Instead of Going Through the Motions

I'm not exactly sure how so much time has passed since I last posted, but we've been plugging along....homeschooling every day (except Sat. and Sun.), trying to save money doing thrifty shopping (which requires research and work), enjoying this awesome weather, and I must say, doing LITTLE cleaning. I shared with our small Tuesday morning prayer group that meets at 6am, I have tried to maintain that delicate balance between maintaining an orderly/clean home (we all know God is a God of order) and trying to enjoy each day to the fullest without letting everything go to pot.

Our children are so young, and they won't be this way forever. Lately, I have tried so hard to not just "go through the motions" in rearing our children. We've been praying harder than ever about everything in our lives, reading fun books, playing outside every day, baking, trying to do "fall" decorating, and just generally enjoying each day to the fullest. I guess you could say I have had a life altering event in my life (although I'm sure much more life altering for those directly involved) in the daily struggles my friend Catherine has with the news of battling cancer throughout her body. She's 35 with a 6 month old daughter and a 3 year old son. WOW. Life is so precious, such a treasure. How can we NOT take each breath captive for the Glory of God? Why would we want to just go through the motions? Why does it take something so horrible for me to see this and claim what is mine and has been mine?

I've just gotten to the point this week that the toilet just H.A.D. to be cleaned. There was no way around the ickiness (is that a word?). So between Thurs. afternoon and Friday morning, I have gotten word from the Lord (!!) that now is the time to clean so that I do not cross over and make our lives unbalanced. Boy, it's amazing how much better I feel. Now, we didn't play outside much those two days, but when it's 85 degrees outside plus humidity, who really wants to? Besides, Daddy and Granddaddy have taken up the slack and allowed me time to actually MOP the kitchen floor without little feet scurrying over it while wet. Ask me how long it stayed spotless and I think you know the answer. Just impossible to keep a clean floor with 3 meals a day and 3 snacks a day. And know what?? This too shall pass, but the memories made with my babies are for a lifetime!

Unspoken Prayer Request

Have you ever been present at church, Circle, BSU, RUF (or otherwise) when someone mentions an "Unspoken Prayer Request"? I often wonder just why they mention it if it is unspoken? I mean, really, what does this mean? Are we not brothers and sisters in Christ and able to share all that burdens us? If your answer to that is "yes, we are sisters in Christ", then why is there the need to keep requests veiled from those that can bring your specific area of difficulty before the Lord? If your answer to that question is "no, we are not sisters in Christ", then I would first pray for your unbelieving heart. Perhaps that is what is at the root of someone listing an "unspoken" request...or maybe it's too much pride??

Often during prayer list time, I've wanted to blurt out..."unspoken? then why did you bring it up if you don't want us to speak to God about it?" He tells us to pray specifically...to name it by name. I don't mean blurt out all your personal business. But it would suffice to say, "There's a decision I/a friend is making" or "There is a relationship that is in strain" or "There is a sin I am struggling with" or "I have medical tests/problems I need you to be in prayer about that I don't want to go into all the specifics about" or whatever. But just to say "Unspoken" seems to superficial and unChristian.

I just don't understand what it will take for us as brothers and sisters in Christ to break down these walls that divide us and keep us from sharing our deepest hearts (at least with one or two of our closest Christian brothers even if not the whole lot of them). I'd be interested to know what your thoughts are regarding the "unspoken".

Sand-n-Surf

One Big Happy Family!

Pedicures at the Inlet Square Mall
Guess whose toes are whose?

Papa loves to take Jase out to ride his car!

Emma Grace says she took a nap in the stroller.

Mommy & Jase on the beach
Hmmm..wonder if I'll like the sand?

Bubba catches the football thrown by Jason--Necia gets in on the action, too! Emma Grace tries to play, but isn't successful.

Uncle Bubba and Emma Grace catching up on old times.

My family--beautiful, aren't they?!

Jase trying to keep out of the sand.

Mommy and Emma Grace at Atalaya Castle.

Monday morning sunrise--God paints masterpieces!

Lunch on the deck

Our family just returned last night from 7 nights and 8 days at Garden City Beach here in SC! It was such a needed vacation and one that we will treasure always!! I remember so many things from the week that I wanted to share, but I first went to our daughter Emma Grace and asked her what she thought I should share. She wanted you all to know that she L-O-V-E-D the ocean and getting in the water! Being 4 years old, she really went at this full force this year and even thought she could "surf" like Daddy and Uncle Bubba! Quite a funny girl!

The things I remember most from this vacation were:

1. Beach volleyball with Bubba and Necia
2. PEDICURE--my feet will thank Necia for at least 6 months or more!
3. Children sleeping through all 7 nights peacefully--such a blessing! (Thanks to Hannah and Chris for allowing us to use their extra crib!)
4. Reading out on the deck in absolute quiet. Aahh.
5. Making cookies with icing & getting Painter's Ice Cream.
6. Playing bocci ball.
7. Jase not liking the sand or water! BOO.
8. Watching the boys (Hennies, Bubba, and Jason) "surf" and throw the football.
9. Having the foresight to plan at least 3 meals ahead of time and take them with us. :) Frugal vacations are the bomb when you only have 1 salary!
10. Watching Bubba and Necia--boy, I don't miss dating at ALL. So glad that season of life is OVER. {{papa jeep coined the term "smackey mouth}}
11. Looking for seashells with Emma Grace.
12. No horseflies this year!!!! YIPPEE!
13. Watching Papa Jeep as Jase whines---he always thinks Jase wants to go out and play; he usually obliges and takes him out!
14. Lunches on the porch
15. Visiting Adalaya (castle) at Huntington Beach State Park.

We did make some fabulous memories and took some super pictures. We have come home charged up and ready to head into this fall season which begins Tuesday, by the way! And we missed our church family. So good to be back this morning worshipping with those who know us best! Better go fold some laundry (like 4 loads waiting for me) and get ready---tomorrow is coming and school will be back on!

Field Trip to Edventure & the Vein Specialist!

In the butterfly gardenEddy with Emma Grace and Madeline

Eddy's shoe

Inside Eddy's stomach

Madeline, Alex, and Emma Grace bulldozing the "brick" wall

Emma Grace and Madeline in the Fire truck at Dalmation Station

I've been meaning to post since Monday but our preschool has been taking up most of Jase's morning naptime and I'm barely getting a shower! We had a fabulous visit to Edventure! We went last Friday, August 28th with Julie and her two younguns--and we made several other stops along the way....when you go to Columbia about once a month, you have to combine trips! The visit went great---furthermore, we got in free since Jason's office (Fire Marshal's Office) hires the workers for Dalmation Station. Thanks to Miss April for allowing us to be one of her "friends"!! Here are some of the pics from the day. I think Emma Grace really liked "The Little Pig" grocery store they have best (wonder where she gets that from?)--we had to visit it twice along with Dalmation Station. Emma Grace learned to go down the fire pole by herself at Dalmation Station and was actually pretty good at putting back her grocery items she "bought".

I really enjoyed the Butterfly Garden; it's only there until the beginning of October, so you need to get there soon if you haven't had a chance to visit. There were SO MANY butterflies!! The first thing the "gate keeper" told us (it's extra to get into the butterfly exhibit and you have to have a time to enter/leave) was to be careful where you walk so we don't squash the butterflies. Ha! Nice!! Easy to say when you're not watching a 1 year old, a 2 year old, and a 4 year old! We did fine, though, and it was good to hear Emma Grace say, "Momma, is that a monarch?" She does learn something at home! Ha!

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I had my own little Field trip to the vein specialist in Columbia yesterday! Boy, was that a new experience for me. God bless all the plebotomists out there! I guess the moral to the story is "Vanity is not worth it!" No, really, I did find out after an ultrasound on my horrible looking calves that I do have medical necessity for work on my legs (insurance would cover the work I need done), but that 20% of $9000 is ALOT of MOOLAH (like $1700)! More than what we paid to have either one of our children!!

So, with having only one salary (and really even if we had two salaries), we still cannot afford to have this work done on my legs until they become everyday paining-me problems. I have cramping about once or twice a week during sleep, but generally they don't ache where I have to take medicine for pain. Now, this may become true as I get older, but for now, I will have to put the needs of my family above my own. Such is the life of a mother. I couldn't rightfully and willfully spend that much on myself!!! I'd have to sing the song, "You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you" if I did that. Our 10th wedding anniversary is coming up next summer, so I think I'd rather see that $1700 go towards a nice week-long vacation somewhere really nice with my hubby than to think my legs sure do look great and feel great, but, eh, I'm stuck at home looking at them myself! There's always future years like when I'm 40 or 50-something (come to think of it, I was the youngest person in the waiting room yesterday!). They probably waited too and put the needs of their family first, too. Thank you, God, for this insight! I'll go lotion down my sleek legs now that I shaved for the doctor yesterday---special events, don't you know?!?

Knee Pits

I just had to write to let you know that I have LOTS of "pits" according to Emma Grace! At lunch yesterday she told me that the applesauce had spilt in her "knee pit". I nearly blew out my tuna fish salad sandwich across the table! Had to ask for clarification on that, but I really knew what she was getting at...just wanted to hear her explain it. Then she told me that I had LOTS of pits...elbow pits, toe pits, knee pits, and of course arm pits! Oh, the thought process of a 4 year old!

I must update you all (all 6 of you!) to let you know that we did start homeschooling yesterday!! :) It went super! We're using Sonlight's Pre-K 4/5 curriculum along with Math-U-See Primer and Handwriting Without Tears. So far, we love it. Our scripture memory verse this week is Proverbs 4:20 "Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully." Emma Grace is a very intriguing little student and she just thrives on "the next activity". I love her sponginess and the way she soaks up everything.

We are trying to do schooling while Jase is doing his first (morning) nap from usually 9:45am-11:15am. It doesn't take nearly as long as I had anticipated, but I must remember this is just preschool, not 4th grade or 3rd grade like I taught. I also must get a shower during that time, so we started handwriting and DEL (Developing the Early Learner) early while Jase was still awake and EG was working at the bar stool today. I HAD to get to the grocery store between 1st nap and 2nd nap or we were going to be out of milk, fresh fruit and veggies all together....and my kids LOVE strawberries, grapes, bananas, etc. Everything went fine, even hauling two to the grocery store and post office. You have to be ready...have eaten lunch...kids aren't tired...just having been diapered...and juice and snacks readily available. OH, and my list was organized by isles in Wal-mart, so I was ready for the attack!!

We're hoping to get to take a "field trip" to Edventure Children's Museum either tomorrow or Friday! Looks like it's going to be a fabulous school year! You can pray for us to accomplish all that God would have to accomplish and that He would be uplifted and glorified in all that we say, do, and learn.

Words of 4 year olds

Sometimes the words of Emma Grace just make me smile from ear to ear. Last night while her daddy and I were praying with her before bedtime, Emma Grace prayed, "Dear Lord, thank you for my mommy, my daddy, and my baby brother Jase. I just love Jase so much, Lord, and I thank you that he is in our lives. I thank you for taking care of him. I wouldn't want anything to happen to him. In Jesus' name, Amen." Jason and I just smiled at each other after it was over. It was one of those moments where the world is at peace. It was late (10:00pm) and she and her daddy had been at the skeet shoot since 4pm (Jase and I joined them after naptime in time for dinner at 7pm). She was worn out and had been running around the Harkins' yard after dinner with her brother, so maybe that's why he was fresh on her mind and in her prayers.

I have noticed lately that she's been very protective of Jase. When I walked with them out to the mailbox the other day, Jase wanted to walk further down the dirt road to the other side of our semicircle driveway. Of course. My little explorer! WELL, that was not a good idea according to Emma Grace. She was SCREAMING, "NOOOO, MOMMY, NOOO....don't let him walk down the road, NOOOO! What if a car is coming?!!!" I assured her that mommy is watching for cars and wouldn't let anything happen to Jase. We did have to move off the dirt road onto our grass because there was a truck coming not long after that...and these people going down our road go WAY too fast! Her little momma instinct is already at work! :)

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On another occasion just a few minutes ago before Sunday afternoon naptime, I was cleaning off the table from dinner and Emma Grace and her daddy went in the livingroom and began folding the laundry that had been sitting there on the couch since last night. I knew this was going on and I really appreciated their help since I was still cleaning off the 4 placemats from where they had helped to make messes. Folding laundry is one of the few chores that she still likes to help me do (used to be that she liked helping to dust and vacuum, but now it's just folding laundry and mopping the kitchen floor).

The funny part was when she came in the kitchen while I was still putting away containers in the fridge and said, "Mommy, Daddy and I folded your laundry. Wasn't that nice?" Oh yes, mommy, is more than appreciative that you helped to fold MY laundry. MY laundry. MY laundry....it resounded in my head. The M.Y. part. Now, I know she's only 4 years old, but I assured her that mommy was so glad they helped to fold my 3 shirts ('cause that's ALL that was mine in the stack! no kidding!). I asked her if she and her daddy helped to fold her laundry and Jase's laundry and Daddy's laundry? She kinda looked at me funny and said, "Uh huh." I told her, "Thank you for helping to do our FAMILY'S laundry." We all appreciate it! And, yes, I do appreciate any little bit of help. Hopefully she'll one day grow to understand that laundry is not just mommy's job to do. Just like clearing the table, unloading the dishwasher, making beds, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, mowing the lawn, cooking dinner, etc. are all things our FAMILY enjoys the benefits of and must help to take care of. Bless her little heart...wonder where she learned that it's all MOMMY'S laundry?

It's the little things in life...

It's the little things in life that can keep me going. Amazing to me how changing one chair at the kitchen table gives me a fresh attitude and helps me to go on daily feeding children, wiping little mouths and little hands, cleaning placemats after each and every meal and snacktime 2-3 times a day, etc. The kids recently rearranged the "kiddie table" and the high chair to opposite sides of our kitchen table from where they once were. No problem...I actually wish I had thought of that about 3 years ago---that same high chair has been exactly where it is since we moved into our house 4 1/2 years ago. Can you tell I'm a woman of ROUTINE? I get stuck in a rut and not much changes.

Well, I decided that since 3 years ago we have added a black sewing machine chair to our kitchen table (which is white and natural wood) to accommodate more than just our 4 person family (like when the grands come over to eat), I would move the black chair to MY spot where I normally sit and feed 2 children...oh, yeah, I guess I do eat occasionally also. O.k. I make it a priority that I get to eat and no one is debating that by the fact that now I am very "healthy" (on a diet!) and really trying to rethink my views on food. I guess I should tell you that the black chair has a cushion tied into the seat of it, and it's the ONLY chair with such a cushion. Usually, the men avoid the seat or move the cushion out since it's hard for their legs to fit under the table while sitting on the cushion. Emma Grace sometimes sits on the seat when she doesn't want her booster seat, but now I have given up my rickety-sounding white chair for the black cushy chair!!! And man, has it given me the grandest outlook on sitting for HOURS at that table feeding little ones! My hiney feels so much better and I can see the "world" from new heights! The hummingbird feeder, the side field....all look so much better the way I'm facing now that the high chair is on my right versus my left and my hiney is smiling (o.k., no smart remarks, please!). Why hadn't I thought of this before?

I think now I'll go about rearranging the pictures on the wall, changing our bedroom furniture around, pulling out books that have been on our shelves for years and rereading them. Who knows what life could bring now?!! :) Well, I'm off to rub down my feet with that good, smelly foot lotion...one of those other things that just makes me feel pampered and good. It's just the simple things in life....priceless!