I'm beginning to feel like this blog is a conversation.
A conversation that keeps getting interrupted.
Interrupted with solving Math questions, refereeing arguments, doctoring wounds, responding to email...voicemail...snail mail, balancing checkbooks, typing estimates & invoices, paying bills, folding laundry, cooking meals...
...answering question, after question, after question...
Soon I can't remember what I was talking about in the first place.
And then it just takes too much energy to even go there...to talk...to explain.
After I've been quiet for a while, it's hard to know where to start. Do I tell what happened last month? Last week? Or just stick to today?
And since the TV is on in the backround...I'm not really sure whether this all makes sense.
So...what I was saying? Anyway...
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Survival of the fittest...
At bedtime last night, Grace went searching for her beloved kitty.
We had last seen him before supper, perched on a kitchen chair, watching us make cookies. I really hadn't noticed that he wasn't underfoot during mealtime or the chaos of baths, brushing teeth & getting ready for bed.
When it came to bedtime, we noticed his absence. We took his food container & shook it in every room of the house. Typically, he comes right away, but he was nowhere to be found. We wondered if he has escaped outside somehow. So we walked the perimeter & still nothing. A little concerned, but not wanting to upset the kids, I assured them that he was probably napping somewhere & that we would find him. So the kids went off to sleep, while Phil & I kept looking.
Earlier, I had scolded Daniel for "trapping" him in his closet & told him not to do it again. But knowing how little boys are...
I wondered. I did one last "walk through" on my way to bed, and heard a muffled mew coming from the boys' closet! The door was wide open, but the dresser drawers had been shut by Phil minutes earlier. That silly cat had climbed in & under the drawers during his entrapment and was now further confined in the bottom of the dresser!
Poor kitty slept well after all the trauma. In our 13 years of marriage we've been through 4 dogs, 3 rabbits, & 2 kittens. If this cat survives our family...it will be a miracle!
We had last seen him before supper, perched on a kitchen chair, watching us make cookies. I really hadn't noticed that he wasn't underfoot during mealtime or the chaos of baths, brushing teeth & getting ready for bed.
When it came to bedtime, we noticed his absence. We took his food container & shook it in every room of the house. Typically, he comes right away, but he was nowhere to be found. We wondered if he has escaped outside somehow. So we walked the perimeter & still nothing. A little concerned, but not wanting to upset the kids, I assured them that he was probably napping somewhere & that we would find him. So the kids went off to sleep, while Phil & I kept looking.
Earlier, I had scolded Daniel for "trapping" him in his closet & told him not to do it again. But knowing how little boys are...
I wondered. I did one last "walk through" on my way to bed, and heard a muffled mew coming from the boys' closet! The door was wide open, but the dresser drawers had been shut by Phil minutes earlier. That silly cat had climbed in & under the drawers during his entrapment and was now further confined in the bottom of the dresser!
Poor kitty slept well after all the trauma. In our 13 years of marriage we've been through 4 dogs, 3 rabbits, & 2 kittens. If this cat survives our family...it will be a miracle!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Choosing to SEE...
It's not often that I come across a book that's too good to put down. This is one of those books. I finished it in one day. It is Mary Beth's story - a glimpse into her family, her walk with the Lord, her struggles, and her joys. It is a story we can all relate to, as we walk this journey of life. We all can choose to SEE God - in the good, not-so-good, and completely-horrible times. Grab a box of Kleenex, 'cause it's a tear-jerker. Either that, or I'm a big cry-baby. Yep. That's probably it.
"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us ; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring." Hosea 6:1-3 (NLT)
The newest member...
We had a fun weekend in Dallas meeting the newest member of the family - Elliot Ray. The kids had fun holding him & making him smile.
He is such a sweet baby & very easy-going.
Saturday, we went to a park & had fun exploring the grounds,
despite stepping in the mud & getting bit by fire ants!
Noah loves babies & Elliot was no exception. He always wants to be right there, watching & helping. He's going to be a great daddy some day.
The girls had fun helping feed Elliot too. It was about the only thing that could distract them from the Wii. That...and meal time! ;)
Thanks, Jeremy & Rachel for letting this crazy, loud family come & invade your peace & quiet! :) It was fun to see you as a "family" & rejoice with you in God's blessings & provision. Thanks for the counseling ;) and the laughs too!Thursday, August 26, 2010
Today...
...my youngest child was awake before 6am & was testing out various flashlights in his bed.
...I made him climb into bed with us & threatened him with silence, in the hopes of sleeping just five more minutes!
...I realized that trying to quiet a 5 year old is near impossible.
...I regretted agreeing to sub for a PE teacher yesterday. After countless jumping jacks, windmills, cherry pickers, and sit-ups...I am sore!
...I started a new job, as a teacher's assistant, assigned to a little boy with Downs syndrome.
...that little boy called me a "b----" when I told him to pick up the crayons he threw down.
...that boy gave me a hug & said, "I'm sorry". I like hugs. Especially from cute little repentant boys.
...I tried to learn the names of 25 other Kindergartners.
...I decided it was acceptable to say "you" & point, this first day on the job.
...my children's teachers should be thanking me that I gave my children simple names.
...this kitten peed on my shirt. He's pretty cute, even though he mews incessantly. But I'm still changing my shirt & taking a shower asap.
...we are having pizza for supper, even though I planned a menu on Monday & was all organized & such. But I wasn't a "workin' woman" on Monday. I was a lady of leisure...you know what I mean!
...bedtime won't come soon enough.
...I'm thankful tomorrow is a new day.
...I made him climb into bed with us & threatened him with silence, in the hopes of sleeping just five more minutes!
...I realized that trying to quiet a 5 year old is near impossible.
...I regretted agreeing to sub for a PE teacher yesterday. After countless jumping jacks, windmills, cherry pickers, and sit-ups...I am sore!
...I started a new job, as a teacher's assistant, assigned to a little boy with Downs syndrome.
...that little boy called me a "b----" when I told him to pick up the crayons he threw down.
...that boy gave me a hug & said, "I'm sorry". I like hugs. Especially from cute little repentant boys.
...I tried to learn the names of 25 other Kindergartners.
...I decided it was acceptable to say "you" & point, this first day on the job.
...my children's teachers should be thanking me that I gave my children simple names.
...this kitten peed on my shirt. He's pretty cute, even though he mews incessantly. But I'm still changing my shirt & taking a shower asap.
...we are having pizza for supper, even though I planned a menu on Monday & was all organized & such. But I wasn't a "workin' woman" on Monday. I was a lady of leisure...you know what I mean!...bedtime won't come soon enough.
...I'm thankful tomorrow is a new day.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Changes? Oh, okay...nevermind.
This week has been an odd mix of preparations, flexibility, uncertainty, and waiting...
Monday the kids went back to school, and I sat down to think through what I wanted to accomplish this week...and ultimately, this year. I tried to think about this over the summer, but have you tried to think with four kids running around? It just doesn't happen. You can think about what to make for lunch, or whether you should go to the library or swimming, but that's about it.
Anyway, I had worked some last year on what it would take to finish my teaching requirements. I had been accepted through an online school that promised a degree with just 30 credit hours necessary to complete my teaching degree. But before I went through the financial paperwork, I thought I would contact the State Department of Education to see what their requirements were.
To make a long story shorter, I found out some new information - if I could get a job working as a teacher's assistant & get the training to become a para-professional, I would be eligible to take the test to become licenced by next summer. After that, I would need to get a teaching job (Hillsdale Christian, where the kids attend, would qualify as a "State Recognized School"), complete 12 hours of coursework, and be reviewed by a board in order to complete the requirements necessary to get a teaching certificate - a 3 year process.
I found out through our local School Board offices, that the only teacher's assistant positions available were in Special Education. I had filled out an application earlier this summer, but then went to various schools to deliver my resume & talk to the principals. School starts on Wednesday & many won't know what positions are available until they finish their registration process.
I was called in for an interview on Friday, for a position working one-on-one with children diagnosed with autism or aspergers. The school is nearby & ideal for dropping off/picking up our own kids. The interview went really well & I was fairly certain I had gotten the job. I came home & kicked into "productivity" mode. (This is different than "panic" mode - it's more of a "Okay, time to get to work" mode!) There was a lot that needed to be done if I would start work on Monday. By Saturday afternoon, I got the call back that though the interview went really well, they hired people with more teaching experience. However, one of the people they hired is pregnant & may be put on "bed rest" by her doctor, so if that happens...they'll call me.
Confident...then disappointed. Bummed. Wanting to be hopeful, but not counting on it. It's one of those things that is completely out of my control, so all I can do is say, "Okay, God..."
Now what? I have been offered a job, teaching 2 year olds 2 days/week for a Mother's Day Out program. But the questions still remain. Is this the best thing for me right now? For our family? Do I continue to pursue other positions? Do I submit applications to substitute?
Now what?
In the midst of the uncertainties, decisions, & questions, I'm grateful I don't have to have all the answers. I have to keep placing my rambling thoughts & concerns in my Father's hands. He knows what is around the bend, what is best, what I can handle right now.
He knows the plans he has for me...
...and I have to keep trusting that He will make that clear...if I can keep waiting on Him.
Monday the kids went back to school, and I sat down to think through what I wanted to accomplish this week...and ultimately, this year. I tried to think about this over the summer, but have you tried to think with four kids running around? It just doesn't happen. You can think about what to make for lunch, or whether you should go to the library or swimming, but that's about it.
Anyway, I had worked some last year on what it would take to finish my teaching requirements. I had been accepted through an online school that promised a degree with just 30 credit hours necessary to complete my teaching degree. But before I went through the financial paperwork, I thought I would contact the State Department of Education to see what their requirements were.
To make a long story shorter, I found out some new information - if I could get a job working as a teacher's assistant & get the training to become a para-professional, I would be eligible to take the test to become licenced by next summer. After that, I would need to get a teaching job (Hillsdale Christian, where the kids attend, would qualify as a "State Recognized School"), complete 12 hours of coursework, and be reviewed by a board in order to complete the requirements necessary to get a teaching certificate - a 3 year process.
I found out through our local School Board offices, that the only teacher's assistant positions available were in Special Education. I had filled out an application earlier this summer, but then went to various schools to deliver my resume & talk to the principals. School starts on Wednesday & many won't know what positions are available until they finish their registration process.
I was called in for an interview on Friday, for a position working one-on-one with children diagnosed with autism or aspergers. The school is nearby & ideal for dropping off/picking up our own kids. The interview went really well & I was fairly certain I had gotten the job. I came home & kicked into "productivity" mode. (This is different than "panic" mode - it's more of a "Okay, time to get to work" mode!) There was a lot that needed to be done if I would start work on Monday. By Saturday afternoon, I got the call back that though the interview went really well, they hired people with more teaching experience. However, one of the people they hired is pregnant & may be put on "bed rest" by her doctor, so if that happens...they'll call me.
Confident...then disappointed. Bummed. Wanting to be hopeful, but not counting on it. It's one of those things that is completely out of my control, so all I can do is say, "Okay, God..."
Now what? I have been offered a job, teaching 2 year olds 2 days/week for a Mother's Day Out program. But the questions still remain. Is this the best thing for me right now? For our family? Do I continue to pursue other positions? Do I submit applications to substitute?
Now what?
In the midst of the uncertainties, decisions, & questions, I'm grateful I don't have to have all the answers. I have to keep placing my rambling thoughts & concerns in my Father's hands. He knows what is around the bend, what is best, what I can handle right now.
He knows the plans he has for me...
...and I have to keep trusting that He will make that clear...if I can keep waiting on Him.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The story of my life...
I love to tell stories.
...especially if they make someone laugh. Maybe that's why I enjoy blogging. It's a chance to tell my stories to anyone & everyone who is willing to "listen" to them. Plus, at least this way I don't have to worry about boring anyone. (If they don't want to know...then they don't need to read!)
I like to hear stories. Funny ones, yes, but meaningful ones too. Thought-provoking. Ones that challenge me to think. Challenge me to be...more.
This evening I listened to a sermon by Andy Stanley. It is a series of messages dealing with how to make wise decisions & he spoke about the story of our lives.
As I thought back to Bible study this Spring & learning about finding contentment in the midst of "seasons", he reminded me that every season we go through is a part of our story. What seems overwhelming in the present, becomes a few sentences in the future - as we describe that season of our lives. For better...or for worse.
No matter how big a decision you may currently face, or how complicated your life is, at some point in your life, it becomes nothing more than a story that you tell. In every transition in life, and in every decision that you make, you write the script. Whether it's a positive time in your life, or a terrible, surprise season...your next decision is simply an extension of your story.
You don't get to decide what happens to you. BUT you do have full control over how you respond to what happens to you. And how you respond becomes part of the story that you tell.
He told the story of Joseph - how the decisions he made at crucial moments in his life, shaped his story. It was a God-honoring story. In the midst of injustice, false accusations, prison, and family dysfunction, Joseph chose to honor God in his decisions. And the reality is that his response to God (in worse circumstances than I probably will ever have to face), was obedience & acceptance.
I sit back & just think, "Wow."
What story do I want to tell?
It's not only a story I tell to my children, but it becomes part of their story too.
I want it to be funny, for sure. But more than that, I want them to see God in my story.
...especially if they make someone laugh. Maybe that's why I enjoy blogging. It's a chance to tell my stories to anyone & everyone who is willing to "listen" to them. Plus, at least this way I don't have to worry about boring anyone. (If they don't want to know...then they don't need to read!)
I like to hear stories. Funny ones, yes, but meaningful ones too. Thought-provoking. Ones that challenge me to think. Challenge me to be...more.
This evening I listened to a sermon by Andy Stanley. It is a series of messages dealing with how to make wise decisions & he spoke about the story of our lives.
As I thought back to Bible study this Spring & learning about finding contentment in the midst of "seasons", he reminded me that every season we go through is a part of our story. What seems overwhelming in the present, becomes a few sentences in the future - as we describe that season of our lives. For better...or for worse.
No matter how big a decision you may currently face, or how complicated your life is, at some point in your life, it becomes nothing more than a story that you tell. In every transition in life, and in every decision that you make, you write the script. Whether it's a positive time in your life, or a terrible, surprise season...your next decision is simply an extension of your story.
You don't get to decide what happens to you. BUT you do have full control over how you respond to what happens to you. And how you respond becomes part of the story that you tell.
He told the story of Joseph - how the decisions he made at crucial moments in his life, shaped his story. It was a God-honoring story. In the midst of injustice, false accusations, prison, and family dysfunction, Joseph chose to honor God in his decisions. And the reality is that his response to God (in worse circumstances than I probably will ever have to face), was obedience & acceptance.
I sit back & just think, "Wow."
What story do I want to tell?
It's not only a story I tell to my children, but it becomes part of their story too.
I want it to be funny, for sure. But more than that, I want them to see God in my story.
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