• Oct. 1, 2008
Overwhelmed Moms
So I actually watched a bit of Oprah today, which I never do anymore. My heart just broke as I listened to the stories about totally overwhelmed moms. Don't get me wrong, I do have my overwhelming moments (as you can read on this blog
), but I would not categorize myself as "an overwhelmed mom". Mom after mom on the program talked/ lamented about how busy and stressful their lives were. They feel they have to have the perfect home, the perfect job, the perfect marriage, and of course, the perfect kids. Their children are stressed out too from being signed up for every extracurricular activity there is available. There was no joy being expressed at all. Many of them feel they hardly know their kids due to their terribly busy lives. Oh, how sad! Why do they put so much pressure on themselves? They say "society" expects all those things. Well, I don't. In generations past, those "extra" things were never expected, in fact, many were frowned upon. Kids got to be kids, and moms got to be MOMS. Things were slower and simpler. I love being a homeschool mom who has the opportunity to be with my kids all day long. I get to take things slower and enjoy them. I try to remind myself that my JOB is being their mom, and not cleaning the house, or cooking the perfect meal. So if those things suffer, so be it. I know that working moms feel like they don't have time to "slow down", but I pray they will be encouraged to do so. Stressed out, unhappy moms make stressed out, unhappy kids. I know no one wants that. And I pray that homeschool moms don't ever make other moms feel guilty or judged either. We need to love and support them. If God wants to steer them toward homeschooling, He will do it. Our children are such precious gifts, and all they really want is our love and attention, not all that extra "stuff". So let's slow down and give it to them.
(0 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
• Sep. 10, 2008
Don't Waste
I heard an awesome sermon on Sunday morning and I just wanted to share a couple of thoughts. The Pastor talked about not wasting the storms in your life, and not wasting your miracles. I love that! He talked about how when we are going through a storm, we always talk about looking TO God for the answer, when in actuality God IS the answer already. He is so faithful. It's during the storm when we experience growth - nothing grows on the mountain tops, but it is fertile in the valley, Amen! And, don't waste your miracles. Our testimonies are SO powerful! We need to share them ALL the time. What way could be better to explain to someone God's power, than telling them about His miracles in OUR lives? And what an encouragement our testimonies are to other believers. Sometimes I just wish we could have "testimony" services at church - where we pass the microphone around and tell of God's graces. So, in lieu of that, make telling your testimony an everyday thing...and don't waste those miracles!
(1 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
• Sep. 5, 2008
It Worked for Me
Okay, so yesterday was a rough day. We all have them. Right off the bat in the AM, the kids were all ganging up on me. There was no mercy. #1 didn't want #2 to set the table because she might get "boy germs" on her silverware. #2 didn't want help making his breakfast and burnt his finger on the toaster. #3 just wouldn't stop whining and wanted to sit on my lap constantly, which made it hard to nurse screaming #4. Then when school started, #2 just would NOT cooperate, and fought me every step of the way. #2 was still forcing herself on my lap. I found myself reading and re-reading my "Why We Homeschool" canvas. The first few times it actually helped me focus back on the prize. But after awhile, I just felt defeated and it was only about 11:00 AM! Then my husband phoned to inform me he would be working Saturday too. Arghh! So, I decided we would take a longer than normal lunch break, and I set to work cleaning the floors. After a few minutes I realized I was actually REALLY enjoying scrubbing the floors! I then deducted it was probably because I was seeing PROGRESS in what I was laboring at. As homeschoolers, sometimes it's hard to see progress. We get frustrated and feel like we're failing. But have faith, we are not. Even on those rough days, progress is made. The kids needed a break too, I think. After the time off, even #2 did his work without complaining. So I have decided that the next time I experience a more frustrating than normal school day, I will clean. It will be my task to get myself back on track. Something about really scrubbing with a lot of energy helps take that pent up anger away, too. And when I'm done, I have a shiny floor, too. :)
I thought my day was improving until I had an interesting expereince with my home business. I teach music lessons - piano and voice, out of my home. I have a degree in this, and have been teaching for 15 years. I had a new family starting lessons, and the mom had spent quite a long time on the phone with me asking me questions about policies, procedures, and teaching methods. After their lesson yesterday, (which I enjoyed - the children were wonderful and intelligent), the mom informed me that they would not be returning due to the fact my children were present in my home at the time. Mind you, I had a babysitter watching them, and they were actually outside most of the time. She insinuated it was unprofessional for me to teach with them home and suggested I should have arranged for them to be elsewhere. Um, they live here. She was positive that other teachers who teach out of their homes would never have a situation like mine because it is not an "appropriate learning environment". I was quite shocked by many of her words. I didn't respond much, out loud that is! Well, my teachers growing up had their kids at home, and never had a sitter. That's kind of the whole point of the HOME business - to have a money-making opportunity without having to leave your home and kids. In fact, I have NEVER had anyone say anything about it before, in 15 years. Most of the students who take lessons with me love to play with my kids. (Especially if they're waiting for a sibling's lesson to finish) They become part of my family in a sense. They don't need to knock, they walk right in. They open their hearts to me during their lessons. I have always seen my lessons as a ministry in this way. Kids will tell me all kinds of things, and I have been so blessed to form many close relationships with my students. They tell me their fears, and have even cried on my shoulder. Music is such an emotional expereince, and music lessons seem to really open people up. Of course, this family is TOTALLY entitled to their opinion, and what works for some simply does not work for others. It just hurt my feelings, because I'm a mom FIRST. I took it as a personal attack, even though I'm sure it wasn't meant to be one. I've been offered positions teaching at studios, but why do that when the Lord ALWAYS provides enough students to keep me busy at home? After a good, long cry (all day building), I felt much better. I remembered all the happy students I've taught over the years. I remembered the many recitals and their inspiring moments. I remembered that several of my past students are now music teachers themselves. These things tell me I am doing what God wants me to do. I may not be the "best" teacher, but I know I'm called to do it, and do it at my home. My home fosters a more cozy environment than a studio to allow me to connect with students on a more personal level. When they enjoy their lessons, they do better. They will remember being welcome in my home and around my family, and that makes me happy. :)
I woke up to a new day today. Look what God reminded me of in my kids' devotion for the day : Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
"THEREFORE, MY DEAR BROTHERS, STAND FIRM. LET NOTHING MOVE YOU. ALWAYS GIVE YOURSELVES FULLY TO THE WORK OF THE LORD, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN"
(0 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
• Aug. 27, 2008
I Am Now One of Those Moms...
Yeah! Here is our "first day of school" photo for 2008-9. We were in the midst of Hurricane Fay, so we ran outside for one quick picture. My husband insists that first day pics must be outside. Maybe he doesn't really understand we don't go anywhere... So, I had each child write their new grade level on a sign, and we posed by our bumper sticker "CAUTION - UNSOCIALIZED HOMESCHOOLERS ON BOARD!" Love it! I held the baby in one arm while I took the picture with my other, and the baby did not appreciate the rain or the feeling of almost slipping out of my wet arms. And also, I was in my pajamas and the other neighbors were taking their children TO school, and wondering WHAT in the world WE were doing. Good times. Anything for a good picture for the scrapbook!
Now we are on week two of the school year. It has been a crazy year already. We evacuated the area due to the storm on school day #2. We had school in a hotel, which the kids LOVED. Then we took advantage of the situation and had a field trip to the FL Aquarium in Tampa. Making lemonade out of lemons and all that... Now this week, we have started our new Classical Conversations group, which is AWESOME, but as a new tutor, I'm a bit stressed about getting it "right", I also had to evacuate my house TWICE this week due to a leaky gas can in the garage causing noxious fumes to invade my home. We did school at Grandma's two days in a row. So, FINALLY today I had NO where I needed to be, so I never got dressed or combed my hair or put on even the tiniest bit of make-up. I have become one of those moms I said I'd never be... and I love it! Now, I did bathe and dress my kids. I did school. I did laundry and cooked a home-cooked meal. But I didn't gussy myself up at all, and it actually felt -relaxing- to not care at all. I think that I might institute a "once a week- I don't care about my appearance- day". And that is OKay. My hubby still knows I can be cute when I want to be, right? And who cares what the UPS guy thinks of me? I can read a little for fun tonight before bed because I already have my jammers on, and there is no make-up to scrub from my face. And an added bonus: just a little effort tomorrow, will be a huge improvement!
(0 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
• Aug. 17, 2008
"WHY WE HOMESCHOOL" canvas
My good friend gave me the great idea to create a scrapbook page or something similar to post in the house with the reasons we homeschool displayed on it. That way, when we're having a stressful day (everyday at some point?) and wondering, "why am I doing this?", we can look to our posted reasons and remember what inspires us. Since I like to do large scale craft projects, I decided to make mine a large canvas, and do a "mixed media" type display with paint, stamps, scrapbooking supplies, and lots of Modge Podge. (I love getting my hands all sticky with glue...) My goal was to get this done over summer break, and post it in my school room in time for the new year. Now, when those moments arise when I ask my child what letter is on the page, and he says "5", or the way you spell space is "e - h - 9 ", or I hear, "I hate math" from my 3rd grader for the bazillionth time, I can look up at my pretty canvas and remember that I do this because...
-It is a ministry of DISCIPLESHIP to my children...
-The HOME is the only institution provided by God for the training of children
-God created the family with mothers and fathers as the teachers, trainers, and nurturers of their own children. It is more than academics, it is virtue, it is victory! When parents turn their hearts toward God and their children, their children's hearts are turned as well. -Clarkson
-TIME- to explore and learn, to experience childhood and growing up, to develop strong bonds with siblings, to give individualized attention, to really get to know each other, TIME TOGETHER
-We get to be the primary influence on their precious "sponges", and we get to be there when the "lights" of learning turn on. We don't miss a thing!
-"We see our children as God sees them - royalty worth dying for. They are not raised to be average. They are raised to lead as servant-kings. All of our sacrifice of time and energy is of eternal value. This is the mission field God called us to." -Bortins
-We proclaim Christ, admonishing and teaching our children with all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ. To this end we labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in us." Colossions 1:28-9
-These commandments I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get back up." Deutoronomy 6:6-7
(1 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
• Aug. 10, 2008
Ten Years Ago - August 7,1998
I celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary this week. It is amazing how it can feel both like it was just yesterday and a lifetime ago at the same time! I look at pictures of that young girl and remember how thrilled I was to set out on this new adventure. I had no idea how many blessings were down the road. I felt so "mature" and ready for anything. Now I think back to how naive I was. Marriage is hard work, of course. We must recognize that love is a decision, and not always a feeling. I truly married someone who has put the same importance on that committment. We are best friends, and we laugh ALL the time. I cannot imagine going through life with anyone but him. God knew exactly the kind of partner I would need, and it surely wasn't the guy of "my list". You know, all those qualities we thought we were looking for. But that is just like God. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knit us together in the womb, and knows every hair on our heads. I am so glad He sees a bigger picture than I.
We celebrated our anniversary with our kids, by having a candlelight dinner at home and watching our wedding video. The kids thought it was so special to be included. They toasted us at dinner with their apple juice, and chanted "Kiss, Kiss!" at the TV when the pastor told C he could kiss me. I realized then how important it is for kids to see their parents celebrating their love and their marriage. I want it to be obvious to them that God is the center of our marriage. I want them to remember us as mushy, gushy, in love parents. (How embarassing for them :) )
What an amazing 10 years. I can't wait for more...
(0 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
• Aug. 6, 2008
The Scene of The Crime
(0 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
• Aug. 6, 2008
Why did I say that?
Would you like to hear about my day? Well, it all started bright and early with child #2 throwing up. And throwing up, and throwing up some more. I HATE cleaning that up! (Doesn't everyone?) I spent the AM cleaning and cleaning some more, and feeling pretty nauseous myself as a result. Am I coming down with it too? Or- is it just the result of close proximity? Like in "Stand By Me". I happened to be talking to my df and I had to comment that NOTHING is worse than cleaning up what I was cleaning up. I mused that I'd even rather clean up lots of poop. Why did I say that? Fast forward a few hours, and #2 has finally stopped hurling. #3 is napping (or so I think...) I exit my bedroom to have a fresh glass of lemonade, and realize my house smells disgusting! I take out the trash and light some candles. I decide to check in on #3. I soon discover the origin of the smell My newly potty-trained little one has had a massive accident in her pants and has decided to clean it up all by herself... There is doo-doo everywhere. Streaks on the floor, smeared all over the dresser, swiped on toys, and caking her hands,arms, and legs. Of course I started laughing and ran to get my camera before helping her out. (I knew it would make a great scrapbook page). AND THEN, I REMEMBERED my earlier words. Isn't that just amazing? I started helping #3 clean herself up, and I heard baby screaming from the other room. I figured his binky had just fell out, so I decided I'd let it go a few minutes until I had the biohazard under control. Babies cry sometimes right? No big deal. He actually calmed down after a few minutes, and I figured he had fallen asleep. When I got the stinky one in the bath, I went to check on baby. He was on the floor!!! He had rolled over like 4 times and rolled right off the bed. So that explains the screaming... Now he was just lying there looking around very curiously, happy as anything. SO, how has your day been?
(1 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
• Jul. 31, 2008
It's My Birthday!
Well, here it is. I am 35 today. Now I am a WOMAN for real, I guess. I still feel like a girl. Will I ever FEEL grown up? I have 4 children, been married 10 years, own a business, and have stretch marks and cellulite. I guess I AM grown up. Should I start using anti-aging creams and stop buying the 99 cent make-up? Now I'm considered "high risk" if I have another baby. My husband is almost 40 - but I think he looks 25 :). Maybe it is time to own up to being a grown up. Is it really so bad? Actually, I've worked hard to get to where I am, and to become who I am, and who I'm praying I'll be. I'm pressing on toward the prize. My past is important, and I should be more thankful for all those years I have under my belt. (Well, under my muffin top) I have been through many things that have shaped me into who I am today. Many trials that have proved God so faithful. I should shout those testimonies from the rooftops, to encourage others and proclain His goodness. I truly am thankful for each and every one of those years, as they have each been filled with the blessings of God. God carried me through an eating disorder, and paralyzing post-partum depression. He miraculously healed me, and the winter has passed. He has traded my sorrows, and JOY truly comes in the morning. I am happy to be a 35 year old woman with battle stories to tell. I pray I can be an encouragement to some younger gals. I still have A LOT to learn, and I pray for Godly older women to mentor me. So, on this birthday, instead of feeling OLD, I will celebrate my years and God's faithfulness. (I mean celebrate inside, because I really just have an ordianry day of wiping noses and bums ahead of me!) And, I wouldn't want it any other way!
(1 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
• Jul. 30, 2008
