Posted in Spiritual Musings
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Overheard in an Orchard Said the Robin to the Sparrow: Said the Sparrow to the Robin: - Elizabeth Cheney Anxiety, agitation, and apprehension. Like a circle unbroken I sometimes find myself trapped in this spinning existence. What does that reflect when I allow myself to be sucked into that kind of fretful swirl? Simply my lack of trust and reliance on the Lord. To be perfectly at peace and at rest seems but a dream then. Yet all the worrying has never made me a better wife, mother or person. It breaks the beauty of the day. It blinds me from simple joys. It cripples rather that strengthens my daily resolve to live for the Lord. And don't my children crave for more smiles when their mama discards her cheerful countenance and cloaks on foreboding thoughts instead? So when I find myself fretting away (or mindlessly opening the freezer for more chocolate chips – they somehow go together unless it's that time of the month), I remember....I recall...I bring to mind who I worship.... I worship the God of peace. Yes! Our God of peace can bless us with His peace; God's peace. And only the peace of God is worth pursuing. It starts when we let go of our anxieties and worries. And replace that “void” with the assurance that we can totally trust God. Indeed we can! Meditating on His Word and communing with our Father help the process a lot... So as I face the prospect of a new week...I'm going to let my mind come under His captivity. I'm going to live each moment and savor each experience with abandonment, under the shadow of His wing. I'm gonna fly! :) Have a carefree week ahead, my friends. |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
 In a corn tub, that is. A homeschool mom, a homeschool mom and a homeschool mom. I've asked DH to please build me a corn crib one day. It's really relaxing....and if you are in the neigborhood, you are welcome to de-stress in it, lol. Here are a few more pictures of our field trip last night. They are mostly pictures of us riding a tricycle. I forgot how entertaining it was.
Our annual visit to the Tate Farm was by the grace of God. A few of the moms and many of the children were unwell days prior to the visit. But on the day itself, all of us were able to make it. Thank you Shari, for organizing it. Shari, by the way, is our beloved home school director. :) |
Posted in Healthy Living
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My husband especially loves sourdough bread and I think it's about time I bake some for him. Several months ago, I ordered a South African sourdough bread culture (specifically for whole wheat) and yesterday I finally started activating it. It's still in my dehydrator (85° F) growing. It instructions are not too clear (or maybe I'm just dense). Hopefully the culture will not rebel and behave as it should. If it works and if you want to drive over to my place, you are free to have some, lol. I like sharing my culture (pun intended), haha. Meanwhile I have several bottles of kefir grains (“Mama, you have a kefir grains farm!” my daughter exclaimed the other day when she saw the neatly lined bottles on the bottom shelf of the fridge) and if you want some, let me know. Once more you have to live near me. I've already parted with a couple and it seems such a waste to throw them away. Of course I can eat them, but somehow, I feel a mite odd eating the cruciferous looking grains . And no one else in my family want to take the challenge. Kefir grains are pretty good in smoothies though so maybe I'll just throw the extra grains in the blender soon. Don't you wish you live near me, lol? My next project will be kimchi. I love that stuff. My Korean TDK master's wife Cathy makes the best kimchi (sorry, mom). She is going to give me a quart soon. Yeah! Okay, I better go and feed my sourdough culture now...it's pretty finicky and demanding and I need to do it just right! But anything for my dear husband... |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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Visit diffferent grocery places and pick on their samples till you are full. Then go to Lowes. They have bigger movie screens than Walmart. (You got to have read this entry to catch the joke of this idea.) No worries, we won't be doing that tonight. Or any other night for that matter. This is a joke, a joke.... Still our date tonight will be a cheap one. It's actually free, lol. We were given a $25 Cracker Barrel gift card for Father's Day and we will redeem that tonight. Then maybe DH will surprise me with something more romantic. I can't wait... On another vein, we took part in the Choose Life Walk for Life event this morning. The sky was overcast and then it sprinkled but that didn't deter the many participants who were present. It was lovely catching up with friends who were there too. My only regret was not being more active in asking for pledges. Almost everyone whom we had asked to sponsor the vent was agreeable and generous. One day when the children are older and homeschooling is done I certainly will want to volunteer my time to this great organization.
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Posted in Spiritual Musings
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Its siren call can be a low buzz, a soft alluring voice, a steady beat or a pounding reminder of your unsatisfied needs. Sin kills. It wraps itself around your heart. It squeezes out the last drop of joy in you. It deadens your spirit. Sin needs to be addressed. And we can't do it alone. God is our refuge and help. He is our rock and strength. He forgives. He refreshes. But the noise of sin can be too loud. Too confusing. We need accountability.
Another day is here. This lovely fall dawn fills my soul with joy and hope. And I'm humbled. I'm not alone in my battle. I am accountable to not just the Lord. I have my husband. And he is accountable to me. It's not something I dare take for granted, this powerful transparency between us. No, we cannot take anything for granted, for sin is insidious... But as we daily commit ourselves to the Lord and to each other, we will overcome. And live...in the light.
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Posted in Family Scrapbook
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We had our TKD promotional test just now and we each earned our yellow belt. Yeah! That was such a good lesson for my daughter as she could experience in a tangible way the reward of perseverance. She asked to drop out not long after our lessons began because it was “too hard”. Being a perfectionist she tends to be an “all or nothing” kind of person at times. Besides, her bend is more literary that athletic. But with this promotion, she is encouraged. I can always refer to that belt now whenever she falters and wishes to give up...."Look, see what persistence and focus can reap?" I'm not sure how long we will do TKD as a family, but regular exercise aside, it has been nothing but a blessing to us all. One of the school rules (which we had to learn for the test) was “To keep friendship with one another and to build a strong and happy community” is certainly a good one. We are getting to know more folks (several home school ones too) and we usually have some kind of "fellowship" with one another after class. It's great too to bow to one another in a respectful way before and after class. Having come from a bowing culture, I love how natural everyone, from the 4 year old to the elderly gentleman, bows to one another. Like after class, we bow to the master and other black-belters. Then we walk down the line, shake hands, bow and thank our partners and one another for another great practice. That somehow builds a warm sense of camaraderie amongst us. It was just special too when the class encouraged us when the four of us and another little girl took the test in their presence. We had ice-cream cone and chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-a to celebrate our little notch up the TKD ladder. We so rarely eat fast food (hey, I'm a raw milk and free range chicken kind of gal!) that was such a treat for the children. The total cost was less than $10.00. Pretty inexpensive, I commented. Well, DH and I are going on a date tomorrow and I joked about having a cheap date by eating at Chick-fil-a. DH added that we could then go to Walmart to watch the big-screen movies there, and yeah, I continued, we could top it by going to Dollar Tree and DH could get me a plastic rose. NOT! But we had a great belly-laugh thinking about that as we drove home. But hey, that's an idea, no? Anyway, too bad “Fireproof” opens only next week in our local theater. That is one movie both of us would like to watch together. That should make for one sizzling date. Maybe we can find time to go out again next week. That will be so nice.
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Posted in Family Scrapbook
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A dear friend sent this to me via email and I thought I could share it here. If you want to play, copy and paste below on your blog and then erase my answers. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places, names and things. Nothing made up. Try to use different answers if you and I have the same initial. You can't use your name for the boy/girl question. If you play, leave a comment and let me know! :) So here goes! 2) 4 LETTER WORD: MOVE 3) VEHICLE: Mercedes Benz 4) TV SHOW: M*A*S*H 5) CITY: 6) BOY NAME: Michael 7) GIRL NAME: Michelle 8) OCCUPATION: Map-maker 9)SOMETHING YOU WEAR: mittens 10) FOOD: Mashed Potatoes 11) SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: mascara 12) REASON FOR BEING LATE: motioning children to clean up mess 13) SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: My goodness! 14) ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS: modest
Now you do it. It's fun and not as easy as it looks. :) I sure had a hard time with TV programs as it's been so long since I watched that thing, lol. |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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Want to ensure freshness in your marriage? Date your mate. Well, we have discovered something better than dating. A couple of months ago our family signed up to do family TKD (that is Tae-kwon-do). So 2-3 times a week in the evening and occasionally on Saturday morning (if we miss the evening classes) we (plus children) don our smart uniforms and head towards the TKD school with anticipation. And so far, it has been nothing but great for all of us. For DH and myself, it's like suddenly a new dimension has entered our relationship. DH was involved in martial arts during his teen and adult years. My dad did Judo and taught me some elements of self-defense when I was my daughter's age. And I've always had friends who were involved in some kind of martial arts so both of us entered TKD with our eyes opened. And oh, it has been wonderful. We don't always partner each other (sometimes Master Kim wants us to partner someone our size) when we do our stretches and crunches, but when we do, it's a bit of a tease. How we love it when we are dripping wet with perspiration after our 50 minutes of workout. Our daily stress just melts away and while we may have unusual aches here and there for a day or two, our step is always lighter after class as we laughingly troop to our van. Then back home, DH gives Josh a shower while DD takes her own shower and I prepare a snack for everyone. After my shower (moms always shower last, don't they?) and all of us squeaky clean, we enjoy our snack together. That never fails to warm my heart. Not only do my DH and I have fun, we all get to do PE together. Sometimes before DH goes to work or before we go to bed, we practice some TKD forms and I marvel at my DH's grace. For someone who has adamantly refused to learn ballroom dancing with me, we have finally found something we can do do together. The couple that “kicks together, grows closer together”. Try it for yourself. :) Or find something fun to do with your spouse at least twice a week.
P.S. I realize some readers have qualms about allowing their children to take up any form of martial arts even when the school is run by Christians or even when it has no negative spiritual overtones. They are troubled by its origins for example. I have plenty to say about that and hope to write an essay addressing this issue one day. |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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Last night just before my 5 year old Josh drifted to sleep I asked him (again, lol) if he had enjoyed co-op that day. We had our first co-op yesterday and I was the teacher of his class, the "Leaping Lions". In a hushed tone, he softly mumbled that he had a great time and that he liked me teaching him because: "My teacher understands me. My teacher comes home with me. My teacher looks like my mama. My teacher is my mama. My teacher lives with me. My teacher loves me. My teacher is mama...." then he promptly went to sleep. My daughter, who was in the next bed, thought he was the best brother for his sweet words and she added that she wished I was her teacher at co-op. She then declared I was the best teacher ever. My heart just overflowed. I know I'm so awfully flawed, and I know I mess up a lot as a mother but they love me so much they only see the good in me. Naturally, I had one of the best sleeps last night. Thank you Lord for such sweet and loving children! |
Posted in Spiritual Musings
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A lot of life has to do with preparing for death. No, I don't have a premonition of death but let me tell you, after spending a few weeks planning for our wills and talking and reviewing legalese with our lawyer, it was all I could do - taking a hard look at this earthly life and its transience. DH and I had wanted to get our wills done in a long while. We finally bit the bullet and called up a lawyer. That sure set the cogs in my head whirling. There are so many ifs in this life. The main one is if both of us go when the children are still minors. Who will take care of them? Educate them? Feed them? Love them? Ensure they continue to grow in the Lord? So choice of trustee and guardian has to be prayerfully made. Details of the trust will have to be set up. Then of course I cannot but help but think of all the stuff I've accumulated. Seriously, the children's guardian/s will have no space for a fraction of the "special" stuff I've stored away. Reality check. Declutter now, or someone might have a horrible headache. Of course I pray I'd be around for my grandchildren, but we don't know when the Lord will take us home. Meanwhile what sort of legacy do I want to leave behind? When I go to be with the Lord, what can I leave behind that will allow the children to understand what really is important to me? Precious to me? So even as school winds down (yeah, 16 more "official" days'), and even as I plan for our long awaited trip, I'm making lists. I'm "inventorizing", if not on paper in my head - things to keep, to let go, to give and to bequeath. I'm seriously wondering if my life has been lived well, if I will leave my children a legacy of deep faith and love for the Lord... Yes, life is a preparation of death. It starts with, "Are you saved? Do you know the Lord?" for after death comes the judgment. Can a person not want to be assured of his or her salvation knowing that death is inevitable? It boggles my mind how so many refuse to address the desperate and wild cries of their souls. Oh, dear reader, if you are not sure if you know the Lord today, please at least check out this link! And life is also preparation of death for while we are able and clear-minded, we want to prepare the groundwork for our children, that their needs will be taken care of should we pass on. We need to be prepared so they will not be left fumbling and confused. Without being morbid, we can also prepare them that as a family, we'll always be together. Someone has to go home to be with the Lord first, though. And the living can rejoice for while the body may die, the soul never dies. It lives on forever. And we'll all meet again in Heaven, our true home. So, if you don't have a will, I encourage you to make one. For your own peace of mind and for the love of your children. |
Posted in Cultural Commentaries
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Hmm... the last time I changed this blog's template was more than two years ago...I'm getting really tired of it but it will be a while before I can or will tinker with it. I have lots of lists to make and plenty of items to check off. And I need to fulfill my 180 days of school before the end of April. After more than seven years of staying put, we're finally planning to visit my mom and sister in Singapore - the Lion City, the Food Paradise, the Fine City (apparently folks there don't have much self-government for you get fined for plenty of misdemeanors - littering, jay-walking...and of course, if you have not heard, chewing gum is banned. Someone tried to jam the subway door with a lifeless wad of gum and that foolish incident triggered the ban). But really, Singapore is a cool place (besides the fact that the kids there excel in math and science). Watch this movie and see for yourself. |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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It's Palm Sunday today – the first day of the Holy week. It reminds us of the ride Jesus took on a donkey into Jerusalem, when people waved palm branches. The same people would later cry, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Our church had service as usual but we as a family made paper palm leaves and are decorating the mantel with them. Too bad we can't get real palm leaves around here.
We also spent some time this afternoon cutting out the flowers for the craft we will be doing for our Easter Devotionals starting this evening. Michiko transformed an empty box into a beautiful flower box for the flowers. We did the same devotional last year. If you are still not sure what to do, check this out. It's a sweet little devotional by home school graduate Katherine Loop. You still have time to buy it as as it's an e- book. And when you get a copy from my site between now and Easter, you will also get a free socialization download for MP3, courtesy of Katherine Loop. :)
Hope you have a wonderful Holy Week. |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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Daffodils and crocuses are dotting our backyard. Spring has made her stamp. BUT it is snowing today! Oh happiness for the children who have yet to see more than a sprinkling of snow this winter. The deck now has a thick dusting of powdery snow while the rocks near the woods wear almost an inch.The children are having so much fun letting the snow tickle their noses and open mouths. They are making mini-snow dogs as I write.... Little Josh is insistent that we keep a large part of the deck a virgin plot of snow. No shoes will adulterate that pristine whiteness. I know my friends in the north will shake their shakes at our awe but snow is such a rare entity here, so excuse our excited joy! I'm so happy thinking how so many children in my part of the world will wake up feeling so thrilled at the snow-capped roofs they see everywhere they turn! It's funny. We were supposed to have a moms' breakfast at a friend's house this morning. But the overpasses and 565 are closed till probably noon. So that special event is canceled as some moms cannot go anywhere. We take snow very seriously here, lol. Okay, going to make hot chocolate for the children now. Hey we might even light a fire this morning! |
Posted in Cultural Commentaries
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Read about it here! Pray that any decision will not curtail our future liberty to home school. |
Posted in Spiritual Musings
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The ladies' Bible Study was wrapping up. We shared prayed concerns. My left eye is not doing better! I blurted out. Recently its already puckered vision spiraled downwards and fear that my “good” eye would go that way sneaked into my heart. Then my mom. My dear precious mom who lives so far away. Her cervical spondylosis is disabling her. She is now in pain, and I am absent. My mom who has showered me with unconditional love ALL my life is in pain. My heart is in shards thinking about it. A dear lady closed us in prayer. She prayed for healing, if that is the Lord's will. She prayed for wisdom on the doctors' part. Then she prayed the developments in my life would draw me closer to the Lord. What a beautiful prayer. Ultimately, our bodies will decay, no matter what preventive measures we take. We can prolong the quality of our lives, but if there is no real intimacy with the Lord, everything is in vain. My bad “vision” reminds me to fix my eyes on the Lord. It helps me see people with love and not in judgment. Daily I choose to enjoy the beauty of God's creation (including my family!) rather than to focus on what's wrong with this world (the whole election process has not been good for my soul). My mother's pain makes my own daily chores a wonder to behold. Why, my fingers, my hands and arms, they work! Like I can run the vacuum cleaner so effortlessly. Housework is a daily dance of being joyful in the Lord. Not every time, but when I choose to. I have a choice. Yes, my heart is heavy, but it is also liberated! |
Posted in Healthy Living
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In less than two hours I get to eat. DH and I are on an apple cleanse today. We had planned to do this once a month but have only finally taken the bull by its horns. The concept is simple. Eat apples for breakfast and lunch. Apples in any form. Let your digestive system rest and your body gently detoxify. For dinner, have a simple one with lots of veggies and some carbs and protein (unless you believe in combining which I do but I am not that disciplined yet). This morning I packed dh 4 small cups of apple sauce and five fresh gala apples. And two packets of African Rooibos tea. When I called him at 2.00pm, he said he had a cup of apple sauce and an apple left. And a pack of tea. He asked how I was doing and I said I wasn't even hungry the whole day. It just feels good to rest my system. Over the months I've been consuming too much junk and am trying to get back on track. This gentle cleansing should boost my desire to reach my health goals. So what are we having for dinner? (I assured dh he would have a nice one) Brown rice Ginger chicken Steamed kale and broccoli Sweet potatoes Sprouts Actually, I can't wait. |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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I had not cooked fish since my son was born, his sister being allergic to seafood. We recently had them tested and they were fine with salmon. I was so happy. But Josh disdains the smell of salmon. This morning I shaped a dozen salmon patties and pan fried them in butter. For breakfast, I made a salmon patty sandwich for my young man. He bit into it and grinned. He had just eaten the last bit, and declared that it was very good. He was “well-pleased”. I was thrilled. Ah, the simple joys of being a mama. I personally like my salmon patties with a dash of lemon juice and home-grown sprouts. Yummy! |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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My birthday (seriously, I have to think how old I'm going to be!) is coming up soon and my little Josh wants me to give me something "precious".Over dinner he asked if I knew of something that I didn't know so he could give that to me. Duh? Actually he wants to give me one of his toys but according to him I know exactly what he has so unless he knows something of which I don't know exist he can't give that to me, can he? Then before I read him his goodnight story, he was quite tearful. "I can't write you a story for your birthday (I think his sister is writing one for me, bless her heart). Okay, he can't read or spell yet but that hasn't stopped him from writing me a "story". "Why not?" "I don't know how to write about plots." "You don't know what?" "Plots. Che-che (his sister) says a story isn't a story if there is no plot." Oh, precious. Okay, other treasured questions: 1. Can water burn? 2. How cold is the bottom of the Tennessee River? (I learned that it's around 55 degrees, courtesy of DH) Hmm....there are more but oh well, I can't remember. Mental decline with age.... |
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I was bogged down by the primaries. And I'm now very behind in my 90-day challenge. It may have to be a 120-day challenge for me now. But I'll persever. For more about Ron Paul, subscribe to his blog. Also this is a must-listen when he spoke at Liberty University last week. Click for intro and parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Ron Paul's inspiring speech at Liberty University.
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If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls that live in tyranny. - Thomas Jefferson "If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy" - James Madison 4th USA President
"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." - John Quincy Adams
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I spoke to a dear friend on the phone just now. When I asked her if she knew who Ron Paul was, she asked, "Who is he?" This is for you, Amanda. He is:
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Posted in Spiritual Musings
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Last night was the first time I visited this blog. Reading about the Davis family just broke my heart. Please be in pray for them. Life is too short and precious to be obsessed about trivial things. Savor your moments. Be thankful for dirty dishes. Love your children. Hug your husband. Trust God. Live for eternal treasures. Count your blessings. God is good. All the time. Even when we don't understand why He allows the Davis tragedy to transpire. May the Lord comfort that precious family. |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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My inspiring online neighbor has tagged me with this assignment. Renae wants me to write five wishes for things I want, but don’t need, and five wishes of a spiritual nature. Now, this should be fun. Actually I think I have everything* I need except for air tickets for the whole family to visit my mom and sister in Singapore (I've not been there in nearly 7 years: I just wait for them to visit me). Now can you imagine not being able to just drive over to visit your mom? Boo hoo hoo. :( *of physical and temporal nature, that is Okay, wishes that I don't need... bet you can see a common thread. It's either school or something related to physical activity (not that I'm that big on physical activity...but dreams are free). 1. A huge laminating machine so I can laminate all my time line figures and big charts. 2. A pair of custom-made skating shoes so I can learn to skate without my bunions & spurs pinching and screaming at me. 3. A motor-home so we can do school on wheels (and visit Mandi, Renae and all my BPA friends along the way). 4. An indoor swimming pool (with sky lights above) that's filled with sea water. 5. A dance studio so I can exercise and dance to my heart's content. Wishes of spiritual nature. 1. A truly loving heart with not a spot within. 2. "She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue."Proverbs 31:26 3. A prayer warrior others can depend on. Matthew 18:19,20 4. Holiness. 2 Peter 3:14 5. Sweet contentment. Hebrews 13:5 I'll be Little Joan this evening and not tag anyone. :) |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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"Hmmm...Shepherd's Pie will be nice for dinner," I thought loudly as I looked at my heaping bowl of mashed potatoes after lunch. I was also thinking of the picture of the pie in yesterday's Life section of the newspaper. That reminded me how long it had been since I made that - 3 years maybe- and that is also one of my husband's favorite dishes. "Yuks, I don't want Shepherd's Pie!" my Josh declared. He and his sister were at the kitchen table playing a math game I recently made for them. "You'll like it," his sister responded, as she rolled her dice. "Anything with mashed potatoes is yummy." "But I don't want to eat shepherds!" he added. And both his sister and I burst out laughing. It didn't occur to me he actually thought I might bake some shepherds in my pie! Afterall we have chicken pie and rabbit pie and I was just joking about possum pie earlier...(we have been reading Thornton Burgess's Old Unc' Billy Possum). Anyway, this one is a keeper. And maybe I should I really make Shepherd's Pie more often. |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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The past four days were great as dh was home the whole time! I wish he could work at home or retire or something! Sometimes I cannot believe how blessed I am to have married this incredible man. He is steady, wise, easy-going, funny and kind. And very understanding of my quirks. We saw a picture once of a rock and a kite. The kite was laughing in the air and would have flown to who knows where but for the rock which held the end of the string. We chuckled over that cartoon. Dh is my rock who keeps me steady, and I'm his kite who shakes up his world now and then. I guess we complement each other. :) For the past 3-4 days now, we built a lovely fire at 5.30pm each evening. We would sip hot cocoa, nibble on ginger snaps and enjoy the roar of the flames. Last night we roasted marshmallows for the first time (!) and the children thought that was the coolest thing. Sitting around the fire-place and listening to dh strum his banjo and watching the children play with the doll-house is one of my favorite things these days. Today I thank God for my family. There are so many things we can fuss about. So many situations to worry over. But we have God. And when we have faith and family, we can smile and say, "Life is good." And add to that the wonderful friends God has brought into our lives, we can say, "Life is wonderful." So to all my friends reading this, "Thank you for being my friend. God bless you and yours today!" |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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Well, the days have melted into one another...It is hard to believe that half of January has already zipped by us. I was hoping that things would be more organized by now, but it seems that I'm still spending too much time in the kitchen. Maybe if I wasn't too fussy about sweeping and wiping the kitchen floor after every meal, I might save some time. My husband and mother say I clean the floor more often than most folks clean in a week. I had a friend who said she didn't mind eating from my kitchen floor (we don't wear shoes around the house so that helps, I guess). Maybe I'm compulsive-obsessive in that area. Hmmm.... Oh, last Friday, a deer went in front of my husband's truck. Thankfully the damage was minimal, the deer was just dazed and most of all, my dear husband was all right, if not a bit surprised. We picked him up after he drove the truck to the body shop and then after we got home, he took the van to work. So school was disrupted that day. Actually it doesn't take much for school to be disrupted. We are pretty spontaneous. Like this morning, upon waking up, my daughter asked, “Can today be a train day?” And I thought, “Why not?” Maybe I could catch up with my Bible reading (I was so happy I caught up over the weekend; in fact I was ahead, but once more I'm two days behind ) and organize my guest room (repository of Thanksgiving and Christmas stuff especially since the attic entrance is in that room). “Train Day” means she gets to follow her heart and read or write or create anything related to trains (her passion). “Train Day” means we forget about school for the day. We did our memory verses and a little study, and happily I let her loose. Too bad I was in the kitchen much of the time and never got to tick off things from my to-do list (blogging was not one of them – blogging is just relaxing to me...). DD had her violin lesson at 2.30pm and on our way home, it started to snow really prettily. Just little flurries. I know while friends in the north do get tired of snow, we don't get enough of it, if all. I knew the chances of it sticking were nil but the children had high hopes of the snow accumulating. They ran into the back yard and squealed with joy as they stuck out their tongues to catch the tiny snow flakes. Poor things. I hope we get at least a few inches of snow in the several weeks! They so want to make at least a snow-baby! I made them hot cocoa when they came back in and dd told me she wanted to write a little poem about snow. So here it is. I thought it was very sweet. :) She does have a way with nature poems I must say. “How Gently It Falls Down” - A Poem about Snow by Michiko Gibson It falls gently to the earth. Okay, we're done with dinner and dh is doing the dishes for me while I sit in front of the computer. He is kindness personified. Oh, he's done. I hear him practicing the banjo now. I'm going to make a big mug of hot tea now and catch up on my reading.
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Posted in Spiritual Musings
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Well, I've decided to take the 90-day Bible-reading challenge and as of Day 4, I'm 19 chapters behind. I'm supposed to have completed Genesis today. Big sigh, but this time round, I refuse to be discouraged. Even if I don't succeed in reading the Bible in 90 days, if I persevere, I'll finally get to Revelation. If it takes me twice or thrice as long, so be it. I'll still complete it. Little by little, I'll get there. Mile by mile is a trial; yard by yard is hard; but inch by inch is a cinch.
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Posted in Spiritual Musings
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My four-year old son has a great attitude. Each morning, when he wakes up, he flashes me the brightest smile (which never fails to melt my heart) and declares, "Today is the best day!" Now, my freshly-turned ten year old is not anything like that. With all her itches at night , poor girl, she usually wakes up unrefreshed and grouchy. Smiling the first thing in the morning is for her a monumental task unless I announce "No school today," or pop the rare chocolate chip in her mouth. (You should see how her lips slowly curl into a contented smile when it dawns on her what's in her mouth.) So, to her brother's eager pronouncement, she invariably responds, "That's not possible! Everyday cannot be the best day. There can only be one best day." So a little comical exchange will follow between the siblings. And of course I will intervene and assure my Josh that every day can indeed be the "best day" and remind my not very sunny-in-the morning girl that it is all right for her brother to make that daily proclamation. "He has a great attitude, you see." And he does, for when night time comes, unless he is very tired, he usually says,"Today was the best day. Tomorrow will be the best day too." I love it. And I pray he will continue to have that sunny and happy disposition; that joy of life and that confidence that life is great. And there is no problem mommy or daddy cannot solve. Of course when he is older, I hope he realizes that there is nothing God cannot solve. His parents have feet of clay after all. Wish you could have that kind of attitude? Well, as this year comes to a close, I realize my own attitude towards homeschooling and a few other areas of life needs some attention. Badly. While this year has been super in many ways, I know my general attitude has been, well, not good. That it was bad is to put it mildly. My patient husband, who knows me VERY well, confirms what I know all along. I need an attitude change. A big one. So I'm going to spend the next couple of days committing my life's outlook to God. He alone fully understands. He alone sees my weaknesses and motives. He alone knows my heart. And only He can change me, transform and renew me. Yes, I'm excited about 2008. Many tasks and goals to accomplish. But first things first. And that is inviting, begging the Lord to work in my hard heart. My cold attitude. No more holding back. No more reservation. Maybe, just maybe then, I will be more fruitful for Him. And like my little Josh, maybe I can confidently see every day as "the best day" , for every day is the day that the Lord hath made. Happy New Year! |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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I have to blog this. My little Joshie (please remain "my little Joshie "for along, long time!) loves the color pink on me. Each time I wear pink, his eyes light up and he says I look pretty. Now isn't that precious? Kids don't lie, right? Lol. Two nights ago, I had on my pink nightgown. We were snuggling at bedtime and just before he drifted to slumber land, Joshie touched my cheek and said, "You are my star. You are beautiful." He added, "Always wear pink." This little four year old sure knows how to speak so sweetly, lol. So to please my little man yesterday, I had on a pink blouse. He was tickled. Then I wore my pink PJs last night and okay, I confess, I'm still in my PJs now. After this entry, I'm going to take a shower and see if there are more pink stuff to wear today. I need to ask my husband for a "happiness" allowance. With this allowance, I'll buy more pink clothes. Then my greatest fan will be very happy and of course that will make me happy too, lol Hey, research has shown that pink sooths and calms. When they painted jail walls pink, inmates became less violent. So wear pink today for a calmer and more peaceful home. :) Or better still, be the star in your children's eyes. |
Posted in Family Scrapbook
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Last night we had a count-down. We used the computer clock. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1- and precisely at 8.28pm, we broke into a birthday song for my daughter. I ended up weeping. She turned ten, you see. Two whole hands of fingers I have to hold up when I'm asked how old she is. Where have all the years flown to? It seemed like yesterday when she entered our lives and changed us forever. My precious little baby is ten years old. We celebrated her birthday with friends on December 1st so we could concentrate on Christmas. Her two cousins (9 and 11) and eight friends (ages 3 to 12) from three dear families came together to commemorate her special day on that day. It was a simple party. All the older children who attended the party had either read or been read to, the Viking Quest Series so the birthday theme was based on that series of books. My daughter wanted essentially a non-structured party so I didn't plan any activities. Actually we did make two die-casts with cardboard and clay so the children could make some Viking coins, but on the day of the party, I realized the casts didn't work so well so we ditched the idea. I baked a lemon pound cake (daughter's favorite) and an eggless Grandma's Chocolate Chip birthday cake (so Josh, who has egg allergies, could eat it) which I decorated with a Viking ship. The children also had crackers with cheese sails, strawberry sweets, my daughter's current favorite ice-cream : chocolate chip cookie dough ice-cream, and lemonade. A pot of white chili also simmered on the stove for anyone who wanted something warm. First, everyone decided to explore the woods so we took an invigorating hike in the woods behind our house. Then after the cake and ice-cream, the children dressed up and enacted excerpts from the books in the back yard while the moms chatted. The highlight of the party was making flat bread (I had the dough ready). After it was baked, they ate the warm flat bread (with slices of cheese I had cut from a huge chunk) in the chill of the night. Armed with flash lights, they watched the stars, ate and laughed the whole hour away. So that was my daughter's 10th birthday party. She was happy, happy, happy that evening. All she wanted was to have ALL her favorite friends come together to act out excerpts from the Viking Quest and she had her wish. As for gifts, her friends were generous. She collected two huge bags of items on behalf of the Voice of the Martyrs. They should be heading towards the orphans in Sudan soon. Yesterday was her actual birthday. Daddy was home (he's on leave till next year, hurray!). He had been working on the Princess Anne doll house for almost a week. Unfortunately, with 800 more shingles to stick on the roof, he was not quite finished with the doll house. The birthday girl was nonetheless thrilled with it. She had also chosen the two colors of the paint for the house with her daddy a few days earlier without knowing what the paint was for. When she saw her favorite colors on the house, she squealed with delight. I can't wait for the house to be ready. I'll be sure to post a picture of it here! And as for my gift to her...ah, she was just absolutely thrilled. She spent a long time looking at it, and reading the little things I wrote next to each photo I had chosen for the frame. For those of you who have been waiting to see what it looks like, here it is. It is not very clear as the frame is big but you get the overall picture.
 After she opened all the presents, we went ice-skating! Yes, DD, Josh and me were in the rink for about an hour or so. DD did it without the “walker” this time. I'm so proud of her! We were pretty famished after that so we headed towards her favorite sandwich cafe. She had a bread bowl (sourdough) of potato soup and a bottle of chocolate milk. She also wanted a huge ABC sandwich (which she couldn't even manage a bite as the soup was plenty). She loves the pastries from the cafe so we took away four of her favorite kind. (We still have two pastries in the fridge). Then later in the afternoon, three friends (all sisters) came over with Christmas gifts and also a birthday gift. That made the afternoon so special for her too especially when they all had chocolate chip cookie dough ice-cream together again. That evening, she thanked me profusely for a wonderful birthday. And of all the wonderful gifts she had received from family and friends, she loved the photo collage best. We will hang it in her room soon and it is something she will want to gaze into often as she is reminded of her mama's enduring love. I'm so happy she loves that gift! We're now planning to do a similar one for her brother for when he turns five in April. :) Happy birthday, my darling daughter. You are just too precious and I pray God will continue to guide you as you seek to grow in Him. May the Lord protect you always and may you grow up into a woman after His own heart. Mama loves you so very much!
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