Gavin's 8th Birthday Party

This blog is terribly neglected.  I'm so sorry.  For my family and friends who are attending Gavin's Birthday Party -  You can access his "wish list" here.  You can either search by my name (the creator) or Gavin's name.  For additional ideas: He also picked out some items at here.  He would like any of the 2014 Tetra Brazil items.

I realized after letting Gavin create his wish list that many items are far more expensive than most want/can spend.  No worries.  You are more than welcome to pick out your very own gift or just give him $$ to spend himself.  To be quite honest- your presence at his party is present enough and you should not feel obligated at all to buy anything.  However, knowing most feel compelled to buy something, I wanted to give you some ideas of what this crazy kiddo is in to!  We are also asking once again that you not buy a card.  Instead, we would appreciate that 50cents or $1 go to our Fresh Water Well Fund for India.  We are getting VERY close to turning our money in and are pushing these last few weeks to really crank up the donation!!

Thanks again :)

P.S. For a fun little message from the birthday boy.  Please download the Aurasma app on your phone.  Then use that app to look at the QR Code

and enjoy the message :)

Staying home: homeschooling

Well,  not going to lie -- I am LOVING the opportunity I have homeschooling Mason.  He has done a fantastic job!  I am learning, however,  that the success of homeschooling rests mainly with me and my consistency.  Mason will feed off of me.  He doesn't always feel like having school.  There are added distractions at home that can make paying attention more difficult (your own toys only feet away is one!).  We've maintained out schedule so far (knock on wood) have maintained the house as well!  In fact, in many ways, I feel like the structure in the morning actually helps me stay on task.  We'll see how it goes the rest of the year,  but so far- so good!  

 

For those curious about Ian during this time- well, he kinda goes along with us.  He loves calendar time and the songs.  When it's one for seat work- he loves to watch Elmo singing on the computer.  When mason is done with school - they both play toys while I clean up the kitchen.  I try to get the other things like beds made, laundry, etc.  done before school starts :)- some days are successful and some aren't- and that's okay!  

Any questions about our day?  Just ask!

Disney Surprise Vacation

Well we did it!  We pulled off one of the greatest surprise trips for our kids.  We surprised them one morning with a trip to Disney World- that day!  We told the boys that we would be taking a trip to Kansas City.  We said we had some really fun things planned and had even arranged to ride in a plane for a little bit!  They were thrilled, but had no real idea what type of vacation they were in for.  We had planned not to disclose our trip details until we were on the plane, however, thinking that people might mention or ask them about Disney (since we were flying to Orlando), we decided that 5:00am that morning would work!! :)

THE REVEAL

We created a video for them to watch that gave a replay of all the fun we had this summer.  It went through the different activities, accomplishments, and just fun times together.  At the end of the video, I announced that they weren't over with their summer just yet!   I made the announcement that we would be flying to Disney World!  Their reaction- priceless!!  I have a VERY emotionless son.  He is one that will open a present that he really wants on Christmas and will give no indication of the excitement he has in receiving it.  However, with the announcement of a trip to Disney World, even THIS son gave a great reaction!!

click THE REACTION  to see a video of them watching the video! :)

THE TRIP

The trip to Disney World was AMAZING!  It truly IS a magical place.  My boys (ages 7, 4, and 19 months)  were in love with every aspect of Disney World.   I was a little curious how they would react to the characters since they are boys and not just overly excited about Winnie the Pooh and Mickey Mouse cartoons anymore.  To my surprise, they LOVED them- ALL of them!!  They wanted to watch every parade, meet and take pictures with the characters, hunt the characters down at the partks, etc.  We also would HIGHLY recommend two things to anyone taking a trip to Disney World:  Park Hopper & Meal Plan.   Those were life savers for us!  We also took a backpack full of ponchos, snacks, autograph books, squirt fans, sunscreen, tylenol, etc.   This was also a huge life saver when you are on the move all day long!

If you have boys, a MUST do is the Jedi Training Academy!  Probably my favorite part of the whole trip!  Get there early though-- it books up fast!





* for more helpful tips-- go visit the Disney Diva

THE REVIEW

Over all, best family trip ever!!!  We are already planning to see Mickey next year! :)

Staying Home: The Guilt

I think every mom faces some kind of guilt.  Either guilt because they are working and are unable (or don't want to) stay home, or guilt that they do stay home and are not contributing financially to the family.

I have now been on both sides of the guilt.  Last year, I had a terrible time dropping my two youngest off at daycare each day.  I was constantly reminded how half of my check goes for someone else to watch my children.  I loved the people who were with them, but hated that it wasn't me holding them before nap and talking with them through out the day.  I also had guilt that I missed several of my eldest's school activities.  Sure I could get someone to cover my class for about 15 min or so, but that wasn't enough to go to all the singing activities, parties, etc.  The guilt of not being able to be a "mom" was very difficult for me.

On this end, there is a guilt.  I get to do what I want and LOVE to do.  Sure there are difficult and stressful days, but ultimately, I know that I'm so fortunate to be with my kids all day.  The guilt comes in when I realize that my husband now bears all the financial weight for our family.  He is the sole provider and with his type of job, this is just added stress.  We have to watch our budget a lot closer and  really plan things out.  This was something that with two incomes, were were fortunate not to have to do as stringently.  I have a guilt when I get up in the morning and am still in my PJs while he is dressed in his slacks and dress shoes walking out the door.  Not being able to add financial support to our family does leave one with a type of guilt and often makes you question.  Is it too much stress on my husband?  Is this really the right thing?

I find that during these times of guilt and doubt, I simply pray.   I pray that God would continue to lead our family and bless the opportunity he has blessed us with this year.  I also pray that I would be open to whatever He has planned for me.   I pray that the conviction and passion for me to stay at home is just as strong for my husband as it is for me.  I too pray that my eyes and ears would be open.  We chose for me to stay home to better our family, if my husband is overly stressed-- it is not for the betterment of our family.  I want to be open to signs of this.  In addition to prayer, I simply talk with my husband.  I want to know how he is feeling and what I can do to support him.

I know there will come a time for both of us when we want something.  Something that isn't needed- just simply a want.  I also know that we will realize that we could have that "want" if I were working.  I pray at those times we closely evaluate our situation and look at what God is telling us.  It will be easy to forget the many hours of work and time away that my job requires.  It will also be easy to forget how much help I need around the house and with the kids when I am working-- may God remind us of this when we start to look at the upcoming years.  I believe God can use me for His glory regardless of whether I work or not.  I do believe there is an element of choice there.  However, I also want to make sure that we are choosing what is best for our family- and not just us!

**PS... I did not get to proofread this at all- if there are errors, forgive me! My children woke up and the day needed to get started!!

Staying Home: Cleaning Schedule

Well, the number one reason we decided for me to stay home was for our kiddos.  The number two reason- to keep up the house!  I would suggest to anyone planning on staying home to discuss what the expectation is for when you are at home and make sure that you agree.  Many people view staying at home differently and it can be very frustrating for one or both people if they aren't on the same page.  My husband and I discussed this in the early stages of planning for me to stay home.  We talked about his goals and expectations for me and what I believed my goals and expectations were.  Luckily, they were pretty close.

My husband shared early on in our marriage that a clean house was important to him; perhaps more so than for most people.  In knowing this, I try my best to keep the house as clean as possible.  This has been a TON easier now that I am not at work most of the day and grading the rest of the evening!  I did find, however, that when I started my day thinking I'm going to clean the whole house that I accomplished very little OR I accomplished a lot, but felt overwhelmed and pushed aside my kids (my #1 reason for being at home in the first place.)  To help me better manage my time, my frustration, and spending time with the boys,  I came up with a cleaning schedule!  Now don't laugh... it sounds ridiculous, however- boy, it sure does help me feel accomplished!  I actually spend less time cleaning because it is focused and already planned out- no thinking about what I should do next.  Here is a little sample of what my schedule looks like:

EVERY MORNING:
Make beds
Load/Unload dishwasher
*Laundry
**Quick Glance over the bathrooms
Chore of the day

EVERY AFTERNOON/EVENING:
Sweep kitchen floor
Load/Unload dishwasher for next day
Pick-up living room

*This may be folding, putting a new load in, switching out the loads, etc.  It also may not need to be done- but I would go around and check all baskets to make sure

**This is just to make sure that if a stranger were to need to use the restroom it would be presentable.  I make sure the potty looks okay and all morning items (make-up, deodorant, toothbrush, etc.) are put back in the drawers.

CHORES:
Monday- Deep Vacuum (this is bedrooms, rugs, stairs, hallway)
Tuesday- Windows and Mirrors (my least favorite day!)
Wednesday- Deep Clean Bathrooms (this means scrubbing tubs, showers, sinks, around the potty, etc.)
Thursday- Mop
Friday- ROTATING CHORE***
SATURDAY/ SUNDAY- Only what is necessary for Monday to operate (emergency laundry, pick-up kitchen, etc.)  I try to take the weekends off as much as possible and spend time with the hubby and kids!

ROTATING SCHEDULE:
1st Friday- wipe down all cabinets
2nd Friday- clean baseboards
3rd Friday- clean fans and furniture
4th Friday- spot clean all rugs and upholstery
5th Friday- Doesn't happen often- so take the day off :)


This doesn't always work out.  I might get things done quickly and decide to do the next day's chore just because I can and have time.  Or... I might have something come up and not get that day done at all.  It's okay-- this just gives my mind some sort of plan for the day and allows me to tell myself, "you're done.. you accomplished your cleaning goal for the day!  Go play with the boys!!"

Staying Home: Part 1- Training the Boys

My husband and I decided last December that I would stay home this upcoming school year.  We prayed about it, looked at our finances, and decided we would take it one year at a time.   I've stayed home before, but never to JUST be a stay at home mom.  I've always been building my own business as a massage therapist, or working on finishing my elementary ed. degree.   This, however, is the first time we've made the decision for me to stay at home for the sole purpose of being with our children and taking care of our home.

A great passion God has laid upon my heart the past few years was training my boys up to be holy men of God.  This goes against EVERYTHING our culture puts in front of them.  Men of God that honor God with their lips and their actions.  Who choose wisely the people they associate themselves with and watch how they lead others.  I know that training them the way that God instructs in His Word would take time and effort!  This became priority number 1 in me staying home.  The boys needed to know that we loved them and valued them.  I know that I need to attend my oldest son's school parties, spend quality time with the younger boys, and purposefully teach them God's instructions for their lives.

Knowing that Gavin will be going to school in a few short weeks and not having the extra income, we decided that for Mason's preschool this year, I would homeschool him.  I'm super excited about this opportunity and have already begun looking over the curriculum.  I am choosing to use the A Beka program.  I know this will bring about its own challenges, but am excited for this time to teach my own child for a change!  I'm sure many of my future blogs will be focused on what mistakes I've made and lessons learned from the homeschooling process!!

-- --Now, I'm not going to say that any mom who works is being a bad mom.  I certainly do not believe that- in fact, just as stated earlier in my post, we are taking it one year at a time.  I may only be home for a total of one year!  However, for our family during this year, this is what God has called us to.  My mom worked and did  (and still does) a fantastic job of being there for me.  I also know that God can be glorified in whatever you decide is right for your family.  -- --

How can you join us in training our boys?  Prayer for the following:

Some additional ways that we are purposefully training our boys is through instilling faithfulness in his word (see Breakfast with God post), teaching the Fruits of the Spirit (click here for more details), and then several things through out their daily living.  One area we have chosen to focus on as a family is purity of the eyes and mind.  This means that in our household, we don't watch certain tv shows or see certain movies!  Talk about setting yourself apart and putting yourself in position for some awkward moments!! Kasey and I have been screening what we watch now for several years.  It has been such a blessing to see how it has drawn us intimately closer to one another and given us the blessing of knowing we are purposefully being proactive in our marriage.  Bringing this type of commitment into your children's lives can be difficult.  It's one thing for you to explain your decision to not watch certain movies to your family and friends, it's another to try and get your children to understand why they can't watch a movie that everyone else is watching!!  We've only had this incidence a couple of times, however I know it will get more difficult as they get older.  I'm already praying for wisdom and understanding during that trying time.   Feel free to join me in praying for the boys' strength to withstand the temptation of their eyes.  Such a vulnerable and tricky area for young (and grown) men.  It truly can be a slow fade that destroys so much more than they are ever aware of.  I also have begun praying right now that the young girls that will some day enter my boys' lives will help them remain pure in thought and action.  May they clothe themselves appropriately and act as an heir to the throne of God, so as to help not only my boys' to keep any covenant they make with their eyes, but the other young men around them striving for godliness.  This will be such a difficult battle as you can't even watch commercials or movie previews without having to be on guard.   Just as Job made a covenant with his eyes, so have we as a family made one with ours.  Read Job 31 for more insight :)

Thank you for joining us in prayer and taking the time to read this.  This is less than entertaining for most.  My idea is to journal the "WHY" we decided for me to stay home as a source of encouragement to me later.  There will be many days that I become "weary" in the training process.  I'm hoping that my heart will be recorded now, so that in those times, I'm reminded of what God called us to.  If I were to lose sight of the journey that we started, may this diary redirect me to the road we were called to walk along.

Playing the Piano

I took piano lessons when I was younger and use to be a decent piano player.  I use to LOVE to play the  piano when no one was home and there were no other noises in the house except for my fingers hitting the keys.  I would play songs from books, make up songs, or songs from memory.

Every once in a while, someone would want me to play for them.  I hated doing this!  I knew that I shouldn't feel that way, and I don't know how many times I was told that I needed to share my gift, but playing for other people made me nervous.  I would freeze and mess up EVERY time!  I would make silly mistakes, totally miss the melody, and just utterly embarrass myself.  It really took the joy of playing away from me.

I'll never forget playing in front of my childhood church one Sunday with the praise band.  I had to do an intro to a Jeremy Camp song.  I knew the intro- I could do it easily at home.   So that Sunday I stood in front of family and friends with a praise band waiting to join in after the piano intro.  I began playing and it went okay... for a total of 2 seconds- and then it was downhill from there.  I missed sharps that were suppose to be there, played flats that didn't belong, and totally messed up the rhythm to the praise song.  In fact, when it was time for the rest of the band to join in, they just looked at me like, "is it time!?"  I remember just nodding at the drummer.  He began and the rest of the band joined in and thankfully, praise was still offered to God that morning!!  That was, most definitely, the last time I played the piano in front of anyone.  In fact,  since I've been married (almost 9 years) I've lived without a piano in my house and hadn't touched the keys at all.

Today I cleaned out my garage and found a few of my favorite, old piano books.  I had a sudden urgency to play.  I had a rather frustrating and daunting day and NEEDED to be alone with my fingers spilling forth my thoughts and feelings.  I decided to go to my brother's house a little early to let their dog out.  I knew they would be gone for a little bit and my children were either napping or playing with friends.  When I sat down infront of the keyboard (not quite the same feeling as a piano- but I didn't care), I opened up the first book.  I was definitely rusty, but could still read music and struggled my way through the first song.  After that, I eased up a bit and just enjoyed the feeling of my fingers hitting the keys and the freedom to make music.  I'm sure I messed up the rhythm here and there, but it was okay-- it was like misspelling a word in your diary- you don't care because no one will ever read it.  It is just to get thoughts on paper.  For me, playing the piano was like writing in my diary.  Each time my fingers hit the keys and sound rang out, it was as if my feelings were being poured out on paper.  The unique thing is that when I feel relaxed and compelled on my own to play the piano, beautiful music can't help but come out.

I would never be able to do that if someone were standing right beside me or made a request for a particular song.

This started my heart pondering my spiritual life.  If I try to follow every good and well intending people's advice on how to please the Lord, then  I get overwhelmed and mess up.  The pressure is just too great- even if my desire is there.  However,  if I commit myself to the teaching of the word when I'm alone and talk with God, then not only is the desire to be holy there, but the freedom to do so is there as well.  When God, not man, puts the desire in me, then it becomes urgent in my heart.  Consequently, the beautiful music that is produced from that can't help but pour out -- regardless of anyone watching or not.