pure joy

I confess.  I think this is the most challenging season I've experienced as a mother.  Three little people.  Different personalities, different learning styles, different stages, different needs, and everyone has needs.  Lots of needs.  And I still have needs!  :)

When Graham and Hannah Reece were in school, I could always look forward to Camille's naptime for refreshment.  A cup of coffee. Chores done in silence, or maybe while listening to an encouraging podcast.  A few minutes in the scriptures.  Quiet.  Sweet silence.  As rare as these moments were before, they are now close to non-existent.  This is due, in part, to the ages of our children.  It is also due {mostly} to the fact that the bulk of Graham's schooling must be done during Camille's naptime, to lessen the distractions for both of us.

Another thing-homeschooling is HARD. I see other mothers paint this picture of one big blissfully happy family...reading classic literature together, planting gardens together, laughing together, baking bread together (with freshly-milled, organic wheat, of course).  This picture is not our reality in any way.  I am daily dying to myself.  My selfish desires to surf online for a few minutes, eat a bite of chocolate without anyone knowing and begging for some (that wrapper can be heard for miles!), or just to enjoy having an uninterrupted thought, or a bathroom break-alone...this is not my reality in this season.  A season...this is a season!  Then the mom guilt....this is such a short season!  I need to enjoy this, take more pictures!   write that cute saying down!  smile and laugh with my children more!  get in the floor and play more!  teach them God's word more!  and on. and on. and on.  Throw in some kid attitude and I might. just. lose. it.  (oh wait, i have-lost it!)  ugh.  It's been a rough week.

Lately the enemy's whispers have turned into accusations, filling my heart with guilt and shame for everything I don't do.  So, to combat these lies...I'm putting on the armor of God, fighting these lies with the  sword of the spirit (GOD's word).   (Ephesians 6:10-18) So here I go:

GOD has ordained me to be the mother of Graham, Hannah Reece and Camille.  All of their days were planned and ordained by GOD before one of them came to be!  (Psalm 139:16)


GOD made each child with a special purpose.  GOD'S ways are not my ways, they are higher than mine.  When I turn to the LORD he will have mercy on me.


GOD has plans to prosper me and not to harm me (or them), plans to give us hope and a future!  When we seek him with all our hearts, we will find Him!  He is right here!  (Jeremiah 29:11-12) 


This is spiritual battle, a war waged by the enemy for our hearts and the hearts of our children.  But I do not need to fear!  I will be still and watch the LORD rescue us.  Be still!  The Lord himself will fight for us.  BE CALM.  (Exodus 14)


Contentment, strength and courage can be mine because GOD has promised to never leave me or forsake me!  (Hebrews 13:5, Deuteronomy 31:6) 


When I feel like freaking out, ready to give up, I will choose to TRUST GOD.  When I trust God steadfastly, He will keep me in perfect peace (even when my house is noisy chaos!)  :)  (Isaiah 26)
  
As I live in God, my love will grow more perfect for Dan and our children.  Fear and love cannot co-exist.  Where God's love is, fear is gone.  LIVE IN GOD.  ABIDE IN GOD.  GOD IS LOVE.  (I John 4:16-19)


If I do nothing but love my children and teach them God's word, I've done well.  God's word will never return empty.  It will accomplish what HE desires, and achieve His purposes.  (Isaiah 55)

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² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

 ⁹ Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.¹⁰ But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. ¹¹ For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

 ¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

 ¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

 ¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ¹⁸ He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

{sigh}  Thank you, Lord.

Just one more thing...

I find myself saying those words (in my head) several times before bed.  My just-one-more-things tend to last for at least another 20 minutes before my head hits the pillow. 

So tonight's just-one-more-thing includes this here blog post.

This is the start of our first full homeschool year.  We began in January of this year (2012) and I was under the gun and pretty much in survival mode working hard to help Graham finish second grade well, one coming home from Pre-K and one curious, energetic 2 year old.  When folks ask me about our homeschooling experience, I usually preface my thoughts with something like "I am definitely not the poster child for homeschooling mother!"  I know it sounds quite negative and self-depreciating, but it's true.  Prior to Graham starting Kindergarten, I spent a good chunk of a year researching every.single.option.  Private schools, public schools, charter schools, Classical schools, hybrid schools, and yes-even homeschool.  Though the benefits of homeschool intrigued me (rich, individualized learning; flexability; more margin for the things we want to spend our energies on) homeschool was not my first choice.  It was not my original plan.   "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."  (Prov. 19:21) Three of the options that stood out most then (almost 4 years ago): Calvert School, Classical Christian education + Classical Conversations are now at the heart of our homeschool plan.  I am amazed at how God's plan has unfolded and I will share more about that later.  We start our "school year" later this month and I am happy to say that while I'm not the poster child for the overly-enthusiastic-homeschool-momma  (grin)  I trust God, HIS love and HIS plan for us, praying that He'll make us poster children for his grace, a precious gift that I do not deserve. 

With that, I have a funny story I want to remember:
Yesterday, Graham asked me Medusa, Paul Bunyon,

And a couple Millie-isms for the day...

Tonight Millie woke up screaming...saying "my nose is RAINING!"  She has a runny nose.  So sad, so adorable.

Millie usually wakes up crying around 2:30 am.  Sleep is precious to us in this season. So, one of us goes and brings her  into our bed and we all pass out again.  This morning, I heard her waking and she was smooshing my cheeks and saying her usual "Git up, Momma!"  "Let's go, Momma!"  I cracked one eye open and she smiled and said "You my bes fwend mommy."   :)

ash wednesday

It's Ash Wednesday.  I'm embracing the ashes, a symbol of repentance of sin. Sin leads to death.  Without the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I am physically and spiritually dead.  The ashes are a symbol, not at all necessary for holiness or relationship with God in Jesus Christ.  The Christian calendar year and liturgical calendar are still fairly new to me.  With each year, I learn a little more, embrace these seasons more wholeheartedly.  These seasons are healing.  In observing them, they become intentional opportunities to open my heart to for the Lord to revive areas that need healing and wholeness.

Source: s258.photobucket.com via Sarah on Pinterest

The season of lent is becoming my favorite time of year!  These forty days, I choose to intentionally repent, reflect, worship and be renewed by the Holy Spirit.  One way I'm intending to lean in to hear his voice more clearly is by choosing not to read blogs.  This is something that I really enjoy ...so much inspiration and encouragement out there in blog-land!)  Instead, I will replace the time spent on reading blogs with more time reading scripture, receiving hope, instruction and  encouragement from the Lord.  To God be the glory!

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 

Psalms 51:10

made in the shade

 

girls day at the salon

Hannah Reece was so excited to spend a few hours at a local beauty school with Raeghan and Aunt Choley.  It was a special "princess party" being offered on President's Day.  The girls received the royal treatment, complete with pink extensions, make-up and a manicure.  I think this is the first time that Raeghan and Hannah Reece have had a special outing together, and they were fun to watch;  skipping around the salon, munching on sugar cookies, and sipping punch.   It was a very special day, Hannah Reece can't wait to go again!  :)

Mornin' Millie

Baby girl wakes up (most mornings in our bed) and is on the lookout for daddy.  Dan is an early riser and is often in the bathtub reading or getting ready for the day.  She slides off of the bed, finds daddy and says "Ah-mo?" Elmo.  This girl LOVES Elmo, almost as much as daddy!  Elmo it is.  Then "dooce".  Juice.  Then "nack".  Snack-breakfast style.   Her favorite breakfast is soy or coconut yogurt or oatmeal, the old fashioned kind, with cinnamon, maple syrup and raisins.  Girl can put a hurtin' on some oatmeal.  

Daddy was the photographer this morning and Bubby was his assistant.  See those "I'm your biggest fan" smiles?  Yup, those are for Graham.  

 Oh yes, she's daddy's girl alright. 

plugs, shoes, fellowship and an easel (our weekend in a nutshell)

Graham has finally found a job that he enjoys.  Yardwork!  I wish I had taken a picture of the look of pride on Dan's face while Graham was mowing the front yard.  So cool.  :)  Dan's been working hard on landscape phase 12.  Just kidding.  Kind of.  But we won't go there.  ;)  So Dan here are Dan and Graham, plugging away to fill in the areas where the weeds have died, thank you weed n feed.  Dan has come up with some pretty sweet watering systems in the front and back yard to keep our new plantings alive till the summer rainy season.  

While the boys worked hard, and Millie snoozed away, Reecie and I headed out to Publix for groceries.  Look at Reecie wiht her shopping list notebook.  My girl.  Shopping isn't so much a pleasure this time of year during "season".  Just like the roads this time of year, it was bumper to bumper traffic in just about every aisle.  We survived and made it home to unload the cold stuff, load everyone up, pick up Grandma and Grandpa and head over to pick up Aunt Shirlee and Uncle Greg from the airport.  Looking forward to our little get-together this Friday. 

The Johannsens asked us to come over last night for their small group fellowship and we had a great time.  I love the way the body of Christ works together to support and uphold one another with God's love.  Brought home some of Beth's delicious chocolate covered strawberries.  Hannah Reece was eager to try a bite.   Sweet girl couldn't get much sweeter, and boy does she have a sweet tooth.  Came by it honest, I think.  ;)

I am in desperate need of some basic items to spruce up my wardrobe.  So my shopping buddy came along and we had a big time.  Instead of clothes for momma, we picked up something much more fun.  New slip-ons for Hannah Reece and an easel!  One side is dry-erase and one is chalk + clips for painting paper.  Red tag TEN DOLLARS, so exciting.  Reece is excited about her new shoes.  I love that they fit securely on her feet.  She loves the sparkly gold elastic straps.  I love the neutral color that goes with everything.  She loves that they have a heel.  Win, win.  :)

a typical morning...

...looks something like this:  stuff all over the vanity (and floor), Millie freshly clean because she stripped down (without warning) to get in the shower with daddy.  Reecie decides a shower might be good too (bonus: clothing change), so she goes in after daddy and Camille.  Then we remember that Graham hasn't bathed in almost a week and has visible wax in his ears...so we drag encourage him into the bathroom to take care of personal hygiene.  Then it's my turn.  Super-duper quick shower. When was the last time I shaved above my knees anyway?)  Blow-dry my hair almost dry and fix it in my new favorite way, a little make-up and dig through my closet hoping that I'll find one thing that might match.  YES!  Last one.  Throw in a load of laundry (because I've now exhausted all of my options) and move on to breakfast.  Ezekiel bread toast and yogurt.  Kiss Dan goodbye, say a prayer and take a deep breath.  Our day has begun.

This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!  Psalm 118:24

cousins with a cherry on top

I called Jen tonight to see if they'd meet us at the park for a picnic dinner.  Turns out they'd already done that today, so she invited us over for dinner.  So grateful, the kids were really wanting to play with cousins and it was a treat to enjoy a delicious dinner....we even enjoyed strawberry shortcake for dessert.  And Dan's pulling his 4th late night in a row at church this week.  Thankful that the weekend is just around the corner.

All of the big-girl cousins ( Taylor, Raeghan and Hannah Reece) have glasses now.  Cuties.

Emma doo!

The fellas:  Jacob, Colton (who was very proud tonight that he is *almost* as tall as Aunt Sarah), Graham and Logan.  These boys were rough and tumble tonight...even more than usual!

I baked today...chocolate covered cherry cookies.  Man are these good!  This batch was mostly for Aunt Jen's belated b-day gift and  Grandpa Rog's bday TODAY!   Only 2 left!  :)

Super dooper behind on G's school work, but that's ok.  We've had plenty of "holiday" so I think we'll use the actual school holiday's next Mon. and Tues.  to catch up.  :)  Grace.

LOVE

This year, I tried some new ideas for Valentine's day fun!  Thank you very much, Pinterest.   

Heart-shaped hard-boiled eggs...these were a hit!  Graham said he thinks we should have these EVERY Valentine's day;  :)  I agree!  Super easy and cute.

I wanted to add this to the bottom because they were actually dinner, but I'm having trouble with that.  First,  I poured a little batter into a sauce cup.  Then I  added a couple drops of pink food coloring, drew it up into a medicine dropper,  and made the "heart" in the waffle iron base.  I let it sit for a 10 seconds or so, to firm up and then added the plain batter, as usual.  Voila!  Valentine's waffles!  These were a big hit.  

We emailed dear friends and family members this pic as a valentine this morning.
 

A special valentine for my love...waiting in the sock drawer for his discovery, ha!

Special love notes for the kids when they woke up this morning.

Graham:  You are handsome, You are a great dancer, You ROCK, We love you!!, You rock at angry birds, You are so funny, You are an excellent reader, You have interesting ideas

Hannah Reece:  We love you!!, You are smart, You have a pretty singing voice, You have a beautiful smile, We love to laugh with you, You have a special way with animals, You are a hardworking girl, You are an awesome helper!

Camille:  You are learning to use the potty, You have cute dimples :), Your kisses are so sweet,  You are a fast runner, You make us smile, You are a great sleeper, We love you!!, You are a funny girl

I love how these turned out.  I plan to bring them out every year.  Target dollar section mailboxes, glued to wooden spray-painted candlesticks from Salvation Army.  Total cost:  $5!  The kids have really enjoyed surprising each other with  little Valentine cards over the last two weeks.     

Everybody pitched in on this little project.  Tissue paper hearts:  wrap tissue squares around  the pencil eraser, dip in glue, and press onto heart, repeat...again and again!  

Our photo wall all dolled up for V-day!   Gobstoppers in the mason jars.  Handmade Valentine's for each family member from Hannah Reece.  Millie's is covered in dried oatmeal, she loved it so much!  :)

It was a special day.  Daddy surprised me with 3 red roses at lunch time and he gave the girls the cutest soft, stuffed roses.  One pink and one red.  I'll have some time with my valentine later this week, he's teaching a Bible study tonight, it's season after all.  :)  Busy, busy.

Lately...

So amazed that this baby girl is potty training her big self.  Is there anything cuter than a baby booty in Minnie Mouse undies??  No Millie, those go on your ears sweet girl!  :)

We are homeschooling.  The gang's all right here, at home.  I will elaborate on this decision in another post.

Dan and I had the opportunity to participate in a denominational conference in Orlando and the kiddos went to Camp Nana + Papa/ Camp Grandma + Grandpa for a few days.  While we have thoroughly enjoyed the flexibility that homeschooling affords, catching up is not as much fun! It took us a good 2 weeks to get all caught up.  Each check-box represents a 30 minute to 1.5 hour lesson.  Core includes spelling, grammar, phonics and reading.

Another perk of home school...you can do it anywhere!  We headed over to Mom and Dad's beach house last week for several days.  I love when a cloudy grey sky blends with the ocean.  The water was so calm and peaceful.

Graham, Hannah Reece, Ethan and Kailey

This is random, but i think the tiki hut on the neighbor's porch is so cute.

Camille HATES the sand!   We're working on converting her into a beach baby , though.  Here goes Daddy, removing her shoes.  

not "feelin' it"...

unhappy squeals and shivers...

and the feet pull up, just like landing gear.

I love the way Millie crosses her feet at the ankles (almost always!)  it reminds me of  my Grandma, Velma Louise.

Back in the safety of daddy's lap, away from the sand!

"Hi, Nanny!"

Lately when I ask Millie if she's Momma's baby, she smiles, shakes her head and says..."Da-da's baby"  :)

"Look, Mom!  Ellen Ochoa's flight on Discovery Shuttle was the same year that Star Wars Episode 1 Legos  were created!"  Love it.  

Telling secrets with Nanny.

Chef Boyoedy makes a mean breakfast...even at the beach!

Papa likes it.  :)

I'm trying so hard to be ok with this guys!

I'm really not ok with this.

Can somebody, anybody!?

Come to my rescue?

At last!

school at the dining room table....this is the life!

I love this pic...father and son riding bikes on the beach and Graham and Daddy working through a science lesson together.  

I'm grateful for times of refreshment and rest in this season.  Leaning hard into the Lord for strength and daily graces.  he is faithful!