Yesterday the kids and I made a blueberry pie together. We used fresh blueberries from Michigan and it was really yummy, even if it was a bit soupy. Today, Garrett and Micah had haircuts. Garrett's is a little crooked and needs a bit of a trim when Daddy is home to hold him still.
So, I'm making progress on that long list of things that I'm not so good at doing.
Of course, Rachel is eating more foods, not less. So, there's no improving on that item on the list at this point. :)
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Watermelon King
Garrett has loved hats and shoes for as long as he could get them on. He loves to try on shoes and hats belonging to anyone and everyone! He likes every style and color. He thinks they are WONDERFUL!
Last night, he came up with a new hat or, more correctly, a new crown. I left the dinner table before everyone else last night and was busy getting some things done. A little bit after everyone had left the table and it was cleared, I heard the shower running, but I saw Micah and Karissa running around the house still. When I went in the bathroom, I saw Matt standing in there and heard Garrett singing in the shower. I asked, "Did he get really dirty?" (He doesn't get a bath every single day and I didn't think he was that dirty yesterday.) His answer was surprising. "Well, his hair's a little dirty. He was the watermelon king." HUH? Apparently after Garrett finished eating his slice of watermelon, he decided that the quarter circle of rind would make a good "crown" and declared himself the "watermelon king." I asked Matt what his response was (wondering how much trouble Garrett had been in). I think Matt had a difficult time adequately reprimanding someone with a watermelon rind on their head. But as our friends the Sommerfelds have reminded us, "If it won't be cute in 3 years, you want to stop it now."
Sorry, but there are no pictures. Matt didn't want to encourage it that much!
Last night, he came up with a new hat or, more correctly, a new crown. I left the dinner table before everyone else last night and was busy getting some things done. A little bit after everyone had left the table and it was cleared, I heard the shower running, but I saw Micah and Karissa running around the house still. When I went in the bathroom, I saw Matt standing in there and heard Garrett singing in the shower. I asked, "Did he get really dirty?" (He doesn't get a bath every single day and I didn't think he was that dirty yesterday.) His answer was surprising. "Well, his hair's a little dirty. He was the watermelon king." HUH? Apparently after Garrett finished eating his slice of watermelon, he decided that the quarter circle of rind would make a good "crown" and declared himself the "watermelon king." I asked Matt what his response was (wondering how much trouble Garrett had been in). I think Matt had a difficult time adequately reprimanding someone with a watermelon rind on their head. But as our friends the Sommerfelds have reminded us, "If it won't be cute in 3 years, you want to stop it now."
Sorry, but there are no pictures. Matt didn't want to encourage it that much!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
The Best Laid Plans...
Quite often, my friend Laurie does a "Top Ten" list on her blog on Tuesdays. When I sat down to write this post, it was not intended to be a "top ten" list, but it may turn out that way, even though it's not Tuesday.
Do you ever set goals, make plans, write a schedule, come up with a to do list and then feel like everything in the world seems to be fighting against you accomplishing what you set out to do and getting where you were trying to go? My plans for our summer seem to be going that way. It may be more or less than ten, but here are some goals and plans that I have had and the ways that they have been derailed.
1. Memorizing 1 Timothy. The kids and I are trying to accomplish this goal by the end of the summer. We started doing this when we learned that our pastor was preaching on it all summer. Matt reads the whole book most mornings and then we are supposed to work on memorizing part of it at lunchtime. We were doing really well at the beginning. The first chapter was "smooth sailing" and even Garrett can quote the first 3 verses in "two year old speak". (Have I mentioned that he's not quite as verbal as my older two were at that age?) The second chapter went alright as well. Then, VBS came (and went) and we are really having trouble getting back on track. I think that we FINALLY finished through 3:7 today, but we really should be in the middle of chapter four right now. Why, when I think that Scripture memory is sooooooooo important, do I not do a better job of being consistent about this?
2. Getting the office cleaned out and the homeschool books organized. AAAAKKKKKK!!! It's a mess! If I took a picture and posted it here, I could never show my face on my own blog again. Too many books without enough shelves and bins of poorly organized clothes and too much stuff that doesn't seem to go anywhere but that we need to keep for one reason or another. But, I think the real problem is mostly too much dread of tackling the job. Uggh!
3. Doing school during the summer. I really wanted to do at least some school on most days this summer. We've done the some, but have sadly missed the most.
4. Having the kids write to the Great Grandmas. My kids like getting mail. They also will write letters if I remember to have them sit down and do it. The kids have four Great Grandmas that would LOVE to hear from them and would actually write back. It's a win-win situation. Why don't I do it? (This one I will do when I get done writing this post. It's an easy quick fix and I can quit complaining and start doing.)
5. Potty training Garrett. What is keeping me from really getting this done? Some days he does well, some days not so much. Again, if Mommy were consistent, I think he could do it. Why do I not want to have only one child in diapers bad enough to just get it done?
6. NOT giving Rachel solid foods. I know this is kind of a backwards one about NOT doing something and the something I am NOT doing may sound funny to most people. However, it has been one of my goals with Rachel to exclusively nurse her for 9-12 months. Anyone who knows about my boys' allergies may understand why. She has been healthy, happy and growing. But I caved! Two days ago (which was two days before she turned eight months), I gave in! I got tired of the questions about what foods she was eating, how she's sleeping, etc. Our doctor was actually fine with me waiting. So, it wasn't even "authoritative" pressure. (You know how that affects us firstborns.) She kept grabbing at food on my plate when I was eating. She kept eyeing our food as though we were depriving her. I just caved. So, I gave her mashed up avocado on Monday... and she liked it. Perhaps this isn't really such a bad thing, but it IS yet another area that I made a plan, stuck to it for a while and then seemed to lose focus.
7. Doing crafts with the kids. My kids like to do crafts, especially Karissa. I want to teach her to do things, some of which *I* don't even know how to do. I figure that it would be fun to learn together. However, I don't enjoy the hassle and the mess. Or, I should say the hassle and the mess that I imagine there will be. Usually, the reality is not as bad as my preconceived notion of what it will be like. Plus, I just get busy doing other things. Also, see point number two above. It's just a pain in the neck to get to the craft stuff right now. I'd better get busy while she still wants to do things with me.
8. Cooking with my kids. I really should do this more often. But, so often, it's just "easier" to do it myself. See number seven above. The same principles basically apply.
9. Cutting Garrett's hair. In case you haven't noticed in recent pictures, the boy really needs a haircut. I need to move this up higher on my "to do" list!
10. Having the kids practice the piano every day during the summer. I must say that we've done much better with this than last summer, but I really do miss having lessons to keep us motivated.
Well, lest you think that I haven't accomplished anything all summer, here are a few things that I'm doing better than usual at:
1. This year I got some flowers planted outside in the flower beds and I've actually kept them all alive! I'm even growing tomatoes. (And lest anyone comment to correct me, I know that tomatoes aren't flowers.)
2. I've actually been doing better at keeping up with the laundry. But I don't always get it put away. (Another thing for the previous list.)
3. I've been reading to Garrett more than I had been. My other kids used to get read to for hours a day at his age. Poor Garrett has not had quite that much reading, but it has definitely improved.
4. I've been spending more time outside with my kids. (However, this may contribute to some of the things on the previous list not getting accomplished.)
I know there's more things that I could list, but I'm sure I lost everyone a long time ago.
As I have been wondering why things keep going the way they are, God has shown me a weariness and lack of diligence on my part (which I'm sure is very obvious to anyone reading this post). A passage that has both encouraged and instructed me is Galatians 6:7-10, especially verse 9:
7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
If you're feeling behind and discouraged, hopefully you can take heart when you realize that there is someone who is further behind than you are! If you are good at keeping on schedule and on task, please give me some hints!
Do you ever set goals, make plans, write a schedule, come up with a to do list and then feel like everything in the world seems to be fighting against you accomplishing what you set out to do and getting where you were trying to go? My plans for our summer seem to be going that way. It may be more or less than ten, but here are some goals and plans that I have had and the ways that they have been derailed.
1. Memorizing 1 Timothy. The kids and I are trying to accomplish this goal by the end of the summer. We started doing this when we learned that our pastor was preaching on it all summer. Matt reads the whole book most mornings and then we are supposed to work on memorizing part of it at lunchtime. We were doing really well at the beginning. The first chapter was "smooth sailing" and even Garrett can quote the first 3 verses in "two year old speak". (Have I mentioned that he's not quite as verbal as my older two were at that age?) The second chapter went alright as well. Then, VBS came (and went) and we are really having trouble getting back on track. I think that we FINALLY finished through 3:7 today, but we really should be in the middle of chapter four right now. Why, when I think that Scripture memory is sooooooooo important, do I not do a better job of being consistent about this?
2. Getting the office cleaned out and the homeschool books organized. AAAAKKKKKK!!! It's a mess! If I took a picture and posted it here, I could never show my face on my own blog again. Too many books without enough shelves and bins of poorly organized clothes and too much stuff that doesn't seem to go anywhere but that we need to keep for one reason or another. But, I think the real problem is mostly too much dread of tackling the job. Uggh!
3. Doing school during the summer. I really wanted to do at least some school on most days this summer. We've done the some, but have sadly missed the most.
4. Having the kids write to the Great Grandmas. My kids like getting mail. They also will write letters if I remember to have them sit down and do it. The kids have four Great Grandmas that would LOVE to hear from them and would actually write back. It's a win-win situation. Why don't I do it? (This one I will do when I get done writing this post. It's an easy quick fix and I can quit complaining and start doing.)
5. Potty training Garrett. What is keeping me from really getting this done? Some days he does well, some days not so much. Again, if Mommy were consistent, I think he could do it. Why do I not want to have only one child in diapers bad enough to just get it done?
6. NOT giving Rachel solid foods. I know this is kind of a backwards one about NOT doing something and the something I am NOT doing may sound funny to most people. However, it has been one of my goals with Rachel to exclusively nurse her for 9-12 months. Anyone who knows about my boys' allergies may understand why. She has been healthy, happy and growing. But I caved! Two days ago (which was two days before she turned eight months), I gave in! I got tired of the questions about what foods she was eating, how she's sleeping, etc. Our doctor was actually fine with me waiting. So, it wasn't even "authoritative" pressure. (You know how that affects us firstborns.) She kept grabbing at food on my plate when I was eating. She kept eyeing our food as though we were depriving her. I just caved. So, I gave her mashed up avocado on Monday... and she liked it. Perhaps this isn't really such a bad thing, but it IS yet another area that I made a plan, stuck to it for a while and then seemed to lose focus.
7. Doing crafts with the kids. My kids like to do crafts, especially Karissa. I want to teach her to do things, some of which *I* don't even know how to do. I figure that it would be fun to learn together. However, I don't enjoy the hassle and the mess. Or, I should say the hassle and the mess that I imagine there will be. Usually, the reality is not as bad as my preconceived notion of what it will be like. Plus, I just get busy doing other things. Also, see point number two above. It's just a pain in the neck to get to the craft stuff right now. I'd better get busy while she still wants to do things with me.
8. Cooking with my kids. I really should do this more often. But, so often, it's just "easier" to do it myself. See number seven above. The same principles basically apply.
9. Cutting Garrett's hair. In case you haven't noticed in recent pictures, the boy really needs a haircut. I need to move this up higher on my "to do" list!
10. Having the kids practice the piano every day during the summer. I must say that we've done much better with this than last summer, but I really do miss having lessons to keep us motivated.
Well, lest you think that I haven't accomplished anything all summer, here are a few things that I'm doing better than usual at:
1. This year I got some flowers planted outside in the flower beds and I've actually kept them all alive! I'm even growing tomatoes. (And lest anyone comment to correct me, I know that tomatoes aren't flowers.)
2. I've actually been doing better at keeping up with the laundry. But I don't always get it put away. (Another thing for the previous list.)
3. I've been reading to Garrett more than I had been. My other kids used to get read to for hours a day at his age. Poor Garrett has not had quite that much reading, but it has definitely improved.
4. I've been spending more time outside with my kids. (However, this may contribute to some of the things on the previous list not getting accomplished.)
I know there's more things that I could list, but I'm sure I lost everyone a long time ago.
As I have been wondering why things keep going the way they are, God has shown me a weariness and lack of diligence on my part (which I'm sure is very obvious to anyone reading this post). A passage that has both encouraged and instructed me is Galatians 6:7-10, especially verse 9:
7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
If you're feeling behind and discouraged, hopefully you can take heart when you realize that there is someone who is further behind than you are! If you are good at keeping on schedule and on task, please give me some hints!
Friday, July 6, 2007
Look at what I saw today!
When I came in to check on a very talkative Rachel at naptime, this is what I saw:
I also like this picture. Look at those smiley eyes! (This was taken when she did it again after I laid her down.)
I can't believe how fast they grow! Aren't God's blessings fun? I guess it's time to move the crib mattress down another notch.
I also like this picture. Look at those smiley eyes! (This was taken when she did it again after I laid her down.)
I can't believe how fast they grow! Aren't God's blessings fun? I guess it's time to move the crib mattress down another notch.
Grandmas
On the way back from Father's Day Campout we stopped to visit Matt's Grandma Strasburg. If I am not mistaken, she will be 98 years old on July 31.
Here is a picture of our visit:
This picture of the boys and Matt's Granny McFarlane is another one from that weekend.
This is a picture of Garrett in the pool with Grandma McFarlane:
This is not a picture of a Grandma, but just a random picture of Garrett from the time at Grandpa and Grandma McFarlane's pool. I decided to just post it since I haven't gotten around to posting the camping pictures.
Here's a camping picture of Rachel with Granny:
This picture of the kids with my Grandma Covey was taken on June 13 when she stopped to visit on her way to Michigan from Florida.
I know I have some somewhere, but it looks like I need to get more pictures of my Mom and the kids when we go to Michigan. And there are no pictures of the kids with Great Grandma Dunn since Rachel was born (unless Grandma Bradley has them). I'd better fix that!
Here is a picture of our visit:
This picture of the boys and Matt's Granny McFarlane is another one from that weekend.
This is a picture of Garrett in the pool with Grandma McFarlane:
This is not a picture of a Grandma, but just a random picture of Garrett from the time at Grandpa and Grandma McFarlane's pool. I decided to just post it since I haven't gotten around to posting the camping pictures.
Here's a camping picture of Rachel with Granny:
This picture of the kids with my Grandma Covey was taken on June 13 when she stopped to visit on her way to Michigan from Florida.
I know I have some somewhere, but it looks like I need to get more pictures of my Mom and the kids when we go to Michigan. And there are no pictures of the kids with Great Grandma Dunn since Rachel was born (unless Grandma Bradley has them). I'd better fix that!
Thursday, July 5, 2007
A Giveaway at Biblical Womanhood
There is a giveaway going on at the Biblical Womanhood Blog right now that you may want to check out. She is giving away a free Ballantyne Christian Adventure Library compliments of Vision Forum. I've been wanting these books for when Micah is older. So when I saw this on another blog, I decided to check it out.
Here is a link if you are interested:
Ballantyne Christian Adventure Library Giveaway
You only have until Saturday, so check it out if you are interested.
Here is a link if you are interested:
Ballantyne Christian Adventure Library Giveaway
You only have until Saturday, so check it out if you are interested.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Random pictures and thoughts
We have had an interesting few weeks. Matt and I went to the Illinois Christian Home Educators conference (ICHE-- Matt pronounces it "ICKY," but it's growing on him) on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before Memorial Day. We were greatly challenged in our parenting and the responsibility that God has given us. A speaker that particularly challenged us was Voddie Baucham. God has given him great vision for families and churches!
On Memorial Day, we attended a breakfast picnic with friends from church. Then Matt, Karissa and Micah rode their bikes home (8 or 9 miles). Right before they got home, Matt got a call asking him to play tennis. So, when they got home, we rearranged the bikes and put the Burley on my bike. I pulled the little kids and Matt ran beside Micah and helped him practice riding. At the high school Matt played two sets of tennis. The kids and I watched and played around. Then we biked/ran home. I think Matt was a little tired by the time we got home. To end the day, we had a cookout with neighbors. The Menels provided the meal and Mrs. Gould added a salad and dessert. It was yummy and fun. Of course, we also had a bonfire and the kids roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. They stayed up way too late, but it was a fun ending to a fun day!
Last weekend we attended a graduation on Saturday and a trombone recital on Sunday. It made for a busy weekend. Karissa started talking about when she graduates and goes to college and what she wants to "major" in. Micah has revived his desire to play the trombone. Karissa also said that she wants me to teach her flute. Both kids are doing well on the piano. So, I think we'll continue getting a better foundation by learning the piano and then we'll branch out into more instruments.
Now that the neighborhood kids are out of school for the summer, our days our changing a bit. One day the kids had a traditional lunch of "peanut butter and jelly and fluff" sandwiches at Mr. Gould's. WAY TOO SWEET FOR MY BLOOD, but Karissa LOVES them! Of course, Mommy makes lunch for Micah and Garrett because of their allergies, but they still like to join the fun. We just make sure they don't touch anything but their own food and that everyone washes up really well.
Here are some pictures from the lunch:
Here's a picture of Rachel "investigating the grass" during the picnic:
Here's a picture of Micah teaching Rachel the fine art of football and about being a Packer's fan:
Here's a cute picture of Rachel (I wish it showed her two bottom teeth! I haven't gotten a good picture of them yet.):
Saturday, Micah played his last soccer game of the season. They actually have one next Saturday, but he will miss it. We will be at the annual McFarlane Family Father's Day Campout. Everyone but Mommy (and perhaps Rachel) are very excited.
Here's a picture of Micah playing soccer:
Yesterday, we had a Monopoly tournament at the request of Micah. Daddy won!
Tomorrow Grandma Bradley and Great-Grandma Covey are coming for a quick visit on their way home from Florida.
Our biggest "project" for right now is memorizing the New Testament book of 1 Timothy. We started this since Pastor Phil is preaching over it for the summer. We hope to learn the whole book while he is doing the series. We started on Thursday and the kids know the first 14 verses pretty well. I'll have to post our progress as we work on it so that you can keep us accountable. Mommy isn't doing nearly as well as Karissa and Micah.
On Memorial Day, we attended a breakfast picnic with friends from church. Then Matt, Karissa and Micah rode their bikes home (8 or 9 miles). Right before they got home, Matt got a call asking him to play tennis. So, when they got home, we rearranged the bikes and put the Burley on my bike. I pulled the little kids and Matt ran beside Micah and helped him practice riding. At the high school Matt played two sets of tennis. The kids and I watched and played around. Then we biked/ran home. I think Matt was a little tired by the time we got home. To end the day, we had a cookout with neighbors. The Menels provided the meal and Mrs. Gould added a salad and dessert. It was yummy and fun. Of course, we also had a bonfire and the kids roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. They stayed up way too late, but it was a fun ending to a fun day!
Last weekend we attended a graduation on Saturday and a trombone recital on Sunday. It made for a busy weekend. Karissa started talking about when she graduates and goes to college and what she wants to "major" in. Micah has revived his desire to play the trombone. Karissa also said that she wants me to teach her flute. Both kids are doing well on the piano. So, I think we'll continue getting a better foundation by learning the piano and then we'll branch out into more instruments.
Now that the neighborhood kids are out of school for the summer, our days our changing a bit. One day the kids had a traditional lunch of "peanut butter and jelly and fluff" sandwiches at Mr. Gould's. WAY TOO SWEET FOR MY BLOOD, but Karissa LOVES them! Of course, Mommy makes lunch for Micah and Garrett because of their allergies, but they still like to join the fun. We just make sure they don't touch anything but their own food and that everyone washes up really well.
Here are some pictures from the lunch:
Here's a picture of Rachel "investigating the grass" during the picnic:
Here's a picture of Micah teaching Rachel the fine art of football and about being a Packer's fan:
Here's a cute picture of Rachel (I wish it showed her two bottom teeth! I haven't gotten a good picture of them yet.):
Saturday, Micah played his last soccer game of the season. They actually have one next Saturday, but he will miss it. We will be at the annual McFarlane Family Father's Day Campout. Everyone but Mommy (and perhaps Rachel) are very excited.
Here's a picture of Micah playing soccer:
Yesterday, we had a Monopoly tournament at the request of Micah. Daddy won!
Tomorrow Grandma Bradley and Great-Grandma Covey are coming for a quick visit on their way home from Florida.
Our biggest "project" for right now is memorizing the New Testament book of 1 Timothy. We started this since Pastor Phil is preaching over it for the summer. We hope to learn the whole book while he is doing the series. We started on Thursday and the kids know the first 14 verses pretty well. I'll have to post our progress as we work on it so that you can keep us accountable. Mommy isn't doing nearly as well as Karissa and Micah.
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