to have memorized my 15 digit library card # so I can sign onto the computer.
2) The situation with my computer isn't looking good. I dreamed last night I won the lottery and I was standing on the platform receiving my reward. It was a box tied with a giant bow and contained only one thing. A computer. I was crying, the crowd was cheering. It was a magnificent reward. What on earth? Am I really that attached? I'll go ahead and answer that - YES! Seems I do everything on the computer ... I check the weather (haven't known what to wear for over a month now), get recipes (awesome excuse for not cooking), read E's classroom newsletter each week, do all my 'price comparison' before heading to a store, etc. Not to mention I have been waiting on some important emails for E's summer schedule. It's just weird and not at all how things should be.
3) The girls retreat was great, not-so-great, exhausting and rejuvenating all at the same time. I had a blessed, blessed time with the girls that went (and counselors) and love them all so much more than I ever did. We spent the weekend studying about the false gods in our lives and asking the ONE TRUE GOD to help us lay some things aside and serve him without abandon. It's tough to do. It's humiliating when you realize all the sillyness you put before the ONE that created you, forgives you and sustains you. That was the not-so-great part of the weekend. I have so much junk in my life that's ugly, I felt incredibly unworthy to stand before those precious girls. I went through a spiritual warfare like never before. Even tried to sleep it off this week, but couldn't. I've learned that's the place God wants me ..... understanding FINALLY that my confidence lies in Him and Him alone. I am never going to be able to do anything without Him, but WITH HIM - I am GOOD ENOUGH.
4) Eric did a terrific job taking care of the girls this weekend. Poor thing even had to take care of O who was throwing up most of Saturday. When we would talk on the phone, he would leave out the bad points of the weekend so I wouldn't worry. O was sick and E fell out of a tree (just scratched her back - he thought she had broken her arm). Because he's an overachiever, he decided to sponge roll the girls hair on Saturday night so it would be curly for church on Sunday morning. He really did do a great job with everything.
5) Eric has been out of town this week and comes home today. Last night, O told me he was the fun one. Dern. I'm not fun? If I would've had enough energy I would have let her stay up all night and drink milkshakes and pop popcorn just to prove a point. Instead, I kissed her goodnight and surrendered to daddy being the winner of the 'fun' title. There are worse things, I guess.
6) Tomorrow my little brother graduates from college.
That sentence should stand on its own. I'm just so proud of him. He has worked hard and is such a neat, neat kid. I cannot wait to see what God does with his life. Oh, and my big brother graduates from bible college in a month. I am one proud sister. A proud sister that realizes she is being left out and isn't graduating from anything - except from diet coke to water. Doesn't seem as rewarding.
6) I thought about some of you who have had computer problems and were so crafty to raise money on Etsy to purchase another. I seriously contemplated what I could make to sell. Then, I came to the realization that not many people would pay money for a drawing of stick people. That's all I can do. So, we wait .... and I'll continue to come to the library. I know my # by heart ....
Friday, May 01, 2009
Retreat
I'm pretty sure no one is still visiting this here blog, but thought I would jump on here anyway to tell you what's going on. My computer is STILL not fixed and my faith is diminishing about it's revival. Haven't even called about it. Just can't bear the news.
However, today I head out of town with a group of teenage girls and 5 counselors for a retreat. I have mixed feelings, of course never wanting to leave my family, but I am confident God will take care of us all while we're apart. I've been studying like never before and have prepared 5 lessons that have changed me. Honestly, I have to fight feeling ashamed every time I sit down to look over the words again because 1) the subject of idols has been so convicting in my life and 2) I feel so convicted, I'm unworthy to even share.
I'm praying I will get my miserable self out of the way and God will SHINE. I want these girls to know the ONE TRUE GOD and how worthy HE IS ... worthy of selling out for ... worthy of a life of holiness and purity ... worthy of His rightful place of FIRST. Man, it's hard to do, isn't it?
Father, help us!
If you think of it, please pray for us this weekend.
I love you guys and can't wait to get back to posting regularly.
However, today I head out of town with a group of teenage girls and 5 counselors for a retreat. I have mixed feelings, of course never wanting to leave my family, but I am confident God will take care of us all while we're apart. I've been studying like never before and have prepared 5 lessons that have changed me. Honestly, I have to fight feeling ashamed every time I sit down to look over the words again because 1) the subject of idols has been so convicting in my life and 2) I feel so convicted, I'm unworthy to even share.
I'm praying I will get my miserable self out of the way and God will SHINE. I want these girls to know the ONE TRUE GOD and how worthy HE IS ... worthy of selling out for ... worthy of a life of holiness and purity ... worthy of His rightful place of FIRST. Man, it's hard to do, isn't it?
Father, help us!
If you think of it, please pray for us this weekend.
I love you guys and can't wait to get back to posting regularly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
