Monday, April 5, 2010
Poetry by Joe
(joey on the left)
The Colors Of Nature
by Joey
The trees are green and brown with leaves
so are the bushes.
A black and red robin flies in the sky
The grass is green as green can be.
A chipmunk runs across the grass.
That's one reason I am a friend with nature,
and nature is a friend with me.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
She's Still Got It
18 years of adulthood
9 years of this blessed marriage
8 years of mommyhood
35 years of adventures....and she's still got it.
"She," of course, being me. "It?" you ask? Skillz. Organizational-kick-butt-getting-that-house-clean skillz.
Alright, alright what's the big deal? I'll tell you what the big deal is.
Sometimes I forget what a full time job homeschooling is. Normal life for me is such that I have time to keep the dust off the furniture, meals on the table and our underwear clean. Just the basics. I spring cleaned my laundry room a few weeks ago (during a school week) and it took me three days.
So I'm reveling in Spring break. I've taken two weeks, and I'm so grateful for the time not just because I've gotten to Spring clean but because I've been horribly sick. Last week I had an awful stomach flu with the rest of the family and this week I've got a knock-down-dragout cold. So the time off is great. I've been resting so much and just being puny little me. And when I'm not so puny, I've been busy;
But I digress, what I'm enjoying is the fact that I can get so much done in such a short period of time. When we're schooling, organization and deep cleaning fall by the wayside. Schooling can be relatively unmeasureable, sometimes I don't realize how much I get done in a day. But a comforting thought is that if I can get so much measureable work done, the unmeasureable work is significant and oh so important.
So, I started this entry thinking on how great it is to have some time off to get things done. How nice it is to see that I can still get it done. But I'm finishing like this: the most important work to be done in the world is oftentimes unmeasurable. I tend to like measurable work, but it's the unmeasurable that is most valuable. Loving, teaching, playing, looking our people in the eyes, talking to them...this is most important work.
And so I look forward to back to school next week. And my house is pretty stinking clean. Ahhhh....that's important too.
9 years of this blessed marriage
8 years of mommyhood
35 years of adventures....and she's still got it.
"She," of course, being me. "It?" you ask? Skillz. Organizational-kick-butt-getting-that-house-clean skillz.
Alright, alright what's the big deal? I'll tell you what the big deal is.
Sometimes I forget what a full time job homeschooling is. Normal life for me is such that I have time to keep the dust off the furniture, meals on the table and our underwear clean. Just the basics. I spring cleaned my laundry room a few weeks ago (during a school week) and it took me three days.
So I'm reveling in Spring break. I've taken two weeks, and I'm so grateful for the time not just because I've gotten to Spring clean but because I've been horribly sick. Last week I had an awful stomach flu with the rest of the family and this week I've got a knock-down-dragout cold. So the time off is great. I've been resting so much and just being puny little me. And when I'm not so puny, I've been busy;
- steam cleaned all the carpets in the house
- finished painting our study/homeschool room
- deep cleaned my Master closet
- deep cleaned the coat/game closet
- set up a school plan for the rest of the year
- prepped for school for the last stretch
- started organization of the homeschool/study space
But I digress, what I'm enjoying is the fact that I can get so much done in such a short period of time. When we're schooling, organization and deep cleaning fall by the wayside. Schooling can be relatively unmeasureable, sometimes I don't realize how much I get done in a day. But a comforting thought is that if I can get so much measureable work done, the unmeasureable work is significant and oh so important.
Seeing the look on Nate's face when he realizes he read an entire book
is my reward. When Eli can't get over himself because he was the first
of the three to memorize the American presidents,
there is my paycheck.
Reading another of Joey's detailed and adventurous books,
that's all the milestone I need.
is my reward. When Eli can't get over himself because he was the first
of the three to memorize the American presidents,
there is my paycheck.
Reading another of Joey's detailed and adventurous books,
that's all the milestone I need.
So, I started this entry thinking on how great it is to have some time off to get things done. How nice it is to see that I can still get it done. But I'm finishing like this: the most important work to be done in the world is oftentimes unmeasurable. I tend to like measurable work, but it's the unmeasurable that is most valuable. Loving, teaching, playing, looking our people in the eyes, talking to them...this is most important work.
And so I look forward to back to school next week. And my house is pretty stinking clean. Ahhhh....that's important too.
A great building must begin with the unmeasurable, must go through measurable means when it is being designed and in the end must be unmeasurable.
Louis Kahn
Louis Kahn
Saturday, March 27, 2010
To tell you the truth...
...not that I've been lying.
However, I would say that I've had many posts where I've tried to paint myself in a "our family is happy and thrives well" only light. Sometimes I like to get a little sticky and give you some of the dirt. So now, on to the dirt.
Our sweet four year old has been in a funk. A LONG funk. For over a year he's been talking with that maddening baby voice so many little ones find fascinating....the same voice that drives most adults up the wall. The voice alone wasn't so worry-some, but the fact that no matter what we tried with him for change he persisted with the voice. Then some other baby-ish behaviors followed, only adding to the puzzle. I personally, was stumped. I prayed for wisdom and change. I did the research, asked other moms...usually I came up with the same answer; it's an attention thing.
I have not been so patient with this process. I've been feeling like *urrrgh* the baby talk would never, ever stop. As a result, I'm sad to say that I've gotten less patient with Eli while waiting for the behaviour to change. Not so gracious.
I kind of ruled that out the 'not enough attention theory' after months of my husband and I intentionally seeking him out, taking him on dates, talking more with him (it's easy to let him interact so much with his brothers that we just had very little interaction with him), playing with him...none of it worked.
Last week, my husband had an idea, something we tried early on in the craze...just ignoring him until he used his normal big-kid voice.
So that there wouldn't be misunderstanding we had a family pow-wow, Ralph told all the boys that we were going to do something. When Eli used baby voice we wouldn't answer or respond to him until he used his big kid voice.
You know what? It worked.
The funny thing is, I don't think it really had that much to do with the method...more the timing. I sincerely believe that Eli just needed time to get through that space. Not only has the baby voice dis-continued, but suddenly he's far more affectionate & interacting on an entirely different level. He just needed to be a little, um, baby voice for awhile.
And it all makes me think about Grace.
I'm so much like that in life. I go through phases & funks. I exhibit behaviours that drive people crazy and do things that are contrary to my growth as a healthy person, friend or Christ-follower. I know that these seasons might not be the best for me but sometimes I persist in my wrong thinking or behaviours. I have really screwed up in life. But usually the people around me love me anyway and God always does. It's Grace. It's the earmark of Christianity, the single thing that seperates it from other religions (that's another blog post). I'm so, so grateful for the grace of those around me.
And I want to be a gracious parent. Lord knows my kids will continue to go through phases, long and uncomfortable to those of us around them. But these are little people, my children. And if God can be gracious to me (& this is what draws me to Him) then I certainly want to be gracious to my kids when they go through phases, however uncomfortable. I won't stop seeking wisdom both from God and the moms that have gone before me. God tells us to 'get wisdom & understanding.' I will seek Him in teaching my kiddos how to live and behave, while they are home with us. And I'll be gracious to them when they're living in obnoxious or sinful seasons. I want them, after all, to see love as the greatest good in our home.
And lest you think that's the worst of our dirt, of course of it's not. Just all I'm up to airing today.
However, I would say that I've had many posts where I've tried to paint myself in a "our family is happy and thrives well" only light. Sometimes I like to get a little sticky and give you some of the dirt. So now, on to the dirt.
Our sweet four year old has been in a funk. A LONG funk. For over a year he's been talking with that maddening baby voice so many little ones find fascinating....the same voice that drives most adults up the wall. The voice alone wasn't so worry-some, but the fact that no matter what we tried with him for change he persisted with the voice. Then some other baby-ish behaviors followed, only adding to the puzzle. I personally, was stumped. I prayed for wisdom and change. I did the research, asked other moms...usually I came up with the same answer; it's an attention thing.
I have not been so patient with this process. I've been feeling like *urrrgh* the baby talk would never, ever stop. As a result, I'm sad to say that I've gotten less patient with Eli while waiting for the behaviour to change. Not so gracious.
I kind of ruled that out the 'not enough attention theory' after months of my husband and I intentionally seeking him out, taking him on dates, talking more with him (it's easy to let him interact so much with his brothers that we just had very little interaction with him), playing with him...none of it worked.
Last week, my husband had an idea, something we tried early on in the craze...just ignoring him until he used his normal big-kid voice.
So that there wouldn't be misunderstanding we had a family pow-wow, Ralph told all the boys that we were going to do something. When Eli used baby voice we wouldn't answer or respond to him until he used his big kid voice.
You know what? It worked.
The funny thing is, I don't think it really had that much to do with the method...more the timing. I sincerely believe that Eli just needed time to get through that space. Not only has the baby voice dis-continued, but suddenly he's far more affectionate & interacting on an entirely different level. He just needed to be a little, um, baby voice for awhile.
And it all makes me think about Grace.
grace (countable and uncountable; plural graces)
- (not countable) Elegant movement; poise or balance.
- (not countable, theology) Free and undeserved favour, especially of God. Unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification.
I'm so much like that in life. I go through phases & funks. I exhibit behaviours that drive people crazy and do things that are contrary to my growth as a healthy person, friend or Christ-follower. I know that these seasons might not be the best for me but sometimes I persist in my wrong thinking or behaviours. I have really screwed up in life. But usually the people around me love me anyway and God always does. It's Grace. It's the earmark of Christianity, the single thing that seperates it from other religions (that's another blog post). I'm so, so grateful for the grace of those around me.
And I want to be a gracious parent. Lord knows my kids will continue to go through phases, long and uncomfortable to those of us around them. But these are little people, my children. And if God can be gracious to me (& this is what draws me to Him) then I certainly want to be gracious to my kids when they go through phases, however uncomfortable. I won't stop seeking wisdom both from God and the moms that have gone before me. God tells us to 'get wisdom & understanding.' I will seek Him in teaching my kiddos how to live and behave, while they are home with us. And I'll be gracious to them when they're living in obnoxious or sinful seasons. I want them, after all, to see love as the greatest good in our home.
And lest you think that's the worst of our dirt, of course of it's not. Just all I'm up to airing today.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Poem by Nate
The plight of a sad six year old whose brother always seems to get invited for playdates;
No one to visit,
no one to see.
All that there is;
my hamsters and me.
no one to see.
All that there is;
my hamsters and me.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Homeschool Reads
So I came across a little forum over at Heart of the Matter asking "What homeschooling books do you recommend when you're talking to friends?" I jotted these titles down for my own reference, but thought I'd share them with you in case you're looking for a good Spring read.
Also, amongst the many books Ralph & I bought at a recent marriage retreat. It has seriously changed my perspective on Christian parenting....for the better.
And I'm just in chapter 2.
Reminders of thinking about just what we're aiming for in raising our kids.
Reminders of being gracious with your kiddos, not lenient or legalistic.
Reminders to seek God for Wisdom when parenting your kiddos, rather than parenting books or fads...or blogs.
I highly recommend this book, for all parents.
..and now for the long list from Heart of the Matter;
Homeschooling: The Right Choice by Christopher Klicka
When you Rise Up: A Covenantal Approach to Homeschooling by R.C. Sproul Jr.
Family Matter: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense by David Guterson
Basic Steps to Successful Homeschooling by Vicki A. Brady
Whole Hearted Education by Clay & Sally Clarkson
A Mom Just Like You by Vickie Farris
You CAN Teach Your Child Successfully by Dr. Ruth Beechick
Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Terri Maxwell
A Mom Just Like You
One Hundred and One Devotions for Homeschool Moms by Jackie Wellwood
Homeschooling, a Patchwork of Days
For the Children’s Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Better Late Than Early by Raymond Moore
Educating a Wholehearted Child by Sally Clarkson
Easy Homeschooling Techinques by Lorraine Curry
Dumbing Us Down by John Taylor Gatto
The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson
The Joyful Homschooler by Mary Hood
The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook by Raymond & Dorothy Moore
Home Sweet Homeschool by Sue Maakestad
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Welcome Sweet Gentry
My sweet friend, Karyn delivered Gentry Nelson Braaten yesterday morning. He's got such a sweet little face, I haven't gotten to meet him quite yet. He's been having a tough time getting the breathing thing going on his own, and been in NICU with his daddy and nurses watching carefully over his and getting his little body up to speed with this new world.
All of this makes me so greatful for modern technology, great doctors and nurses hard at work. More than once I've seen lives saved in the delivery process by medical staff or fast thinking midwives. I'm grateful for our modern techonology, and for the hard work & tender care of these folks. God was so good to give humans medicine.
All that aside, I'm so excited to meet this sweet little boy and smell him and hold him and kiss him and smell him....oh, I just love, love babies. Karyn and Kelly are incredible parents, and I just know God has big plans for this tiny little man.
Welcome, Sweet Gentry. We're so glad you're here!
Home Sweet Home
Life doesn't leave me much time for writing lately, but I have some things on the top of my mind that I'll share soon. For now, maybe you'll enjoy these photos from home.
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