I posted this on Facebook. But in case there's someone out there who isn't on Facebook (which EVERYONE should be on Facebook!) or missed the big news, we have baby names!
Timothy Joel
or
AnneMarie Claire
We had a tough time picking the boy name. I wanted Joel Stephen. Curtis wanted Caleb Andrew. Since we couldn't agree, we picked a new name. Timothy was Curtis' idea, and I love it!! And I got to use Joel. Timothy means, "Honoring God".
AnneMarie was been our girl name choice with both the boys. Anne is part of my Mom's name (Maryanne) and it's also both my Grandma's middle name. Marie is Shannon's middle name, and it happens to be my great-grandma's middle name as well.
We'll find out if we're having a Timothy or an AnneMarie in less than a month, on October 8th! I think we're having a boy. Curtis thinks we're having a girl. Micah and Benjamin are guessing girl (most of the time). And Elizabeth says it's a boy or a girl. I'm telling you, that girl's a genius! Either way, we can't wait to find out who will be joining our family!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
A little pregnancy/life/homeschooling story
After making it through the dreaded first trimester, I'm doing great! The first trimester of this pregnancy has been, hands down, the WORST out of my pregnancies. I was so glad to be through that!
I am now 15 weeks pregnancy, and other than misplacing my energy, I feel great! It's so nice to be able to enjoy food again.
Yesterday was our first day of co-op. I had several moms tell me that after a morning of co-op, they don't do any other school. That sounded good to me! But I was planning on doing some school with Elizabeth. Wednesday mornings I have bible study, so I wanted to try to stay on track with math and phonics. We got home at 2pm, and I quickly discovered that Elizabeth needed to spend the afternoon training her heart, rather than her mind. It was a rough afternoon for us both!
A little after 4:30, all three kids were up and bouncing off the walls. Super! After sending everyone to the bathroom, getting shoes on, and making sure everyone was clothed (always something I have to be aware of with my two boys!) I sent them outside! At about 5, the power went off. Christi called, and their power was also out. Curtis said there were traffic lights out all over town. After listening to the radio, we all realized that it was a wide spread power outage in College Station.
Now keep in mind that I'm at the fun stage of pregnancy that when I get too hot or too hungry I get cranky and start feeling sick. Curtis, being the very smart man that he is, said, "Let's get out of here!" We inspected the kids, only to find out that they were COVERED in sand. After quick showers, packing up a few things, we headed to the van with AC that would take us to get food.
We got in the van, and called Laura, who had electricity. We stopped, picked up some Double Dave's and headed out to the country! We enjoyed an evening sitting on the deck, visiting with Laura, watching the kids run round like ferrel children, snuggling sweet baby Elliot, and best of all, drinking limeaids (my current craving).
Once we got the call from our neighbor that there was power, we headed back home to our nice, cool, home. The kids headed to bed, and I started finishing the e-mailing that I had started when we lost power.
By 9:30, I was ready for bed. By 10, I was in bed, sounds asleep.
Then this little baby of our, at 3:40, decided it was breakfast time. Which is why I'm now up. After some cereal and a glass of water, I'm feeling down right perky! I am now assuming that 4am stole my energy. All I need to do is wake up at 4am every day, and I will be back in action!
Since I was up, I decided to check Baby Center to see how big the baby is. The kids love knowing what fruit they can compare their brother or sister to! By the way, the baby is the size of an apple. In case you were wondering.
While on Baby Center I find this statement about life at 15 weeks pregnant.
"Getting some exercise can boost your energy and help you sleep better during pregnancy."
Imagine that!
I am now 15 weeks pregnancy, and other than misplacing my energy, I feel great! It's so nice to be able to enjoy food again.
Yesterday was our first day of co-op. I had several moms tell me that after a morning of co-op, they don't do any other school. That sounded good to me! But I was planning on doing some school with Elizabeth. Wednesday mornings I have bible study, so I wanted to try to stay on track with math and phonics. We got home at 2pm, and I quickly discovered that Elizabeth needed to spend the afternoon training her heart, rather than her mind. It was a rough afternoon for us both!
A little after 4:30, all three kids were up and bouncing off the walls. Super! After sending everyone to the bathroom, getting shoes on, and making sure everyone was clothed (always something I have to be aware of with my two boys!) I sent them outside! At about 5, the power went off. Christi called, and their power was also out. Curtis said there were traffic lights out all over town. After listening to the radio, we all realized that it was a wide spread power outage in College Station.
Now keep in mind that I'm at the fun stage of pregnancy that when I get too hot or too hungry I get cranky and start feeling sick. Curtis, being the very smart man that he is, said, "Let's get out of here!" We inspected the kids, only to find out that they were COVERED in sand. After quick showers, packing up a few things, we headed to the van with AC that would take us to get food.
We got in the van, and called Laura, who had electricity. We stopped, picked up some Double Dave's and headed out to the country! We enjoyed an evening sitting on the deck, visiting with Laura, watching the kids run round like ferrel children, snuggling sweet baby Elliot, and best of all, drinking limeaids (my current craving).
Once we got the call from our neighbor that there was power, we headed back home to our nice, cool, home. The kids headed to bed, and I started finishing the e-mailing that I had started when we lost power.
By 9:30, I was ready for bed. By 10, I was in bed, sounds asleep.
Then this little baby of our, at 3:40, decided it was breakfast time. Which is why I'm now up. After some cereal and a glass of water, I'm feeling down right perky! I am now assuming that 4am stole my energy. All I need to do is wake up at 4am every day, and I will be back in action!
Since I was up, I decided to check Baby Center to see how big the baby is. The kids love knowing what fruit they can compare their brother or sister to! By the way, the baby is the size of an apple. In case you were wondering.
While on Baby Center I find this statement about life at 15 weeks pregnant.
"Getting some exercise can boost your energy and help you sleep better during pregnancy."
Imagine that!
Monday, September 07, 2009
Okay fall, here we come!!
Our fall has almost kicked into full gear. Here's a peak at what our crazy schedule looks like.
Mondays: 10:00am, Micah is doing Hot Shots soccer (starting the 21st)
2:30, Elizabeth is taking dance again at Suzanne's. Ballet, tap and jazz... oh my!
Tuesdays: Co-op!!! Our first day is tomorrow, and we are very excited to be a part of this group.
Wednesdays: 9:30 Young Mom's Bible Study, my opportunity to be with like minded moms who are doing the same thing I am!
6:30 Community group. I love our community group! We've been a part of the same group since I was pregnant with Elizabeth. This fall we're reading Family Driven Faith. It's going to be great!
Thursdays: Curtis has class. In an attempt to keep my sanity, the kids and I aren't making any plans. Just staying home and trying to survive. This is his last semester! Graduation is December 19th!
Fridays: 9:00, Benjamin has Hot Shots Soccer with three of his friends! This should be quite laughable!
Throw in deacon's meetings, scrapbook night, Aggie football, family time (we're going to a Ranger's game next week!), doctor's appointments, and life in general, and I think we're in for one great fall!
Mondays: 10:00am, Micah is doing Hot Shots soccer (starting the 21st)
2:30, Elizabeth is taking dance again at Suzanne's. Ballet, tap and jazz... oh my!
Tuesdays: Co-op!!! Our first day is tomorrow, and we are very excited to be a part of this group.
Wednesdays: 9:30 Young Mom's Bible Study, my opportunity to be with like minded moms who are doing the same thing I am!
6:30 Community group. I love our community group! We've been a part of the same group since I was pregnant with Elizabeth. This fall we're reading Family Driven Faith. It's going to be great!
Thursdays: Curtis has class. In an attempt to keep my sanity, the kids and I aren't making any plans. Just staying home and trying to survive. This is his last semester! Graduation is December 19th!
Fridays: 9:00, Benjamin has Hot Shots Soccer with three of his friends! This should be quite laughable!
Throw in deacon's meetings, scrapbook night, Aggie football, family time (we're going to a Ranger's game next week!), doctor's appointments, and life in general, and I think we're in for one great fall!
Free chicken anyone??
Today, till close, you can go to Chick-Fil-A and get a free original chicken sandwich if you wear a team logo. So we Aggie-fied ourselves, and headed out for a super cheap lunch! $9 for all of us (we bought two large drinks, and three large fries).
After our tasty lunch, we headed out to play. For the first time, Benjamin was able to climb to the top of the play place all by himself!
While Benjamin enjoyed his new found ability, Micah ran, and ran, and ran..... 
Elizabeth, sporting her new do (which we were excited to be able to pull up a little!). 
Daddy and his kiddos, after enjoying some free chicken sandwiches. Gig 'em Aggies!
While Benjamin enjoyed his new found ability, Micah ran, and ran, and ran..... 
Elizabeth, sporting her new do (which we were excited to be able to pull up a little!). 
Daddy and his kiddos, after enjoying some free chicken sandwiches. Gig 'em Aggies!
Sunday, September 06, 2009
A new do
This afternoon, I heard the words that I knew I would hear at some point.
"Mommy. Micah cut my hair."
I turned around to see Elizabeth holding a 7 in. chunk on hair.
She was remarkably calm, a sign that I shouldn't take this at face value.
"Where did he cut the hair from," I inquired.
"My pony tail."
Sure enough! 
In the midst of very busy afternoon, I took her in, and got her hair bobbed. It really looks super cute!
And clearly there's no love lost between these two!
And for the record, both kids got in trouble. Elizabeth got in trouble to telling Micah to do something he shouldn't (something we've been dealing with) and Micah got in trouble for doing something he knew was wrong.
"Mommy. Micah cut my hair."
I turned around to see Elizabeth holding a 7 in. chunk on hair.
She was remarkably calm, a sign that I shouldn't take this at face value."Where did he cut the hair from," I inquired.
"My pony tail."
Sure enough!
I called Micah in, and he walked in holding a pair of scissors and a very guilty expression.
"Did you cut Elizabeth's hair?"
"Yes."
"What do you cut with scissors?"
"Paper."
"So, why did you cut your sister's hair?"
"She told me to."
I turned to look at Elizabeth, who was now wearing the guilty expression.
She confirmed Micah's story, and added that she didn't really think he would do it.
The shocking thing was that there were still no tears. I took her into the bathroom, took down her pony tail, and told her that we were going to go get her hair cut. When she realized how short it was going to be, she started crying.
In the midst of very busy afternoon, I took her in, and got her hair bobbed. It really looks super cute!
And clearly there's no love lost between these two!
And for the record, both kids got in trouble. Elizabeth got in trouble to telling Micah to do something he shouldn't (something we've been dealing with) and Micah got in trouble for doing something he knew was wrong.Another day, another lesson learned.
Hopefully.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Gitchi Gitchi Goo
Phineas and Ferb is a summer show that's been on the Disney Channel. I'm quickly realizing that there are no good shows for kids in Elizabeth's age group. There's lots of good stuff for the younger crowd (Diego, Mickey Mouse, Handy Manny...) and lots of stuff for kids just older than her (Spongue Bob, Hannah Montana....) but just not much that works for her. Despite the fact that Pineas and Ferb have a boy crazy older sister (who drives me nuts!), we decided the show was harmless, and let they kids watch it.
And check out this catchy little tune that my kids are now singing.
And check out this catchy little tune that my kids are now singing.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Homeschooling is like...
Homeschooling is like eating your vegetables. Sometimes it's not fun, but the out come is worth it. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself!
Our week has continued to go well, but it's not a smooth and easy of a transition. I'm again reminded of the weight of raising children, and feel the charge of homeschooling adds to that weight. Homeschooling is not for the faint of heart!
Kinda like those nasty veggies.
Our week has continued to go well, but it's not a smooth and easy of a transition. I'm again reminded of the weight of raising children, and feel the charge of homeschooling adds to that weight. Homeschooling is not for the faint of heart!
Kinda like those nasty veggies.
Monday, August 31, 2009
The good, the bad, and the poop
Sigh. We did it!!! Day 1 of homeschooling, DONE! This morning, as I was getting ready for the day, it hit me that if we homeschool all our children, all the way through, then 19 years from now, I will be done homeschooling. That thought made me very tired, and was quickly put out of my head.
Here are my observations from Day of 1.
The Good:
The Bad:
The Poop:
As I was starting school, Micah announced from the bathroom, "I pooped, and I need you to come wipe my bottom!" I'll bet other kindergarten teachers don't have to deal with that.
Here are my observations from Day of 1.
The Good:
- I was able to pray with Elizabeth before we hit the books, something that I know wouldn't be happening in a public school. We were able to pray that God would bless my efforts at teaching, and her efforts at learning.
- We memorized scripture, and talked about God's promises to us, before we even thought of math or phonics. I like the foundation to her education that we're able to lay.
- Between our structured lesson time, all three kids were able to play with each other. I can see how homeschooling has great potential for helping my children develop wonderful relationships with each other.
- Micah and Benjamin were sweet buddies today while I was working with Elizabeth.
- Curtis decided we should all eat out in celebration of our first day.
The Bad:
- I'm tired. Very, very, very tired.
- I don't feel like things are getting accomplished around the house. I know that's not what's important, but it's still an adjustment.
- I had to remind myself that just because I have a plan, it doesn't mean things will always go according to my plan.
- The boys did well, but are still adjusting to not having my undivided attention.
- They're also adjusting to not being able to play with Elizabeth whenever they want.
The Poop:
As I was starting school, Micah announced from the bathroom, "I pooped, and I need you to come wipe my bottom!" I'll bet other kindergarten teachers don't have to deal with that.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Homeschool Mom
Tomorrow's the big day! Elizabeth starts her first day of Kindergarten, and I become an official Homeschool Mom.
In preparation for becoming the ideal homeschool mom, I've been checking things off my list. Here's what I've accomplished so far:
However, there are still a few things that I'm lacking.
Once I get all those things, I'm confident that I too can join the ranks of great homeschooling mothers!
In preparation for becoming the ideal homeschool mom, I've been checking things off my list. Here's what I've accomplished so far:
- Acquired Saxon Math. Can't homeschool without (so I've heard).
- Acquired Saxon Phonics. If Saxon Math doesn't make me a homeschool mom, then I'm thinking this will.
- I've joined a homeschool co-op, which starts after Labor Day.
- We've planned out our school calendar.
- I've made busy boxes for the boys.
- Chore charts are almost done.
- Bible folders are done.
- My master plan/schedule for educating, cooking and cleaning is in place.
- And most importantly, I'm pregnant. That's a big one, people!
However, there are still a few things that I'm lacking.
- I need about 12 more inches of hair on my head so that I can braid it, or put it in a bun.
- Someone needs to come and confiscate all my makeup.
- Still haven't obtained a denim skirt or a floral jumper.
- And most importantly, I need a mug with this picture on it:
Once I get all those things, I'm confident that I too can join the ranks of great homeschooling mothers!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
In honor of our first day of homeschooling
Our first day of homeschool is this coming Monday. And in honor of our first day, here's a little laugh. I might need it this time next week!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
(asleep with his book)Monday, August 24, 2009
Go figure.
The past few weeks, Micah has started a nasty little sleep cycle. He'd take a great nap (2 plus hours) go to sleep between 9 and 10, wake up at 6, take a great nap.... you get the idea. My thought was that if he took a shorter nap, he would go to bed earlier. I quickly learned that Micah is a hard sleeper, and either doesn't wake up, or wakes up as a nightmare child! Scratch that idea.
I decided this week I'd try not giving Micah a nap. Yesterday, he fell asleep in church, slept for about an hour (maybe less) and didn't go to bed till after 9!! This affirmed that we needed to just drop the nap.
So today, Elizabeth and Micah hadrun around screaming and playing quiet time together. That's the last time that will be happening! Overall though, I was pleased. Micah was a bit whinny, but not too terrible. When Benjamin woke up from his nap, I put on a short movie for the boys to watch. About half was through the movie, I found Micah like this.
Sigh.
Go figure!
I decided this week I'd try not giving Micah a nap. Yesterday, he fell asleep in church, slept for about an hour (maybe less) and didn't go to bed till after 9!! This affirmed that we needed to just drop the nap.
So today, Elizabeth and Micah had
Sigh.
Go figure!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
No longer Partyof Five.
Clearly, we can't keep our blog name, "Party of Five". Time to... NAME THAT BLOG!! Please leave your suggestions in the comment section.
Here are a couple thoughts that I have:
- Doing a spin on Half a Dozen.
- Tutus and Trucks ( I like the alliteration idea)
- Something cutsie about the place in life I'm at. Ones that I've seen and I like, but don't want to copy: Cheerios in my purse. Rocks in the dryer. Armloads of laundry.
- And, of course, something spiritual would be great. Though I have seen several "Quiver full" blogs.
Let me know what you think! My plan is to get tons of good ideas, pick several, and then have everyone vote on their favorite.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Waiting for that other shoe to drop
Do you ever feel like you're just waiting for the other shoe to drop? Waiting for the next bad thing to happen? That's how I've spend the past three years of my life. Waiting for the next blow to come.
It felt like so much has been happening to us.... Benjamin's surprise pregnancy, post pardum depression, another c-sec, meningitis, a screaming baby, craniosynistosis, helmet, Curtis going back to school, too much stuff going on. Thankfully, life had seemed to calm down a bit. I kept telling myself that we were done with the bad stuff. That it was time to move on to the good stuff in life, time to receive the many abundant blessing that I knew I deserved for all I had been though. But in the back of my mind, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. For something bad or unplanned to happen.
Then it dawned on me that my thinking was so messed up! God loves me. He loves my family. He has chosen us (Eph. 1:4-6), He loves us, and He intends good for us (Romans 8:28). Does all that mean that only good things will happen to me from now on? Of course not (Rom. 5:1-5)!! But it does mean that I don't need to sit around, mope about what's happened, and wait for the next bad thing to happen.
The rubber hit the road this past Tuesday. I was trying to trust, trying to claim the peace that passes all understanding. But that sinful mindset crept back in.
We had two appointments that day. The first one was for me and the baby. We were hoping to hear the heartbeat for the first time. In the back of my head I had this nagging worry (silly Kierstyn! Matt. 6:34) that the doctor wouldn't be able to find the baby's heartbeat. Rather than just listening for the heartbeat, we got to peak at our baby again. And I saw a beautiful beating hear!! I saw a head, a body, a spine, hands and fingers!! The baby wiggled, and jumped, and looked absolutely perfect!
Our next appointment was for Benjamin. We had to go to Austin to see his neuro surgeon to once again have that sweet head of his checked. His head hasn't completely healed from his surgery, and there are still some openings in his skull. The doctor had told us that if his head hadn't closed up by the time he was two, that we would have to do another surgery, placing a metal plate in his head. I was worried that we would have to endure another major surgery. And the icing on the cake was that our insurance is changing and it would be really expensive this time around.
The doctor walked in, took one look at Benjamin and said, "Did we really cut his head open? He looks perfect!" Benjamin not only received a clean bill of health, but we don't have to go back to the neuro surgeon for an entire year!
Let's say that we hadn't gotten all that good news. What if all my "what ifs" had come true? Would I still be able to say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord!"? I hope so. Because even if the other shoe had dropped, even if there had been more bad stuff, God is still good. When things are tough, Curtis and I frequently remind each other, "God is good all the time. All the time God is good!" Even when the other shoe drops.
But right now, I'm going to quit worrying about the other shoe, and rejoice that God is good, faithful, loving and gracious. I don't deserve one of the blessings that He is showering down on me, but I am thankful!
It felt like so much has been happening to us.... Benjamin's surprise pregnancy, post pardum depression, another c-sec, meningitis, a screaming baby, craniosynistosis, helmet, Curtis going back to school, too much stuff going on. Thankfully, life had seemed to calm down a bit. I kept telling myself that we were done with the bad stuff. That it was time to move on to the good stuff in life, time to receive the many abundant blessing that I knew I deserved for all I had been though. But in the back of my mind, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. For something bad or unplanned to happen.
Then it dawned on me that my thinking was so messed up! God loves me. He loves my family. He has chosen us (Eph. 1:4-6), He loves us, and He intends good for us (Romans 8:28). Does all that mean that only good things will happen to me from now on? Of course not (Rom. 5:1-5)!! But it does mean that I don't need to sit around, mope about what's happened, and wait for the next bad thing to happen.
The rubber hit the road this past Tuesday. I was trying to trust, trying to claim the peace that passes all understanding. But that sinful mindset crept back in.
We had two appointments that day. The first one was for me and the baby. We were hoping to hear the heartbeat for the first time. In the back of my head I had this nagging worry (silly Kierstyn! Matt. 6:34) that the doctor wouldn't be able to find the baby's heartbeat. Rather than just listening for the heartbeat, we got to peak at our baby again. And I saw a beautiful beating hear!! I saw a head, a body, a spine, hands and fingers!! The baby wiggled, and jumped, and looked absolutely perfect!
Our next appointment was for Benjamin. We had to go to Austin to see his neuro surgeon to once again have that sweet head of his checked. His head hasn't completely healed from his surgery, and there are still some openings in his skull. The doctor had told us that if his head hadn't closed up by the time he was two, that we would have to do another surgery, placing a metal plate in his head. I was worried that we would have to endure another major surgery. And the icing on the cake was that our insurance is changing and it would be really expensive this time around.
The doctor walked in, took one look at Benjamin and said, "Did we really cut his head open? He looks perfect!" Benjamin not only received a clean bill of health, but we don't have to go back to the neuro surgeon for an entire year!
Let's say that we hadn't gotten all that good news. What if all my "what ifs" had come true? Would I still be able to say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord!"? I hope so. Because even if the other shoe had dropped, even if there had been more bad stuff, God is still good. When things are tough, Curtis and I frequently remind each other, "God is good all the time. All the time God is good!" Even when the other shoe drops.
But right now, I'm going to quit worrying about the other shoe, and rejoice that God is good, faithful, loving and gracious. I don't deserve one of the blessings that He is showering down on me, but I am thankful!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Because I Said So!!!
I've been talking with my other Mommy friends about this subject, and would like everyone elses opinion (even if you don't have kids!).
For the longest time when one of my kiddos would ask me, "Why?" I would give them beautiful, detailed explanations. Most of the time when they would ask that dreaded question, that never seems to be answerable, it was out of curiosity. "Why do cars have to drive on the roads?" "Why do we go to church?" "Why did God make all things?" "Why do we get sick?" "Why do cows make milk?" I desired to encourage them in their curiosity, as they began to explore God's world.
Slowly, I started to see a change in their "why" questions. "Why do I have to obey you?" "Why can't I hit my brother?" "Why can't I scream in the house?" At first, I again diligently answered their questions, again wanting them to know our reasoning behind our decisions.
But lately, when they start asking that same question (for the trillionth time) I just want to tell them, "Because I said so!!" or "Because God said so!"
So readers, is that wrong? Should I continue answering their "why" questions with detailed answers? Or can I just let them know that "Because I (or God) said so" should be good enough.
For the longest time when one of my kiddos would ask me, "Why?" I would give them beautiful, detailed explanations. Most of the time when they would ask that dreaded question, that never seems to be answerable, it was out of curiosity. "Why do cars have to drive on the roads?" "Why do we go to church?" "Why did God make all things?" "Why do we get sick?" "Why do cows make milk?" I desired to encourage them in their curiosity, as they began to explore God's world.
Slowly, I started to see a change in their "why" questions. "Why do I have to obey you?" "Why can't I hit my brother?" "Why can't I scream in the house?" At first, I again diligently answered their questions, again wanting them to know our reasoning behind our decisions.
But lately, when they start asking that same question (for the trillionth time) I just want to tell them, "Because I said so!!" or "Because God said so!"
So readers, is that wrong? Should I continue answering their "why" questions with detailed answers? Or can I just let them know that "Because I (or God) said so" should be good enough.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Content
Ever since I experienced my first year of teaching, I get a little nostalgic during this time of year. Teachers are getting their rooms ready, shopping for supplies, hanging posters, buying tons of folders, organizing..... all the things I loved about teaching. Parents are going back to school clothes shopping, taking their supply list to Wal Mart, making sure they have lunch boxes and lunchables. Since I quit teaching, when back to school time arrives, I feel a little bummed. Like I should be doing something that I wasn't. I sigh a little when I pass the school supply aisle. I knew being at home with my children was what God wanted for me, and I really was happy. But part of me missed being the teacher getting ready to go back to school.
Last year, I tutored for the school where I had taught. Finally, September rolled around and I was the one doing lesson plans, reading educational books, and organizing! I was excited!! I savored sitting in the work room, planning lessons, making out a scope and sequence, and making posters. It felt good to be back!
But as the year went on, I started to not look forward to my tutoring sessions. Rather than being optimistic, and thinking I could help every child that was sent my way, I found myself longing to be home, with my kids. What happened to that beginning of the school year excitement? Was I just burned out? Were we as a family just doing too much?
By the time April rolled around, and I finished my time tutoring, I had figured it out! Even though there were parts of me that longed to be back in the classroom, my heart was at home. That's where God wanted me. That was His plan for me and for our family.
This year, I'm experiencing the back to school excitement in a new way. Rather than being nostalgic, I'm content. I know that home is where God wants me, and I want God's will for my life. And even though there is a big part of me that is anxious about what our first year of homeschooling will bring, I'm content. I am convinced that God laid the desire to homeschool on my heart, and Curtis' heart. I am convinced that homeschooling is what is best for our family. And I'm excited to see how our family will grow as we rest in the contentment of knowing we are in God's will.
Last year, I tutored for the school where I had taught. Finally, September rolled around and I was the one doing lesson plans, reading educational books, and organizing! I was excited!! I savored sitting in the work room, planning lessons, making out a scope and sequence, and making posters. It felt good to be back!
But as the year went on, I started to not look forward to my tutoring sessions. Rather than being optimistic, and thinking I could help every child that was sent my way, I found myself longing to be home, with my kids. What happened to that beginning of the school year excitement? Was I just burned out? Were we as a family just doing too much?
By the time April rolled around, and I finished my time tutoring, I had figured it out! Even though there were parts of me that longed to be back in the classroom, my heart was at home. That's where God wanted me. That was His plan for me and for our family.
This year, I'm experiencing the back to school excitement in a new way. Rather than being nostalgic, I'm content. I know that home is where God wants me, and I want God's will for my life. And even though there is a big part of me that is anxious about what our first year of homeschooling will bring, I'm content. I am convinced that God laid the desire to homeschool on my heart, and Curtis' heart. I am convinced that homeschooling is what is best for our family. And I'm excited to see how our family will grow as we rest in the contentment of knowing we are in God's will.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Micah-ism and a Benjamin-ism
Maybe it's all the TV and movies Micah's been watching. Or maybe he's just getting clever. Either way, he's been saying some funny stuff!
When watching TV, if there's a part with bad people, he draws his sword and says, "Mommy, get behind me! I have a sword!"
A new phrase he uses frequently is, "I'll put this here for safe keeping." Where in the world did he pick that up?
And his newest is, "I will handle this!" Good to know, Micah, good to know!
Yesterday, Benjamin was on the phone with Elizabeth. He was enthusiastically saying the same thing over and over. I asked him to give me the phone, since the conversation clearly wasn't going anywhere. He moved the phone away from his mouth and said, "Let me finish."
Crazy boys!
When watching TV, if there's a part with bad people, he draws his sword and says, "Mommy, get behind me! I have a sword!"
A new phrase he uses frequently is, "I'll put this here for safe keeping." Where in the world did he pick that up?
And his newest is, "I will handle this!" Good to know, Micah, good to know!
Yesterday, Benjamin was on the phone with Elizabeth. He was enthusiastically saying the same thing over and over. I asked him to give me the phone, since the conversation clearly wasn't going anywhere. He moved the phone away from his mouth and said, "Let me finish."
Crazy boys!
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