Good morning! After a rocky night of sleep, I am thankful to be up and getting ready for this coming Lord's Day. The roasts are already in the crockpot, and the bread is in the bread machine.
David and I have been trying to rekindle our celebration of a weekly Sabbath. This will be our third week in a row. In the past, this weekly time has been an incredible blessing to our family. I am praying that God will bless this time and that we will encounter Him in the next 24 hours.
One of the things I love most about celebrating a Sabbath is having time to enjoy my family. With no place to rush to and no work to be done, I am free to sit and be with my kids and husband. We have time to read and play games. We have time for naps and listening to music. It is simply delightful. I am excited to think what this Sabbath day will bring.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
02/27/09
Anyone up for some science? After a year of being home almost nonstop with our babies, today I braved the Science Center. Yes, by myself, I took all five of my bambinos. This is momentous to me because I have been very intimidated to take the twins anywhere by myself. When I have attempted it, I usually came home with the feeling that I wasn't ready for that! But today, we had a delightful time. The babies were cooperative and engaged. They loved the water table and the ball play. At the same time, Isaiah and Nathaniel are old enough to do a little exploring by themselves. They waited to ride the simulator while I changed wet babies...I mean absolutely, thoroughly soaked babies. The whole day was enjoyable. I'm starting to see light at the end of this long tunnel!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
02/25/09
What a beautiful day! I love the sunshine and warmer weather. It gives me hope that spring is only weeks away.
Today we baked the best wheat bread. It was so light and moist, the perfect loaf. That hasn't happened in a long time. Tonight we'll be staying home and enjoying some left overs. Isaiah has a part in a play at church for Ash Wednesday. He'll be representing the whole brood.
Well, music lessons await us. Just wanted to check in. Hope your day is blessed!
Today we baked the best wheat bread. It was so light and moist, the perfect loaf. That hasn't happened in a long time. Tonight we'll be staying home and enjoying some left overs. Isaiah has a part in a play at church for Ash Wednesday. He'll be representing the whole brood.
Well, music lessons await us. Just wanted to check in. Hope your day is blessed!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
02/24/09
Crying. I hear it coming through the monitor, so I know this note will be short. Last night, God blessed me with a full night of sleep. After going to bed at 9:30 p.m., I awoke rested. I enjoyed the stillness of the morning.
This afternoon, Isaiah and I had a special date. We had lunch at Abay, the Ethiopian restaraunt in our neighborhood. Eating the pancake bread with our fingers and tasting the spicy food was especially enjoyable for just the two of us. It isn't often we get out alone.
I'm feeling like I have a little head cold. My ears seem, well, not right. I feel a little sleepy. Hopefully, I'll have energy to make dinner. If not, spagetti might be our meal.
Well, I'm off to end the crying. I'm looking forward to holding those sweet little boys.
This afternoon, Isaiah and I had a special date. We had lunch at Abay, the Ethiopian restaraunt in our neighborhood. Eating the pancake bread with our fingers and tasting the spicy food was especially enjoyable for just the two of us. It isn't often we get out alone.
I'm feeling like I have a little head cold. My ears seem, well, not right. I feel a little sleepy. Hopefully, I'll have energy to make dinner. If not, spagetti might be our meal.
Well, I'm off to end the crying. I'm looking forward to holding those sweet little boys.
Monday, February 23, 2009
02/23/09
Last night was a very difficult night. The babies slept very poorly, and now my eyes are droopy and my mind cloudy. I had all kinds of thoughts about the weekend that I wanted to share, but alas, I am just not able. Maybe tomorrow. For now, I am going to try and post a few pictures from Friday night. Pray that tonight we get better rest.
Friday, February 20, 2009
02/20/09
As idyllic as I'd like to pretend my life is, there are weeks where man's sinful nature is so evident in this home! My children have been driving me batty the last few days with bickering and arguing all day long! There are moments I'd like to lock them all up seperately each in their own tower like Rapunzel.
Seriously, sometimes it is so difficult to teach my children about selflessness and caring for one another. It goes against everything they are naturally inclined to do. They sometimes seem to thrive on causing discord and rousing each other's anger. All the while, I feel my own blood start to boil. No matter how often I correct them, how well I reason with them, their natural inclinations seem to be victorious.
I'm sure that in God's sight I am a lot like my children. I know what is right, and yet, to actually do what is right goes against everything I feel naturally. To live disciplined, to have patience, to be long-suffering, to be kind, all these things take incredible work. In the moments that my children are at their worst, I am inclined to be annoyed and easily angered. I don't like to be disturbed. I don't like that there behavior is outside of my control. I'm sure that God desires me to put aside my own selfish motives and to care about my children's spirits and their relationships with one another and God. If only I could keep that sentiment in the forefront of my thoughts. God help me. Help me to lead by example.
Seriously, sometimes it is so difficult to teach my children about selflessness and caring for one another. It goes against everything they are naturally inclined to do. They sometimes seem to thrive on causing discord and rousing each other's anger. All the while, I feel my own blood start to boil. No matter how often I correct them, how well I reason with them, their natural inclinations seem to be victorious.
I'm sure that in God's sight I am a lot like my children. I know what is right, and yet, to actually do what is right goes against everything I feel naturally. To live disciplined, to have patience, to be long-suffering, to be kind, all these things take incredible work. In the moments that my children are at their worst, I am inclined to be annoyed and easily angered. I don't like to be disturbed. I don't like that there behavior is outside of my control. I'm sure that God desires me to put aside my own selfish motives and to care about my children's spirits and their relationships with one another and God. If only I could keep that sentiment in the forefront of my thoughts. God help me. Help me to lead by example.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
02/19/09
Looking out of my window, I see snow whirling about. Winter is not over. Though the cawing of crows reminds me that soon their noise will be replaced by the beautiful songs of spring birds, for now, spring is still a moment away.
I stand by the door and watch David walk to his car, making tracks in the snow. I am thankful. Standing there, I think about how dear he is to me, a cherished friend. My husband loves me, and I have full confidence in that. He is off to breakfast with some friends. David is loyal and thoughtful. I am blessed to have married him.
Soon, I will walk up the stairs in the quiet of the morning and rouse my oldest son. Isaiah will look up at me with his big blue eyes, eyes that insist they really want more sleep. He will pause and take a few minutes to wake, then he will tumble out of bed and get ready for the day. After a breakfast of cereal or oatmeal, he'll join me to get the school day started while the rest of the brood drinks in more rest.
Now, though, I am here alone with my thoughts. I relish the time alone. I soak up the quiet and breathe deeply. I do not take forgranted this precious time, while I also anticipate another wonderful day with the five little blessings God has given me. Today, I hope I pass the day with thanksgiving, aware of the many ways God has enriched my life. Make me mindful, Lord.
I stand by the door and watch David walk to his car, making tracks in the snow. I am thankful. Standing there, I think about how dear he is to me, a cherished friend. My husband loves me, and I have full confidence in that. He is off to breakfast with some friends. David is loyal and thoughtful. I am blessed to have married him.
Soon, I will walk up the stairs in the quiet of the morning and rouse my oldest son. Isaiah will look up at me with his big blue eyes, eyes that insist they really want more sleep. He will pause and take a few minutes to wake, then he will tumble out of bed and get ready for the day. After a breakfast of cereal or oatmeal, he'll join me to get the school day started while the rest of the brood drinks in more rest.
Now, though, I am here alone with my thoughts. I relish the time alone. I soak up the quiet and breathe deeply. I do not take forgranted this precious time, while I also anticipate another wonderful day with the five little blessings God has given me. Today, I hope I pass the day with thanksgiving, aware of the many ways God has enriched my life. Make me mindful, Lord.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
02/18/09
Today was a plug along kind of day. We are over half way through our school year, though we have another 70 days or so. Isaiah has some days where he is entirely distracted and needs refocusing all morning. He didn't actually finish his work until 3:30 this afternoon.
I went to the gym today. It's so nice to see church family in the middle of the day. I am so very sore from time spent working on my abs. I am hoping to strengthen my lower back, so hopefully the soreness is worth it. When I left the gym, it was raining. I had a refreshing walk home.
This evening, we watched a movie called Keeping the Promise, a pioneer film with Native Americans, wilderness, and a boy coming of age. The kids seemed to enjoy it.
Now, I'm signing off for the night. My eyes are heavy and my body relaxed. I am ready for a good night of sleep. Blessings to all.
I went to the gym today. It's so nice to see church family in the middle of the day. I am so very sore from time spent working on my abs. I am hoping to strengthen my lower back, so hopefully the soreness is worth it. When I left the gym, it was raining. I had a refreshing walk home.
This evening, we watched a movie called Keeping the Promise, a pioneer film with Native Americans, wilderness, and a boy coming of age. The kids seemed to enjoy it.
Now, I'm signing off for the night. My eyes are heavy and my body relaxed. I am ready for a good night of sleep. Blessings to all.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
02/17/09
It's still quiet here this morning. I wish I could say as much for the middle of the night. Joel was up again around 3 a.m. and he cried for over an hour. I was trying to let him cry it out, so that he might finally start sleeping all night again. Around 4:30 a.m., I went in to comfort him. As soon as I picked him up, he lay his head on me and was silent. I held him close for a few minutes then I laid him back in his bed. The wail he let out informed me he thought I was the worst kind of traitor. He cried for five more minutes then all went silent.
My mind is so tired from these broken nights of sleep. I tried to read today, and it took all my extra brain cells just to read the words. Reflection was not even a possibility. I am hopeful that tonight I'll get a full night of sleep and be much relieved tomorrow. I might also plan on a little nap myself this afternoon.
This week we are concluding our study of Africa. Today we'll be measuring out ribbon to see how tall an elephant really is and how big their tusks are. We'll be picking up our weights to feel how heavy an elephants brain is (10 lbs.) as well as a human brain ( a mere 3 lbs.). It should be a hands on day in science...my favorite kind.
My mind is so tired from these broken nights of sleep. I tried to read today, and it took all my extra brain cells just to read the words. Reflection was not even a possibility. I am hopeful that tonight I'll get a full night of sleep and be much relieved tomorrow. I might also plan on a little nap myself this afternoon.
This week we are concluding our study of Africa. Today we'll be measuring out ribbon to see how tall an elephant really is and how big their tusks are. We'll be picking up our weights to feel how heavy an elephants brain is (10 lbs.) as well as a human brain ( a mere 3 lbs.). It should be a hands on day in science...my favorite kind.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Be sure to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and thank her for creating The Simple Woman’s Daybook phenomenon. You can also read more daybook entries or join the fun and write one yourself here!
FOR TODAY (February 16, 2009)…
Outside my window… gray light, the sun is just rising under the clouds.
I am thinking… about the week and what I really want my kids to learn, kindness, selflessness, compassion
I am thankful for… my morning cup of tea and especially my quiet time.
From the learning room…President's Day...thoughts about Abraham Lincoln.
From the kitchen… so much to make today, meatballs, quiches, minestrone, rice...
I am wearing… Pajamas and my robe.
I am creating… Sabbath space in my life.
I am going… to be home all day.
I am reading… Making Sunday Special by Karen Mains
I am hoping… that Joel and Josh will sleep all night tonight...no 3 a.m. visits.
I am hearing… the heat kick on and the soft motor of the computer.
Around the house… books and toys.
A few plans for the rest of the week: exercise, clean, read, finish my scarf
Here is a picture thought I am sharing… can't seem to get the photo button to work. Oh well.
FOR TODAY (February 16, 2009)…
Outside my window… gray light, the sun is just rising under the clouds.
I am thinking… about the week and what I really want my kids to learn, kindness, selflessness, compassion
I am thankful for… my morning cup of tea and especially my quiet time.
From the learning room…President's Day...thoughts about Abraham Lincoln.
From the kitchen… so much to make today, meatballs, quiches, minestrone, rice...
I am wearing… Pajamas and my robe.
I am creating… Sabbath space in my life.
I am going… to be home all day.
I am reading… Making Sunday Special by Karen Mains
I am hoping… that Joel and Josh will sleep all night tonight...no 3 a.m. visits.
I am hearing… the heat kick on and the soft motor of the computer.
Around the house… books and toys.
A few plans for the rest of the week: exercise, clean, read, finish my scarf
Here is a picture thought I am sharing… can't seem to get the photo button to work. Oh well.
Friday, February 13, 2009
02/13/09
This morning, my eyes are tired. I had a hard time making it out of bed, but here I am. Our plan today is to travel to Waynesburg for a Valentines Day party. This will be our opportunity to meet some other homeschool families there. Yesterday, we made heart cookies to take along with us.
Last night, when I was putting the children to bed, Eliza was quite amusing. As we were praying, she wanted to tell Satan off. So, she said, "Satan, you told me to do all bad things today, but I only did some bad things, ha ha." She spoke with such victory. It was very funny.
Well, my coffee is now brewed. The smell is wonderful. Off to read.
Last night, when I was putting the children to bed, Eliza was quite amusing. As we were praying, she wanted to tell Satan off. So, she said, "Satan, you told me to do all bad things today, but I only did some bad things, ha ha." She spoke with such victory. It was very funny.
Well, my coffee is now brewed. The smell is wonderful. Off to read.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
02/12/09
I only have a moment to write. Our dishwasher is on the fritz, and I have to hand wash before the kids get up.
This morning, I spent some time reading 2 Corinthians 2. I was taken with the passage on forgiveness. It made me think about my own responses to my children's sin. Am I grieved for their sin? Am I sorrowed because they have hurt their relationship with others and especially with God?
Thinking about this, I hope that today, as I discipline and instruct them that I will have always before me their walk with God. I pray that I will emphasize how their sin keeps them from a right relationship with their Maker. And I pray that I will have the courage to discipline them even when it is inconvenient or painful, so that they might know forgivenss and a reaffirmation of my love for them.
This morning, I spent some time reading 2 Corinthians 2. I was taken with the passage on forgiveness. It made me think about my own responses to my children's sin. Am I grieved for their sin? Am I sorrowed because they have hurt their relationship with others and especially with God?
Thinking about this, I hope that today, as I discipline and instruct them that I will have always before me their walk with God. I pray that I will emphasize how their sin keeps them from a right relationship with their Maker. And I pray that I will have the courage to discipline them even when it is inconvenient or painful, so that they might know forgivenss and a reaffirmation of my love for them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)