Comparison Traps Get You Nowhere

I think we just might have some sort of normal here in this house these days.  It's finally feeling like Fall and our routine is down (for the most parts) and life is moving at warp speed in the best possible of ways.  I've been left with smiles many time this week as I've noticed an awakening in Janessa our almost four-year-old.  She has made our family complete and is finally old enough where I feel like she is getting the routine we've tried to have in place for years but before she couldn't sit still long enough. 

Just the other night, E called a family meeting at the dinner table.  I'd love to tell you these are a part of our weekly rituals, but they're not.  We have them from time to time because there is a need to discuss something--and the title "meeting" seems to make the kids pay attention.  On this particular Sunday, E had missed the second football game of the season.  And church.  He has worked continuously for the past three weeks because there is so much work to be done.  He attempted to explain to the kids that he is working so hard right now because we need to prepare for the fact that I may not work at all next year.  Financially he has a number that needs to happen in order for me to walk away.  I get it.  Completely.  The reality is, once I resign another job is not likely to come along until I'm ready to resume full time status which I know for sure will not be for at least three years.

Anyways, questions were flying.  Statements were being made.  Real life hungry discussion was taking place and it was good. So good. . .but Janessa had enough and she started pulling the book we're currently reading at the dinner table.  She was pounding her little fist saying, "Read this.  Read this."  She didn't care who read it.  She just wanted it read now.  And I couldn't help but be filled with such happiness because for the first time--I realized she knew our family routine.  She was a part of the words being read and looked forward to the grace lessons that were doled out through poems and short stories at the end of each meal.  For a really long time I fought a storm raging inside my own heart.  I craved my man to lead us, to be our spiritual leader and I had a ton of ideas as to what this would look like.

But then a friend sent me this and seriously everything changed.  I began to be thankful for a husband who worked hard for my stay at home mom dream to come true.  I noticed the random times he called a family meeting and how he facilitated it.  I laughed out loud as he read silly poems from our after dinner book.  I noticed that although he didn't spout off bible verses, he usually read bible stories at bed with the younger two.  I discovered he listened to 99.5, a local Christian radio station on his commutes.  I acknowledged the way he willingly let me do what I thought was best in terms of teaching our kids about their faith.  And I stopped comparing him to other dads.  And loved him for who he is to us.

That has made ALL the difference!

Surrendering Motherhood. . .or Something Like that

Nothing like sitting and staring at a blank computer screen. . .it's not that the thoughts aren't there, but for whatever reason the words are hard to come by.  This particular computer sits still and powerless on most days.  Then when it hums to life I almost always  feel compelled to write.  This week is the first with all three in some version of school and extracurricular class.  It's strange how I long for the rhythm of a new normal and then when it gets here, and it's not what I expected it to be--I long for something more.  Such is our human heart, I guess.

In between catching up on last season's Nashville and folding loads of laundry after hours due to the extreme heat, I finished Surrendering Motherhood:  Losing Your Mind, Finding Your Soul by Iris Krasnow.  I'm not sure how I found this book, or more exactly, how this book found me.  The timing of its words, thoughts and deepest feelings resonated within me.  I'm still caught between two worlds:  working one day a week and being a full time mom.  For whatever reason, the first seems more valued and to get more respect.  As the year evolves into whatever it will be in my classroom setting, I'm even more aware of the choice that will most likely greet me come March.  A job share is probably no longer an option for my partner.  Her life is pulling her in the need to go back full time and a change is on the horizon.  I can't help thanking God that perhaps these past two years have just been preparing me for this moment: surrendering to motherhood and walking away.  For now.

I write this today, my loves more for me than you.  I write this today to gather my thoughts and to to reflect on them and to truly trust God's plan for this next part of my life.  I have taught other people's children for seventeen years.  I have loved what I do in my classroom for most of it.  What I haven't liked is all the garbage thrown at us from the state and government leaders that just suffocates our styles, stifles our passion, and discourages us to trust what our students need.  For as long as I can remember teaching has seemed as natural to me as breathing.  But now, my desire to pour into you, Bean, Bubba, and Nessa Bessa is what drives me.  It's what wakes me up each morning to come to God with my cup of coffee, bible, pen and paper.  Every day starts with the realization that I must rely heavily on Him and His plans for us that day. Random verses pop into my head and serve as reminders, "Do ALL things without complaining and disputing. . .SHINE as lights in the world"--Phil 12:14-15
 He is with me in all that I do.  He is calling me to be here.  To live fully and intentionally with the gifts He has given me: each of you. 

And so, I think about what it might be like to turn in a resignation letter come June.  It would be my first. I allow myself to entertain the thought or idea of working with someone else only one day a week.  And then I just give it to God...trusting Him, His will for my life.  And I read words from a book that has found its way into my home and know His intentions were for me to read things like: 

"When you stop to be where you are, then your life can really begin." (151)

"For most of my life I had been so busy becoming, I never experienced what I had when I had it." (159)

"My kids have captured me, and I am surrendering.  I am no longer mine.  I am theirs."  (160)

"I was avoiding my work at home.  I was avoiding looking into the eyes of sons who wanted everything and feeling that if I kept giving to them I'd have nothing left for myself."  (168)

So many days, as much as I enjoy this life at home I'm internally trying to figure out the next part--much of which includes at least some sort of work in a part time setting--if for nothing more than to have job security. . .just in case.  The reality?  Daddy was injured at work this year.  Financially we survived.  Emotionally we thrived.  What's the problem then?

". . .my work was becoming shallow; my child filled me up.  So why couldn't I finally, after a twisted, endless journey, be a wife and mother and be happy at that?  It was everything I had ever wanted, why wasn't it enough?" (101)

And why did I still listen to other voices?  What about retirement?  A bigger house?  More this?  Less that?
"Respect your own judgement, even if it means ignoring theirs."  (105)  

That's easier said than done for me. . .but maybe it's part of God's calling on my life for now.  To let go of the chatter I hear around me and focus on His voice, His plan, His path. . .

This last verse spoke to me.  I've had a plan for so long. . .been building myself up to be a reputable teacher and eventually a counselor--that the journey hasn't been so incredible as of late.  Because honestly, my goal kind of shifted ten years ago when I became a mama. 

"Real freedom comes from knowing exactly where you are supposed to be and what you are supposed to be doing. (201)  Prison is not knowing where you are going and forever trying to get there." 

I don't want to be stuck between two worlds anymore.  I don't want to make excuses about my choice to be in the home versus the work place.  I don't want to take on too many other tasks to feel valued or to affirm that I am somebody.  I am daddy's wife.  I am your mom.  That is enough.

 

Blubber: A Book Club for Our Girls

A couple of the moms who participated in Book Club this Spring decided to try our hand at hosting a club for our girls.  We read Blubber by Judy Blume. I had forgotten the language that was used in the book and how mean the girls were to Linda.  I don't remember having that same thought reading it when I was younger; however as an adult it was appalling.  I think my mama instincts were working overtime as I imagined my kid being harassed in this way.  Some of what the girls got away with would be completely not tolerated in today's schools.

As much as I'd love to say the discussion with the girls was fascinating. . .truth is, they are still kids.  They seemed anxious to get through the book discussion so they could play.  And you know what?  I was okay with that.  The idea of a book club did what I had hoped it would do for me and my daughter--open up dialogue on a sensitive subject: bullying.  The rest was icing on the cake.

Researching what our next read can be. . .and looking forward to sharing the memory with my oldest girl who keeps getting older.  I love her.  I love her heart. I love being her mama.

Moms in Prayer Meet Desperate

Last week our Moms in Prayer group/book club had the privilege of a SKYPE date with one of the authors of our book, Desperate.  After having met her and listening to her at the Mom Heart conference, I knew the group was in for a treat.  We came prepared to the computer screen (thanks, St. Alan) with a question on our minds or on paper minutes after we had discussed chapter nine and ten.  Sarah Mae greeted us enthusiastically with a little one on her lap who wasn't feeling well.  The conversation flowed naturally.  Who she is in the pages of the book is who she really is.  We all could see that and it was comforting because we had all come to like her; she was so relate-able.

She answered our questions truthfully and honestly.  She didn't pretend to be an expert.  She didn't even pretend to be really good at it--this whole mothering and wife role.  She was candid in her answers, and seemed to be getting through it one moment at a time, messing up plenty (just like the rest of us).  She focused on grace.  She focused on finding our strengths. She focused on trial and error and at the end of the conversation I was grateful for the opportunity to bring life to the book--to our club.  First meeting her at the conference and now this. . .it was only God's doing.  Only God.

Our group of women have been meeting regularly and readily admit it is only by the grace of God that we get through some of the messy mothering moments.  It is humbling to share your weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and fear to a group of women who you didn't know well until the reading of this book began only a month or so ago.  The pages of this book are bringing some women closer to God, more intentional with their kids, gracious with husbands.  This book has served as a springboard for examination of self, which may or may not lead to changes for the good of our kids, our marriages, our homes, our families.

While I realize not every author will commit to a SKYPE interview, I am so thankful that Sarah Mae did for the sake of our group. I was reminded not to  hero worship  as we are all in the same battle for our kids' hearts and minds.  In a culture that screams loudly for attention elsewhere, I was reminded by Sarah Mae's candidness and her opinions, to be okay with who I am and to listen to who God is calling me to be. I was reminded that I. Can. Not. Do. It. All.  I must accept that and move on.

Along those lines, it's okay to let my husband off the hook if he's not leading the way I think it should be done.  He is present.  That is enough.  My prayers are all I can offer, and besides--if I want it done then I should just do it. Don't blame him for not being where I want him to be. I needed to hear that. Such great advice!

I needed the SKYPE date, not because Sarah Mae is famous but because she is real.  All I can do is put my best foot forward and some days even that isn't going to look to promising.  That's my life.  And that's okay.

Answering the Call

It never ceases to amaze me the way God works such miracles into our lives.  A taste of tragic or trouble surrounded by an outpouring of love and support from mere acquaintances, has literally transformed the trajectory of how we are choosing to do life.  Ernie and I have committed to not only our marriage, but raising our children in the faith.  But we will be the first to admit, we have struggled in terms of our church community. We have felt a longing for something more, but could never put our fingers on it.  And in the wake of his accident, we have tried other churches and for whatever reason, we keep going back to our home.  This is not to say, that the search is over but the longing has been quieted because we've both felt a deeper calling, a stirring in our hearts that can only be explained as the holy spirit.

A weekly coffee date with a new friend, morphed into a book club, morphed into a Moms in Prayer/book club, morphed into a Good Morning Girls group in which we are all holding each other accountable to digging deep into God's word.  For some of the women this is a tentative baby step into a book that may have been considered intimidating.  For others it is an extension of sharing and growing the wisdom they've been tucking into their hearts over a deep, meaningful relationship with the Lord over a long period of time.  For me, it is simply an honor to be a part of.

This group of ten women (including myself) have absolutely stopped me in my tracks. I never in my wildest dreams could have wished for a group of like-minded faithful women from my kid's public school to share life with.  THIS is what I have been searching for.  THEY are God's gift to me in this season of life.  Amazing.  Awe-inspiring.  Humbling.  Beautiful.  Blessing, upon blessing, upon blessing!

And at the same time, Ernie is walking down a new path--finding fellowship with mere strangers whose commonality is Christ.  They covered chapter two in their book and he came home and read me some parts he underlined.  I could barely contain my excitement for his excitement.  God is so faithful.  I have known this to be true yet I am reminded again.  Seek and ye shall find--Matthew 7:7

Just yesterday he told me he was going to take the next call he received.  Unemployed for only a week, he decided he needed to get back in the saddle wherever the job may be.  His first call he declined was Blythe.  The second, Nevada.  I braced myself, with such a peacefulness about me.  I didn't worry or wonder where.  I felt a bit of sadness as I've grown accustomed to having us home together and a hint of remorse that working far away would mean the book club wouldn't be possible.  But that passed quickly as I realized he may continue to read and grow on his own.  Besides, I've been praying for two years now that he would rise up and lead us, even though it wasn't until the accident that I think I actually meant it. . .I don't know why I thought God wouldn't know. . .

Anyways, this morning, Ernie got the call. And I cry as I type this because God is so faithful.  God sees it all.  He knows everything about this heart of mine and now in the course of two months, not only did he spare my husband's life but he gifted him a job a mere twenty-five minutes away. . .with every other Friday off!!!!!!  I am so filled with wonder and praise this week.  I am growing by leaps and bound as I share Christ-centered relationships with new people both in my school Good Morning Girls group and my oldies but goodies who have been with me over the past two years.  Not to mention the special person who I lunched with today who paid me such a high compliment as needing to talk to someone who had a deep faith as she proceeded to share what was on her heart.  Such a WOW week!  Overflowing with a full heart of gratitude, that is who I am this week.  Blessed.

Week in Review

Our new normal feels like a bit of an extended vacation.  Even though the kids went back to school, and I went back to teach my one day this week. . .we are, for the most part together a lot.  With Ernie home, the two of us work together to tackle breakfasts, lunch making, homework help, dinner and clean up.  I have nothing to complain about.  We had a play date with one of Nessa's besties, went to Jumpin' Jacks with imoms, participated in Toddler Time at the library, and thoroughly enjoyed walking to Parent Participation pre-school this week.  AND we even braved the cold yesterday and resumed our weekly Friday park dates.

A spontaneous meetup with a friend resulted in Ernie and my brother attending a book club at a local church.  The three of us stayed up late leafing through it and I sat quietly listening to them excited and hopeful for what the book and the fellowship might offer .  Thursday morning several woman gathered at my house and a new Good Morning Girls Group was formed, which I felt called to lead.  I am so excited because also on the agenda is a Moms in Prayer group with these moms who attend the same school as my kids!  We are also working out the details for a book club, but we just don't know what to read:  Mission to Motherhood, Desperate, or A Thousand Gifts.  We will pray about it and what it needs to look like. . .but we are women who are inspired and inspiring other women.  How awesome and beautiful is that? I feel so grateful.

This morning I ventured out with my mom to a couple estate and yard sales and found a couple treasures AND tonight we will celebrate a friend's fortieth birthday at a fancy schmansy country club.  Awe.  Life.  It is so deliciously good--and about to taste even better starting tomorrow: )
My list is made as I head off to the grocery store to get a jump start on my resolution to cook more and plan ahead better.  Knowing Weelicious and Not Your Mothers Make Ahead and Freeze cookbook have helped!  I feel like I'm off to a great start and am looking forward to church and time in the kitchen tomorrow.  Week one of our "new normal" complete.

March 29, 2012

It seems, yet again,  there is change on the horizon.  The time has changed, the season has changed, my attitude about controlling all those things that I can not has changed.  Everything looks different since I decided to put it in God's hands.  The flowers seem a little brighter, the birds chirp a little louder, and my heart beats rhythmically calm and peace.  It's a beautiful feeling really.

We have been home more often than not with so much time since we left our little dance competition world.  Fun is had in the back yard, the front yard, with neighborhood kids, all alone, in the tree, in a fort off the bed, doors slamming, feet running, snacks plentiful, joy contagious. . .

My side of a conversation with friends feels a little. . .one sided with no plans whatsoever, or places we have to be to report.  There are no classes or sports or extra-curricular anything that we have to answer to besides CCD and choir...and according to my kids this is enough. We have been from this place to that place, over-scheduled, over-tired, and we aren't going to do it any more.

I'm going to let this new Spring remind me that the most important memories we make will be together as a family.  I will remind myself that it's not important to do what everyone else is doing, to go where everyone else is going, to become so frazzled in the process of keeping up that there is no joy in the ordinary moments. Speaking of ordinary moments. . .I started reading a book by Katrina Kenison that was inspiring. . .but I felt like I was missing out so I began from her first book Mitten Strings from God and it has been so refreshingly rich and warm and is serving as that reminder that less is truly more.
sim·plic·i·ty

1.

the state, quality, or an instance of being simple.

2.

freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts: an organism of great simplicity.

3.

absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness: a life of simplicity.

4.

freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity; artlessness; naturalness: a simplicity of manner.

 

We have simplified life this year. We have weeded out those things that are not meaningful to focus on what is.  Anjalene loves theater--she can sign up for the next production end of May.  Bubba loves flag football--but the fall is enough for him.  He chose not to play this spring.  There is a track meet in the future.  We can train together, they don't need an afterschool program to train them.  With my decision to stay home more often, one might think of all the ways I could fill my days--with classes and cleaning and groups and so forth.  But the real reason I want to stay home?  Getting them dressed in the morning, lolly-gagging on our way to school.  Having time for Nessa to pick a dandelion for me like she has seen her brother do countless times. 

The simple acts are what I look most forward to.  Showing my love through service and affirmations because I'm not too irritated or annoyed with the busy-ness of our day to day life is what I feel most ecstatic about.  Spring has sprung. . .and like a flower blooming into its perfection, so do I continue with the transformation of my heart.

February 16, 2012

The plus side to over a week of illness with little ones you ask? I did some reading!  With a little one tucked under my arm or head in my lap, I was able to read while they slept.  That's how I could tell that they were really under the weather.

Bringing Up Geeks (Gifted, Enthusiastic, Empowered Kids) by Marybeth Hicks was excellent and validated many of my thoughts about  our kids being exposed to way too much at way too young!
I also love the positive way that the word geek was redefined by Hicks and her children.  To raise my kids that they might be granted geek status--I can only hope and work really hard now.

There are ten rules in raising a geek.  Each chapter is geared towards identifying and giving parents practical tools and real life examples of accomplishing this such goal.  I really liked at the end of each chapter how she gave specific tips geared to the different aged groups:  elementary, middle, and high school--no age is excluded, boys and girls alike.  It is brilliant!  I found it as an excellent resource full of ideas on how to handle things to come, as well as supporting those things I am doing now that will separate my kids from the "rest of them."

Where You Left Me is a memoir of a 9/11 widow and how she came to terms with losing her husband in the attack on the World Trade Center. If there is such a thing. . . It moved me to tears at one point because I really can't even begin to imagine and as eloquent as she wrote about the aftermath of her loss, my brain still could not wrap itself around the thought of how my life would be rocked without my husband.  Honestly, I was unprepared for this book--the cover caught my attention as I quickly perused a library shelf of new arrivals.  Once I began, I finished it late that same night--praying this woman would find some peace.

I also had the good fortune of finding The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy--what a page turner this was!  It was not one that I read the back cover either--I grabbed and ran but oh, I'm so glad I did!  A preacher is asked to leave his church due to a "situation." He and his wife become owners of a bakery and they get on with their lives as they feel they are called to do; however,  there's a whole big mess that the baker's wife finds herself caught in the middle of!  I stayed up way too late and got up way too early to finish this one too!

January 26, 2012

I've accomplished some reading this month, if you're interested. . .

Praying for Strangers by River Jordan (cool name, isn't it?) is a story of her New Year's resolution to pray for strangers.  I loved her recounts of some of her real life experiences of the power of prayer.  I admired her courage to approach people and offer her prayer for them.  It was beautiful to think about how such a simple act could be life changing for both parties involved.

The Secrets of Happy Families by Scott Haltzman was. . .okay.  I felt like I didn't walk away with much more than I already knew.  The eight keys to building a lifetime of connection and contentment are not rocket science and I found their survey of only 1,266 men and women to be limited.  I found myself flipping past some pages because I feel like I've seen the research before. . .

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford was my first library check out for my Pandigital, Kindle-like reader.  I was worried because I only had it for two weeks.  There was no need to worry because I devoured it in like. . .three days.  I stayed up way too late and did way too little with my days.  I could not put it down.  When I taught ninth grade I became interested in internment camps after reading Picture Bride and Farewell to Manzanar.  This book grabbed me from page one--it was such a great read!  I find it hard to believe that this is Ford's debut novel--I was enthralled with the story line--it's sweet and bitter--a perfect combination of the two!

Another digital read that I finished way too quickly was Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin.  It takes place in Mississippi in the 1970's and is the story of two boyhood pals that spans two decades.  They were never supposed to be friends because of their differing skin color.  It's a mysterious trail the boy's lives include and I was instantly hooked and I couldn't put it down!

Currently, I'm working on The Book Thief  by Marcus Zusak--but I have to be honest.  I started it over a week ago and I'm only on page sixty-seven.  I just can't seem to get into it.  I hate not finishing what I start, but I'm having some trouble here...Actually, my two kindle reads got pushed to the front of the line because I'm just not feeling this.  I don't know.  I will see and let you know.

On the kid front, Gifts From the Sea was a beautiful, quaint story that the kids enjoyed--my daughter more so than my son.  Blessing of the Beast was one they both enjoyed.  Both will be added to our library eventually.  I love finding new ones to enjoy together.

What about you?  What are you reading? What's on your night stand these days?

January 12, 2012

My little man came home in such a good mood yesterday and I'm not sure what happened but a half an hour in, he was angry and mad at the world.

It was a nice day so we were outside having some ice cream in the back yard just chatting away and BAM!

His attitude changed and he was mad about nothing. 

Then something. 

Until it was EVERYTHING!

So thanks to the Gentleness Challenge and a book I've been perusing, Playful Parenting. . .

I was able to not get lost in my own frustration, anger, or bad attitude

(with some deep breaths, quick thinking, and prayers for patience--not gonna lie)

Instead, I redirected his attention and we just had to read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

It was the perfect cure!

We giggled a lot, and I was pleasantly surprised with the result: 

a happier little man and a thankful mama!

 "Go on. Go to God." JF

January 7, 2012

A few months ago I decided I wanted a collection.

It took me forever to realize that books....old, vintage-ish books are something I adore.

As I dug a little deeper, I narrowed it down to old Little Golden Books that I enjoyed as a child.

As luck would have it, when I mentioned this new passion (if you will) to my mom she just so happened to have several oldies hanging around from thrift store or yard sale finds.

She happily passed them on to me and then I began little jaunts to our neighborhood thrift store to look for on occasion.

It is thrilling to look for their pretty golden spines among plump shelves.

It is even more thrilling to see their publishing date and to cheer inside the older it is.

I would come home, read it to the kids and place the new treasure in my crate. 

My crate was on a shelf up in my closet.

These children books weren't really for my children...

and this has started to bug me.

I remember when I was young, my Nana and Papa had a room with white couches covered in hard, clear plastic.

It was a showroom, not intended for the grandkids to play in. Never.

It wasn't warm and inviting like their cozy living room with the fireplace and big boxed tv. 

I don't ever recall being invited into that room to partake or experience the beauty it exuded. 

The rooms mystery and external beauty was overshadowed by the fact that it wasn't for me.  

Children must look, but not touch.

As a thirty-six year old woman, I  wish I had been invited, even if it was only once...imagine my memory of that experience after having been asked to keep out for so many years!

I hope my mom  (Grandma) understands that while the books she passed on to me may be worth something someday...I can't wait to find out.

I can't keep them boxed away from little hands.

They're simply too beautiful NOT to share. 

These are the kind of books that will offer my kids a rich, meaningful experience because of what they mean to me.

I can no longer deny this joyful experience simply because they might be worth something someday.

Someday is today.

"Go On. Go to God."--J.F.

September 26, 2011

I have so much to say about BlogSugar but am taking a little while to process it all before I share.

In the meantime, check out what I've been working on.

Where was I the last five seasons of television?

Friday Night Lights has just drawn my husband and I in!

We look forward to an hour or two after the kids are in bed to watch--starting with season 1.

We finished it in 5 days. Yikes!!

Did anyone else ever read the Betsy and Tacy books by Maud Lovelace?

I love sharing these with my daughter.  I've had such fun re-reading them as an adult.  Such simple, innocent times these books were written in.

Sigh--why did it have to change?

This is what I'm working on these days.

My concentration has been a little off so. . .I may be needing to renew a few.

July 20, 2011

I LOVE to read.

I love seeing what other people are reading.

So, maybe you would like to see what I've been reading these days.

The Happiness Project is really drawing me in.

I like the idea of making monthly resolutions. 

I'm a list type of girl, so simply checking something off  makes me feel happy!

Unplanned I read about in a Focus on the Family magazine.

It wasn't what I expected.

It's the story of a woman who directed a Planned Parenthood Center and how she crossed the fence and joined the pro-life movement. The moment her view shifted broke my heart. I cried.

In college, I thought I was pro-choice but knew I could never have an abortion myself.
Over the years, I've come to know where I stand but have never "put it out there" so to speak.

After reading this book I was reaffirmed that I am 100% pro-life.  

I will not hide my position on the matter that ALL life is precious.

Over the past two years I have read about the Forty Days of Life and been curious about the event and even wondered how I could participate.

I may figure out a way to be involved in that campaign now, seeing that there is a PP ten minutes away.

A Love That Multiplies shares about the Duggards trials and tribulations.

I find them very inspirational and I love that Michelle, as quiet and good natured that she seems--

really has to pray for patience and relies solely on the Lord.

There were a couple recipes and a ton of resources if you homeschool.

All in all, a read I enjoyed.

Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst I've read before on my kindle-like book thing.

It's just not the same as owning my own copy and highlighting and thumbing through the pages.

It focuses on craving more of God and less of the food that isn't so good for us.

Totally inspirational and full of nuggets of wisdom.

This lady is one of my favorites.

I came across her Proverbs 31 site and recieve daily inspirations through my email.

When she was in San Diego, my mom and I drove down to listen to her. 

We spent more time in the car than at the actual event, but it was so worth it!!

Am I Messing Up My kids is another favorite!

The Goops I read about on another blog.

I would love to have a copy of this for my house.  

It's so ancient and lovely and funny!

I'm having more fun reading this aloud than the kids are hearing the silly poems about manners, I'm sure!

I haven't quite gotten to the other two.

I realized there is no fiction this time around. . .I think I read a lot of that on our RV trip that I went the other way this library trip.

To me, one of the best things about summer is the reading in the backyard as the day cools off.

What have you read lately that's worth me picking up?

May 20, 2011

Open House. . .

I love seeing what the kids have been working on!  

With two classes to visit this year, I was not disappointed!!

Insects in the garden display.

Headless son with clay insect in hand.

I love hearing him read aloud!

Thank you to our service men and women!

Singing and Spelling videos ran on the big screen.

We enjoyed their books about machines.

Have I mentioned, I have a reader on my hands?

 For not wanting to go to school, this little guy has made great progress and seems to have enjoyed kindergarten.  I think it's safe to go visit his pre-school teacher now.

Let's see what's going on in the second grade:

President Report:  Did you know Reagan was married to Sandra O'Connor?  Me neither. Research glitch.

Her autobiography where she states she loves to do research:  maybe not just extensive research?

This one's for you Bee!

Love the Accrosstic

Her whale report and project...thank you Grandma and daddy for taking care of this!

She's quite an accomplished illustrator and author these days!

I couldn't get over all the work these kids have been doing!  They have learned so much and worked so hard this year. I'm proud of both of them and hope they always continue to work hard and do their best!

April 21, 2011

Just because. . .it looks so pretty.

Just in case you missed yesterday's late post. . . I want to tell you about a group that has changed my life! The Good Morning Girls have groups all over the globe.  My group consists of four friends who have inspired and encouraged each other with scripture on a daily basis for a little over a year now.  Click on the link to read more about how these groups came about and what they do.

Anyways, it's really through my heart being changed through my daily bible reading and reading the encouraging blogs of people like Courtney and Sally that everything about my life seemed to come together and flourish. My wings are spread and I am flying.I even ventured to my first Sally's conference where I knew no one.  Since that day I have had it on my heart to do a book club with the first book I read that I grew so much from Mission of Motherhood--I even bought the DVD's to accompany it because I have no idea where or how to get this thing started.  Book club anyone?

Wouldn't you know, God is right there leading the way because guess what the Good Morning Girls are going to be reading starting in May?  Ministry of Motherhood!!!  I just happened to have purchased it at the Whole Heart conference and am so excited to be a part of it and glean inspiration for what I might be able to do with my own book club in the future.  It's always His plan for us, isn't it?  Love that!

If you visit Courtney or Sally you will see that they are offering a book giveaway and I'm so excited to be reading this together that I offered to donate a book to Courtney's site as well--I am that excited about this opportunity for all of us to learn and grow together!!!! Just stop by and leave a comment here and enter to win!!!

If you're interested in joining our Good Morning Girls group, which resumes in May, and is reading this awesome book, leave me a comment or email--we would LOVE the opportunity to grow together in His word!!!!

" />

March 13, 2011

Since we didn't do a whole lot this weekend with a working husband and a sick baby, I had some time to peruse some old favorites.  I had flipped through Honey For a Child's Heart to remind myself of some of the books I had enjoyed when I was younger.  I remember the obvious: Beverly Cleary, Laura Ingall's Wilder, Nancy Drew series, Babysitter's Club, and Judy Blume. . .but I remember I loved to read. . .emphasize the love. I wanted to get a jump start on some of the types of books I can encourage my oldest to read this summer.  She is an avid reader as well. . .and I'd love for her to enjoy some of the same books I've read so we can discuss them.  I haven't read the entire Junie B.  Jones series, like she has and I just think it would be fun to do something together...and honestly, lately, the length of her books is much more appealing than some of mine.

Since beginning to read Karen Kingsbury two years ago, I find it a little difficult to read what I used to like:  Janet Evanovich, Jodi Piccoult...I don't know why--I just can't seem to get "into" the plots or they are missing something...maybe God undertones?  Sounds strange, I know, but I prefer to read things that inspire me now.  Stories that tell the story of people who seem more like me.  People who may have moments of struggle with their faith, but ultimately, they may be shaken but never uprooted. It's just where I am at this point in life and I'm totally okay with that.  Besides, most of the moms I know don't have a gazillion hours to read anyways, so it's not like we meet at the park talking about bestsellers. And the friends I do talk books with, don't look at me all crazy with the books found on my nightstand:

I pick and choose. I usually read the library books first since I have to return them.

My daily reads.

The kid's basket full of library books & books on tape.

Book Basket Continued

So Dad doesn't feel left out. . .

Last But Not Least. . .

So, as you can see, we have plenty of reading and listening material in this household.  This is what we need in order to limit our television times and still be happy about it.  I can't wait to find out what books they love and what I remember from my youth!!  Any suggestions--books or authors that you love?  I'll have some time on my hands this summer--Can not wait!!