Week of Walking

Can you believe it? My week of ME is officially over. Time flies when you're narcissistic focusing on a goal.

But even though My Week has sadly come to a close, but I'm thinking I've just begun... At least where the whole Walking-With-a-Vengeance is concerned.

The first couple of days were a bit difficult. finding the time. getting into a groove. pressing through. But by the end of the week, five miles a day seems very doable.

And whereas I didn't come close to what I was hoping to achieve as my final tally (mileage-wise), I'm so excited for what I did accomplish.

Because let's face it, even though my girls knew that I was working on a personal goal and hence, would be focusing on achieving it, I still had to:

• make sure the girls didn't starve...at any point during the day. they strictly adhere to the belief that they must ingest food every few hours.
• nurse Lani...something she's convinced must happen at an hourly rate that I'm not even willing to try and document
  
• deal with dirty cloth diapers.. 'nuff said.
  
• finish our homeschool year with Charis and Selah,
• take into consideration that I'm sorely lacking in knee cartilage due to competitive running...requiring that I slowly ease into this goal.
  
• try not to suffocate under the growing mound of laundry and general house throw-up that happens when you're not cleaning every. single. day.

That's a lot to juggle while simultaneously pretending that you're not the one in charge of all the little people running around.

But I told Jet last night, as I surveyed the mess, that I'd do it all over again. forsaking the house, letting rooms sit cluttered and dirty. just so I could set aside consistent Me Time for once.

And No, to answer the inevitable question, I didn't lose weight. But I'm thinking I gained some confidence in my abilities to put high priority on exercise.



Wednesday: 5 miles @ 10 incline.

(12 incline is the highest the treadmill goes. It's like climbing Mt. Everest. So when considering "10" think the streets of San Fransisco. It was ALL uphill.)

Thursday: 5 miles @ 10 incline.

Friday: 5 miles @ 10 incline

Saturday and Sunday: Nada. We did Family Time. I was hoping to get some mileage in, but it just never happened. Eh, even important goals have to make way for family lovin' time.

Monday: 7 miles @ 10 incline

Tuesday: 4 miles @ 10.5 incline.

This is also the day that my treadmill went postal. the only button that didn't revolt was the #2. So I was forced to walk at 2mph.

Allow me to interject a resounding "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"

Wednesday: 2 miles @ 11.5 incline. Treadmill still needing to undergo heavy-duty attitude adjustment.

And FYI, the whole "11.5" was not because I wanted to increase the incline.

Rather, my rebellious treadmill made that horrible executive decision. Refusing to let me lower it back down. Remember? only the #2 key works at present.

So there you have it...I walked *so far* that my treadmill has officially gone on strike. *grin*

Homeschool Curriculum, 2009-2010

Mail time at our house usually consists of Selah or Charis running to get whatever envelopes were stuffed in our box. The whole trip can be a little anti-climatic if you ask me. Yet, they still look forward to their turn, running the, maybe, 20 yards to get whatever Mr. Postman delivered that day.

(Uh, I'm thinking we need to get out more? spice things up a bit. Live on the wild side and...I don't know...throw caution to the wind and maybe walk around the block or something. :) My girls wouldn't know what hit them. heh heh)

So when there's something *bulky* to carry in, courtesy of the USPS, it's an Event.

Because really, who doesn't love getting a big ol' package in the mail? especially when it's for you!

This week we received another part of our homeschool curriculum for next year. Just in time for me to rearrange my bookshelf for the twentieth time since we've lived here. *insert a roll of the eyes*

I must be crossing over into the "Family of Die-hard Homeschoolers" Arena. (um...should this make me happy? or officially in need of professional counseling? *grin*)

Because my main bookshelf has now officially become The Homeschool Shelf. housing our growing piles of educational stuff.

I hate what my camera does to the color of the above picture. Everything looks so monotone. and blech. I really do have color on my walls. Honest!

The box on the chair is not an everyday accessory. It's full of adult books...like Dobson and Peretti and Janette Oke and... that I threw off the shelves to pack away.

Tis sad to see MY stuff being stored away in lu of kid's Atlases. and History books. and Spanish lessons. But *shrug* it's all about making the kids' books accessible now.

Because shockingly, if the girls can reach it, they'll actually use it!

I know. the genius in me is overwhelming at times.

After researching and scouring the Internet for ideas, I'm REALLY excited about what I finally decided on for Charis's 2nd grade year:


1. The Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times

(still waiting for the activity book to arrive. apparently it's on a HUGE backorder as they just sent me an email saying it may not be ready until June. We ordered April 10!)

For the past few years, I've been reading a family blog of a homeschooling momma with 13 kiddos. She has always spoken highly of SOTW and raves about her children love all the activities.

I don't adhere to being a Classical Homeschooler. The whole teaching Latin (hello, a dead language!?) baffles me. But I do love this Classical approach to History by Susan Wise Bauer

Want to read an excerpt? go here.



2. Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology 2. Swimming Creatures of the 5th day

It's science from a Christian perspective. One of my closest friends happened to have this book for me to borrow. Thus, the reason why we skipped Zoology 1.

But Apologia's sites say that they recommend doing the first one first because they review Classification of Animals. while the 2nd book just assumes you know the information.

I figure, I'll just do a quick review of it with the girls myself. Hopefully, that'll be sufficient because I couldn't pass up saving money by skipping ahead and borrowing Crystal's book.

to read a summary of this book go here.


3. The Critical Thinking Company has been a huge discovery for me this year!!!

I've been perusing a great used homeschool curriculum site for a while now...and came across a woman who had written out a want list. She had some of the same things that I knew I already liked, so I went ahead and wrote down the rest of her list. determined to check them out.

Thank goodness I did! because this curriculum was among the short list...and I love them!

-Developing Critical Thinking through Science (book 1)
-Language Smarts, level C
-Mathematical reasoning, level C
-Building Thinking Skills, level 1


There is so much I could say about this company...and that's having only looked at the material and let Charis piddle here and there with some of the stuff.

But here is what their site has to say:

We design critical thinking into reading, writing, math, science and history lessons so students carefully analyze what they are learning. Deeper analysis produces deeper understanding, which results in better grades and higher test scores. Over time, students who practice critical thinking learn to apply it throughout their education and life.

We do not teach through drill and memorization or teach to the tests—we empower the mind! Our goals are higher grades, top test scores, and problem solving skills to meet all of life’s challenges. The Critical Thinking Company is recommended by Mensa, Learning Magazine, The Well Trained Mind, Dr. Toy, Creative Child Magazine, and used by Sylvan Learning Centers, Club Z In-Home Tutoring, leading U.S. public schools, and gifted & talented programs in 57 countries throughout the world. We guarantee better grades and higher test scores—or your money back.

Can you even believe that? a money back guarantee?! They had me at Hello.

The same blog that talked about The Story of the World also recommended GeoPuzzles.

and being that we'll be studying "Ancient times" in History this year, I went ahead and bought Asia and Europe (or should I say my Nana bought it... for Raegan's birthday. What?! She'll use it. Three or four years from now. *wink* Poor abused Raegan.)

I still have a USA puzzle like this from when I was little. I lovvvveed it. and can tell my girls are already feeling the same way about these. With the puzzle pieces being the same shape of the country, it's a great way to cement the country's look and location in their young minds.

and I can already tell it's going to be an educational experience for ME. (I totally stink when it comes to geography)

As far as other curriculum, I'm pretty laid back.


just making sure that they have plenty of hands-on type learning activities


and lots and lots of quality books.

You know, books that do not always include a princess and some prince who saves her. *wry grin*

I'm one who doesn't mind investing money in quality educational things. Subjects where they need to be challenged. Topics and lessons that are fairly concrete and don't have a lot of give in the text (like math. 2+5 will always equal 7)

But when it comes to things like Art and Bible, I don't really find it necessary, in this stage of the game, to spend money for "formal curriculum".

In my opinion, kids are wired to create. they don't need someone to tell them how to do Art right. Not yet, anyway.

So for Art, I just provide markers and glue and piles of papers and whatever else I can think of to ensure that they have enough to let their little minds imagine.

And though I love some of the curriculum I've seen for studying the bible, I think this year we're going to just READ it. Novel concept, huh?


After all, we have at least nine kid's Bibles.

I want to encourage them to read it. to think about what they just read. processing it enough to apply it to their own lives. instead of just reading a story and answering someone else's prefabricated questions.

The Word is Living. I want to teach them to experience it. to interact with it...as God designed their individual minds.

and I'm really excited about this little $0.25 yardsale find.


...being that we have four little women-in-training running around here. I can already tell it's going to be a favorite. In fact, it's all I can do to keep Charis from devouring this book of Bible stories in one sitting. :)

Living Large

Anyone who knows me in real life, knows that I am greatly loved...by my husband.

The Man tends to spoil me. His latest show of excessive lovin'?

I give you Exhibit A: My newly furbished treadmill.

Can you even believe it???

Now I can get in shape all while watching a movie or writing an email or reading the blogs de mi amigas.

It don't get any better than this. Not when it comes to all things ME anyway. *wink*

He told me that he didn't want me to take a picture of it yet b/c he had an idea to make it look better and be more out of my way.

To which I said, "Are you kidding me??? This. Is. Great."

Thanks, Jet. You never cease to amaze me.

Christianity...a bold message or just an everyday word?

When I was about 10 years old, my parents found an old address book in a trunk in our shed. In it, they found a phone number for friends they hadn't seen or talked to in years. On the off-chance, Dad decided to call the number.

Amazingly enough, it was still listed. And still belonged to their friends, who lived in Ohio at the time. The very next day, they came to visit.

I don't remember too much about that visit, but I do remember one conversation us kids had outside. Steven, who is one year older than me, asked me pointedly, "What religion are you?"

Me: "Christian."
Steven: "Noo...what KIND of Christian are you?"
Me: "What are you talking about? I'm a Christian-Christian."
Stephen: "Noooooo...like are you a Brethren or Baptist or ...what?"
Me (exasperated): "I'm JUST a Christian. The kind that believes in Jesus."

I'm pretty sure that he never relented on his view of my stupidity. And I'm pretty sure I went inside to ask my mom what the heck he was talking about.

Fast Forward 18 years.

When we lived in Texas, there was a long stretch of road with undeveloped fields on both sides. Undeveloped except for one thing: Churches. Of all denominations...even some of the SAME denomination.

Seven to be exact. All within 3/4 of a mile from each other.

Seven largely ornate churches, yards apart. Each displaying their own personal signs out front, listing their denomination. And if you turned off of the main road on to one of the side roads, there were even more.

Driving that road was always very thought-provoking for me. I couldn't help but to wonder what Jesus thought about all these different churches. All separate from each other. Independent of each other. Sometimes indifferent to the other.

And I, simply put, tend to think that it makes him sad.

For instance, let's say I had 8 children. And each of them had their own style of relating to me (as I'm sure they would). It would break my heart if they refused to come to a family gathering because their relationship with me was different than their brother's. And it would completely crush me if I heard them bickering and fighting and eventually "divorcing" themselves from each other because of those differences.

I may be a simpleton. But isn't that basically what the Church has done over time? Split off from one another because of her differences in relating to the Lord?

One church likes to clap. One doesn't. One likes faster worship music. Another only sings hymns. One dives into the gifts that He offers. Another one is content to be without them. One thinks that Christians will skip the End-Times stuff. Another one doesn't. One group holds fast to the idea of Free Will, while another says there is no such thing. And I won't even get started on the concept of "full gospel." As opposed to what? partial?

Amish, Brethren, Baptist, Catholic, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Pentecostal, Independent
Non-denominational, Protestant, Mennonite,...

The list of Christian sects is overwhelming to me. Can't it be that we're just unified? banded together with the sheer purpose of being like Christ to a world in need of him? of hating sin and bringing healing to the sinner?

The concept is overwhelming to me. as well as this picture that depicts it.



Yes, I realize that you can find any number of things on the Internet, whether true or not. But I do think this "tree" shows what the world sees. and what the "modern" church has become.

That to be a "Christian" can mean many things...that no one seems to agree on what that should look like.

And all I can say is, "Seriously. I just don't get it."

I know, I know...I'm sure that there are all sorts of deep, theological reasons as to why there was a church split...and another...and another.

But come on. Let's get real. Is Christianity more about us wanting to feel comfortable and surrounding ourselves with like-mindedness? Or about renewing our minds so that we can reflect the Mind of Christ?

...Because I'm fairly sure He isn't double minded, unlike the representation the American church is giving.

Again, I just don't get it. And I have to admit, if someone asked me what religion I was, I'd still have the same answer I did all those years ago. I'm a Christian. A Christian-Christian.

I don't want to be about denominations. I want to be about Jesus.

Something in me seriously doubts that in heaven, there will be the Baptist section and the Pentecostal section, etc....

And didn't Jesus teach us to pray "On Earth as it is in Heaven?"

The WOMAN in me.

We live in an age where some think being a stay-at-home mom means you do nothing but babysit all day. a feat that any average pre-teen can do with one hand tied behind her back.

It's as if, because I chose to be at home full time with my children, I'm fighting against some unseen force that wants to discredit me. that wants to peek in on my day and say:

"Ah-ha! Just as I suspected. You just sit and watch TV all day. throwing in a load of laundry every once in a while to make it look legit."

Yup. those would be the notorious bon-bons that clueless people speak of when referring to my snack of choice...

You know, during my daily 3-hour marathon of soap operas. ;)

At times, I feel like invisible critics drive me, pushing me to prove that I, indeed, do something of value, of worth, of meaning. Something that does require strength and work and intelligence.

I know for me this means that there are days where I pace my house, walking round and round looking for "something" to do. Because God forbid, I actually sit down and relax at any point during the day.

After all, what would those Spying Eyes think?!

What this physical (and sometimes mental) pacing proves to any one, I'll never know. But regardless, I catch myself doing it. shouldering the unnecessary burden of other's clueless opinions of me my station in life. OR my perception of others' opinions.

And it's a burden that cripples.

convincing me that in order to be of worth, I must be more than a woman who is content to "just" live within the realm of my four walls.

convincing me that I must be more. my children must be more. and I must always, always, always make sure that I put myself last.

So as to make sure I have time to do all the things that I "need" to accomplish in a 24-hr period.

That said, when I made the goal to focus on ME this week...to awaken my inner athletic abilities...I knew I might struggle with a little guilt.

You know that thing I talk about? ...I happen to think ALL mothers women are intimately acquainted with it.

Because really...what would "They" think if they knew that I, the homeschooling mom of four, was choosing to do something besides focus on my offspring?!!

that I was forcing allowing them the freedom of self-entertain. that I was ignoring redirecting their cries of boredom, encouraging them to learn the art of creative play. without me at the helm.

*gasp*

The nerve of it all.

But I can say...after two days...that it's been freeing! Knowing that I have set aside this week to focus on ME. to go after my personal 'frivolous' goal with unabashed determination. to put ME first, "pampering" myself.

I know...most people wouldn't call sweating on a treadmill a spa-like experience. But for me, it's been, thus far, rejuvenating.

Ibuprofen-inducing. But rejuvenating, nonetheless. *wink*

Just knowing that I have a life...GOALS...that do not include the short people running around my home has reminded me of who I am.

outside of the Mommy title.

Don't get me wrong. I LOOOOVVVEEE being a mom. If you know me at all, you KNOW that I cherish everything about Motherhood.

But I am a woman and a wife as well first and foremost.

And this woman is taking the time to strengthen her "temple". to touch base with my personal goals. and to show my young ladies-in-training that to be a Woman outside of the joys of being a Mommy is GOOD.

This week I'm teaching my girls what it means to have goals. and to achieve them.

Man adopts aborted children

Haven't read the story yet? It's amazing. A truly amazing story that I hope opens up the door of healing for millions of women who silently suffer from the horrific memory of their abortion experiences.


http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,517503,00.html

Getting serious

For the past 7 years, I've put my body through the wringer. Having four babies and three miscarriages, my once athletic body has become something only remembered in pictures and home videos.

And honestly, I've had enough. I'm tired of living in a body that I neither respect nor enjoy.

I know, I know. I'm not large. I never have struggled with being obese or even what some would call overweight.

But excuse me while I scream a resounding So what!?!

The point is that I know I can be stronger, faster, more confident if I were to let go of laziness and just embrace my fitness goal. press through when it hurts. keeping going when I'm exhausted and sweating. not run to sugar when I'm stressed. not eat to curb boredom or evoke comfort.

And honestly? I think I owe it to my husband.

Now before you fly off the handle and think for a second that my sweet Jet has ever ever ever given me an ounce of guilt for not being smaller, think again. It's not like that. He's not like that.

In my heart of hearts, I believe it's my job as the wife to honor my husband by having a body that's in shape.

Uh-huh. that statement made me popular, didn't it? ...not.

But more than for him...it's for ME. my confidence. my self respect in that I set a goal and reached it. that I dreamed a certain life and went after it.

I know "in shape" will look different to different people. Having four daughters, I can already see that each of my beautiful girls has a completely different body make-up than her sisters:

One of my babies had ROLLLLLSS on top of rolls. One of my girls has never had a single roll, even during the "chunky baby" stage. One daughter has very little rear and has to wear all things "slim". While the other one has always had a perfectly round one and can't squeeze into what her sister just grew out of. :)

I'm not saying the number on a scale matters. I'm not saying the number in the back of the jeans matters. But what I am saying is that my attitude matters...

Am I still the same woman who wanted to look attractive for my husband? or have I given up and accepted that I will be bigger because I've birthed multiple babies?

Am I still the wife that tries to flirt with my husband by dressing to appeal to his eyes? Or have a given up on myself...feeling like this is as good as it will ever be, so why fight it?

Well, I plan on fighting it. For me that means losing the last of this stubborn baby weight. AND getting back to where you can see that I have muscles. where you can see my muscles ripple when I walk.

I've been trying to work out. trying to eat right. avoiding sugar (until Easter hit). drinking lots of water (until my Stevia ran out). But still, my body hovers right at the 140 mark.

About 15 lbs over where I want to be. 15 lbs above the size that usually marks when my body is fit for my height (5' 5.5")

My goal this week. To walk as many miles as humanly possible. whatever that means.

Why? to prove to myself that I can do it. to break my lazy mindset out of its "eh, what will be will be" mentality. to be able to celebrate that I made a goal and *attacked* it.

Next Wednesday, we'll see what that looks like. and bar my children suddenly coming down with the flu, I plan on making ME and my fitness a priority this week.

I'm tired of living underneath an attic full of clothes that no longer fit me. I'm tired of dreading bathing suit season. I'm tired of feeling like my athletic days are behind me, never to be revisited again.

This week. I hope to change all that.

Pencils, pencils everywhere!

We're at the end of Charis's first grade math book when suddenly it starts to introduce "borrowing while subtracting".

While I've touched on the concept a little here and there, she's never solved an entire page of subtraction problems where you have to borrow.

Like: 26-18= ?

Just looking at the filled page of subtraction problems (that had a new twist) was overwhelming to her.

Understandably so, since I was a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out how to help her press through her "I can't do this" mentality.

When I was in second grade, I remember my teacher telling us a little story to help with the process (let's use the below math problem for the story).

26
-18

"Eight went to Six to ask for some apples. But Six didn't have enough. So Six had to walk next door to see if her neighbor, Two, had any extra.

(teacher walked her fingers next door...across the blackboard... and made a knocking sound. I remember thinking that was soooo cool!)

"Can I borrow some apples please? I don't have enough for my friend, Eight."

So Two gave up some apples and became a 1, making the 6 a 16. Allowing Sixteen to give Eight some apples."

I know, it sounds so silly. but for some reason, this acting out of the whole process stuck with me.
To the degree that for years afterwards, whenever I would have to borrow during subtraction, I would mentally do this story in my head.

And even though I told this story to Charis and she "got it"...she still didn't understand why the 4 just didn't become a 5....instead of a 14.

So I had to get creative.

See these pencils? They represent the number 26.

The groups of pencils are two groups of ten. They can not be separated. Thus, when "Two" gives up one...she's really giving up one group of ten.

Get it? ;)

Well, Hallelujah, Charis did!!

And she was able to finish, for the first time, an entire page of subtraction problems where borrowing came into play. Getting only two wrong.

I'm definitely seeing that she does better when she can see the "why" behind the concept...in a concrete way.

"Children aged 5 through 7 usually need concrete objects; children aged 8 through 10 shift into 'mental image' mode."

Excerpt from 'The Well-Trained Mind' by Susan Wise Bauer

Saturday. At a glance.

This is the time of year when I scour my house, box in hand, throwing in any and all unnecessary items. things that haven't been used in over a year. possessions that, for whatever reason, are no longer needed, wanted, or enjoyed.

Every year I have at least one large yard sale. But this year, two days before the scheduled event, Jet and I decided to donate all of our yardsale stuff to Justin (my almost 17 yr. old nephew) and his fund-raising yardsale. (his missions trip to England)

Ah, sweet relief!

I can't even describe the immediate impact that small decision had on my well being. Because even though I was willing to press through and do the yardsale (making money for a new front door), it was fairly stressful...

especially with four small children underfoot: one of whom is preparing for her end-of-the-year testing and needs lots and lots of one-on-one time reviewing math concepts. one of whom is teething hardcore and only wants to be held. and another who is going through a growth spurt and only wants to nurse.

A new front door has nothing on my remaining sane. ;)

Saturday late-morning, we all hopped in the car to go to my parents house, where Justin was having his yardsale.

Even Toby, our dog, went along.

Before having children, Toby would hop in the car and go with us. Once the babies started coming, he became a very sad little puppy. remaining at home, tied up in the backyard, watching us with sad sad eyes every time we drove away.

Needless to say when we invited him to jump in the back, he was one hyper-happy dog! especially when he got to go "swimming" in the creek behind my parent's place.

Raegan, on the other hand, proved quite content just hanging outside...

with Justin.

This picture was late afternoon, when the yardsale crowds had thinned out. He decided to start weeding one of the back flowerbeds

Raegan was ALL TOO happy to "help"

Can't you just see the sheer adoration she has for him?

And he was a complete sweetheart with her. letting her throw dirt at him and pretending to throw some back. I'll give you one guess who initiated that game. *grin*

You could hear her laughing loudly from the front yard. It was all I could do to not stand behind the tree and just watch the two of them interact.

By the time we got home, she was completely caked in dirt. and dead to the world.

Jet just layed her in the family room floor, where she stayed sleeping

...until she heard a loud commotion in the kitchen: Her sisters shouts of joy over what we were preparing for dinner.

Charis (6 and a half)...so very ready to dig in and eat!

If I remember correctly, I had to ask Selah to stop screaming, she was that excited!

Why were my some-what picky eaters so thrilled? Because this was on the menu. As THE Main Entree.

When I was little, my parents started a delicious little tradition. Banana Splits for dinner during the summer. Woohoo!!

If memory serves me correctly, it only happened half a dozen times in all my growing up years, but it made a *big impact* on me. So every year (at least once during the summer) Jet and I surprise the girls with a Banana Split Night.

Yes, I realize it's not even summer yet. But what can I say? I love me some icecream!

And they LOVE it! (yes, that is a dryer rack filled with cloth diapers in the background of our deck...but they're clean diapers, promise!)

And even though Raegan looks like she's being tortured...???... she enjoyed every minute of it. saying "Mmm. I like it! It's good!" after every. single. bite.

The Sweet Randoms of our Life

I love these little faces more than I am capable of saying.

Eh. It's no matter though...since usually I bypass words and just gather them in my arms and smother them with kisses and neck-nuzzles and belly zerbits.

I love me some cute little girls.

But even more than their outward beauty (which I happen to think is pretty stinkin' gorgeous) are their cute, quirky ways... the things that make them who they are now in this stage of their lives.

the things they say. the way they smile or laugh. the way they think. ...did I mention the things they say?

But as much as I love love love those things about each of them...as much as I marvel in their cute sayings and adorable personalities, I'm fairly certain one day I'll forget.

Considering I have to pause and think when people ask me "What's her name?" *groan*

So that said, I want to document some of what's been going around my busy, busy house recently...

Raegan (25 months) is a ball of energy. You can be in a room full of people and she is the one they end up being drawn to. her zeal. her laugh. her love of people.

She is a passionate little lady, that one!


one that happens to have puppy dog eyes

that make her pout so irresistible. (This picture was not staged. I wanted to take a pic of her and this is what she decided to do at the last minute. She continued to do it all day.)

It's not always the easiest thing to say "no" to that face. at least with a straight-face.

Every night as Jet is tucking the three girls in, she and Daddy sing the three songs that he made up for the oldest girls. If he forgets, she'll start singing.

She is passionate about her sisters, especially Lani. She can be mad, but when she sees lil' Lani, she smiles and talks babytalk. But as soon as she's reminded that she's mad (ie. when she looks at me or Jet), she's back to being mad.

We're still looking for that On/Off button!

But that passionate spirit isn't all challenging. She loves worship...singing and raising her hands and dancing.

So much goes on in that little head of hers.

Selah (4 1/2 years) is a deep thinker. a little girl who notices more than I give her credit for.

She listens in on Charis's school time. picking up concepts and facts to the point that when I review with Charis, Selah is usually the one that remembers the answer.

It's funny to me because at home she is THE loudest child. I am constantly having to ask her to stop yelling (her normal decibel is obnoxiously louder than most). Yet most people think she hardly ever talks.

But I think that's because she doesn't call people "friend" easily. But then when she does, she is the most loving little girl. Slow to befriend. but faithful to the end.

That said, she is fiercely loyal to her sisters. If she perceives someone is picking on her sisters, she's the one that will make sure justice is carried out.

She hates scary things, even something so "small" as the bad people in Disney movies. She makes sure that we fast forward those parts of the movies, but asks to see the part where justice is served.

Like where the wicked Disney people are killed.

I'm curious to see how this trait will mature over the years. Will she root for the underdog?

She wants to be a fireman. because they have a place to sleep and a place to hang their clothes. She's all about feeling secure as far as shelter and comfort are concerned. to the point that she's repeatedly told us that she'll come and spend nights with us when she's married...if that's okay with us. ;)

I have no idea what I did to this picture. but I kind of like it. It shows the absolute JOY that Charis walks around with on a daily basis.

This girl is pure and selfless and optimistic and the most caring person I know. She sincerely loves people. All people regardless of whether they're deserving of her affections or not.

She's the first to forgive. the first to apologize. the first to put the other person before her own needs.




My little Lani (almost 7 months old) is a constant bubble of laughter.

and she watches her sisters like a hawk. trying to interact with them. kicking her little chubby legs as hard as she can in attempts to get closer to them.

Though recently, she's started to roll across the floor to where they are. Unfortunately, she isn't always capable of making her body go in the desired direction.

At her last doctor's appointment, she was 16lbs 10 oz...and 25.5 inches. Effectively putting her in the 50% for weight. and 75% for height. The doctor called her a perfect little "Gerber Baby".

She's tried to say Dada. But not because she yet recognizes Jet for being the daddy...but because she's babbling, trying hard to communicate.

Background:

Charis (6.5 years) is a deep thinkers...only she does her thinking out loud, as opposed to Selah who I can tell does a lot of internal figuring.

Recently she's been intrigued by all things Marriage. Who she'll marry. What 'monkey business' means (courtesy of Little House on the Prairie). Whether or not Daddy and I kiss at night. How the person performing the sonogram can tell if it's a boy or a girl.

And though she seems to be hot on the trail of the big question "Where do babies come from?" she's yet to brooch that subject.

Chairs (6): "Mommy, did you and Daddy go on a honeymoon?"

Me (thinking, "here we go again!"): Uh-huh. We did.

Charis: What is a honeymoon?

Me: Well, it's where the bride and groom go after they get married. Where did you hear about one? (totally thinking she'd say Little house on the Prairie due to the other uh...educational issues the show has surprisingly brought up)

Charis: The Berenstein Bears. Will I go on one too?

Me: I'd imagine so. (the B.Bears? really?)

Charis: I don't know that I want to push out a baby...

Uh, right. So obviously she's connected honeymoons to having babies. I'm telling you, one day soon...

Selah is running around acting generally crazy when she says, "See how good I am at acting like a dog?"

I see.

Selah: I can pant. (she proceeds to show me). I can bark (again, acting it out). I can run around in circles.

Then she stops mid stride and sadly sits down, "but I can't lick my hiney all the way."

I thank my God every day for the small things in life. Like having a child who is not flexible enough to mimic that lovely little doggy-trait.

Me: Do you know Mommy loves you?

Raegan: yes.

Me: Do you know I think you're funny?

Raegan: yes

Me: Do you know I think you're pretty?

Raegan: yes

Me: Do you know I think you're smart.

Raegan: Yes.

Me: Do you know that I think you're sweet?

Raegan, stops and thinks a moment: No.

We pride ourselves on being truthful in this home. *tease*

Place value

Charis has been struggling to understand the concept of place value.

• How to add the number in your head, if you only add 10 to 970.
• How to read the number 9,327.
• How to look at a large number and point out which one holds the ones place, the tens place, etc.

Being that she's only in first grade, I know she learns better if she can use her hands (work with manipulatives) while learning. So this morning, I made these cards:



I used my scrapbooking cutter to cut out cards. Nine of each size. The largest size has 1,000 up through 9,000. and so on.

She could go through the cards and name out each individual one. "This is seven thousand." "That one is a nine-hundred."

But was surprised to know...


...that when the cards stacked on top of each other to make a new number, it still reads the same. Seven thousand, nine hundred, seventy-six.


Then, the girls went on to make their own numbers. Just to see what they'd come up with. And though it sounds a little boring (at least it does to me), they really liked it.

To stretch their brains a little more, I asked them to do certain tasks. Like create the highest four digit number possible (9,999). Or the lowest (1,000).

Or what you get when you take 8,453 and add 10. or 100.

It was no big deal for her to do because the cards easily interchange. Plus, there was no writing required on her part.

which is something that I'm finding gets old for her rather quickly. After all, you can only do so much book-work before your attention level goes ka-put!



For the first time, I think she actually enjoyed working with place values. Which is huge since I believe you can't truly commit something to long-term memory unless you

1. get a chance to work with the new concept and in some way apply it to your life, and/or
2. actually enjoy what you're dealing with.


Even Selah (4) got to learn a new concept. simply because she saw Charis having so much fun.

Baby powder

It's Raegan's most favorite thing.

I mean what two year old can resist its allure? All you have to do is give it a little shake and voila! out comes puffy white smoke.

And honestly, I usually don't mind. I mean after all, the stuff smells good and is usually an easy vacuum job.

Thus, this is the norm. Splotchy rugs and couches dotted with white dust. No big deal, right?

But today it got a little more out of control.

I present to you the teary culprit:

and the overjoyed victim:

Cardboard Testimonies

There is nothing like the fragrance of a room where people are being real. Raw real.

It's like the tangible healing presence of God is standing right beside you. daring you to step out. pleading you to receive the very wholeness you crave. the exact healing you're witnessing someone else's life display.

This skit is one of the most powerful things I've EVER seen. Everytime I've watched it, I've cried. I just can't help it.

But this morning, as 30ish people from my church presented their own version of Cardboard Testimonies, it was all I could do to keep it together.

Actually, I take that back...because I didn't even try. Why bother attempting to hide the emotion bursting in me?? I cried. I cheered. I praised. loudly.

To see people I know on a very personal level humbly confessing an assortment of Godly intervention in the midst of their *crap* was overwhelming.

In the best way possible.

I'm still moved. I'm beyond encouraged. and I've never loved my church family as much as I did today. As some of our own bared all...while the rest of us cried and hollered and cheered our excitement of a broken life redeemed. and The One who orchestrated it all.

In case you're interested, here's the link to the original version of the song. Love Love Love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps

5 Things

... I'm loving about Spring so far.

Otherwise known as: Reasons why I am a sick sick person...

1. killing flies while they're mating. I'm killing the mommy, the daddy, and all their little potential breedlings in one fell swoop. I'm all about multi-tasking.

2. seeing that our foul fly trap is loading up on all the flies that I didn't catch. watching them squirm their way to a slow death has brought surprising joy to my heart.

3. carrying our prized trophies, by the tail, across the street and dumping their headless carcasses in the bushes. That'd be snakes, in case you're wondering.

4. knowing that when Jet "feeds" the ants (as Charis calls it), they're chomping on a buffet a la poison. *bu-bye*

Yeah. I don't like creepy crawly things. though I love that I am bigger...carry a large hoe, a bag of poison, and a shoe. Mmm. the smell of death in the springtime.

5. Knowing I can let the girls wear the same things over and over again. Without washing it. Just because I feel justified being that they're "outside play clothes".

Ways to avoid mountains of laundry is my specialty. I have been known to take something out of the dirty clothes hamper and wear it as is.

What??? Like you haven't done it! ;)


Ahh. I'm so loving that wintertime seems to have left the premises. (I love every turn of the season). I'm so ready for the smell of rain and freshly mowed lawns, singing birds and brilliant color. Spring has officially sprung.

Though I have to say, I'm somewhat shocked that my beloved Selah hasn't asked to pee in the yard. Yet.

That has been, after all, my telltale Springtime Arrival Notice for the past few years.

*teary-eyed* My baby girl must be growing up.

Just stamp Flake across my forehead.

This morning as I washed the dishes, my mind wandered to some of the things that Lord has told me over the past little while. some seemingly small in the light of the grandiose plan of the universe.

but meaningful to me and my daily walk towards Heaven.

And then, for some reason, it was like I could hear the nay-sayers declaring,

"What? You expect me to believe He talks to you that much? about such inconsequential things? Are you one of those people who won't drive anywhere unless you hear the Lord tell you that you can? Such flaky Christians. Puh-lease."

And then, as I stood there with my hands in the soapy dish water, it was like the Lord took my face in his hands and said:

"The Church feels flaky."

Okay, Lord. Where are you going with this?

So in the middle of my kitchen, the Lord started to fill my head on the flakiness of the Church...at least the American Church as we know it.

I have no idea why. It wasn't like I was trying to think deep. I don't even use the word "flaky" outside of talking about biscuits. ;)

But it makes total sense to me now.

Think about it. As Christians, it seems that we spend a lot of time proclaiming the great works of the Lord, his amazing miraculous interventions, the power of prayer... to turn around and give Him an out.

You know, a reason why He ISN'T and most assuredly won't be doing all those great things in your/my life.

Like instantaneous healings. parting the proverbial waters of our hard circumstances...like debt or divorce or addictions. Or giving us a fish with money in its mouth.

Crazy, wild, amazing God-things like that.

Because really, if the Body of Christ didn't feel flaky and shaky in our beliefs and in our ability to truly mirror the power of Jesus...we wouldn't be focusing our energy on baking cookies for snack time during our cell groups.

We'd be focusing our energy on getting out there and showing people outside of the church the presence and power of God.

Because who, in their right mind, can resist that??? There's not an Atheist out there, when presented with the mind-boggling love and healing power and freeing presence of God that could walk away in good conscience.

If we truly felt we had a Heavenly backing to the Biblical truths we say we cling to, I'd image that we'd be focusing our energy on populating the expanse of Heaven. instead of silently watching people flood the gates of Hell, all the while clutching our bibles and declaring "Jesus saves".

or being okay with watching the blind walk by without the compassion and healing of Jesus rising up in us and declaring "be healed!".

or casually acknowledging that cancer is running rampant and has become the expected norm. all without batting an eyelash.

We say we know that God heals. But then we just count it as "modern day Christianity" when we don't see Him doing it. WHY? WHY? WHY?

Trust me, I'm shouting at myself here.

I've seen him heal before. But am I giving him the chance to show up TODAY?

Or does my inaction reveal that I just expect to have a sick person fall into my hands and yank the words out of my mouth?

I have friends who go to Walmart to pray for the sick. I've heard of people who go to the morgue to pray for the dead.

Yeah...let that one sink in for a minute.

When I first heard that, part of me was like "Huh. that's nice. terribly uncomfortable. but how...nice."

Me? I'll take serving on a ministry team at the front of the church any ol' day. Let the sick and hurting people come to me. If they truly want to be healed, they'll find someone to pray for them."

Okay, so I didn't actually say that...but I'm sure if I probed my ugly heart, I would have found something shockingly close to that ridiculous sentiment hanging around.

THAT is flaky.

I believe we're coming into a time where we have got to SEE the manifest presence of God to stay afloat be victorious as a church.

As the world becomes more and more in your face with blatant sin and the "what of it?" attitude, we have got to pull down the presence and power of God. unapologetically. without fear of failure. without wimpy faith.

The verse "on earth as it is in Heaven" has been on my heart a lot recently. Because within the gates of Heaven, there is no sickness. no depression. no isolation. no outcasts. no disease. Period.

I want so deeply to possess the power of God that walks in the authority that calls that Truth into existence in this realm. the manifest power that obliterates all flakiness of my thinking. all shakiness in my faith.

God's offering it. I just need to walk in it. and throw off whatever the heck it is that holds me back.

The Apple doesn't fall far

I am so obviously in the lineage of Eve.

Because, like her, I tend to think there's got to be more.

Eve had it all, right?! The perfect man. The perfect home. The exciting and tangible relationship with God. I'm sure her life was brimming with all things deemed Exciting and Fun and Fulfilling.

How could it not be when you're smack dab in the middle of God's perfect set-up for your life?!

But all it took was one smooth-talking snake to convince her (or was she already convinced in her own heart?) that God was holding out on her....

that the perfect life she knew wasn't truly perfect. that the fulfillment she felt actually wasn't the whole picture...

that to taste of what she didn't have would fulfill her more. to take a bite from fruit that didn't belong to her would be better than to enjoy the bounty that she did own.

When I read her story I admit, I shake my head and think:

"What a nitwit. There were probably a thousand other trees that she could have eaten from...and here she staked everything on moaning about what she couldn't have. Seriously woman, get a clue."

But then the Holy Spirit...the same one that loves and takes up for his bud Eve...points out to me that I have that same drive pulsing through my heart.

The drive that refuses to be satisfied, and instead screams out "Uh hello? Lord, you listening? 'cause I think I'd kind of like to have me some of what she's having. thankyouverymuch."

Totally disregarding the fact that the only thing different on "her" Life Buffet is the fish. And really, I'm not so sure I even like fish.

And so...like my ol' ancestor Eve, I shrivel up inside and convince myself that what I don't have is so much better than what I do.

This is where the Hosts of Heaven scream down a resounding "Get a clue woman!"

Because honestly? I happen to be in a season of life where I *know* that I am walking out God's tangible Goodness.

A season that He has been working overtime to bring about. a season where I can't find one bad thing about my life circumstances. a season where Jet and I are having unbelievable doors of Favor open to us. with essentially no work on our part.

Yes. Life is good. ...No. that rather generic statement just won't cut it.... Life is brimming with extravagant goodness!!

But then the fallen woman in me sees something I like. something I admire. something I don't have and like my two year old, I stick out my lower lip and pout.

Man, she has such the cool blogsite! I wish I could invest time in mine like that. Boy, wouldn't that be great. I bet I could even set it up to make some money off of it. Yeah. If only, I had the time...

For real? Seriously, Christin?! A blogsite? For the love of Pete (whoever he is)...can you be anymore petty? (Okay, so unfortunately I think I probably could, but that's a different post)

You have to understand that God has opened HUGE doors to me. doors that make something like a blog and its design or popularity very very trite.

Yet.

I find myself inwardly sulking. or struggling against jealousy. or trying to figure out how I can schedule my (already limited) time to invest more in this blog.

Just go ahead and call me Professional Nitwit. I think I've earned the title.

And for the record, oh Cloud of Witnesses yelling at me from your strategic view point...I hear ya.

This is Eve's kid here, signing off. determined to Get A Clue.