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This is a rather late post, since my little girl Charity had a birthday on March 21st, and I intended to post thist then. All of a sudden we are in April, and there went the month of March! Regardless, I have to say a few words about Charity. She is a delight and a blessing and a gift. We were praying for her long before she came to us. We waited almost two years for this little girl and when the phone call came, it may very well have been one of the happiest days of my life...What can you say when God gives more than you ever thought you could ask for? Many people thought we were crazy to adopt when our youngest child was seven months at that time, but I could relate story after story of how our lives have been touched, and made better because of this little girl. She is special! I imagine God knitting her together inside of her mother's womb. I can guess that it was especially fun for Him, as he chose her eye and hair color to match our family perfectly. He probably laughed out loud as He fashioned her fat little fingers that curve in their own special way. I am sure that it was with extra tenderness that He gave her body one extra chromosome that would forever set her apart to be "one of those" people. He knew that "those" people are gifts and without doubt He chose our family to be a part of His amazing plan. I could just about weep with thankfulness for His goodness. Charity was made without error and without mistake. She was planned before time and she is a precious part of our family... Happy birthday little one, may you grow in strength and beauty. May the Lord continue to mold your little heart to love Him and to love others. May we celebrate many more birthdays in years to come!
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Here is an article that I came across (thanks Mom!) http://www.star-telegram.com/408/story/530421.html It is something worth reading, makes me consider that God must have had a special plan when He created certain individuals different from the rest of us, by adding one additional chromosome to their DNA during the knitting together process!
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Ever since I remember, the week leading up to Easter has been a special week. My family always celebrated Easter with lots of excitement and enthusiasm. The fact that Spring is near always heightened the anticipation of my most favorite Holiday! Spring Break was full of play and sunshine. New dresses for school were part of our annual tradition as well. Coloring eggs was of course part of the wonderful week as well. Our Good Friday service began in the afternoon around 1pm. We sang songs about the cross, listened to inspiring special music and a message! We met together with four other churches in my hometown which made for a precious celebration of Christ's redemptive work! Saturday we hunted for eggs and received baskets with goodies...it was always done a day early since my folks didn't want us (my brother and I) confusing the bunny with the REAL meaning of Easter. We of course loved eating the candy and enjoyed the goody baskets our parents had put together. Then, early on Sunday morning we'd get up with excitement and jog over to the park where churches from all over town were gathering to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection!! I will always remember singing worship songs while the sun came up, with all of the believers standing in one accord...next, we flew home, got our church clothes on, and made it in time for the pancake breakfast at church! When our bellies were full and our hearts were about to burst with the joy of it all, we moved into the service. After music filled with rejoicing, our very wonderful pastor always gave a stirring message . I look forward to this time each year, can you see why? The children and I have many special activities planned to prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday! May I encourage you to begin or continue traditions of all sorts with your family - it matters so much! Here is a link that inspired me to come up with some new traditions and continue old ones... http://www.crosswalk.com/parenting/11570532/ May it be a blessed day and week as you remember His most wonderful sacrifice for us! |
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Today at the end of a long and exhausting day, I was sitting here feeling rather blah...you know the feeling, plain old tuckered out! This week we have been revisiting some training issues with two children in particular - who will remain nameless :). I have gotten less school done, but have tried to zero in on obedience and listening the first time, sort of particulars. Some days as a mother, I feel like I have it truly together, then other days, not so much...but... Just when I was about to vanish in a cloud of self-doubt and "blah land", my little Ellie got up to go potty. As we walked back to bed, so I could tuck her in, I could hear all of my beautiful children (except Ellie) breathing rhythmically, letting me know that they were asleep. I think that God intended to make sleeping children especially precious so that at the end of a long day parents could be reminded why it is that we do what we do each day. Standing in the dark room, I was overwhelmed with the privilege and absolute joy that it is to parent my little ones! They aren't perfect, I'm certainly not perfect, but because God's gracious mercy, life is good! Whatever mistakes we made today - tomorrow is a new day! No doubt, tomorrow morning, someone will wake me up just a tad too early, and pretty soon, all five will end up in bed with me! Instead of hiding under my pillow, I will remember that I love mornings, and with all of those wonderful alarm clocks (children) who could blame me.... |
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Tonight we had our church service. Usually I really love going to church, but I wasn't feeling so swift today. I ended up foregoing the nap or rest time and chose this afternoon to go do my grocery shopping. By the time I got home, it was nearly time to prepare everyone for church. Somewhere during that time, my head began pounding. I made it to church, but felt a little out of things. Normally I never ever take any medicine to help headaches etc. I just don't like it and try to go the "natural" route first. But, since my head hurt so much and I was hoping to enjoy church, I asked around and found some Advil. Unfortunately for me, the Advil not only didn't help my head, but it began making my stomach terribly nauseous, and my head feel dizzy. Charity was pretty noisy during the service so I took her outside and lay down on the grass to rest a bit next to her. She was a happy camper, but I felt worse by the minute! Thankfully my good husband caught on and discreetly maneuvered the rest of the gang out of the service. They came to rescue me and bring me home to my bed. It was so glorious to be in my nice soft and comfy bed, knowing that Will had things under control. After a bit, I ate cereal and slowly began feeling more normal. I have definitely learned my lesson not to take Ibuprofen on an empty stomach, and take a nap on Sunday afternoon. I think there is good reason to rest more on Sundays! Now, I am going to go to bed for real, and am truly thankful for an understanding husband, and sweet children who worried about Mommy's tummy, and helped clean the house to take care of one another!
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We had the coolest field trip today. Our family, along with two others visited the Jamba Juice a few streets over. The staff were all extremely friendly, obviously delighted that we were there. They were patient and helpful with our children who ranged in age from 2 to 15. All of the children were able to make orange juice, carrot juice and a strawberry smoothie. It was great fun, since eating is always fun. Our children were all very well behaved, asking lots of good questions, and responding well to the employees. Apparently this was only the second field trip they had given, but once we spread the word, there will definitely be more! Harrison didn't like his orange juice, but drank his and my carrot juice. Charity sipped a little smoothie, but cried because it was too cold...The highlight of the tour besides eating was standing inside of the freezer. For some reason that was huge fun - and our tour guide told them they could stay in as long as they wanted! Thankfully they did come out, slightly chilled, but ready for action. Today we are all thankful for Jamba Juice and for the privilege to go on field trips...
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My three oldest children deliver flyers for a local real estate agent each month. This involves walking up to each door and placing the flyer under the mat to ensure that it doesn't fly away before it is picked up by the resident of the home. Most of the time they enjoy this job, especially upon completion when they are paid for their work. Tucker runs most of the route, covering quite a bit of ground. Chloe fast walks, sometimes jogging between houses. Ellie on the other hand, goes with the philosphy " It's all about the journey" as she delivers flyers. She likes to skip along the sidewalk and find the prettiest flowers to sniff. If the home happens to have paving stones, or a brick path - all the better. She doesn't ever deliver as many flyers as her siblings, but it really doesn't matter to her. She is all about having fun. She likes to walk up the path and spin, then move backward up the steps to the door, finally placing her flyer carefully under the mat. Even when the payment comes, she is glad to receive a few dollars as long as she enjoyed the job. I think it would be nice to be more like Ellie Mae each day as I travel through my life. I already know what my destination is, and even though I'm looking forward to Heaven someday, I'd like to be able to appreciate my journey a bit more! Wouldn't it be wonderful if, as Christians, we'd stop a little bit more and enjoy the blessings that God has sent our way? How about if we took advantage of the opportunities we have to share Christ with people even if it took more of our time than we wanted to share at that moment? I think that I will learn today from Ellie - maybe skip a little more and do a little dance unto the Lord, just because He is good!
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Tucker and Chloe found my old flannelgraph board today along with the thousands of felt pieces used to tell many a Bible story...the three of us had spent lots of hours together in years past learning about Jesus by way of felt and flannel! They wondered if they could sort through things and put together a Bible story time. Who could refuse an offer like that? The two of them spent the afternoon telling lots of Bible stories until they chose one of their favorites. They practiced the presentation, and got all of the people in their places on the board. When our good friend Kathy came over for her weekly visit with us, we were given the lesson. Correct me if I'm wrong, but whether you've heard the story of Jesus once, twice or nearly ten million times, you just don't tire of it! I could hear the crowds yelling "Crucify Him" and it made chills go up my spine when Jesus cried out, "Father, why hast Thou forsaken me?". The story of our redemption never gets old... "Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of life, let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life. Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty, beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life." I am thankful for flannels and for several faithful teachers who showed me through the use of felt pieces, the wonderful words of life! |
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Today a friend stopped by bringing along her three children. Mine were delighted and played happily for almost an hour without stop. My friend and I discussed the many nuances of motherhood, and finally landed on the topic of ministry. Both of us attend the same church which encourages its members to be involved in one another's lives throughout the week. We are taught to meet the needs of the Body and share our lives with each other. This is wonderful and we have all been blessed by the community that defines our church. However, as a mother of young children, there is always the pull between getting involved in church and ministry and caring for the children (and husband). Most mothers I talk to, desire to do more for the Lord and to be involved where there is need. We as moms can often sense where others are hurting or are needy. We want to help! Is there anything wrong with this? No! and Yes! God puts things on our heart, and He wants us to extend our hand to the poor and hurting. He delights in our willingness to give of ourselves to others in His name... Yet, as a mother with young children, we need to remember that the lives that we spend time with each day, nurturing and discipling are the most incredible ministry we could be involved in at this moment in time. Our influence on their very souls is of utmost importance. The time we invest today will come back many times over as we begin to see our children mature into adults who love God with their whole being! Our scope of influence may seem small today, but when our little ones grow to big ones who serve God, they will reach many more for Christ than we ever could have imagined... Will there come a time when I can teach Sunday School to ten silly little fifth grade girls, or lead an amazing Bible Study for women? For sure, but for now I'm keeping my eye on the goal. Even though it is tough to see the prize at the end through the piles of laundry, dirty dishes, fussy babies etc. ,I am going to persevere because it will be worth more than any other treasure on earth to keep on in my own beautiful ministry for Him... |
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Today we took a walk with our friends from down the street. We made quite a parade as we rode bikes, scooter, roller blades, tricycles, pulled a wagon and trotted along the sidewalk. Halfway around, Chloe whispered, "Mom, can we invite them to eat lunch with us?". I figured it would be fine as long as everyone likes peanut butter and jelly - I mean who doesn't? So, we parted ways while the friends hurried home to drop off bikes etc. and we clambered inside to prepare our feast. Chloe went to town making rows of sandwiches, Ellie washed grapes and Tucker set the table while Harrison tried his best to be in every one's business... Soon they appeared on the doorstep bringing a bag of Cheetos with them. What a fine lunch we had! Good friends, good sandwiches and happy conversation. What a fine morning it was, and how thankful I felt! I am thankful for children who are often more hospitable than I, who hurry to do good to others focused on the delight that it brings to everyone!!!! |
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Sunday, early morning I was awakened by Charity coughing and throwing up. Both Will and I woke up and were able to clean things up easily. She didn't have the flu, but just choked on all of the drainage from her stuffy nose! Finally after awhile, I was able to get her to fall asleep, and I drifted off. Will couldn't fall back asleep and stayed up to do some extra work that he needed to finish. After about an hour and a half of beautiful sleep, I awoke again to the sound of an explosion of some sort. I always think the worst when I am woken up at night ...but, I stayed calm and listened a moment. Thinking all must be well, I was surprised to hear shouting and as I peeked through the window, there was my neighbor's home in flames. Being a quick response kind of gal, I lept out of bed, and grabbed the phone, calling out "the neighbor's house is on fire." Apparently I woke Tucker also and he took a few moments to find clothes, while I called 911. Our neighbor had a pretty incredible treehouse built right up against his fence near to the next house also and this treehouse was the what was actually on fire. We never found out exactly what caused the fire but as always there is speculating...as I spoke to the 911 dispatcher, my husband tore across the street joined by another couple of men who proceeded to bang on the doors and windows and yell at the people inside. The home was full of smoke to such an extent that by the time one of the young men came to the door, none of the rescuers could get in to find the others. They took time to wet their clothes and get ready to enter. Somehow two of the three fellows inside the house were able to drag the third guy out, since he was so sound asleep, he hadn't even heard the fire alarm. Back at my home, my four oldest came piling outside, with Tucker in the lead, shouting, "Mom, I want to go help!" This was said with tears streaming down his face. Gosh was I proud of him! At that exact moment the wind blew the sparks over to our house and I chased everyone inside to get shoes and coats on since I figured our home might be on fire if the winds kept up. I decided to let Charity sleep until I checked the roof and was sure there were flames. Thankfully since the rain kept the sparks at bay, she was able to sleep four more hours - very needed after her nighttime episode! Meanwhile the rest of the kids stormed outside just in time to see about five fire trucks and police cars explode onto the scene. It was the closest any of us had ever been to a fire and we were awestruck with how amazingly in sync the firemen worked. Will had come back to our house having rescued the three teenage boys from the house. The fire was put out reasonably quickly with minimal fire damage to the home, however the smoke damage was significant. We were all thankful that no lives were lost and for the opportunity we had had to help. I was so proud of my guys for the way that they both were willing to brave a fire to save someone. Tucker didn't get his chance this time, but it did my heart good to see how he reacted with courage not fully knowing the situation, yet being ready to help someone in danger. Our neighbors aren't Christians and we felt that it was appropriate that the three men involved in rescuing them are all believers! Sometimes I wonder how my children would react in an actual emergency and now I am glad and blessed to see that Tucker showed courage and concern mirroring his Daddy's brave act! Today I am thankful for firemen, my brave guys, and another chance to share Jesus with my neighbors! |
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Today we were inspired to bake. It was actually fun to watch everyone participate in the process. Ellie and Harrison helped get the pizza ready for dinner while Chloe and Tucker made blueberry muffins. We ate several snacks and had lunch somewhere during all of this kitchen commotion, so you can imagine the scene. There were dishes everywhere, pizza sauce dripping off the counter, muffin mix coating the counter, and a lot of really happy children running outside to play. I know that I should have had them help me clean up, it would have made sense to teach them not just to bake, but also help clean the mess. But...I just couldn't. They were having so much fun, and everything went so well, that I sent them all out to play while I cleaned every dish and made the kitchen more presentable. I found cheese under the stove knobs and I discovered leftover cereal (from breakfast) that had glued the chair leg to the floor! I have to remember that next time we run low on paste... Today I'm thankful for little fingers that taste more than just a little, while baking and making stuff in the kitchen!
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The rain here in Sunny California has been pretty amazing lately! It has rained every day for ever so long... My oldest son looked out the window today and said, "Mom, the sun is so bright!". We have seen the sun once in awhile peeking through the clouds, but not enough to really get a good look at her. Today, however, was brilliant...we intended to be outside for just thirty minutes, yet, somehow it turned into almost two hours. We couldn't help ourselves. The air was crisp, the sun was shining and our friends were out also. Good to be getting a littlte natural Vitamin D. |
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One of the main business ventures that our family has become involved in this year, is a design and manufacturing company producing organic clothing for babies and toddlers. We purchased the business from the former owner during the past Summer. Things seemed simple enough and everything appeared fairly simple to understand and operate. We knew it would get busy at times and we knew that we would have to learn as we went, but my, have we been surprised at how true this has been. First of all, come to realize, we had no clue about operating and managing a business like this. God has been gracious to us and has taught us as we go. He has brought several big accounts our way, and though we haven't yet "landed" any of them, we have again, learned a considerable amount during the time of interaction with the customers. We have realized that we have a lot of artistic flair in our family and everyone, including our children, enjoy sketching designs that we might like to try someday. We also realized that manufacturing a clothing line in a different country is a whole other story unto itself. Easier said than done in other words! Much has been accomplished in the time we have been the owners of "Organic 4 Kids". Not much tangible, but much nonetheless. We are excited that we have this opportunity, and look expectantly to the future. It is the right time to be involved in anything "green" in our present society. Most people want to explore the world of organic and environmentally friendly products. Our families have pitched in by babysitting, making phone calls, and following up with potential customers. An amazing and at times overwhelming journey, but always an adventurous journey. Check us out if you'd like www.organic4kids.com ! Thankful today for organic cotton, and for the opportunity to run a business right here in my home... |
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One of the things that impacted me the most during our trip was being in the orphanage. There is a local church who apparently began this orphanage which houses 18-21 children. The home that they live in has two bedrooms. One bedroom is the girls', and one belongs to the houseparents and two of their own children. The living room belongs to the boys. Each morning the boys must stack mattresses and fold sheets and blankets, placing them in the spor designated for each boy. The houseparents were an "average" family with three children living in the Tijuana area, attending the church when they felt God leading them to move into this house and take care of the children. This astounds me. It is rare to see a christian family so totally willing to follow God's leading especially when it involves risk to their children and hardship of such a degree. They must raise their own children while attempting to disciple and care for the others who come through the door. They must give these little ones what they are lacking, a secure home environment and loving parental care. From my vantage point, they are doing an amazing job. The children are well-mannered, obedient and take care of each other. This is a life calling, there are no breaks when you get tired of caring for someone else's child. I watched the mother carry a sleepy girl to her bed, while her own son was crying for Momma to pick him up. The older daughter must share a bed with a younger girl to make sure there is enough room for all of the girls. As a mother, my heart was in awe and deeply moved by the incredible sacrifice and amazing calling these parents have answered and are living. They need our prayers to continue loving God and loving the children even when they are weary. May God bless them and their efforts.
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Our family just returned home from a wonderful weekend in Mexico. We didn't go to the typical vacation spots, but instead found a little spot of heaven on the edge of Tijuana. Last year, I had read an article written by Jennifer Pepito in the Old Schoolhouse Magazine. It was encouraging and thought-provoking. The Pepito family now lives in Mexico and invites families to come stay with them in order to experience missions together as a family unit. After reading this article, I contacted their family and we began a correspondence via email for about nine months or so. Space doesn't permit me to fully explain the entire trip, activities, conversations etc, but suffice to say, we had a super-duper time in Mexico. We would like to return again next year - we're already planning it! The Pepito family is gracious, hospitable and fun to be with. We had lots of encouraging conversation that made us think, and caused us to look beyond our little comfy world we live in. The Pepito family is a family worth getting to know, and if you are looking for a different sort of family "vacation" have we got a place for you!!! Check our their blog and website for more information... We are thankful for new friends and new horizons! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/esperanzavallero/
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It has been a long time since I have written an entry. It isn't because I don't have anything to write about. On the contrary, there have been plenty of things that could have been written. It seemed like, I just didn't have the words. Words are terrific and can be meaningful, helping us to express many things, but there are times when words just don't suffice. During the difficult times, and when we experience hard things, sometimes our emotions run deep and it is much too hard to put things into words. For me, praying is a task that seems too great when I am suffering in some way and know that I truly need the Lord's wisdom and strength. I can never put my needs and longings into the proper words. How grateful I am for the passage in the Word that reminds me that I have an interceder... "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; " Romans 8:26 He always "gets" it, and I don't even have to explain or preface my request with a "you won't believe what happened today". He is glad to have me come to Him and He works it all out between Himself and His Spirit! It is a mystery, but a beautiful and peace-giving one. The past month or so has been full of trials for our family. Some bigger, some smaller, but sometimes when they all come at once it is overwhelming. One thing we have learned is that God is always good and He is always faithful. He is never changing, and He has our good in mind. My favorite "funny" trial has been the saga of the dryer. It is a long and not very interesting story, but suffice to say that my children are getting good at hanging clothes out on the line! Today and always I am thankful for His goodness and His rich Word.... |
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Out of the blue the other day, a friend walked up to me, while we were attending a local homeschool event, and handed me a check. She said that her husband and herself had been deeply moved regarding our adoption of Charity. We have had Charity now for 20 months (her whole life), and although it has been challenging at times, we wouldn't trade the time with Charity for anything. We have at times been brought to the end of ourselves - but what parent hasn't? Some days we think we might be crazy for thinking that we can handle all of these children, but then God reminds us that they are all part of His plan. More often than not, because of Charity, we have been changed. We have become more patient, willing to recognize our own shortcomings, thereby making changes, and take more time to just stop and smell the roses. All of these things are because we are parents, and most specifically because we are Charity's parents. What am I getting at? We certainly don't expect bonus checks for being parents - and it was so strange to have someone hand me a check for us just because this family was blessed by our adoption of Charity. It had never happened to me before. Then, I realized, that this was definitely from the Lord. He moves and he places things on our hearts. This friend made it clear that the Lord had put this on her heart and because of the mercy we had shown, this family wanted to bless our family. Trust me, we are blessed. It is humbling to receive, and humbling to remember that as a Body of Christ we are all in this together. Sometimes we get the feeling that we go it alone, but we don't - thank you Lord!
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We returned our books to the library this past Friday. Our library has a very high-tech system that allows each person to check out their own books and return them all by using a scanner. This is supposed to alleviate the need for a librarian. I suppose it frees them up to do more "fun" types of book-like jobs! Regardless, we usually still find a reason to enlist the help of some friendly librarian. Either our card won't scan correctly or we can't get the book to check out for us. This particular week, we were putting our items through the scanner to make sure that they were returned - especially since we had just paid a fine for late books. Returning the books entails that one lays the book flat against the little conveyer belt (like at an airport) and ever so gently slides the book in, until it is "read" by the computer and becomes a successfully returned item. As I watched the two little ones, I didn't notice the trouble that Tucker and Ellie were having with their books. Every time they tried to slide the book in, it would come back out. This apparently happened over and over, until Tucker having had enough, decided to do what any boy would do, he carefully and precisely shoved the book in until it heaved over the entire conveyor belt and landed safely, albeit unreturned, right into the book pile. All of this was done with absolute innocence. He then begins to explain to Ellie how to complete this entire maneuver, and in goes another book. I finally caught on, hastening to explain that although the books were back in their home, they were still going to show up on our account as late, if we didn't find a librarian to give us a hand. Thankfully the librarians were in good humor and after a bit of a search, they located the books, checked them back in, and we went happily on our way... |
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Our family went to a special occasion recently. We attended a Jewish Briss. This in other words is a circumcision party. Our neighbors gave birth to a baby boy and since the mother has Jewish lineage, they are allowed to participate in a traditional Jewish circumcision. The event happens on the eighth day of the boy's life, and is done either in the home or a Jewish synagogue. The "mohel" a Jewish rabbi who is a professional circumcisor (how is that word spelled?) comes and performs the ceremony. While we all gathered in the backyard, a local pastor came and shared what it means to dedicate your child to the Lord. There was quite a bit of scripture shared also by the father who told why God asked the Israelites to circumcise, and why we as believers might choose to do so today. He shared that for their family it was to be a physical reminder (circumcised of the flesh) of being a set apart people of the Lord. Hopefully someday this little boy would also choose to follow Christ and become "circumcised of the heart" Next, we prayed for the family and the raising of little "Abram". Then the mohel had arrived and it was time for the party to really swing into action. The setting was solemn and a little fearful feeling as all of us being Gentile Christians observed the beauty of our Jewish heritage in play. We watched as the family members handed the child to one another symbolizing the giving of the child to the Lord. The rabbi spoke in sing-songy Hebrew, offering blessings and encouragement. In a few very swift motions, Abram was circumcised, in his mother's arms and we were completely blessed by being allowed to peak into a sacred and holy ceremony. For the Jewish people, gatherings like this would not be complete without music and eating. After a great time of fellowship and food, our family returned home, thanking the Lord such a special tradition started with Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael, so many years ago... |