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"I am His and He is mine! Bought by the blood of Christ alone..." Thank you most precious Lord.................. |
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This week at our house, regular school has been suspended. It is Chloe's birthday week which means grandparent visits! In between visits, the children decided that they wanted to do something for the orphan children in Haiti. We brainstormed and came up with a plan. They like to do bake sales in our front yard after school, while the high school and junior high kids walk past our house to their homes. There is a lot of foot traffic, and it is an ideal location for lemonade stands and cookie sales. Because it is Valentine's Day on Sunday, they decided to put together a package the kids could buy for their moms or special friends. The package includes: a rosemary bouquet, two heart cookies, one heart soap, and a chocolate covered pretzel. It is the hope that lots of people will stop by and purchase these goodies over the next few days. Tomorrow, my children plan to get up extra early to set up shop before the children walk to school. It has been good for the kids to work together, follow directions (which is trickier than it sounds), and make sure that they have a plan that includes everybody. Harrison and Ellie cut the rosemary and tied it in bows, while Tucker and Chloe made cookie dough and melted the soap. Right now, they are all working on the advertising. Everybody has a marker and is making some sort of creation on a big poster. We'll let you know how it goes, and if you're in the San Jose neighborhood, be sure to stop by The proceeds will go to Vision Forum as decided by Tucker, Chloe, and Ellie - you can follow the Vision Forum blog to see the work that they are doing in Haiti! http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/ |
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Yesterday, Will officially began a facebook page for me and him to share. I think we are each supposed to have our own page, but we figured it would be more fun to read each other's comments if we share :) I haven't actually made any comments or posts or whatever it is called on facebook, but my blog now shows up on my page whenever I post. Kinda feels like junior high all over again, wondering if I'll have any friends, and then lo and behold, so and so wants to be my friend - of course I accept! Very exciting! Though I'm sure I won't spend a lot of time on keeping up with all my new friends (and old ones), I'm sure it will be helpful to find out what everybody is doing these days.... |
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Here is our sweet girl moving around the house like crazy. On non-rainy days, we bring her walker outside. She can walk all the way around the block now. We are sure that walking is not far away. She loves to move, and we're all anxious for her to walk and then run! Go Charity, Go! |
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OK - thanks to Will - here is the picture of our solar system inside the kitchen. Can you name the planets? (hint) Saturn doesn't have rings yet...
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We are having a ball around here these days with my camera and video camera. I really could use a few pointers and probably a lesson or two, but until then, even in my ignorance, we are enjoying cute little videos of Neko, Charity and everybody else. Ellie has made about 20 "movies", and although I get slightly seasick while watching her shows (because she swings the camera around so much), she is pretty good at the narration side. Harrison just likes to be in every picture or video he can. He tries to show up just as the RECORD light goes on... Aside from the film crew being here, we also just finished our solar system. It is now hanging in the kitchen, and takes up most of the room. After finishing our book about the life of Galileo, we were inspired to create paper mache' planets. Tucker tied the ends to fishing line and stuck them to the ceiling so that they now circle the sun (light) in the middle of the kitchen. The kids took special care to hang them high enough so that Grandpa who is 6ft. wouldn't hit his head, when he visits next week! It was a messy project, but worth it - especially now that I can see the finished product.
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So, I was thinking, as I went through my daily chores yesterday. How does God see my heart? Am I just going through the motions, trying to make it through the day, or am I serving Christ, delighted to do any small thing that brings Him glory? One of my favorite passages in scripture has always been 1 Corinthians 13. These verses went through my mind, and I began to put my own self in the verses, and suddenly I began to realize in a whole new way that love must invade everything, it must permeate my thoughts and actions. Here's a glimpse into my day, but see below that for the real I Corinthians 13.Though I speak about God and his Word and His might acts daily, but have not love, I have become just noise! And though I have the gift of teaching, and understand the psychological development of children, and though I spend lots of time daily researching important subjects that will benefit my family, but have not love, I am Nothing! And though I respond to the needs of my neighbors and church family and give my money to help the orphans, though I give all of my energy and time to change diapers, give spelling tests, read stories, listen to endless chatter, make dinner and do laundry, but have not love, it profits me (or anybody else either) nothing. " Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." |
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The Sacramento Kings hat was a gift for Tucker at Christmas. We have a couple of die-hard Kings fans in the family (you know who you are! Most of the time the hat is on Tucker's head, covering his somewhat unruly hair, but at this particular moment, Charity found it, and wanted to show her support as well, for the Kings. Go Kings!!! Charity has had a few follow-up appointments in the new year and it is our hope that we can wrap up some things. She needs one more visit to the OR so the ENT doctors can peak at her trachea to make sure it is healed and growing with her. She has done marvelously through the cold season, though, and we are confident that all is as it should be. Hopefully during the OR trip, she can also have her G-tube removed. It has been three months since we have used it to feed her. She eats and drinks everything orally now. The vesicostomy will remain - maybe always, but we're OK with that when we see how happy and healthy she is! Her newest accomplishment is signing "I Love You". She is also learning to speak the words while signing, and we hope to one day soon get a video of that! Life with Charity is always an adventure, and always joy-filled!
Go Kings!!!
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One of Ellie's friends came over to visit today, so Chloe set up a tea party for the girls and Harrison. He didn't mind that the table was a bit girly, he just likes chugging tea and eating the snacks! Chloe demonstrated proper pinkie etiquette, and it seemed that all invited had a delightful tea. Did I mention that Chloe also made dinner this evening?!?
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with the big smile!!! Happy 3 months Neko
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Here is the Neko man at 3 months. It is hard to film a moving target, but Chloe gave it her best shot! Hopefully we we will get some other videos soon.
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Today marks the 37th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade - the decision that legalized abortion in America. For as long as I can remember, I have been pro-life. I knew what an abortion was, what it entailed and how it affected the baby inside of the womb. What I didn't realize until recently, was that abortion not only affects one life - the baby - but it also affects the woman who has the abortion and very often, the man with whom she was involved. Abortion is cruel, and horrible and as we pause to recognize and remember all of the millions who have lost their lives, we must not forget those who have had abortions and not only regret, but wish with all their beings that they could go back in time to make different choices. God loves us and He forgives us - aren't you glad? There are many many support groups for women who have had abortions and are seeking healing and hope from the Lord. Here is a wonderful resource and website that is worth checking out. http://www.silentnomoreawareness.org/ I came across this interesting music video. I love it. I think that it says a lot in a short amount of time. Here's a famous guy, Nick Canon sharing his story, and thanking his mom for choosing life for him. I urge you to get invovled in the effort to make abortion again illegal in our country. Support your local crisis pregnancy center, look into adopting, or simply find a woman with an unplanned pregnancy and be a listening ear. Pray about it and see where God might lead... |
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Grandma Anne, arrived in heaven today...her daughters by her side, ushered her into God's beautiful presence...we're so glad, glad, glad for you Grandma Anne... |
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The rain has come...and we are glad... Admittedly, it is a little tricky at times to keep little bodies with lots of energy, from getting totally 'high-strung' on these types of days, but, so far so good. Yesterday, there were a couple of breaks in the rain that allowed everybody to put on boots and jackets quickly before things got too wet again. Since our weekly sports day was cancelled, we have more time for finishing school work and adding in some extra fun. Each day I meet with the oldest three children seperately. While I meet with Tucker, for example, Chloe will feed Charity, change her diapers, and do physical therapy games, while, Ellie plays a game with Harrison. Neko gets held, fed and changed as needed. They like to switch off, and feel like big stuff being in charge of one of the younger ones. Mid-morning we have a break/recess time, and on a rainy day, it is free play. I remember free play time as a child...time to do all the fun stuff I really wanted to do instead of writing spelling words! After free time, we have been reading through several biographies about famous scientists, we're currently on the life of Galileo. I think I like it as well as the children do, since I'm learning so much. Following this we are enjoying a radio theatre drama presentation of "The Hiding Place". If you aren't familiar with this story about the Ten Boom family and their experiences during the Nazi Regime, I highly recommend reading the book and listening to the story on CD. It has been a little intense in parts, but a wonderful opportunity for talking about God's goodness and His plan for us, amidst suffering and pain. Lunch is next, followed by schoolwork for the big guys and a nap for anyone under four feet tall. The afternoon brings chore time, more play time, and dinner time!!! Our favorite evening activity is currently playing Charades, and then off to bed. Well, free time is over now, and it's off to more fun, look out Galileo, here we come! |
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Will's grandma had a stroke earlier in the week and the family was told that she was going to live only a few more days. Will's mom has been with her now, night and day for six days. Lots of the family has been able to come and see her from different areas. She is well-loved. She has lived for the past four years with Will's aunt, uncle and their children. They have cared for her with much kindness. Our family decided to make the trip to Sacramento over the weekend. It was a long day and a quick trip, but we were so glad to see Grandma one more time, give her kisses and get a chance to let her know again that we love her. |
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We had good news today...no...great news!!! You might remember a week and a half ago, we visited the cardiologist to have Neko's heart checked for any problems. The doctor had found several problems - and they would require heart surgery. We were asked to return today for a follow-up test, making sure that Neko indeed had heart problems and that we would need to plan for his surgery. Imagine my surprise, and really my shock, when the doctor turned to me and reported that she could find no holes, no mitral valve issue, nothing requiring surgery at all!!! We are so thankful and absolutely relieved...thank you for praying. |
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Recently, the bigger kids went outside to play flag football with the neighborhood children. I kept Harrison, Charity and Neko in the house with me. Harrison sat on the couch with his head down, pretty disappointed that he couldn't play with the big kids this time. I asked him if he wanted to paint with water colors, which he loves doing, and, he responded with an enthusiastic, "Oh yeah". Thus began a fun little conversation between the two of us... Me: "Wow Harrison, you are doing a great job!" Harrison: "Yeah, I making Neko's heart" Me: "Oh boy, is this for Neko?" Harrison: "This Neto's heart beeping" Me: 'You're making a picture of Neko's heart beating?" Harrison: "Yeah, Mommy." Me: "What a good painter you are!" Harrison: "Uh-huh, I going to be like that guy" Me: "What guy, Buddy?" Harrison: (with brow furrowed) "Mommy, you tell me" which translated means, "I can't remember his name, but you know who I mean" Me: thinking hard for a minute "Oh, are you talking about Michelangelo?" Harrison: "Yup, I going to be Michelangelo..." If anybody could, Harrison, you'd be the one!
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One question that is asked of me, somewhat regularly, is, "how do you do it?" I assume, of course, that the questioneer is referring to the fact that I have more than the national average number of children and two of them happen to have extra special chromosomes. The person figures that I must have some super-power strength or gifting to be able to make it through the day. And...actually...I do! OK, so sometimes I try to hide under the covers instead of bouncing out of bed to meet the day, and there are those moments that I spend longer than normal in the bathroom, just so I can get my head on straight before dealing with the challenges of parenting. I have "those kinds of days" like everybody else, and sometimes I lose my patience with my kiddos, BUT. I do have this amazing strength available if I want it. You know where I'm going with this, I bet. It sounds trite, but it isn't! The Lord is everything I need to not only make it through the day, but to be completely victorious in my day. The Word of the Lord is good and new every morning. I know what it is like to be a busy Mommy and hardly have time to brush my teeth (which I do forget on occasion), but I am finding more and more that if I make the time to be in God's precious Word, He is all I need. Life can be overwhelming, parenting is huge. I'm responsible for the words I say and the things I do. I absolutely am inadequate. Some days, or maybe most days, it seems impossible to read my Bible and pray. What I begin to notice, is that wrong attitudes and soon, sharper words, and a lack of kindness in my voice, begin to creep in. If I haven't taken time to quiet my heart, and to literally sit and be still before the Lord, all begins to unravel. I don't want that. I want my children to remember me as being a Mommy who loves Jesus and lives like it. Join me this year in spending more time getting to know the Savior, and learning to do what each day demands, with His strength! |
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The teacher is back in the building... I haven't had my game face on for awhile now and the students were getting a little unruly. We needed to review a few things today and remind ourselves that while homeschooling is a little bit more casual than the typical classroom, it's still important to write neatly, finish our problems and do our best. Truthfully, I have great little students :) They are superb at following instructions and either staying on schedule for the day or completely forgetting that we have a schedule for the day (when we need to make a trip to the doctor). They take turns being with the younger ones so that I can meet with each person individually to go over the assignments each day. My favorite part of the day right now, involves reading through our History of Science literature. We are a bit behind, but enjoyed learning about Greek scientists and have moved on to the scientists of the medieval time period. Even though I barely made it through Algebra 1, I am getting a huge pleasure in taking my son through his first year of Algebra. I not only understand it this time, but it actually seems sort of fun. Seeing my daughter really take hold of reading this year is a total thrill and I can't wait to teach the next one in line. It's good to be back in the swing of things... |
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Neko has had a great week. He is getting over his sickness and is holding his own. He still maintains a good attitude even when sick. We rarely hear a fuss, only occasionally. He is growing and beginning to make lots of smiles and cute noises. What a sweetie! New clothes from Grandma!
When you're happy and you know it...SMILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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