Schwenkewife Chronicles

A Day At The Farm

2012-02-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

The first week of February we experienced days of 60 degree weather. Our friend Edith was visiting from Hong Kong so we decided a day on our friends farm was the order of the day. As you can see we had a blast. I even got on the swing a time or two.

Caleb was dressed as Samson from the Old Testament. Even the strong man needed to swing!

Sydney preferred to draw from her perch.

The "kids" had a good time in the dirt.

From The Mind of Sydney: Bird Houses

2012-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Today my Mama is letting me use the blog to write about my fun science project with my good friend Carla D. I have known her all my life. Yesterday, she and I made birdhouses. We used recycled stuff from around our house. Today we have already seen birds using our feeders. It was the best day ever!

First we looked at books about birds.

Then we made the bird houses by collecting things from around the house: twine, recycled stuff, scissors, etc.

This birdhouse we found at The Attic (a place for seminary students to get free stuff) but we made the cake inside out of cornmeal, peanut butter, old bread crust, and mushed berries.


This was my sister Chloe's favorite. It was made from a Pringles can that we wrapped in aluminum foil. We used pencils for the perch and we "borrowed" wheat berries from my mother's stash. We also made a satellite on top from a lollipop stick and applesauce cup (we filled the cup with seed for a "drive-thru").


My friend Carla saw the grapefruit peelings from breakfast and said we could make a feeder out of it. We also gathered winter berries and stuffed the grapefruit with them. And we also put strawberry tops in it.

Before and After

2012-01-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

Since, we began to home school three years ago; we basically have been doing so in our entire apartment. While in Georgia we had a space but it was still part of the main living area. In Louisville, well it was the entire apartment basically (our living space was super small). Now that we are back in our house we have an entire room to school in and the kids have been thrilled. So is Dad, by the way, since the upstairs stays mostly organized. When we moved in Matthew painted every room and it has made a big differance but especially in our school room. The pics aren't that great but I think you get the idea. I would have never chosen the colors like they are (I am a horrible decorator) but thanks to Lowe's idea cards the paint color made a grave change to our room.

2012 Day 2

2012-01-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

I thought I would be further along than I am by day 2 of a new year. Although my house does not still resemble this mass of boxes from moving; there are still too many full ones around. I also thought I would be further along with organization and home management but we are still about a week off. My outlook in life seems to resemble Syd's expression...I am just not sure where to begin. One thing that seems to be constant is time in God's Word, hanging out with the kids, and marriage work. Even though I do feel overwhelmed, behind and falling short I know that if I continue to seek God first then everything else will fall into place. I may even get a work out in by day 3 of 2012 who knows?

Field Trip Day

2011-11-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

We drove all the way to Indiana (technically across the bridge) to see a puppet show yesterday. It was great fun. The kids (even the babies) were so well behaved. It was nice to change things up in the middle of the week. When Caleb woke up he was so excited. I asked him what he was so happy about and he said, "I love field trips! But Mommy don't think I like school cause I don't. I just love field trips!" He is such a boy.

October Days

2011-10-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

One evening, Chloe walked down stairs and said, "Daddy, we need you!!! Caleb and I are Mary and Joseph.....we need a donkey!"

The kiddos after the Harvest Festival at Village Manor

Our little soldiers at the Louisville Zoo

This was my Mom's first trip to the zoo ever!

Reenactment of the Pilgrim's first day off of the Mayflower

My men take their work seriously!

Johnny Appleseed

2011-10-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

My sweet mother-in-law purchased, Johnny Appleseed The Story of A Legend by Will Moses. It was one of the best books we have read about Johnny. We actually finished a lap book! What an accomplishment. We usually start them and I find the pieces all over the house which I usually chuck in the ~~trash.~~ recycling. But the kids stayed with the project (I suppose they are old enough now to enjoy these types of hands on activities). We love the home school share web-site. This book was fun....even Dad got in on the project.

Matt coloring with Caleb

Working on Lap Books from www.homeschoolshare.com

Chloe always works so seriously

Sydney posing with her finished book

Syd adds her artistic touch to most everything.

Chloe's lap book

Boating With The Ladies

2011-10-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

A Man of Courage.....When honor begins at home---Couragous

Autumn Sunshine

2011-09-29T17:39:00.000-07:00

"I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." --Nathaniel Hawthorne, Novelist 1804-1861

Fire Station Field Trip

2011-09-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

We do not usually take two field trips in one week. However, this week it just happened to be scheduled that way. Here are a few of the highlights of our visit to a 100 year old firestation in St. Matthews.

The American Printing House for the Blind

2011-09-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

We finished reading Who was Helen Keller? this week. For our final day we visited the American Printing House for the Blind here in Louisville. It was a great field trip. We heard professionals read a book on tape. Since we listen to a lot of books on CD it was an experience to see that in action. The girls really enjoyed using the braille writer and writing their names. The museum was hands-on. I would have to say that the factory was one of the most peaceful places I have been in since we have been to Louisville. That may sound like an oxymoron but it is true. The workers seemed to really enjoy what they were doing and take pride in their work. The Printing House has been around since before the Civil War (it was used as a hospital for a while and when the army abandoned it the Printing House took back over) so the history of the place seemed to speak for itself. So, if you happen to be in the area; it is free to tour and you don't have to be child in school to go on a field trip...stop by they would love to see you.

Learning A New Skill

2011-09-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Chloe has been attempting to roller skate everywhere. So far her backside only has three bruises. She of course is loving it. I loved skating as a child so it doesn't put fear in me like it does those around us. Chloe is not going to live life on the sidelines. I might as well cheer her on rather than fret (of course we have good health insurance just in case).

Philosophy

2011-09-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Mason, founder of "House of Education" in Ambleside, in the heart of the English Lake District(1892) wrote that children need something to love, something to do, and something to think about. With that in mind......

Something to Love.........
We bought three crabs last week....Peter Parker, Samantha, and Ally. They truly love those nocturnal noise making creatures. They squealed with delight when the crabs climbed on top of one another (they are climbers and they were trying to get to the top of the cage).

Something to Do.....

Both girls are taking piano lessons this Fall. Also, Sydney, Chloe and I have been attempting to learn our way around the sewing machine. Of course there are lots of art projects as well which keeps Caleb's four year old attention.

Chloe and I decided to make a baby carrier. We ran a few straight stitches along a folded piece of material. We fastened the end with safety pins so she could grow into it. We hope to find the old-fashioned ones people used to use for cloth diapers to make this project complete. It was great fun actually finishing a project instead of starting one and throwing it in the sewing box for a later date.

We began our school year by reading a biography about Helen Keller.

This book has definitely given us all something to think about. While reading a picture book about Louis Braille (to complement Helen Keller as she learned to read braille), Caleb began to cry because Louis was sent to an institution, and as the book read, "..lived there the rest of his life..." The small chapter book has impacted our family a great deal as we have all come to realize that not every person has an easy and trouble free childhood.

As we are in the fourth week of our "new" school year; we seem to be traveling through our new curriculum (Beyond Little Hearts For His Glory by Carrie Austin, M.Ed) full speed ahead. I hope to write more about it later but you can check out their web-site at www.heartofdakota.com . Hope these crisp fall days are finding you living out the abundant life that our Creator has called us all to.

"Be sure that your children each day have something to or someone to love, something to do, and something to think about." --Charlotte Mason

An International Art Project

2011-09-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

We love http://www.geomatters.com/; the publishers are mentors as well as friends. One source we use quite often by Sharon Jeffus and Jamie Aramini is Geography Through Art. There is always a great and messy project but I have found that through these messes the kids learn a great deal. We made a paper mache globe using the project found on page 21 of the text. I later read in another book that you can add glue to paint [about a tablespoon] worked for us and then add rice, beans, anything you might want and it will give your project texture. We used rice in the green paint to make our continents stand out. My children are 7, 5, and 4 so at times I was doing the project alone (paper mache seemed to lose it's appeal by day three) but we came away with the desired outcome. The kids now know there are 7 continents and 5 oceans, that God created the whole world in 6 days, and that we cannot create something out of nothing. we need materials to begin to make something but God is our master Creator and He created our great planet as well as our entire Universe in a week's time.

Celebrating Life

2011-09-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

On July 2nd my mother fell and broke her (we thought both) arms. Due to her ongoing health issues, the break led to a phone call in the middle of the night telling us we were probably going to lose my mother. My mom is a fighter though; and through a month of comas, surgery, "coding" again, lots of nurses poking at her, and lots of prayers, God has allowed her to celebrate another birthday.

We celebrated in Schwenke style. Cupcakes, food, and family. She was so thrilled to be able to walk in the room and show off how well she is doing. The last time her sisters and mother saw her she was in a drug induced coma. It was the most wonderful day of thanksgiving to the Lord for allowing my Mama to be with us a little while longer. I am so thankful for her life.

Field Trip

2011-09-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

The first week of school we studied animals alot. The topic came up throughout most of our subjects. Even our math book talked about zoo animals. So, Matt and I decided on Thursday night that we would give the kids a "surprise ride" to the zoo the next day. We even invited Caleb's friend Eli to go along. A surprise ride was "borrowed" from Jill Savage ( http://www.jillsavage.org/ ). We tell the kids, on the spur of the moment, "OK we are going on a surprise ride." They know they have five minutes to be in the van. They love it! Sometimes they have been in their pj's (those are my favorite) and we take them somewhere as simple as ice cream at the grocery store or elaborate like our trip to the zoo. Labor Day weekend is coming up. This would be a good opportunity maybe to catch one of those simple moments with your kids. Last night as I watched home videos of my kids, I cried. I was so tired during that time and I really did not treasure it like I should have. I can't get those moments back but I can make some memories now. Why not let this be the weekend you begin a tradition for your family. Hope yours is great!

Creation Project

2011-08-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

While studying Creation, to help the children cement the order of events in their minds (and if I am honest mine too), we cut out images from magazines and pasted them to the correct day of Creation. It was impressive some of the things they thought of (i.e. a house on the same day as plants because wood comes from trees). I did not expect them to make such leaps but their little minds truly are amazing. Once again I am reminded that we do indeed serve an awesome Creator.

Another School Year

2011-08-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that it is that time of year again....the first day of school. Chloe is in Kg and Sydney is in 2nd grade. Caleb as usual does some work with us and plays a lot. He can join us for longer periods of time and that definitely makes things easier. Sydney and Caleb showed up for school this morning in dress-up clothes and Chloe, not to be out done,made a quick change. We began today (Tuesday) for several reasons. Matt went back today and I just wasn't ready before now. We had been out of town for four days and I just needed one day to catch up and prepare. Speaking of preparing, yesterday we went to the library with a book list about a mile long (what else is new?). So, I told the kids, "I am going to the search computer. You guys need to stay in the kids room (which I could see the entrance to) while I get the books we need for school tomorrow. " They appeared to agree with me as they all walked to the children's department. Within about five minutes I hear my very social young man saying quite loudly to a woman he seemed to be talking non stop to, "I don't know where my Mom is. We cannot find her anywhere! I think she went to get her some books!" I quickly walked in there to try to explain myself of course, but it seemed like her mind was made up, I just knew she was thinking what kind of mother leaves her kids to go find her own books. Oh, well, such is life with kids. They tend to tell everything they know and a little of what they don't.

For Today

2011-08-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

No, it is not Halloween....just a typical day in our back yard. You never know how the kids will be dressed.

Matt and Chloe chillin at the Louisville Bats Game. We all attended for $6.00 total thanks to Chloe going to Kindergarten and the children participating in the Library's Summer reading program.

Sydney being Sydney....

Caleb brought along his best buddy Eli. They are two peas in a pod.

I seem to get very behind here. I want to post but our days seem to be flying by. However, Chloe lost her first tooth today and I knew that if I didn't get it posted right now that it would not go up for another week or so. Even though I have a slew of pics to display, I will have to go with what happened here today.

Wearing a Tie

2011-08-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

It was a big deal on Sunday to get Caleb to wear his tie. He has always felt pride in wearing it before but for some reason he wanted nothing to do with it. So, Matt said he would wear one and they would be twins....Caleb agreed. During Worship Matt removed his tie but when he picked Caleb up he put it back on. Once in the van the conversation went something like this.

"Daddy, you look good in your tie. I am glad we wore them to church." Caleb
"Daddy didn't wear his tie in church Caleb. He took it off." Sydney
"Why did you take it off Daddy?" Caleb
"He didn't like it. So, he took it off. He was bad. He wasn't good like you Caleb." Sydney
"Thanks alot Sydney!" Matt
"You are welcome Dad!" Sydney
"Can you put your tie on now, Daddy?" Caleb
"He already did, Caleb. He was tricking you." Sydney
What could you say to that? Matt kept driving. When he pulled into Olive Garden, Caleb exclaimed,
"I have on my Olive Garden clothes! We always go to Olive Garden when I wear my tie! Everyone in there wears ties!" Quickly, Matt redeemed himself with spaghetti. Spaghetti usually fixes any woe in our family. Thank goodness for the Italians!

Reading for Fun

2011-08-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Somewhere, along the way Sydney has turned into a reader. She has been able to read well for some time but hasn't shown much interest in reading on her own. This summer, however, I have found her in different corners of the apartment with her nose stuck in a book.

Thoughts on The Almighty

2011-07-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

Sydney: "Why did the devil sin when he was an angel if there wasn't anyone to tempt him?"
Me: That is a very good question. I am not sure Syd.
Sydney: I'll just ask my Pastor when I grow up. Right now I am too embarrassed to ask."

Chloe: "Could you ask whoever tells us to move if we can move to back to our house in Somerset? "
Me: "Do you mean God?"
Chloe: "Is God who tells us where to move?"
Me: "We try to follow what God wants us to do, yes."
Chloe: "Yeah, then, tell God we want to move to Somerset. Never mind. I can tell Him."

Caleb: "So, Jesus is a super hero and he has a flying horse?"
Me: "Sorta..."
Caleb: "And he is going to come back and get us and we are going to kill the bad guys?"
Me: "I think so...." Please understand I was tucking him in and I couldn't remember talking to him about Revelation.
Caleb: "You don't know?"
Me: "Of course I know. Yes, He is coming back to get his people."
Caleb: "Cool."

40 Books In 6 Days

2011-07-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

The last week of June my niece Meg came to stay with us. She wanted to do the summer reading program at our library so we spent all week reading, reading, and more reading. It was worth the effort when they were given super cool back-packs. Doesn't Caleb look happy? I mean aka Spider Man.

Rainy Day Indoors

2011-07-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful friend gave us a parachute for outdoor play. Since it was raining so hard outside we decided to have a movie night.

A Long July

2011-07-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

Since I have last sat down to chat so much has occurred. Among plans of a quiet family 4th of July my mom was transferred to U of L with "two" broken arms. During the night we got a frantic call saying she had stopped breathing and that the family should come at once. My Mama is a fighter though and although put on a ventilator by the time we saw her, I knew she was still holding her own. And just as she had told the X-ray tech, "I am not going with you tonight. I am tired and I am not going anywhere. Just come back tomorrow," I am sure she told the death angel the same accord!

She is still in the hospital these three weeks later but she is doing great. Only one of her arms was broken but she ended up having to have a tracheotomy because she was not able to breathe without a trachea tube. We have decided it best to move her closer here to us as she continues on her healing way.

While this was going on we have tried to live as normally as we can. Matt has been in classes. My family has helped tremendously with the children. My sister came to help. So many blessings when things were seemingly wearing us down. However, I have contracted Lyme disease in the midst of this long July. And although that diagnosis can seem scary God has been right by my side dispelling fear. I know that He made me and He is caring for me and my family through this time. Honestly, some of the other diagnoses were frightening and to know that antibiotics can easily cure my health issues is such a relief. I just need to remind myself to spend more time in God's Word than google and I am OK.

It is difficult to rest knowing that my family needs me but Matt has been wonderful taking over the household duties and caring for the children. It is amazing how a little bug bite can change the way you do life. But as long as July has been I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father because I know August is coming.

"Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

2011-07-24T13:09:00.001-07:00

Vacation Michigan 2011

2011-06-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

The girls made the popsicles by mashing mulberries. We were not sure what the outcome would be but they were quite tasty.

Our home away from home. My sister has a camper on her property. We felt so pampered the whole weekend while we were there.

You could always find Caleb with a fishing pole in hand.

Everyone had a little digging to do....

Even the dog.

Book Review Wednesday

2011-06-29T06:32:00.000-07:00

Posting my book list (although rather extensive by any standard) was one of the best things I have ever done (of literary value). It has helped me finish books that would otherwise stay on my night stand until Jesus returned. Books that are not always easy to read but good for my mind. One such book was Fidelity by Wendall Berry. He is in fact a native Kentuckian and returned to his native land where he teaches and writes books. I love reading Kentucky authors for a few reasons. One I am native Kentucky. Also, there seems to be a grittiness to Kentucky authors. They know hardship of some sort and they know the hardships of the people which makes them more romantic in my eyes. Wendall Berry did not let me down in content. He knows Kentuckians. He came highly recommended and I will admit that the book challenged me in an intellectual way (I had to slow down and read every word; I tend to be a skimmer by nature). However, Fidelity left me unsatisfied. It was a book of five stories and just when I got to know the characters and involved in their lives we were on to the next story. Some may like this but I am always sad when I read a 500 page novel because I want to know more. I suppose I know too well that life cannot be summed up in one paragraph, there are always twists and turns. When reading a book I want to know about the twists and turns. I will try another Berry book but when you are trying to work your way through an extensive list as I am it will probably be a while.

Since my last review I have also read The Trial by Robert Whitlow. I love Whitlow books. He has been described by others as a little John Grisham and a little Frank Perreti. His books involve legal matters of some sort and spiritual warfare. You never really know how the legal maters will turn out and I like the suspense of that. The Trial was no exception even after you get the results from the jury you know there is still more to the story and that is when Whitlow shines; the wrap up. Not exactly the easy reading of the Harmony series but not as time consuming as a classic literature piece. And although Whitlow's books are similar in nature they are not like reading some series of books where there are the same formula.

For the book club at church we have read Mary Beth Chapman's book Choosing to See. It is her families struggle after they lost one of their adoptive daughters in a tragic accident. The whole time I was reading it I felt like I was sitting across the table from an old friend. You forget that she is famous to an extent (being the wife of Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman). You walk through the early years of their marriage and see how God has walked with them through many heartaches and struggles. She admits very pointedly of her personal battles and identifies the grace of God, her heavenly Father in every situation. Even in their most devastating loss and all of the twists and turns that prevail she stands on her firm faith and remains steadfast in her relationship with God. It is an amazing story. I hope you are enjoying your summer. Happy reading! We are off to the library.

Why I Love Where We Dwell

2011-06-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Our entry way

Best Buddies

Always friends to play with

Beautiful mature trees

After the Storm

2011-06-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Last night Louisville was hit by terrible storms. The kids and I spent the evening in a hallway at our church and later in K-Mart's back room. We left church believing we had an all clear to do so and as we drove towards our home the sky got more and more ominous. So, we followed another family to K-Mart believing we could grab some snacks and walk around until the storm blew over. The K-Mart associates had a different idea. So, we took our snacks and stayed in the back room until the storm blew over.

I am not certain of all of the damage done here in Louisville. I know Churchill Downs has occurred damage as well as U of L. This morning when I went outside I found the kids rain boots still hanging on the line. It occurred to me that as Christians we are protected in the same way. The storms blow all around us. They even toss us to and fro. But as long as we stay anchored to Christ, our Rock we will still be hanging on when the storm blows over. I am so grateful that my hope lies in the One who Redeemed me and that His Spirit keeps me connected to the Father through all of life's wind and waves.

Turning Four

2011-06-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Science Museum, Louisville, KY

It is very difficult to believe my youngest child has turned 4. This has definitely been a year of super-heroes, dress-up and make believe. I have also had to back off my baby a bit and allow him room to be the "boy" he longs to be with all of the "male-ness" of shooting, jumping, muddy play, and seeing how far he can go without getting out of the bounds. I have loved every minute of it (as well as been terrified out of my mind). As Mrs. York stated in the Marriage and Family class she teaches for SWI at Southern, "It is easier to mend a broken arm than a broken man." So, as he leaps forward from being my chubby toddler and lands smack dab in adolescent boyhood, I must close my eyes and pray to the One who made him, "Please, God don't let either one of us get hurt too badly."

On Sunday Caleb told me he didn't need Jack (his imaginary friend for the last year and a half) anymore since he had his best friend Eli. "Maybe we should give Jack to someone else who doesn't have a best friend." I of course thought that the sweetest thing ever. My husband said, "It's about time we got rid of Jack." Oh well. Maleness, right? Speaking of Eli, he and Caleb share the same birthday so we celebrated together on Saturday with friends in our community. We asked that no one bring presents. I was amazed at how much fun the kids had helping the boys celebrate without the gift giving.

On Monday we had birthday breakfast and he opened gifts from us, grandparents and close friends who had sent a something.

When people would wish him a happy birthday he would say "happy birthday" back to them. We finished the day by letting him pick out the ice cream and he and Eli shared a cone together before bed. As we embark on another year of life I am once again in awe of the Creator and how he has blessed me with amazing children. It is certainly not of my own accord but only by God's grace and I am very thankful.

Serving Outside Our Comfort Zone

2011-06-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

I read Radical at the beginning of the year (David Platt). One of the challenges at the end of the book was to serve somewhere outside of your normal sphere of influence. This was actually something I enjoy but have not been on a "mission" trip since before my children were born (8 years or so). When our church offered a trip to Paintsville, KY only 2 1/2 hours away I thought this a perfect opportunity to accept Platt's challenge. Sydney and I went together and I must say I am so much better for it. I would like to share just a few points of why this trip was life changing.

1. Sydney rode the church bus without me. That may seem very insignificant to most people but my oldest child is extremely shy and for her to ask to ride with a friend was so major it almost sent me into shock (it didn't though).

2. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree and it is difficult for me to make new friends as well. I either say too much or nothing at all in groups where I don't know anyone. I came away from the trip getting to be friends with a young woman as young as 22 and a dear sweet old man in his 70's. And lots of folk in between. I am so in awe of the Body of Christ.

3. Crossroads Ministries. Getting connected with this ministry and what they do for people has given me hope in Christians as a whole. Their theme overall was get to know the people you are serving....construction is just our excuse for being there. This concept helped me to slow down and really listen to people.

4. We worship all day long. I haven't ever thought about the way I love and serve my family as worship but as I served along side my daughter and the other 25 amazing people I realized that even washing dishes is worship of the Father.

5. The thought that has left me still in deep contemplation is the way a fellow sister described Christ's love. She said, "If by some design I knew that 30 years from now my husband would cheat on me and yet I loved him everyday despite that fact, that is the only way I can understand Christ's love" See, friends that is how Christ loved us and loves us still. He knew the depth of our betrayal and yet He loved us enough to walk Calvary and be crucified. He loves us still. In all honestly some days I find it hard to love my husband the way Christ loves me even when he is not doing anything to betray me. Not because he is unloveable but because I am selfish. I can't say that the thought has made me perfect but I can say that it is changing my heart day by day. My strength comes from Christ and so I know that even in this He can help me.

6. I loved walking into church on Sunday and praising God with those I had worked alongside. It made me feel like I was part of something that was so much bigger than I am.

7. Seeing my little girl work and not complain was worth the whole trip. Even when there was no relief from the hot weather and she was deeply sleep deprived she kept on worshipping. One morning when I went back to get her after breakfast and she was lying on her cot; I said, "Hey Syd it is time for worship." She replied, "I am worshipping right here Mommy." She was teasing but that joke let me know that she understood. I am so grateful.

I happened to hear Sydney singing "Here I am to Worship" very softly. While we were working at one of the sites. It thrilled my soul.

Harmony Book Series

2011-06-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Home to Harmony by Phillip Gulley. It was a delightful novel about a Quaker minister in a small town. My husband and I ended up reading it together because I would laugh out loud so much that he wanted in on the joy. We both grew up in small towns so we could relate to the antics of the book in so many ways. Also, being at seminary and preparing for full time ministry it allowed us to see people and pastors as their funny natural selves. I must add that there were times(the author ends each chapter with a very profound thought) I laughed my way through a whole chapter and choked back tears as the chapter closed. Phillip Gulley has a way of making life's simple hilarious moments very profound in the light of Christ. Although presented as fiction, Gulley is in actuality a Quaker Pastor so I imagine that there is a lot of truth to the stories presented. There is a whole series of Harmony stories and I will list them on this post. As far as my personal book list goes, I wish I hadn't started with this book because now I want to read the series instead of my others. I will carry on and We Band of Angels is next. I hope you are having a wonderful summer of relaxing and of course reading.

Home to Harmony
Just Shy of Harmony
Signs and Wonders
Christmas in Harmony
Life Goes On
A Change of Heart
The Christmas Scrapbook

I added the list because it is difficult to tell which book comes next in the series; they are not labeled as such.

Garden Season

2011-05-31T14:36:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons that we chose to live at Village Manor was the idea of being able to garden again. Everyone that lives here has the opportunity to lease a spot for the season. The cost is very minimal (I think our spot was 15.00). So, you can only imagine the array of garden advice you get when the residents are from all over the globe. I don't mind a bit because in the end I know my Mamaw knew best so I garden the way she did--only grow what I can possible take care of and share with the neighbors and the preacher (ha ha). Since, Village Manor is occupied 50 percent by soon to be preachers I suppose just sharing with the neighbors will do just fine.

Summer Reading

2011-05-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

I love summer time. Now, I can complain like the rest of them about how hot it is or how bad the bugs are but I love it just the same. There is something about cook-outs, out door games and swimming pools that make me happy. I can remember as a child getting to go barefoot for the first time of the year and staying that way until it was time to put shoes back on for school in late August. I also love to read as anyone knows who has any acquaintance with me. This summer I finally sat down and made out a summer reading list. I have inquired of most everyone I know what they are reading lately and came up of a list of selections I would like to have finished by Labor Day weekend. I thought I would share the list with you. If you have a great book you would like me to add let me know. I plan to review the books as I finish them. Of course every time I make a declaration on this blog spot I fail miserably. But it is a goal to say the least. I hope your summer is filled with fresh veggies from a garden, cold glasses of iced tea (sweet tea that is), and wonderful books.

Off The Beaten Pat by Isabel Bird

They Speak with Other Tongues by John Sherrill

Wolf at the Door by Virginia Hall

Desert Queen by Gertrude Bell

The Total Woman by Marabel Morgan

Know Why You Believe by Paul E. Little

The Trial by Robert Whitlow

Adventures in Prayer by Catherine Marshall

Dynasty by Robert Elegant

Home to Harmony by Phillip Gulley

Will Mrs. Major Go to Hell? by Aloise Buckley Heath

The Float Plane Notebooks by Clyde Edgerton

Charlotte Mason Companion

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction Eugene Patterson

The Joyful Christian by C.S. Lewis

Up From Slavery Booker T. Washington

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

Here I stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton

A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall by J.B. Phillips

Fidelity by Wendell Berry

The Heaven Trilogy by Edith Pargeter

My Antonia by Willa Cather

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann-Burns

Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende

They Say in Harlan County by Alessandro Portelli

Thirty Six Years and Counting

2011-05-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

Thirty-six years ago my beautiful mother in law gave birth to two boys just 14 short months after giving birth to her first child Rebekah. As I see her now running her own daycare I wonder how she survived those first years. As if three babies in 14 months wasn't enough she gave birth to another son two years later. I am so grateful to John and Jane Schwenke and the godly heritage they have placed in their children because 11 years ago I married one of those babies born on May 26, 1975.

It has defiantly been the adventure of my life. I know that he gets that spontaneity from his mother. He brings so much structure in our home as well (which quite honestly we would live in utter chaos if solely left up to me). That structure comes from his father. Together with their strengths and weaknesses they sowed in Matthew the seed whereas Christ alone would grow and flourish.

When I was set up on a blind date with Matthew I never dreamed that our life could be this good. Oh, don't get me wrong we have had our share of struggles which most people do. However, with the strength of God and the prayers of his parents as well as close friends, we are still thriving!

Happy Birthday Baby! Here's to another 36 years!

A Funny Thing

2011-05-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

Chloe our middle child seems to be at the speed of 100 miles per hour. She rarely slows down. She rides her bike fast. I think she even ran before she walked. With that in mind sometimes she forgets where she is going or what she is doing. We sent her into the kitchen (mind you it is only about 3 steps from the dining room) and she pokes her head around and says, "What is where? Where is what? Oh....I forgot!" Needless to say we all cracked up. That is Miss Chloe, vibrant and full of life! There is never a dull moment with my dear sweet baby girl.

Caleb's Surgery

2011-05-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

Caleb had his tonsils taken out this past week. He has done very well but it really is hard to keep my little man inactive. He wants to run and play but for 10 days that is supposed to be off limits. We are finding ways to entertain him though.

Mother's Day

2011-05-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

My Sweet Grandmother and dear Mama; I hope they had a wonderful mother's day. My two men dressed for the occasion.

This is probably one of my favorite pics of the girls. They both looked so beautiful as they sang at Church to wish all of the mother's a happy mother's day. I hope your day was wonderful.

Home Depot Building Projects

2011-04-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

Home Depot and Lowe's offer clincs (monthly and bi monthly depending on location) for children. The children receive an apron (at Home Depot...we haven't been to the Lowe's clinic for a while so I don't remember what they offer) as well as a pin to go on their apron for each project they build. This is great for hand eye coordination as well as fine motor skills. The children built cars the last month and flower boxes today. So, if you live near one of these home improvement stores this is a great addition to your homeschool activities.

Reading

2011-03-31T19:27:00.001-07:00

Homeschool Share

2011-03-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

There is a web-site that I absolutely love. It is one we actually used when the children were all under four but I had forgotten about it until a couple of weeks ago. The site is http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ . My friend Tina passed the knowledge of this site on to me quite a few years back. The site has almost any topic, any literature book, picture book, etc. and it will provide a lap book or unit study to go along with it. The girls love cutting and gluing. Caleb on the other hand not so much. Of course boys would rather be playing at the age of three than putting together a lap book but when a topic like Knights is picked he will glean a lot from the books read, and the bigger projects (like a knight mask). The bigger project for us this week came from the book Days of Knights and Damsels: An Activity Guide by Laurie Carlson. There are lots of books like this one on different subjects (Old Testament, Dinosaurs, etc). I like these because it is stuff I can actually do (I am not crafty at all). Hope your weekend is great (even if it has turned cold in your neck of the woods like it has ours)!

We made the mask out of a milk jug and they drew the shield. Caleb was visiting a friend so Sydney had to model for me; as you can tell she wasn't too thrilled.

Zoo Field Trip

2011-03-24T10:21:00.001-07:00

My sister gave my children a zoo membership for Christmas this past year. We felt so blessed. While living on a tight budget as Matt is a Seminary Student right now, we are excited to be able to take the kids to the zoo as often as we wish. We are not big on animal pics (I always think 50 years from now will I really care that I had a picture of a camel?) so here are a few pics of my family looking at animals. Sydney's science journal is to the left. She loves drawing and nature which leads to her packing her journal everywhere. I love having these kinds of pics of animals.

Last month while at the Creation Museum we picked up a book entitled, Zoo Guide: A Bible -Based Handbook To The Zoo (the editors are Becky Stelzer, and Gary Vaterlaus) I cannot say enough good things about it. It was so cool to find out how God designed each animal and of course the day they were created was recorded as well. It is a fabulous tool!

Homeschool Friday

2011-03-11T10:54:00.000-08:00

I am going to attempt to be a little more organized with my blog. So...on Friday I want to let you know something we are reading, trying or an idea that is very helpful to us. This week as we have studied Ancient Africa our help came from Sharon Jeffus' and Jamie Aramin's book Geography Through Art . Our project was from the country of Ghana **Kente Cloth. My kids loved weaving the different colors through the construction paper as I read to them the Legend of the cloth which was found alongside our art project in the book. It was a great resource and one I would highly recommend as we use it with our Well-Trained Mind materials. I hope your weekend is sunny and relaxing.

Mentoring....a Class Assignment

2011-03-09T11:56:00.000-08:00

Ok...readers...this is the last speech for a class I am taking here at Seminary. Since I hadn't posted anything in a while I thought I would try this on for size. I would love to read any comments you might have. Feedback is a good thing. Hope your week is jolly. Without further a do....
How To Be A Mentor

A few years ago I was in the ER with my mother waiting for her to be admitted for surgery. We had been there quite a while and my mother who doesn’t really have any vocal inhibitions was getting antsy. I knew that could mean trouble. BIG TROUBLE. She will often speak way before she thinks leaving whoever she is with to do damage control. On this particular visit a gentleman walked in who was just plain beat up. There really isn’t any other way to put it. Bruises, broken arm, clothes tattered…completely disheveled. My mom of course began to make comments (rather loudly) about his appearance. I trying to be the mother honoring daughter Christ has called me to be attempted to quiet her with a poke of the elbow. “Sh Mama, you are being loud.” She replies in an even louder voice, “What? He knows He’s beat up!” What can you say to that? He did know…it was obvious to everyone in the room that this man had been physically assaulted. Although socially rude my mother was being truthful. He knew he had been beat up.

The same goes for those of us who are maybe not dealing with obvious physical ailments. But our ailments are seemingly hidden. What about those of us who are beat up and no one knows about it? We as women can suffer many mental and emotional aliments and we never tell a soul. We tend to keep it to ourselves and hope no one knows just how beat up we are because some how this proves we are more godly. I would go so far to say that in Christian circles women are even more concealing about the things that disturb them.
In the Bible God tells us it should not be this way. James 5:16a says Therefore, confess your sins to one another. And pray for one another that you may be healed. I don’t know about you dear ladies but I need this in my life. I feel at my very best—healed---when I am confessing, praying and being prayed for.

Quin Sherrer in her talk on Affecting Your Sphere of Influence said, “No matter how ordinary or how chaotic you think your life is, you not only have a sphere of influence, but you also have the potential to move spiritual mountains through your consistent and persistent prayers for those you influence. Each of us exerts influence to bless or wound, to help or hurt. “
So, what does this look like lived out? I would like to encourage you today to find someone that can mentor. Don’t get all upset this doesn’t have to be a person that you are tied to for the rest of your life-- but it could be. It doesn’t take a lot of time or energy but it does require being intentional and purposeful in someone else’s life. I promise you will forever be changed.

Mentoring means passing down knowledge and training from one who is more experienced to one less experienced. Help someone else reach her God given potential. As Christian women we should be training or teaching someone else our talents or skills. How do I know this? 1Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

What does this look like practically speaking? Let’s look at five considerations
1. Pray : Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to find someone you can invest your life in and then pray for that person. It doesn’t have to be a formal thing “Can I mentor you” but just do it….find someone who maybe has younger children and offer to babysit, go out for coffee and just listen to them….girls love to be heard.

2. Carve Out Time: This may take creativity…my friend Jill mentored me for three years over Wendy’s .99 cent cheeseburgers while we juggled my three babies under three years old. I am sure this wasn't always fun for her if ever but she loved me and my kids which really helped me get through those tough years.

3. Listen: Jill truly modeled this beautiful trait. She would rock a child and look me in the eyes as if I were the only person around. Which allowed me to be real with her. Which leads us to trait #4.

4. Sincerity: I was able to be vulnerable with Jill because she had proven herself to be trustworthy. She also shared her heart with me and never judged me for where I was in my spiritual maturity.

5. Model (no I don’t mean on a runway like Carmen Electra) Be someone that others want to emulate. As with Jill I was drawn to her authentic spirit. She was someone who led worship in our church. She loved her husband and children and strived to create a godly Home for her family while she worked as secretary of our church. She was someone I wanted to follow as she followed Christ. Her children loved God and as a similar goal she was someone I could emulate.

Jill has a heart to mentor women, just as the Bible says we all should have in Titus 2:3-5 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. If this isn't something that comes easy to you..God will help you. All we have to do is ask.

I began by quoting from Quinn Sherrer that when we influence we have the power to move spiritual mountains I have seen this first hand 5 years ago when my second child Chloe was born Jill interceded for my baby girl who was born gravely ill. We later found out she was born with Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) which is caused by lack of surfactant, commonly suffered by premature babies born before 28–32 weeks of gestation (Wikipedia). Chloe was a full term baby however so she was slowly dying until a med student at the hospital suggested she might have this. They gave her artificial surfactant and we were able to take our baby home 9 days after she had entered the UK neonatal unit without any type of medication. We truly saw mountains moved by the prayers of people like my dear friend Jill as well as many others. What started out as mentoring relationship has grown into deep friendship. One thing she will often say when I thank her is the only way to pay me back is to find someone to mentor. As we have moved several times I try to find someone who I can learn from (because we should always be learning) and someone whose life I can speak into. Being prayerful Being accessible, being a listener , being sincere and being a model aren’t always easy but it is commanded from scripture and therefore when we do it we will glorify God. Who could you be mentoring? I ask that you leave here and prayerfully consider being that Titus 2 woman a godly influence on someone in your sphere of influence.

Strep Throat Had by Most

2011-03-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

This week began with strep throat. And it appears to be ending with strep throat. Thankfully just the girls have it. The sad thing is we have had a beautiful week and we have had to stay indoors mostly (we snuck out for a nature walk). Needless to say we have had to be creative to stay busy and not go out of our minds. I hope your week is healthy and splendid.

He made his shadow out of the mat man wood. Pretty smart for a three year old don't you think?

Do you notice the donkey ears on the sheep "bag" boy?

We Love Reptiles

2011-03-02T16:17:00.000-08:00

The children loved the snakes alive show (Creation Museum) I do not think I have ever seen Sydney so happy. She loved being with the animals and actually getting to hold them.

Caleb's gator friend's mouth was taped closed which made him even more lovable.

The life like dinosaurs were very interesting to our curious Chloe. She had to get up close and personal and to think God created it all in 6 days. What an incredible God we serve.

Snake Handlers

2011-03-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

We went to the Creation Museum (near Cincinnati) this past weekend. If you have not been I would HIGHLY recommend it. Even if you do not have children....it was a wonderful experience...I hope to post different pics the rest of the week and comment along the way. My kids had a blast in the snakes alive exhibit. They loved touching the slimy things. Matt was not thrilled so much. I myself have a great fancy for the varmints (they eat mice which I completely abhor). So, thank you God for creating snakes on the 6th day.

Concentration

2011-02-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

I love their sweet little intense faces. Whether they are coloring, working on a project, or just admiring someone else; I like it when they have their serious pose on.

The Spirtuality of Washing Dishes

2011-02-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

Philippians 2:14 “Do everything without complaining or arguing.”

Dishes are not my thing. I try to avoid them like the plague. The sign is above my sink to motivate my man. Believe me nothing is a better motivator than kissing around the Schwenke house. It works some of the time.

Most of our married life we have had a dishwasher ..that is until now. Seminary life brings many sacrifices; one of them being a dishwasher. It’s OK…I am handling it. I keep reminding myself that a dishwasher is a luxury item and there are countries where there isn't clean water, running water, I could go on...but I believe you get the point. However, this past week when I was complaining about our lack of a dishwasher, I had a holy reminder of a former time when I said that I would gladly wash dishes for the rest of my life. Let me explain…

While on a mission trip in Arizona (1998) one of my jobs was to wash dishes. While cleaning crumbs for the Kingdom I felt so close to Jesus. The other short term missionaries and I would listen to praise music and pray while we did kitchen detail. I could see the Indian children out the window playing on the basketball court. I would pray for them, their souls, their safety, their education. It was such a wonderful time of communion with the Father. So, one day while I was praying I said, “Lord, I want to wash dishes for your Kingdom. Nothing would make me happier.”

You can imagine my shock and surprise when I remembered my very own words that I had spoken to God 12 years ago. I tried to argue about those hastily spoken words. “But God, I meant on the real mission field….conviction came instantly.

Weren’t my children in need of the Savior?
But...no one cares if I do the dishes.

Wouldn't my family get sick if you didn’t get the dishes clean?
But Lord this isn’t the same thing…. I would pray for those Indian Children

I realized very quickly that my children need earnest prayers as well? They need a Savior, they need to be safe and educated. I felt as if I were getting answers to other complaints...no time to have communion with the Father. With three rambunctious children there isn't a lot of quite time to be had. Before I even looked around me I knew I was alone now just me, a sink full of dishes and God if I would enter into prayer with Him. Of course I was completely humbled. I thought about the time I could have with God while at the sink. When I loaded a dishwasher there wasn't time to slow down....mostly speed up and get the job done so I could go on to the next duty at hand.

I am looking at the dirty dishes different today. They remind me it is time to speak to my Lord and My God. My sink can transform into an alter. Three times a day I can have mostly uninterrupted time to pray for my family my friends, missionaries, the world, those long ago Indian Children. Honestly, I have been thinking we may never have a dishwasher again (don’t tell this to my husband though it doesn’t hurt that he does the dishes sometimes). And even though my hands look different because of all the dish washing; my heart looks different too from time spent daily with my father on my mission field that God has placed
me…serving my family. What about you? Where has God placed you that may seem like not exactly what you thought you were called to? Or called for? How can you be open to the Father and think of your circumstances as a way to draw close to our Savior instead of complaining or dreading?

“Be Joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Syd the Kid Turns 7

2011-02-20T12:05:00.001-08:00

A Typical Day

2011-02-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

Chloe loves Jesus with all her heart. I caught her worshipping during her free time.

Caleb loves Spider Man right now so while we are studying you will find him web slingin!

Sydney is listening to a recording of Homer Price by Robert McCloskey.

We are still rolling right along with school. This week we decided to promote Chloe to Kindergarten. I didn't realize what a difference it would make in my sweet baby girl. I kept thinking that the longer we waited the easier it would be for her (that's how it was with Sydney) but she has been asking since we moved from Georgia (back in November) to REALLY start school. So, her Daddy and I prayed about it and felt that we should go ahead (after talking with lots of other moms as well). I have come to the conclusion that she has been bored and that is why she has a tendency to be a bit too curious if you know what I mean. I have known this to be true of her with a lot of things but I tend to forget. I guess when you focus on one child then the other one needs something and right when you get that problem fixed then you move on to child number three (or four or ?) and by then you forget what was happening in the first place (just like these posts at times ha!).

Bread Tales

2011-02-08T07:02:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, my beautiful sister in law Rebekah called to say she was sending me a bread maker. She told me that they had two and she would be happy to send me one of them. Now, you are probably wondering why she has two breadmakers...well....her husband and I have this in common we love bargains and we cannot resist when we see one. Especially if the bargain is of the yard sale variety (the free variety is even better). Once when our two families were helping clean out the family farmhouse, I thought there might be a divorce on our hands. You see Dave and I kept putting things on the truck and Reb and Matt kept putting them in the burn pile. Where Dave and I saw treasure they saw junk. I am pleased to report that we are all still married but I secretly believe Matt joined the army for the sole reason of reducing our junk--I mean treasure.

I myself have owned (at one time or another) around 4 or 5 bread makers. Matt and I received our first bread maker as a wedding gift. My generous husband gave it to his mother because he thought she would love to make bread. We aren't really sure if that particular maker was sold on trading post (my M-I-L's favorite thing to do is to make money by reselling items), given to one of the other children, or another relative. We do know that in 2005 when we all began to make bread, my dear sweet mother-in-law did not have a bread maker. So, my sister gave hers to my in-laws. I bought one at Goodwill for $4.99 in Batavia, IL (how I loved that Goodwill...I have never been to one since that lived up to that one). I later found another one that I gave to my friend Jill. However, she doesn't have that particular machine now. She has laid aside her bread making for other ventures so she did the only thing a girl was to do....she re gifted....that bread maker is now proudly owned by the author of the Becoming Jamie blog you will find on the blog list here. She is loving the machine and enjoying the healthy benefits of freshly ground whole wheat bread.

On a side note my brother-in-law Mark called on Sunday to let us know he had purchased a machine for $40.00 and wanted our bread recipe. How ironic when I had almost caught our house on fire with ours. By the way if we happen to meet and I or my children smell strongly of smoke. Please, don't worry we haven't taken up the habit of smoking we are still simply trying to remove the horrible smell from all of our earthly possessions.

If you happen to have a bread maker lying around in a storage shed somewhere; might I suggest you either put it in the yard sale for bargain hunters like my brother-in-law Dave or could you re gift it? There maybe a poor soul who would really love to make fresh bread for their family but for some reason does not possess one at the moment. Thank you Dave and Rebekah for giving out of your plenty and helping me to keep my vow while allowing my family the health benefits of freshly ground whole wheat bread. We love you guys!

Another Milestone

2011-02-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Last night Sydney came running up the stairs to announce she had finally lost her first tooth. However, there was a slight dilemma, she could not find her tooth. We are assuming she swallowed it while eating a rice crispy treat. Not deterred she decided to write a note to the tooth fairy hoping she would have sympathy on her poor soul and leave her something anyway. And of course she did. The girls were surpsised to find out that the tooth fairy cleaned their room as well....oops.....I didn't think they would notice. Congratulations Miss Sydney; how time is flying by my sweet girl.

A Burnt Offering

2011-02-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

Sunday is probably my most favorite day of the week. Around the Schwenke house we have tried to have a laid back day. I usually put the ingredients to my famous "schwenke bread" in the bread maker (although I must add it is not really my bread but the Breadbecker's recipe) before we leave for Church. I also prepare a crock pot meal in the slow cooker so when we return home from worship we can eat with ease and little clean-up. We are then free to lounge around the house until it is time to leave for church in the p.m.

One of the children usually rushes in the door proclaiming, "Oh it smells like Heaven in here!" As we all sniff largely and make our way to the dining table ready to partake in our little piece of Heaven on earth....homemade bread. Today, however, instead of offering up a beautiful aroma for our neighbors to salivate over; we returned to a sacrifice of sorts.
Yes, this picture is my beloved bread machine. In my haste this morning I put in the ingredients for two loaves instead of one and the mix-up cost us our family dinner as well as the bread maker. It may cost us a lot more in the long run as our apartment smells like smoke. Google has offered despair in reporting that only time, lots of scrubbing of walls, furniture, carpet,etc. will remove the smell.

I am also struggling with the fact that I have vowed not to make a luxury item purchase for the next year. So, is a bread maker a luxury item or a necessity item? I suppose if I lived in a third world country bread would be considered luxury in some places. Oh well....the fine line between obedience and legalism. I suppose a burnt offering is better than none....eh? I assume that my family will vote on the necessity of the bread machine and there will be another one by next Sabbath. I hope yours is blessed as you reflect on our God and King.

Still Snowing

2011-01-12T11:23:00.001-08:00

My Man Gets It!

2011-01-08T18:52:00.000-08:00

Today my dear sweet Army man wrote me an e-mail that I found both hilariously true and heartfelt and for all of you MOPS (mother's of preschoolers) I thought you might enjoy this excerpt.

You wake up at the crack of dawn to the sound of "Mom, Caleb's wet!", or perhaps the pitter patter sound of feet on their way to mischief.
You throw up a prayer and read a quick verse, wanting to keep God first but the kids are needing breakfast, you wash the sheets for the 40th time and wonder if the comforter on the day bed will be thread bare by Jan 14th. :) You deal with one up early, one grumpy and hungry, and one velcroed to the mattress and lodged under the covers. Another day that's cold, overcast, and no vehicle. You miss the times when you had just 15 minutes to yourself, and I was there for you.... but you lift up your eyes and your spirit to Abba. You dig in, make the oatmeal, put the sheets back on that blame day bead, deal with minor outbreaks of moodiness and attitude and orneriness from your son, but you drive on, complete homeschooling, take time to read Genesis and meditate on the God of Abraham, the I AM, the everlasting God, the Lord WILL provide, the Father who took the fire and knife in his hand, who "laid the wood" of the sacrifice on His only begotten Son, and then actually had to cut him and burn him that we may be healed and escape the flames, and you know: "I can do this! I can make it. I will overcome. I am stronger in Christ! I will hold on to you Father!

Thanks Matt for getting me and understanding that a little encouragement goes a long way!

First Week of 2011

2011-01-08T13:27:00.001-08:00

This week we have been able to play outside a little more...either it was warm enough (the very beginning) or it snowed which we love. One of my favorite moments was when I walked into the kitchen and the children were playing cards and drinking hot cocoa. I just wanted to savor it because for the moment they were all getting along and laughing. Of course it was short lived; they were throwing the cards by the end of the game (they are part Lewis after all..sorry babe..haha). Oh well...for the moment. The last photo of Caleb was just an example of one of the things he wants to be when he grows up. On this particular day it is a builder. He also wants to be a preacher, astronaut, dog catcher, and today's addition...a clown. Oh well, as my aunt said it is a good thing you have a lifetime ahead of you. Hope you have a great week!

Soul Food

2011-01-07T09:44:00.001-08:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about healthy food for my family. In the process of doing so I have learned that a lot of the "stuff" we have grown accustomed to eating isn't even real food. Take a chicken nugget for example; there is very little actual chicken meat in the nugget. It is deep fried in an oil that causes your body damage. The bread coating has no nutritional value. Yet, after you eat the nugget you feel full for a time at least. This can be the same with things of a spiritual nature.

Yesterday, while talking[with a friend] about Jesus Christ and how when you are saved (accepted the renewing of our hearts that only Jesus can offer) why do some people still not act differently. Why, if we have a place in our souls that can only be filled by God, do we come up empty? I started to ponder this. At 23 when I first began to live for Christ, I still longed to be in a relationship with someone who was very unhealthy for me. I began to think what changed for me? How did my focus get off of this person and on to the person of Jesus. Of course the Holy Spirit was inside of me and I can do all things through Christ and all of the other things that we know to be true of a relationship with Jesus. But when did my craving for carnal turn to a craving for spiritual? You may think I am way off here but Jesus told His disciples in John chapter 4, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about....my food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work."

Today it hit me....it was the diet I was feeding my soul. See, when I first became a Christian I was still listening to music that focused on romantic love, I was still reading things that involved plots which broke all of the commandments. I did not filter anything I watched at the movies or on television. Yes, we have the freedom to do those things. Nor should we be judgemental of folks who don't exactly follow Jesus the way we do. However, as for me things changed after two dear friends began to disciple me gently. For example, one would often bring me Christian music that compared to the kind of music I liked to listen to. I found myself choosing it more and more because it's focus was on the Savior not a person who couldn't really meet my needs any way. The movies I chose to see began to change after another friend said very casually to me one day, isn't it funny that Americans pay big bucks to make and watch movies that break all of God's laws? She didn't condemn me. She made a statement that drew me closer to the Father. I loved God; I didn't want to break His law. So the things I watched began to change.

This process is still going on in my life some thirteen years later. Do I still falter? Do I still choose things that are not good for me spiritually? Yes, I sadly do. But I have more victories than I did 13 years ago. I can honestly say that I crave spiritual things more than carnal now. My prayer even today in the year 2011 is that I would choose His way over mine or the World's. It isn't easy. In fact without Holy Spirit I couldn't choose His way at all.

This whole topic came about when my thoughts towards men were getting ugly. More and more I hear of a man cheating on his wife. I know that women do it as well. I am not naive...but some things I have learned through marriage is that because men are so visual it is more and more difficult to be pure even at Wal-Mart. This is either due to posters of women in underwear, the media, and let's face it we women aren't exactly being modest at the grocery store these days. But I have to ask myself....what are they feeding their soul on? I don't believe anyone wakes up on some random morning and says "I think I will cheat on my spouse today." But have they chosen to give in to the temptations? The second look? The peek at pornography which turns into a full blown addiction? As a man's helpmate how do we assist them in this battle? How do we as women set our emotions aside, not take it so deeply personal in order to be like Christ? I don't have all of the answers. Most days I am not sure I have one answer to the questions that bog down my heart. I do know that I have had to face personal demons in order to have a better marriage. We have come through the fire and our roots are deeper than before but we both have scars. I know someone else who has scars as well. His name is Jesus Christ....where there were once nails there are now the scars of my sin and yours. But oh how He loves you and oh how He loves me. I know that if you are dealing with this type of pain because of the things you or your spouse has chosen to feed their soul on is ungodly, I am so sorry. If this kind of diet has left you alone when you planned on happily ever after I am so sorry. I want you to know that even if you do not have the strength to pick up the pieces there is someone who will pick them up for you. His name is Jesus.

If you are struggling with your soul diet please know there is strength in Christ but there is also strength in confession. Sin loves to grow and hide in the dark but once in the light all things are possible. There can be victory. I don't talk to you as someone who doesn't know....I know all too well of living in a self-made prison that was so deep and dark that I never dreamed of life on the outside but hope came. And you know what that hope has a name....He was on a white horse and He promised me happily ever after....I pray the same for you my friend...

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True...On his robe and on his thigh He has the name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords." Revelation 19:11,16

Reflections of 2010 and Renewal of 2011

2011-01-06T06:40:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe that it is almost time to move on once again. We have a week left here with my family and then we are off on our new adventure (Matt will be attending seminary). I will treasure our time here for many winters to come. Although it hasn't been all that I expected (I really thought I would spend more one on one time with the children) it has been a blessing. Some things I have learned while living with family:
1. TV truly will rot your brain. Our access here is too readily available and I have discovered that I use it way too much to babysit my children. Syd is already addicted because when you tell her to turn it off she goes into withdrawal. If you are wondering what TV withdrawal looks like well there is crying, gnashing of teeth, and lying in the floor.

2. You learn that your spouse isn't that bad to live with. Everyone has their quirks and those little things that drive us crazy are really opportunities for us to minister to them. Instead of nagging when the clothes are on the floor simply pick them up and pray for them...it will grow love instead of bitterness.

3. Family is wonderful. There is nothing like being able to call when your car breaks down for the 100th time and they say, "I'll be right there." and they are happy to do it.

4. I have learned how to keep up with laundry. My aunt does about two loads every day and folds it right away. Now I know this seems so simplistic but I have developed the habit while I have been here and I know my family appreciates going to the drawer and actually finding clothes instead of having to play "clothes search" through the laundry basket.

5. I have learned the importance of slowing down and staying close to home. Between the snowy, icy roads and my wonderful van being "broken" most of our stay; I have become very content to stay at home and just hang out with my family.

As I think forward to 2011 I haven't made a lot of resolutions because quite honestly I don't usually make it to February. Instead I have asked God to renew my heart. I have asked that He would show me the areas that I need to improve in (spending that one on one time with my children, letting go of some past hurt that seems to hold me back, and loving my husband the way he feels love instead of the way I do....just to mention a few). Honestly I cannot improve or resolve anything on my own. But as Elizabeth said to Mary when she was explaining she too was pregnant in Luke chapter 1, "All things are possible with God." I hope this is the best year ever for you. If it hasn't been so far remember where there is a problem....God has a promise.

The Blur of 2010

2010-12-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

I know that it is rather cliche but where has the time gone? This time last year I was longing for my old Kentucky Home. I terribly missed my friends, family, and church. I was very grateful that my family was under one roof (Matt had been in GA for 7 mos. without us) but I had only made one friend since we had moved; I was lonely for my old life. What a difference a month can make. Around January we met the Pine family and by Summer there was a whole group of us who met together every day to let our children play while we chatted. I was connected with a church family in May. Georgia was fast becoming my home. However, just as fast as we connected the party was too soon over. One by one (as the way of the military life goes) our little group diminished as each family moved to their next duty station. We also left a wonderful church family behind when it was our turn to move to the next thing.

We are now in what the military calls temporary housing; instead of a motel we are with family. It has been so wonderful for my children and since our van transmission went out (we have been without wheels for about 3 weeks) we have been able to fix it without going into debt. In about 2 1/2 weeks we will be in northern Kentucky preparing our nest while we wait on Matthew to join us around the beginning of February. What a ride....but I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Yes, 2010 has flown by and the transitions have brought laughter as well as tears. There is no greater place however than being in the palm of God's hand. As much as it would have been nice to hold onto Georgia a little while longer I know that my heavenly Father has a purpose and a plan and that my friend is something I don't want to skip out on while I hold onto the comfort I call my life. May 2011 be thrilling in every imaginable way and may the promises of God be abundant in your life. Happy New Year my sweet reader friend.....Happy 2011!

Thankfulness

2010-11-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

This year I have so much to be thankful for. Yesterday, as we were settling our things; I had an epiphany of sorts. I long to give my children the type of childhood I had. I played outdoors for hours on end, usually only checking in when it was time to eat. I lived in the mountains along a creek bed. My grandmother lived on our property and there were always plenty of cousins to play with. An Army lifestyle does not lend itself to this simplicity therefore it is very unlikely that we will ever have the slow paced dream that I wish. However, with God all things are possible. Yesterday, even though it is temporary, I realized that for a season my children will know the peace and tranquillity that comes from mountain life. I loved watching my three sweet blessings read outside, swing in a tree, and pretend they were blowing the leaves just like their Uncle. So, along with my God, my family, and my friends, health and children I am so grateful that we are here for such a time as this.

A Temporary Nest For My Chicks

2010-11-22T05:23:00.000-08:00

As the Army says we have arrived to occupy our temporary housing for the next couple of months. I must admit that although I miss my man terribly and nothing is quite like home without him, when I pulled in to my Aunt and Uncle's driveway I felt like I was coming home for the first time in a long time. They welcomed us with the warmest of hospitality. I know that it is a sacrifice to have four people invade your home for three days not to mention what it will mean for us to be hear the next couple of months.

We stopped off in Tennessee over the weekend to spend time with my Aunt Helen and Uncle Jack at the Lake. Since the lake has "gone into hiding" for the winter as my children commented it wasn't quite the same as a summer visit at the lake but it was wonderful none the less. I only mention this because we couldn't find my son for about two minutes yesterday. Of course my first thought was of the lake. However, this is where we found him. There is always something to do for a child at Aunt Helen's and Uncle Jack's.

It's Our Turn

2010-11-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Well the week has finally arrived. We are packing and taping; saying good-bye all in preparation of our next adventure. We should arrive in KY on Tuesday. As we are in transition I won't be posting for a while (as if I have been very faithful lately ha ha). Hope your Thanksgiving is blessed and happy!

Moving On

2010-10-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

Today another dear friend moved. We were able to spend a quiet day here at my place because the movers were busy in hers all day. As always it hasn't really hit me until just now when there was a knock across the hall....I knew it wasn't on my door because my friend was gone. There would be no more meeting on the playground or sending Sydney up to return or borrow something as was the case most of the time. There would be no more late night knock that I knew was only from her after tired wee ones had been put to bed.

Sydney said today she wished there wasn't an Army. I told her if it were not for the Army we would have never met the people we have met in Georgia. We would have never seen all of the things we have been able to. She understood but she said it didn't take the sadness away.

We are the next family of our little network to be heading out. Only 25 more sleeps and we are KY bound. As our excitement builds for the next thing (my husband will be attending seminary) I can't help but feel as Sydney does. One thing is for sure with the Army we could all end up in the same place again only time will tell.

Why I Am Cruel To My Children In October

2010-10-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of silent stares when I say, "No, we don't do Halloween." In fact most people change the subject. It can be quite awkward. My children have picked up on the weird responses because yesterday during Sunday School when someone asked my oldest daughter what she was going to be for Halloween she said that she didn't know. She told me that she said that because she didn't want to be embarrassed.

I realize we live in a free country and everyone has an opinion about everything (including me) and that Halloween is a largely marketed holiday in this country but why am I treated like a freak because I don't want my children to participate in an event where most people dress up like freaks? Maybe it is because my kids are getting older but it seems we have had to deal with this issue a lot more since we have lived in Georgia than we did in Kentucky. Of course since our church's stance in Kentucky was no Halloween due to the pagan and often demonic history of Halloween it seemed it was easier to avoid the day all together.

People (especially family) deem us weird because it seems as a whole we tend to go against culture. We do not have a bunch of rules that we follow because we think it makes us holy. We know there is no such thing as "God points" nor do we deem ourselves superior because we do not send our kids to public school, do not participate in Halloween, or have cable television, nor do we tell our children that Santa is real. My frustration lies in the fact that most people will simply write us off as a weird home school bunch because of the things we don't do instead of seeing all of the things we do. For example, we carve pumpkins I use it as a lesson to talk about how we are full of sin until Jesus (the Light of the World) comes to be Lord of our lives. We go on hay rides and even dress up for a Fall Festival event. We love harvest time. We visit farms, pick apples, pet animals, ride bikes, go on hikes and anything else that might tickle our fancy.

When Christmas rolls around we trim the tree with all of the glitter and glow we can muster on our budget. We celebrate with our focus on Christ's birth but we have all of the regular stuff as well. We pretend Santa is real and go so far as to have my husband dress up like Santa. My children get presents (way too many from relatives as well as us).

We watch TV (mostly DVDs from the library). I can be guilty of letting the TV babysit my children just like anyone else I expect. As far as the school thing goes we are having the time of our lives homeschooling. I love it when my three year old wakes up and asks to go see "Spiky" a spider we have been observing for the last week. I love it when we study about snakes during science and walk outside and see the very one we were studying. I love being able to tell my daughter that God is giving her a delight by showing her a real live example of the tiniest snake in the world (it looks like a worm by the way with a square head). Will we always home school? I don't know. Right now it really works for our family.

I suppose I will climb off of my soap box now. Whatever your family does or does not do may these fall days be filled with the simple things that bind us as the family God created yours and mine to be.

Why We Home School

2010-10-24T09:59:00.001-07:00

Lately, we have been asked a lot about our decision to home school. While we are not a "home school is the only way for us" family, we are finding that it really works for us during this time of our lives. The last two years we have spent homeschooling have been so valuable. So, I thought I would show you in pictures why it is important to us and what we have been up to recently.

1. Matt reading to Sydney (we love that education involves the whole family).

2. Chloe and Caleb playing with home-made play dough (my recipe was horrible though because the play dough turned into a gooey mess by the next day; if anyone has a great recipe I would love to see it).

3. The kids were collecting leaves.

4. The kids decided to dress up like the Super Why characters.

5. They were painting when Edith came to visit. School was not interrupted but shared with our friend.

6. Daddy received an award for his superior work on the Strong Bond's Marriage Retreat and we were able to be there as part of our school day.

School Days

2010-10-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that it is October already. Time certainly flies....it seems we have been flying as well with the fast pace we seem to be keeping. With Fall days comes obvious change....the trees are showing off with their vibrant new clothes, the air has become crisper, and our daily routines have had to adjust as well. No longer are our afternoons spent by the pool soaking up the sun. We want to drag out our morning recess as well becomes more families are showing up on the playground after hibernating from the scorching sun.

Along with the normal seasonal changes our family (like most of the military families that I am close to) is undergoing some changes of our own. It seems we are headed back to Kentucky either next month or early next year. So, along with our normal routines we will soon find ourselves "schooling" among cardboard boxes. Until packing is a must we will continue enjoying the beautiful weather we are experiencing and learning about Ancient Egypt, phonics, and everything else we can cram into our day.

2010-09-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

We spent our Monday baking....ummm.....we tried a few new recipes that I wanted to share because they turned out so tasty! We used our fresh whole (white) wheat. Most people think whole wheat means grainy and that their kids won't eat it. My kids love it (as do most when they try it for the first time....the operative word being TRY IT...ha ha)

Banana Muffins
1 cup of whole wheat flour
1/2 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of baking soda
1/2 tsp of salt
3 large bananas, mashed
1/2 cup honey
1 egg
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 35o degrees F. Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. Combine bananas, honey, egg, and melted butter in a large bowl. Fold in flour mixture, and mix until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips. Scoop into muffin pans.
3. Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped. Watch how fast your children gobble them up!

Strange and Imaginary Conversations....Warning a common mythology is revealed as false in this blog post....

2010-09-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

I need to clarify that all three of my children have the same parents. I know that most of you may already know this. However, sometimes when they "discuss" things I wonder how could they all three be reared in the same home, the same way and have way different philosophies on such important matters,take Christmas for example. Matt and I both love Christmas and all of the pomp and circumstance that goes with it. From the beginning we agreed that we would teach our children about Christ's birth first and utmost. That we could have fun with the Santa stuff but it would be secondary. Now, I must add that both sides of our families don't like that we sign "Mom and Dad" on the kids presents instead of Santa. They believe that we are stealing youth from them and taking away the wonder and amazement of childhood because we teach that Santa Clause was derived from a man named St. Nick who as a Christian brought gifts to poor children.

When Sydney was two almost three we had a huge issue with fear. She was terrified of big animated dress up; i.e. Blues Clues at a birthday party. She was so terrified that she refused to let go of me for two hours. We spent most of that time in a bathroom because she was so frightened. Shortly after the party was Christmas....she would not sleep by herself because she was afraid of Santa coming into our house at night. So, I explained very clearly to her, "Remember what Mommy and Daddy said about Santa? He isn't really coming to our house. You need to sleep in your own bed tonight. Mommy and Daddy bring the gifts. Right when I finished this conversation my husband came in and said, 'Syd you better sleep in your bed tonight or Santa won't bring you presents.' He thought he was helping to get her to sleep in her bed. Needless to stay she went into hysterics. My mother-in-law saved the day and us by weaving this wonderful tale about St. Nick and how it is fun to pretend that he is real. She treated Sydney like a grown-up and made her feel like the adults had let her in on a wonderful grown-up secret. I was so grateful. So, that is what we do at our house; we emphasis Christ and we pretend about Santa.

I want to clarify here that we have never strayed from our Santa stance. So, when this conversation occurred between my three children (ages 6, almost 5, and 3) I had to say to myself, "How are they all three products of the same to people? the same environment?"

Mom: It's almost Christmas guys.
Chloe: Christmas is God's birthday.
Caleb: No it's not it is Santa Clause's birthday.
Sydney: Santa isn't real Caleb.
Chloe: (her voice raised several octaves) He is too real!
Caleb:(emphatic agreement) He is real Sydney!
Chloe: I know he is real because Rory told me he is real. She said she saw his reindeer. (Rory is an older friend that the children "hero" adore.)
Sydney: Sometimes 8 year-olds think they know everything Chloe she was just telling you that. Santa is not real!
Chloe: I know Santa is real, I saw him at the mall.
Caleb: Yeah...and I know he is real because Jack told me (Jack is not real either by the way).
Sydney:(calling in back up) Hey Mom tell them the truth.

Before I could say anything they changed the subject (I can't tell you what they changed it to because I was still hung up on the Jack statement someone pretend was the clarification for someone else pretend...the mind boggling three year old). I might add that last year Chloe told me that she was going to believe in Santa whether we did or not because she wanted to get her presents. So, I am not sure my telling the children the truth would have helped any. I am not sure how we have confused all of our children so; but for now we seem to be a house divided on the Santa issue (Ha Ha). When December comes we will once again teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and we will color things up with lots of pretend. With everything said and done I would like to say that apparently we have not hurt our children's imaginations since most of the time we have a pretend person for dinner, as well as a princess, a dragon, and a prairie girl. I know that kids can say the craziest stuff and apparently no matter what we tell them they will still come up with their own ideas about the world. My only prayer is that if they do have to go to therapy it is for things we really said and did....not imaginary. I hope your day is filled with the magic and wonder of just being alive!

Noteworthy Events

2010-09-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

My man ran in a 1/2 marathon this past weekend. He ran it in 1 hour and 57 minutes and 13 seconds. We are so proud of him! Caleb kept calling him a "Chimpion" because he couldn't say champion. Of course Bub loved the medal because it had a train on it (Kennesaw is where a famous railroad is; that is where the race for cystic fibrosis was held). After the race Matt jetted over to First Baptist Church in Atlanta (Pastor Charles Stanley). This was monumental as well (He was able to meet him and shake his hand). Dr. Stanley has been a hero if the faith of Matt's for so many years.

Do you notice anything different about the girls' bikes? Yes, you guessed it...no training wheels. They were super pumped when I came home Saturday afternoon to tell me they could ride without the extra help. Of course they have not mastered the art of bicycling just yet but they are having a blast trying. I noticed that for two chicks who cry at a paper cut they were taking pretty hard hits and just shaking it off. I was so amazed. They want this right of passage so much that a few boo boos are not going to hold them back!

Caleb's First Best Friend

2010-09-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Since we met the Pine family last February the boys have referred to one another as their best friend. When they are together however they usually fight over every toy around. Which often led Leslie and I to either not allow the said toy to be available or both boys had the same toy. On this particular day they happened to agree about the costumes because they both love either character. Last Thursday was a hard day for our families because the Pine family went back to Washington State. There were tears shed abroad that night. Although I don't believe Caleb fully understands that Devin is gone I know he misses him. For one thing we have had "Jack" appearances (see other post about Caleb's imaginary friend) a lot more lately. In fact I thought Jack had disappeared altogether but he reappeared on Friday. With the Army life friends will come and go....I know this...but it doesn't make the parting any easier. Sydney and Chloe lost a friend as well in Devin's sister Payton but it just seemed sadder to me for Caleb because this was the first time he lost a friend. I suppose we are back to watching for the U-Haul trucks to bring new friends our way!

More Labor Day Photos

2010-09-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

I attempted to label the pictures but I am not very techo savy and the words were all mixed up. Basically they are self-explanatory but I wanted to make sure that everyone understood that my brave man, while trying to cool off, fell in the water (it was so funny....I only regret not having the video camera on). Hope you have a great weekend.

Finally...a Violin Teacher

2010-09-09T17:44:00.001-07:00

Sydney had her first violin lesson yesterday. I am not sure who was more excited as usual....Me or the kids. Sydney was finally getting to use her violin that we bought at the beginning of Summer. Caleb was going to get to go visit a new house (musicians no less....he loves all kinds of music). Chloe was going to get to play with a new friend. Our music teacher is from New Jersey who just moved into our apartment complex (We have been praying for a teacher for some time...Go God!). Mrs. Elizabeth is quite the talented musician as well as teacher. We are using the Suzuki method (which we have been researching). I was very impressed with her manner towards Sydney. Isn't that violin so cute? It is the tiniest thing.

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

We had a glorious family weekend at Callaway Gardens' annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. We spent all week studying about hot air balloons so we would know the ins and outs of the balloons. I have more pictures to show you but unfortunately blogger is not posting them today for some reason. I am having technical difficulties. For some reason the above uploaded, hopefully I will get the rest of them posted at a later date. We had a fabulous time on the bikes (the girls rode two miles the first day and four the second....I was so impressed. ) Caleb will tell you he rode 4 miles as well but the truth is he was strapped to a bike attached to his Daddy's but he was in little boy heaven to say the least.

A Loaf of Bread, New Friends, and a Little Rambling

2010-08-30T05:24:00.000-07:00

The weather has changed here. Clouds hover over our mornings. The sun peeks through around 1:00. What started out as a blue jean kind of day turns into searching for your bathing suit. I don't mind it at all. After weeks of scorching sun (even too hot to go to the pool) it is a nice break. However, it is difficult to get out of the bed. Especially when there aren't any pitter pattering of little feet in the house. For the sake of responsibility, I climb out of the bed and sleepy eyed pour Scripture into my soul. As I do I become so thankful for my life and bread.

As I have said before (and some don't believe), I am a hermit by nature. I prefer the company of a good book to most anyone else (this isn't the time for anyone to get offended....I love my family and my friends...I am just stating the facts). There have been times in my life when that hasn't been true of me. When I had children and became a stay at home mom I realized I needed people a lot more than I had once believed.

My husband loves people and parties. He loves crowds and socializing. Yes, tis true opposites attract. I love him for it because it keeps me from being reclusive and anti-social. This past Friday night started out as a one bread loaf get together with another family but with the mention of my bread quickly turned into a four loaf party. Whenever we have friends over I have to bake bread. I suppose it is famous on some level. I must confess here it isn't even my recipe. But it is known by most who know us as Schwenke Bread. I try to give out the recipe but most just want the bread already baked. It is one of those passed from a web-site, to a niece, to a friend, to a friend, to anyone.....It is super easy to make and a great crowd gatherer. It is also very good with honey and butter and a good book (for those of us who would rather be alone).

My husband invited his Chaplain over with the promise of bread. In an innocent conversation with my friend (her husband is a different Chaplain) I "dropped" that we were having friends over and I was baking bread; somehow her family was added to our "party". Then on Thursday when I came home Matt told me that another family was coming because he promised them bread. Our little get together turned into a full blown "life-group". So, now thanks to my bread baking abilities we are going to be meeting once a month. I need to add here (before I tell you how easy the bread is to make) it really isn't anything special on my part. I can't bake cookies. Seriously. My muffins always taste strange. I can cook pretty decent( I have never poisoned anyone) but I am not a baker. However, thanks to my Goodwill bought bread machine, for a small window of time, I appear to be Betty Crocker. We do grind our wheat (I'll post about this later) but you can use regular whole wheat flour that you buy at the grocery for the recipe. The taste will pretty much be the same you just don't get the same health benefits.

Best Bread Recipe (Bread Becker's Recipe with a few Schwenke modifications) (2 loafs of bread)
1 1/2 Cup of Hot Water
1/3 Cup of Olive Oil (Coconut Oil for added health benefit)
1/3 Cup of Honey
2 tsp. Salt
2 Eggs
2 tsp. of Lecithin (I have omitted this from my loaves)
1 tsp. of Gluten
4 Cups of Flour (2 cups of white whole wheat, 1 cup of red whole wheat, 1 cup of unbleached white bread flour)
1/2 Cup of ground flax seed
1 tbsp. of yeast

I throw all of this in my bread maker in the order given except (2 cups of flour, flax seed, yeast and then 2 more cups of flour) I don't remember the reason...there was one I just don't remember it. I put it on the dough setting but I usually have to take it out before it is complete because it will raise too much. I then divide it into two baking loaves let it rise for about an hour. Then I bake in the oven (350 degrees) for about 18-24 minutes it depends on the oven. Let it cool about 30 minutes. Enjoy. I hope you have a wonderful bread baking experience. Invite someone over that you have been meaning to and they will sing your praises for years to come. Bon appetite!

Mr. Lyle

2010-08-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Our camera is broken. Of course the things I want to post about need a photo. However, I don't want to have days go by when I haven't blogged and it would seem that we are not getting any schooling done either (our posts help me to see all of the things we are doing when I feel like we arn't getting anything accomplished). Thus we have a pictureless post about our precious new addition to our family...Mr. Lyle. Now as I have said before my man and I have been quite addicted to a 90's television show called "The Pretender". If you have never seen this series you won't quite get the humor in Mr. Lyle.

Last weekend while we were in Florida we picked up a pet for the kids a cute little Hermit crab. The kids kept going back and forth over a name (this is our first pet so a name was very important). After closer examination of our newest addition to our tribe, I noticed that he was missing one of his front pinchers. On (The Pretender) Mr. Lyle was a very strange, evil guy who happened to be missing a thumb. So Matt and I thought it quite appropriate to give our new pincherless pet Mr. Lyle's name. Of course our children have no idea why and I think no evil of our new pet; it just seemed appropriate to call the crab Mr. Lyle. It is one of those kooky things that make us family. What are some of the things that you do that is a family saying or something that connects you together? Maybe it is a book or trip. I would love to hear from you. Gotta run...Mr. Lyle is living in our bathtub for now and I think one of the chilren (maybe all three) is trying to invade his space. I believe him to be harmless but you never know with a name like "Mr. Lyle."

Weekend Stuff

2010-08-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend ministering in Panama City (Strong Bond's Marriage Retreat). My kids are beginning to feel like it is their home away from home. The resort's staff treat them like family as well so it is easy to get spoiled I suppose. I love the retreat times because Matt and I get to do ministry together, we get to hang out with our old friends and connect with new people. Hope your weekend was fun and filled with cool summer stuff.

I Have Been Set Up

2010-08-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Let me explain...If you will recall last Thursday I blogged about how we had outgrown mops and that we were in a different stage of life...yada yada...I won't bore you with details you have already read...Anyway, last Sunday at church someone on staff approached me and said, "I need to talk to you and another lady this week about MOPS." I responded, "What about MOPS? We don't have a MOPS group." His response, "That is what I need to talk to you guys about...with a huge grin on his face." The conversation ended there until we picked it back up on Monday. The long story short....my present church knew nothing of my involvement with my former church and our Mops group there(oh by the way Mother's of Preschoolers in case you were wondering what MOPS stood for). However, both Pastor's work for the same Boss perhaps you know Him too... God, so I guess they got the memo (smile).

The bottom line of this random post? I am the new Mops coordinator at Wynbrook Baptist Church as of tonight. I am very excited but shaking in my boots kinda excited. I know I can do the job but I am so humbled that God would choose me to do it. I am humbled by how well He really knows me....you know? Like He knows my thoughts and my passions and out of all the people in this town He chose me to do this. I am simply blown away. I mean a lot of the time I just showed up and cried while we were in Somerset because Matt was in boot camp and I had three children under three by myself . But despite me and my messed up self He used my brokenness and He is even giving me another go around. I praise Him because I know He equips the called otherwise old recluse me would never leave the house let alone lead a woman's group. I am going to need your prayers over the next months. I am so excited to be walking life's journey with you ....no matter what stage we think we are in (ha ha) or what stage we are really in. Isn't it wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father is walking along side of us?

Days Racing By

2010-08-18T12:09:00.001-07:00

Last February we met the Pine family from Washington State. Such as Army life is they are moving at the end of the month. We have been trying to spend as much time as possible with one another in order to build lots of memories. Yesterday we took the kiddos to Monkey Joe's (a bouncy house establishment) and they played for about three hours (which helps for easy bed times and some P.E. credit for us home school types *smile*).

Weekend Snapshots

2010-08-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

We love weekends because we get to spend a lot of time together as a family. We always begin Saturday morning at the Landing's Farmer's Market. We love it because they have so much free stuff for our kids to do as you can see from the photos. There are small gardens in the background you can barely see them behind the girls. There are also these homemade games. Caleb loves to sample the food when his parents are not paying attention. I love buying veggies that I know were grown in nearby Harris County. It is small so we are getting to know the local folks. If we could only get fresh eggs it would be perfect.

Caleb loves to play his guitar and Chloe loves to sing. So, together we might have a musical group. I met someone today in the apartment complex who teaches violin (she and her husband are symphony musicians). She was looking for playmates for her daughter and I have been looking for a violin teacher for quite some time. We'll see how it works out.

Sydney was enjoying a few minutes playing in the rain. It was a nice break from the heat.

Girl's Night Out

2010-08-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

Last night I went to a girl's night out with a group from our church. Quite honestly I would not have gone had I read my e-mail completely. Let me explain. My friend Paula sent an e-mail out about a girl's night out at Panera Bread. That's really all I read and then I assumed the rest....for someone who is a closet recluse like myself I should have read the whole message. When I arrived at the restaurant I noticed a table of ladies from church but I don't "know" them so again I assumed they weren't part of my "girls". I was wrong on all accounts. My friend who had invited me had invited me to a large group who meet periodically. I felt really out of place because they are all in the choir or orchestra at church. Again, if you know me, I am not the choir type. When God said a joyful noise was acceptable for praise; I was included in that joyful noise part. However, with all of my reservations and odd eccentrics, I had a wonderful time. The women were so gracious and open. It was like I had met a whole other part of the church. I felt Jesus in the room and was so grateful for the opportunity that somehow joyful noise me was allowed to hang out with these very talented ladies. I was so grateful and a little sad as well because hanging out with them reminded me of my mops girls back home. It was then that I realized,this was the first year in the last seven, I wouldn't be attending a Mops group.

Mops has been such a huge part of our lives that my children don't know anything else. We have always found a group when we have moved (Illinois, Kentucky, and Georgia) and those ladies have meant the world to me. I could write forever about how they helped me even when they didn't know the deep places of my heart. Their help came from just walking along beside me and loving me and my children.

Although I technically still have a moppet at home we have outgrown the group because we home school and I have Sydney and Chloe who spent all last year in a three year old room. When our group dissolved we felt that it was best not to try to find another one for that reason. These ladies that I just met may be exactly what I need right now. I am so glad that I didn't know all of the details because in my weirdness I probably would have robbed myself of a whole new group of ladies who are willing to walk with me a little ways on the path that we are on right now. I am so grateful to the Father who always provides for me every thing that I need in ways that stretch me so I am more useful in His Kingdom.

A Day of Delights

2010-08-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know who was more excited yesterday, me or Caleb. I was about to get one whole hour to myself. No more worries about entertaining Caleb while the girls went to gymnastics. He was about to enter the "big room" as well. All day long he asked me if it was time to go. Finally when the moment arrived, he ran through the doors like a cow about to be branded. I think he was afraid I was going to change my mind about letting him go to his very own class. During his bath time last night he asked me if he got to go again; when I said yes he replied, "super cool" with the biggest grin I have even seen on his three year old face. Time goes by too quickly...sorry about the quality of the pics I had to take them through windows (no parents allowed in the "big gym").

The First Day of School

2010-08-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today was our first day of school. I was super charged as was Chloe Ruth. She told everyone that she talked to at church yesterday we were beginning today. I immediately realized that once again I had over done it. There just isn't enough hours in the day to do all I had planned when there is an impatient pre-schooler and a very busy toddler. So, I will reevaluate (isn't that what homeschooling is all about?) I kept asking myself, "whose idea was it to use three different curriculum?" UGH!

Sydney and Chloe have been fighting a lot lately so instead of raising my voice for the 100th time I borrowed an idea from my sister (she has twin girls) and I tied them together. Chloe begged me to take away her TV and sugar for the day. When I said no she had a melt down. Sydney and I started laughing and then she calmed down. Oh well....swimming should be interesting this afternoon. I hope your days are filled with as much excitement as ours.

Counting with animal crackers.

Photos of Summer Vacation

2010-08-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

We spent a week and a half in Kentucky and Tennessee visiting friends and relatives. We had a blast!

100 Blog Posts

2010-07-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

Well....if anyone is still reading....I have so neglected writing but it hasn't been for a lack of want to. Honestly this was the 100th post and I wanted to be creative and make it spectacular but the reality is I can't come up with anything. I seem to be in a blogging slump. Maybe we could call this blogger's block (smile). Anyway....I love blogging but without us having a structured school day it seems like our days are full of just being a family and by 8:00 I am just ready to be with my man and curl up to a movie. In our case we are watching old episodes of The Pretender (we are totally hooked...well one of us is anyway...Matt mostly tolerates my obsession while he plays chess). I hope your summer is full of wonderful things. Happy 100 posts!

Rainy Day Fun

2010-06-27T12:51:00.001-07:00

We spent some time outside today just walking and splashing. I try not to complain about the heat because it seems that is all everyone in Georgia does. We are so grateful for the pool because we can at least swim. The pavement was so hot one day that the children had blisters on their feet....ugh! So on this lazy Sunday it was very nice to be safe indoors during the storm and then to be able to enjoy the outdoors afterwards.

You cannot hardly tell from the photo but there is a bunny in the picture. Seems we were not the only ones happy for the reprieve from the heat. We also saw frogs, birds, and an inch worm.

Chloe was not too happy towards the end of our walk. She repeatedly asked to go home (she has a few issues with thunder).

The creek behind our apartments was pretty cool. Of course Caleb loved it....he said it was Diego's river. Just in case you were wondering "Jack" Caleb's "friend" is still around. Today at dinner he told us that the boys in our family were Caleb, Daddy, and Jack. Of course we encourage it a little too much. He's only three once and it seems this is the last time we will pass this way so if he wants to pretend there is a Jack then we will pretend. No harm right? Hope you are having a blessed Sunday.

Happy Daddy's Day!

2010-06-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Where I am from we call our fathers daddy even when we are grown. It isn't a "baby" term as some might say but it is a term of endearment. For a long time I believed my daddy could do no wrong. Don't most girls? I can recall a time during a bedtime conversation that Daddy told me I had to love God more than him. I honestly didn't understand. In my 10 year old little mind I couldn't fathom loving someone or something (my theology was a bit mixed up back then...I was too much of a thinker even as a child) more than him. But as the years would go by and especially after I became a parent I learned that Harold Lewis wasn't a perfect man nor a perfect father but he was mine; he did the best he knew and I will forever be grateful.

Daddy was a coal miner most of his adult life. He served very dutifully in the Vietnam War, later dug graves in Northern Indiana for a while. However he quickly learned graves weren't for him. He traded his shovel in for a pick back in the Eastern Kentucky mountains where he was born and raised. He lived out the rest of his life digging for those black diamonds in the coal mines. He was very hard working. He was dedicated to our family raising the three of us with the help of my Grandma and my Aunt and later a step-mother.

He made our Kentucky "holler" very special indeed. For you city folk (like my man) a holler is a space between the mountains where you live. Kinda like farm land on rocks. Daddy was always pruning, mowing, and moving dirt. Quite honestly I hated the sight of a wheel barrel for a long time because it meant work for everyone. Moving dirt from one place to another; sometimes back again until he decided what was perfect.

On June 19, 1997 my Daddy graduated to Heaven. For him it was the day he had lived for his whole life. If anyone lived with eternity in mind it was him. I can often remember him saying that if he could wash floors in Heaven he would be far happier than the richest man on earth. For my brother, sister, and I it wasn't the happiest. But with time we have all found peace and healing through our Heavenly Father.

I know that I will be with him again. Oh, what a day that will be! For now I am left with photos, my siblings, and a lot of wonderful memories. His quirky ways are what we seem to remmeber the most. He could be as stubborn as old Lula Bell the Cow (see previous post...not sure how to put that on here for easy access) but as sweet as honey from a bee. I always believed I loved him more than he loved me (not that he wasn't loving I just thought a child's love was greater than the parents) now that I have had children I know the opposite to be true. So, even if I only had my Daddy for 23 years I was greatly loved and I can't wait to spend eternity catching up. I wonder if there are front porches in Heaven. I hope they have my friend Jill's recipe for sweet tea. I sure would like to spend a few hundred years chatting, rocking and drinking ice tea with my Daddy.

Vacation Bible School

2010-06-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

We finished up Bible School with a bang yesterday. Caleb was a big hit on stage. He loves it when he has attention and to have the attention of 300 some people....well let's just say he stole the show. Chloe did not want to be on stage. When we asked her what happened she said, "I had to go potty, I was sweaty and hungry...how could I think about singin?" Sydney got over her fears after a while and I was so proud of her (she is in the pink hat). She used to be very shy but seems to be coming out of it now.

Happy Birthday Bub!

2010-06-12T17:22:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Caleb's third birthday today with our Georgia friends (as Sydney calls them). He had a Toy Story theme. Bub has been a huge fan ever since we watched Toy Story at our friends Bubby and Jill's house back in Feb. Unbeknownst to us that Toy Story 3 would be coming out and Buzz and Woody would be everywhere! He had a splendid time. He was dressed just like Woody(hat, vest, the whole shebang) but by the time the party actually started he had shed most of the get-up as my Mamaw used to call dress up clothes. It was a huge success. He is sleeping in his new glow in the dark t-shirt as well as holding onto whatever toys we would allow in his bed(I think he snuck a few more when I went out. Even as I type I can hear the faint murmuring of the Buzz Light Year electric "To Infinity and Beyond". Oh the joy of raising boys. Where has the past three years gone? Wasn't it just yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital? When I brought the three year old candle home I was a little sad because I realized that there wasn't going to be another three year old birthday at our house. Of course I kept the candle....Matt and I have a few more years in our thirties and this girl tries to reuse stuff when she can. I tend to be rambling so I am gonna post some pictures and go watch a movie with my man! Hope your weekend is a great one!

2010-06-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

We finally did it. We have often said that we "close" the pool down but today we did literally. Caleb had an accident in the pool . Sydney looked at me and said, "I told you we would close the pool down." Caleb apologized. I went and got icy pops for all of the kids who had to sit out of the pool for 30 minutes while the chlorine did it's job. Oh well such is our life.

same kind of different As me

2010-06-10T06:27:00.001-07:00

Well as I promised earlier in the week I wanted to tell you about the book I just finished, the same kind of different As me. It is a true story written like a novel (a New York Times Best Seller) which made it all the more fascinating to me. I love a good novel especially during the summer months. Of course I love a good novel in the Fall, Winter, and Spring as well but I digress (so what else is new?). Anyway, It has really made me think differently about racism, mission work, and stereotypes. Quite honestly I don't know how to be politically correct when it comes to this sort of thing (we don't have cable so I don't know what is fashionable concerning the description of races). My children (since we are usually the only light skinned people)refer to people in shades of brown and light. I am graduating to the brown skinned since we have been in the sun so much. I think they are so sweet since they have friends of different nationalities and don't seem to see race at all.

One time when I was in the eighth grade I was a helper in a first grade classroom and I noticed that all of the children played together on the playground. I wondered to myself when is it that we learn we are different? Now I say that with this in my meaning....we aren't different in our souls but society tells us we are. There are lines that get drawn somewhere along the way and I was just wondering when that is?

In college my best friend Leslie Lee was quite the brown girl. She was tall, dark, and beautiful. Her presence demanded attention even though she didn't seem to want it. There wasn't much Leslie and I didn't do together. We even joined the Southeast Community College Pageant in the interest of earning scholarship money. We obviously were out of our league since most of those girls had been in pageants since they could breath but we had fun none the less. We even enjoyed blasting the whole pageant scene in our school newspaper. Some saw us as being envious we thought ourselves just giving the people the facts. It never occurred to me that Leslie and I were different until my dad told me that I couldn't go to her house. I didn't understand. It was probably one of the biggest arguments that we had ever been in. I could not understand how a man could raise me to love everyone....really to not see color....and have racism in his heart. I don't mean any disrespect to my Daddy. He died almost 13 years ago. I am just relaying what happened in my life to draw that magic race line that we don't talk about but is looming somewhere in our lives at times. My dad's final word on the subject (he usually got the final word by the way); he knew his beliefs were wrong that is why he raised me different but the fear was still there. He simply couldn't get past his fear of different in order to let me have the freedom I was asking for.

Isn't that the heart of any type of racism? Fear. We are afraid of the unknown. We are afraid of whatever makes us different. That somehow our differences will cause pain and we just aren't willing to take the risk. That is what the same kind of different As me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore is all about. A wealthy couple meets Denver a modern day slave at a homeless shelter. Through friendship, death, and time Denver and Ron learn that they aren't that different. I want to tell you more about the book but I really want you to read it. It made me realize that most of my assumptions about people are false. The Bible tells us it is wrong to judge motives and quite honestly I spend a lot of my time trying to figure out the thoughts of people around me.

This has turned into a rather long post of ramblings rather than a book review but I would challenge you to read it for yourself. It is very easy to read (not like Jane Eyre that I am reading now...ugh...shh...don't tell anyone I have a reputation as a former English teacher who loves the classics. I just don't remember this book being so difficult to get through, I mean read.

Berry Picking

2010-06-09T06:11:00.001-07:00

Sydney woke up extra early today. She wanted to pick the berries we found on our walk yesterday. When I came into the kitchen she already had our baskets down, her shoes on and was working on waking up her siblings. Caleb wasn't too keen on the whole idea but he entertained us as usual with his funny faces and talk of Jack not liking black berries. Well, it is Wednesday and we are off to the library. Happy Summer!

Bowling For the First Time

2010-06-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

The kids were hiding in the shoe "cubby"

Caleb loved hearing the "foul" buzzard go off so his score wasn't very high.

They loved their shoes....we are glad....they cost a fortune....free bowling wasn't free after all.

Sydney is a very serious bowler. She actually had the high score in our family. She and her daddy were very competitive.

Tune in Later....

2010-06-07T07:44:00.001-07:00

There are so many things I want to tell you. I just finished the same kind of different as me; it was one of the best books I have read in a long time. I will tell you all about it....later. My family served at another marriage retreat but I will have to show you the pictures...later. We took the kids bowling for the first time (and was scammed a bit in the process) but I will have to tell you about it later. We have tomatoes (two) on our vine but I will have to show you them....yeah you guessed it...later.

You see, I want to blog....I want to tell you so many things. I want to sit down with a cup of tea and talk to you about the oil spill in the gulf and how I tend to stick my head in the sand about most things concerning the global world but that this weekend I came face to face with the reality of the spill. I want to hang out and chat, but I cannot.

For today I have to:
*do the laundry from the beach
*fill my empty refrigerator
*spend some time with my kids
*plan our week
*un-pack (packing is so much more fun)
*return e-mails and phone calls

There just isn't time today....but I promise if you will tune in later I will take the time to post and edit and write and crop. For now....I have to go find Buzz Lightyear for the umpteenth time and watch our little gymnast do a back flip off the bed. I think there is a prairie girl around here somewhere as well wanting to show me the fort she just built. I hope your day is filled with so much of the ordinary that makes life grand!

The Arrival of Jack

2010-06-02T17:46:00.001-07:00

I am not sure when he showed up. I would say it was somewhere about three weeks ago but I cannot be certain. I picked up Caleb from Mom's morning out and he was talking about his friend Jack. I assumed that he finally learned someone's name from his class. Then, a few days later I heard him mention Jack and the motorcycle (toy) he has. At that point I thought of my Uncle Jack who rides a motorcycle. "Oh, Caleb must remember visiting there last summer."
So, I call my Aunt Helen to remark on the genius of my almost three year old. This week I began to notice that Jack kept showing up in conversation more and more. I kept assuming things about Jack (my uncle, a friend from church, someone on TV).

Yesterday i had the light bulb moment. You know the one...when you finally have complete understanding about the ideas going on around you. Jack is imaginary. How did I finally come to the conclusion? When Caleb told me that Jack couldn't get out of the tree because I was in the way. So, very cautiously I looked up in the tree...no one was there. "Do you see Jack, Caleb?"

"Yes, Mama he is in the tree." What could I do? The only thing any respectable mother would do...I moved out of the way so Jack could get down.

We have always known Caleb to have a wild imagination. Last year he pretended quite often he was a dog. Even in public he would crawl around on the ground and ask me to pet him. My man worried that other people would think there was something wrong with him. But I just felt that he was far more agreeable in stores and the library as a dog.

Now before you go and pull out your DSM (by the way that is the manual that professionals use to diagnosis mental illness) I have been around lots of kids and this is pretty normal stuff. I have looked it up on the Internet too(I was worried a little, I will admit it). He is fine. Of course us being the kinda family we are we encourage "Jack" far too much. We ask him what he is wearing. What he does all day. Does he go to church. Tonight for instance Caleb told me that he was big and strong but Jack was three like him. Oh, he works in Panama City as well (We are going to visit there again this weekend for a Strong Bond's Marriage Retreat).

I do not know how long Jack will be around. I do know that it makes life around here a little more interesting (we do not use the term weird; I expect you to not think it either... It also makes me a little sad for Caleb. He wants a brother but he told me he would settle for a dog as long as it was a boy. I myself prefer Jack. He doesn't require anything of me except a little imagination.

Sewing Alone

2010-05-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

I need to admit something. Sewing seemed so simple when I had my sewing instructor right by my side. And although it only took about thirty minutes to sew this cape my stitches are crazy off. It took me forever to figure out how to fix a "tie" so Caleb could actually use it as a cape. By the way, he "flew" around for about 10 minutes and then said, "Can I just have it as a blanket?" Go figure. Anyway, Joann Fabric store had their patterns 5 for $5.00 today. The girls and I had a blast picking out stuff that one day we are going to make. When we came home we were all excited until Caleb accidentally sat on the sewing paddle and scared poor Chloe to death. She asked me if I could put off sewing for another day since it was already thundering today and she just didn't think she could handle both. Noises bug her.

Pictureless Post

2010-05-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

OK....I really wish I had taken the picture but I was afraid to ask. Allow me to try to draw you a word picture. Yesterday, my awesome neighbor (and friend) came to assist me with my sewing machine (OK...she came to show me how to thread it but I didn't want to seem the unseamstress that I am). There she sat in her bathing suit (she took time out as she was headed to the pool; I told you she was awesome) she held her 11 month old daughter while patiently teaching me how to thread the machine. Did I mention that she was surrounded by my tribe? She never missed a beat. I would have been like OK kids out of my way but she was so patient as Sydney is right by her side watching everything as if she were the student. The reality is her memory is more faithful than mine so I am glad she was there but still. Caleb and Chloe were on the other side watching Amanda's every skillful move. We all shouted as if the miraculous had just occurred when she made the first stitches. Needless to say I am thankful and can't wait to show you all of the things I am going to sew. I have wanted to learn for so long. My very very generous sister-in-law gave me the machine back during Christmas and it has been staring at me from the closet floor...you know how appliances do when you aren't using them. So, I am now very excited to put it to good use. Amanda kept saying what a wonderful machine it was so of course I felt all the more grateful for Rebekah's gift. I will keep you "posted" ha of all my wonderful creations (I am sure it will be more like how many times it takes me to get things finished) but at least there will be something for me to write about. Happy Memorial Weekend! I hope your days are filled with wonderful family fun.

Seperation from God

2010-05-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

A couple of nights ago I had a very realistic dream. It was one in where I was deeply involved in sin (I am not-just to clarify). Now the dream did not have the details of the sin but my heart was completely hardened towards God and His people. Friends were trying to reach me but my stubborn heart was made up and I was going to go my own way. As I sit here and write now I am still shaken by what if felt like to not be close to Jesus.

About 13 years ago that was the state I had been living in. Since I was 14 years old until I was 23 I lived in and out of relationship with God. Mostly out. I would try so hard to do the things that I knew to be right only to give in to temptation and sin. By the time I was 23 my heart had become so hard against God and what little truth I did know about Him I had distorted so badly that I believed the sin I was in had actually been a "gift from God".

But you see just as humans do so easily...I forgot what it was like to have such a hard heart. I believe my dream to be from my Heavenly Father reminding me just who I am without Him. My dear sweet friends....I never want to be without Him not even for a moment. Friends...I am ugly without God...and not just ugly but as my daddy used to say ooogly!

Currently I am involved in the Beth Moore Bible study "Steppin Up" and it has really challenged me lately in my Christian walk (which I need desperately...don't we all?). But nothing has given me the swift kick in the pants that I need like that dream. Now, I am not talking about doing more "christian"stuff. I am not even talking about checking him off a list...Bible study...check, prayer time...check, be nice to my friends and family...check. For me, I think it means asking Him into every aspect of my life. Really becoming friends with Him. Am I making any sense? I am tired of the life that says all of the do's and dont's...honestly that is where I got into so much trouble as a teenager and in my early 20's. I didn't know how to live the christian life so I decided the world's way was much easier. Oh, but the consequences I reap.

So, as Quinn Sherer says, "What is my take-away?" My answer would be to stay in constant communion with the Father. I had a Sunday School teacher that used to say when she baked a cake she invited God. What she meant was that even in the smallest details of our lives He wants to be there. He cares for the lily....He cares for you and me. Our hearts do not become hardened over night. It is a little here and a little there. Didn't Solomon say it is the little foxes that spoil the vine? As summer approaches and it is easy to let things slide...let's not let our relationship with Jesus slide. He wants to be in every detail. I love you my sweet readers. Thank you for indulging me along life's journey.

Summer Preview

2010-05-27T16:58:00.001-07:00