Dizzy in the Noodle

Winter fun

2012-01-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

Our Friday art project: snow globes

Directions: Hot glue plastic figurines to the inside of the jar lid. (We chose penguins from a "zoob" tube at Hobby Lobby.) Pour distilled water, a couple of drops of glycerin, and glitter inside the jar. Close the jar and shake! (For more fun, use acryllic paint to paint the lids of the jars, if you choose! We liked the metallic lids. But black lids with white polka dots would have been adorable.) Source: Martha Stewart's website

Weekend with cousins

2012-01-27T11:09:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we had our triplet cousins and Aunt/Uncle over for a night. Uncle Ben wanted to hunt with Andy and a friend, so Aunt Kim and I kept the kids fed and entertained. It was a rainy weekend so between romping in the mud...

They played board games (Apples to Apples), got tickled a lot, played the Wii and watched a movie, built creations, and played with lots of fun, ordinary kid stuff.

**Don't I look fab with my pastey white skin, non-hairdried hair, and '94 Chi Omega sweatshirt on??** We really enjoyed having them over and we are so thankful we live closer (but wish we were even CLOSER)! We love this family and look forward to more trips, field trips, holidays, and weekends together!

Mid-year update: The boys (5th and 3rd grades)

2012-01-24T15:31:00.010-05:00

The boys are in a class together at a hybrid school 2 days a week. Here's what their days look like on the 3 days/week that they learn at home:
::Breakfast and chores (the boys are great at doing mostly all basic chores around the house now- cleaning windows, making beds, washing dishes, vacuuming, cleaning their bathroom, sweeping, etc.)

::Then they do a list of exercises that Andy created for them. It includes: jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, wheel barrow walks, board twists, knee bends, shoulder presses, and throwing the football. This is part of their "p.e", along with golf lessons(Jackson), bike riding, farm work, basketball team(Joshua), and of course all the free playing. The boys, along with Andy, are going to take karate beginning in March when basketball is over.

::Start our learning day with a devotion/Bible from the Who is God? book (Apologia). This book has been an excellent study of basic theology for us.
::The boys study their spelling words (Abeka), verses (chosen by hybrid school teacher), and poetry (Abeka) while I clean up breakfast dishes, finish my chores, etc.

Stagecoach drawing project

::I teach them their new material for Math (Horizons) and Grammar (BJU Press). (These subjects, along with Spelling, are the only where they are on different levels.) Once I get them started and they begin their practice sheets, I work with Lydie.
::Snack/ rip and roar outside.
::Next we work on creative writing. Their grammar book teaches technical writing. I have loosely used the ideas from the Institute for Excellence in Writing to give an assignment based on our history studies. Every now and then they write in the journals on the subject of their choice. Every Friday they have a finished story and I type it and then they illustrate it. Jack has always been an excellent writer. Joshua has BECOME a great writer this year, too. When I get a chance I will post his recent assignment, a personal narrative. He BLEW MY SOCKS OFF!

Statue of Liberty drawing project
::Next we work on our History/Literature assignment from the Sonlight curriculum. This usually involves reading a short history lesson from a history book, plus a couple of chapters in 2 chapter books (one read aloud by me, the other read independently). Here are the chapter books (along with excerpts from 5 or 6 history books) that they have read so far this year:

Lincoln: A Photobiography

By the Great Horn Spoon!
Shoes for Everyone: Jan Matzeliger
Sing Down the Moon
World Changers: William Wilberforce
Freedom Train
Turn Homeward, Hannalee
The Perilous Road
Caddie Woodlawn
Old Yeller
The Story of Thomas Alva Edison, Inventor
The Great Turkey Walk
The Terrible Wave
Helen Keller
The Great Wheel
The Story of George Washington Carver
Little Britches (currently)
The Wright Brothers (currently)
::Lunch/ rip and roar outside or take a walk
::Next we work on "drilling". I have a thick notebook that contains all of the math, history, science, Bible, songs/hymns, and geography facts that I want them to remember. I divided them into five days. (Monday and Wednesday they are in school, so only math fact drills.)
Monday-Multiplication/Division facts (2s, 3, 4s)
Tuesday- Multiplication/Division facts (5s,6s,7s), Geography songs, Measuring facts with volume and weight, books of the Bible, disciples' names)
Wednesday- Multiplication/Division facts (8s, 9s, 10s)
Thursday- Multiplication/Division facts (11s, 12s), Shurley Grammar chants, capitalization and underlining rules, Measuring facts with time and temperature, presidents, US capitals, prime numbers, emergency procedures
Friday- Subtraction and addition facts, patriotic/history/folk songs, measuring facts with distances, planets, types of matter, types of sentences, address and phone number
::The rest of these topics are taught once or twice a week: Art (I find a weekly project from several art teacher's websites & they take an art class on Mondays), Logic (Perplexors workbooks), Latin (English from the Roots...), Drawing (Draw and Write through History), Music (Music Ace), Composer studies (I create these), and Science (Christian Kids Explore Chemistry).

Q-tip snowflake art project
::We are usually done by 2:00/2:30. It's a full, very challenging load of school work, but they are excelling. They are working hard and up to their full potential (Joshua especially). We all agree that this has been a really wonderful school year!

Half party

2012-01-20T15:30:00.005-05:00

Today marks the halfway point of our year! It has been such a great year! I am so PROUD of all the kids have learned, their hard work. And I am thankful for the endless grace of Christ to sustain and encourage me along the way as their Mom/teacher. Just like any other milestone with the kids, the time has felt slow and fast, all at once. I am a big believer in celebrations. I think milestones should be acknowledged with something special. Amidst the day's agenda with a dental appointment, a day of school, cleaning the house, and this little celebration (before 3:00 when our visitors arrived!), my husband asked, "Are you sure you have time for cupcakes?". But I was determined (because I truly felt it a priority), and in the end we had plenty of time. Eighteen weeks of school is worth a little party (even if it means I had to skip mopping the floors!).

So much more to look forward to this year!

Half way party:

Half cupcakes

Half plates

Half-full glasses of lemonade

Homeschool update: Lydie's mid-year kindergarten update

2012-01-16T13:27:00.012-05:00

I teach kindergarten to Lydie four days a week, with Wednesday being our day off. On Wednesdays we drop the boys off at their hybrid school and then enjoy 9:00-2:00 together in Birmingham. We usually spend from 9:00-10:30 at Bible study, each with our own friends. We ALWAYS eat lunch out at the restaurant of her choice, sometimes with family (often with Aunt Chelle and Greyce!). Sometimes we visit Nana, especially if she is under the weather or has a doctor's appointment/chemo treatment. Sometimes I have a doctor's appointment and she tags along and charms all the nurses and doctors. But mostly, we shop and eat lunch together for the rest of the day. She loves boutiques, antique markets, and Target as much as I do! Wednesdays are super fun and I can tell they fill up her little love tank (and mine, too!). On the other four days here is what her morning looks like:

::Morning Routine::

Breakfast and chores: Lydie is in charge of emptying the trash cans in around the house and making her bed/cleaning her room. She dresses herself and brushes her teeth. She also clears the breakfast dishes and cleans the table and sometimes floor. Then all the kids do a list of exercises Andy came up with: 30 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, jumping jacks, wheelbarrow walk up the halls, etc.

Devotion and prayer: We read from one of Susan Hunt's children's devotions. We memorized verses the first half of the year. Now we are working on catechism questions.

Fine Motor Skills activity: She plays with pegs, play dough, lacing, beading, puzzles, legos, etc. while I get the boys started on their work.

Calendar time: We review counting to 100 by 1s, 5s, and 10s, shapes, patterns, dates, days of the week, months of the year, her address, phone #, birthday, emergency 911 #, left/right, coins, ordinal numbers, and holidays.

Singing time: We sing 3 or 4 songs from the Wee Sing series. The singing includes dancing and instruments usually. She loves all of the old classics...Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush, If You're Happy and You Know It, etc. She also works on memorizing a short poem at this time.

Extra practice: Each school day I use the dry-erase board with Lydie. I write letters and numbers and she identifies the name (and sound for letters). I write a group of capital letters and lower case letters and she draws a line to match the pair. I make patterns with letters and numbers and she solves riddles. I write three and four letter words for her to sound out and review sight words. Then we do 3 or 4 Brain Quest K cards.

Math: Horizons K worksheet

Phonics and Handwriting: Horizons K or Spectrum Phonics K worksheet

Her signature in September...

and her signature in December.

Reading: Bob books or Starfall readers.

Units (Read-Aloud, Science/History and Art): I read a book aloud, based on a seasonal/history/science theme and we do an art project to go along with it. Sometimes instead of an art project she will ask to just look at an illustration from the book and try to paint or draw it. I love when she does that! Here are a few of her snowy-themed art projects:

Our favorite winter read-alouds this month have been: Max and Mo Make a Snowman, The Biggest, Best Snowman, A Little Bit of Winter, Winter Tale, and A Winter Walk.

Biggest strides:

~Reading three and four letter words much more quickly, still sounding them out, but much more fluently and recognizing some words without having to sound them out.

~In math, she is counting to 100 well, identifies most numbers to 100, very good at patterns and calendar skills, has memorized her phone number and address, is adding, and is beginning to count coins and tell simple time.

~Her handwriting has matured enormously.

Lydie is easy and fun to teach because she is SO enamored with learning! Her enthusiasm makes for a fun morning, which is such a blessing because I expect a lot out of her. I am looking at her school table now, covered in rocks and clay. She studies those rocks from our gravel driveway with a magnifying glass for fun. And the clay mess is from a clay bowl she made and colored "just for decoration". Everyone needs a pretty bowl for their school table, right? She has drawings and ribbons taped everywhere, even on the blinds above her school table. It's so endearing!

Bracing myself (Couldn't resist the corny title)

2012-01-13T21:09:00.003-05:00

Today we had a consultation for both boys with the orthodontist. Josh is still a little young, and can wait a year or so. But Jackson is ready for braces. He also needs a special appliance for the top of his mouth because he pushes his tongue against his teeth (instead of the roof of his mouth) when he swallows, thus the over bite. This little appliance will retrain his tongue over the course of a couple of years and prevent further damage. Good news: No head gear will be needed!

January 31st is the big day. Unbelievably, when they went over his x-rays with me, they pointed out that he has lost all of his baby teeth! I had no idea! (Sniff, sniff.) So no more "tooth fairy" for him! Good grief, my boy is growing up. If you are wondering how much braces cost these days, leave a comment or send me an email. I don't have the heart to post the amount. It's not comforting. Andy commented, "Oh well. At least the car is paid off." Silver lining. Jack saw the quote and said, "Whoa! Do you really think my teeth are worth THAT amount??" He was probably thinking we could take a couple trips to Disney World instead and he would be just fine with it!

One more funny. The orthodontist asks her patients to fill out a questionnaire before they are called back to see her. One of the questions asked, "How do you feel about getting braces?" My 9 year old, Joshua, answered, "I think braces will improve my future." And to the last question (after a dozen questions about their interests), "Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?", he replied, "No. But thank you for asking." Adorable, huh?

Typical

2012-01-12T18:44:00.003-05:00

My last post made me laugh. It was funny for me to think of how many people (my husband included) who would be UTTERLY depressed by using a list to relieve stress! But I take comfort in lists and goals. That's just how I roll. Typical me. I even already used my list for inspiration with the kids this week. Paper snowflakes!
Yesterday in the car my son was feeling exhausted. It took him a while to fall asleep the night before and then he said the loud storms kept him up during the night. Exhaustion for him leads to a very melancholy boy. He was lost in his emotions and deep thought on our 50 minute drive home from classes. At last we reached our driveway, and he muttered, "Mom, would we be alive without hope?" And I responded, "We could live. But not well." It's like living with a miniature C.S. Lewis. I love it. Typical Jack, always questioning and thinking. Always challenging me, in a good way.
Today we took a walk around the farm. The dog was crazy with energy and I wanted to take advantage of a break in the rain. We had such a wonderful time...watching our sticks race down the creek, looking for signs of animals (scat and tracks), splashing in puddles, just meandering. When I take the time to be outside life is so much fuller. So good to enjoy typical, simple, farm pleasures.And lastly, here's typical Lydie, practicing gymnastics in the living room. This happens every night! Usually she practices tumbling, but lately she has been laying out my exercise band and using it as her balance beam. Her first gymnastics meet is coming up soon. Exciting! And now for a typical evening of dinner (which my husband volunteered to make!), clean up, cuddles, struggling to stay awake and connect with my husband, stealing a few minutes to read, and dragging myself into bed to prep for a new day. Typical moments: not grand, but precious nonetheless.

Gray winter

2012-01-11T17:40:00.005-05:00

As is customary, I am starting to feel the cold ache of winter. Not that it is really cold around here. But it is gray and rainy. And Christmas is over, as well as our much anticipated trip. I am beginning to feel the sting. These winter blues come like a thief in the night, and I truly believe each year that I have seasonal depression. Isn't that strange?

This year it is really such a help to know that it will certainly not last forever. My life is good and God has ordained my steps. And if I can just focus on this very moment, as well as have a few things planned for future weeks (for those really hard days), I will be just fine. Every summer I make a bucket list for the kids and I. I really THRIVE from June to December! And the bucket list sets us off into fun oblivion, which rolls into an exciting school year, the beautiful fall season, holidays celebrations during Thanksgiving and Christmas...and then January. Blah. I am SO encouraged by those who love January. It gives me hope that one day, or year, I won't dread it so much!

This year I have a plan. I am going to sit here until I have 20 items on my WINTER BUCKET LIST. Here goes...

1. Bonfires, s'mores, and guitar playing. Often.
2. Be Josh's biggest fan at his basketball games this season. Make posters!
3. Hot chocolate and good read-alouds with the kids on cold nights.
4. Make paper snowflakes and hang them from the ceilings!
5. Watch the entire Harry Potter dvd set with Jack and Andy(Jack got it for Christmas!).
6. Continue Wednesday date lunches with Lydie while the boys are in classes. So special!
7. Visit the nursing home with the kids often.

8. Plan our personal garden and order seeds.
9. Teach Toby (our dog) a new trick. Take him on a walk around the farm several times a week.

10. Go on two field trips each month. (Winter months are a perfect time to splurge and take a couple of extra fun days!)
11. Drill our neighbor friend's high school exit exam booklet until he feels confident he can pass. One more chance in March!

12. Go on a date with Andy each month. (This may mean candlelight and wine at home when the kids are asleep).

13. Host friends from Atlanta or new friends at our farm frequently. (Already have two visitors coming in January, and one in February!) Attention Laura Beth: This means YOU and your family!! :)

14. Plan the kids' Valentine party at their hybrid school.

15. Do a fun, winter art project every week with the kids.

16. Take one road trip this winter. Chattanooga, maybe?

17. Visit an art museum, maybe.

18. Have a sewing day all day long one Saturday.

19. Try to go to Women's Bible study with friends every week!

20. Read the Bible and other books every day, even if it means just keeping a book open in the kitchen when I am cooking! Here's what I hope to read this winter in the Bible: Psalms, Proverbs, Acts, Romans, and Galatians. I am also reading The Story, a condensed version of the Bible with the Bible study ladies. (I have been hanging out in the Old Testament too long!) For other reading: Family-Driven Faith, Boyhood and Beyond, Cold Sassy Tree, The Glass Lake, and The Shell Seekers. This list is a good combination of non-fiction, parenting, mystery, and fiction. Should be an interesting challenge to get through the entire list by the time the sunflowers are planted!

I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE SUNFLOWERS! But until then, winter is looking up! It might seem depressing, but at least this list proves to me that it is NOT boring!! :) I really do have so much for which to be thankful, and so much to look forward to!!

A new year, a new word

2012-01-07T09:00:00.001-05:00

I'm a little late, I know. Just a tad. But on New Year's Eve my little girl was curled up in my lap, feverish and vomiting every 20 minutes on cue, in a condo in Colorado. And then 24 hours later, same scenario with the boys. And in the midst of the illness, there came packing and flights home. Then unpacking, nausea of my own, dirty laundry, taking down Christmas lights, fitting in two days of school on Thursday and Friday, and the death of my precious Great Uncle Gene. So here we are on the 7th.

To be honest, I was so busy enjoying, really enjoying, December and our trip out west that the new year came before I gave it a second thought. Normally when Christmas is over, the new year pervades the thoughts of the following 6 days until I am bursting with resolutions and my word and I am good and ready for the ball to drop! Normally, we would be at my best friend's house on New Year's Eve. But this year was different, and good, too! Yes, here we are on the 7th already! (Time, please slow down!!)

Here is my word for 2012 (it's a doozy):

Catechesis

(Greek origin)

::to resound or echo

::to celebrate or initiate

::to repeat another's words or deeds

As I remember "catchesis", I hope to echo, celebrate, and repeat Christ! And the kids chose a word this year, too! Jack's is TRUST, Joshua chose SELF-CONTROL, and Lydie chose LOVE. Funny, because those are not things I think they lack at all!

Words from the past:

Delight (2011)

Peace (2010)

Satisfaction (2009)

Courage (2008)

As for resolutions, I'll need a few more days to stew on those!

Hello Steamboat Springs, Colorado!

2012-01-06T13:13:00.000-05:00

Every couple of years my Dad and Aunt take all of us (26 people, including my brother's family and my cousins' families) on a big vacation. In the past we traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in 2006 and we enjoyed a Caribbean cruise in 2009. For our third trip we left the day after Christmas for an 8 day trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. (We have also been on many trips around the south, too.) This trip was so.much.FUN! As Andy and I are not part of the family business that my Dad, Aunt, cousin, and brother work together for, we feel so blessed and thankful to be included on this trip where my Dad and Aunt pay for us to enjoy such rich experiences. WE ARE SO THANKFUL!! How can we say thank you enough?? Here were some of the highlights: Exquisite suites with an amazing concierge who helped us daily with rentals, reservations, and recommendations. We were spoiled all week both with the accommodations and the fact that we walked across the street and were on the slopes!

A horse-drawn sleigh ride under starlight was beautiful, even if our teeth were chattering!
We loved our dinner on the ranch (after the sleigh ride), complete with music and "roping lessons". Loved seeing the kids and adults dance and play! A day on snow mobiles with the kids was a blast. The views were spectacular! Ski school and private ski lessons for the children were such a gift! My boys went from never skiing to racing down the slopes with their Dad. Seeing them enjoy and excel at a new sport is such a thrill! My little girl learned how to go fast and stop herself quite well on skis. She was fearless, too. We enjoyed several very delicious meals with the whole gang. (Aunts, Uncles, and cousins just around the corner.) New Year's Eve boasted fireworks and skiers zooming down the mountain with torches! (**And Auburn won their bowl game!)For down time...we had lots of time hanging out with cousins and aunts and uncles. I read a very, very good book cover-to-cover on airplanes and during restful moments. We had a quiet day at a movie and shopping with the kids when we needed a break from the slopes. Downtown Steamboat Springs is really fun and quaint! I am trying to be thankful for the stomach bug the kids got on the last couple of days, which was admittedly horrific, but taught me several things as I listened and watched for God. First of all, if you wake up at 5 am and feel a deep sense that your child should not go to ski school, just don't send her!! (I didn't listen and I am convinced this is where the stomach bug was picked up!) Also, I am learning to pray specifically and trust in God's good hand. I prayed for God to please spare us any vomiting on the airplane trips home. One child threw up in the rental car just seconds before we got out at the airport. Another threw up after we arrived in Birmingham at the baggage claim area. But for 8 hours we had no vomiting or upset stomach on either of the airplanes. This was a blessing that really grew my faith! Thank you, Lord!! With six kids (mine and my brother's) who had the stomach bug on the way home, not a single one got sick on the airplanes!! And it was a LONG trip! And, I am EXTREMELY relieved that my Mom was in our suite as well, and did not get the virus. This is quite a miracle as her immune system is so compromised with the chemotherapy! Yay!! Also, beyond those prayers we were blessed with three kids who did not complain about the trip home, even though they were as sick as could be. Wow. It was actually a smooth, easy trip home-by God's grace! Here was my sweet son beside me on the plane, quietly yawning. Poor guy. It is so deeply encouraging to witness God take a rookie farmer and his wife and continue to provide for our family beyond our wildest imaginations! He continues to bless us, and we are so undeserving! I was so worried that my children would "do without" when we moved here. But instead, they have enjoyed blessing after blessing! In fact, somehow they have had more opportunities, which I am sure is God affirming our big leap of faith in moving here. The sweet love and generosity of our family to share their resources with us in order to give us such a once-in-a-lifetime trip together makes us feel so treasured by family and by God! Thank you!! We had such a wonderful week with fun times that will be permanently etched in our memories!

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3: 20-21 (New American Standard version)

Finally, an answer

2012-01-05T10:35:00.003-05:00

This past month has been very meaningful, even pivotal, for me. God has pointed out my weaknesses as a parent to me. And He is doing a major work in me, restoring me and directing me! It is exciting, peaceful, and encouraging.
We have a unique situation in our family. Perhaps all families are unique who are truly dedicated to following God's calling in their life (as opposed to keeping up with the Joneses!). My husband is a very introverted, intelligent, witty, naturalist. He has a gift for understanding nature, making things grow, and working with his hands. He enjoys long spells alone, outside, with a clear mind. All animals and babies love him for his quiet nature, and teenagers love him because he has a dry, quick sense of humor and he is humble. He is rare and full of integrity, non-assuming, yet attractive and a people-magnet. When I first met him I was smitten because he is unlike anyone I have ever known. I was determined to draw him out and get to know him and felt so amazed that he choose to share his heart with me!
So anyway, you have that personality in our home. Then there's me. I am an extrovert who grows more like an introvert every day. I love being with people, but I love being here on this quiet farm. I love to shop on Black Friday and make friends in the long lines, but I crave being under a blanket alone with a book. If I have had several busy days away, then I will huff under my breath when the phone rings because I need to disengage. I enjoy speaking in front of crowds about things that give me passion. I love having ladies over to my house, planning big events, decorating, being in the mix, having my children around me-literally in my lap, by my side, and having lots of friends and a small handful of soul mate friends. I love big hugs and lots of kisses, and I believe in telling people that I love them and see great qualities in them. But sometimes I am also a wallflower and just need to listen and be still. Sometimes I dream of spending a whole week in a hotel room with flowers, music, good books, and HGTV.

These two very different personalities have converged into three very different children. One is a very deep, passionate, vocal, servant-leader. He is a gifted writer, in fact, a genius with words. The other is just like his Dad in personality (quiet, full of integrity, gifted in so many ways that people overlook, trustworthy, honest) but with different gifts of building, working with numbers, and problem-solving- more like my brother, the engineer. Then there is the little one who is the carbon copy of me. She plays well alone, but gets lonely after a few days and craves her friends. Then after a few days surrounded by people she gets grumpy. She needs balance. She loves being on the stage and creating things with her hands. She is never at a loss for words. She is highly motivated and driven and passionate. She cries when she is sad, but more often when she is moved by something. She gives freely of her affection, and people notice her most often. She cries big crocodile tears when she misses or hurts for someone.

My biggest challenge as a Mom, has been to discern how to combine these five personalities, under one roof, into one big family, and provide for our gifts/talents, hopes, and needs. It has been a bigger challenge than labor and toddler hood combined! And I take it very seriously. Over the past month as I have prayed for our future, God has revealed some hidden fears that I have carried for years, possibly since I became a parent 11 years ago. I have been this crazy combination of reluctantly excited these last years that I have been homeschooling. I have been trying to be open to follow God, but I have been terrified to be different. I have been nurturing my children, but scared that I was making the wrong choice. I have been moving forward, but in so many ways frozen and half-hearted. I guess making such a big move from suburbia to a rural farm also magnified those fears.
This past month Andy and I have visited the two classical Christian schools that are both an hour away. We have made lists of all the great things that are offered there. We have deeply considered the cost to send them there, both of our time, energy, and money. We have read good books and reevaluated why we chose to home school, and whether this decision will be a good one on down the road. I was fairly certain that we needed to think long and hard because Jack will be in 6th grade next year, and I don't want his world to be changing too much in these tough, middle school years. I have prayed long and hard, during day time and night time and early morning hours. I have sat back and listened and watched and been quiet. I have also voiced everything I can think of to my sweetheart as we have waited on the Lord. When we saw a positive thing about being at home or at a school, we noted it but were not quick to act on it. We just waited and prayed. But last night we looked each other in the eye and finally made a decision.
We will continue to home school until the children graduate. That is our plan. Of course, no one is guaranteed tomorrow and there are terminal illnesses and all the things that could happen to me or us. But we feel a deep, quiet but certain voice, leading us to continue the course. We plan to return to our hybrid school next year. It has been a beautiful gift, so certainly wrapped and packaged by our heavenly Father, to have two days in town for me and for the kids, and three to learn together at home. It's more than I could have asked for. It's perfect, really. We are having one of the best school years ever, with only maybe the exception of our first year. That means I am committed to discipling, educating, befriending, being with my one or more of my children for the next 12 or 13 years day in and day out. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted because I think the "we will re-evaluate each year and see" attitude has left open a door that disabled me from embracing all that I could at home. Now when I get tired or discouraged I know I need to take good care of myself because I am in it for the long haul.
God has been so, so gracious to let me see that the grass really is not any greener on the other side. I know many women who are stay at home Moms with children at both public and private schools and their lives are no more fulfilling, organized, or meaningful than mine. In fact, one of them looked at me recently and confessed she often wonders, "Is this all there is for me?". My life is deeply fulfilling and I am so uniquely created for this task, it is a sweet calling, not because it is better but because it is mine-of God. And even as I fail and mess up, Jesus is waiting to pick me up and set me aright again.
I have no idea how to educate a middle schooler, much less a high schooler. But I know God will provide all we need and He will sustain us. He has set us on this course, and He will see us through. I am thankful that he shook out my fears and replaced them with confidence- in Christ and not myself. Gospel confidence. And now on to continue the wonderful adventure! I feel more excited and sure-footed than I have in years!

"The distance between despair and hope can be but a hair's breadth, a slight turning of the heart away from one and toward the other. If I turn away from God to despair, I create a chasm that can swallow up everything good God has for me. But if I turn toward God by faith, he'll begin to fill the empty places in my heart with his hope and goodness."

~Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson

Christmas Eve and Day

2012-01-04T11:49:00.011-05:00

We had a very quiet Christmas Eve and day this year. Due to preparing for a trip, we did not go to the church services this year. No matter how much I tried to think ahead, I found myself with 6 unpacked suitcases on Christmas Eve, so we stayed home. I really did miss worshipping with a church body this Christmas Eve and day!!

Christmas Eve morning the children and I cleaned the house and baked cookies. Then we put cookies in bags by the dozens, attached a Christmas card, and loaded up into the Polaris to deliver goodies to our neighbors. This was another moment where we laughed over country life: delivering cookies on an ATV on Christmas Eve. I met a few of our neighbors for the first time. Most of them are older ladies who now call me "sweetie" and "honey", and were such a pleasure to meet. These neighbors of ours are golden and would do just about anything for us, I am convinced. The boys got to play a game of basketball at one house, we had drinks and sat on the porch at another, I saw one neighbor's crafty endeavors as she was sewing a quilt when we came by, and I met a man who makes furniture and promised to come back for a swing when our sun room is constructed.

After a full morning of baking, Andy declared that he was in charge of our Christmas Eve dinner. He is a fabulous cook. I pulled out a puzzle and didn't look up until Andy had created this feast:Hot crab dip::cornish hens::lemon asparagus::honey-glazed carrots::garlic bread

After dinner we watched The Nativity Story movie (fabulous) and tucked the kids in bed after reading in Luke. Andy put together the kids' ping pong table while I wrapped their gifts. Then we were secret Santa to a neighbor up the road, delivering a very special gift card secretly to their mail box. (It was the most thrilling gift we gave this whole holiday season, although I was a little afraid that Andy might get shot when the dogs started barking. Everyone sleeps with a gun in the country, and normally no one leaves the house after dark except to hunt animals in the early hours of the morning!) By God's grace Andy made it out alive, and at 1 am we were all tucked in and asleep until the designated time that the kids could get out of bed: 7 am. :)

The next morning the children were so excited. We opened each gift, one at a time, and lingered over a hot breakfast of caramel rolls and breakfast casserole. The children laughed and played, and we enjoyed the lights of the tree. Books were read, Lego sets were built, dollies were dressed up, and games and puzzles were played. We read the last day of our Advent devotion together and munched on cookies, feeling overcome with the grace and love of God in our lives.

After dinner (bowls of cereal) we decided we needed to switch gears and pack for our ski trip. We had to leave the house at 4:30 am the next day! So we pulled out the kids' warmest clothes and then put them to bed around 7:30 and began the arduous task of packing for a winter trip. And as if it were Christmas Eve all over again, we went to bed excited (albeit exhausted) for what the next day would hold!

"...Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die..."

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas with Nana and Poppy

2011-12-22T11:44:00.014-05:00

Happy birthday, Uncle Rick! (from your FAVORITE niece :) )

These pictures capture pretty well how over-the-top excited the kids were!
Andy and Lydie with Aunt Chelle, Greyce, and Anna.
Rick and Chelle gave Mom a beautiful Pandora necklace with her children and grand children's birthstones. So sweet!American Girl stuff was all the rage this year with the little girls.

And the hilarious expressions continue...

It was so fun to see the kids have so much fun! My Mom was so sweet to host us, even though she was having a rough day. We love all of our family!

Brave girl

2011-12-21T11:54:00.005-05:00

Dear sweet Annie,
You are so brave. Did you know when I first met you I could see it? Andy and I were touring your school and you volunteered to read and narrate for your fifth grade class. I watched and listened, and you looked over at us- strangers watching your class- and smiled so sweetly. I thought that day and a thousand times since, "I hope one day I have a daughter like that sweet girl!" (This memory happened before Lydie was even a twinkle in our eyes.)

You are so brave. I know you must be so sad and distressed that you are having to leave the house you grew up in all these years. I know you, and I suspect you are being so supportive and compliant for your Mom and Dad whom you love so much! But it must be hard to know this is your last week after a whole life time of memories have happened in your home. I want you to know, sweet friend, I understand and I am praying for you.

I became a Christian when I was 17, going on 18. I was your exact age! Just finishing high school and looking ahead to college. I remember that age so vividly (I also met Andy that fall just before I turned 18...crazy!) It must be a hard time, with all the events of your senior year, to be moving. Please know I am praying for you and I love you!

I think I know a lot of what you must be feeling. I moved at the request of someone else, too. It is hard to give up so much for someone else, even if you love that person so much. It is hard to spend those last months thinking, "This will be the last...". And I am not going to lie, it hurts for a while. I am glad you will be going to college next fall and starting that AWESOME adventure. (You.will.love.it.) But please know, if you feel sad or angry or moody, I think I can relate and I want to hear from you. I would love to talk to you and pray for you. Because I LOVE YOU!! And if I haven't mentioned it before, I think you are very brave (and beautiful and kind and super lovely!!)

And I can promise you that God will sustain you as you put your trust in Him. Don't let yourself look to the "right or to the left, but fix your eyes on Jesus". When Satan whispers, "Your friends aren't going through this. Why should you?" , just remind yourself that God is giving you the very best thing for your sanctification. He loves you and wants you right in the shadow of His wing, so to speak. Stay right there and don't let the temptation to feel sorry for yourself overshadow all that Christ has done and will do for you! That would be a real shame. (I know because I learned the hard way that self pity is the enemy of the gospel.) When you feel angry, give it to Jesus. He will replace all those terrible feelings with love, I promise. But it might take time. Just keep praying and being honest and don't feel guilty. You can't help how you feel. Listen to beautiful music, pray, and read His Word (the Psalms, in particular) and He will replace "your mourning with songs of praise" really soon, I promise. You are about to embark on a really great adventure of laying aside yourself and finding a whole new level of trust and joy in Jesus. And that joy will be contagious, just wait and see. I know He has great plans for you!

With love,

Trophy wife

2011-12-19T12:48:00.006-05:00

I will never be a trophy wife. My precious pregnancies did a number on my body that only a skilled surgeon could erase. And I do not plan on investing my time and money in plastic surgery. Sometimes I find myself thinking about external beauty like a woman who doesn't know the living God, and I feel shame. I do not add up to earthly standards.But I can take care of my body for the glory of the One who created it, and not for the praise of mankind. I fully believe that I need to be a good steward in this area, a better steward. But I will not let my appearance define my worth. I will remember that "charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears that Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31) And if I believe this verse, I will invest the majority of my time in those things that I can take to heaven and not in the things that will be left behind. (If I spend the majority of my time thinking about exercise, dieting, or what I want to buy for myself then I have an idol in my heart.) And I will encourage my children to hold the same values because they believe what they see me live. I am so sick of seeing greed and vanity ringing in our eyes and ears at every corner! I do not want to be a part of delivering that message. Life is so much more fulfilling and, ironically, so much more beautiful when we quit focusing on our looks and bank accounts!

I will never be a trophy wife. But I can be a trophy of God's grace in my husband's life, and to the world! And that is beautiful!

Pictured above: Beautiful moments...Memory game with Lydie, picture study of Boticelli's Mother and Child with the boys. Seeking true beauty and finding it!

"My Mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my Mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual, and physical education I received from her." George Washington

Loving it all

2011-12-18T18:26:00.014-05:00

Saturday and Sunday we were with my husband's family. It was a nice couple of days. Lots of eating and playing. And after the kids went to bed, Andy, Papa, and I carried on with our usual tradition of "debating" philosophical and theological topics until someone insists that it is bed time. Andy and I had to stay up an extra hour to "talk it out" so that we wouldn't go to bed angry after our debate on women in the workplace. I won't elaborate, except to say it's all good now. :)

Lydie and I baked these Rudolph cupcakes together on Friday.

Mimi saving us from the usual mantel malfunction. One Thanksgiving there was a real, live fire on that mantel. Candle + greenery= fire extinguisher

"I promise these pictures will be fun to look at in 10 years, kids." Sighs, moans, fake smiles abound.Lydie's favorite seatAfter a beautiful church service with Mimi and Papa, we ate burgers and came home. Time for a movie and snuggles, then our advent devotion on the sofa. Is there any season more wonderful than Christmas? (I think not!)

Sweet, lovely days before Christmas

2011-12-16T10:37:00.011-05:00

I can be moody, I confess, feeling desperate and lonely one day and fully content the next. This can be very confusing for my husband, I am sure. But I am learning to recognize it and not give in to my emotions all the time. I am learning to realize that my heavenly Father never changes or shifts, and through the power of His Spirit I can be consistently joyful, despite how I feel. I think this ability boils down to maturity, and apparently I lack it. BUT, God is working within me!

With this in mind, my next words may need to be taken with a grain of salt...Today feels perfect.

The kids are excelling at school. Working very hard and the seeing the pay-offs. My house is full of laughter and music. The lights on the tree are illuminating a dark house from gray skies outside. On breaks, the kids are playing in the rain and finding creative ways to enjoy themselves. The smell of oranges and cloves and cinnamon make me feel alive. And we are learning so much together!

Some lessons are hard, but I am pressing against discouragement to see them through. (Like a math test with 20 long division problems! And a kindergartner that never can seem to remember her poetry memorization. And a little sweetheart who is struggling with comparing himself to others.) I feel so certain that God is going to bless their efforts as they dig in and believe God is at work. It's a beautiful thing! Thank you Lord that when we seek you, we find you, and sometimes that is demonstrated through these types of successes! What an encouragement! William and Nancie Carmichael's book Lord Bless My Child says, "This is how we develop fortitude, persistence, and the strength of heart that enables us to meet adversity, pain, and persecution...There is no greater challenge, no higher calling, than to persist in the things of God." (And sometimes the things of God for an 11 year old is simply to do 20 long division problems without complaining or arguing- for the glory of God! I think it boils down to trust! And we are experiencing a lot of lessons in it! It's a good thing!
And we are enjoying a lot of fun Christmas studies. We have been studying Christmas traditions around the world. We went to Turkey in the study of St. Nicholas

Then north to Germany and learned of the St. Martin parade with lanterns and music

Then across the ocean to Mexico and the tradition of Las Pasados

and today we are back home remembering American traditions from the 1800s as we read My Prairie Christmas and made pomanders.

We have easy, sweet days at home like this. But we are very busy away from home, too. We saw the Willy Wonka musical this week. Jackson's two best friends were there and we sat with them.

And Lydie's ballet class performed a Christmas dance for us. The little girls choreographed it themselves. It was DARLING and involved princesses and fairies, of course!

Life is completely full, but mostly balanced. And I am loving it. And today is a PERFECT day! Thank you, God, that you have slowly and most assuredly been healing the brokenness and grief I felt when we left Atlanta. Although I still have days that are hard, you are establishing us here in this place. And I know "the, boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places, surely I have a delightful inheritance." (Psalm 16:6). These words of yours comfort me as much now as when you lead me to them in 2008 when I agreed to move to rural Alabama. Thank you!

Resources for our Christmas Around the World studies so far:

St. Nicholas: Santa Who? (Gail Gibbons)

St. Martin's parade: article from bellonline.com

Las Posadas in Mexico: The Night of Las Posadas (Tomie DePaola)

Pioneer Christmas: My Prairie Christmas (Brett Harvey)

Our farmhouse at Christmas

2011-12-14T22:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our little farmhouse. It is our first Christmas in this home, as we moved in March from the suburbs of Altanta to a farm in rural Alabama to fulfill my husband's dream of owning a working, organic farm. We have enjoyed this Christmas season so much! We are trying to embrace the peace and beauty of our farm, but also the bustling activities of a big city just an hour away. It has been wonderful this season!

Our friends enter the back door at the farm. They land in our kitchen. We tore out most of the kitchen cabinets and replaced them with open shelves. For Christmas, I removed most of my white china and added pops of greens and reds on the shelves. There is a lot of natural decor in the kitchen. Lentils for a splash of green, cuts of evergreen branches from our Christmas tree, and cranberries for a splash of red. I am certainly are not opposed to color! Here is our Christmas tassel (inspired by the Nester a few Christmases ago) hanging on our turquoise china cabinet. (Old farmhouses do not come with pantries!) Our family room is where we hang out most nights. Almost all of our decor was given to us or made. Like this paper garland from a decorating class I taught a few years ago. Simple and cheap!The Christmas village that my husband started for me when we were engaged and has added to over the years. It is a treasure and I love putting it out every year!

We hang a few simple berry wreaths on the front windows.

This little painting I bought last year is a favorite. My best friend gave me a gift card to an antique store. LOVED that gift and I appreciated how well she knows me. One of my favorite things to do on an afternoon alone is roam an antique store! We still buy a real Christmas tree each year. It has no "theme", just ornaments from the children, friends, and students from over the years. I just can't give in to a "themed" tree. There's artwork in little corners everywhere from years past. I especially love these paintings we made last year. The children each have simple little trees in their rooms, along with a strand of lights around their windows. Very simple and inexpensive. And dining room (current school room) has a big fireplace with the our stockings. My best friend from high school and her Mom started the tradition of having needlepoint stockings when they gave me these at a wedding shower. I can hardly remember the days of only two stockings on the mantle. Lots of reminders of who we are celebrating all around the house, too. I let the kids play with all of these nativities. Crazy, I know. But I hold these things loosely (literally). Over the years we have only broken one piece- a shepherd's head. It glued back nicely and all is well. Merry Christmas!
Hope you are enjoying this beautiful season!

Celebrating His constant care this Christmas

2011-12-13T17:38:00.014-05:00

"Having laid down your life as the Lamb of God, you have risen and you are now the standing shepherd- relentlessly caring, vigilantly protecting, and faithfully providing for us..."
I took in a few things to make an ornament with the boys' class at their hybrid school. Clear ornaments, school name with paint pen, kids' signatures in black sharpie, and shredded book pages inside. It's an easy keepsake!

"You never sleep or slumber, ebb or flow in your affection for us. You are constantly caring for us. We praise and honor you, O compassionate and engaged Shepherd..."

I was in charge of the boys' class party. We had a minute-to-win-it themed party. How many marshmallows can you toss, cups can you stack, cookies can you get from head to mouth (no hands), and metal nuts can you stack off of a candy cane in a minute? Good fun. This class has been a HUGE answer to prayer for us in developing friendships this school year.

For you glory and your good, you guide us along paths of righteousness, goodness, truth, and grace. And even as that journey involves traversing places marked by decay and death, you are with us, and that's all we really need to know...Celebrating Papa's birthday with Andy's family. He's a good Papa and we all love him very much!

Even in the new heaven and the new earth, you will be our shepherd, leading us to springs of living water. (Revelation 7:17) Your greatness, Jesus, will reach to the ends of the earth, and we will live securely, for you are our peace, now and forever. Hallelujah!..."

Fun and games at my Mom's house with her grandchildren and her brother's grandchildren. She is looking so lovely (pictured in her red hat with Lydie). She is determined to continue on with her regular traditions, despite being in the middle of chemotherapy. I am so proud of her great attitude! God has had His hand on her this season and His Spirit is shining through!

Excerpts from a beautiful prayer written by Scotty Smith

(a pastor at Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN)

Getting in the spirit

2011-12-10T12:30:00.012-05:00

I get so excited for this time of year because of our daily rituals. My favorite one is reading our advent devotions after dinner at night. At first I HATED the short days and early nights. (It is completely dark by 5:30 in Alabama!) But the early evenings are not so bad when they are ushered in with white Christmas lights! In fact, I look forward to that time of day now!

Our advent Jesse tree, along with our not-so-spiritual-but-very-exciting Lego advent calendar!

My Dad is such a sucker for Christmas lights. We used to have a ficus tree in the living room with lights on it year around. He called it the "burning bush", which is so hilarious and so HIM! He totally claimed it as a redneck thing, but we all loved it just the same. I think I remember Andy and I kissing for hours at a time on the living room sofa under the lights of the burning bush when we were in college. Good times! I wonder what ever happened to it?

An after school treat from Edgar's bakery on Wednesday. Aren't they cute? I am SO excited for this week! Beginning in the second week of December we abandon all science and history lessons to focus on Christmas. We do some of the same activities every year, and then we add new ones, too. Yesterday was our last day of history and science. This morning we read about the history/legend of St. Nicholas and the children received gold chocolate coins. We also had hot chocolate and enjoyed the Christmas lights on the tree. The boys thought it weird to "study on Saturday". But then they loved the book and the candy, of course, so all was well.On Friday we enjoyed another tradition. We saw the Birmingham Ballet perform The Nutcracker. The ballet stirs my soul, and I especially love the music of Tchaikovsky! The boys even enjoyed the ballet because the costumes, props, and scenery were extraordinary! Lydie cried last night because she was sad that she was not on stage. Maybe next year we will let her audition to be a marshmallow or a mouse. What fun!I took this picture during intermission. I ALMOST got ushered out of the theatre! Apparently I missed the dozens of signs that forbid cameras in the theatre. They were gracious because it was, after all, intermission. I don't believe this picture would have been worth missing the ballet!
We have had fun nights with our friends from Atlanta these last few days. (Please come with Jeff and Charissa next time, Michele!!) They have had a daughter-father hunting adventure this week at our house. Unfortunately they have seen very few deer. But hopefully they enjoyed being together and outside. We really enjoyed the evening conversations around the dinner table. And the kids (especially Lydie) loved having Charissa around! We LOVE having guests! And they survived staying in the trailer on the hill. I was a little mortified, but I'm over it. In fact, they came by this morning and I just stood there and chatted with them in my pjs. Good grief, this farm is robbing me of all sense of reality! :)
Here I sit, dressed for the day until we leave for a Christmas party tonight. I guess if Charrisa and Jeff had to see my in pjs, the owl gown, yoga pants, and pink slippers weren't SO bad!
There are one or two things on the calendar every day for the next week or so. Praying for the freedom to let go of things that can wait (dirty corners) and embrace this fleeting time of year! So full of praise and encouragement as I enter into Advent and remember the birth of Jesus and hold dear to all He has promised me as His child! I am robed in the righteousness of Christ- what freedom! Today is already December 10th! Praying you, too, are soaking in the goodness!

True ministry

2011-12-05T21:41:00.003-05:00

I spent a good portion of Saturday alone in our house. This is a rare phenomenon. Andy offered to take the kids to the drive-in movie. They normally get upset, and often offer to back-out, if I am not coming along with the rest of the family on an outing. (This never ceases to amaze me- their undying desire to be with me, even though we home school! What a surprise!) But even with me staying behind, what kid could possibly offer to stay home when they could see a DRIVE-IN MOVIE!! There were all ready and waiting! (And if you have such an opportunity, Andy recommends taking a car with a sun roof. He said that watching the movie with heads popped out of the sunroof was a highlight.)

As they pulled out of the driveway I took to cleaning- the house, car, dog, carport. I wrapped every Christmas present. I addressed 100 Christmas cards. And while I did all this mundane, practically methodical work, I had good, quiet, thinking time. I have read these words lately, and felt comforted by them:

"...This is the true ministry of motherhood- to usher my children into the living presence of God, to nurture in them a heart for Jesus and the Great Commission he has called each of us to fulfill."

Sally Clarkson

Right now, as always, with three children of various ages, we are hitting milestones. The little one is reading, wanting to "look perfect", asking theological questions, and trying to discover how to follow Jesus. The middle one is struggling with his own little battles- why do kids find it more easy to be friends with his brother, why are his teeth coming in crooked, is he smart enough, is he good enough. And our oldest, even though a pre-teen, seems to be sailing the smoothest just now. He is always asking questions- especially theological ones- but he seems to be extremely content with himself and the world around him. (We should enjoy this stage, as I am sure it is short-lived.) They are all very happy, in general. But when I really stop and listen (or for the introvert, when I really stop and ASK), I hear and see their struggles. And I know as long as they wear flesh the struggles will be there and I pray they will share them with me!

I am trying to take each day-with all of its trials, profound joys, and ceaseless questions from the little ones- and do and find good and beauty and truth (mainly by redirecting them towards Jesus). We went to my niece's 9th birthday party on Sunday and I was struck by what a difference four years makes- the difference in her and Lydie's ages. Certainly still innocent, my niece is a tender-hearted, darling girl. But she has grown up so much in these few years. I am feeling the urgency to prepare myself in more practical ways. I am trying to mentally articulate my definition of femininity and what I want for my girl between now and age 18 when she is her own woman. It is challenging and exciting. I am praying for other Moms of little girls to come along side me and walk this road (even if it is a mental one right now) with me. I know God will provide those ladies.

I firmly believe reading and following Jesus' words in the Bible plus a commitment to giving lots of time and affection are the two best ways to raise girls OR boys. I catch myself praying for His words and reminding myself to hug, hold, pat, and cuddle. And these two small reminders bridge most of the gaps made by our sins around here. While I know that too much information can lead to robotic, anxiety-filled parenting, I am also open to some creative ideas and helpful reminders. SO, I decided to order some new books. I am going to read Six Ways to Keep the Little in Your Girl, Passport to Purity (for Andy to use with Jackson), and Family-Driven Faith (this has been on my book list for years...maybe half a decade!).

The Passport to Purity kit was recommended by a friend and looks very interesting. It is actually a cd/workbook set for a weekend getaway to be used with pre-teens. The author recommends using it specifically during the summer between 5th and 6th grade. Andy is not a workbook kind of guy. But at least he can use it as a tool with Jack. We plan to take each of our kids on a trip-location determined by their interests- for a weekend for the round two "birds and the bees" talk with the parent of the same gender. I think a fun weekend will be in order for both boy AND Dad after that talk! Even though this time in a child's life is a little dreaded (or dreadFUL!), I am hopeful that it can be really good. My friend who is one year ahead in parenting reminded me that if you like your child, enjoy who he is becoming, this pre-teen stage is really exciting. What an encouragement, and I believe she is right.

I also ordered one more book from my favorite author of parenting books- Sally Clarkson. I love The Ministry of Motherhood, The Mission of Motherhood, and Educating the Whole-Hearted Child. I highly recommend each one of them and have been deeply shaped by each one! So I ordered her devotion book for Moms called Seasons of a Mother's Heart. (Am I subconsciously trying to pacify myself with books because I am dreading the winter months!?!)

I hope and pray that the few friends who read my little words here, along with anyone else who has stumbled by, will be truly blessed by this beautiful Christmas season. I pray you (and I) will find quiet, peaceful moments of worship and wonder as we celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world! May we enjoy the overflowing days and count each one a blessing! May we remember to redirect our longings (and those of our children) towards Christ!

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."

I Peter 1:13

Seeing the big in the little

2011-12-02T14:39:00.004-05:00

Last night the puppy was restless in his little box next to our bed. It was around 3:00 and I took him outside for a bit. It was freezing and I wanted to go back to sleep. But I caught a glimpse of the sky, littered with more stars than I can describe. And I stared up at it and felt so completely engulfed with gratitude. So deeply thankful for my new life in this beautiful, quiet, simple farm. My eyes are being opened to treasures all the time.

Yesterday my little girl danced for the patients at the nursing home. Something I love about the small town nearby, as well as this rural area, is that people seem to have deep compassion for the elderly. Maybe it is because their relatives are generally close by, but most of our new friends and neighbors around here talk of and visit their elderly relatives often. I love it! Yesterday, sweet little ballerinas danced and gave out presents. I found myself wiping away tears at how easy it is to spread joy and how often I do not take the time to do these important little things, giving my time away to the seemingly "bigger things". Planning regular visits back to this facility. Praying to have the eyes and mind of Christ as I decide how to re-prioritize our time in 2012. So excited for Christmas and the New Year! Much to celebrate and enjoy and relish!

"Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them."

Marcus Aurelius

12 hours away: chickens, police, and detours

2011-11-30T21:56:00.007-05:00

Today's events unfolded like this:

6:30 Rise and shine...muffins in the oven and lunches packed, my chores done

7:00 Kids up for breakfast

7:15 Kids'chores and getting dressed/ I get a shower

7:45 Boys feeding animals...

8:00 Boys still feeding animals due to loose chicken

8:15 On the road...5 minutes late

8:30 Emergency potty stop for 5 year old at the gas station

8:40 Back on the road

8:45 Remember the boys have guitar lessons and they are guitar-less.

9:00 We are now officially late for classes and we have fifteen minutes to go. This logically explains...

9:05 Police lights flashing in the rear view mirror. Drat. No speeding tickets for fifteen years...now the second one in two months. I tell the kids quickly, "You know how sometimes you deserve discipline but Daddy and I extend grace instead? Well I deserve to pay a fine for speeding, but could you all pray that I will receive grace instead?" Was that wrong? Doesn't matter because I got the ticket.

9:20 Boys make it to class. Their teacher is the most gracious, sweetheart on the planet. Thank you Jesus for the grace.

9:35 Arrive late to Bible study and brunch. Remember I was supposed to meet the church secretary about decorating the church Christmas tree (at 9:00). Send a quick apology email. Laugh with ladies about my morning. Because it really is funny! Wonderful, wonderful time together in a beautiful house in the woods with new friends. Thank you Jesus for grace, again.

12:00 Lunch with the sweetest five year old I know. And then a quick hour shopping spree at Hobby Lobby for aforementioned tree decor.

2:05 (SO close to 2:00) Only five minutes late for Women's Ministry meeting. LOVE these new friends. So excited to be a part of what God is doing through them.

3:15 Get all the kids and we leave, on a mission for the Lego advent calendar. I am DETERMINED to have it by tomorrow (December 1st)!! After three strikes, finally call and get a store across town to hold it. Get it. Get back on the highway going south instead of north. Cross county lines before I get to the next exit to turn around.

5:15 Husband calls. He has made it to Ohio, had his meeting, and flown through two airports, dropped off rental car, and driven half way home. I am still not close yet. Amazing.

5:45 He waits for me to catch up and the kids and I meet him for Chinese food. According to my math this advent calendar was a 2 and a half hour, $35 investment. I figure it might be okay considering it will provide 25 days of fun anticipation. Plus, who can mess with tradition?

7:00 Headed home. Panic. Puppy has been alone...all.day.long. Call neighbor and verify he is alive and kickin'. Breathe easy and listen to the children giggling and playing so well in the back seat. Thank you Jesus for grace, again and again. Pull into gas station. Need gasoline. Just filled the tank yesterday morning. Goodness. Tempted to add up cost of December's gasoline + Christmas presents/events/food + new speeding ticket. Decide to listen to Christmas music instead. :)

8:00 Get home. Chickens are dehydrated because the boys cranked up the thermometer too high. Andy has a mess to clean up (dehydration=upset tummies). Puppy is hyper. Cat is bellowing. Kids are excited. No matter how tired they are, they always feel this way when they get home. It's sweet. Home Sweet Home.

And that is what a homeschooling/hybrid schooling, farm-living, women's ministry loving, wife of a farmer/biological consultant who sometimes travels, dog/cat/chicken owning, wife/Mom's day looks like when we are away for a 12 hour stretch. Please tell me you have days this crazy, too. Can't wait to see what tomorrow holds! Because here's the irony in it all: I really enjoyed my day! (Except for the speeding ticket.) I told myself in the car on the way home, I would much rather have my hands FULL than EMPTY! And I pray I am willing and able to have them full all the days and seasons of my life! What a gift!

"We live the given life, and not the planned."

Wendell Berry

Penny, caverns, and a fruit tree

2011-11-29T15:34:00.010-05:00

Since we took trips out-of-town in September and October, today was our first local field trip for the school year. We went to Desoto Caverns. I remember going in elementary school, but had forgotten how amazing it is. All of the kids enjoyed it very much. I am very excited for them to learn about Alabama's history. And then when we came home we made this beauty for a brunch I am attending tomorrow. It's the first Christmas party of the year. Yay!! We made the fruit tree assembly-line style. Wash-pass-dry-pass-toothpick-pass-spear fruit. Over and over. I got the idea from pinterest. That website might be my new favorite invention.

Besides Pinterest, I am currently obsessed with Christmas music and recipes. I can not believe it is almost DECEMBER! I have some really fun things planned for the kids and me to do this month together! Lots of crafts, a musical, a ballet, good stories, devotions, and hopefully some mercy projects mixed in. And the parties...yippee! Again, found great ideas for the boys' hybrid school class party from Penny. (My pet name for Pinterest.) Also, if you HATE to make menus and grocery shop as much as I do, this website may enhance your life (almost) as much as knowing Penny:

http://www.momswhothink.com/

You can find weekly menus already planned. PERFECT! I followed the recipes for week 2 this week. I am making all seven meals. So easy.

I am off to ask Penny if she has any ideas for decorating our church's Christmas tree. I know she won't let me down! Let the Christmas season begin!!

Birthday goodness

2011-11-27T00:21:00.021-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving I turned the big 3-6. It was the best birthday ever! When I was a kid I hated that my birthday landed the day before, after, or ON Thanksgiving. Some years my friends would not be able to come to my party if it was too close to our school break. But now, it is a huge bonus! I get to celebrate with my entire family! And most years I am really spoiled.

This year might have been the best birthday EVER. The week was kicked off with a fun night out with my parents and brother's family.So sweet! And Chelle, I have been using my wax melter (what's it called?) all week. Cranberry scent really masks the new doggy smells. Thanks!! My Mom and Dad also spoiled me with a Christmas dress and new pillows for our bedroom. Tuesday I got to spend the entire day with my nieces and nephews (they spent the night after dinner). On Wednesday my best friend was driving through town to see her family (see what I mean about the holidays being a bonus??), and we met at the park with the kids. She gave me the most thoughtful gift. She knows I am a Momma-on-the-road. She found a bag that looks like a cute canvas purse, but actually has hanging file folders inside. Seriously!?! Thank you, Lizzie! You really are a sister to me!!

Then on Thursday we enjoyed sweet time pulling all of our thankful notes out of our thankful jar. It's been on the kitchen island since October collecting little moments of gratitude. And we thanked God for how richly we are blessed. Then we headed to the lake to spend time with my family. Lunch at the lake flew by and then we were on our way to Birmingham.

We spent the night with Andy's parents. Andy and I have a tradition of shopping together on Black Friday. We think it is really fun. We have never been shoved, punched, or pushed down. In fact, generally people are cheerful and chatty when we are waiting in lines or freezing in the cold waiting for stores to open. This year we started at 4 am (a late start since many stores opened the night before...BOO). By noon we had bought all but one Christmas present, found all six of our December birthday gifts for family members, and I found a new outfit myself for our big night together! At least the craziness was not in vain!

Loved an excuse to buy red wedges. Fun!

Around 1:00 we left for an overnight, birthday date! Andy made reservations for us to stay in a beautiful hotel suite. I arrived to roses and champagne in our room! After a long nap, Ruth Chris steaks ordered to our room for dinner, and plenty of time to get ready, we headed to the concert. Andy had reserved a hotel that was connected to the concert hall. We just walked next door when we were ready! We say Lady Antebellum, along with her two opening bands Eden's Edge and Josh Kelley. It was a.m.a.z.i.n.g. Loved dancing and goofing around with Andy all night long!

The next morning we slept in, enjoyed breakfast, and watched football. We met Andy's parents (along with our children) at his brother's house for a belated Thanksgiving celebration. It really was such a fun week! Thank you friends and family (especially my thoughtful, romantic husband!!) for celebrating my birthday with me. I feel very loved!!Happy Thanksgiving!!

Girls' weekend with Mom

2011-11-21T23:47:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I love it when God changes things up. He hears our desires and plans, but then steps in and "orders our steps". What an encouragement! Case in point, my weekend. I had big plans of a reunion with my college friends. Seven sweet sorority sisters were invited months ago. As the weekend got closer, one by one they realized they could not get away from their families. Then, when only one friend was left and available, she offered to postpone so that my Mom and I could have a weekend alone. She knows of her cancer. I am AMAZED at her thoughtfulness and selflessness, as I know she too was looking forward to a fun weekend break! Thank you, Rach!!

As I prayed about it and talked with Andy, I decided to take her up on the offer to postpone our weekend, in hopes that the other ladies could come another weekend, too. So Mom and I had an entire weekend alone.

We haven't gone anywhere without the rest of the family since I got married! We talked, talked, talked...rested, watched Jane Eyre, and shopped.
Mom had lost the majority of her hair the week before, but she didn't tell me. I was a little shocked when I first saw her. But I seeing her without hair is just a good reminder to pray for her. And she looks great in hats! Below is the one I bought her in Auburn. So cute!!
We stayed at the lake house, which is less than 30 minutes from Auburn. So we drove by after the game and enjoyed a freshly rolled Toomer's Corner, along with a lot of happy fans! We only cooked one meal (breakfast on Saturday), and otherwise we ate out or just snacked. We sat on the sofa both Saturday and Sunday until eleven o'clock with coffee. It was so much fun! My prayer is that our time together was an encouragement for Mom as she approaches her second round of chemo. She has been so brave and strong! I am very proud of her!

Our little reunion on the farm

2011-11-14T08:56:00.007-05:00

This past weekend we had a house full. Andy invited two of his closest friends and their families to our farm for the weekend. Andy's friend Justin was a huge blessing to our family, and still is. But particularly his friendship sustained Andy through some real struggles when we were in Atlanta. He was the first person at our house when we had our miscarriage in 2005. He was a real brother in Christ for Andy when he was hating his corporate job. And they have prayed and listened to one another through many other struggles and joys over the past eight or so years. We had not seen his children since his daughter was born 16 months ago! Their visit was long overdue!! His wife Stephanie is such a sweet friend, too. She is probably the best listener I have ever met. She has a knack for asking just the right questions, and I love how bubbly and witty she is. Their darling children fit in very well with our three. We enjoyed s'mores over a campfire, playing around the farm and with our new puppy, playing with *all* our toys, and eating tons of food with all kinds of beer and wine. I cooked like a crazy woman. Andy would say, "Chicken wings sound good. Let's get those...and chili. How about some queso? Let's smoke a ham and make a cobbler..." And on and on. Saturday night we all felt sick from it all. But being together was worthy of a little indulgence!

Our friend David joined us on Saturday morning. He also worked with Andy and Justin and they were all buddies. David just got engaged a couple of week ago, but his fiance couldn't join us because she is on a mission trip in China! Lydie and Justin and Steph's son will be flower girl and ring bearer in David's wedding in April. Should be pretty adorable! Lydie has always ADORED David. As in, it's a little embarrassing how many hugs and kisses she gives him.
When the house was quiet and we were back to just us five last night we were all pooped. After several days of preparation for our guests and then late nights all weekend we were all asleep by eight. But it is SO worth it to see good friends. (Even if they are Georgia fans and the football game was humiliating!!) May I never be tempted to not host because of the extra effort it takes. Now off to get ready for another busy week!!

Chicks and squawking

2011-11-10T17:57:00.005-05:00

The lady at our rural post office called this morning and said, "Mrs. Renee? Your chickens are in." I could hear anxious peeping in the background. The kids all hopped in the truck with Andy to go pick them up. There was only one "expired" chick in the box. 23 out of 24 is supposedly good. Now the kids will need to keep a curious puppy and two dozen chicks alive and well. Oh my. I adore bird watching and listening, but I detest actually touching birds. These littles are on.their.own! (That call from the lady at the post office was the latest "China" moment, by the way. How many of you have gotten a call from the post office telling you to come pick up your chickens?)

The chickens are all hens, and we anticipate fresh eggs soon. I only cook eggs on the weekends, but I do use eggs frequently for baking, especially in the fall and winter. It should be a treat to have our own. And hopefully these little things won't grow up to require too much work. We (Andy and I) have never in our entire life felt like the days are so short.

We simply can not manage to EVER get even a fraction accomplished that we would like. Making relationships and home schooling are my top priorities right now. And those are good things! But my housework is always behind, and I rarely find myself organized enough to make it to the grocery store with any idea of what needs to be bought. I have always been a menu/shopping list planner. This current state of "fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants" craziness is a little distressing for me. So I keep telling myself to just "do the next thing". It works pretty well until we are half way through a shower and run out of shampoo (with the nearest store being a half hour away). Or until I find myself pushing my car to the nearest gas station because I didn't keep my eye on the gas meter due to rushing around preparing for guests. THEN "the next thing" is not so comforting (albeit a little funny)! (This past weekend I ran out of gas in the car for the first time in my life.)

My Dad came by today and made himself at home in our living room. I didn't hear him and I was simultaneously cleaning the toilet, disciplining a child, talking on the phone with a friend (about how behind I am in my housework :) ), and chugging a Diet Coke. He just sat and listened to it all from around the corner. Later, he politely suggested that I ask the neighbors if anyone would like to come and clean my house. He said "the farm account" could foot the bill. Without hesitation or any dignity whatsoever I said, "Sounds great. Let's do it." So I think relief is in sight! What a purely delightful gift that would be! Just the thought of it thrills me more than Christmas morning.

But for today, house cleaning was on my own. With relief in sight, I pressed on and organized the kids' rooms, washed all of our curtains, cleaned the house top to bottom (mind you we only have a total of 9 rooms!), and washed all of the clothes. I also did basic homeschooling lessons (math, grammar, spelling, memory work, reading, and history). Our guests will be here tomorrow and slowing down was NOT an option. I did, however, boycott cooking dinner. Andy and the kids are out to dinner now, and I am eating a bowl of cereal with a sweet puppy in my lap.

Maybe the solution to my organization issues is to just have house guests or a party every couple of weeks! That would provide accountability and fun!

Good words from Bible study today

2011-11-09T23:00:00.002-05:00

~Good theology is useless unless it "puts on skin".
~Seeking control and feeling entitled robs us of joy. Letting go of "what I deserve" (good health, obedient children, working car, loving spouse, nice house, whatever) and wearing humility brings joy. Focusing on Christ, not myself leads to deep, abiding JOY!!
~Expectations kill relationships! Expectations are "premeditated resentments". Especially in our relationship with God.
~Joy comes out of (after) gratitude.

"I used to think that God's gifts were on shelves one above the other, and that the taller we grew in Christian character the easier we should reach them. I find now that God's gifts are on shelves one beneath the other, and that it is not a question of growing taller but of stooping lower, and that we have to go down, always down, to get His best gifts."

~F.B. Meyer

~John 3:30
~Matthew 18:4

"Use me then, my Savior, for whatever purposes and in whatever way you may require. Here is my poor heart, an empty vessel; fill it with your grace."

~D.L. Moody

Our sweet new addition

2011-11-07T09:25:00.005-05:00

We finally got the children their first dog. We've been promising since March when we moved here. Toby will make a good companion and guard dog for them as the children are gaining the freedom to venture farther away on our property. And I think he will be good company for Andy on the days when he is planting and doesn't see or talk to anyone else during the day!
He is a 3 month old chocolate lab/hound mix. He is very affectionate and so sweet. We adopted him from the Birmingham Humane Society. He slept in a storage box by our bed last night and didn't make a whimper. (This was after trying to have him sleep in our kitchen alone. He whimpered/howled like he was being torn to pieces!) But in the box, by our bed, with the ticking clock was the ticket! The children love him already. He is just like a toddler...feed, tee tee, poop, play, put things in his mouth, teething, stay with him at ALL times! I think this enormous task of having a pet came at the perfect time for the kids. They will do a nice job ushering him from puppy hood into a well-mannered companion, I think. Isn't he adorable?

Grace upon grace

2011-11-04T22:09:00.010-04:00

Tonight we had a fun, celebration dinner in town. First of all, I turned in our report cards for the first quarter. My boys both made straight As! The good grades are exciting, but I am mostly proud of their perseverance and hard work. My sweet Jackson who works so, so diligently in Math (literally giving himself a headache several days a week) earned a 95. It was a well-deserved, enormous accomplishment for him. He is learning the sacrifice and reward (both physically and spiritually) of pushing through something that is very difficult for him. I feel certain he will use these lessons through out his life with much more important matters than decimals and long division!

Both boys are excellent students (and sons)! Although I do often hear, "How many more subjects do we have today?", I rarely hear complaints. I pack in a pretty heavy work load in school for these little guys! But I know they can do it, as their reports have proven!Honor roll boys

And even bigger news...my baby girl became a Christian today. I was reading her devotion with her this morning. The verse said, "Except you be converted, and become as little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3) I explained to her that converted means turning away from sin and turning to Jesus in faith. This verse wasn't chosen to scare her. It is an ABC Bible verse book and she is learning to memorize a verse for each letter. This was the closest on they could find for the letter X- "eXcept..." It was God's providence! At the end of the story that went along with the verse she asked, "Have I been converted? Can you help me?" And we talked and prayed together. Then she went squealing through the house to tell her brothers and Dad.

What a day! Jackson said, "Now we'll all be in heaven together some day!" Amazing grace!! And Lydie thanked God at bed time "for making her a Christian". Praising God for the sweet memories of being with our children when all three were converted. Again, His grace is amazing.

Note to self (because I will forget ):

"These steps with the small, these are the giant leaps not to be lost. Saving the world, it begins with the salvation of one child. There's only a harvest in the kingdom when someone attends to the smallness of a seed."

~Ann Voskamp

Halloween fun

2011-11-01T19:42:00.013-04:00

Hayride and Trunk or Treat at my brother's house on Halloween

**Jackson and Joshua opted out of costumes this year. So sad!!!**

Our church picnic on Sunday afternoon
Tonight enjoying kids sacked out early...the low after the sugar rush. It's dark, cool, and quiet outside. Very thankful for my brother and his family for letting us adopt their community of friends while we are settling into our own. They have a very sweet school and neighborhood. We are eager to get to know more families in the church we are visiting. We are slowly making new traditions and putting down roots. It's just a matter of patience and time!

Fret-free

2011-10-28T17:14:00.012-04:00

This week was exceptionally busy. (Do I say that every week?) But I felt such peace and joy in it. I told my friend I was a cheerleader this week, cheering to myself and my family, "Life is a gift!". And it felt like one, even when it didn't look that way. Our activities made our life fast-paced and busting at the seams, but still peaceful. I decided on Sunday to surrender to Jesus everything that I wanted to do that couldn't get done. No fretting. It makes for a happier Mom/wife and a more faithful servant of Christ. There was A LOT that I had hoped to do that I couldn't this week, just like all other weeks. But I enjoyed my time and a lot was accomplished. That's good enough for me! (Why do I have to learn this lesson over and over again? Just being content with what the day can hold? Appreciating the assignments given from God?)

I keep trying to capture what our farm looks like right now, as the colors have peaked for fall. But I can not come close to capturing it with a camera. Maybe there will be time to paint. And our drive to town, under the canopy of colored leaves with pastures full of animals, is so amazing. It's hard not to praise God when you have this 20 minute drive. I often see it as a barrier between myself and my destination. But that is foolish. It's a gift, and I know it as I look around and am forced to be thankful for the beautiful creation God has given me to enjoy. It is nearly impossible to rush past and ignore.

**A few highlights from the week**

My niece turned six last weekend. She had a costume/hayride party. Her snaggle-tooth-smile makes me want to squish her with hugs. She looks like she jumped out of a Norman Rockwell painting.

My sweet friend invited us over, along with her neighbors, to a pumpkin carving party. We had a great night meeting new people, roasting marshmallows, playing with other kids, eating, and carving our pumpkin. Thanks, Laura Beth and Harris!

The boys went squirrel hunting this morning. Hello, we live in the country! Andy says squirrels are good "target practice". I wanted to argue. But squirrels are just too creepy for me to defend. Look at my boys. How is it possible to look this cute with Andy's fishing hats on? (They would be mortified that I used the word "cute" to describe them here.) And Jackson's Ghost Busters shirt is awesome. :)

So many of you have emailed me lately. Thank you! I appreciate your prayers for my Mom. She starts chemo on Monday. She had a port inserted this past Monday. I feel like Lydie and I are all too familiar with her hospital now! Please pray for Mom as she starts this very grueling treatment. I don't look forward to her beautiful, thick hair falling out. And I am really praying that her petite, well-manicured finger nails don't fall out as well. After a mastectomy, I imagine it is hard for a lady to give up those things. But she is facing it all bravely and doesn't seem upset yet. Pray for me as I manage my time. I want to be with her during her treatments but I am not sure what to do with my Lydie during that time. Happy fall! I hope whoever is reading is enjoy this beautiful season!!

"Parenting is not so much about instructing people as it is about inviting into Presence."

~Ann Voskamp

Chief sinner

2011-10-23T22:54:00.003-04:00

Humility can be so painful. Today I felt it, deeply. I was sitting with a new friend at church talking between Sunday school and the church service. This friend's name is Beth and she is probably about 15 years ahead of me in life. She is wise, honest, and so lovely. (The name Beth must have that effect on people, because I have never met a "Beth" whom I didn't love immediately.) So there we were, sharing about our lives, and my eleven year old walks up and sits by us. I introduce him, he smiles quietly, and sits and listens. Then she says, "This move to the farm seems so effortless for you. We're all amazed at how little you seem effected." As I smile and ponder how to share with her just how much of a difficult, life-changing, struggle it is, my son speaks. He says, and I quote, "She's pretty much been grumpy for months." He doesn't look up from his drink at her or me. He just mumbles it and sits and waits for me to digest it. So I confess, "Yes, he's probably right. It's been a really big struggle. Maybe if it doesn't look that way it's because being around you is such a pick me up!" And I look back over at the eleven year old, still sulking and not looking up. I am not concerned about what Beth thinks about me at this moment, but I am crushed by what my boy thinks.

Once the opening hymn begins, I decide to go ahead and have a talk with my little man. I motion towards the back door and ask him to follow me. We sit in the foyer and he says, "Am I in trouble? Did I say something wrong?" He's obviously shaking in his boots at this point. I take a deep breath. And I ask the question I am so afraid to hear answered, "Son, are you mad at me? Do you feel anger towards me...even hatred?" He mumbles. I say, "You have to tell me the truth. We have to talk this out right now." And he crumbles, crying, head in hands. He says, "You blame me for things that aren't my fault. And you don't like living at the farm. Dad and I are the only ones who really like it. And I just want things to be good again. If we could have just bought a farm in Atlanta you wouldn't feel this way and everything would be like it used to be." Sigh.

I wrap my arm around him and we take a walk out in the grass. I tell him (but mostly myself) that he is right, I have been grumpy often. It is impossible to hide even a hint of a negative emotion from this kiddo. He is like a walking lie detector- intensely intuitive. I tell him I have struggled to trust that this move is good. I have lacked faith. And I have often not run to God to receive all He has for me, so I failed to pass that love and grace on to him. I reassure him God loves us and will eventually give us peace, as we seek Him. I reminded him (and myself) that I will be okay, it just takes me a while to lament. I do not apologize for my feelings, but I do ask for forgiveness for the times when my difficult feelings have led me to be distant or grumpy. (*I wish I would have thought to tell him that he can not feel responsible for making me feel better. I know he wants me to feel happy, but he can not make me happy. But I didn't think of that until now. I did, however, ask him to pray for me.) I reminded him that even when he is angry, hurtful, distant, or sulky I will always, always love him. Then I tell him the next time he says something disrespectful to me there will be SERIOUS repercussions...but he is welcome to come to me respectfully when he is hurt, confused, or angry. We hug and cry and join the others just in time for a sermon...on trusting God. And we nudge, and write notes, and smile at God's provision in every word the pastor delivered.

My heart resonates with Paul when he claimed, "I am the chief sinner!" I am often selfish, stubborn, and cold when I do not get my way. But because of God's lavish grace, I am humbled and broken. And I thank God that a Momma sinner and a boy sinner can come together in all their sulky anger and find rest and love in a heavenly Father who uses our weakness for good. I am weak, He is strong. I am feeble, inconsistent, and unfaithful. And He gave us Jesus. I am completely consumed with His love for us! And I am reminded of the consequences I face when I grip too tightly my own desires.

Fall break trip: The Smoky Mountains

2011-10-22T20:08:00.017-04:00

Mimi and Papa took our family, along with my brother-in-law's family, to the mountains for a week. They were so generous to spoil us with fun outings and meals! I think we made the trip at the perfect time, just as the leaves were beginning to pop with color. Our adventures included:

Dollywood

A trip to our favorite mountain restaurant: The Apple Barn A glorious hike (This was Lydie's first time to hike the whole way without riding in a back pack!) Wonder Works MuseumAnother favorite restaurant: The Peddler The men took the kids fishing...and we went shoppingArts and Crafts festival

The aquarium

This break came at a great time in our school year. We are officially 1/4 of the way through the year! Thanks to having a plush condo with a washer/dryer, I don't even feel overwhelmed with dirty clothes to clean! We came home yesterday, and little by little we unpacked today (while mourning the Auburn football game). It feels great to have a day of rest tomorrow before getting back in the fast lane on Monday. Thanks, Mimi and Papa, for spoiling us and giving us great memories!

Moments I want to remember: Getting the "Tawanda!" in the parking lot, kareoke (even if just one night), making Papa mad when I rejected his radio channel (bluegrass gospel), feeling violated after reading the shirts in a discount store with my sister-in-law (and understanding why the clerk's car had the message- in shoe polish on the windshield, no less- "If you don't like what I saying, you damn sure don't want to know what I am thinking!" Yikes!!), hearing "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" & "Rocky Top" at every corner, Papa's astonishment when the clerk charged $50 for the kids' bags of candy, & Lydie's face after her first roller coaster ride. But mostly, just a restful, fun week. Good stuff!

Stroll around the farm

2011-10-14T20:46:00.010-04:00

This morning I had the pleasure of exercising outside. Normally, I get the kids started on chores and sneak away in my room for an exercise video. But today Andy was wrapping up a consulting report and suggested I take a walk.

Our house is on the "forest" side of our property. The farm land is across the street. I went around the back of the house, down the hills, and into the forest side. Among the woods are a lot of green fields for deer hunting. But we don't grow any produce over here except for a small fruit orchard.

As I left, I waved to the boys who were done with their chores and waiting on school to start. It was 8:00, or was it closer to 9? While many of their friends were starting school, they were jumping on their trampoline. It's a good perk, they say.

Here are a few of the buildings on the property. I call this the Chester house.

As in, Chester the Molester. Seriously, when I read The Room, I imagined the kidnapped girl locked up in a building like this. It's so creepy. But that silver door on the left opens to a huge refrigerated room, which is so useful for our summer produce. And behind the refrigerated room is a huge sink, great for cleaning the veggies. And that really creepy door that used to be red is a big storage room with freezers and picking baskets, as well as my Christmas decorations. Some time I will post the "China" story of how my attic has no steps. It's just a big square in the ceiling, like the door to no where. Except it goes somewhere...the attic! And we can't get in without a ladder. So guess what? It's empty. This creepy building is about a quarter of a mile from our house. I am very glad.

Moving along, this building is an old double wide trailer.
It is beside Chester. A very unfriendly man lived there who really made me uncomfortable. By God's grace, that man was willing to sell his little parcel of land to us and he moved away. And this little building came with the land. So my Dad has stuff in there for he and his buddies when hunting season rolls around. All the hand-me-down furniture in the family is given to my Dad. He can not stand to waste. Any way, his living room has a huge, ornate brass mirror above a pastel sofa that used to be in a beach condo, with an old burgundy plaque with a quote about joy on it hanging beside the mirror. This is just a sample of the unique furnishings he has brought together. My Dad is so easy to please. He could care less. He could afford to tear it all down and build a mansion, but he is perfectly comfortable with it, as is. I love that man!
And lastly, our new barn. I am at the top of a hill looking across the street on to the farm land. This building is brand new. That little house to the right of the barn holds a new well. This baby will pull 15 gallons of water from underground per minute. If you knew the method my husband used last summer to irrigate you would understand why this news is blog worthy. Summer for a farmer with a poor irrigation system in central Alabama=LONG days.

On my way home, the signs of fall around the property were breath taking. I wanted to freeze time. Loved the cool breeze, chirping birds, and beautiful colors. The balmy summer is so palpable here. So much so that the gentleness of fall feels and looks like a miracle to me after the harsh heat! I wanted to chant, "We made it!"

I question whether there was any elevation of my heart rate on this walk. With all these photos, did this walk even qualify as exercise? Oh well, sometimes it is good to actually SEE what I am walking past every day. Carpe diem!

Fancy horses

2011-10-13T22:00:00.010-04:00

Every week, sometimes even daily, my girl amazes me with her resourcefulness. She finds random things around the house and takes them to her little art table. Then she reinvents their purpose and makes beautiful art. She made me a bird yesterday out of tissues. She once used kabob sticks out of the kitchen to support a paper butterfly whose wings would flutter by moving the stick. She feeds her stuffed animals beads from her jewelry drawer. She's such a creative little thing!
Right now Lydie is all about horses. Why is it that only girls go through this stage? And I can't blame her. Any time we leave our house, even to go to the nearest gas station or grocery store, she sees many beautiful pastures like this one along the road:

**Side note: The nearest actual gas station is always out of gas. The first time I discovered this it was a "China" moment. Seriously, I have stopped numerous times and it always says, "SORRY, EMPTY." When I approached our neighbor about it he said, "Yes. The owner is a good guy. He just hadn't got a lot of money." I guess he replenishes his gas station with gasoline as he can afford to. Bummer. And incidentally, I go inside the gas station store occasionally to give him some friendly business. Would you believe that the last time I went in there he was out of snacks?! All the empty boxes where the snacks used to be were still lining the shelves. I couldn't believe it either. So I bought 2 Diet Cokes and a few packs of gum. There is always a group of three elderly men sitting on the painted bench outside. It really is like a scene from Mayberry.

Back to the horses...about a week ago I saw Lydie staring at her rocking horse, Carrots, with a puzzled, frustrated look. She shared that Carrots needed a "...what's that called that goes on his back?". "Carrots needs a saddle", I clarified. And she had scoured the house, and couldn't find the right stuff to make him one. She was finally stumped.

So while the boys were in classes we took a trip to Hobby Lobby. I liked playing her game with her. After perusing every aisle in the store...

Here's how we made a saddle for a stuffed rocking horse (no sewing involved):

Materials:
Poly Foam

brown fabric

suede string (hot pink is Lydie's preference)

fabric scissors and safety pins
Process:
Drape the foam around the horse's body and cut off the excess.

Wrap the foam in the fabric, like gift wrapping, except pin with safety pins as opposed to scotch tape (only on the bottom side).

Drape the foam on the horse again. Cut two long strips of suede lace and tie the saddle on the horse (I just knotted the string on the belly side of the horse). Then tie two extra pieces of suede lace to the harnesses to act as reigns.

Afterwards, she was so thrilled that she "rode" Carrots to the refrigerator and got out a bag of carrots to share with him. Squeals abounded!
Happy trails!

**This was my 1,000th post!**

New battle cry

2011-10-12T22:11:00.009-04:00

This past weekend I enjoyed more solitude than the past six months altogether! I was longing for some moments alone, with God, and with my sweet friends. So this conference in Atlanta could not have come about at a better time. I asked Andy if I could go a month or so ago, which he, of course, encouraged me to do. And later, after paying a heaping $170 for the conference alone, he asked, "So who are the speakers? What will you be studying?" I had no idea. I just signed up, no questions asked. This Mom needed a respite (and no price tag could be put on it)!

But God in His great goodness blessed me beyond what I could have anticipated from a website. Nancy Guthrie was the main speaker and she took the word of God and unfolded it for us in such a poetic, beautiful, heart-felt way. My seminars were wonderful, too. And what an experience it was to sing to the Lord with 2,000 other joyful women! I left feeling reminded of the great honor it is to be a Jesus-follower in such a time and place as this.

Getting ready to hit the road!

Besides a great conference, in my quick, 48 hour stay I enjoyed several meals with friends. (These are always fun when I am visiting from out of town. No fluffy chit-chat. We get down to business and no one holds back! I love it.) I also had the great pleasure of worshiping with our church body in Atlanta. It is pure joy to see our "family" there. I had a quick visit to the urgent care, but it didn't put much of a ripple in my plans. While I was getting over that issue, I read 4 magazines cover-to-cover in my best friend's guest room and then took a 3 hour, uninterrupted nap. Now that's a way to spend an afternoon! It took me until about Monday evening to shake off the blues. After all, it might not ever be easy to visit a place with such sweet memories. But I was reminded of what Ruth Graham's daughter said of her, and greatly inspired. She said, "I now understand that her joy did not stem from perfect or ideal circumstances, but from a deep, abiding faith." That type of joy, that dependency on my Saviour is what I long for more than any person or place. Stripes seem to be the rage! (Note my shirt from the picture above...another striped shirt!)

So yesterday when we took the day off of school to have some fun together (our first day off this year!), I knew how I should use my travel time. We decided to go shopping in Auburn. We were in the car about two and a half hours round trip. So I let my dreams fly. I let myself really envision how God could use me in bigger ways here. I imagined making art and jewelry, establishing a non-profit, having a "food barn" for the many unemployed in our county (canned & non-perishables from churches in surrounding counties and produce from the farm), and even the possibility of a classical school out here in the country (or at least tutoring services). It was fun and I got excited because I was reminded that I am here because of God, for His glory. Slowly, slowly I am moving forward, by His grace, and I have great hope that He is going to use me.

Enjoying the sales at Old Navy!

The kids at the book store...adding to their Christmas wish lists!

Sweet, goofy boys across the booth in Ruby Tuesday's.

In a book I read with the boys this morning, Abe Lincoln had to fire a Union general who was not getting the job done. He said (paraphrasing), "I might be a slow walker. But I will not walk backwards." Amen, Abe. I think I will adopt this phrase as my new battle cry.

Bearing His Image through Art

2011-10-04T10:15:00.006-04:00

When Jackson was born (11 years ago!), and even two years after that when Josh came along, I was completely entrenched in being a Mom. I wore no other hats. Jack had some health problems that required daily therapy at home for an hour or two, maybe longer, along with regular visits to specialists. To enhance what we were working on with him, we took gym classes, music classes, joined a playgroup, went to story time at the library, and no telling what else. Basically, all I did 24/7 was plan, pray, or attend things for Jack. Or at least it felt that way. I have no regrets. God graciously has allowed our son to be healthy and happy, leaving behind the days of therapy and medical issues. But it was all-consuming those first years of parenting, that's for sure.In the mean time, my husband was building his career as an environmental consultant. He was part owner/VP in his company, and those responsibilities coupled with his undying ambition and 1 hour commute each way to work left most, well...all, of the parental responsibilities for me. That's how life was for about four years. Did I mention we were renovating our house on the weekends?It took me a while to realize that God had called me to do more with the next couple of decades of my life than be just Mom and wife. All throughout adulthood I had many friends. But since Jack was born I hadn't many hobbies, service, or even a whole lot of thinking outside of what involved my husband and children. I don't regret or feel guilty about it. Some doctors attribute Jack's recovery to those hundreds of hours I spent researching, planning, and working with him. I feel honored that God chose to use me as a help in Jack's life during those years.How could I regret that? But by the time things slowed down I realized that I had no idea how to spend a day alone with myself. If I had a penny to throw in a fountain I would have no idea what to wish for. I had two healthy boys, what now? It had been a long time since I had the luxury of time and solitude. The year the boys were 4 and 2 was 2004. It was the easiest year I have ever had as a parent. We lived in a new house that was easy to maintain. Andy didn't have to commute to work any more, and he wasn't doing house projects over the weekends. We had many friends at church and in our neighborhood. And everything was convenient to our house. That year was the only year in the past eleven years that I had regular time alone. The boys both went to preschool three mornings a week. After lunch they went down for a nap together and slept for three hours. Without fail. Did I mention that Joshua was THE EASIEST child on earth? Give him cars and trains and you could clean the entire house without a peep from him. And the boys played very, very well together. They remind me of Phineas and Ferb, if you've seen the cartoon. One was the talker/leader/mastermind of ideas and the other could build/engineer. They were both even-tempered and gentle. Our house was relatively quiet and predictable. That was an easy year.That year I began to remember all of the things I loved to do as an individual. I even discovered things I never knew about myself. I experimented with painting, photography, decorating, and other craft projects. I dusted off the sewing machine, began to write, and hosted people in our home on a weekly basis. I began to keep a journal. I began to volunteer with Women's ministry and host studies and prayer groups of women in our home. I discovered I enjoy reading about history and taking road trips. It was a life-changing year for me.
I haven't been the same since that year. There is always a yearning to create, find an adventure away from home, and capture things with words, paint, a camera. All of these pursuits allow me to see God more clearly. It's such a privilege to interact with his world in an intellectual, artistic way. It leads to worship and joy. I am a better Mom and wife when I have these opportunities for artistic expression and solitude. I know some seasons allow more of this type of learning than others. And I am okay with that. I just do not want these experiences to die altogether again. This time is such an enriching part of walking with Christ as an image-bearer. And, I hope it always remains a top priority for me to encourage this type of expression in my children as well. "The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life."~Frank Lloyd Wright

*Pictured above: Signs of fall around the house. What an inspiring season! These pictures are tiny because I sent them from my Ipad which is still a complete mystery to me!!

Lydie at 5

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

::Favorite toys::
Barbie doll and mansion
Stuffed animals
Dressing up

::What you want to be when you grow up::
A cheerleader
An artist
Own a store with Mommy
A Mommy

::Your favorite food/drinks::
Chocolate
Chocolate chip muffins
Waffles
Carrots
Cucumbers
Grapes
Canteloupe
Milk
Water (!)
Doritos chips
Cheese

::You love::
Being with family
Wearing skirts and dresses
Going to plays and museums
Drawing and crafting
Colorful rooms
Flowers
Being in the water
Riding your bike
Lip gloss
Ballet and gymnastic class (you count down the days...)
Getting your nails painted
Riding on Daddy's back
Being picked up and kissed
Shopping
School time
Pink

::You dislike::
Bugs, even the smallest ones
Spiders
Worms and slugs
Snakes
When I go somewhere without you
When Daddy goes somewhere without you
When your brothers go somewhere without you :)

::Your favorite time in kindergarten::
Art time
Everything really, except...

::Your least favorite time in school::
Your phonics lesson (it's 6 laborious pages long, no wonder!)

::You are::
always smiling
always giggling
always at your art table making something
very creative
always pretending with a doll or stuffed animal
always changing things around in your room
always changing your outfit
opinionated
spunky
affectionate
outspoken, yet nervous to be the center of attention
our precious gift

Our Getaway

2011-10-01T14:40:00.000-04:00

Last Friday we decided to tag along with Andy on an out of town consulting job. With harvesting season behind us, Andy is able to be involved in many environmental consulting projects. It is such a financial blessing for our family! Our decision to come with him on this trip was very last minute because I wasn't sure if I wanted to leave Mom just a few days after surgery. But once she was home and settled we talked about it. My parents encouraged me to go, as they don't like it when I am at the farm alone. So, reluctantly, the kids and I packed up and headed for North Carolina.
By Friday evening we were on our sweet Aunt Glenna's porch breathing in the cool mountain air of Asheville. I felt not-up-to-par all day Saturday, a mixture of dieting, stress, and fighting a virus. But I still thoroughly enjoyed our day at our favorite spot. What could be more beautiful than a farm nestled in the Appalachians?
On Sunday we headed south to another job site. Good bye mountains, hello ocean! We spent three restful days in Charleston, South Carolina. If you haven't seen this magnificent city, it is a balmy, coastal town filled with beautiful beaches and oak trees overflowing with Spanish moss. Not to mention the captivating "Carolina Blue" skies. Here is how we were greeted by the city:I loved our time together. We did school in the mornings in the hotel room. Then we were off looking for fun and adventure. We spent a day at Folly Beach... My Josh doesn't like to be bothered with any one else. It's him and the ocean. He's fearless out there in the water.

*Jackson later told me, "Mom, I have always loved Lydie. But today she became my friend." Gush.*

Sometimes I catch moments like the one below. Joshua stops all the swimming and jumping over waves to just take it all in. It's pretty awesome, right buddy?

We walked the streets of Charleston reading plaques and soaking up the rich history and architecture of the city...

And we played at the Children's Museum.

I needed this trip more than I could have known. I feel so refreshed and encouraged. It is good to experience a very special perk of this homeschooling way of life. These road trips, I am sure, will be memories we really treasure as a family in years to come. It felt exciting and adventurous to take off across 5 states and see new places, all while not missing a beat in our schoolwork. This is the freedom I hope to remember on busy days when there is too much to juggle! I am already looking forward to the next road trip.

"The chief aim of the Christian order is to give room for all good things to run wild."
-G. K. Chesterton

Mom, the trouper

2011-09-30T15:00:00.001-04:00

On September 20th Mom had her double mastectomy. The long and short of it is, it went off without a hitch. It all happened so fast, really. My Mom was the biggest trouper I have ever seen. She focused on shopping for pajamas, thinking ahead (even talking about Christmas presents), and future treatment plans. She didn't get upset at all. She was so sweet as she was waking up from surgery, requesting a kiss on the cheek from everyone in the room.

Her surgery was 9 days ago and she has had very little pain. She is healing beautifully and the first steps were taken during surgery for reconstruction. She has seen the surgery site and said, "It didn't look as bad as I thought it would." I was afraid it would be a set back to see that area. But she seems to have no remorse over her loss at all. She just wants to get rid of the cancer. Probably a perk of having 68 years of life experience. Her attitude has been so graceful. She did have the lymph nodes removed on one side. But the pathology report came back with no signs of cancer left in her body. They gave her a 94% chance of full recovery and no relapse. I have been told those odds are very, very good.

I know the six rounds of chemo and the other steps for reconstruction will be difficult. We are not completely oblivious to what is down the road. But I am grateful for how well she is doing today. Thank you, dear friends, for praying. Honestly, I think the week before the surgery was more difficult for me than for her! On the way home from Birmingham the night before her big day I saw this beautiful sunset (at the gas station).
I was so overwhelmed with the cancer that I kept asking Jesus to just ride in behind the clouds and rescue me from all this brokenness. I was SO, SO ready for Him to come back right then and take us all Home. But that wasn't the day. And so we woke up and faced the music, and it was good. And tomorrow will be another day. And we all survived. And I am reminded again that no matter what the suffering or trial for this season of life might be, with Jesus there is always, ALWAYS something amazing to look forward to!

"Gratitude never comes from avoiding difficulty, but from finding yourself sustained through it. The degree of joy rises from the degree of gratitude, and the level of gratitude corresponds to the level of God's grace experienced in our suffering. God's sustaining providence brings relief, even when life becomes unspeakably difficult."

~Randy Alcorn

Celebrating our girl

2011-09-18T18:06:00.011-04:00

Lydie turned 5 on the 21st. On the 17th we celebrated at the mall. We invited her sweet girl cousins to the Build-A-Bear Workshop. And afterwards, we met the rest of the family in the food court for pizza and cake. Every year I either make or buy Lydie a dress for her birthday. This year I didn't have time to make one. We actually found this outfit at the consignment store. I appliqued the shirt with scraps of fabric I already had. The skirt was $12 and the shirt was $11. The pigtails are my {FAVORITE} hairstyle on her right now. She just happened to have those brown shoes with a matching pink flower on them. (Hand me down from a friend.) Love it when it all comes together like that!

We set up for lunch in the mall of the food court. Lydie and I wanted pink and polka dots for our theme. I used mostly stuff around the house. Tissue paper (pom poms), scrapbook paper and a kabob stick (sign), and left-over shredded paper for confetti. She is a girl who loves all the little details.
Andy and I did our best to make exactly what Lydie wanted for her cake this year: "a very chocolate-y ballerina bear". Although this cake required less creativity (we just followed the instructions on the cake pan), this cake took a longer amount of time to make! But she squealed when she saw it, which made it well worth the effort, of course.

I try to always incorporate something little from my Nana at her parties. (Nana was Lydie's namesake.) This year I used her old milk bottle to hold Lydie's sign.

Our party favor bags probably do not get rave reviews by our attendees. Let's just say they are "cost efficient". We let the birthday child pick their three favorite foods for the bags. Lydie chose all chocolate (m&m, Hershey bar, Hershey kisses)!

Daddy's girl was getting excited and ready for her cousins to arrive!

We all enjoy this little one SO much! I just wanted to pull her away and hug and kiss her all day!

The employee who hosted the party was really entertaining. I think the girls had fun!

Look at my darling nieces!!

Meanwhile, the boys went to the Lego and football store. Thanks, Uncle Ben, for entertaining them! (Sorry slacker Uncle Rick flaked out and went to Starbucks! haha)

Nana and Poppy were there. Nana even made her own bunny. We missed Mimi and Papa! So glad they are on the mend after being sick for so long!

My two beautiful sister-in-laws. Love that we are all raising our kids together! They are both awesome wives and Moms!

Andy and his brother Ben. (You can tell by my family's wardrobe that it was game day for Auburn!)

I wonder what my five year old girl wished for?

Greyce and Lydie- two peas in a pod.

Fun was had by all. In six short weeks we threw all three children their own birthday party. Gonna hang my party hat up for a while! :)

Dining for 4

2011-09-14T21:15:00.007-04:00

We have had quite a bit of cool weather around here. When the air turns breezy and smells fresh, I become obsessed with baking and cooking. I guess after such long, hot months, it is nice to enjoy warm food again. Also, due to my diet we really do not eat out except after church and on Wednesdays when Lydie and I spend the day in Birmingham and have lunch together. I find it embarrassing to have to say, "I'll take a grilled chicken salad. But the chicken can not be grilled with any oil or butter- it has to be grilled dry. And no salad dressing. And only spinach, cucumbers, and onions." I hate being that girl. So I cook a lot. And consequently, clean the kitchen a lot. :)
This past month I have cooked rich casseroles, baked with pumpkin (chocolate chip pumpkin muffins are a favorite), made steamy cinnamon swirl cake, an apple pie, and created new soup recipes. The children are enjoying chili for the first time ever. The secret? 2 teaspoons of sugar (per crock pot) and sauteed onions. Apparently it makes a real difference. Who am I kidding, of course, it does. It's butter and sugar!
It sounds like the kids eat junk all the time. But really they only have a dessert one or two evenings a week. And we usually have one casserole a week, and the other nights I try to make a lean protein with veggies. They do love carbs at breakfast (waffles, muffins, pancakes) but I try to serve appropriate portions with fruit. Remember when you counted your baby or toddler's servings of fruits, veggies, dairy, etc.? That habit never went away with me. I find myself telling them, skip the chips for yogurt, you need another dairy. Or skip the crackers for nuts, you need another protein. Is that silly? And do you feel like you are constantly reminding your kids to drink another glass of water?
The most ironic part of all of this baking is that I can not eat a single thing that I am making! My diet consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, and 6 ounces of fish, chicken, or beef each day. (Plus lots of water and gum!) I haven't had a carb, milk/cheese, or any sugar in 35 days. And I have only had snippets of caffeine in the occasional unsweetened tea. Isn't that stifling? But I have 21 pounds of weight loss as reward. And those pounds propel me to keep inching forward. I don't want to have this attitude forever, because I do not think it is what God ultimately intended for us...but right now food is just a means of energy (and not enough!), and nothing more. Because I have been so disconnected to taste and the feeling of being full, I am able to still enjoy watching my family eat all the goodies. Some how instead of torture, it's very gratifying.
I think in order to reach my ultimate goal at a moderate pace, this will be my way of life until December. So no fall goodies for me! I just keep repeating to myself: No more belly fat! No more belly fat! The belly and I have been enemies for a while and I am determined to win this battle once and for all! And in the meantime, I am going to enjoy happy, crumby-faced kids, yummy smells, and good times in the kitchen baking with my kids. And if I'm lucky, I'll dream of feta cheese again. I mean that literally.

Sunny spots

2011-09-09T08:40:00.009-04:00

There's always blessings along the way...

{Lydie's first day of ballet class. I grew up taking dance from age 3-18. So watching her in class is very special. }
{Dinner with friends to celebrate college football kick-off last Thursday. } **We will NOT be cheering for Mississippi State this Saturday!!**

{Fun art projects! }
Lydie's splat monster

Jack's embroidered leaf painting

{Fun finds at the consignment sale, along with over 200 things tagged from our house which will hopefully pay for our fall clothes! }

{Cool, lovely weather. 70 degrees with bright, blue skies and puffy, white clouds. }

{Running into five different friends from high school. It is so fun to be back in Alabama! }

{The completion of our fourth week of school. Our school days have been full and challenging. I think all of the kids have learned a lot this first month! But we are all ready for our first field trip!}

{Sweet pumpkin baby turns one. Our friends' baby is just too cute and the kids enjoyed his party last night!}

{Dinner with Mom and Dad in the middle of the week. Again, so great to be here. }

{Successful surgery for my father-in-law. Hopefully he is finally on the road to recovery!! }

{Slow progress on my diet. I guess progress is progress. Seventeen and a half pounds shed so far. }

{In the past four weeks we have only had fast food one time. (And this was because we were going to a football party with hot wings.) This is a very good thing for us. I have to really plan ahead in order to pack food if we are away from home. And, I run the dishwasher three times a day due to so much cooking at home. But I know it's well worth it! }

{Lydie's amazement with herself today because she learned to gurgle her milk. She's convinced she is brilliant.}

{Sweet emails and notes from friends encouraging us with Mom's diagnosis. Thank you! She will be having a double mastectomy the week of the 19th. Please continue to pray with us!}

{Keeping my eye on the prize. And the prize is Jesus.}

Tuesday: A {crazy} day in the life

2011-09-06T23:28:00.005-04:00

8:00 Rolled out of bed. Bed head. Fierce mood. 3rd night in a row that I was up with The Coughing Child. Kids are loud and happy, even T.C.C. Sweet husband is feeding them breakfast and having devotion with them. Sweetest gift around, he is. But...

8:15 Argued with husband. Desperate for a solution for T.C.C. Defensive, guilty, tired. Why am I saying these things?

8:30 Sent kids to do chores and get dressed (aka turn off the cartoons). Throw on clothes and call for doctor's appt. He can only see us this morning. Declare that school will begin after lunch today. Wade through dishes. Make a strawberry smoothie. Husband leaves for a consulting work day away from the farm.

9:00 Best friend calls. She never calls in the morning (so thoughtful!). I tell the kids this is an important call and I will need a while. They get back out the toys they just cleaned up. I talk for an hour and feel so encouraged. Kids are outside now laughing. Feels like fall. Josh brings me a flower and a kiss. Joy boy.

10:00 No time for shower now. It's going to be a hat and lip gloss day. I do, however, remember to brush my teeth. Do a hair/teeth check on the kids. Check. And we're out of here. Call and apologize to husband.

10:30 Doctor, drug store, errands.

12:00 Lunch. Home-made pizza. Crust not cooked all the way through. Doughy. Not a big hit. Tell the kids I need to make three phone calls and then school begins. Credit card company has cashed the check, but it is not credited to our account. No resolution. Pest control company scheduled for tomorrow...huge flea infestation from stray dog in the barn. Fleas must have traveled in on Andy's clothes. Old bank account from Georgia finally closed and check in the mail for fees that have accrued. 2 HOURS (and a very messy house) LATER...

2:00 We start school. They immediately need a snack. We start again. Praise God, they speed along the basics. Juggle grammar questions with 3rd grader, decimals with 5th grader, and planets with kindergartner, but all at the same time. Paint Pluto, dissect sentence, dry erase board for another decimal example...ping pong. Listen to her read, check his math sheet, listen to him recite poetry. Ping pong.

5:00 Only science, history, and Latin left. Take a break and I put on dinner. Didn't check the salsa that was added to the casserole. Now that it's in the oven I see the "HOT" label with three peppers beside it. Can't give it a taste test due to my diet. Smells SPICY. But it will do, along with some buttery crescent rolls and beans to mask the burn. Juggle dinner and science. Read half of history, too. Praise God for William Wilberforce. Finish up the planet painting with Lydie. And throw in a quick Latin lesson. Notice the boys are loving it. So thankful.

6:00 Husband is home. He shows the kids the picture of the chocolate lab he just held and wants us to adopt. I swear a flea crawled up my leg. I begin to itch all over and serve dinner. Smells great. The plain chicken and lemon asparagus on my plate, not so much. Tell the kids over dinner that Nana has cancer, but the doctors say they are going to get rid of it. We pray.

6:30 House is almost unrecognizable. Offer a movie if the kids can clean the house, get showers, and the boys can practice guitar with time to spare. Get a call that my father-in-law has to have surgery again tomorrow. Complications. Mother-in-law is understandably distraught as she just had surgery of her own last week. Call the kids in to tell them the news. More prayer.

7:00 Bathe Lydie. Clean the restroom as I watch her stick her head underwater and laugh hysterically when I panic. She stays underwater forever. Where was that bravery when we were in the pool this summer? Hear sweet guitar music. Marvel at my husband's teaching skills. Feel tired, overwhelmed, helpless. But oh SO loved. Feel joy welling up.

7:30 House is basically in order. Oh no, remember sheets in the dryer. Put them on all the beds. Oh no, remember we forgot to read the other history assignment. And we were supposed to discuss our composer. Noted for tomorrow.

8:00 Kids get 30 minute start on the movie. Andy talks with his parents. I finish tagging clothes to drop off tomorrow for the consignment sale. Look at the agenda for tomorrow and feel tired. Open the windows and enjoy fall air. Pray that afternoon school will not be necessary again for a long time.

8:30 Prayers and hugs and kisses with the children. Coughs (them). Sighs(me). Walk past the sink full of dishes and the toy train tracks on the floor. Enough for today. Husband reminds me again, "It's okay, babe. We live here." That's right. It doesn't have to be perfect (or even remotely in order) to be lovely. Time to cuddle.

Labor day weekend fun: The Fair

2011-09-05T18:00:00.000-04:00

We were the big party poopers of the family this weekend. My brother's family, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all went to the beach. We decided to have a "staycation" and not join them. I know, boring! But it was SO good for us. We watched movies, played games, the kids had home-made pancakes and popcorn, enjoyed a day of college football (War Eagle!), and we took one night to go to the Alabama State Fair. I napped, took a bubble bath, read, and enjoyed my family every day. With such a busy school year, so much travel time in the car, adjusting to teaching three separate grade levels this year, and trying to adjust to Mom's cancer news, I had NO energy to pack and travel. (And we have a fabulous trip to look forward to in December with these family members- Steamboat, Colorado!)It has been a super weekend! Restful, fun, wonderful! (If you live in Alabama and listen to the radio, we saw the "monkeys ridin' dogs!!" My husband thought that advertisement was hilariously obnoxious.)

My tour for Lydie

2011-09-04T09:45:00.003-04:00

The other day while Mom was in surgery for her cyst (before the bad news), Lydie and I took a tour around Birmingham. The hospital was so close to where I spent my first 10 years of childhood that I thought I would show her around. (The boys were in classes all day at the hybrid school.) She is the perfect tourist, as she oooos and ahhhhhs over everything, always asking for more.

First, we toured the Highland Avenue area of downtown Birmingham. My great aunt who I was named after lived there and I have many memories there. She was never married, a fully devoted school teacher, and a lover of children. She was a big part of my Mom's life because my Mom's dad died when she was just six or seven, so Aunt Margaret came along side my Nana to help raise my Mom and her brother.

Here is her apartment. It has a beautiful courtyard. My brother and I thought it was HUGE when we were little. She lived upstairs, and Ms. Lucy and Ms. Claira lived downstairs. Those ladies taught us a variety of card games and always had gum on hand. We spent mostly every Saturday afternoon there with them. It looks exactly the same.

Nana and I walked this sidewalk many, many times. We would either just walk the 4 or 5 miles home, or we would catch the bus. Nana never learned to drive and somehow managed just fine. We passed Nana's church on route.

Nana's house is still the same color and very much the same on the outside, with the exception of the missing porch swing. Nana was Lydia's namesake (Lydia Mae). Some of my fondest childhood memories are from this house- sewing, baking, learning to braid my hair, gardening, house keeping, and having parties. My Nana was lovely and probably the most influential person in my life.And directly across the street lived my Grandmom and Granddad. Their house is still the same color, too. My Grandmom was a lively, extroverted, very well put together lady. She LOVED having us over, along with my cousins. She loved to cook and always, always told me, "I know for a fact that I have the prettiest grand babies around." She made me feel special. My Granddad was a kind, salt-of-the-earth type of man. Full of integrity, quiet, steady. They made a beautiful couple.And a few miles down the road is where I lived from birth until 5th grade, which is when we moved to Homewood (the suburbs). This house was white with red shutters when we were there. There was a touch of red everywhere- the master bedroom, the kitchen (countertops!), the wallpaper, even the truck, because red was my Dad's favorite color. Sweet, simple life in this little house. It's for sale now. A part of me wishes we could move in.Lydie and I had a blast walking and driving down memory lane. I wonder what she will tell her children one day about her childhood?

A call to honor

2011-09-02T19:28:00.004-04:00

It's a true adventure, walking with Jesus in the context of a fallen world. It never ceases to amaze me how the peaks and pits can all squeeze into a matter of days. This week was no different.

It started off beautifully. The boys had wonderful days at their hybrid school. We are really getting into a groove with school at home, too. I am settling into the driving time, enjoying it as much as possible. I LOVE my day at home alone with Lydie. We are baking, she is learning to read at such a quick pace, she paints every day, and we cuddle and read. Kindergarten is amazing. She adores gymnastics. And what's more fun than watching your child learn something that they really enjoy? The boys are making sweet, precious friends at school. It seems they have already found a group of great guys to hang out with. (And, their friends are in the same group- the beauty of being in a 3rd-5th grade class together...gush!)

On their off days (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) we sleep late. We linger on the sofa for over an hour with the Bible and our devotion. We discuss, they ask pent-up questions, we pray. It's lovely. Then we work hard, and I feel really comfortable with our work load. We are learning a lot and they are being challenged. The boys are flying along with guitar and golf. And Lydie starts ballet next week. I LOVE watching them learn. This week also brought the celebration of Joshua's birthday and Andy and my 15th wedding anniversary. It was magical.

I began to think on Thursday morning, this may turn out to be a FABULOUS year! I am generally easily excited about life. But I really began to get elated. I was looking forward to our football kick-off night with friends. I weighed in losing 14 pounds. Good, good, good!

Then I got a devastating call. My Mom had a reoccurring cyst that needed to be removed on Wednesday. I spoke of her first episode here in June. She finally heard from the pathology report, and this time it is cancer. BOOM! The hammer fell. I kept telling myself, "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever!" His unfailing love is the same after the boom as before when all my ducks were in a row and I envisioned a seamless year. I TRULY believe it, too. He knows, He ordains, He loves, He carries, He purposes. I've experienced unexplicable joy in the midst of sorrow before, and I know what it feels like to be carried in His arms.

So now all I know to do is take this "ideal" school year that I have constructed and give it back to Jesus. My weeks are jammed packed with serving my children, husband, neighbors, and entertaining family and friends. It all looked so good in my mind, and I confess, on paper. (I am one of THOSE people who writes out a schedule for menus, chores, school, etc.) But my ideal year is being tossed in the blender on the liquefy mode. So I will have to do what the Lord knows is so very difficult for me- follow Him closely every day. No planning. No game plan. No predictability. Just daily, me and Him, walking together as I wait for Him to order my days. I will be learning anew this season what it means to honor my father and my mother. I am blessed to be called to do so. I know it will stretch me, but Jesus will sustain our family and hold us tight. I pray I can be the hands and feet of Jesus to my sweet parents who I love so dearly!

Andy and I were just talking on our anniversary about CLINGING to Christ, and consequently to one another. No matter how easy or difficult our current stage of life might be, it's the only answer, really. Holding on TIGHTLY!

Please pray for us, and especially for my Mom. Pray for healing, faith, peace, and joy. Pray for more Jesus for all of us. As God uses this deeply painful and challenging illness for His glory, this truly could be the most AMAZING year ever as we taste of the deep riches of His grace.

Dear September,

2011-09-01T08:55:00.008-04:00

I am so glad to see you! After a long, hot, summer on the farm you are like a visit from my best friend. I am trusting you to bring cooler weather, at least by mid-month. You bring so much wonderful fun to our home. I hope we can find new places here in Alabama to carry on the same traditions we have enjoyed in the past in Georgia.

Like these...

A visit to an apple orchard (our visit in 2008)

Lydie's birthday (party from 2009)

Trips to the park (2009)Auburn football (2008)Fall decor (2010) Fall consignment sale (2008)The state fair (2008)Picnics (2010)

Let the good times roll!

Dear Josh,

2011-08-31T07:49:00.001-04:00

Today you are nine years old. You are happy, comfortable in your own skin, and brilliant. Your tender heart, quiet disposition, and creative mind intrique me. I love to watch you draw or build. You are an encouragement and I love that you help without wanting recognition. You are a delight, sweet boy! Your passion for Jesus is growing, growing. You ask very mature questions and defend your faith with fervor. On the other hand, you are innocent and silly often! I think you are practically perfect.

Here's what you love at this time in your life:

Red

Gatorade (red, of course)

Hershey bars

Wheat Thins

Meat...ribs, pork chops, burgers

Pizza

Baseball (Braves)

Swimming in the lake

Building with legos

Guitar

Golf

Art class

Playing with your brother

Taking care of your sister (even though she is fiercely independent!)

Your favorite friend is the same one that you have cherished since you were one- James

You are neat, precise, and quick with school work!

Your least favorite subject: creative writing

Your favorite subjects: Math and Chemistry

Things you dislike: when I take your picture, riding in the car, too much talking, dressing up

You get up before me or your siblings, usually around 6:00 am.

You fall asleep before we can get out of your room at night (usually around 8:30 pm).

You also love to travel, particularly to the beach.

Happy birthday, son! You are so, so, SO loved!!

Laughter from the tire swing

2011-08-29T22:21:00.004-04:00

Dear Lou Lou,

I love your vivacious spirit. You laugh and smile, all day long. Your tenacity is something to behold; if you really determine to do a thing, you don't give up. And that boundless joy is contagious. Can't wait to see your confidence slowly transcend into gospel-confidence as you grow!

Thanks for bringing warmth, beauty, and sweetness to my morning!

Adoringly,

Mommy
P.S. You are fun!!

Josh's 9th birthday party: Country boy style: go-carts and creek swimming

2011-08-26T22:08:00.013-04:00

Our three children's birthdays are all within a six week span. Josh's is the second of three. He asked for a party here at the farm with a go-cart/4 wheeler course and pizza. So yesterday we cleaned and prepped for his big bash! A few decorations out on the screened in porch (aka "farmhouse dining room")

Go-cart races

Lunch time

Presents and cake

Enjoying the cool water in the creek

Relentless jokes about Uncle Ben's wife-beater shirt.

The whole family went out to eat at a bbq restaurant in town tonight. I stayed behind to clean up and take a breather. I think my sweet boy had a fabulous day and I am praising the Lord for great weather and another wonderful year with our Joshua!

It's pretty clear he felt loved and celebrated!

We are THAT family

2011-08-26T14:14:00.004-04:00

The second shenanigan lasted the span of the week. I am trying the HCG diet with a nutritionist where I get the hormone treatments. It's a controversial diet, I know. And I've never really done a diet program, per se, except Weight Watchers once. So this little adventure is not the norm for me, as I am not a big diet program kindof girl. But what can I say? I needed a jump start!

By the beginning of the week I realized my monthly visitor hadn't been around in a while. When I checked the calendar I realized I was really late. Just a side note, I have never been late or irregular except the four times I was pregnant! So I reviewed the facts: husband has had preventative surgery, I am taking hormone treatments, I am on a diet where I have small doses of HCG (pregnancy hormone) daily. I wasn't too worried. But since I only consume 500 calories a day (sounds crazy, but I really am not hungry due to hormones. No need to send anxious emails or post negative comments. I did the research!) I knew I needed to know for sure about being pregnant. (Besides, we are that family. The ones who live in the .0001% of crazy things that happen!) So I bought a couple of pregnancy tests. The first test...positive. Let's try again, the second test...positive. I sent a frantic note to the nutritionist: "Can these small doses of hcg cause a false positive pregnancy test??" She didn't know the answer. So I call a local doctor who also oversees this type of diet, and ask him the same question. "Hmmm, I have always wondered that!" Strike two. Now I get a little more concerned. Why haven't they heard of this happening before??

I bite the bullet and make an appointment with my doctor. My doctor is now a family friend, in fact, he was our first family friend in town. (Remember Josh's cronic strep throat in the spring? That equalled over a dozen doctor's visits, which gifted us with our new friend.) When I told him the entire story- diet, hormone treatments, pregnancy test- he didn't seem too concerned. He did, though, request the name "Feddy" for the new baby, after the Fed-Ex man. :) Any way, after endless Feddy jokes he gave me another pregnancy test, which was also positive. Then drew blood for a definite answer. (I think he began sweating at this time and wondered if his Feddy jokes were out of line! :) )

Yesterday we found out that we are certainly NOT expecting a baby. That result came after a week of "what ifs??" Crazy, crazy life this is. I found myself rubber-necking at every baby and pregnant belly wondering..."Will this be us again?" Fearful, but not completely opposed. (Although Andy wouldn't even discuss the possibility of sleepless nights again.) We aren't out of the normal age to be having a new baby, just thought we had closed that chapter five years ago!

I guess three is our number. Three beautiful, vivacious, healthy gifts from God. And I'm thankful for what we have! This is what a house looks like after a great week of school, golf, classes, gymnastics, guitar, prep for a birthday party, and wondering if you are unexpectantly preggers:

Why should we put the food in the pantry when it will all be eaten eventually??

The bed never got made this week and where's the artwork that belongs on those shelves??

Why use a trash can when we can dump our trash and junk right beside us on the floor?

Not a huge laundry pile, but which ones are clean and which ones are dirty again??

It's going to be a busy afternoon!

Just call me grace

2011-08-25T12:02:00.007-04:00

We have had two super crazy shenanigans around here this week. Here's a description of the first one. Yesterday evening my Dad came by our farm with a new toy. This type of event is commonplace. We were inside after dinner cleaning up and I heard a motorized vehicle pulling up. I don't know the names of these things, but it looked like a mini-motorcycle with off-road tires. Two wheels, required balanced, smaller than a motorcycle, fatter wheels. Any way, he said it would be fun to have in our new barn down by the fields in case the tractor ran out of gas. I immediately told him to, "Hop up and give me a turn!"

I am not a super adventurous, free spirit...except when it comes to go-carts and atvs. I just love them! And there's plenty of them to go around at our house. So without further instruction, I hopped on (in my short dress) and revved the engine. Note to self: figure out how to apply the brakes first next time! At the first little twist of the handle bar it didn't move. So I revved it...big time. It all went so fast, but I remember trying to find the brakes on that same handle bar. I didn't know the only brake was on the other handle bar. And I drove straight into an electric pole surrounded by a rose bush!

I have ALWAYS hated this pole. I have been so spoiled with the luxury of underground utilities in Atlanta. The look of a pole, right there, with draping electrical wires connected to our house chaps my hide. And on top of the aesthetic, I hate mowing grass around it. Also, I wasn't a big fan of the rose bush as I got up, covered in blood dripping from the 50 or so thorns embedded in my face, arms, legs, and hands! But I see now that the pole and the entangling thorns saved a big accident, as I would have gone down the big hill in our front yard and into the road! I will never look on the pole with detest again!

Well, I immediately began laughing hysterically. First of all, it was like an episode from Funniest Home Videos. Very funny, very foolish! And second, I peaked over at my Dad and thought he was going to have a heart attack. He is very over protective of me, and he doesn't handle blood well. So I knew I had to laugh, for his sake. I ripped my arms out of the bushes (ouch!) and said, "Hey Dad, are you gonna come get this thing off of me?" And while he woozily walked over, I just sat and laughed like a buffoon. In the end, other than scratches and a burn, the only damage done was to my pride and my poor daughter's emotional stability. She cried for an hour. Lots of blood makes her turn pale. Poor thing.

Here's the damage to my arms. Silly me!!

Bumps in the road (literally)

2011-08-20T10:23:00.004-04:00

So funny how things can change in an instant! Laughing at my last post today. Thursday the week took a bit of a sour turn. We were rushed through school work in order to run to a meeting for our cover school. After the long drive to and from the meeting and the meeting itself, we arrived home four and a half hours later!!

That enormous task on Thursday put us behind on school for Friday. Understandably, the kids were in no mood to finish school when we got home, and I was rushing along fixing dinner so I could have my first "girls night out" since we moved here in March. I saw "The Help" with some friends. Unfortunately, the nearest movie theatre is an hour away! (Total of four and a half hours in the car that day!). The movie was incredible! But I am not sure how many more times I will agree to a day like that one!

I woke up Friday not wanting to get out of bed. I was so discouraged with how incredibly long it takes me to drive to get any where. I told Andy I was overwhelmed already and had a little pity party first thing in the morning. Not good. Then we crunched in school and drove an hour to my doctor's appointment. Lovely.

There is a constant struggle between doing without vs. being in the car. For example, play a team sport and commit to driving 45 minutes each way to practice and games or just not let the kids play. The doctor's appointment for me was to see a nutritionist. I am on a crazy, but effective diet, that requires weekly trips to Birmingham. Drive or not? The kids will continue to go to their hybrid school because it has been the first place that I have found like-minded parents/educators since we moved here. And I feel like the kids need those iron-sharpens-iron friendships. But the two days of school requires Andy to drive 2 hours, and I drive 4 hours each week.

I predicted when we moved here that the toughest challenge would be making connections in this new community. But the time we spend in the car in order to give the children valuable opportunities is BY FAR the most difficult adjustment. Trying to speak truth to myself...but where to begin?

Favorite words found today

2011-08-17T22:02:00.003-04:00

"Living logically means talking to yourself instead of listening to yourself. And when you're talking, talking Scripture."

~Andree Seu (World News)

Very much enjoying our first week back to school. Smiles, giggles, "I love you!"s, and hugs. But when the trials come, and they will, I hope to remember these words! His words are steadfast, true, and transforming! Hope to spend these good days hiding his word in my heart. Storing up a big treasure trove and enjoying the riches.

First day

2011-08-15T09:09:00.004-04:00

Out to eat for pancakes The boys' first day at the hybrid school. Excitement and nerves...
*Josh's art teacher loved his shirt. Love this kids' sense of humor!*

Lydie's first day of kindergarten at home with meThe Ant ate an Apple

Lydie's first day at gymnastics Comments:

"That was the best day ever." ~Jackson (11 yr. old)

"I loved chemistry!" ~Joshua (8 yr. old)

"I love my teacher, Mrs. Mommy!!" and "Did you see my moves at gyn-nastics??"~ Lydie (4 yr. old)

A GREAT day had by all!!

Stored up for later

2011-08-11T10:25:00.003-04:00

My kids are all a delight to teach. They like to get done with their work in a timely fashion. They can focus and listen. They are mostly curious and willing to learn. But, the boys both have their weaknesses, as I am sure I will discover in Lydie, too. So, I will remember the following words when Jack is struggling with math and Joshua is in tears because he doesn't know what to write about in his journal. Storing away encouraging words for the school year. I'm encouraged to push forward and keep my eye on the prize!!

"The education process is as much about mental and character formation as it is about information and subjects. The formative value of the subjects we teach in school is as important as- if not more important than- the actual content. Math teaches logical, accurate, and precise thinking; history teaches judgment, discernment, prudence; literature teaches sensitivity to the human condition; penmanship teaches the beginning student the basic skills of concentration, accuracy, correct spelling, and the patience and persistence required to do quality work. These mental habits, work habits, and skills transfer to every day life. They distinguish the educated person from the uneducated." --From The Real-Hands on Learning by Cheryl Lowe

**and found on Heidi's blog

Farmhouse renovations: Multi-purpose room

2011-08-10T08:00:00.011-04:00

Our multi-purpose room (formerly called the library until our neighbors made fun of us) is in the center of our house. This house was a small, ranch, farm house with a living room, kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms for most of its life. Later, two big rooms were added to the back, this one and our master bedroom.

The space in this room is required to serve many functions: farm office, laundry room, and school room. I WISH I had "Before" pictures. Imagine this: brown wood paneling, brown mantel, brown beams, dirty red brick fireplace, nasty carpet, sliding glass door, and windows with wasp nests ON THE INSIDE. It was REALLY bad. (No one had lived in this farmhouse for years when we bought the farm!)

We had the walls painted a light shade of gray. All the woodwork, including the beams and mantel, is now white. And we painted the bricks on the fireplace a shade of gray that is one shade lighter than the walls. Whether you like painted wood, wood paneling, or brick, I can almost assure you that you would consider this lighter room a better version than what it was before! I chose accent colors of blue and yellow after falling in love with this fabric. I use it for laundry room curtains, but really it's just two tablecloths from Target!Here is the view of the room as you enter from the kitchen. The back of the room is wall to wall brick. We hired a carpenter to install the bookshelves on the ends of the hearth for storage. There is almost no wall space due to doorways or windows in this entire room, so we had to find a creative solution. I just put the books on the shelves yesterday and I am LOVING this space so much! We use the frames above the mantel to display their colorful artwork. Won't it be fun to have a fire in here during the winter?Here's the always cluttered, always messy farm office. And my solution to not having space for my own desk: share with the boys. They will do school here: And on the other side of the table is my desk:

I re purposed our old dining room chairs (we don't have a dining room any more) into fun chairs for the school table. I was itching to use this brown and cream chevron fabric. It is a fun accent. Hoping to add wheels/casters to the bottom of the chairs at some point!
Before

After:

My daughter's art table is facing a window and just beside our table. (She needs a table a little lower to the ground.) It is an old, preschool Sunday school table and we paired it with bright chairs from IKEA. She spends at least a couple of hours here a day. There is always dried paint, glitter, and marker scribbles everywhere. I LOVE it!
Next to the art table are two stacked IKEA shelves (my best friend handed them down to me last year, along with Lydie's art table). The left side stores my sewing stuff. And the right side has the boys' work boxes. We are trying our own version of the work box system this school year. On top of the shelves are little pieces of inspiration. My favorite quote framed:
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. --Mark Twain
A fun poster from etsy, along with a bird lamp and cow oil painting. Also, I have a bulletin board on the wall with schedules, quotes, nature study post cards, Psalm 145, I Corinthians 13, and this beautiful manifesto.

My laundry room is behind the drapes (tablecloths), next to a storage closet for my scrapbook stuff, cleaning supplies, gift wrapping supplies, and other stuff. (View from the rocking chair)

And that's our multi-purpose room! I am linking this room to the Not-Back-T0-School Blog Hop at Heart of the Matter. Hope everyone is ready for the school year! We're, no that's wrong, I'M excited! (The kids would prefer to live in an endless season of summer break!)

Other farmhouse renovations:

Jack's birthday party: Lake fun!!

2011-08-09T17:39:00.008-04:00

For Jack's 11th birthday party, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and our neighbor came to the lake house. There was lots of food, swimming, riding the boat and the new jet ski, skiing, and tubing. I think fun was had by all!

These two little girl cousins are peas in a pod. They stick together at all times!

This was the easiest party ever for me. Andy grilled burgers and hot dogs. Mom and Mimi brought chips and fruit. Drinks were outside in the cooler. All I had to do was make the cake and whip up some home made ice cream. Fun!

Andy and I always enjoy making the birthday cakes for the kids! This lake themed cake was fun!

So fun and exciting. Will he be too cool for this in a few years??

I hope not!

Nice, hon.

Jack and family had a great day. Now the countdown begins until Josh's birthday party...17 days to go!

Another culture

2011-08-08T08:59:00.002-04:00

I try not to post specifics of our daily experiences with rural living. I think it would be awful to offend someone. But I assure you, I could write an entire blog about it! I decided to share just a couple of our recent interesting experiences just to remember a snippet of how different rural Alabama is from suburban Atlanta.

The other night Andy and I were about to turn in for the night. It was probably ten o'clock. When the phone rang we were startled. I was thinking it was probably a family member, one of our brothers. As it turns out it was a neighbor with a strange request. Andy said he was very excited, like a kid on Christmas morning. He had just gotten two new puppies that day and was calling to ask permission to "coon hunt" on our property. He promised "to not run through the corn or mess nothing up." Andy obliged and we fell asleep laughing and whispering to one another our buzz word, "China". The coon hunting was a first. But something I really love about this "culture" is that no one is afraid to ask for help. And on the flip side, all of our neighbors are very generous and helpful towards us. Community is important here. But what the heck is the purpose of raccoon hunting?? :)

Here's another interesting scenario. Andy has hired one of our teen neighbors to help him this summer. He is a precious boy, entering his senior year of high school, very kind and considerate. But his family has struggled financially, as do most families who live here. His parents both have health problems that have disabled them from working. Needless to say, his living conditions are a little strained and his sphere of influence is small. But still, Andy and I were both completely shocked when Andy took him to the farmer's market in Auburn and he whispered, "Mr. Andy, this is the first time I've seen a Chinese man in person." This is one of the things we are most uncomfortable with about this area- there are ONLY Caucasians. It is strange, so STRANGE, for us. Praying we can experience many new things with our new friend and his eyes can be opened to so much more of what God has created. And looking forward to all this boy will teach us as well. Meeting him, his Mom, and so many of our other kind neighbors has been the biggest highlight of living here. Praying that God will use us for his glory here!

Curriulum Choices for 2011-2012

2011-08-05T14:24:00.004-04:00

I am excited for the school year. The beginning of the school year always feels so full of hope and adventure. This year is no different. SO, so thrilled with our choice to use the hybrid school for 2 days of learning, and homeschool the other three!! Here's what we will be learning together:

Jackson, 5th grade

History/Literature/Geography/Bible- Sonlight, Core E (American History, part 2)
Science- Christian Kids Explore Chemistry & nature journaling
Math- Horizons 5, Kumon multiplication and division drill books
Grammar/Writing- BJU Press English 5 & Institute for Excellence in Writing & journals
Spelling- Abeka 5
Memory work- Bible verses through Sonlight, Poetry from here, hymns and songs with Sonlight
Foreign Language- English from the Roots Up, Vol. 1
Art- art class at school (the basics of art and famous artists), weekly art projects at home
Music- Music Ace and guitar lessons
Logic- Mind Benders A2
Drawing- Draw and Write Through History, vol. 5 & 6
Devotion- ?

Joshua, 3rd grade

Same as Jackson except Math, Spelling, and Grammar will be grade level 3

Lydie, kindergarten

Math- Horizons K
Read alouds- nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and list from Honey for a Child's Heart
Phonics/Reading- Horizons K and Bob books
Bible- Big Truths for Little Hearts/My ABC Bible Verses/Child's Story Bible
Science and Art- my home-made units (weather, flowers, pilgrims, space, etc.)
Fine Motor- Hand warm-ups w/beads, lacing, tweezers, blocks, tying shoes, etc.
Gross Motor- gymnastics, ballet, bike riding, playing
Music- Wee Sing Bible and Nursery Rhyme songs
Art- art projects with boys, art projects with unit studies
Extra- Bake and read activity from Five in a Row

All the books are ordered and on the way or here. The school room is almost ready. Can't wait!!
Linking this post to the "Not" Back to School Blog Hop at Heart of the Matter!

Excerpts from Psalm 145

2011-08-05T09:42:00.002-04:00

vs 3 "God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.

vs 4 "Generation after generation stands in awe of your work; each one tells stories of your mighty acts."

vs 9 "God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace."

vs 17 "Everything God does is right- the trademark on all his works is love."

vs. 19 "He does what's best for those who fear him- hears them call out, and saves them."

I am enjoying the rich graces of knowing Jesus today! My heart agrees with all David had to say in Psalm 145. Beautiful words!

School room peek

2011-08-02T21:30:00.010-04:00

The "multi-purpose" room is getting a new look. Before, it was a arts/crafts room for Lydie and me, a laundry room, an office for the farm, and a playroom for Lydie. NOW, it is a laundry room, an office for the farm, and a homeschool room. It's a tight squeeze, but we're making it work. I had one goal for this room: no schooly look. I wanted to still enjoy the aesthetics of the room and not have to cover the walls with charts and number lines. Because after all, this is a place for learning, but it's still our home. And this room is in the middle of the house, so I wanted it to blend as much as possible. On Monday the room will be complete because the carpenter is coming that day to insert built-in bookshelves on each side of the fireplace. That will give us exactly one week until school starts, close call! Until then, here are a couple of peeks:

BEFORE: Former dining room chairsAFTER: Chairs for our school table
Curtains

More to come on Monday...

Getting the focus off of myself

2011-08-01T21:57:00.001-04:00

"It may be someone's heart and actions of self-centeredness that hurt you, but it's your own self-absorption that keep that hurt alive."

I read about this idea on another blog. It really made me think and feel conviction. I was just speaking with my husband this morning about someone who has hurt me and my most recent tendency to want to stay away from her. My words and actions seem to get misunderstood and twisted around. And even though I am always encouraged to be honest and open, it seems to backfire. I think in this relationship it is wise to distance myself a little. But I am beginning to understand that I might still be hurt because I am focused too much on myself. This attitude is so harmful and unattractive. It clutters up my heart and mind and blinds me from discerning God's will. And, it can lead to bitterness and anger.

I am a little shocked at how easy it is to just let it go and surrender this situation to God. I will probably get hurt again, and I know I will need to be careful with how much of my heart and time I share in this relationship. But Jesus brings freedom and peace. And once I am focused on Him, I am free to love boldly- which might mean putting myself out there or being guarded, depending on the time and place. If I make my goal glorifying Him and not myself, I can take the risk.

Eleven

2011-07-31T16:36:00.006-04:00

My sweet oldest son is eleven today. He is pure delight. We did the usual out to dinner celebration with just our family of five. We went around and each described all the things we love about him. Words like, "unique, funny, kind, good brother, good, honest, smart" were used.
My son is such a joy. He is tender-hearted, quick to serve, and just fun to listen to. He has such insight on all things intellectual and spiritual. He is also a good judge of character. He is a lot of fun to talk to because he has the innocence of a child, but the intellectual and moral insight of a young man. It's really sweet. He is a natural at writing, so it is especially fun to listen to him tell a story.

This year will hold many new adventures for Jackson. He will begin to learn to play the guitar, learn how to play golf, watch his siblings for short periods of time without me, learn to drive the golf cart (better), and he will learn all that fifth grade has to offer. (He is especially excited about reading good books and blowing things up in chemistry!) This will be his last year of elementary school! I remember fifth and sixth grade being very pivotal years for me. We will have to take great care to show him how to guard his heart, while also giving him the freedom to learn responsibility and leadership. Our greatest parenting challenges will not be about learning to share or having good table manners any more. The road of parenting will be getting a little trickier, but it's all good.

He sure is a precious child. I am so thrilled to have him as my friend and son. I am so glad that as the oldest child in our home, he sets a good tone for the younger two. Happy birthday, Jackson! May God bless you and keep you, sweet boy.

Fun in the ATL

2011-07-30T20:52:00.008-04:00

We loved our time away. I took every morning of VBS to do some things alone or with friends while the kids were having fun. Can you say SPOILED? I felt that way all week. I had coffee with several friends, visited one, shopped for birthday gifts and party items for Jackson, along with browsing all the clothes, books, jewelry, and craft supplies a girl could want while I walked through stores from my old stomping grounds. I am a little mad at myself for not visiting my two favorite flea markets. But then again, there is always next time! I had hours of conversation while the kids swam in the afternoons, had a very fun night out with my friends, and watched the entire BBC version of Pride and Prejudice- all 6 episodes- with my best friend. It was so fun and relaxing!On Friday, the last day of VBS, I dropped off the kids and went with a friend to the Georgia home school convention and bought or ordered all of our books for this fall. Wow, am I excited! It is SO good to be home. Now we are full of love and good memories for our Atlanta friends and so excited about the friendships we hope to make this year! And I honestly couldn't have gone one more day without my husband. Time to STAY HOME and focus on getting ready for school!Lydie doing the "I'm-at-Krispy-Kreme" dance!
Sweet Marie was Lydie's crew leader! Can't wait to have her down the road at Auburn this fall!!
The blow-up mattress didn't do so well. When I went in to check on the boys and found them like this I did the ugly, cry laugh. Lizzie thought I was so cruel. Wouldn't you laugh, though?

Praise God I'm not in a tailspin

2011-07-26T10:17:00.002-04:00

I'm in Atlanta for a week. I had planned for a long time to come so the kids could be a part of our former church's VBS. It's the perfect way to visit and see ALL of their friends! But I almost reconsidered. I questioned whether I was really ready to come back. Would it send me into a tailspin? Would I white knuckle my friends and not want to go back to the farm? Would I get angry at my husband all over again for asking me to move? Basically, I expected all of these things (and more) to happen. But I came anyway because I had made a promise to my sweet kids.

So here I am. My friends and church are still the same. I will hold fast to a handful of friendships and the others will eventually fade. Life goes on. Everyone has new blessings and trials. And I am okay with being a visitor! This attitude is evidence that God never forsakes me. This peace is proof that He is working in my life. I am okay with having to start over with friendships. I am okay that my ministry now is not with suburban dwellers. I am okay that I am not part of this support group, my kids are not involved in these activities, they will not be in this youth group. They are all good. But I am on the outside looking in. These things here are not mine any more.

It is wonderful to visit. Our life was full of love and good things. This church and these friends were a saving grace for our family and marriage. We will eternally be indebted. But God has placed me somewhere else. And slowly, slowly he is giving me a heart for my new communities. He is changing me, and I am encouraged. He is worthy of a willing, joyful heart and I am going to try my best to surrender and trust in His unfailing love (and consequently share it with others!).

For Women Only: Hormone questions answered

2011-07-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, several of you ladies have sent personal emails regarding this post about my hormone wackiness. I DID get the treatments. All of the hormones in my body were extremely off kilter. None of the numbers were within a normal range. Besides basic hormones, they also test vitamin B12 and thyroid levels.

They use all-natural (from yam and other vegetables extracts!?) hormone shots. They actually inject small (grain of sand size) pellets under the skin, in the hip area. Using pellets as opposed to pills or patches are supposed to keep the hormone levels up and not dipping up and down. (The hormones are released more slowly and gradually.) There first two injections were 1 month apart. From then on, I get the injection every 3 months. They check my hormones by drawing blood once a month. I take a B12 vitamin, calcium, Vitamin D, and a regular vitamin every day. And for some reason, I can't remember the explanation, I have to take progesterone as a pill as well. I'm not sure why it isn't in the injection.

Here are my personal results:
About 5-7 days after the first shot I felt a lot better. By 10 days in I was full of energy, less moody, and able to handle stress with a clear head. I just felt wonderful in general. The very first night I had trouble sleeping. I think it was due to the B12 injection they gave me. My body had almost NO B12 in it. They said I needed injections once a week, along with daily pills! (They said I shouldn't have had the energy to get out of bed every day. But strangely, I have never felt low-energy!)

About three weeks in I had a couple of nights that I was really hot. I think it was the first time I had PMS since starting the hormones. My skin also broke out! But it got better in about five days. I had NO emotional symptoms of PMS and "the monthly visitor" came and left very fast. It was the first time in maybe a year that I wasn't FULL OF ANGER during this time of the month. This is not the only positive mood change I have had! Enough said??

Overall, I am SO, SO pleased. Life has been pretty stressful since we moved. I am very thankful I have been able to deal with it feeling healthy and with plenty of energy! My husband, of course, RAVES about this treatment as well. As you can imagine, all of this is a very pleasant gift for him, too! Any more questions?

Lake Martin Lakehouse project finally

2011-07-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Growing up with my Dad, I had to learn how to think quickly on my feet. He is a dreamer, BIG TIME. And, he changes his mind a lot. Did I mention that he is impulsive? So it didn't come as a big shock to me when he called a couple of months ago and said he was buying a lake house. (By the way, I inherited it all...dreamer, mind changer, impulsive decision maker! :) )

What did come as a shock, however, is when he closed on it a couple of weeks ago, brought me a set of keys, and gave me 2 weeks to decorate it from top to bottom. He likes to assign me these types of big projects, often times forgetting that I am not an employee. But I agreed (okay, maybe even squealed out loud) when he asked, because I am a sucker for a fun project. And this task of decorating was really quite small in comparison to what he shares with us!

Here are the rooms to date. So far the house is a little sterile, with very few personal touches. I am sure in no time that will be resolved! But the basic furniture and decorative elements are all in place. Oh, and these photos are awful. I was really pooped the day I took them. Oh well. Looking forward to many days soaking up the lake!

Family Room

The tv console above is painted red, which is hard to tell! And this picture was taken before the flat screen tv was delivered. Looks so bare! Also, to the left of the tv console is the clock that I failed to photograph. It was one of my favorite finds!**I am surprising my Dad with sepia-toned photos of he and my Grandad at the lake when Dad was a boy. There will be three, hung vertically, on each side of the table above. Can't wait!

Dining room FoyerMom and Dad's bedroom

Our bathroom (Didn't photograph the others!)

Our bedroom

My brother and sister-in-law's bedroom

Science museum

2011-07-22T10:46:00.006-04:00

We made a summer bucket list that has been very much ignored all summer! (There are three weeks left of summer break and I have NO idea where the summer went!) So the other day we decided to get on the ball and see what we could do about accomplishing some of the things on our fun list. There is a fabulous science museum in Birmingham called the McWane Center that both boys wanted to visit. So the kids and I enjoyed an afternoon of having fun (with a lot of learning mixed in!) It was a good day, just enjoying my kids, pulling out my dusty, neglected camera, and laughing a lot. Big blessing!

Hope you are making happy summer memories, too!

Thrilled for the fall

2011-07-19T21:55:00.005-04:00

We have found a marvelous fit for school in the fall. I am beside myself with excitement. It's "above and beyond what we dared ask or imagine". My sweet sister-in-law found out about this opportunity for us through a friend. She has been praying, and God used her, BIG TIME! It's such an encouragement for me!

We have found a hybrid school about 40 minutes away. Sounds like a long way, but keep in mind it takes us 25 minutes to get to the nearest grocery store. The minivan is our second home during the school year! The kids will go to school 9-3 on Mondays and Wednesdays. They use the Sonlight curriculum to teach history, literature, geography, Bible and then they are using this book for Science. They are also taking guitar and art from very skilled teachers. I choose math and grammar/spelling and it is done solely at home. The teachers are all highly qualified with masters or doctorate degrees and plenty of excitement and passion. The two teachers that teach the core subjects are both currently home schooling their children, too.

I have ALWAYS said that a hybrid school would be the perfect fit for us. A lot of time with friends, a break for me, but still more influence at home and the opportunity to teach the children, and we will have loads of family time. I feel so blessed that we have found this opportunity that will serve us all so well! It became obvious after learning more about the school the boys attended last spring that it was not a good fit for us. I am so excited to not be completely giving up the precious time homeschooling the boys. Praise God for this huge answer to prayer!

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without words,

And never stops at all

And sweetest is the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm

I've heard it in the chilliest land

And on the strangest sea;

Yet, never, in extremity,

It asked a crumb of me.

"Hope is the Thing with Feathers" by Emily Dickinson

I am...

2011-07-19T10:55:00.004-04:00

I was just dusting the nooks and crannies of Jackson's room and I found a paper from fourth grade that I had never read before. It reminded me of what a neat kid I have. My friend described him last week as "extraordinary". I think I agree, God has created these amazing people that we get to enjoy. Here were a few of his answers that I found interesting:

I hope..."I will be famous". (He wants to be a famous author.)

I understand..."life". (Really? Wow. Such confidence!)

I worry about..."my old friends in Atlanta". (How sad and sweet.)

I am..."myself". (Perfect. This sums up Jackson.)

A week away

2011-07-18T10:19:00.003-04:00

The children and I left for 7 days at the beach. There is nothing quite so healing as stepping away for a while. We met our dear, sweet friends at the famous "Peach Park" in Clanton, and headed south from there. My friend Tammy and her children were a great encouragement to me. The highlight of the trip for me was staying up until the early morning talking with my wise, steady friend. We both had trials and blessings to share. And talking about them out loud gives way to gratitude for me. We shared thoughts of theology, parenting and homeschooling, fears, secrets, dreams. So thankful for my beautiful, vulnerable, honest friend!

During the day our routine was to wake up, eat, and head out to the beach. We stayed there or the pool until dinner time most days. We also played miniature golf, went to the water park, out to dinner, and on a long evening walk looking for crabs on the beach. Although our children are different in many ways, they got along very well and seemed to balance one another. I was especially excited to have Tammy's adventure-seeking son with my safety-seeking son at the water park. Because of him, my son tried and loved everything in the park including the "crazy" slides. I am almost certain he would have missed out on a lot of fun if it were just us there. And her two sweet, nurturing daughters made Lydie's week! It was a really good time.

I was so busy watching the children (Andy usually travels with me!) that I did not get out my camera a single time! It was just not a priority at all (as opposed to keeping my children alive and not lost!). So I have no photos to share!

Tammy left on Friday and Andy came down for a couple of days. We were all already exhausted and just about ready to come home. It rained the entire time he was there. In order for him to get one swim in at the beach and pool we had to just go in the rain! But I think he enjoyed the short time away, too. And we were really missing him by Friday! So all's well that ends well!

I spent some time in the Word every day. Here were some of the words God used to encourage me this week:

"But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me."

Psalm 13:5-6

**Reminder of the enormity of blessing found in my salvation alone!**

"Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him."

Proverbs 14:31

**Encouragement to press on and love the unlovely.**

"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage."

Psalm 16:5-6

**His will is good and perfect.**

"Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord."

Psalm 16:20

**Beautiful picture of the marriage of His will and my responsibility to obey.**

We took some bold steps last week. We made some big decisions. More about those soon...

Square peg, round hole

2011-07-07T21:26:00.002-04:00

I told my husband yesterday that since we moved I often feel like I am a puzzle piece that just will not fit into the puzzle of life here. I could name a thousand things I am thankful for in my life right now. And those are the things I try to bring to mind from day to day. But when it comes to the kids' school, church, this rural life, and the things we are involved in here it is all SO, SO different than what I am used to. I refer to our new life as "China" a lot. When a crazy thing happens, as it often does, I smile at Andy and whisper "China". (Does he know I smile so as not to cry??) Not because China is bad. But because China is on the other side of the world, completely foreign to me. And although some people LOVE China (and rightfully so), it does not appeal to me. I could give examples, I could write an entire blog on examples, but it would be rude, I'm afraid. My sister-in-law says I should write this blog and name it, "The Joke's On Me". Nice.

I am not sure if we will mesh into the culture and ways of life here. But I am trying to give it a try. I am trying to look for the best-case-scenario for our family. The first place I need to do this is with schooling. Honestly, when we moved here I had never felt so not-my-self and defeated. After the previous year of having our house on the market and having the ever-looming dread of moving I felt exhausted and sad. And then after the initial adrenaline wore off from our move, I felt overwhelming grief. I still wrestle with grief and lament and I wonder if it will take a year or two, as if someone died, to be able to lay it down and live unencumbered. The truth is, I love these precious people in my life. I love thousands of things about my life. I even enjoy our farm. But I struggle with our location. So with that heavy burden, I am very thankful that I let the kids finish out the year in a private school. I had nothing to give them this past spring but grief. Literally.

Back to best-case-scenarios. I was talking with my pastor briefly the other night about decisions. He asked what I had decided to do about the history teaching position. (I have been putting off the interview because of doubts.) I told him I was waiting on an answer from the Lord. He said it would be nice to always hear from the Lord, and easy, but sometimes we just have to act and trust. I think I always hesitate to do what I desire to do because I am afraid the Lord wants me to step out of my comfort zone and do something else. (This attitude might be why I am living in "China"!) Is this crazy? Does anyone else use this type of reasoning?

So for just a little while, I am going to pray, dream, and act. I think the only way to get out of this difficult move with my sanity in tact is to figure out how I want my life to look and go for it! I am not saying I will not listen to the Holy Spirit if he beckons me. I love this article about that very thing, and can relate to each point mentioned. But lately I sense my relationship with Jesus as something that hinders me. It's tragic and disturbing and I am not sure why I have been feeling this way. I am always waiting for Him to challenge me, and not in a good way. Lately, I feel like a battered, old dog waiting to get slapped. My eyes are half shut and my head is turned away, just waiting for another blow. I told Him the other day, "Your yoke is supposed to be light. I don't get it." But I am beginning to see that I am creating my very own daily weariness, and things have to change. When I look at myself as a daughter of the King, I realize I have it all wrong. He wants the very best for me. He gave His very life for me. And although sometimes His will does involve suffering, no doubt about it, it shouldn't always be that we throw ourselves into the most difficult, uncomfortable thing for the "sake of servitude". I am on a mission to find the square hole that fits my square-pegged self. I am giving myself permission for a while to avoid all round holes and find some good, "Ah-I-was-made-for-this!" fits! I know deep in my gut that I will not be able to continue living here if I don't make connections. And I have a few ideas of just where to begin...

Summer books

2011-07-07T10:00:00.003-04:00

If Charlotte Mason were alive to see my book list, she would be so disappointed. I think she called this type of literature "twaddle". I confess, I am guilty of reading twaddle this summer. But it has been so relaxing! Here's what I have read so far:

The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks

**3/5 stars for being so predictable **

Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue

**3/5 stars for giving me nightmares **

Shania Twain's autobiography From This Moment On

**4/5 stars for being very interesting and surprisingly well-written**

In the Company of Others by Jan Karon

**2/5 stars. The only book of her's that I felt bored reading! **

Began Fly Away Home by Jennifer Weiner. It was so vulgar by chapter 2 that I literally threw the brand new book in the trashcan. Very sad.

Obviously I haven't found many good books this summer. Any suggestions (fiction or not)?

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T23:18:00.011-04:00

Playing in the rain (Who needs fireworks, any way?) Floating, swimming, fishing, tubing, boating, and water skiing the days away: Pool time with the girls

"A lake is a landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth's eye: looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature." ~Henry David Thoreau

Crazy awesome

2011-06-28T23:58:00.006-04:00

A couple of weeks ago my Mom found "the lump". She went to the doctor and was immediately sent to a specialist. The very concerned specialist worked her in for a scan. When she came back for the results of the scan, he mixed no words in telling her that he believed she had breast cancer, and he also saw a suspicious spot on her lymph nodes. He even discussed in detail what the next few months would probably be like for her.

He sent her immediately to have a biopsy, but it was postponed because she had taken an aspirin the day before and her blood was too thin for the test to be performed. Fast forward to this past Friday. We had spent almost an entire week trying to digest the new reality of cancer in the family. We were all preparing ourselves for the surgeries and treatments that had already been discussed. I had begun to rearrange plans for the fall in order to be available.

Lo and behold, she went in for her biopsy and the solid mass from the scan was liquid-filled. And the spot on the lymph node was simply a lymph node fighting the infection in the cyst. We aren't sure if the very reliable specialist who reads dozens of these scans a day made a BIG mistake (who speaks of cancer treatments with a patient unless they are really certain?) OR if the solid mass was miraculously turned into a liquid-filled cyst. But we are giving God all the glory. Either way, we are very thankful that there is NO CANCER. Today Mom called with the final news that the biopsy results showed no problems whatsoever.

We have walked through cancer two times in our family, each time with my aunts who had breast cancer. I also just found out that my sweet friend Kappy is in a battle of her own right now with her newly found cancer. (We are praying, dear friend, for you and your family, if you are reading!) I have no idea why my Mom, why WE, were spared of this trial right now. But it certainly has made me more sensitive and compassionate for those around us who are living under the strain of illness. It is humbling to be reminded through this experience that every breath I take belongs to the Lord. I am completely and utterly held in the palm of His hand and one day all sickness and sorrow will be wiped away!

They're home

2011-06-26T22:36:00.003-04:00

My children arrived home from grandparents this afternoon. I am so glad that they didn't come home until 2:00. Andy and I have this weird cycle that we go through when I have a full (overflowing!) amount of things to do at one time. It usually begins with me trying to discuss how I am going to fit in all the things that I need to do (a little frantically). Somewhere in the mix I might make a sarcastic or desperate comment. My husband tends to freak out a little when he thinks I am stressed. Poor guy. Then he tries to suggest ways he can do all of my things for me OR he suggests that I just don't do any of them. Then I feel ungrateful and misunderstood and reassure him that, "No, no, I can handle it all! I was just trying to talk about what I have going on." Then I get huffy and he gets irritated. Then he hugs me and I melt and we laugh. And some how by the end of it all we remember that this is a pattern, this strange form of miscommunication we have. And he hugs me some more, we pray and laugh at ourselves, and life goes on.

Any way, we were doing that little song and dance this morning just before the kids arrived. I was just reminded of how patient and amazing my husband is with me. And in walk my three precious kids. It's always such a good feeling to all be back together again.

A few hours later two of our friends arrived who are spending the week. These two teenage boys from our church in Atlanta are coming to help Andy with the farm work this week. I told the kids that we get a break this week from picking vegetables and there were hoots and hollers and all manner of jumps and dances. (Mostly from me.) Our farm helpers are staying up the hill in an old trailer. I think it is one of the yuckiest places ever. But the guys seemed pleased as can be to have their own place. My Joshua is already enjoying having two older guys around. He rode four wheelers with them and helped them unload groceries. He asked if he could spend the night in the trailer with them, too. But when I mentioned the five o'clock wake up call they are getting he decided to stay in his own bed. Smart boy.

Here are my dreams for the week:

Swim with the kids

Fun day in Birmingham (Zoo? Water park? Mini golf?)

Take Andy to get his epidural block in his back and hopefully see him able be fully mobile again

Clean the entire house

Clean the car

Have a picnic

Finish buying all things for the lake house

Do an art project with the kids

Make home-made ice cream

Go to the library

Take a nap

Where troubles melt like lemondrops

2011-06-25T20:50:00.007-04:00

Right now I am in the throws of being the head farmer around here (Andy's back problems are acting up) and I am trying desperately to have my parents' lake house decorated in time for fourth of July. (2 weeks to fill up 1200 square feet!) Don't get me wrong, I am having so much fun shopping and planning! But I have found little time for sleep this week. Honestly, between picking our vegetables 4 or 5 hours a day, plus an hour or so to clean them, several farmer's markets and deliveries, and then shopping/designing/researching for the lake house, I am exhausted. But in a good way. Thankfully, my little ones have been at their grandparents' house since Wednesday. God is so gracious to provide for us. I am incredibly thankful for help with the children this week!

We have had rain four days this week. Three of those storms came when I was in the fields on the farm. The first time I could hear the rain blowing in over the hills in the distance. But there was no lightning, and I was strapped for time, so I just kept picking. Several minutes later I was soaked and the rain was too harsh to see well. But I finally made it home laughing. I looked dirty, soaked, and ridiculous. Oh, and for an added element of humor, I had on Andy's (huge) work boots because my polka-dotted rain boots got ripped. The kids thought it was so funny. But honestly, after five straight weeks of draught earlier in the summer, how could I possibly be frustrated with rain? Plus, it was so nice to not be hot!

Last night Andy had to help me pick vegetables, even though he should have been lying flat on his back. The vegetables simply had to be picked, and there was so little daylight left. We got a short rain, not enough to stop us. And then the soft gray sky which had almost given in to night fall, burst with orange. It was as if torches had been lit. And over our farm came a rainbow in full view. And then a few moments later, another rainbow just above the first. We had no choice but to stop and gaze. We just stood still and absorbed the beauty together. Felt like heaven on earth. What a moment! I began to wonder...is this for us? No, what an arrogant thought! God is so big, and we are so small. But then again, He is big enough to paint a rainbow across the sky for two simple ones like us. His grace and love are so big and unbelievable, yet so personal and tender.

Today after a long, hot, but successful farmer's market and then an afternoon of designing and shopping for the lake house, all I could think about was taking advantage of our last evening alone before our children plus two visitors from Atlanta arrive tomorrow. As I pulled up to the bottom of the driveway (farmer's market and shopping/planning were in another town) I was met with Andy's friend and his new girlfriend who had driven all the way from Atlanta to surprise us with a visit. For just a minute or two I gave into exhaustion and had a bad attitude. I think I asked God, and I quote, "Seriously?" That's the same question I asked Him when He lead us to this farm. So many blessings are all covered up and hidden under the wrapping of (unwanted) hard work. And those are the ones I avoid. I'm thankful, so thankful, for our visitor. (But I don't think he will surprise us again any time soon. We had eaten dinner on the way home. All I had to offer him was water or beer. No food at dinner time will send a single guy packing really quickly!)

Tonight, I am so thankful for this farm, the beautiful time this farm life has given me outdoors, and family and friends who take the time to come here to see us. As I so often remind myself and Andy, there will be plenty of time in heaven for rest! (And then he wisely reminds me, "Yes. But you get a taste of it tomorrow on the Sabbath!" Good thing for little tastes of heaven on earth!)