Thursday, March 26, 2009

03/26/09

I can't believe it's been almost a week since I've journaled. This morning, I have yet to read my Bible or get ready for the day. I am sitting with the smell of brewing coffee wafting into the office as I type. I'm going to need a little pick me up already.

Joel slept poorly again. I brought him into bed with us, but even so, it was like a wrestling match. He kept kicking me and trying to play with my hair. He was extremely restless. I am praying that God helps him to quickly work through whatever it is that bothers him in the night.

Last night, our friend, Adam, joined us for dinner...sushi, again! The kids love rolling sushi and they love Mr. Adam. We haven't seen this dear friend for a year and a half. Catching up was a blessing. Adam is a fabulous artist. You can check out his work at http://adamgrossi.com.

Hope you meet God in your day today. I am already wondering how He's going to help me with patience and kindness. I'm tired and my self control will be wanting. I'm going to need a lot of help, Lord. Make my eyes aware of you and my ears sensitive to your voice.

Friday, March 20, 2009

03/20/09

Happy First Day of Spring! I can hardly believe it is finally here! It feels like quite an accomplishment to have made it through the long, cold winter!

Today we are celebrating the vernal equinox. Tonight we'll note the time of the sun's setting. Just last night, Nathaniel noted on his own accord that "this season has longer days." He can hardly believe that it is still light when we eat our dinner. I'm also thinking of starting a spring mural. Maybe we'll draw bare trees, then put buds and leaves on them when we notice they appear. We can cut out pictures of birds as we notice them returning. On a walk on Wednesday, we spotted a field full of robins. What a joy to see the little red breasts back in Pittsburgh!\

We are also expecting a visit from our friends, the Meadows today. The boys enjoy catching up with our former neighbors. Tomorrow, David and I are attending a homeschool conference. I can hardly wait to get my mitts on next years materials.

But for today, we will enjoy this beautiful day of warmth and sunshine. What a treat! I love this season!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

03/18/09

6:30 seemed very early today. My body hungered for a little more rest. Joel woke early to provide me some company and keep me awake. Together, we read our Bibles. He eagerly flipped pages in his lift-the-flap Bible, and I continued my journey through Genesis. I was reading about God promising Abraham a son that would come through Sarah, his 90 year old wife. I would have laughed, too.

Nathaniel worked on a narration today about the tortoise and the hare. I'm going to try to publish it on the blog a bit later. He would love to create an audio version of his tale with music by his brother and voices done by him. Artistically motivated, that is my son Nathaniel.

Eliza started to read today, sounding out several three letter words. It is always a high for me when they start to make sense of letters on the page. Teaching them to read has been a highlight in my life.

Music lessons this afternoon still becken. Wednesday is our busy day. I'm hoping for a little peace in this whirlwind today, a few quiet moments and times that bring a smile to our faces.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

03/17/09

Happy St. Patricks Day! I think that this morning I'll make green eggs for the clan. And, Happy Birthday to our dear friend, Kim!

I am sitting, very satisfied, in our newly arranged office. Through prayer and conviction, I was able to downsize the amount of furniture in the office and get rid of a ton of things! Decreasing the amount of stuff in our home is one of the most important things on my mind these days. I am trusting that God will help me to know what to keep and what to toss.

Last night, the babies slept well. What a blessing! It has been a while since I've had solid sleep. Little Joel is quite the night time rascal. Hopefully, the babes feel just as rested as I do.

Off to make green eggs!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

03/12/09

I am sitting here with Eliza, and she is telling me that her "belly asturbs me." I think she's a little hungry, so I'll make this short.

David and I had a nice day together yesterday. We travelled to Canton to look at products for the house we are building. Yes, some of you may not know it, but Dave and I are planning a move to Waynesburg. It wasn't something I ever thought we would do, but after much prayer and discussion, we believe it is what God is calling us to.

As we prepare, our emotions are running rampant. There are many things we will miss and at the same time, many things we can look forward to. David had a wonderful experience growing up out in the country and we are certain our children will enjoy that as well. Living farther from my mom and Hannah is a difficulty that often brings tears in our home. We are taking a leap of faith in this move and trusting God knows what each of us needs.

Well, I need to help an "asturbed belly". I'm off!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

03/10/09

Restless is a good word for me today. It's how I feel deep inside. I don't feel settled right now in several areas: parentally, spiritually, physically. With an impending move and plans to make, I don't always know how to live in the present. My mind is in two places, here and there, today and tomorrow. I need some divine peace right now. Spirit, please blow your gentle peace upon us today.

Monday, March 9, 2009

03/09/09

The chill in the air has me shivering this afternoon. The babies are still sleeping, while the others are enjoying the backyard. I have a moment alone.

I enjoy the quietness when I can catch it. Even for a moment. Peace settles over me when everything is still. I imagine the Holy Spirit descending on me. Now that I am still He can wash over me.

Today has been less than a peaceful day with older children testing all boundaries and the babies waking before the sun rose. I feel a little sleepy now, though rather than shut my eyes for a few moments, I intend to delve into my latest book. I enjoy this time for me. Thank you, God, for this rare treat.

Friday, March 6, 2009

03/06/09

I am running a little behind my own schedule this morning, but I wanted to take a moment to write. My little ones are finally recovered, almost fully. It was a delight yesterday to see them playing together again. At one point, they were even climbing the living room chair and sliding over the back of it. I was blessed by their giggles. Good health is so precious.

Today we are going to finish our camel lapbooks and do a little grammar and spelling work along with our daily math work. I am hoping we can get outside for some fresh air. I'd love to taka a little walk. Maybe we'll journey over to the public library. I have a novel I want to start this weekend. (I love Amish novels. I think I enjoy them so much, because of the simplicity of their lives. I enjoy working with my hands, and I love visiting with others. These are two of the things I always find in Amish novels.)

I am hopeful I'll get to shower before things really get rolling. The babies are still sleeping, but the bigger kids are up and getting breakfast. I'm looking forward to our Sabbath preparations and some time to rest this weekend. Thank you, Lord, for the peace that has descended on our house over the last day. Thank you for your endless help.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

03/04/09

Sitting at the computer and holding a moaning baby, I wonder just how long this virus is going to last. The poor little ones have been sick for several days, Joel since Saturday and Josh since Monday. They are suffering from an intestinal virus that is violent. For long periods of time they just rest upon me moaning, suffering.

I am praying that God gives them quick recovery, and in the meantime, I am relying upon his grace to keep me joyful and positive. Things could always be much worse than they are. I am thankful that God has provided us with clean water to drink and doctors who are close. But even more so, I am thankful that God is with us. He has watched his own Son suffer. God is walking with me and He understands my needs. That I am trying to remember is my real comfort.