Thankgiving comes early this year.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Phil. 4:8


As women we're always thinking, aren't we? When I ask Jet what he's thinking, he can honestly answer "Nothing."

It baffles me. Honestly, it does. But he, and millions of other men around the world, adhere to its truth. I lack the imagination to grasp that concept, but whatever.

But if Jet were to ask me "What are you thinking?" and I say "Nothing"? Yeah, it'd totally be a lie.

an obvious one, in my way of thinking, because What, you really expect *nothing* to be going through my head?!

I scoff. Let's get serious.

I believe women have been given the capacity to go deep: relationally. emotionally. spiritually. Our thoughts and hearts know no shallow places...do they?

Yet it's here that we HAVE TO BE so careful. because it's in these places where we can so easily be lead into Despair. by sheer thought alone.

And it's on this that I've been thinking. challenging myself to not focus on the things that annoy, frustrate, confuse, or hurt me.

But "in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5.18

The other day as Jet and I were driving to town, we began talking about....something? I don't even remember what. But I know the Spirit of God hit our car, my heart, and ultimately our conversation.

challenging me to write a list of thankfuls. A list of heavenly blessings that have changed our lives in one form or another.

And it was amazing how long the list got as we drove. Blessings we have been given, whether tangible or immaterial. Things we are NOT having to deal with, whether personally or concerning our children.

It truly shocked me how fast my outlook on life changed! by just focusing on and cataloging the Praiseworthy Things.



Have you made a list recently? You might want to try it. It banishes all shadows in the deep places of our thought lives. and somehow that can turn so many things around.

Even if only in our minds. ...the place where most battles are fought daily.

Here's one moment

Raegan (2.5 years), Alana (1 year), and Selah (5 years)

...that I wish I could bottle and pull out years from now when I'm old and gray and craving just a few minutes with my little girls again.

Can they be any more precious???!!! (Hint. The only acceptable answer is NO)

I hate that Charis was in the house when this photo-op presented itself. But by the time she came out, the moment was *poof* gone.


Still perfect, mind you. just not perfectly captured by film. This time.

I love them more than life. I love them with a depth I could never, ever put to words this side of heaven. They are my blessing beyond blessing. Unique in and of themselves, yet so equally precious to me.

I wondered, right after Selah was born, if I could love her with the same intensity that I loved Charis. I could...and did. And then I had another daughter and realized there's no limit to the depth that my love can go for my children.

I no longer worry about how I'll feel about Baby Girl #5. I KNOW the Lord will more than deepen my ability to love her.

I know because I've already experienced that deepening five times over. Every time I look at Jet. Charis. Selah. Raegan. and Alana.

I am a blessed beyond measure. beyond all human ability to adequately express.

Digging wells...not streams

Last week after finishing our 8th week of school, I had an Ah-ha! moment in the world of "What the heck am I doing being your teacher??"...

Homeschooling, I'm thinking it's the great equalizer: No one feels completely adequate teaching our own kids. even when we...do. ?

Yeah, I know. That doesn't really make sense. But trust me, it's as confusing of a feeling as it is a concept to try and explain out loud. *wry grin*



The weeks are flying by, as are the pages of Charis's curriculum books. She's learning things left and right. Concepts that I didn't even realize were being taught this early on.

Let's take Math for instance, shall we?

We've done (per her 2nd grade math book) fractions, measurements, congruent shapes, parallel line segments, intersecting, expanded notation, vertices and angles, estimating, parallelograms, probability, isosceles, ...Um? I'm sorry. DO WHAT???

Honestly, I've been thinking What the Heck? for a while now, even though she's been excelling at it all. I reeeeaally don't remember studying this stuff when I was 6 and 7. AT ALL.

The whole point of homeschooling is NOT to have a 12 year old college grad, right? Doogie Houser never really impressed me anyhow. ;)

I don't want a child who whipped through grade levels at a rapid rate just to get through it, you know? Because really, is that more for the child's benefit or the parent's pride?

Charis doing her school work. Such intensity, eh?

So why do I homeschool at this point in time? I'm so glad you asked.

• I want my girls to LOOOVVVVEEE learning.

• to know who they are before I send them to a place where others will tell them who they are.

• to have a really solid educational foundation that doesn't revolve around going at the pace for the "average" kid in the class.

Yeah, there are more reasons. But the thing that really struck me last week was "HELLO, Christin! You CAN tailor her education to fit us, as a family...to fit her, as an individual.

going as slow (or fast) as I want. or as they need.

I grew up in the public school system, in classrooms that were dictated by bells and tests and schedules and the graded curve. So it's been a bit hard to shake free from certain mindsets of classroom learning.

Especially since I happen to like "to do lists" and plans and going with those amazing workbooks that math professors, who are obviously much more knowledgeable than little ol' me, put together for 2nd graders everywhere.

*rolling my eyes at myself*

So when we were getting ready to study polygons (something I'm pretty sure I studied in high school! Maybe what was considered Advanced back-in-the-day is now though to be Remedial???) I experienced a mental breakdown breakthrough.

Causing me to come to my senses, taking control out of those invisible math profs' hands and putting them back into the realm of Reality.

No more geometry. calculus. and whatever else they're throwing at my new 2nd grader.

For the next month, I'll be focusing our math studies on drilling Charis (and Selah by "default") in addition and subtraction, to the point that they don't hesitate when it comes to answering those types of equations. So that those math problems...the ones they'll be using for the rest of forever... become etched into their natural way of thinking.

I want to give them ample time to become strong in the basics before moving up the other "rungs of the math ladder." Makes sense to me. *shrug* But what do I know? I possess no Math PhD. ;)

Then a couple of weeks from now, we'll be starting multiplication. And remaining there for at least a month or two. with no other focus.

Again, to become *proficient* in something that she'll be using for the rest of her life.

As homeschooling parents, we have so much thrown at us. Myriads of options, opportunities, and opinions. And at times, it gets a bit overwhelming to try and wade through it all.

*insert wild woman pulling out her hair and screaming, sending children everywhere running in terrified zig-zag directions*

There are moments when we, as the Teacher, just need to come back to the basics ourselves. Stepping away from the Mainstream Homeschooling Movement to focus on the the real reasons why we started homeschooling in the first place.

And this is where I find myself as I place her Math textbook back on the shelf to collect some dust for a while.

I'm reacquainting myself with Common Sense and slowing down. I may have to do this in other arenas? I don't know yet.

But it all comes down to this concept: I want to create DEEP wells of understanding and wisdom in the lives of my daughters. Not shallow waters that run from one pole to the other.

Because honestly? I know the WAY I teach them is as important as WHAT I teach them. that they'll come to understand how to dig into the depths of Life... as I teach them how to dig into the depths of learning/school.

I see no way around that. at least from where I'm standing.

And so I retire my piddly shovel. making use of the backhoe that's been waiting for me on the sidelines.



God help me to dig deeper wells (starting immediately with school). because I've become rather accustomed to my shovel. sadly, in more arenas than not.

Disclipine 101

Yep. Start talking about discipline and inevitably the chance to administer it effectively and lovingly will conveniently present itself.

Like today.

Work. It's the four-letter word of childhood. Especially when that powerful little word is preceeded by another one: School.

SCHOOL WORK.

Usually Charis is really good about diving into her school work with a good attitude. She loves learning and reading and creating.

But here recently, as I've started to challenge her mind with more creative writing, she has started to challenge my patience by balking at assignments.

Outright saying "No." when I ask her to do something.

Um, excuse me?! But I wasn't aware that this whole school thing came with an Optional Button. Pardon me while I dismantle that switch encourage you to rethink your answer.

Only she didn't, continuing to refuse to do what small thing I was asking of her.

For the record, it was write ONE paragraph about the movie Bambi. I've been really exhausted recently. So after finishing up Math for the morning, I let them watch that movie while the little girls napped and I did...nothing. Well, outside of growing a baby in my belly.

Her response? saying she didn't know enough about Bambi...didn't know what to write...had NOT *tearing up* watched it *voice breaking* a dozen times before. *crying*

This is where you insert crocodile tears and a sketchy attitude . And me inwardly counting to ten.

So I sent her to her room for a while, until she was ready to come down and do what was asked of her. and to allow me some space before I acted in a way I might regret.

Ironically, I had secretly made brownies while they were watching the movie (before the Paragraph Drama ensued).

Around the same time Selah discovered their chocolatey presence cooking in the oven, Charis had come down proclaiming herself ready to work. Both girls were cheering over the fact that they were getting such the fun, sweet surprise.

I hadn't planned to do this.... In fact, I don't think, given time to really process, that I would have chosen this route. But out of my mouth came,

"Charis, I'm glad you're ready to do your school. You will still have to do the work, but you won't be getting any dessert tonight. Bad choices come with hard consequences. So your consequence for refusing to work will be not having dessert with the rest of us. I'm sorry."

Oh, the sobs. and the excuses. and the sobs.

And I hated e.v.e.r.y minute of following through. I made those brownies FOR HER and her sisters. I WANTED to let her have some. But I knew she had to learn an important lesson...

one that wasn't going to be gotten from just excusing herself to her room until SHE deemed herself ready to do what she was told.

But as hard as it was (for me), I think I've found a really effective method of punishment for the older girls, as I'm always having to evolve my methods to match their age. From now on, I think the taking away of privileges for Selah (5) and Charis (almost 7) will be top on my list.

And whatdaya know? since the brownie incident they've both have amazzzzing attitudes when it comes to work. Shocking.

Now, to figure out something other than brownies. I don't think their constant presence in my house would benefit MY discipline ...or lack thereof, when it comes to eating chocolate. ;)

"My way or the highway, kid" ...Or maybe the High Way?

I hate watching parents who make empty threats. It makes me uncomfortable. and sometimes a little self-righteous. *groan* God, deliver me from my ego.

Yet. If I'm honest with myself, I'm most likely uncomfortable because I know exactly what they're feeling in that moment. Because there are times when I am soooo tempted to say just about anything in order to bring about the desired results.

The kind where I say some "Magic Combination of Intimidating Words" so that Child A will forever stop hitting, kicking, stealing toys from, and generally harassing Child B.

Hopefully, I don't make giving in to the temptation of "Do Whatever it Takes Discipline" a practice. But man, if I don't have my moments. (Sometimes more often than not, depending on the number of times fore-mentioned harassment has taken place over the span of thirty minutes.)

Discipline is just one of those parental things that is always needed. never fun. and sometimes more costly to us as parents than to the child (like when you have to leave a party because Child thinks being in public means no consequences from parent).

It takes a great deal of patience, a huge amount of wisdom, and an exceptional ability to cover the words/actions with love.

At least if I want the desired outcome of building a deep, meaningful relationship with the child. bringing them to a place where the heart motive changes to become Christ-like. instead of the action just momentarily stopping...until I'm no longer watching.

a relationship that does NOT center around Parental Dictatorship. You know, the whole "As long as your under my roof..." mentality.

God save me from ever saying that! Because I believe that if I were to make that "You will do what I say. Period" mentality a regular part of my interaction with my children, then chances of ever having a REAL relationship with them...outside of the miraculous intervention of Jesus... are slim to none.

It sounds so obvious. Outcome behind Door #1 VS. Outcome behind Door #2

One one hand you have: Immediate desired response born out of fear of mean parent...where Parent will never be a person Child wants to emotionally confide in or trust.

On the other hand there's: Parent DYING TO SELF and embracing the longgggg process of the child's heart attitude changing out of a mature fear and love of the Lord. where Child knows that Parent loves them no matter what because of the attitude Parent has shown when really really reallllllly angry with Child.

Hm. Which to choose? Which to choose?

Yeah, the answer seems so obvious from this comfortable position behind a computer doesn't it? ;)

But it's not as easily a "Duh" moment when you are tired, pushed to your limit, pregnant, being pulled in five different directions at once, and so sick of administering the exact same instruction over and over and over again.

Honestly? Parenthood scares me just a bit. Okay...so a lot. People fail at it every day. I fail at it every day. in a million small ways over and over again.

There are nights where I sit on the couch with Jet and just cry...asking him if he thinks our girls will grow up and think me to have been a horrible mom.

if they'll only remember the moments where I didn't guard my heart...or mouth...as I administered discipline. if their memories will be filled with the times where I crushed their spirit because they shattered an expensive piece of ...whatever.

I want so deeply to be able to choose His patient way in that moment where I feel less than able to control my outward action.

I want so deeply to be able to embrace his discipline in my life....the LOOOONNNNGGG process of changing the heart attitude of the child (ME) out of a mature fear of the Lord, where Child (ME) knows that Parent (GOD) loves them no matter what.

Because ONLY THEN, can I can mirror that concept to my own children in the heat of the moment. instead of embracing ever-present Temptation to say Anything.

Pray for me, Mommy?

This afternoon, the girls and I read a book. A book that they didn't want me to choose from off our shelves...though I have no idea why. Maybe it didn't look exciting enough?

But once I started reading it, they were mesmerized.

After all, it is about three knights trying to win the hand of a princess. What's not to like? especially for girls who are in the stage of *always* pretending to be princesses who are getting married!

As I read Max Lucado's book aloud, the journey that the three men had to take through the dangerous woods started to unfold.

The men were to choose one person to accompany them through the dark, as they traveled through the home of the Hopenots. They were told that in order to make it back to the castle through the blinding darkness, they'd have to listen for the flute playing of the King.

A song that his son, the prince, also played on his own flute. A flute and song both identical to his Father's.

The girls began guessing who would win...the quick one, the strong one, or the wise one. I could tell they were getting emotionally involved as they discussed the knights in quick, hushed tones.

Though I would have no idea how emotionally involved one of them was...until the end.

Finally one knight made it back to the castle safely. All because had made a very wise choice...he asked the son of the King to travel with him as his one companion. playing for him his king-like flute, until the knight knew the song by heart.

Even when the Hopenots played their thousand flutes in attempts to confuse the men.

When the story was over, I explained to them what the story represented. How in life WE are like the men traveling. that in order to make it back to the Castle (heaven) we needed to learn to hear the voice of the King (God). And that walking with Jesus on a daily basis, listening to his voice, would enable us to know God's voice.

And then the crowd of princesses-to-be dispersed. running to different rooms in the house.

Except for Selah. She sat there, looking at me quietly until she said, "Would you pray for me to have that?"

Have what?

"To be able to hear God's voice like that."

Most definitely! And so we prayed...


And of course, I had to try and document the moment...
and finallllllllly got her to uncover her face. for a second.



Lord, may that tender, deep-thinking spirit that you've placed in her never stop hungering for more of a friendship with You. Speak to her, even now, the sweetness of Your Song.

One year ago...

I met my sweet Alana Joy... on my birthday. :) Forever changing the way I celebrate turning another year older. Forever changing the way our family celebrates daily life.

My sweet sweet Lana-lady,

Has it only been a year since you were this little? Has it only been one year since our entire family dynamic changed to include such an incredible bundle of JOY?

While I remember how life was before you, quite honestly, I don't prefer the memory. It doesn't feel complete. It doesn't feel as ...what's the word?...sweet.

You just bring such a light, joyful spirit to our home. There's no other way to put it. Yes, you laugh a lot. Yes, you are soo incredibly sweet, with your never complaining and never protesting. But there's something more to it... something deeper about the spirit that God has put in you.

And I'm yet to pinpoint it. but I rejoice in the fact that I have years and years to define it...and the immediate present, to enjoy it.


This is, by far, my favorite picture of you to date. I think it gives a sneak peak into the tangible joy that is written on your very DNA. It just captures so much of your sweetness.

At this point in life, you're not walking. or even standing for long periods of time. But I'm not worried because it's just like you. For just like the day you were born, you hung out in the birth canal for 45 minutes. unmoving. in no obvious rush.

And then *bam* out you, literally, flew.

That's how you seem to embrace life. You take your time. embracing a content patience that I don't think many possess. And then suddenly out of no where, your new talent and/or stage in life comes flying forth.

Out you fly.

You did it with crawling. You did it with saying Mama and Dada. You just go from all to nothing in a matter of seconds. It seems to be your way.

And I pray the Lord gives me wisdom on how to effectively mother you in a way that doesn't squelch that God-given trait in you. that I won't push you to do something outside of your naturally readiness. that I don't encourage you to become frustrated with by own impatience. that I learn, by watching you, how to sit back and wait for the *bam* Suddenly of God in your life.

You don't say as much as your sisters did at this age, though I think it's mostly because of the fact that you always have your two fingers in your mouth. (hopefully your *bam* mentality will come into play when you stop sucking your fingers...before you turn 10) ;)

But you babble a LOT. constantly trying to engage strangers in conversation. though you are not one to actually want to be held by those engaged strangers. You only like who you know...but apparently want others to take notice of you and your captivating brilliance. :)

At both nap and bed times, you are the easiest little thing. I put you in your bed. we play a little peek-a-boo behind the door. and then I walk out...and you talk yourself to sleep.

I've even gotten up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom (preggo bladder and all) and I've heard you talking to yourself. in the pitch black. as content as can be.

You're a climber...and don't like to be trapped behind gates or obstacles. And you definitely don't like being in a different room than your sisters...you watch them like hawks, wanting to be just like them.

The future interaction of all my little girls sooo excites me.

I love my daughters. I love the relationship they all share. I love the fact that I get to be their mom... I think I have to be living out the most blessed life possible.

the lives of my sweet daughters proclaim this loudly. daily.

We celebrated Lani on Sunday with some family. where Jet had the camera, as you can see...

What can I say? I think he likes my body lacks photography skills. Don't ask me what he was thinking. I have my *cough cough* theories...but I'll refrain from making them. *grin*

But good thing is that this would be my first pregnancy pic. Pathetic, huh? But here I am at 25 weeks pregnant. :)

Well what do you know? We have heads. ;) (excuse the blank kitchen wall...I'm yet to find/put up a picture that goes with our newly redecorated home...one day)


Looking at the cake...

eating it, ever so daintily...
Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of her messy face. She started crying once the cake was done. So Daddy picked her up and cleaned her off. Oh well, I'm sure there are many more messy faces in our immediate future, huh?

But she perked back up when she saw her presents...

How I love this little girl! In fact, I'm having difficulty finding the words. But I'm soo soo thankful that all I have to do is wake up in the morning, go in her room, and see her sweet face to be able to experience it all over again.

I pray I never, ever take that for granted.

Pregnant? Oh yeah...I guess I am.

Life is racing on by, moving from week to week without a moment's hesitation. taking my pregnancy along for the ride.

WHEN did I pass the four month mark? and the fifth? and become smack dab in the middle of sixth month? I seriously marvel when I tell people how far along I am...because I hardly believe it myself.

In no time at all, I'll be posting pictures of Sweet Baby.

This pregnancy started out differently for us. For the first time, we decided to keep it hush-hush... wanting to experience what we knew so many other people had done before: the decision to share it with a few close friends, marveling silently in the gift of life.

All while prolonging the inevitable comments from those people who think rude equals witty. Things like "Again?" or "Don't you know what causes that yet?" Or "Trying for that boy, huh?" You know, something original and charming like that.

So for the first 15 weeks, we shared a fun little secret...only speaking of Baby with a few selected peeps, as I puked my guts out and tried to pretend to the world that all was well. *grin*

Maybe that's why it seems to have gone so much faster? because as far as Public was concerned, I wasn't pregnant until July.

Or maybe it's the fact that we've had a few rough months relationally (I don't mean maritally) and emotionally our attentions have been elsewhere?

Or maybe because we both have so much going on in our lives right now with all the new doors open before us?

Or the fact that we have four little beauties to distract us?

I don't know the reason. But I do know I'm shocked that I haven't taken the time to write about my sweet little Baby. After all, this is the way I document for my family.

So I begin today. more than half way through...on the doorstep of the last trimester.

July 23rd (17weeks 2 days)

I started having cramps. nothing really big, but enough to make me want to at least call the OB to see what they wanted me to do. They suggested I come in.

So I did; Jet and I meeting with Barbara while Mom kept the girls at my house.

Ever since we unexpectedly lost the last baby (@ 16 weeks gestational), I always hold my breath when they try to hear the heartbeat. It was no different this time. especially when the midwife, wand on my belly searching for a heartbeat, started muttering to herself.

about how slow the heartbeat was...and how odd.

It never surprises me how quickly tears can come to my eyes when it has to do with my sweet little family. I looked over at Jet, hoping to see a calm and peace that I didn't have. He is my rock in times like that. my tangible reflection of Jesus.

But thankfully, Barbara finally seemed at peace with what she heard. though apparently not enough to send me directly home. Off to the ultrasound room we went!

I have to admit, I wasn't at all bummed. Because it was there, weeks earlier than expected, that we found out our next little baby is ANOTHER GIRL!

Growing pangs ...at this age?

My two year old has been dealing with growing pains. She cries a lot. and inhales takes lots of Tylenol.

I know it hurts her. for I remember.

the sitting up at night crying as a little girl because my legs hurt so badly. the being incapable of finding a comfortable position place to rest. the not knowing when or if the feeling would ever go away.

I vividly remember the throbbing. the stretching as the bones and muscles each lengthened. the intensity of feeling as the two things that held my very person together were being stretched to the point of pain. and tears.

And the only thing that would emotionally get me through (as we all know medicine only helps take the edge off of the physical aspect) was the fact that I knew I was getting taller, growing up, and...thank the good Lord... becoming the Big Girl I wanted to be.

Because really, who wants to be 3 foot 5 forever? Certainly, not me.

Today Raegan wasn't the only one experiencing growing pangs. I shared in her season of stretching. Only mine were in the marital extremities.

Yep, it was one of those days. The kind where I wanted to beat my husband's head up against a wall. *wry grin*

The kind where I felt like crying. The kind where I felt totally and completely inept in finding the comfortable position...so I could emotionally rest. A day where I wished there was such a thing as Relational Tylenol.

even if only to take the edge off for a while. ;)

I write, not to focus on the less than perfect, but to not run from life's truths. The truth that says growing pangs don't only occur in legs and arms and torsos. But that they occur deep within. in a place not seen. bringing about a growth not measured by rulers or scales.

and usually in a place where you are in relationship with another person. who's also growing deep within.

And so I write for my daughters...and maybe for women out there that don't have friends who share Truth with them.

The kind of truth that says, "You know what? I'm happily married. I'm totally and completely in love with my husband, and only him. But crap-it-all, if there aren't days where I want to beat him up tell him a thing or two."

Those days come. Sometimes often.

I happen to think they're a natural part of marriage. You know, being that it involves two different people who come with prepackaged, independent points of views, with a set of well-established habits on how to approach life, and a unique understanding of communication that was laid out and lived out before them as children.

So yeah. I'm thinking Those Days are completely normal.

And let's just be honest and say... there are seasons where those "days" seem to come in blocks of time. Like weeks...that span into months. Lovely.

I know part of this season of rough patches for us is due to The Book. A book that could potentially impact hundreds and hundreds of thousands of women. or so they tell me.

And as I step into the role of writer that God has called me into, I know I'm walking into the front lines of a Battle that spans straight to the Gates of Hell. and that wages war over every marriage.

I know this. I told Jet I knew this when I agreed to take up this "project". I think my exact words were, "Um, honey? You know if I write this book, you so better be nice to me. Because I'm stepping into Hell." ;)

But man, if knowing that doesn't change the fact that I stilllllllll hate marital seasons like this.

Yet we continue to choose to press through. keeping our eye on the Truth. on The Promised Outcome that declares we are going deeper, growing up, stretching our spiritual muscles, and.... thank the good Lord.... becoming the "mature married couple" that we've always wanted to be.

Because really, who wants to be 3 foot 5 forever? Certainly, not us. ;)




(No husbands were hurt in the making of this blog. and that all material was read and happily pre-approved of by The Hub prior to publication. See? The picture is proof...taken moments after writing this. *wink* and oh, it's almost 10pm...requesting you look past the I'm-so-tired look I'm sporting. *grin* )

I love you, Jet. You are the love of my life. and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather experience GROWing pains old with. xo

Life altering

I'm writing a book. Have I mentioned that?

I think not. at least not for more than 5 minutes. I had made reference to it in a blog...but then changed the wording to "working on a project" a mere five minutes after publishing it. :)

I've been REALLY protective of the whole idea, telling only a handful of people. But yeah, the word is getting out. And I'm going with it... it may help me push through this wall of "Ahh! Can I do this?"

*drum roll please* Last February (or was it March?) I was asked to co-author a book.

A book that has had innumerable and impossible doors (MASSIVE understatement) open to it and it's not even written yet. No pressure, eh?

And so I write. and write. and write. AND teach and teach and teach, as I am homeschooling two girls now. AND expand and expand and expand, as I have my sweet little Baby Bean growing inside my tummy.

Just a tad bit busy this end of the Internet... desparately trying not to allow the title of *Overwhelmed* to take up residency in my heart.

So there you have it. I'm off to write.

A weighty calling...

"Follow me as I follow Christ..." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Wow. Weighty statement there, Paul. You go, boy. Because I sure won't be yelling that invite from the rooftops.

But then I realize that whether or not I make that official proclamation, that's exactly what my little girls are going to do. Follow Christ like I do. by the example that I set. the depth of character that I possess. the passion and boldness that I embrace. the length I will go in pursing my Jesus.

No words.

Because sometimes *Immense Cuteness* needs no explanation.

An apple a day. Or peroxide. Whichever.

So it appears this sign needs to be posted at every entry point of the county.

Because it looks like H1N1 has come to the Valley.

Now, grant it...from what I'm hearing, the symptoms are actually a lot less severe than the normal flu. But this version has the potential to spread like wildfire. causing secondary issues that could prove worse than the original virus.

etc etc etc

But even aside from all of that... This year, Jet and I had decided to come up with a Keep- Germs-at-Bay-Plan to help curb the vicious viruses that enter, reside, and corrupt our otherwise healthy home.

Especially being that my family has had years where we've passed around sickness from October to January. Non-stop. Not even letting up for a Thanksgiving or Christmas break.

Messing with my holidays? Them fightin' words. So here are a few of our plans to kill any germ ballsy enough to come our way. Maybe some of them will inspire you...


The MEDICINE DISPENSING Plan:

Each girl will have her own medicine bottle AND dispenser. so we don't pass around germs from girl to girl.


This especially goes for the Salt Sea Spray bottles that we use. You know those things that squirt seawater up their noses? Highly recommend those! as we used them last year, on a daily basis, and saw a marked difference in the amount of sickness we had.

The DENTAL HYGIENE Plan:

Next on our list are the toothbrushes. and the communal cup they now rest in.

Bu-bye, Cup. And hello to travel containers!!

We will be getting our own handy-dandy little travel case to house each individual toothbrush. And most likely each child will have their own toothpaste as well.

The girls will think it's Christmas with getting all their OWN stuff. ;) We won't tell them it's all for the sake of health. Presents sound soooo much better.

But even with using separate containers, we have to keep in mind that germs breed in damp places. IE. The ol' toothbrush is considered a huge breeding ground and has to treat it as such...

Note to self: *clean* your toothbrush in between the times you buy new ones! But how?

Option 1: Dishwasher Safe?

Run it through a dishwasher cycle, on the top rack (due to heat). ...I've heard of this but have never done it. Something about it just doesn't jive with me. Who knows why since I stick the forks in my mouth?

But then again, I've never professed to make sense outside of my own head.

Option 2: Liquid Swish
(Swish your toothbrush in varying liquid solutions)

• Listerine or another mouthwash for 30 seconds prior to use.

• Hydrogen peroxide. 1 tsp of h.p in 1 cup of water. swish toothbrush prior to use. (rinse with clean water to avoid the taste of the cleaner...or not, if you want whiter teeth? *grin*)

• Bleach. Place toothbrush in one part water/one part bleach. Just enough to cover the bristles. Swish around for 30 seconds. Rinse.
  
  *Warning* Be careful not to splash liquid on clothing! and dump out the bleach immediately to avoid a child inadvertantly thinking it's a drink.
  

Option 3: Liquid Soak

Soak your toothbrush overnight in a vinegar solution, once a week. The vinegar kills the majority of mold, germs and bacteria. (Vinegar is amazing stuff! You can also use it as a face astringent! just make sure you'll only be at home, as it smells.)

I've also used the same soak method that people use to clean their dentures (can't remember the product name off hand). Just get a cup, pop in a tablet, and let the toothbrush soak.

For a quick soak method, put your toothbrush in a clean mug and cover the bristles of the toothbrush with boiling water. Keep the toothbrush in the boiling water for three minutes and then use as usual.


Option 4: Cover It.

But try to get it as dry as possible before storing it...and maybe get a cover with holes at the top to help aerate it. (keeping from "trapping the damp").

And if you DON'T cover it, be sure to put it as far away from the toilet as possible, preferably in a cabinet. And only flush when the top is down.

Trust me, toilet ...*ahem*...debris flies across the room up to 6 ft. Nasty news documentary I saw. Left a gruesome, unshakable impression. Ick.

So yeah. We plan on cleaning our toothbrushes...and storing them in a smart place/way. But when getting over an illness, it's recommended to (definitely!) get a new one!


The KILL the GERMS on the SPOT Plan


You know those sippy cups that we all use? Well, the little plastic things inside that allow them to be spillproof can get pretty foul, can't they?

So we'll be soaking them every once in a while in boiling water, or if they're especially nasty, a Clorox solution. Yes, it's safe. Yes, it's really mostly water. And yes, it works like a charm.

We also will be utilizing God's gift to the germophobe: Lysol.


I so plan on spraying down toys that Lani has been gnawing on. As well as doorknobs and lightswitches. Oh, and that beast of an exersaucer. When not in use, obviously. :)

And I totally plan on being one of "those" people. You know those people who pull out disinfectant wipes and give the shopping cart a good rub-down before sitting my child in its seat.

So if you see "that person" at the store...think of me. In fact, it may BE me. :D


The APPLE a DAY Plan



We'll also be cutting WAY back on sugar. *insert sob* Being that it depletes the ol' immune system. Seriously, Google it. The effects of sugar are scary. Almost enough to make me want to give it up completely. Almost.

though I'm still trying to convince myself. Apparently sugar also depletes my persuasiveness.

And one last thing:

The CRAZY MONKEY DANCE Plan (aka: what mommy does to make them laugh)

As I've been mulling over the different ways to try to do all I can to keep my family healthy this season, the Lord brought something to mind:

A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick. Prov 17:22 (TLB)

Duh. When all else fails From the get-go, take note of what the Lord said thousands of years ago. After all, it still applies!

So I'll be very intentional about planning FUN things. Trips to get them excited. Ideas to make them laugh. Playtimes to get them silly (it doesn't take much in this house).


When all is said and done, I'm thinking this may have the biggest impact. not only on their physical health, but also our quality of life. ;)

So there you have it. A "few" ways that we're planning on keeping Germs at bay. In hopes of maintain our health and joy this Flu Season.