Malachi's Memento

Where I've Been

2010-12-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

over here now

http://www.oakhillsacademy.wordpress.com

Our Annie Date

2010-08-29T14:22:00.001-07:00

Here we are on our way to see the musical ANNIE :)
Kai loved it and was able to chat with the star of the show after it was over.
He fired questions at her asking her how she got to be on stage and what he needs to take to do it too. When she said she takes dance lessons and voice Kai said " Well, I took dance last year, and I already know how to sing" What a kid!
He's got the bug!!

I'm Getting Ready- Good Morning Board

2010-08-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

First part of our mornings run like this...

Colour of the Day (we will work on this in french too)
Make the date with coins.
Seasonal vocab words
What day of school is it? Math using place value
Character trait
Bible Verse
Weather wheel
Skip counting review
and O Canada- We even have this on CD :)

We will go through this each morning along with prayer, praise( hymn study), our thanks journal, morning exercises, Our seperate Calendar, and our chore chart.

From there Kai and I will jump into our Bible study while Miss Cli gets to choose a tot tray at the table.

G.G

2010-08-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

Dear G.G.

I like you because you are so kind to me.
You gave me a dollar, crayons, and an activity book when I came to visit you.
I am glad that you always love the pictures I make for you.
Remember when I learned to read and I brought a book to read to you?
I am sad that you won’t be here to see all the other things I get good at
But you are in my heart.
I liked chatting on the phone with you when you were in the hospital.
I am so proud of you for learning how to walk again.
I love you always!

LOVE,
Kai

GRANDMA

2010-08-21T15:41:00.001-07:00

Some of my earliest memories of Grandma are trying to simply keep up with her as we hoofed it through the streets of Toronto.
A woman on a mission.
What would it be today? To find a deal at the local Thrift store? To get some fresh produce at the market? Or to get to the ferry in time to make it to Centre Island ?
Without knowing it she taught me life lessons that shaped who I am today.
She taught me the value of a dollar and how to find a good deal without skimping on quality. She was a woman with style.
She taught me to keep putting one foot in front of the other even when you think you don’t have another step in you.
Grandma made a point of making special memories with each of her grandchildren . You knew how much she cherished each one by the display of photographs tucked into each corner of her tiny apartment. I could close my eyes now and see the picture of sweet little clasped hand Erin, and the photo of Aunt Marilyn with a new born Ryan that graced her dresser. We all had a special place, as did her Great Grandchildren that followed.
She taught me the importance of family.
And while on the topic of her dresser, we all ran for that bottom drawer filled with toys and books didn’t we? That is if we could make it past Pumpkin her cat, who didn’t share Grandma’s affection for us.
A woman giving up a drawer for anyone else speaks volumes!
Something that I didn’t fully appreciate until I was much older.
She taught me sacrifice.
It was the early 80’s and the Cabbage Patch craze was in full swing. People actually held up transport trucks carrying the dolls to get their hands on one of these coveted babes. Cyndy and I were desperate for a doll that Christmas, but we lived in a tiny town of 5,000 where there were no department stores. Not to mention the price of one was hefty that year.
It looked hopeless.
As usual on Boxing day we went to see Grandma and Grandpa to exchange gifts.
As you have probably already guessed there was a doll for each of us that had been hunted down and chosen with care. Apparently, she fought the line ups for hours to create that special moment for us.
She taught me patience and dedication.
A Woman who crafted the art of great cooking, there was always a heavenly aroma coming from the kitchen that spoke comfort.
I wish I could say she taught me the art of cuisine!!!
Whenever mom and dad went away she would come and spend the week taking care of Cyndy and I. It was at that time I learned the importance of scrubbing behind your ears until they are red raw, and rearranging kitchen cabinets. ;)
She taught me cleanliness and organization.
I am so thankful that my son Kai, was able to form a special bond with his G.G. and that a few weeks ago Grandma was able to visit us at our home and meet Miss Cliodhna.
It was a beautiful day.
We sat out on the deck, sipping lemon water while she took it all in
. She was full of compliments on my decorating, my cleanliness, my skirt ( a Winners bargin), my children, and of me.
How fitting that those very things all stem from lessons I had learned from her. And how proud I am to know she could see each one in me.
She taught me encouragement.

So today, may I encourage you to reflect on the lessons she taught you,
for her legacy is each of us.
Thank you God for those precious lasts.
That last day,
That last lesson,
and that last hug.

The Beach

2010-07-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Totally worth all the sand that I am still cleaning up today!!
Gotta go vacuum the car ;)

Rainy Days

2010-06-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

Rainy days.
How I used to love you.
That is, until I had two little ones who need to get some outdoor time!
Wednesday was rainy, stuffy, and just blah in here.
A knock at the door and I was handed a box full of sunshine.
My swap partner package had arrived and it was filled with so many treasures.
I think the most meaningful was not in the form of any of the gifts but that Ellie took time to really get to know me
She got it all SOOO RIGHT!
She listened as we corresponded and mixed a lot of what I love, with little bits of her. From a bag of beach glass that will forever remind me of my Nova Scotia friend, to a book of encouraging scripture and quotes that will feed my soul- Ellie wove the present together with thoughtfulness.
She truly has a gift for being a SWAP SISTER
.

A Victoria magazine highlighting some of my favorite colours (white and blue), a hand painted sign that reminded me to RELAX!
Pens, stationary, an organizer, candles, lotions, spa items, and METHOD cleaning products in the most glorious scent!! Those of you who know me know that I get giddy over cleaning products especially the Method line :)
There was chocolate that sends it’s regrets for not being in the pictures as it was otherwise occupied ;)
It was sunshine on a cloudy day for sure.
What a fun experience!

Must Remember and Give Thanks

2010-06-04T10:18:00.003-07:00

Cliodhna found opening the fridge and making herself a bowl of baby carrots and blueberries. Then begging for more carrots!

Kai asks to help with chores and washes the floor(on hands and knees) the cabinets,the toilet, the windows, and dusts all because he wanted to. He woke up this morning and asked to dust and swiffer wet the floor.
"I'm being diligent mom."

Cliodhna singing Hoewee, Hoewee, Hoewee.
Kai singing Take my Life and Let it Be.
Cliodhna working so hard at her USA puzzle.
Kai watching the squirrels, then looking them up in his science book.

Jay coming home from work with Magic School Bus movies for the kids.
Jay hugging me and telling me how beautiful I am- BEFORE I have groomed for the day.
Jay getting the kids out of bed to show them the bunny family that is outside our window.

I Smile.

2010-06-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

We dance around the kitchen in our jammies to praise music while Mama makes breakfast. During breakfast we read our Bible story/ Character building lesson.
Kai completes a page in his Phonics book then races around the house collecting the garbages before daddy comes home- It’s garbage day!
Kai clears his spot and gets ready to embrace the warm sunshine.

Kai is chasing butterflies and Cliodhna is flat on her tummy investigating the ant hill.
Magnify glass in hand, they look at caterpillars.
Kai tells Cliodhna all about the life cycle of a butterfly from his science books.
Cliodhna runs off mid sentence to pick flowers.
They pick many dandelions.
Kai climbs a tree.

We water the grass seed and notice it’s sprouting.

We come in to a bacon and eggs lunch with fresh fruit and yogurt.
We bake some P.B brownies and Kai reads to us aloud while they bake.
Kai writes a letter and draws a picture for a friend.
Kai writes a story about having fun with his sister while catching butterflies.
We listen to some classical music and read about the composer; Cliodhna twirls around.
We study a Cave painting.
We play I spy in French.
Cliodhna takes a nap.
Kai and I do some math, and play a spelling game.
We set up a tent.
I read aloud about a missionary girl to China.
We look at our map to see where China is.
Kai complains that he never gets to be a missionary.
I smile.

summer

2010-05-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

We just came in from a walk outside. Kai found a caterpillar to take care of and cliodhna held a dragonfly on her fingertips for the entire ride in her stroller- I love moments like that.
They came in with their pink cheeks,and sweaty heads-smiling. My heart smiles too.
Their dirty feet swinging below the stools they are perched on, shoveling in popcorn. Jay is playing the guitar, we catch each others eye and he gives me that look that says "life is good"
I stop running through my mental list of to do's and remind myself to be present in this moment.
Is there time for baths tonight?
Probably not.
But there sure was time to make memories.

You Are What You See and Hear

2010-05-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

It is a temptation for a person who is home schooling children to save fine arts appreciation
for days when religion, english, mathematics, science, history, geography, literature, and
penmanship are all finished. The problem, of course, is that all of these things seldom get
done. Therefore the introduction of beautiful pictures, great music, and excellent poetry
remains an activity to do ‘some day’.
This is a mistake, because the appreciation of fine arts is formative for the soul. The old adage
‘You are what you eat’ could be changed truthfully to say ‘You are what you see and hear’.
The models in one’s imagination and memory become a part of the soul and affect all the rest
of life.
If the soul holds good, true, beautiful, noble and heroic images, it will be inclined to love
those things. Additionally, since whatever is true is also beautiful, an appreciation of the
beautiful prepares the way for an appreciation of the true. If children love the beautiful they
will be disposed to love the truth, as truth, when they are older.
We should foster in our children a love of the beautiful and true and a corresponding distaste
for what is ugly and false. Children’s sense of beauty can be encouraged in various ways; those
of us who are home schooling may include beautiful art, music, and literature regularly in our
curricula, in ways that are appropriate to the various stages of the intellectual formation of the
child.
Poetry is one of the forms of the beautiful that is relatively accessible to children. Children
respond to patterns of sound and enjoy the rhythm of poetry, if they are introduced to it
before someone tells them they shouldn’t like it. Poetry is naturally pleasant to the ordinary
child, and pleasure is a sign teachers and parents should never ignore.
Children are very good at imitation because it is the way God intends them to learn. We need
to keep this in mind for all areas of our children’s development, moral and intellectual.
Children need models of right behaviour and of excellence in all the scholastic areas that are
appropriate for them to pursue. The right use and richness of language is an area that is most
appropriate for the formation of children. For this reason they should be exposed to the best
examples of the use of language that we can give them. Beautiful word patterns and sounds,
the right choice of words, and methods of producing particular responses can be imitated by
children who have had good models. Language development is significantly enriched by
exposure to good poetry.
Additionally, in all of the fine arts, one of the chief benefits of appreciation is seeing the world
through the eyes of the artist. His gift of observation is given to the student when the work is
studied. It is as though the artist said, ‘Look, here is something really beautiful that I saw and
want to share. Perhaps you missed it.’ For this reason a painting can be better than a
photograph in drawing the viewer’s attention to certain aspects of a particular scene, for
example, the lighting or the composition of the figures. Similarly, poetry can be a better way
to draw attention to certain truths or make some fact of an experience stand out. Excellent
poetry will both direct the student’s attention to these aspects of reality and model the best
way to share that experience.
Also, poetry appeals to the emotions, as does music, and, like music, beautiful and rightly
ordered poetry can habituate or train the soul to the right kind of internal movement.` Harp and Laurel Wreath

-Reading about Joni Eareckson Tada this week, and trying to paint with our mouthes.

-Got lost in Harp and Laurel Wreath poetry.
-Learned about Haden in Music Appreciation.
- Fell inlove with Holy, Holy, Holy, in our hym studies.
- Gazed at Cave paintings to Picassso in Art Appreciation.

Just Six

2010-05-25T17:04:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to get things done...
Wade in the water,
Sit in the sun,
Cast a spell with willow sticks
Explore the world with a boy just six
Now is the time to study books,
Flowers,
Snails,
How a cloud looks,
To ponder creation
birds in flight,
why mosquitoes take such big bites.
Later there'll be time
To sew and clean
Paint the hall
That soft new green,
To cross off my entire list –TO FIX-
Later on...
When he's not just six

Adapted from a Poem by Irene Foster

THe Air I Breathe

2010-03-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Pastor Scott

Just wanted to thank you for covering us in prayer today, and always.

Kai has had a few nights of more rest and we are thankful for that. The drugs are in his system and they are helping his lungs to do what they can't on their own right now. We tried to cut his dose back by 25% because of the side effects (stunts growth, cognitive ability, his blood pressure, his blood sugar, his mood,severe fatigue,nausea,and he will have to be followed by an asthma specialist and have his morning cortisol levels checked among other treatments.)
We quickly saw that right now, he is relying on every bit of the medication to function.

So our prayer is that he will be able to do all a little guy wants to do without the need of such severe intervention.

Before Jay got paged into work this afternoon (thanks for the snacks that was all the lunch he had time for) we got to have a short conversation agreeing that we have never felt such love in a church setting as we did today. And I, as a mother who has just needed to keep going haven't really allowed myself to stop and feel, be broken for Kai, and let the sadness I know is there surface. So far, I just have needed to hold us all together. So thank you for doing those things for me today.Thank you for cracking a little, for shedding a tear, for feeling my heart.

How fitting that as we have been going through this the song that keeps whispering in my ear is

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me

And I I'm desperate for you
And I I'm I'm lost without you

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
this is my daily bread
your very word spoken to me

And I'm, I'm desperate for you
And I'm, I'm lost without you

And I'm desperate for you
And I'm, I'm lost without you.

I'm lost without you.

I'm lost without you.

I'm desperate for you

I was singing this as I cleaned up after lunch today and then I heard a distant echo down the hall- It was Kai singing with a slight laboured breath " This is the air I breathe"

And I stopped to FEEL that moment.

Karen

Spring Sunshine

2010-03-11T09:44:00.000-08:00

I heard a whisper in my ear this morning “ Mama, I have gone around the sun 6 times now!”
I crack my eyes open and the spring sunshine kisses my face.
I draw you close, and pray a blessing over you on this your special day.
You snuggle beside me and I tell you the story of OUR special day six years ago.
I feel your heartbeat.

Cliodhna wakes, and together we sing Happy Birthday to you.
You beam.
Daddy comes home from working all night with a present, and two balloons for you.
You hand one to Cliodhna to keep without being prompted.
I watch.
Your dear friend calls to serenade you.
You thank her for being such a great friend.
I listen.
You remind me of YOUR plans for today.
“ Just us Mama, a day of just our family is all I want”
I smell your peanut butter boy breath and nod.

I scoop you up and dance around to the music.
We collapse on the couch in giggles.
I quietly thank God for you my spring sunshine.
And for all the ways your life kisses my face.

Favorite things to do: Play Lego
Play Wii with daddy
Jump on the Bed and wrestle with Cliodhna
School time with Mama
Have people be pleased with you
Tell jokes
Play Star Wars
Ask Why?

Physically: You are now in a size 5/6 and you seem very filled out to me, no more baby features left.

You lost your first tooth on the night of the 2010 opening Olympics in Vancouver.

You finally figured out how to get that zipper up!
You master pretty much anything with ease.
But when you do find something
You can’t do perfectly you become quite upset- we’ll work on that.

You took Karate and dance this past year and enjoyed both. I think we are still looking for your passion though; we’ll keep pressing on.

It seems that this year you have got your first real shots of testosterone. You have become less gentle and more rambunctious. You are no longer playing cats with the girls at school; instead you are in the throws of battle most recesses.

Cognitively: You are so bright! You read Dr Sues books all by yourself.
In math you are adding numbers up to 8 digits long.
You do place value, rounding etc.

We started Science this year and you love the experiments that teach about solid liquid and gases, air, life cycles, etc.
Your vocabulary lessons with Wordly Wise are at a grade2 level and you zoom through it!
You have mastered spelling and ask for more, more, more!
You now write little notes to us and enjoy surprising us with cards and stories.
You keep me on my toes with all your questions.

Spiritually: This year you sang your first solo in church.
You memorized many scriptures and recited up to 10 verses in both Papa and Grammy’s church and our own.
You have been asking the big questions like- why would God allow…

You continue to amaze all with your passion for God.

Emotionally: This year you have continued to grow in your self-esteem.
You are making daddy and I work hard when we are teaching you right from wrong as you are at a stage of wanting a reason for the behavior that is expected.

You still don’t like many new things but have tried a few this past year and are getting more comfortable with that.

Creatively: You love to craft and decorate the house. Often you
You set up shows that we are to attend that may consist of story telling, magic, or singing. You also like to compose on the piano but are not that thrilled with actual lessons anymore.

You always have ideas how to improve on things.

Kai it has been another year of wonder as I watch you grow.

A Friend Asked

2010-03-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

How Are We?
Kai's health has gotten much worse. A few days ago I called Jay in the morning and told him to come home to take Kai to emergency. He had had another night of vomiting and breathing trouble despite the inhalers. Then he started screaming that his ear was hurting.

I called our neighbours to ask if they could watch Cliodhna and her response was " Oh, I wish I could but I'm going to the gym today."
I think I may have hung up.

And why should they? We're not family. We're not their responsibility.
It was an eye opener because I have actually had false comfort that they were close by all these years. No More. We are alone.

With no one else to call we just woke Cliodhna up and brought her along. I don't drive ( due to health reasons)so we all have to go.

In the end, yes he had an ear infection but they were more concerned with his Asthma. They said he was one step away from hospitalization and will be for the next two weeks while we work to get him into a safe zone. He has shallow lung capacity and just breathing is work for him now. His skin between his ribs is suken in, and the emergency medication that we had was not working. He gets only an hour of sleep at a time at best.
They upped his dosage of steroid inhalers to the max an adult can take. The pharmacist almost wouldn't fill it because it was so high. They gave me a big book from CHEO on how to manage his Asthma and told me to watch him closely for fainting and turning blue. I'm to call 911 and get him to the hospital within 15 mins. (we live 25 mins away)

They explained all the side effects from this amount of drugs and I'm not thrilled about it. It will effect his growth, his cognitive ability, his blood pressure, his blood sugar, his mood,severe fatigue,nausea,etc. HE will have to be followed by an asthma specialist and have his morning cortisol levels checked.

I feel like a new mom laying awake listening to his every breath. Every hour he is either throwing up, needing a rescue inhaler, water, or a steam shower. Poor little guy has started to wet the bed now too because of consuming so much fluids.

I wish Jay was at home during the nights when it is at it's worst, so we can make decisions together about the severity. I find myself flicking on the lights to check for the dreaded blue shade around his lips.

It has really hit me how being close to family or good friends would make the world of difference. I wouldn't have to wonder if the extra ambulance worker would stay with Cliodhna until Jay could get there so I could be with Kai the whole time. I would just call my family and let them know they were needed. Man what would that be like?

FAmily are the ones who sweep in and watch the kids while you recover from the flu, the lack of sleep, the mass loads of laundry,the stress! They come and help you detox your home so your little ones can simply breathe easier. People like Taralee who have that around the clock have no idea how blessed they really are.

So today it is very lonely from where I sit.

It is scary each night as I go it alone.

My good friend who's carrying a baby with trisomy 18 ( baby will die in the first year of life) runs through my mind when I begin to feel negativity creep in. Although Kai's breathing is laboured, at least he is breathing!

Sorry,I'm exhausted.

So perhaps a tad more melancholy than need be.

I am aware that God is with me through it all but you just caught me on a morning after a night that took every bit of my strength.

Thanks for asking though,

Kar

My Guy

2010-02-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

What kinda guy does a night shift after only getting one hour of sleep?
What kinda guy calls his wife in the morning to let her know he is excited to come home and SHARE his results of a personality test they both took the night before?
What kinda guy willingly watches marriage enrichment DVD's (did I mention it was 6 discs??)
What kinda guy comes through the door with a smile on his face and asks " Where is my beautiful wife?"
What kinda guy takes his son out to make a snow fort instead of crashes in bed?
What kinda guy sees his wife is feeling ill and suggests she go get some rest while he feeds the kids lunch?
What kinda guy decides to clean the kitchen while he is in there(even scrubbing pots)
What kinda guy crashes at 2pm but is determined to get up to make it to a child's birthday party by five that he gave his word he would be at?
What kinda guy does all this without complaining?

What kinda guy will return to work tonight on 3 hours of sleep?

What kinda guy?
MY GUY!
I love you Jay!

Empty

2010-02-17T13:36:00.000-08:00

I was reminded yesterday of another reason I want to home school. Malachi was quite troubled when he came home from school that day. Laying his head in my lap, and taking his time to bring forth the words that matched the pain in his glistening eyes, he finally told me that the big boys at his lunch table were making fun of the notes I write to him in his lunch bag. Particularly that I sign them love Mama, xo
They told him he was a baby and made up a song about how his mama gives him hugs and kisses etc.
I must admit I burned with anger inside. How dare these boys make fun of something my child holds dear. How dare they creep into the fabric of our family and alter how Kai views things and how we do things! After talking with Kai about it, he decided he still wanted the notes but asked that I refrain from the x's and o's.
And so tonight as I just finished packing his lunch and tucking in a special note from Mama, I painfully left the spot that the hugs and kisses once occupied empty.
As I did, I wondered if those kids that were poking fun were empty themselves.I wondered if there will be an emptiness Kai will feel tomorrow when he notices the lack of xo's.
I realized I am not ready to let other children and other families shape who my child is, and who he will become.
Is this the socialization that is so important for Kai to experience in this world?
This world is full of empty people, I will not let them spill over into our lives.

Wed.

2010-02-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

Come on record keeper!!

Okay today we did FLL 10-12
OPG 44
Math
phonics game
Water exploration
Spelling 14 and 15
Wordly Wise Vocab 3
baked cookies
sorting mini erasers
Animal classification cards

Kai wrote and illustrated his own story today :)

I Believe

2010-02-11T13:09:00.000-08:00

Kai has been learning about the ancient and modern Olympics today. We studied the mascots,Greece, the different sport events,Our Anthem, The Medals, The Athletes, Other counties, the symbols and their meanings etc.

Crafting a medal chart to keep track of their progress, an olive leaf hat and torches all for the opening ceremonies.
With Canadian shirts on, and torches ready we sat down to watch this great moment for our country. It started with the news of the Luger who died. Yikes! Explain that to a 5 year old. Now Kai is very scared for all the other athletes and is sure they are all going to die. Hmm, I BELIEVE this is not what I had planned.
The next thing that was a disappointment was how long it took for the torch to be lit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kai was snuggled in bed with me watching the Canadians finally march in at 10 pm which is two hours past his bedtime. I BELIEVE mama is going to scream!!!
Just before the whole night became a bust a very special thing happened- Kai lost his first tooth! He was so excited that the bore of the Olympics didn't bother him anymore. He jumped in to bed with his tooth tucked under his pillow in anticipation of morning.

This morning he came rushing into our room with his loonie and tales of the tooth fairy leaving fairy dust (heart confetti) on his windowsill.
We were able to pick up on the magic of the torch being lit in a rerun today.

I BELIEVE

Wed

2010-02-10T09:34:00.001-08:00

We started the day by writing out all our Valentines for school tomorrow.
# books about Love
Memorized 1 corinthians 13
Bible lesson on each word in the verse.

Then we did lesson 2 in Wordly Wise
OPG next lesson about blends like lk and lp
First Language lessons lesson narration of a picture
Science- Air- Lots of experiments - does air take up space? Does it have weight?
How is it the same as Solid and Liquid?

Thursday

2010-02-04T16:41:00.000-08:00

We did our first lesson of Wordly wise vocab. Grade 2 Kai enjoyed it!

We crafted long and hard today many different Valentines and a wonderful Canvas of flowers painted for Mel- Kai's grade 9 girlfriend and babysitter :) It is her birthday.

Kai also wrote a letter to Great Grandma who we just found out is dying of lung cancer.

We did lots of read alouds today about Snow.

Kai has Karate.

Cliodhna painted, did sorting, puzzles, stringing beads, lacing pictures, coloured, did tissue paper hearts on contact paper craft, looked at books, and in general made a mess!

today

2010-02-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

Bought a planner!!!

we did lesson 14 in Spelling
A few pages in Explode the code
Mighty Warrior Bible lesson
Math

Monday

2010-02-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

Mondays are our day with daddy so we didn't do much in the ways of school work.

We did however, do a craft of The three little kittens that lost their mittens and a Science lesson on energy- Heat, Light, Electrical, and Movement.

Must get a planner to record all of this!!

Friday

2010-01-29T09:39:00.000-08:00

Today - Praise time
Lesson on snowflakes and how we are special to God.
Learned and read about snow.
Kai has his piano lesson.
Made snowflake crafts.
Had snowball fights with cotton balls.
Cliodhna did tot trays -tongs and snowballs and pouring water.
Did a 100 piece puzzle with Kai.
Language lesson 7
Reading lesson 32
Spelling lesson 13
Science lesson review game
Pizza and family night :)

pics to follow

Good to Know

2010-01-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

One of the homeschooling forums I hang out on brought up this recent article – “Home-schooling: Socialization not a problem”. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/dec/13/home-schooling-socialization-not-problem/Whether you are just starting to think about homeschooling or are years into homeschooling, and get the nagging question about how you’re going to “socialize” your child, this is a great article to show them!
The first myth whether parents can adequately teach their own children – has shown that “homeschoolers, on average, outperform public school peers” – 37 percent higher on standardized tests in fact. I think for the most part, people already know that homeschoolers excel on average.
The second myth is frustrating for us homeschoolers to constantly address – regarding lack of socialization. Well now, the first of the homeschooled graduates from the late 80’s and last decade are now proving they are succeeding as adults. In the study, home-educated adults were more socially engaged, had higher average income, and used no government assistance. “In all areas of life, from gaining employment, to being satisfied with their home-schooling, to participating in community activities, to voting, home-schoolers were more active and involved than their public school counterparts”.
Read the full reports here:
http://www.hslda.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60&Itemid=81
Concerns about the social disadvantages of homeschooling are usually related to one of the following questions:

1. How will your child learn to stand in line, raise his hand before speaking, take turns, etc.?

My children learn good social skills as we live our lives together. We stand in line at the grocery store, we greet our neighbors, and we take turns letting each other speak. I coach my children in their day-to-day interactions, and they also learn from watching me.

My children may never perfect the art of waving their hands in the air, shouting "me, me - pick me," and they may never learn the phrase, “no cuts, no buts, no interrupts,” but they will know how to behave properly in social settings.

2. How will your child learn to handle bullies?

When was the last time you were physically threatened, taunted, groped or sexually harassed? I haven’t experienced any of the above since I graduated from high school.

School creates a perfect environment for bullying and victimization. Children who are bullied don’t learn to handle bullies, they learn to tolerate being bullied. Those who can't tolerate it suffer terribly, sometimes hurting themselves or others.

As an adult I have had to deal with difficult people, but I have never been forced to endure daily taunting or physical assault, nor have I had to interact with those who would engage in such behavior.

Homeschooling and socialization allows parents to shield their children from negative encounters until they have developed the self-confidence and maturity to handle them.

3. How will your child learn to be around different types of people?

Public school students spend their days in a room with children who are their same age, socioeconomic status and, more often than not, race. These children quickly learn that older kids do not play with younger kids, girls don't play with boys, rich kids don't play with poor kids, and so on.

As an adult I don’t sit in a room full of other thirty year olds, taunting the person next to me because she has a big nose and wears glasses. I don't want my children on the giving or receiving end of that unsocial behavior.

One of the biggest myths about homeschooling and socialization is that children are cooped up with their parents and siblings all day. In the course of a week, my children may visit a nursing home, chat with a librarian, entertain their baby brother and play with friends.

School is an artificial environment. Real life encounters teach children to appreciate diversity.

4. How will your child make friends/learn to be a good friend?

I recently read a book called, Hold On to Your Kids, which greatly encouraged me in this area.

According to Hold On to Your Kids, early peer relationships cause disrespect, bullying, victimization, rebellion and other undesirable behaviors in children. The authors, Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate, believe children need relationships with loving adults – not other children.

As an adult, I model respect, kindness, selflessness and other traits my children need to be good friends. I have never understood the concept of sending kids to school to learn how to treat each other. How can someone who doesn’t know how to share teach my child to be a good friend?

5. What about homeschooling and socialization?

To quote the late, Dr. Raymond Moore:

“Does anyone who knows children believe that the yellow school bus takes children down the road to a constructive, positive sense of society? Or returns them in the afternoon or evening more loving creatures than when they left in the morning?"

I think we all know the answer to that question.

2010-01-28T09:59:00.000-08:00

This Morning we started our day with prayer and Praise. We prayed for daddy to come safely in the snow storm. We praise danced and practiced our Bible verse in the kitchen while I made breafast.
After Breakfast we had fun finger painting. I really need to get the knack of doing all this AND getting good pics of it all.

Bath, followed by a sorting activity at the table for Cliodhna while Kai and I read our next chapter in our read-aloud. Cliodhna brings us tea and we have a good snuggle. Kai played solid, liquid, gases on his own. I love when previous lessons stick!

The kids go downstairs for some free play while I do my Bible study. I had to step in once to keep the peace and get them involved in another activity.

We did lesson 12 in Spelling this afternoon and tonight is Karate :)

I took an important call from a dear friend today so that trumped out other school work and I am fine with that!

A Day Off

2010-01-27T14:09:00.000-08:00

Kai was coughing in the night so I kept him home today (doesn't take much for me to cave) We had a great day!!

We started by learning some new songs and singing Praises to Our God. HOw Great is Our God has been in my head for a few days so I had to share it with the kids.

Kai and I made breakfast for daddy and he got to crack the eggs-fun!
Then we set up a tea party for Cliodhna while we read our first 2 chapters of Where the Red Fern Grows.

For Science we learned about Solid, Liquids, and Gases. The activity had us organizing things around the house onto three separate trays. We then explored turning solids into liquids and vice-versa using ice cubes,burning candle wax, and hot chocolate (that also showed us gas by the steam) We reviewed yesterdays lesson and played the category memory game.

Did Green on our colour wheel Collage.
Made a rainbow sun catcher craft.

Kai Practiced piano and ran on treadmill.

Did next Language lesson - narration of the Turtle and the Rabbit. Reviewed syllables.

Did All about Spelling lesson 11.

Practiced Bible verse.

Kids built a tent, played dress up and danced while mommy made lunch.

I am not planning to really home school until the Fall but this is showing me how much fun we are having and more importantly that I can do it with both kids!

I find Kai so well behaved when he is engaged in enjoyable studies. I must have given him 6 fruit of the spirit character rewards today!!! He even cleaned the whole downstairs without being asked!!!

I need to find a better way to record all this.
Now off to make dinner and glue cotton balls on our rainbow suncatchers.

Maybe a special Volcano or microscope project with daddy tonight as a reward???

This day is usually my Cliodhna focused day as Kai is in school so tomorrow we will focus on Tot things and let Kai come along for the ride. Maybe Finger painting???
We'll see.

Today

2010-01-26T13:39:00.000-08:00

Our Day

Kai made Jay a card for his birthday and printed happy Birthday Daddy,You are the Bast in the world.( remind me to add Best to spelling lesson)
I made Jay Breakfast when he came home from work (night shift) and listened to how his night went.
When daddy went to bed we did our next colour on the Colour wheel in collage form. We also mixed our primary colours to make the secondary colours using food colouring and a medicine dropper.) Messy Fun!!

We then started our first lesson of Science. We had great fun doing the activity tray teaching the concept of organization and categorization. Followed by the tray of objects to memorize game- Kai loved this! He was very good at it once I showed him the trick of putting things into mental categories. Cliodhna kept stealing the items on the tray and annoying Kai.Sigh.

Kai ran on the treadmill and practiced his Piano while I read and did an art activity with Cliodhna.
While Cliodhna had a snack, Kai and I did the first 3 lessons in First Language Lessons about Nouns, proper nouns, and Capitals (this was review for Kai as I have already taught him these things) we memorized a poem about a Caterpillar and he illustrated it.Cute.

On hands and knees I obsessed about scratches on my hardwood floor.
I mopped up a yogurt drink accident and bathed the culprit.
Kicked off the dust plate at the bottom of the fridge and had to tackle the dust bunnies right there and then while it soaked in Javex.
Yawned,Promised myself not to go to bed at 1am again.
Had lunch.
I responded to email.

Kai read to us a level one reading book.

We did AllAboutSpelling lesson 7-10

Cliodhna is napping now and Kai is watching a movie while playing Lego.
Practiced our Bible verse 1 Corinthian2 13-4-7
Played scrabble with Kai tonight.
Great day of learning!!

I’m putting my day in writing in hopes that I won’t obsess about all the things I didn’t get done yet today.

My Shaky Legs

2010-01-13T07:54:00.000-08:00

I have been praying for guidance on a certain behavioral issue we have with Kai.I have read so many books about parenting and discipline that it all swirls around in my head and makes me dizzy. Just when I think I have a plan of action that I'm sure will be the answer (it sounded so good in the book) it fails.
I wince, I worry, I wonder.

I find myself having thoughts like I would have NEVER said that when I was a kid, and maybe I am wrong in choosing Grace based Parenting over a swat on the behind.My legs begin to shake on my firm beliefs and I wince, I worry, I wonder.

Kai is an exceptional child and I could go on and on of how I see God's fingerprints all over him. But in this one area, he is not easy to parent. Kai is also a deeply sensitive child so when he messes up he is devastated. He talks about being full of sin and being a bad boy neither of which we have ever said to him. Through panicky tears he will say
" I feel like a bucket of water and dirty sin is being poured over my head and my light is not shining anymore" No Kidding, he is his own worst critic.
I worry that I talk too much about what is right and wrong in God's eyes-is that even possible?

I hate giving corrections, I really do. It breaks my heart to see Kai in such emotional pain. It takes time and energy that some days I don't feel like I have.And to be honest,it makes me feel like I have messed up as a mom in that area-why can't he get this? Have I not taught him well?.. and I am devastated.

God I pray for balance in my parenting. Show me when to correct and when to let things go. I don't want Kai feeling like he is a failure.Help him to know who he is in you. Help him to hold his head up high and walk in righteousness instead of shame. Help me to gently encourage him to do what is right.Guard my words and actions when correcting him. Protect his self image and his heart.
And Oh God, In those moments (you know the ones)replace my anger and embarrassment with love and wisdom.Remind me of the quiet harvest, and renew my strength.

"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening ~ it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs." Heb.12-11-12 NLT

Our children are the sandpaper that God uses to smooth out OUR rough edges. (I SO HATE IT WHEN HE DOES THAT!).

Loving His Sister???

2010-01-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday KAi lost his new favorite toy due to rudeness. Will it ever end???
He asked me today what I would take away next if he made a bad choice today and I said something else that you care alot about.
His response..
" The thing I care about most in this world is my baby sister, so you better take her away if I'm bad." Nice.
According to him he doesn't really like his Plasmacar,Starwars, lego, movies, or Wii so taking those things away won't help. Cute.

I Will Treasure This In My Heart

2009-12-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009

Christmas eve we went to our the candle light service as a family ( Uncle Adam too!)
Kai was asked to sing a solo and before he started he said “ Before I sing One Small Baby, I would like to share a verse with you.”

“10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary treasured all these things in her heart." Then he broke into his song and at the end he said, “ Now go tell this verse to others so we can make more disciples, Merry Christmas and God bless!”

Cliodhna shouted out Yeah Kai! And danced in the isles twirling around to the Christmas music.

I will treasure this in my heart.

Jay got a phone call from his manager saying that he could work from home instead of having to drive into work that night so he was able to be with me this year to stuff stockings, put the presents under the tree, and most importantly, to be there on Christmas morning to share in the joy of the excited footsteps and wide eyed gasps.

I will treasure this in my heart.

Kai saying “I don’t need any presents because I already have the best one – Jesus!! But I sure would like some”
Kai writing on his Christmas list to please give gifts to the Children in Africa.

I will treasure this in my heart.

Kai received a Drum for Christmas and when he opened it he got a twinkle in his eye and he announced he had a very important job to do. We had just read The Little Drummer Boy, and in the story the boy played for his king on Christmas day. Kai rose to his feet and said I have to go out in the street to sing to my king so everyone will hear me. Then he broke into song while keeping time on his drum.

"Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum. "

I will treasure this in my heart.

Cliodhna jumping and dancing with the excitement of it all.

Cliodhna blowing out the candle on Jesus’ birthday cake.

Kai thanking Jesus for all his presents.

I will treasure this in my heart.

The peace after all were tucked into their beds and the house was still. Still enough for a tired, busy mommy to reflect,ponder and give thanks while gazing into the warm glow of the Christmas tree.

I will treasure this in my heart.

Had to Laugh

2009-12-16T10:02:00.000-08:00

The Elf in our house left Kai a new pair of jammies yesterday. Kai was so excited to put them on that he wore them all day. In the evening I noticed that there was a tiny hole in the front that looked like it had been cut there. When I questioned Kai about it, he said with a proud look on his face that he cut it there so he would not have to take his jammies off to go pee.Cute.
Remind me to buy that kid some long underware!

LOVE CAN STAND ON IT’S OWN

2009-12-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

To Malachi and Cliodhna on your mommy and daddy’s 12th wedding anniversary.

Each year I love to reflect, and then pour out my love for your daddy through the words I pen. But truth be told, I’m the lover of letters and flowery expressions not him. Daddy is a man that values stripping away all the adverbs and adjectives to expose rawness and simplicity. He has taught me that love can stand on it’s own when it’s sincere. True love needs no words, sometimes they just get in the way. It is in the way that we fill in the gaps for each other, the way that we play, the way that we serve one another without resentment, the times he has held me and rocked me in silence, the way I fit in the nape of his neck, the way we brush past each other in the bathroom, the open doors and open arms, silent forgiveness, the flutter of my heart when he walks in the door. And when we fall into bed at night, the way our feet meet under the covers and intertwine.

I wanted you both to know that after pointing you to the giver of love, our second most important job is to teach you how to love others. If you watch us closely, I pray you will see the definition of love in action. Our hope is that you will feel confident and safe in the love your parent’s have for each other. Though you will see us sometimes disagree, you will always see us work it out. I pray you will see a couple who is growing, and that we give you a foundation for your future relationships.

And I pray that you see in our eyes a look that is beyond words when we are together. A look that we have spent twelve years crafting for each other that says exactly what the other needed to hear in a wink of an eye.

Correction

2009-03-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

Today Kai needed a correction for something that he has been talked to about many, many times.
That is not blog worthy. What is however is his reaction to the correction.

With tears in his eyes he said " Mom thank you for giving me a correction to help me become a better boy."

I was stunned.

Can it be that he really grasps that?
I know I still have a hard time thanking God for any correction placed on me at 32!

5 Memories

2009-03-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

There are so many moments over this last year that I don't want to forget. So in reflection of your fifth birthday I will share five of them that warmed my heart.

1. The most recent is from this past week when we were singing This Little Light of Mine and you asked who Satan was. ( Don't let Satan blow it out- I'm gonna let it shine)
That launched into a big discussion about heaven and hell, good and evil, and if Satan is bigger than our house. I did my best to explain it all and even got out a candle that represented God's light shining in you then showed you how sin ( dirt) being thrown on top can put out our lights. When I was done you came and sat on my lap and with deep sincerity you said "Mama, I'm gonna show Satan my light and God's love then he won't be bad any more and He will want to have God's light in him too."

Sigh. My little Tender heart- you amaze me.

2. You listen to everything your daddy and I say, just not if it is directed to you specifically.
Your Uncle Adam and Aunt Jeannine have been going through a separation and while we have tried to keep the details from you you have picked up enough to have this conversation with Uncle Adam.
" Uncle Adam, are you sad? You can come to my house and I will hold your hand. We can play lego together and it is okay if Aunt Shiny is not there too, I won't miss her. I just want to encourage you that you are so Awesome and you can do anything in this world. I will call you on Friday."

I love that you adore your Aunt Shiny and do miss her greatly, but are more worried about Uncle Adam's feelings so you say you won't miss her.
You have so much compassion for a little guy.

3. You love to encourage people. Before you leave for school you will say you are going to encourage three people that day and then when you get home you are so excited to tell me who and how you encouraged. You then start thinking big and say " If I encourage ten people and you encourage ten people then we will make 20 people happy and show God's love to them!!!"
You're on fire kid!!
The funniest encouragement you have given me went like this-
"Mom, I just want to encourage you to give me a piece of chocolate." Crafty.

4. You have a special place in your heart for my friend Rosalie. One day you decided to write her a letter and dictated to me word for word what was to be said. You asked her to come to your house in the summer so you could have a little camp. And you told her that she was a princess and you are the King. But my favorite part by far ( hers too) was that you said "I love your face." Rosalie shared with me that made her day and she posted the letter up. I pray you will continue to know just what to say to bless people.

5. You have been memorizing so much scripture these days. I am in awe of your memory and your hunger for more. One of my favorite moments was when you got on the phone to say hi to the town librarian and then told her you had a Bible verse for her.
You started in " Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

It's Jesus!!!"

I kinda winced wondering what she must be thinking on the other end.I could make out that she said she was impressed that you could memorize all that and wished she could. You then told her you would teach her and had her repeat each line as you broke it down for her. My favorite part was at the end you said
" Good! Now go tell someone!"

Malachi means messenger of God- how very fitting.

Happy Birthday my little messenger! May God continue to use you for His purpose.

Nortel Nightmare

2009-01-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

If We Have to Move

I’ll miss this house. I’ll miss it because it is our home. It is where so many of our dreams were crafted and brought into reality. Both our babies where born here- this is their home. I moved around a lot as a kid and as a result never really felt like I had roots. I wanted it to be different for my kids. This is the longest I have been anywhere in my life and that feels comforting. Safe.
When we decided that I would stay home with the kids this place became my little world. There are weeks that I don’t venture much further than our road and that is okay because I love our home we have created. We have worked so hard at making it us.
I will miss our road. I will miss the majestic beauty we see from every window. I will miss the friendships that we have created and sense of community. I will miss the nature walks that we have had and would of in the future. I envisioned the kids with sketchbooks in their hands exploring the trails, conservation area, lookout tower, and our beautiful backyard. I will miss that we see deer, foxes, wild turkeys, horses and other wildlife often. I will miss that Kai and Cliodhna have friends their ages ( cliodhna two girls born within weeks) that they could have grown up with. I will miss Doug who takes his walk daily and is sorta the neighborhood watch. I will miss that we have neighbors who snow blow, exchange tools, toys, movies, and helping hands. I will miss summers spent in the Barber’s pool because Steve said “ Use it anytime!” and he meant it. I will miss the bond we all have created with Mel, especially Kai. I will miss seeing how much she loves Kai. I will miss that she is the only sitter we have ever trusted and lives right next door! I will miss watching her grow up and hoping that some good piece of who she is has to do with the countless hours she has hung out at our place.
I will miss things that seem petty but I am so thankful for like my own bathroom, two playrooms, a huge laundry room, a magazine worthy kitchen, the little nook in Kai’s room,a bright basement, the fire pit, lilac bushes, natural light that pours in the windows and enhances my beloved paint colours, the way the Ikea wall unit looks like a build-in on the recroom wall, and that everywhere I look I see hours of work that Jay and I ( but mostly Jay) put into making this house a place that ignites creativity, joy, play, and peace. I have a very hard time picturing anyone else being in our home. It guts me to picture it being changed.
I will miss the community of Stirling aswell. Particularly the fact that Kai started school this year and that the transition was easier because of the people in this town. For example his bus driver is also the owner of the local pizza shop we frequent. The librarian knows Kai by name and lives across the street from Mel’s mom the same friendly neighborhood where we trick or treat and go to the park. The antique shop where I not only found the perfect pieces for my soon to be daughter’s nursery but also first heard the name Cliodhna and fell in love with it just as the shop owner did when she named her daughter it years ago. I love that when we stop in there now she fusses over the kids and keeps us entertained with some enchanting story. The hope for a church family in The Gathering.
I will miss that this is the spot where we have had some of our lowest points in our life journey. I will miss that because this house reminds me of those times and how God took care of us. Miracles have taken place here. I pray when we leave that they won’t become difficult to recall.
So you can see why although I am choosing to raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away- my heart is torn in this storm.
I will miss the memories, both ones made and ones that will never be.

A Time for Everything

2008-11-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

My Sweet Daughter:
These verses have taken on new meaning since your arrival. 2007 brought us you. I can't begin to express the joy I felt to finally have the dream of you be a reality. What a blessing it has been to welcome you into the world a year ago and now say that I know you. And Cliodhna to know you, is to love you.

Although the time of your birth was a time of joy,the journey to get to you was painted with much greif and pain.
In your lifetime you will experience both great joy and great sorrow. I suspect there will be times when life makes sense and everything seems to run smoothly. However, mommy also realizes there will be times of hurt, depression, questioning, doubt, sadness, anger and utter confusion.

Cliodhna, I pray everyday that you will hold on to God’s word as your guide and reference point. Take solace in the fact that we are told there will be a “time and season for everything.” And please, Cliodhna, I pray, never let you immediate circumstances dictate your faith and trust in almighty God.

Your first birthday gift from mommy is a clock. You will receive many more from me in your lifetime. I pray you will let this gift (and all future gifts) represent the time and seasons of your life. Again, some clocks or watches you receive will come with great joy as we experience times of celebration. And on other occasions these time pieces will represent much sorrow and sadness. But they will always represent that God is in control and one day will bring all time under his reign.

Cliodhna, I pray you will never put your faith and trust into things that have no power to index your reliance upon God. Instead, stay close to his word, rest in his grace and know that in time, God will be who God will be.

You are my greatest joy.

Happy 1st Birthday.

Love,
Mama

Easy Peasy

2008-09-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it is 11:00 am on Kai's first day of school and I am very proud.
Kai was so excited this morning that it was almost impossible to get a great pic of him. He looked so grown up with his gelled hair and backpack yet also so small when climbing on the big bus.
His favorite girl in the whole world ( our neighbor Mel) got on the bus with him. I was glad I didn't have to worry about him because I knew she would make sure he found a seat,remembered his backpack, and got off at the right time.
However, to put my heart at ease I had Jay drive to the school so I could see him get off the bus and get into the school yard with ease.
I was warned by Jay to keep my distance and not let Kai see me at the gate.
When the bus pulled up I literally crouched on a porch of the house beside the school. The owner was sitting out and understood my situation so immediately agreed when I asked to camp out there. There it was bus 445! The doors open, I'm watching like a hawk. One by one a parade of little bodies get off the bus but to my horror -no Kai! Stomach fluttering I watch the bus pull away and I turn to my kind new friend and say "He didn't get off" to which she replies "That's weird." Weird? Weird? I'm thinking to myself. My little guy is no where in sight and all you can come up with is "weird" ??????? Obviously she was just lacking a proper vocabulary I told myself because if she had one I'm certain she would realize that the appropriate word would have been unsettling, horrifying,scary, or the like. I flew off the porch to approach the school yard. My eyes scanned furiously for the blue shirt and orange backpack. Those few minutes seemed like forever. Then, there he was walking around and climbing like he owned the place. Sigh.
The bell rang and I watched as he lined up with all the kids in his class. He seemed calm and confident. He was chatting to anyone who would listen and already had his eye on a sweet little girl named Jane.(notice him scoping her out in pic)
He caught my eye and was happy to see me but not relieved. He gave me a little wave and continued to stand firm in his place.I could tell however that he was concerned about the other kids in the line that were falling apart.I actually couldn't get over all the parents and kids that were hugging and collapsing in tears.The teacher in me kicked in and I found myself on my knees giving the encouragement to these timid little hearts that Kai didn't need.
As Mrs. Haveman tried to usher the children in the school she had a few that ran back to their parents in tears.
I was waiting to see if my little guy needed one more hug, wink, or pep talk to face the day. Waiting. Watching. At the last second he looked over his shoulder gave me a little wave and said " Easy peasy Mama, easy peasy!"

And with that he trotted in.
I was so proud.
True to my nature, I pulled it together because all the other parents were falling apart. Short of running a therapy session right there in the yard, I reassured and encouraged the parents that were not doing so well.
Then with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and assurance I left that school yard and didn't look back.
"Easy peasy Kai, Easy peasy!"

Invisible Mom

2008-07-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

I'm Invisible

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?'

Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well.

It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it.

I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof?
No one will ever see it.'
And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.

No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over.

You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure
for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the
book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime, because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and dresses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

If You Can Dream It

2008-06-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

You Can do it!! Kai has decided that he will like classroom time at school better than recess because in the class you learn things thus helping him to get smarter and obtain a job quicker. I really don't know where he gets this stuff from or how you get a child motivated to be a worker so don't ask-he just came that way!
So I asked what he wants to be when he grows up and without hesitation he said " An Astronaut!" This doesn't surprise me because he loves talking about all the planets and anything to do with space. Then I noticed he was making his deep in thought face and I asked him what he was thinking about. " Mama, can I be an astronaut in the winter and a missionary in the summer?"
How cute is that? He wants to go to Africa and bring the boys he sees on TV(World Vision) some of his toys and tell them that Jesus loves them.He asked his Grammy this week if she could drive him to Africa and on the way if they could swing by Marineland to swim with the dolphins.
Malachi may you continue to dream big!

Do You understand?

2008-06-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Mrs. Haveman,

We just returned from registering Kai for JK and I was disappointed that I was unable to meet with you. I wanted Kai to be able to picture you this summer when we talk about school to help prepare his tender heart for this new milestone. And, to be quite honest I wanted to meet you for myself and prepare my heart for that day. I needed to see your smile and know you have warmth and understanding. I needed to picture you pulling Kai up on your lap and drawing out how he is feeling. I needed to bend your ear about all that makes him who he is and see you taking it in.I needed to quiz you on your phonics program,discipline, and classroom policies. This is not because I don't think you are a great teacher but rather because I need to know the ins and outs of the this place I am sending my son to two days a week. I need to calm this mama's heart and silence all the questions that are racing through my mind.Do they nap? Do you help with zippers,buttons,getting on and off the bus,and opening packaging in his lunch???
Do you know Mrs. Haveman that Kai has never been away from us? Do you know that until three months ago he hid behind my leg in social situations? Do you know that he has been mastering reading and math over the last year but still finds the big boy toilets scary? Do you know that if he says "I don't know" he really means I don't want to answer that question and if you suggest a wrong answer he will correct you with the right one? Do you know that when he says "boobies" he means movies? when he says he is feeling sad inside all you have to do is help him think of something happy and his little heart lights up again?
Of course you don't know how could you? I have been with him for four years to correct,encourage,teach, and guide him. Every story, quirk, and wound are wrapped up in my heart. So you see Mrs. Haveman, I needed to meet you to catch a wink,nudge,or feeling to convince me that while you have 16 other little hearts to attend to Kai's won't get overlooked.
You may be surprised to know that before I had children I taught JK myself. Every year I watched the mommies bring their little ones in and have a hard time letting go. I told them I understood and I would love their child like they were my own but I really didn't understand.Now I understand, and I guess Mrs. Haveman,I just need to know that you do too.

Belly Laughs

2008-06-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

I often spend my day trying to get my belly laugh fix. You know what I mean moms, the laugh that you are willing to make a fool of yourself, get plastered in spit up, and have your biceps burning from all the bouncing to achieve. But when it comes.. ahh, when it comes it is magical!
Every time Cliodhna sees her Dada she smiles and gets very excited but that doesn't even come close to the way she adores Kai. He just has to enter the room and she is bouncing and kicking in sheer joy. Kai doesn't have to work to get her giggles they come often,freely, effortlessly. Am I jealous? No way!! I think it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The very reason Jay and I went through another grueling pregnancy was so that Kai would have someone to share his childhood with.
We weren't sure of how Kai would respond to her and actually had much lower expectations than what took place over the first few months. Kai honestly loves his baby sister and has welcomed her into our family with open arms and sloppy kisses. Even after seven months Kai still practically trips me in the hall every morning to get to her room first. He covets her smiles. I understand.

Long after Jay and I are gone they will have each other and I pray the magic never fades.

First Tooth and Precious Lasts

2008-06-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

As I watch and commit to memory all of Cliodhna's firsts I have been diligently trying to also make note of all Kai's precious lasts. The last time he needed help turning the lights on, washing his hair, opening the fridge, putting his shoes on. The last time he sat on my hip and rested his head on my shoulder, hid behind my leg and played shy, called for me in the night, and said he was going to marry me when he grows up.
As I watch some of his firsts I realize how quickly they will become a last aswell. Today He read Cliodhna a book without any help from me-Wow a first!! Not needing help, a last. I look over at him at his craft table and notice he has not only gotten out his stickers and paper but can get the backing off the stickers himself.
When did he figure that out?? I ought to celebrate these things more.

While the years pass dear God help me hold on to all the precious lasts!

Birthday Wish

2008-06-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Today Kai and I were playing pretend birthday. Kai likes to make cakes, sing Happy Birthday, and have us blow out the candles while making a wish. When it was his turn to make a wish he said " I wish that Jesus would come to me"

I'm going to hope this is not a four year old wishing to die but instead a little heart wanting to know his precious Savior more.

While on the topic Kai was playing with his Darth Vador action figure yesterday and I overheard him saying "cruxify Him!! Cruixify Him!!"

What a kid!

Me and My Girly

2008-04-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

I wish these outfits came in my size!!

Move over Monroe

2008-03-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

I had our little Marilyn Monroe all sitting proper with the dress fanned out around her. When I picked up the camera I looked through the view and could see that Cliodhna had some thoughts of her own on how the pose should be. I hope this is not a theme carried into her teenage years! I can see myself now following her around scolding "Keep your dress down you're showing too much leg!!"
What a sassy little lady!!

So Proud

2008-03-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

Bible verse for today was
“ I am the way the truth and the life no man comes to the Father but by me”.

Me: Kai, when it says I who is that? Is it mommy?
Kai: Giggles, No!! It is Jesus!! Silly Mama!!
Me: Hmm. Impressed and my heart swelling with pride at his insight and my obvious superior teaching skills.
Me: Okay, how about the Father, who is Jesus’ father?
Kai: Jesus’ father is Papa!
Me: Papa?
Kai: yup!!
And just like that I am brought back down to earth

Happy Birthday Malachi

2008-03-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

Tender heart. That is the word that pops into my head when I think back over this last year of your life Malachi. It was a trying year for all of us but especially you as I was so sick with fertility drugs and then a mirror pregnancy to the one I had with you. I tried to still play, and keep things fun but alas, I’m afraid my body rejected that plan on many days.
I was sad to have you watch me laying on the bathroom floor in agony. You would often get a pillow and lie beside me and rub my back. In the darkness you would sing, tell me stories, and share your precious little heart with me. Yes, this past year God marinated your heart with tenderness and compassion I didn’t know a three year old could possess.
I have a book tucked away on my bookshelf called Building Moral Intelligence. I had planned to start some of the activities with you around your fourth birthday. One major key according to the author is to get kids to have empathy. To put yourself in another’s shoes and feel for them is very hard for the egocentric preschool child. I can see that while I hung my head in the toilet bowl and stressed over some academic goal I was not being able to teach you God stepped in and was able to build character traits far beyond your years.
I am thankful that I was able to witness you kneel at my bedside and whisper a prayer for your mama unprompted. I am thankful for the stronger bond that formed between you and your daddy and that you got to see how a loving husband takes care of his wife in times of need. You learned how to be gentle, kind, and patient all fruits of the spirit I have seen you now display to your sister. Yes, God began a good work in you and He promises to carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

One of your favorite things to do these days is sing and dance to worship music.
You sing Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord with such sweetness it always makes my heart smile.
I love that you come in my room every morning crawl into bed, and squeeze me as tight as you can. Cupping my face you whisper, “I love you Mama can we praise the Lord together?” I can think of no better wake up call.
And, I can think of no better calling than to be your mama!
Happy Birthday Tender heart!

Love,
Mama

Under the Sea

2008-03-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

Kai just had his fourth birthday!! Here a few pics from the party
Many I couldn't post because they had other children that I don't have permission to post on my blog.
We had great fun with a bubble machine, water table, games, Nemo cake, Fish crafts and much more. It was fun celebrating our little guy.

One of THOSE Days

2008-02-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those days that I thought to myself –Man! I’m good at this motherhood thing! I started the day with Kai snuggling and reading a chapter book that he actually drinks in. The remainder of the morning was perfectly balanced with dancing, drawing, praise time,math work, heart to hearts, and loads of kisses. Kai was so sweet in word and deed that I truly delighted in him. As I made dinner I heard him teaching his baby sister how to reach for her toys on the exersaucer and when she mastered it he squealed, clapped, and blanketed her in praise. “ I’m so proud of you baby girl!!!” Yes, today was one of those days where I deservingly could have puffed up with pride at the fruits of my labour.
That is if yesterday wasn’t one of THOSE DAYS. Please tell me you know the ones, the kind where you just want to hide under the covers. The one where you are one step away from posting a pic on Ebay of your little darling and willing to take the best offer. Yours eyes bug out when he hits an all time record for rudeness and tantrums. The kind where you are flying through the house throwing toys he refused to clean up in a bag to give away to a little boy or girl who will take care of them. That threat had to do the trick right? Notta! I believe the reply was “ I don’t care!” Nice. Defeated.
Now before I tell you the next part of this agonizing day I’m going to need you to muster up all the sympathy you have. This day, was the day that the Grandparents (my parents ) came to visit. Yup! You got it! The award for all time out of control kid was being given in the presence of my parents.
Sigh.
I often think about when Kai was a baby. My firstborn. My first time feeling the intense, overwhelming and vulnerable love for a child. I was so excited for his future and to watch him grow up. I promised him that I would give him all the love and support that he needed. I would daydream about him being smart and popular the kind of child other parents were in awe of. His manners exceptional, his personality exquisite! I imagined him being able to excel at everything he tried. I hoped that he would be good at sports,the Arts, and love to read. I prayed that he would never know the dark depths of depression and have a zest for life. I prayed that He would love His Hevenly Father and have great moral character. I prayed I would be a good mother.
It seemed that easy. Hope. Pray. Imagine. I thought that if I gave him a great education, endless love and support that he would grow up to be the kind, loving human being that I imagined. I knew things would go wrong and there would be obstacles to face but I never imagined parenting would be THIS hard. No one told me that my children would embarrass me or bring me to my lowest of lows. No one told me that my children would tell me they hate me or make me feel emotions I didn’t know I had. No one told me that there would be obstacles I would find hard to overcome. No one told me how loving them would hurt my heart and that I would worry myself sick.
I honestly think God is testing me in the pride area -and I don't like it one bit!
I should have passed this test years ago so I wouldn't have to retake it so often.
Sigh.
Man! I love that little stinker!

The Sky is Falling!!

2008-02-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

Today I jumped out of bed to get a head start on my list of things I wait all week to get done. Saturday is the day that I can have two hands all to myself for a few hours while Jay watches the kids. This means getting done what I can't do with a baby on my hip and a 3 year old on my heels.
I was happily working away at getting a stain out of the sofa slipcover when Jay yelled from the playroom " We have a leak!" By the time I got there he was already standing on a chair catching the ceiling that was crumbling to the floor.
Water was running down the walls and destroying the paint. "NO! NO! Lord!!" I said to myself. I have a birthday party to host in two weeks and was planning to hang decorations from the ceiling not have a big hole as a focal point!! Now my list for the day would be washed away with the leak as I just lost my babysitter. Kai found this all very amusing and I found myself annoyed that he didn't understand the weight of the issue. Laughter was a truly immature and inappropriate response...or was it?
Lord, You know I don't handle life's messes very well. You know I have a hard time making light of a situation. Help me to have more of a sense of humor. Take away my prim and proper approach to everything and let me relax. Show me the funny side of life since I so easily take it too seriously.
Thankyou that Jay kept cool and knew just what to do. Thank you that his good friend Rob, agreed to hop in the car and drive two hours to come and help him fix this mess.
Thank you that I was not home alone.
Help me to be positive. Let me say that again, Help me to be POSITIVE!!
I have heard the phrase "Don't sweat the small stuff" help me to see what consists of the small stuff because in the moment everything seems huge to me.
Let me take a lesson from Kai and not let life's little bumps steal my joy.
Lord teach me to laugh!

" Life is not the way it is suppose to be.
It's the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference"
- Virginia Satir

" Laughter is the jam on the toast of life.
It adds flavour, keeps it from being too dry, and makes it easier to swallow."
- Diane Johnson

LOVE

2008-02-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

Kai and Cliodhna having a snuggle watching a Baby Einstein DVD.
I pray this is one of many, many, special moments they'll share.

Window Treatment

2008-02-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

" My name is Karen Evoy and I'm a dressoholic!"

I have heard the first step is admitting you have a problem.

Heart to Heart

2008-02-14T04:55:00.000-08:00

Despite my best efforts Cliodhna still gets up once a night for a feeding.
I have read all the tips and tricks to have her sleep through the entire night as Kai did at 7 weeks but she simply is not ready.
The sweet thing is she giggles and smiles during and after the feeding. The experts would say to not engage in this interaction. I am to look away, not talk to her, and she will learn that this is not a time when I'm willing to converse.
To be honest, that feels so wrong to me.
How am I suppose to ignore my little girl's smiles and coos? Does my Heavenly Father ignore me when I need him in the night? Certainly not! He delights in His daughter and comforts and feeds me whenever I ask. How sad it would be if I cried out to Him and was met with indifference.
So, While it lasts (I know it won't be forever) I will cherish our 4am heart to hearts. I will give her what she needs even if it is inconvenient for me.
And, when she is filled I will lay her down in peace, stroke her hair, and whisper in her ear how much I love her.
I don't care what the books say!!

This Season of My Heart

2008-02-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

Heavenly Father, You are so good to me. You have given me full days of challenging moments. This season places great responsibility on me, and I thank You that You find me worthy of this work. Keep me mindful of my talents You have blessed me with and how to use them during this time.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

Seasons come and go but while I'm in them they can seem intense. Sitting down to a meal with Jay without interruption rarely happens. Sitting down at all for that matter rarely happens except to nurse. I go to bed tired and wake up tired. I have great plans for the day that fade away by noon. These days are so full.

Yet I thank you for the fullness. Thank you that you know my struggles and my weaknesses. You know when I feel like I can't take another minute (like this morning when both kids were crying for me and I felt so streched)

What a blessed place to be.

When I feel like I can not do it anymore it gives You a chance to help me. It opens the door for the Holy Spirit to lead instead of mommy. Help me to be a wise mother and yield it all up to You.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9

One More Day

2008-02-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

To my children . . . . .
Just for this morning . . . . .
I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning . . . . .
I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning . . . . .
I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning . . . . .
I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon . . . . .
I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon . . . . .
I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon . . . . .
I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon . . . . .
I will take us to Mc Donald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening . . . . .
I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening . . . . .
I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening . . . . .
I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening . . . . .
I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening . . . .
When I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children,
the mothers and fathers who are visiting
their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms
watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.

It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day .............

This is my Prayer

2008-02-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

Heavenly Father

Cause Cliodhna to delight in you, and give her the desires of her heart. Let her commit her way to you, trusting in you as you make her righteousness shine like the dawn. (Psalm 37:4-5)

Do immeasurably more in Cliodhna's life than all we could ever ask or imagine, according to your power that is at work within her. Glorify yourself through her life, and for generations to come. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

What should they know???

2008-02-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

Childhood shouldn't be a race.

So here, I offer my list of what a four year old should know.

1. She should know that she is loved wholly and unconditionally, all of the time.
2. He should know that he is safe and he should know how to keep himself safe in public, with others, and in varied situations. He should know that he can trust his instincts about people and that he never has to do something that doesn't feel right, no matter who is asking. He should know his personal rights and that his family will back them up.
3. She should know how to laugh, act silly, be goofy and use her imagination. She should know that it is always okay to paint the sky orange and give cats 6 legs.
4. He should know his own interests and be encouraged to follow them. If he could care less about learning his numbers, his parents should realize he'll learn them accidentally soon enough and let him immerse himself instead in rocket ships, drawing, dinosaurs or playing in the mud.
5. She should know that the world is magical and that so is she. She should know that she's wonderful, brilliant, creative, compassionate and marvelous. She should know that it's just as worthy to spend the day outside making daisy chains, mud pies and fairy houses as it is to practice phonics. Scratch that-- way more worthy.
But more important, here's what parents need to know.
1. That every child learns to walk, talk, read and do algebra at his own pace and that it will have no bearing on how well he walks, talks, reads or does algebra.
2. That the single biggest predictor of high academic achievement and high ACT scores is reading to children. Not flash cards, not workbooks, not fancy preschools, not blinking toys or computers, but mom or dad taking the time every day or night (or both!) to sit and read them wonderful books.
3. That being the smartest or most accomplished kid in class has never had any bearing on being the happiest. We are so caught up in trying to give our children "advantages" that we're giving them lives as multi-tasked and stressful as ours. One of the biggest advantages we can give our children is a simple, carefree childhood.
4. That our children deserve to be surrounded by books, nature, art supplies and the freedom to explore them. Most of us could get rid of 90% of our children's toys and they wouldn't be missed, but some things are important-- building toys like legos and blocks, creative toys like all types of art materials (good stuff), musical instruments (real ones and multicultural ones), dress up clothes and books, books, books. (Incidentally, much of this can be picked up quite cheaply at thrift shops.) They need to have the freedom to explore with these things too-- to play with scoops of dried beans in the high chair (supervised, of course), to knead bread and make messes, to use paint and play dough and glitter at the kitchen table while we make supper even though it gets everywhere, to have a spot in the yard where it's absolutely fine to dig up all the grass and make a mud pit.
5. That our children need more of us. We have become so good at saying that we need to take care of ourselves that some of us have used it as an excuse to have the rest of the world take care of our kids. Yes, we all need undisturbed baths, time with friends, sanity breaks and an occasional life outside of parenthood. But we live in a time when parenting magazines recommend trying to commit to 10 minutes a day with each child and scheduling one Saturday a month as family day. That's not okay! Our children don't need Nintendos, computers, after school activities, ballet lessons, play groups and soccer practice nearly as much as they need US.
They need fathers who sit and listen to their days, mothers who join in and make crafts with them, parents who take the time to read them stories and act like idiots with them. They need us to take walks with them and not mind the .1 MPH pace of a toddler on a spring night. They deserve to help us make supper even though it takes twice as long and
makes it twice as much work. They deserve to know that they're a priority for us and that we truly love to be with them.

" Mama will you play with me?"

2008-02-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

I am sad to confess that I have learned to tune out some requests from Kai on days when I'm overwhelmed with all that needs to be done. Today I

needed to cross off things on existing lists and write new ones. All the while I had little footsteps behind me asking me to play and an infant on my hip. " Mama's busy right now!!" I even got him in on the task by making him tidy things to earn time with me. " If you pick up all the toys on the floor mama will read you a story" Then I cringed when he picked out the longest story ever-Thanks Max Lucado!!! So there I was trying to skip words(okay, pages) and making a mental checklist of what I was going to do the rest of the morning.
SAD!
The thing that made me stop in my tracks and tack a step back was when he was looking out the window at a teen girl that was walking her dog and calling out to her " My Girl come and play with me" When she didn't answer he was brought to tears that he needed his friend (who he doesn't even know) to come to his house and "love Malachi" Yes!!! he actually said that!

Dear Lord, I want my children to remember me as being a fun mom. I know I'm not naturally that way. I wake up with all the tasks I need to accomplish first in my mind. Please declutter that fluff. Help me to realize that footprints on the kitchen floor does not need immediate attention. My attention belongs to my little treasures You have entrusted to me. Help me to be balanced in my work and play and not become absorbed by the work around me.I don't want to raise children who become workaholics,but adults who understand balance and have it in their lives.Help me to be lighthearted and smile more. Help me to take time to get on the floor roll around and laugh myself silly with my children.If all I get done today is to bring joy to their lives I have done my job. Oh Lord, bring out my inner child and let her play with Kai.

Lambs

2008-01-31T08:22:00.000-08:00

You promise to tend your flock like a shepherd. Gather Cliodhna and Malachi like lambs in your arms and carry them close to your heart.

And, just as you promise to gently lead those that have young, teach us, as parents, how to lead and guide and care for them.

Isaiah40:11

Content

2007-12-27T17:24:00.000-08:00

This new year I am so blessed to be on the other side of a trying 2 and a half years. A year and a half of fertility problems followed by a very draining pregnancy has left me so content with just normal every day life as it is now. I have seen God's faithfulness over these years and have learned to trust that He has great plans for my life.

God expressed love to me by giving me a husband who was, and is my rock. He was a one man show over these years and I cannot begin to explain how amazing he has been. When I was down he whispered in my ear "Trust God" When I was sick he took care of me and told me I was beautiful. When I thought I could not make it another day he reminded me he was running this marathon with me and we could do it.

As we celebrate ten years of marriage I am left pondering what I did to deserve such a loving man and father to my children.

I am left thankful, I am left peaceful, and I'm left simply content.

Cliodhna Brooke

2007-12-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

The long awaited special gift from God!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2007-12-27T17:02:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful that Kai is excited about celebrating Jesus Birthday at Christmas it is a wonderful tradition I hope gets passed along to his family oneday.

Thankful

2007-10-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

My heart is full this Thanksgiving day. I woke up to the sound of a little man calling for his mama. I rolled over to see the man I fell inlove with 12 years ago beside me. I felt a good morning kick from my little girl.How could I not be thankful??
As I reflect on the past year I am taken back to last October when I was sick from the side effects of the fertility drugs,and broken hearted that my dream of another child may never be. It would have been so much easier to have faith that God had it all under control than to spend so much time in doubt,pity,and sadness.
This day I'm four weeks away from meeting my little girl. It is interesting how quickly I went from pleading for another child to complaining about all the aches,pains, and struggles it has been to go through this pregnancy. It has not been easy but I need to be thankful. I need to be thankful for the reason it has been so hard.I need to be thankful that there have been people to help me.I need to be thankful that I have made it this far. I need to even be thankful for the 35 pounds I have gained!

Thank you God for all my blessings even the ones that are packaged in
pain.

Sick, Thick, and Pregnant!

2007-05-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

It has taken me forever to post about this as I keep praying I will feel well enough to share the miraculous story with you. Alas, I can barely form a sentence.I promise to do the story justice when I can. For now, basic info is that we got pregnant off the fertility drugs.. to be continued.

Stay Tuned

2007-03-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

I am just popping in to say I will be back after Easter with much to share with you. I know how annoying it is when you keep checking a blog each day to see if they have updated only to waste your time. So now you know! Come back after Easter and I will be glad to get you all caught up.

Happy 3rd!

2007-03-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Malachi you are three!!! It seems like we having been looking forward to this age forever and at the same time it came so quickly! I have big plans for three, yes sir I do! Three means putting the finishing touches on potty training, formal home schooling, better eating, riding a bike, interacting with other kids more, independence and most of all REASONING!!!! You finally understand consequences. You finally understand cause and effect.I wasn’t sure this would ever come, but I hoped oh boy did I hope!! So little Kai, grab your boots because we are going into uncharted waters this year!
Can I tell you something??? I also have plans this year to picnic in the yard, build a swing set, go to the zoo, bake together, get messy together, laugh together, and explore God’s wonderful playground. Malachi these are plans mommy has for you this year but do you know what?? The most exciting plans are the ones God has for you this year. God has already answered my prayers that you would have a tender heart towards Jesus and His word. I never imagined He would grant that prayer and then some. You are so thirsty for Bible stories and scripture. I get hoarse from constantly telling you about King Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, Jonah, Solomon, Samuel, Mary, Noah, Elijah, Adam and Eve (who you call Adam and Jeannine) and all the other characters of the Bible. Your Daddy and I were amazed one day to hear you quote scriptures and their references. I truly believe that God has big plans for you Malachi, not only this year but for all your years. My prayer is that I will foster this passion in you and have wisdom to guide you on the path He wants you to be on. Happy Birthday my messenger of God!

I Can Not Keep This a Secret.

2007-02-21T16:31:00.000-08:00

I have just finished reading The Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge. It was amazing!! I can't count now how many times I have dropped it in conversations. It is one of my all time favorite books now. In a nutshell it helps you dig deeper and personalize your relationship with God. I was deeply motivated by it to really connect with God during my devotional time. I don't want to give too much a way but I urge you to read it- You will reap the benefits!
And now that I recommended a favorite to you do you have one to recommend to me??? What are some of your all time favorite Christian books?

Finally!!

2007-02-21T11:12:00.000-08:00

Finally we are all much better and can get outside to enjoy the snow! This was the first snowman we have ever built as a family and it was great fun.

Kai is great at delegating tasks (hmmm, I wonder where he gets that from)

HE Wept.

2007-02-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

He Wept.
Have you ever thought about that? Jesus wept. In the midst of his heartache, in the midst of his impending death. He wept. He cried out visibly to his Father, praying that the cup would be taken from his hand.
When our children are hurting, scared or tired, they weep. We wrap our arms around them and tell them that it is okay, that it will get better, that they are loved. We rush to their sides, and attend to their needs, because thats what mothers do. After all, these are our babies.
Yet, when we, as moms, wives and women hurt, we hold it in. We tell ourselves that we must push those emotions aside, because after all we are moms, wives and women. We hold back the tears and put one foot in front of the other, day after day. When something in our lives touches us in a painful way, we feel as if we cannot, or should not show that emotion. We are under the impression that strength is equal to control.
It is not.
One of the most amazing scriptures in the bible ironically is the shortest. Jesus Wept. He knew he had no control over what was about to happen to him. He cried out to His Father, like your child cries out to you.
Its okay for you to cry out to your father. Its okay for you lay flat on the floor when the world seems to be too heavy and weep. I learned long ago, sitting in my living room while Emma waited for her second chance at life in a hospital miles away, that God is not only big enough to handle my anger, He loves me enough to handle my anger.
Im fearfully and wonderfully made.
That includes my anger, my hurt, my selfishness, my pride. That includes my faults, each and every one of them.
Dont assume that because you dont share your heart, He doesnt already know the intimate details it contains.

I found this on another blog and wanted to share it.I would link but I'm still not that savy!

It Gets Easier

2007-02-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

This is a post that spoke to me and I thought I should share it with you so that you may also be encouraged.

It Gets Easier
My first two babies were born 17 months apart.

One morning, when Adam was one and a half and Stephen was a newborn, I was leaving ladies' Bible study after having picked them up at the nursery. In my left arm was Stephen and his 14-ton baby carrier, two diaper bags and a tote bag. In my right arm were my car keys, three coats and the pudgy hand of little Adam. Just as we exited the building, Adam exploded into a tantrum over something--I can't remember what--and I carried all 25 pounds of screaming boy, dangling from my right hand, his feet refusing to touch the ground. A woman saw me struggling, and with sympathy in her eyes said, "It gets easier."

I went to my car and cried.

Fast forward a few years. Adam had just turned four, Stephen was two and a half, and Joseph was a newborn. It was the end of the day, just before Hubs was supposed to return home. Things had fallen apart. All three of them needed me at once, and all three of them were crying. I sat on the couch, rocking the baby back and forth, a preschooler weeping on each shoulder, and I felt more overpoweringly inadequate than I'd ever felt in my life. I can't do this, I thought, as I focused, quite simply, on breathing in and out. In and out.

Surely, I thought, it must get easier.

This time, I was too spent even to cry.

Those moments, and hundreds more like them, are seared into my heart. As much as I treasured parenting my little pack of preschoolers, the overpowering exhaustion and mental drain that comes from that season of life nearly did me in more than once. I look back on those recent years, and I wish I could give the "me back then" a whisper of encouragement from the "me today".

It gets easier, I'd whisper to my bleary-eyed self. They sleep and they reason and they take charge of their own bodily fluids. They make you laugh and they feed the dog and they remember where you put the car keys. They become functioning, delightful little people who can read the notes you leave them. It gets easier. It really does.

Since I can't go back in time to share it with "me back then", let me happily share it with you moms of little ones. You know who you are. I pop in on your blog sometimes and see that precious, frantic season of life you're in. You're sitting there at the computer, right now, and you may have crusty spit up in your hair. You may have assembled 364 miles of Thomas the Tank Engine track today. You may have sung the Dora the Explorer theme song until your head is ready to explode. You have little ones, really little ones, and they need you so very much. And, oh my friend, I know you're tired.

So yes, I tell you, it really does get easier. Sure, you inherit a different set of parenting challenges as they age, but at least everyone can cut his own meat. You will get through this time.

And if that's not encouragement enough for you, let me share with you something a friend shared with me during a particularly trying episode of Young Mommy Fatigue. She e-mailed me the following verse (Isaiah 40:11):

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. [emphasis mine]

Never have I felt as loved as I felt the moment I first read those words. The God of the universe, the Master Creator, stopped in the middle of telling The Greatest Story Ever Told for just a brief moment to whisper, "Moms, I know it's hard. But I will lead you. And I will lead you gently."

As I read it, I laughed and cried altogether, speechless with thanks at a God who could express such specific tenderness to His creation. I wasn't alone.

And neither are you, moms of those precious little ones. You may be up to your ankles in pureed carrots, but many, many of us have gone before and lived to laugh about it, urged on by the gentlest Shepherd. Take all our word for it. It gets easier. And it gets good.

-Shannon

Birthday Card for Shane

2007-02-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

Here is an easy way to show some love for a little guy who is fighting leukemia.
His wish is to get birthday cards from all over the world and enough to get his name remembered forever in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Come on, How can you say No??
Spread the word on your blogs!! Lets make his wish come true!!

Cranium

2007-01-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

I just had to let you all know that this game is a great one for the little ones.
It says for ages 4 and up but Kai got it for Christmas and has no problem with it at 2.9years. He loves it so much and it is great for this season when you can't always get out for some activite play. If your little one knows their basic colours, shapes, and animals this will be a hit in your house too!
Hullabaloo!!!

Pros: More than one player can win
Adaptable to many age levels
Can play it alone!!! He's playing it right now!!
Affordable!

This Journey

2007-01-17T18:32:00.000-08:00

Quite often I wait to write when I have fully worked through something and can relay the wisdom I have gained on the other side. I may not tell anyone at all that I had moments of doubt because when God works things out in the end I will then look stupid, and well, who like to look stupid? See, if I was to write in the middle of the journey that would show weakness. I would have to admit that along the way I have had days where I felt depressed, anxious, hopeless, jealous, and angry. I would have to admit to myself as I write, that those days I was less of a wife, mother, friend, and daughter of God than I should have been. I would have to be transparent, and that my friends is scary.

I have many scriptures I cling to when I feel down. Quotes run through my head like “ If I had all the answers there would be no room for Faith” and “ If life was perfect with no trials to face then how would we be thankful for the times Jesus carried us and lifted us out of the slimy pit??” You must know pain to truly know what peace is.
I know these things in my head and they make sense but some days there is a debate between my head and my heart. I have come a long way over the last few months but if I’m honest, I know I have not fully embraced the thought that what will be, will be.
I have always love Jer.29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you declares the lord…plans to give you a hope and a future” Why do I constantly think my plans are better??? Why do I try so hard to take control? Why do I give it to Jesus during prayer and then tuck it back under my arm as soon I open my eyes?
Maybe if I share it now, God will use it to minister to someone, somehow.
This is my journey…
My husband and I conceived our son (now almost three) naturally and quickly.
I probably drove Jay and all my friends crazy constantly listing the Pro and Cons of when to have baby #2. I laugh now because back then I thought I could even plan the season he/she would be born in. I am a planner, so I decided another spring baby would work well for possible hand me down clothes and future home schooling years.
When we finally decided the time was right to start trying I can honestly say I did not give it a second thought that we may not conceive as planned or even at all. Around this time I had some hormone imbalance problems and fell quite ill. While waiting to see specialists for months I was put through many tests by my GP. I wanted to know what was wrong with me so we could get back on track with our family plan. The next blow was going to a specialist and him telling me that I am now infertile. He put me on fertility drugs that were sure to do the trick, after all, I had Malachi without any assistance. I was certain that I would take these drugs and fall pregnant within the first three months. I prepared myself that I may not get pregnant right away but for sure the drugs would get me ovulating again. You can imagine my surprise when neither happened. The Doctor handed me more meds and told me he thinks I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I would now have to take medication that patients with type 2 diabetes take and double my fertility drugs. All of these have terrible side effects most of all that of hopelessness.
I will continue updating this journey just so if for no other reason I will be able to look back and see how much I have grown.
Thank you for your prayers,

I found a post today over at a new friends blog that really gave me hope! I actually don't know how to do links or I would link to it.

I love God moments in blogland!!!

Always Learning!

2007-01-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

We are always learning here at Oak Hills Academy Homeschool.

We finally got a chance to use the snow donut Grammy and Papa gave Kai for Christmas!!
We learned a few things tonight.
1. A bunny hill that appears small can be deceiving!!

2. We learned Mama can run fast and is capable of football like tackles!When your two year old goes down a hill all by himself for the first time and then spins around, picks up speed, and heads for a forest of trees you run like Forrest Gump!

3. We learned that we needed to have the movie camera going to capture my out of character quotes.
“ Wee! Look at you big boy! Jay, this is the perfect hill for him… (wind picks up) Oh no!! #$%^&!*, $^%&**!! (Running like mad, dive!) OOOOUCH! I screwed up my hip!!”

4. Jay learned that a wood pile with branches sticking out is probably not the ideal spot to line up his toboggan with.

5. Jay learned branches sticking out of a wood pile will cut through 3 layers of clothes and leave him limping.

6. We (Jay and Karen) learned we are getting old.

So much to learn so little time!!

More Than Enough

2007-01-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

I went to bed last night feeling kinda down. I had just congratulated my ninth friend on a pregnancy this year, and while I am so pleased to hear about each new life I must admit it brings out the melancholy in me. It probably didn't help that I chose to watch Steele Magnolias. The part at the grave when the mother screams about how she is fine and she could run to Texas and back but her daughter (who died) can't, and never could, always gets me.I drifted off to sleep with tears running down my cheeks and feeling quite sorry for myself.
I woke up this morning to puffy eyes. I'm one of the blessed who cries one night and has to wear the evidence the entire next day.
But I woke up with a new outlook (for at least today) I looked at my little Malachi who is not so little anymore, and I felt thankful. I now realize that he was a bigger miracle than any of us knew at the time. I now don't take for granted that it was so easy to get pregnant. I now know that my body may not be able to ever conceive again and for the first time this morning, looking at my sweet boy, I can say that I'm okay if that is my cup. He is more than enough.

"Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have
And ever hope to be

All of my ambitions, hopes, and plans
I place them into your hands

For it's only in Your will that I am free
For it's only inYour will that I am free"

ARRRR!!

2007-01-07T07:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, so he clearly has t' work on his pirate face. I told him not t' smile but this be t' best he could do. Funny, I have seen some mighty scary faces when it comes t' tryin' t' get him t' eat his veggies!

Snow Blind

2006-12-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

I have heard models say that it isn't an easy profession. The constant pressure to look cute and pose all day long under all sorts of environmental conditions is extremely taxing. I think Kai would wholeheartedly agree.

Me: smile Kai!

Kai:I'm trying! There is a big snowflake on my eyelash!!

Me: You were born too adorable. Suck it up and embrace your cup!!

Kai: I can't work under these conditions! It is simply not professional!!

Me: Yes!! The money shot!!! That's a wrap!!

Oh How The Years Go By!

2006-12-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

Nine years ago a couple of kids said "I do"
They snatched an apartment they could pay for with school loans, threw a futon mattress on the floor and called it home.
I remember not caring about the details of the wedding or that we didn't have a cent to our names, I just wanted to be married to Jason.
We encouraged eachother through years of schooling, a heap of junk we called our first car, and working extra jobs all the while to survive. We in many ways grew up together over those years.
Through the years Jay has kept me laughing,smiling, feeling like a princess and thanking God for the blessing of having this man in my life. The things I fell in love with him for remain constant and new treasures have emerged. I am so proud of who he is as a husband, father, provider, and man of God.
He has worked so hard for our family and because of that, we have a beautiful home with many things to enjoy in our possession. While I appreciate how far we have come from that futon and garbage bag shower curtain I can say with certainty that I really don't care about the details, I just want to be married to Jason!

These were the vows I wrote and memorized that day nine years ago. I recite them every year for him to keep them fresh in my mind.

Jason,tonight I stand before you, God, and all who are present and offer you myself.
I promise to see your strengths when others reflect on your weaknesses.
I promise to encourage you to be the man that God would have you to be.
I promise to believe in you when others are in doubt
I promise to respect you, even when respect isn't due.
I promise to forgive you Jason, just as Christ forgives me.
I promise to smile at you when others are frowning
I promise to laugh with you when you need a friend
and to offer a listening ear and an open heart when you need to be heard.
I promise to be honest with you and hold you accountable to God and our family unit.
I promise to share with you my heart, my hurts, my hopes and my dreams.
Jason, today I offer to you someone who is not perfect but someone who loves you, someone who wants to be your wife.
I promise to keep all that I have vowed to you this day.
Be on the hilltops, or in the valleys
Through the joys, and through the strife
With the help and grace of God
I'll keep these vows for life.

Twist and Shout

2006-12-19T07:56:00.000-08:00

So today I was in the process of organizing the games section of our new shelving unit (seen in back) when Kai found the Twister game. I think the last time I played this was youth group a few (or more) years back. We decided to give it a try and to my surprise Kai was totally into it. We had a blast! It is a good thing that I just found out we are covered for massage therapy and will be starting to go regularly in the new year.

A Little Extra

2006-12-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

For those of you who were asking to see more pics of my house click on archives July and there is a little tour there.
Here is the requested pic of the rec room for ya.

The black and white wall art is actually collages that Jay makes they are really well done.

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Tour

2006-12-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hey come on in! Here is a little peek of what our house looks like at this time of year. You will notice the bright colours in our recroom that match our tree and stockings. I have always done a more elegant tree with flowers, glass icicles, and beautiful ribbons but now that I have a two year old I decided to put the tree in a place he could enjoy it and find bright ornaments that are not so precious he can't touch them.
The wreath on my front door was made by my mother who is really the Christmas decorating queen. People visit her home and awe at her majestic tree.

Upstairs we have less drama with the blue and white colour scheme. I love the little feather tree I found this year.The floating shelf display had more presents on it but Jay kept asking me if I bought him this or that and then gave me a lengthy reason why he needed it early. The vases are to filled with fresh roses but I didn't have my act together to get a pic of that. Maybe next year!

Merry Christmas!!!

Organized Play

2006-12-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

Here are some ideas of what works for me in Kai's playroom.
First there is a wooden hatrack that you can make with a piece of wood and some hooks. I painted it and then found some rubber boots to store art materials in. It is great having the paint, paintbrush, and paper all right beside the easel.
Behind the easel is another hook with a raincoat on it (keeping with my theme) that kai uses as a paint smock. The key is to use either old rubber boots or buy ones they can grow into. Kai will get use out of these items (well not the pink boots but a girl has to have a little pink in her life) so they serve a dual purpose.

The clothesline keeps with the theme and was purchased at a dollar store along with the colourful clips. I simply drilled one hook at each end of the wall to hang it. It can be used to display/dry artwork, theme decorate as in the little presents I have on it, or like shown in the pictures used as a learning centre.
The t-shirts can be purchased or made out of coloured paper. The key here is to laminate them so you can write on them with erasable markers. You can do scripture, math, letters, words, music symbols, or whatever you are trying to teach your child at that time

Merry Mouse Kisses

2006-12-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

I have this thing about mice, I would rather find a snake in my house than a mouse. That being said,I just had to live out in the country where there are creatures of all kinds roaming in our yard. I know there are tons of mice because since we moved here 5 years ago Jay has trapped over 100 in the garage, he likes to think of himself something of an expert on the whole topic. So, one night this past week Jay was setting traps in the garage for mice and found a little guy who had made a nest out of some pink tissue paper I had in there. There is a TV in the garage ( Jay's obsession not mine) so maybe the little rodent was watching Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and heard that pink is the new black for men. Jay being male and having a son naturally thought Kai would love to see the mouse and brought it inside in a fishbowl. I thought the whole point of the traps were to keep them out of the house bowl or not! Sorry, For those of you who are just skimming this entry and not reading it word for word let me briefly recap for you... Me- I have a thing about mice = JAY BROUGHT ONE INSIDE!
Okay now that you are with me on this lets take a look at the picture of the day.

You will notice my sweet baby boy is so taken with this nasty little thing that he is giving it kisses!! It was at that moment I realized this is just the beginning of the male domination in this house. There will be many the gross, smelly, dirty, and rude things to come that will just tickle my little boy's fancy. And, if we are honest, still thrills Jay to this day!

So Yucky Mama!!

2006-12-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Looking back I should have known better. You know when you say something and as soon as it leaves your lips you think to yourself Uh oh, now I'm going to be proved wrong.
After having a violent flu for four days I was chatting on the phone and casually said " It is so weird that Kai did not get this if it is the flu" I climbed into bed that night glad to not be hugging the toilet bowl. This was the night I was going to get much needed sleep. Then I heard it... Kai was crying and choking. I burst into his room to find him covered in french fries. His eyes were full of fear because he has never had the flu before and he had one little hand cupped over his mouth trying to keep it in. In the glow of a nightlight I could see every surface was covered.
Welcome to real motherhood I thought to myself. My stomach was still queasy from being ill myself now I was stripping down a child who smelled of not baby puke, but full on puke that comes from your very core (you know the kind) I carried him to the tub and along the way he splattered the walls and hall floor. After a good soak he looked up at me and said " So yucky Mama!" He actually seemed okay in the bath so I tricked myself into believing it would just be that one mess. We would get out, swiffer wet, put on dry jammies, and snuggle in bed together. I know, I know, I am a total novice at this mothering thing! As soon as he got snuggled in and the lights went out he sat up and let it fly again! This is the second bed and second pair of jammies (for both of us) to be stripped. Needless to say the night was long. Kai threw up every 15 mins. In between I would throw laundry in (a total of 5 loads that night) and wash the puke from my neck, back, hair, and toes! He was too upset to master how to use a bucket or toilet so I ended up throwing a towel over my shoulder and holding him. When the towel and my back were totally drenched I would exchange it for a new one. Nothing is worse than hearing your little one heave with nothing left to give. Did I say that night was long!!
Little did I know it would last another two days!!
But with every storm comes the calm after the storm. Today he is much better and we awoke to the first snowfall of the year. Kai took a morning stroll and played until he was all tuckered out. These are the moments that make my heart smile.
UPDATE: Kai woke up at 5:00 am Wednesday morning covered in puke again!! It is like the first day all over again!! 5 nights and 6 days of this flu is a little much! Just when I thought he was better yesterday.

Kai In The Hat

2006-11-25T11:31:00.000-08:00

Quick post to show you Kai in his red jammies and his Cat In The Hat garb.
Why are little ones so cute and sweet looking once out of the bath with their jammies on?? I think it is so your frustrations from the day melt away as you tuck them in, and prepare yourself for another day.

PG

2006-11-20T07:57:00.000-08:00

Well we have it!! We officially have not only pictures but a video to hold over Kai's head for years to come. You know the kind, they usually surface when the girlfriend comes to meet the parents, or at weddings on big screen.
Last night we went over to Kai's friend Allison's house. Her mom was giving her a bath before bedtime and I was in the bathroom yacking it up with her. Kai wandered in and before we even noticed it he was stripped and insisting he was going in too.
If you know Kai this is also funny because he does not like little kids being close to him very much. When Allison tries to hug him he near falls apart. He spends much of their playdates running away from her. But with the allure of bubbles he decided she wasn't so scary to get naked and go for a dip with!!
We mama's were yelling to the guys to grab the cameras and capture this Parental Guidance moment. I'm sure this will come in handy one day.

So This is Christmas

2006-11-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know we are still in November but I am a planner so last night I went ahead and started to put up the Christmas tree and house decorations. This is no easy task as it involves moving furniture, hauling boxes, and taking an hour to shape each branch of our artificial tree. Jay thinks my OCD (husband diagnosed) really shines when I start to put up the lights. There are five strands and they are so wrapped up in the tree that I already dread taking them down again. I will not stand for cord showing so I end up under the tree maneuvering each branch until they are just perfect. I of course chose the worst time to do this during the finale of LOST (what is up with that anyway??)
If you are wondering yes, my mother passed on this cord phobia and I plan to pass it to my chilin! Some quirks are justifiable.
Okay, so you don't think I'm totally crazy I partially started to decorate now because I am feeling well right now and want to do things while I still have energy. I won't go into detail about this here but if you don't know what I mean you can email me and ask.
I am so excited this year to start new traditions like making gingerbread people, have a party for Jesus, do an Advent calendar, read the Christmas story, and do a Jesse tree. Kai is at the perfect age now to enjoy things and I plan to make the most of it.
The Advent calendar I bought is so cute it is wooden with a magnetic nativity scene in the center. Each day you open up a numbered box and see what figure of the scene is there to add. On day 25 you add the baby Jesus and your scene is complete! Kai will love it.

What holiday traditions do you do with your family???

Chicken Costume Take Two! (what? it still fit!)

2006-11-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

Kai had a great time going from house to house looking for the next glowing pumpkin.
We were uncertain of how he would do but to our surprise he said "trick or treat" and even identified each person by name. His favorite part was going into the houses and searching around for any pets they have.
He really didn't get excited about the candy because he doesn't eat it yet (I'm sure this will be the last year I will get away with that!) but he did find it fun to have children come to our door (all two of them!!) This morning he put on his boots and knocked on the front door exclaiming "Trick or treat!!" over and over again. I think he now thinks that is a magic word to open doors.
Jay carved the Elmo pumpkin for Kai and it was a big hit. Didn't you know Jay has a touch of Martha in him? He is oh so crafty!! When I taught he carved pumpkins like Scooby-Doo, Comedy and tragedy, and Winnie the Pooh. He actually wanted to do the lead singer oh The Doors (uhm, Jim Morrison??) but I thought Kai probably would not recognize him as much as Elmo. Next year however may be another story all together if Jay has anything to do with it.

The pics link is not working so I will add them later-rats!

A Strong Young Tree

2006-10-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

I saw a tree in the countryside one day as I walked along.
Straight as an arrow and pointing to the sky growing tall and strong.
"How do you grow so big and strong?" I said to the countryside tree.
This is the song my tree friend sang to me:

I've got roots growing down to the water,
I've got leaves growing up to the sunshine,
and the fruit that I bear is a sign of the life in me.
I am shade from the hot summer sundown.
I am nest for the birds of the heavens.
I'm becoming what the Lord of trees has meant me to be:
A strong young tree.

Kai, It seems like a blink ago you were being planted by God in our family and forever in our hearts.You are growing everyday (too fast for mommy) but exactly as God intended you to.
I'm looking forward to seeing the fruit of God working in your life.
I pray that you will drink up the word of God so you will be rooted in your faith. With these roots you will be able to weather the storms, and continue to grow despite them. You may get physically uprooted and replanted in other locations during your life, but if you contine to feed from the hand of God you will be able to grow on any soil you are planted in.
I pray that you will cast your eyes to the heavens and let the SON shine on you and through you.

I pray God will reap a bountiful harvest in your life. A harvest that will feed others, and that will be a reflection of the farmer who so carefully planned, planted, and tended to you.

Galations 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Love is the everlasting fruit that will not fade away. To bear fruit we must abide in God's love-to stay alert to His love for us, to dwell in His love by loving others, and to endure testing by responding to trials with love.

I love you my strong young tree,
Mama

Eye To The SKy

2006-10-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

This beautiful Thanksgiving morning we read Liz Curtis Higg's The Pumpkin Patch Parable. We learned that just like the farmer clears out all the mess from inside the pumpkin, so our Heavenly Father clears out the guck in our lives so He can shine through.
We decided to go to the Apple orchard where we could go on a hayride and explore all the fields of harvest. It was a Veggie Tales delight!Kai enjoyed driving the tractor, jumping in the hay,and picking the apples.

The farmer told us fun facts like that one apple tree produces 1500 apples and when you pick an apple you don't just tug on it you twist the "EYE TO THE SKY" and it will do the work for you.

Quiz: Do you know what Plum sauce is made from????

This was our theme song for the day-tune Twinkle Twinkle

Apple Apple on the tree, I know that you're good for me
You are fun to munch and crunch
For a snack, and for my lunch
Apple apple on the tree I know that you're good for me!

Apple Apple way up high
I can reach you if I try
Climb a ladder hold on tight
Pick a ripe one, take a bite!
Apple, apple way up high
I can reach you if I try.

4 8 15 16 23 42

2006-10-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here is our tribute to Lost in our own backyard.

'I am hiking alone because mom and dad are "caught in a net"'

I'm an ordinary kid, meat and potatoes, I live in the real world. I'm not a big believer in magic. But this place is different. It's special. The others don't want to talk about it because it scares them. But we all know it. We all feel it. . . . I've looked into the eye of this island. And what I saw was beautiful.

WFMW

2006-10-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

Okay so this one may seem like I'm parenting Jay along with Kai but hey it works for me!

When I have a list of cleaning to get done that I want Jay to help me with I set the list out on the kitchen table with a pen beside it. To avoid assigning jobs and making him feel like I'm telling him what to do, I simply let him know it is there and suggest he go first and sign his name beside the five (or whatever number) chores he is willing to do. He gets to feel like he has made the choices, and I get help on my list! It is a win/win situation.

Next tip to getting help is to let them have the whole day to get the jobs done. He can manage his time however he wants as long at the end of the day the list is complete.

Set the list out early if you need it done by a certain time.

Choices and Time-It's a good thing!

WFMW Classic

2006-10-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Leave it to me to add my first WFMW when others are pulling out their classics.

I have a few that make my life easier...

1. Cleaning the microwave- When you get hard food in there and didn't get at it right away just put a bowl of water in there and let it cook for 5mins. then let stand for two.
When you open it up the steam will have loosened all the food and you can wipe away the mess with a paper towel-no fuss!

2. I use a cheap see through shower curtain in the bathroom where Kai takes his baths. I pull it across so I can watch him while he splashes to his hearts content and nothing gets on the floor.

3. Burt offerings- put your dish in the sink full of hot water and a few used dryer fabric softener sheets. Soak overnight and in the morning rinse and wash.

4. Kai is in the potty training stages so we bought a simple air matress for 30.00 and are using that for his matress until he gets the hang of this stage. If he wets the bed I don't have to drag the matress outside to deal with a huge mess. See my post Muffins Anyone???

5. When Kai has a playdate to help the child make the transition to leave (and help the mother get him/her in the van) I have a basket of dollar store goodies that the child gets to choose from as a thanks for coming to play and a distraction on the way out the door.

Delta, Delta , Delta!

2006-09-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

Here is Kai Checking in at the Delta Chelsea this week. Children have their own check-in station and get a room key, bag of toys, and essentials, we were there the same time as the murders took place!! They were one floor above us-lovely.

Relaxing and checking his cell phone in our room. Any lady babies call???

The Hotel has a children's creative centre where Kai did crafts,took care of animals, and played every day. Here he is in the ball pit! This is the morning after the murders upstairs. Funny how life just goes on.

Boys in the games room. I don't allow toy guns at all in the house but here is Daddy and Kai playing Steel Gunner- how sweet!

The family pool was Kai's all time favorite hang out. It has an indoor corkscrew waterslide. If it was up to Kai we would live in the pool. Jay refused to take him in alone again because Kai gets so wild you can't hang on to him. He showed me all his battle scars (scratches) on his tummy to support his refusal. Funny, I take Kai in alone all day and you don't hear me complaining.

This story is much more fun to tell in person but for those of you who don't have the luxury of hearing my impression and viewing my snapping fingers this will have to do. So Kai and I were out on a lunch date and he was wearing his Gap slubby jeans, Black polo and a black jacket. His hair was adorned with spikes and just a hint of gel. Now I think he is so handsome but I am willing to take in the possibility that may have something to do with our blood line.
Anyway, We were standing in line when I heard some giggles and a high pitched "Oha, mya, Gu-osh!!! coming from the gentlemen (AHEM) behind us. When I turned around it was a frenzy of snaps and flying fingers. They went on to say that Kai was adorable, a little hottie, and my personal fav a stylin little dude!
Now I took this as a huge compliment because these guys were right off the pages of GQ. They looked airbrushed in person! I'm sure I've seen them in Style at Home Magazine. Anyway, I was delighted and entered into conversation about how it is hard to find black for two year olds and how it really is a shame because it makes his blue eyes pop.
I had to laugh on the way back to the hotel just thinking of how different things would have gone if Jay was there with us.

It's Time to Start Pulling Your Weight!

2006-09-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here is Kai doing 27lbs worth of work to pull his own weight around here.
How long do you thing he will actually enjoy doing this stuff??? Don't answer that!! I want to live in bliss a little longer. To be honest, it actually takes twice as long to accomplish the task with him helping but I like to think I am preparing him to be a top notch husband one day. Your welcome daughter in-law!!
Who needs a Molly Maid I have Molly Malachi!

Boot Camp

2006-08-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

Due to Kai's terrible two's stage I came up with a morning boot camp training to get the wiggles out and teach hard discipline. It is sugar coated with watching Cindy Crawford. Kai refers to her as Mama and I don't really think it is necessary to let on any different.
For Ab training you may notice good ol' Janet Jones Gretzky from the Firm workout videos. Notice all my workouts are ancient as is my motivation to do them.
As his trainer I have given up the privilege of participating myself to choreograph and operate the camera. This motherhood gig is so demanding!!

Okay, Okay so the real story is that every time I get motivated to get moving Kai yells "yeh! Exercise!!!" and mirrors my every move. Man! I wish our kids could pass up traits to us that we are lacking in don't you??

The treadmill run really does get some energy out. I stand on it and hold his hands and he runs his little behind off. Very rarely does he slide back and hit the wall-LOL!

Stirling Fair

2006-08-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

Here we are at Kai's first Fair. We had to go at night so he could get the full experience of the lights,music, and drunken teens stumbling about! I'm sure there were adults there shaking their heads at the irresponsible young (or I like to think so) parents that had their child out to 9:30!
We were not sure if he would go on rides by himself so we took him on the ones I could go on too. By far his favorite was the carousel horses. We sang Old MacDonald and waved at daddy with each rotation.
Daddy played a game with Balloons and darts and won Me (Karen) a zebra but Kai stole that off me.Kai played the duck pond game and won a cow. He was actually more upset that he couldn't keep the ducks he caught.

Love his face on the carousel!! He was annoyed that our song kept getting interrupted so Daddy could snap a pic. LOL!

Muffins Anyone?

2006-08-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Well it happened! Last night I had the great idea of putting Kai to bed in jus a T-shirt and his diaper because it was so hot. What a thoughtful Mama right?? More like what a naive Mama! This morning I went in to discover a little man who had removed his (loose stool) diaper and shoved it down the side of his bed. In the process it got on the walls, on the blankets, on the stuffies etc. There he was sitting on the floor with a dirty bottom happily playing farm. So what to do??? Pop him in the bath? Start at those stains ASAP??? Sit down and cry? (might have something to do with my friend visiting) Rub his nose in it??? (no wait that's a dog right?) FYI - all you pet lovers will be glad to know I don't own a dog!
What to do? What to do? Make muffins? Yes that seems like a logical thing to do while I multi-task cleaning the mattress and scrubbing stains with a tooth brush. I should make muffins!! Oatmeal muffins for breakfast would be lovely don't you think Kai?? Oh and while I'm in the kitchen I should unload the dishwasher and swiffer the floor. I mean honestly who can deal with pooh when there are crumbs on the kitchen floor?
What on earth was I doing???
I thought about taking pics but then settled for this one.

Kai noticed his blankie was taking a bath and he climbed in the dryer with wet clothes to take a rest- I guess he was pooped out!!!

Dear Addison

2006-08-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

http://www.inthemidstofit.blogspot.com/

Please join me in prayer today for a special little heart.