SOMEBODY BETTER PRAY!!!!

My daddy shouted those words as a little boy as his daddy snatched him out of church service. He'd been 'not minding' as my granny said. His daddy had had enough of his not minding, so as he whisked out my daddy, my daddy yelled, "SOMEBODY BETTER PRAY!" 

The church erupted in laughter. 

I've imagined that happening with our brood. Thankfully, it hasn't. Not yet. And, I hope, not ever. We've come close though. 

With that being said, lately, I've found myself in conversations whether online or in person about kids being in 'Big Church.' 

I've been asked lots of questions.

Can they handle it? How do you make them sit there? Are they learning? Why do we have them sit with us? 

So, I'm going to share what we've learned, what's worked for us, and also note that our kids aren't perfect. They are wiggly. They talk to each other or us. Sometimes someone has to go to the bathroom. (By the way, they are given the chance to go before we go into service and after, so we're talking about a little over an hour from the last time to the next time. Unless it's an EMERGENCY- and they can't use the E-card every week or even every month.)

I'm a firm believer in sharing what we've learned and confess that we haven't gotten it down perfectly. They can be wiggly. And talk-y. And....kids.

First, can they handle it?

Yup! You better believe it! God's Word is meant for e'rybody-babies, young children, teenagers, young adults, middle aged adults, senior adults- you get the picture. 

They may not understand every concept. That's ok. I'm still learning, too. For example, the idea of grace....just when I think I'm grasping the concept, I realize how much I can't comprehend, how much I don't understand still. 

So, just as we are learning, so are they.

How do you make them sit there?

Let me first say, I regret that we didn't bring ours in 'Big Church' earlier. We did when our oldest was a toddler. We thought it was a miserable disaster. Truthfully, it wasn't. It was par for the course. 

First, we start them before they 'have' to. With our oldest, we started 6 months before he was out of the preschool department. With our others, we've started a bit earlier. (Our two youngest were 2 and 4 when we started bringing them with us regularly.)

We do a lot of coaching before we get to church:

     - When someone says, "Good morning," you say, "Good morning!" and smile. 

     - When it's time to sing, you stand. You don't have to sing, but you do have to stand. (And we have leaners sometimes, so a gentle reminder to STAND is needed for those occasions.Usually just a touch on the shoulder and a subtle hand motion to rise is all that is needed. Repeat offenders get a 'Stand up! We're in church!')

     - When it's the time of the service to greet others, we shake hands and greet others. (A good, firm handshake and looking someone in the eye, that is a biggie in our home. But that's a blog for another day.)

     -Opening the Bible to the appropriate passage for those who can. (We're still working on this; however, the passage is on the screen at the front of our sanctuary. He reads along. Still, it's a work in progress, like I said.)

     - Standing whenever we stand corporately- during the music, greeting others, reading of the passage, and at altar call and any other time it's appropriate. 

     -Once the passage is read and we sit down for the sermon, then and only then are pads of paper and pens allowed. Not before. They are active participants in service. I've learned that my crew listen better when they are allowed to draw, doodle, write. They are listening! They are, in fact, better listeners when they draw and write.)

     -We also have a service-only treat that they enjoy- a soft peppermint. (Sometimes they got two.) Another note- I take them out of the wrapper at home so as not to make a lot of noise for others. 

     -Also, if we think that they aren't ready for 'Big Church' yet, we observe what other families do to glean insight. We also talk it up weeks before. The age is different for each time. There are definitely seasons where having a place for a crawler is definitely a blessing!

     -We also start when bringing a 'newbie' into church by sitting in the back. Particularly if we have a potty training little one. Should we need to take someone out, then we are close to the exit and will disrupt as little as possible. If they've done well, we move up a few rows until we are a few rows back from the front. If it's a rough week, we'll move back or stay in the same place until we can move forward. 

Are they learning? 

 

You better believe it! 

Questions abound. Sometimes in church. (To which we reply, "We'll discuss it later.") Questions on grace, justification, sanctification, the Trinity.....just to name a few. 

They will pull a quote or paraphrase at the most surprising of times- driving down the road, bath time, swimming, the dinner table, at night when they become philosophers and theologians at bedtime. 

Why do we make them sit with us? 

Well, why not? There is no one who keeps us more honest than our kids. They need spiritual training as much as we do. Although I'm pretty certain, we need it more. No one can hold up a mirror to me like my kids. And they don't even do it on purpose. God is definitely using them to refine me and make me more like His Son. 

I used to feel like it was 'my' time. I got to be with my husband uninterrupted. I was getting fed. 

Truth is, God convicted me of this. My reasoning was selfish. It was all about Me. My needs. My wants. My desires. 

Not theirs. 

I want them to see the adults they love and trust and do life with alongside our family, worshiping the Lord, knowing how to participate in corporate worship, how to sit quietly and listen, how to analyze what the pastor is preaching on in light of Scripture....Is what he's preaching from the Bible or is it his opinion or some other agenda? So that they can stand strong in their faith and claim it as their own. I want them to be grounded in the Word and attend a Bible believing, Bible preaching church as they mature. How better to model this than to give them that as they grow up than the church they grow up in? 

I don't want my kids to have religion.I don't want them to lean on my faith. Or my husband's. 

 I want them to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Also, we like having them with us so that we can worship as a family. There are times they are not in service with us. Our son's Sunday School meets at the hour we attend worship, so there are Sundays he goes to his class. Fortunately, our church records the service, so many times he is able to catch what he missed in service when I re-listen to the message later in the week as I cook supper or fold laundry. 

And, we like their company. 

There's that, too. 

***Disclaimer: The man who gave me his name and I have not got this parenting thing figured out. Every day is new. Every child is different. Just when we get something figured out it either doesn't work suddenly one day, or we are faced with totally new challenges. We are on our knees constantly before a holy God asking His guidance as we love and disciple our children.***

Not Sure What to Say?

Words.  

I love them. I always have. 

Yet, as much as I love the way words are composed on the page or in a poem or song or a blog or my very favorite- a handwritten note, sometimes, ok, often I get tongue tied. 

In my life, I've experienced the death of loved ones- grandparents, my biological dad, friends. We've walked through grief with our people- death of parents, siblings, grandparents, and various other family members. 

We here UTRTR often talk about the hope of heaven with our children. Not 'hope' as a synonym for 'wish.' But 'hope' as in the 'promise of something yet to come.' In this case, heaven. 

So, here we are, a month after walking through the most devastating loss we've ever known. The loss of a child we wanted so much, a child my husband knew about before I did. In fact, these were his words, "I looked at you last night, and I knew you were pregnant. You were glowing." The only child he experienced the same moment I did discovering his observations were correct. This child we fell in love with as soon as the first faint line appeared and grew as quickly as the faint line darkened. 

We had five glorious days of joy. I wouldn't trade the reaction of our people, particularly our fr-amily, for anything. 

The whoops. The laughter. The hugs. The squeals of delight. Oh my! As I type, I am smiling. 

One week after we'd told them about our newest blessing, we were being hugged, cried for, prayed over by those very same people who'd shared in the joy of a 4th baby for us as they mourned with us that we wouldn't meet this baby this side of heaven.

Time and again, we were hugged tightly, both of us, and told "I'm sorry," or "I'm sorry. I'm praying for you." 

And those were the perfect words. 

A few times, people told us, "I don't know what to say....I'm sorry." 

Like not having words was wrong. It wasn't. We didn't either. Those last two words were all we needed. To know that folks mourned for and with us. 

So, when you're not sure what to say, particularly after a loss like this, the perfect words are "I'm sorry." 

And it's ok to say, "I don't know what to say" (because the hearer probably doesn't have any words either but "Thank you"), but don't just say, "I don't know what to say." 

For lack of a better word, that's lame. 

 Tell them that you are sorry.  

If you want to say something like, " We are grieving with you" or "Our hearts ache with yours," that's ok, too.

Truly, nothing besides "I'm sorry" is necessary. 

And pray for those precious people in their loss.

And tell them that, too. 

Reclaiming the Beauty of Learning and My Sanity

So, six years ago last month we began our homeschooling journey. 

And while I nodded my head that our school wouldn't look like 'real' school, it kinda did. 

And, sometimes, it kinda does. 

I can't help it. I do like things like worksheets for math. It saves my sanity. Mine. It is a barometer for where we are, where we've been, where we need to revisit, where we can move on to..... 

I remember thinking of the insanity of me holding a flash card of crayons with our oldest, working on colors. 

Insane. 

I remember thinking, "What?!? Why am I doing this?" 

So, after a time or two of questioning that part of the purchased from the curriculum company lesson plan, I skipped it. 

Instead of quizzing him as part of the plan, I decided I'd just be more intentional in using the words in conversation. (He was four, it was the color orange, a color not allowed in our house, so there were plenty of reasons for him NOT knowing this. Go DAWGS!)

Instead of waving the number flash cards at him, I decided we'd practice using the phone. So, he got the practice of numbers by dialing grands and great-grands to say "hello." 

Lots of scores on this front..... He learned his numbers. He learned important phone numbers should he need them. He learned telephone etiquette. 

Here's another one....days of the week and how to read a calendar...... I stressed out over this for about five seconds.... After all, we conquered letters and numbers....So, I did what any child of the 70's and 80's would do.

I taught him the days of the week teaching him the Happy Days theme song. 

And I bought a big, laminated calendar and hung it on our fridge. I update it with our family events, birthdays, holidays, special reminders. 

Score, again! 

Now, I'm finishing kindergarten with our second, and I'm much more relaxed. 

Instead of flash cards for simple addition math facts, I've taught her to draw dots. Wouldn't you know it? She remembers 3+4=7! And I didn't sweat it as much as I did with her big brother. 

Interesting. 

It's not because I'm some ah-mazing teacher or mom. I'm a hot mess just like everyone else. 

Here's the difference: I've learned and am still learning to rely on a God Who is much bigger than me, Who loves these kids more than their daddy and I do or ever could, and Who is teaching me to stop stressing, trust Him, and enjoy these kids He's blessed us with.

Make a Splash

The summer is coming. In fact, this afternoon is the first truly humid day that I can recall in a long, long time. 

With that being said, it's swimsuit season, and I'm excited! 

For the first time in my whole adult life that I can recall I am excited about wearing a bathing suit. 

Not that I have a 'beach ready' body. Cause I don't. 

I think I may like it so much because I bought it on  a whim. I'd not been planning on buying a swimsuit (although I needed one), so I didn't dread it for days on end. I just thought, "Well, since I'm shopping by myself, I'll just see what's over here." 

What I found is a two piece suit that covers everything quite nicely and is reminiscent of those beautiful women from the 40's and 50's. It's got these shorts that are a little longer and have these sweet ties at the bottom. It's got a razor back tank that doesn't just meet the top of the shorts...It actually goes past the top. It's flattering. I feel covered and cute, and best of all my husband loves it. 

And I'm excited to put it on. 

Now....You may be saying, "Yeah, I'm not excited about putting on a bathing suit," or "I don't own one," or "I'm not putting one on this summer."

That. Is. The. Wrong. Attitude.

Mommas, your kids want you to play with them. In the water. Not just watching them from the sidelines. 

You are the sun of their solar system, and for you to sit on the sidelines while they splash and have fun is acceptable on occasion. But that should be the exception, not the rule. 

I have the most beautiful woman in the world as my mother, and I can only recall half a dozen times when she swam with me. My grandparents had a pool that was an oasis, a pleasure to look forward to come the hot summer months. It was surrounded by a six foot tall fence, so I never understood......Why didn't she get in? 

Sometimes I got answers about her hair getting wet. Other times, I got mumbles about how she looked in a suit. 

I never quite understood that last one. My mom is stunning. 

My only regret about what I wish she'd done more was play, especially taking a dip in the pool with us. 

So, this is my challenge to moms...Get past how you look (or don't look) in a bathing suit. Likely, you'll always be unhappy with some feature. 

What you won't always have is this summer with your kids again. 

New Beginnings: Tackling New Year's Resolutions Whenever

It's been a long time. Two years. Two years? Two years! 

I don't make New Year's resolutions. I make goals. (Who am I kidding? It's semantics, they're resolutions.) 

One was to pick up writing again. 

I started off the year on a hot streak. I submitted two articles within days of the new year. 

And then, life happened. 

Isn't that always the way? "I'm going to start Monday" or "The year's almost over, I'll start January 1" or "School's winding down/ gearing up"...."I'll start then." 

I could wait I guess for a 'better time' to start my New Year "Goals." But April 21 is as good a time as any. 

So, here we are. Two years and a month since the last post when I said, "I'm going to start back writing this blog." 

Only, this time, it's different. 

It's different this time because I've learned a valuable lesson and the absolute necessity in having accountability.

But first of all, I've learned when I try to do things in my own power, I fail miserably and berate myself for ever trying. So, I've learned that if I want to do anything in life, it has to be God-focused, not me-focused. (You'd think I'd learn this by now and it would stick. I'm so thankful that God is long-suffering. Can I get an amen?)

Second, I've learned that now is the perfect time. Now is the perfect time to drink more water after downing two sodas. Now is the perfect time to go for a walk or YouTube a workout video and get moving. Now is the perfect time to call a friend I haven't talked to in six months/years/decades......

Third, not only can I not achieve any goal without God, I also need the accountability of others. So, I've learned to surround myself with folks who won't give me a by when I've been slack or when I want to be slack. They don't accept excuses. They breathe grace over me when I do and lovingly help me get back on track. 

So that's the difference this time- what I do is God-focused and for His glory, now is the perfect time to work on a dream, and He didn't make us to do life alone, He gave us people to love, support, encourage, and sharpen us along the way. 

I, like countless others, have claimed Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

I know it. 

Now I'm going to do it. April 21, 2015, is as good a time as any. 

Living the Mini Van Dream

Wow! It's been 13 months since I've logged on here.

This time last year, we were chest-deep in wedding preparations for my sister.

March last year consisted of a baby shower for a friend, a bridal luncheon for my sister, and a wedding.

Eleven days after the wedding, we discovered God had chosen to bless us with another child.

In May, we heard our sweet baby's heartbeat, and we began the process of selling one vehicle and purchasing a very cool minivan.

In June, we celebrated 10 years of marriage with a trip we affectionately call our 'babymoon' and our odyssey to find the perfect minivan was completed. I learned something about my husband after 10 years of marriage- that man can seriously negotiate!

In July, we said 'See you later' to a dear friend killed by a drunk driver; after visiting the funeral home, our son asked Jesus to be his Saviour. (This friend was also our son's leader for VBS in June.)

August found us moving my parents, celebrating our daughter's 2nd birthday, and our oldest son's baptism.

In September, we did a major overhaul of the house. Flipping the kids' bedrooms, making our dining room into a playroom and part of our living room our dining room.

October, we helped my sister and her family move into their new home. We had a baby shower for Blessing #3.

November, we had a baby. He weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs. 5 oz; however, he was in the NICU for 11 days. The longest 11 days of our lives. Through that I learned......so much- many blogs for other days. Thank God, he is healthy!

December found us adjusting to being a family of 5 and celebrating Jesus' birth.

In January and February, we resumed school at full throttle.

It's been a whirlwind year.

Through all of those major life changes, I have found time and again- God is good. God is faithful. God will never give us more than we can bear. God's love never fails.

This is what we dreamed of so many years ago while we were courting. When I'd ask my then-fiance, "Will all of this be worth it?" as we studied together for hours and hours and hours to get through college. He always said, "I promise. It's going to be way better than we imagine." Then, we'd take a break from our studies and map out our future. (By the way, it's twisted and turned in ways we couldn't fathom then!)

We never imagined our dream would include a minivan. But it does, and it's all the sweeter because of our need for it.

Apples of Gold

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25:11

Just under this verse in my Bible is a cross-reference to Proverbs 15:23, "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!"

Two years ago, when I was  VERY pregnant with our baby girl, my husband insisted on getting text on our phones. Now, we are by nature frugal people. However, I was very far along and he was working 60+ hours a week between his full-time job and his part-time one. He's not always able to talk (who is?) but he wanted me to be able to get in touch with him "just in case" I went into labor and he couldn't answer his phone. ("I can always flip it open and read," he said.So now we have text.)

I fought it at first. "It's unnecessary. It's a waste. I'll never use it."

The $5 more a month we pay extra for this service holds no comparison to the blessing it has been for him and for me.

At random, one of us will text the other, "Love you. Praying for you." So many times it is just at the right moment- usually, a stressful, testing time during the course of our days. Sometime's it's during the baby's naptime and it's a quick, "Bring home a pizza. It's been a LOOONNNGGG day!" Sometimes it's flirty. (Hey, who doesn't like to flirt with the love of their life?)

One of my favorite texts  is "You rock." I like to send it, and I love to receive it. Just so happens that I just received that message a few minutes ago.

That totally made my whole day.

We all have jobs that at one time or another are thankless. Police officer, teacher, stay-at-home mom, dogcatcher, custodian, computer systems analyst, President- whatever the job- at times they are all thankless.

A random kind, genuine word of encouragement in the middle of the day can make all the difference- to a spouse, to a child, to a stranger, to a friend.

So I encourage you- send an 'apple of gold' to someone today. Send it in an email, a phone call, a text, post it on someone's 'wall', write them a note, or tell them in person.

No matter what way you deliver your 'apple'- it will always arrive right on time.

Here's What We Read Last Week

Amazing Dolphins by Sarah L. Thomson
Amazing Snakes by Sarah. L. Thomson
Amazing Whales by Sarah L. Thomson
Amazing Gorillas by Sarah L. Thomson
Where do Polar Bears Live? by Sarah L. Thomson
(See a trend here? We own Amazing Sharks, which advertised others in the series. Great reads for animal crazy kids!)
Jackal Wants Everything by Jacquelyn Reinach
Octopus Protests by Jacquelyn Reinach
Scaredy Bear by Jacquelyn Reinach
(Again, we own several in the Sweet Pickles series by Jacquelyn Reinach, which prompted a library scouring for more!)
The Post Office Book: Mail and How It Moves by Gail Gibbons
Cooperation: Values to Live By by Janet Riehecky
In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories by Alvin Scwartz (not so scary, more goofy than anything)
Boo and Baa Have Company by Lena and Olof Landstrom

How We Do Spelling

I had some truly amazing teachers. My parents sent me to a private, Christian school from daycare through sixth grade, a public school my seventh grade year, then back to a private, Christian school from eighth until graduation.

When I think of my first and second grade teachers, I am especially impressed with the control and ease they managed our class, as well as the level of instruction that they were able to accomplish. Truly astounding, considering our first grade class had approximately 30 and our second roughly the same amount. They had no planning period, no parapro, no computer system. They alone were responsible for instruction from the moment we stepped through their door until we were safely in our cars.

I especially think of my second grade teacher, Miss Hoover, as I embark on this journey. First grade is kind of a blur except those rare moments here and there. But second grade is crystal clear, and I often think, "What did Miss Hoover do to teach us _______?"

I vaguely remember first grade spelling books- thin, bright green paperback books with a frog on the front- spelling lists complete with sight words in the front of the text with poetry in the back. My poor copy was dog-eared by the end of September and beyond pitiful by May.

Second grade's books, though, were thick, yellow and had room to practice the spelling words in various ways, as well as journal entries to write on weekly basis and poetry at the back. By second grade I'd learned to take great pride in caring for my books. It also helped that parents had to put clear contact paper on each book to help keep the consumable books in the nicest shape possible.

Enough of that little trip down memory lane.
Here's the meat of this entry: How do I teach spelling?

I was more than a little bit frazzled trying to get my first grader to spell correctly. I mean, he comes from at least two generations of good spellers. What was the problem?

Me. The teacher. (For obvious reasons at this age, I do not buy the teacher's edition for every subject. Mainly just math. I can teach all the other through reading, but math is it's own language.)

Yes, he could copy the words. Yes, he could complete the activities with ease. Still, how to get him to spell the words correctly when I call them out?

So, I thought back to Miss Hoover and my days as a second grader. What did she do?

And then after a great deal of thought, the solution became so clear:
Monday- Read the words aloud and spell them. Then copy them one time.

Tuesday- Write the words three times.

Wednesday- Do the fun activity pages and do a pretest. Any words that he gets correct on the pretest, I do not retest him on, but on Thursday.....
Thursday- Write the missed word(s) five times.

Friday- Retest only on the words he missed.
Very simple. Very straightforward. No reason to re-write and retest on material he's mastered. And our pre-tests and tests aren't always written on a lined sheet of paper. Sometimes, if there aren't repeat letters, he'll spell them out with his letter puzzle pieces. Other times, we take a big sheet of blue prints my mom gives us from her work, flip them over to the blank side and he'll write them in crayon or marker- something a little different than the standard #2 pencil.

The first week or two, he did a considerable amount of writing on Thursdays. By about the third week since we instituted this practice, he's written no more than five spelling words (out of his fifteen word list per week) five times on Thursdays. Usually, it's much less. Often we're 'done' with spelling for the week on Wednesdays.

Just thought I'd share what works for us.

What, How, Why, When, and Where We Read

Over the past several days, I've had conversations with friends over how to instill a love of reading to children, how to fit in time, what to read, when to read.

I have a degree in English education and a current English/Language Arts teaching certification for grades 6-12. I have no reading endorsement, no master's degree. I do, however, have a love for the written word and an even bigger love for my children. So, combine the two and I could talk for hours.

From my own experience, here's what I have found to instill a love of reading in my children, which, in turn, spurs a love of learning.

1. Read early. When I was pregnant with my babies, I read my favorite novel to them when they were still in utero- To Kill a Mockingbird.  I was teaching full-time with my first pregnancy and read constantly aloud. With my second pregnancy, I was reading to my oldest. I think their love of books started then. And, if the good LORD blesses us with more, I will read TKaM to them, too, as well as all the other read alouds we do.

We tried the read before bed routine the night we brought our son home from the hospital. That was a bust. He was hungry and I was recovering from major surgery, trying to hold a squirming, crying, forgotten-how-to-latch on baby while juggling a book. Instead, I talked to him and I read at different times aloud. Not a constant stream, just when I thought of it while I was nursing him. When his sister came along, I nursed her while reading to them. They both benefited from that. (I also got better at juggling.)

2. Read whatever your child is passionate about. Animals. Airplanes. Rockets. Whatever. Read it! Read it again. And again. And again.

3. Take your kids to the library. Pressed for time? Set a time limit. In and out in 30 minutes. Set a book limit- 10, say. While they're selecting books, keep your eyes opened for books they may enjoy and slip them in your 'library book bag'. This does a few things- you'll get a bit of a say in what you're reading. They'll love the surprise. You can direct them to new topics that they might be interested in. For example if he likes airplanes, a biography one the Wright brothers, might be something he'll enjoy. Young children love reading about other people, and there are SOOOOO many books written at an age appropriate level for them. If you get home with a book that's over their level, paraphrase and look at the pictures. Lots of good discussion and learning happens then, too.

If they have an author they love, check out every book on the shelf written by that author. Put holds on books that your library doesn't have. (Holds are when you want to check out a book that's either not currently on the shelf or that needs to be sent from another library. USE this resource!) If your child sees a book they'd like to read, make a note and put a hold on it from your home computer. This only takes getting a user id and password on your next trip to the library. It takes less than 5 minutes and yields so much literary goodness! Many young readers have pictures advertising other selections in a series. Read every one that piques your child's interest.

4. While you're at the library, peruse the shelves for your own reading. They need to see Momma and Daddy reading for enjoyment.

5. Start the day reading. Seriously. Lately, I've been doing this very thing with my young ones. Sure, you're thinking, you homeschool. You have that luxury of time. Yes and no. Yes, it's true that we may not have to be somewhere at a certain time most days, but there is order and routine to our days. We, too, have schedules to keep, meals to be made, a house to keep tidy, errands to run. A very dear friend who teaches full-time starts the day with her daughter reading to her. It takes 10 minutes. They may read a few pages or a whole chapter. They start the day together, wiping sleep from their eyes. They are relaxed, connected, and ready to take on the day together. Ten minutes or less. What a precious way to start the day!

6. Read at night. Now, I do not 'do' bedtime stories. We read on and off all day; plus, I'm with mine all day. That makes a difference. We do, however, read in the evenings. What time it is, how long, squirreliness level of the children dictate whether we read one, two, or ten. Turn off the television. You're tired. They're tired. The television is a quick fix, but there is nothing so relaxing as reading to your children, snuggled up. They'll be relaxed, and so will you. You're also making memories- for them and you.

7. Make comfy places to read. One thing that's on our list for Christmas this coming year for our children is a bean bag chair for each. Even if all they do is look at the pictures because they're too young to read or if they are just enjoying the beautiful artwork in a picture book, they're still 'reading' and stimulating their brains.

8. Let them listen to books on cd (or if you rock it old school like we do UTRTR- on cassette tape) as they drift off. I loved it as a child. And so does our son. Or let them listen in the car. Or turn one on as they color and you prepare dinner. We love doing this. It's also great fun listening together. We'll be alone in our thoughts listening and out of nowhere something funny in the story happens and we laugh at the same time. Priceless.

9. Don't let the reading aloud stop when they're young. Even teenagers like to be read to.

10. NEVER turn them down to read. Yes, there are times that are better than others. Sometimes it's at a moment, when you think, "Seriously? I'm in the middle of fixing dinner!" What you say is, "I want to read to you, but I can't right now. Put that and one more book by our reading chair and before bed, I'll read them to you." And follow through.

Okay, so those are my top ten ideas/reasons/compelling arguments for reading with your children. There will be more, I am sure.

I'm going to try to start compiling our weekly reading list on here. Perhaps you'll see something that interests you for your own reading or to share with your children. Maybe it'll be an encouragement in your own schooling journey with your children. Maybe it'll even be interesting to see what our family reads.

I do know this- I have not regretted one moment that I've spent reading to our children. I've only regretted the moments that I didn't when asked. I've since learned my lesson. They'll only ask for so long.

When All Else Fails.....

Two blogs in one day. I don't know that will happen again, but the mood has struck, so write I must.

If I've ever given the impression that life here is perfect, I'm sorry. It's not. If you know me, you know that I am a most flawed human who can be moody, headstrong, and confounding. So, starting and ending with me, this house isn't perfect.

My kids aren't perfect. While they are angelically beautiful, they can be quite a handful. Our son is strong-willed. We have been assured that this will serve him well in life. This isn't going unchecked.  Our daughter is coming into her own. Her little personality is a delight; she does, however, have a penchant for climbing and risk taking that her brother did not have.

And my husband. Truly, no one could be easier to live with. My only complaint is that he hoards my plastic containers at work until I beg him to bring them home.

This past month has been difficult. I've been sick most of the month of January. And, still, just as any Momma does, I've risen. Sadly, I haven't always shined.

Maybe it's been the yucky stuff in my sinuses and throat that I've had that the first round of antibiotics failed to heal and a double ear infection crept in somehow. Maybe it's the end of two and a half years of pregnancy, nursing, and Clomid for three months before stopping only to get pregnant the next month. Maybe it's the post-Christmas and New Year's blah.  Maybe it's the solar flares or whatever they're called.

Or maybe it's just me.

January always seems to be a tough month. This one is no exception and it's been particulary hard. When the second round of meds was prescribed I just said, "That's it. No school for a few days. Momma just isn't able."

Of course, as any child would be, my oldest was thrilled that we weren't going to do workbooks. He's a snuggly one, that one. His eyes glowed when I told him to go get us a stack of books. He arranged our pillows just so in Daddy's recliner. He grabbed a blanket big enough to cover him, his sister, and me, and the remote for when my throat got too raw to read any longer.

We watched lots of PBS kids that week.

We read lots of books.

But I still wasn't feeling better. I mean, physically I got stronger. Normal day-to-day things continued- kids fed, kitchen cleaned, laundry done, toys picked up. Naps or rest times enforced.

Still, I wasn't quite feeling just right. I try to read my Bible first thing every morning. I don't always do it. Often, my early risers wake up before or just minutes after me. Several mornings during that rough time, I just skipped it altogether.

And my family felt the effects. Not just a sick Momma. But a grumpy, unhappy, miserable one.

Texts would appear saying, "Have you read your Bible?" or when he'd call to check in he'd ask, "Did you read your Bible?"

When I'd mumble a no. His response was, "You know you'll feel better if you read it."

And he was right. Such an easy remedy for any day- good, bad, or indifferent.

When all else fails, read the Directions.

Polar Bears Weigh as Much as Three Tigers

A nest full of eggs is called a clutch.

If a pergrine falcon migrates from Alaska to Argentina, it will take her two months. If a human were to migrate that same distance, it would take three years.

A polar bear weighs as much as three tigers.

Jochbed was Moses' mother.

When the long hand is on the nine, it's forty-five minutes past the hour.

A sentence begins with a capital letter.

Second grade phonics is WAY more fun than first.

There are five oceans (according to our geography book, which I'm a little skeptical- there were only four when I was in school.) It's called the 'Southern' Ocean, just below the others, around Antartica. I'm not fully buying it until further investigation.

Just a few of the random things we've learned this week. And when I say, 'we' that's exactly what I mean.

I'm no animal lover. I admire them. I think they are beautiful, and their very existence demonstrates to me over and over how creative God was in designing each one so uniquely, yet with similarities that point to only one thing- a Master Creator whose intelligent design is evident everywhere.

This week, more than ever a passion has sparked in me in response to my son's passion in learning about them. Now, I, too, enjoy learning about all kinds of animals. I didn't know a polar bear weighs about as much as three tigers. I remember seeing them at the zoo, but from a distance. These creatures are mammoth, and my son is enthralled with them. And with whales. And tigers. And snakes.

Currently, we're studying out of Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day in the Apologia series. He wasn't crazy about starting with birds. And, to be honest, I wasn't either. I didn't care too much about them when I was a kid. I remember learning about them sometime in late elementary school. And we spent maybe a month on them. So, I didn't deem them that important. Still, this was the pre-requisite before we started the other animal books in the series, so 'suffer' through it we must! Or, so I thought.

At this point,we've spent several months on them now learning about how their wings work, how they find food, how they nest (there are lots of different kinds, including no nesters. Who knew?!?), how they care for their babies, how and why they migrate; as we're winding down with birds, we begin next week with bats. My son is positively beside himself to learn about bats. Mostly, I think because they freak me out, and anything that freaks Momma out is FUN!

Now I find myself watching the sky and our trees for birds. We stop whatever we're doing when we see them in our yard and watch them for a few minutes.

Our literature choices aren't limited to the textbook, which by the way is written very straightforward but not at all dry. I read it the other night before bed. It's that good.  As we finish each section, a reading list is given to reinforce what we've read with age appropriate books from kindergarten through middle school level with a description of each.

I must admit, it took me awhile to catch on, but since I have, I've been on the library site placing holds on every book that I think we might enjoy from those lists. And these books spur an interest in other topics. We've read many books that advertise other readers about different topics on the back, so what do we do? We place holds on those as well. A  random reader we picked up on one of our many library visits on sharks prompted searching for the others in the series on whales, tigers, snakes, and gorillas. Sure, they're not 'on the agenda' for this year, but who cares? Lots of extra learning is going on. We're not limited to scope and sequence for this year. We read many of the same books over and over and over. (I think we've checked out the Olivia books from our local library that we could just about recite it by heart and  still, we crack up every time.)

And the experiments, well, we've not done as many as are suggested but I like the fact that there are lots and we can pick and choose what we'd like to do and what's age appropriate. I figure I'll be teaching this again at least once more and he'll be able to do them then and his younger siblings can do those then, too.

We're still trying to work on capitalizing the first word in a sentence. But, I had middle schoolers when I was a teacher who still had trouble with that fact.

This morning he amazed me when I was doing a little review on Moses. It went something like this, "What happened to Moses when he was a baby?"

He answered, "Pharoah wanted to kill all the baby boys."

"Why?"

A shoulder shrug and crickets.

"Because there were getting to be too many Israelites, and he was afraid they'd outnumber the Egyptians. So what did Moses' mother do?"

"She hid him in a basket in the Jordan River."

"Nile," I corrected. "The Nile River is in Egypt. So, what did she do?"

"She hid him, then put him in a basket, and his sister watched him until Pharoah's daughter found him. Then his sister told the Pharoah's daughter she knew someone who could nurse him. Her name was Jochbed."

"No, Moses' sister's name was Miriam, and we don't know Pharoah's daughter's name."

"No, Momma, Jochbed was Moses' mother. I learned that on my Sparks' cd.

See? Not only am I teaching him. Not only are we learning together. He's teaching me.

Oh, Christmas Tree, Your Branches Tell Our Story!

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. Food tastes better if it's served on Christmas plates, or, better yet, if it's shaped like trees or wreaths or sprinkled with red and green sugar. Rooms are cozier in the glow of the Christmas lights. Hot chocolate tastes better in a Christmas mug.

So, I was a little nervous our first Christmas together when my future husband caught a glimpse of what our Christmases would be like. Our families celebrated in similar ways, but in many others, they couldn't be more different. Neither one right or wrong. Just different.

That first Christmas I bought our 'first' ornament. I'm ashamed at how much I spent on it. I won't disclose it here. Let's just say, we're getting our money's worth out of it. When I saw the same one reduced by three-fourths, I snatched it up just in case something happened to the original.

That's how sentimental I am.

That first Christmas, I could tell that he liked the way my family 'did' Christmas. Christmas dishes, hand towels, icicle lights, trudging to the Christmas tree farm to pick out the perfect tree, most of all I think he liked the ornaments.

To this day, Momma will not decorate the tree without all us 'kids'- my sister, her soon-to-be-husband, my husband, and me. She refuses to hang a single one because she loves to watch us dig through the boxes and pull out the silly/sweet/sentimental ornaments.

There are the ones I made in Sunday school out of old Christmas cards and glitter. I think I was four. My sister loves to torture me with those. They are hideous.

There's a little stocking with my then three-year-old sister and her wild mane of curls. Delicious!

 A paper Bible featuring Luke 2 from my 5th grade year has amazingly held up the test of time, as has my gingerbread man with the glitter and googly eyes from first grade.

Then, there's the Christmas bush. My husband loves to torture my sister with that one. Painted orange with a big, green shrub, he holds it up and sings, "Oh, Christmas bush, Oh Christmas bush!" in his deepest voice. He's done this everyone of our twelve Christmases. She used to loathe that one, but now she sees it as the precious creation that it is made by her young hands.

There's the one with the 'strange baby'. My sister's first Christmas, she received an ornament that says, "Baby's 1st Christmas." We've never bothered to put her picture in there. We just hang it with the 'strange baby' in it. Last year, Momma wanted to put our baby girl's picture in there. We almost staged a revolt. All of us shouted, "NO!" in unison. We had to have the 'strange baby' on the tree. It was tradition.

We laugh until our sides hurt and tears stream down our faces. Momma sits on the couch, the best seat to watch the magic and laughter unfold. We never disappoint.

I suppose that's why every year, my husband and I make it a point to collect ornaments that tell our story and the story of our family.

The first one that was 'ours' has the year of our first Christmas. Since then, we've added many more. So much that I think when we are in our new home, that we will need another tree.

There's the one we bought on our honeymoon. We couldn't find one that said, "Just Married", so we chose the one that says, "New Home." Still appropriate.

Then two years later, when we moved into our very own home, we received two that year that said, "New Home". Those are shaped like little houses with red tin roofs. Treasures.

There's the one from our first trip together to Disney World. It is a Mickey Mouse head with an American flag pattern. We came home with another 'souvenier'- our son.

Three years later, we bought two more sets of ears- a vintage set of ears and a snowman head wearing ears when we took our son to Disney for the first time.

There are ornaments which document our pregnancies with the children- one that says 'expectant parents' and another a stork.

The balls made out of recycled Christmas cards crafted by my husband's grandma.

The chili pepper from our trip to New Orleans.

The pickle from Germany in Epcot.

The red barn "See Rock City" ones from this year- our first vacation as a family of four. 

Then we have the funny ones- the thing my sister wove. We're still not sure what that is. (Love you, Sis!) We crack up at the picture of our 20 month old son our first year of MOPS. He did NOT like being away from Momma and the picture tells the tale.

And as we hang each ornament on our own tree, we laugh and remember- the first years we were married, the fun times we've had, vacations we've been on, new homes we've enjoyed, babies we've anticipated.

This is our tenth married Christmas. Finally, our Christmas tree is really beginning to tell our story. And as we hang each ornament, it is not lost on my husband or me that we do so only by God's grace, and we can only celebrate and enjoy this life He has given us because of the most precious Gift of His Son.

His tree gives our tree meaning because His life gives our life purpose. 

The Pink Square of Comfort

Normally, I blog in my favorite color- red. It's my husband's favorite color, too. (Which is why we have a RED tin roof.) We are Georgia fans, so there is LOTS of RED around here.

But today, in honor of our baby girl's lost lovey, I am blogging in pink.

My sweet baby girl was never too partial to a pacifier. She took it in the hospital the three days we were in there. Let me clarify, she took it begrudgingly. When we got home, however, she got downright furious when we tried to give her one. We tried several brands. No luck.

Momma was the paci. And, at first,to tell the truth, it was exhausting, but I tried to savor every moment. They're only this little and have this need for only so long. Besides, my husband and I told each other, we wouldn't have a paci habit to break!

After her birth, our Sunday school class brought us meals. (Such a blessing! You don't know what a blessing until you've been on the receiving end!) One of our friends has four little ones. During her visit, we were discussing the paci situation. Her youngest two didn't take pacis either; like me, she was the paci. She did suggest a 'lovey' and that we start introducing it right away.

That was one of the best pieces of advise we've ever gotten. We'd received several loveys, so our baby had an abudance to choose from. For several months she showed no preference. She loved them equally.

Except the BLUE one. One morning, all the loveys needed a washing. I threw in her big brother's old lovey in the wash for good measure. As I was folding the laundry, I tossed the loveys on the floor. Our son and I laughed as we watched her crawl from one pink lovey to another. She would crawl to one, 'nurse' against it for a minute, drop it and crawl to the next. She did that with all of them except the BLUE one. She totally ignored it!

Then, one day, she picked her favorite. A pink one, no doubt, with a hot pink flower and her name embroidered on it. Oh, how she loved that thing! We carried it everywhere with us. Whenever she got upset, she would snuggle it up to her face and settle down. When given the choice, she always picked that one.

To tell the truth, we had both gotten dependent on that thing. I would get frantic if I couldn't find it. We'd left it at church once, our friend had been keeping nursery so she made sure to take it with her to give to us later that evening when we'd see her. Our daughter absolutely would not go to bed that night until Daddy brought home the left lovey.

It was then I knew we could never lose the lovey.

This week we lost the lovey.

Somewhere between Kohl's, Publix, and Aldi we lost the pink square of comfort.

I was so upset I posted it on Facebook. An awesome friend saw that post and went to those places to check before I could even get back to town. She went without telling me; I ran into her on my trek back to town once my husband got home so I wouldn't have to drag the kids back out.

The lovey was lost. Gone forever (unless a miracle happens).

I did the ugly cry all the way home. I imagined sleepless nights and naptimes bygone without the lovey. Nothing weighs so heavy as a mother's guilt over things that are beyond her control. So, my prayers went from, "LORD, please let this lovey be there!" to "LORD, forgive me for putting so much trust into a pink piece of fabric."

Truth be told, the pink square of comfort had no special quality or skill or power. It was just soft and pink.

Turns out, I took it harder than she did. Naptime had came and went with no great wailing and gnashing of teeth over the missing favorite lovey, except maybe by Momma. She took one of the 'spares' just fine. At bedtime, she did again.

Lesson learned. I put my trust in something that is fleeting; instead of where it belonged. When I changed my prayer from, "LORD, please let me find the lovey" to "LORD, forgive me for putting so much trust into a pink piece of fabric. Please, let her be able to sleep without it and release me from this guilt." He answered my prayer.

Accidents happen. Kids lose stuff. Momma gets a little side-tracked sometimes. It's ok.

What's not ok is putting my trust anywhere but God. He alone provides all the comfort I need and He cares enough to take care of the little things. Remember those extra loveys? We have plenty on hand. He took care of the need before there even was one.

The Plan

Well, it's happened. Something we never really anticipated.

We have outgrown our home, our beloved "Under the Red Tin Roof."

A few weeks ago when we were in Sunday school, during prayer requests and announcements, I asked for prayer for selling our house.

When asked why we were selling, which was the nicest way and tone we'd been asked, our answer was simple. We need more room, specifically a school room.

It wasn't a thought when we built the house. It wasn't part of the plan. To my, "This was our dream house. We never wanted to move." Our comedic friend quipped, "And you wouldn't have, if it hadn't been for those meddling kids!" Ha!

This wasn't the plan. We planned for me to be a stay-at-home-mom since we began courting. We knew that was the plan. Then, when the very last baby entered kindergarten, I would be returning to work teaching. That was the plan.

Then, something happened that change the course of our lives. The test said, "Pregnant."

Something inside me triggered that said, "Five years isn't enough!" Actually, that is an understatement. Every fiber of my being seemed to scream, "Five years isn't enough!"

And, over the last almost six years, my husband has come to the same conclusion.

So, here we are, in a home that we had planned to be in until we went to our heavenly reward, but we clearly see that God is calling us to move.

We simply need more room. More room to grow. More room to learn. More room to spread out books, papers, projects. More room to create. More room to make a mess.

Somewhere we can work in, learn, and close the door on when the day is through and not have to pack up everyday.

We're in no rush. No deadline to meet. Just a calling to follow. A test of faith. Leaving what is familiar and  comfortable for the new and unknown.

And I don't like the new and unknown until it becomes familiar and comfortable. At which point, God calls us to the new and unknown. Again.

So, here we go. Letting go so that we can grow.

Gratitude Attitude

Well, it's mid-October. I haven't posted in three months. Although, if we're friends on Facebook and if you're on there on a regular basis, you know what's been going on UTRTR.

Still, a lot of times that is superficial fluff. Funny things the kids say or do. What dazzling feat they have mastered. Which, by the way, we have had several accounts lately- a big first birthday followed a week later by first steps, followed a week later by LOTS of steps! First grade. First goose egg. First family vacation.

Okay, I digress. It's October. I'm getting a jumpstart on my New Year's Resolutions. And I never keep them, so I'll call them my "Turning Over New Leaves" since we're in the thick of glorious fall. So, I'm going to aim to do two things- the first to blog more and the second I've already been practicing and making into a habit, with the good LORD's help.

Lately this song from my childhood keeps replaying over and over in my mind. I don't remember all the words, but it goes something like this, "Catch the gratitude attitude! Gratitude attitude, catch it everyday! Oh, give thanks to God each day for all the things He brings your way, catch the gratitude attitude everyday!"

Lots of words are missing, I know. The tune rolls round in my mind several times a day. I suppose it comes with having kids. Things I learned in childhood are forgotten, then something with my children triggers those misplaced memories and while some pieces are sketchy, others are crystal clear.

Trying to instill in my children not just manners (although, that's a post for another day!) but a genuine appreciation for their blessings weighs on my mind.

Right now they're young. Still, I desire to teach them by example to have a grateful heart for all our blessings. I caught myself probably a month or so ago, grumbling to myself about making the bed I had slept in! Silly, I know. We've taught our son how to make his own bed. (Might I add, most days it's impossible to tell who made it him or me- he makes his bed that neatly!) This day I was pulling up the covers wishing my husband had had a couple of minutes to spare so he could have done this task.

Really. What did it take out of my day? Two minutes.

It was at that moment that I remembered the "Gratitude Attitude" song.

Coincidence? Most certainly not, I am certain that it was the Holy Spirit's gentle prodding. "LORD, forgive me for my ungratefulness," I prayed. And, while I finished the task, that there was a list of several things that I was able to thank God for.

- We have a bed to sleep in and sheets and a quilt to keep us comfortable as we sleep.
- My husband usually does this task for me if he has a few minutes before work.
- That we're healthy and are able to get up.
- The blessing of work- that my husband has a good job and that God has entrusted this home and all who live here for me to minister to.

Very humbling when I think of all the blessings! This has created in me a new appreciation for counting my blessings and has totally turned my thought processes upside down!

So, I've been trying this out in all areas of my life.

When I'd like a few minutes of 'me time,' I think instead, "Thank You, God, for entrusting these little ones to me. Thank You for the time I get to spend with them. Help me to be the momma they need. Thank You that they are healthy and noisy and thriving. Thank You that You have called me to pour myself into them so they can become who You've called them to be because of and despite me. Thank You for this time; before I know it, the house will be silent and I'll have all the 'me time' in the world. Help me to be grateful for each moment."

When I've got a sink full of dishes (again)- "Thank You, LORD, that we have food to eat, that my family has a good appetite, that we have the means to cook and clean up."

When the laundry has piled up, "Thank You, God, that we have been so busy having fun that I haven't had time to wash all these clothes You've blessed us with. And thank You that my washer and dryer run smoothly!"

When there are errands to be ran and groceries to be bought- "Thank You, LORD, for a safe car to run our errands in, for money to buy groceries with, and that You always provide for us. Thank You that my kids get to go with me and learn that these things don't just magically happen. Thank You that they get to interact with the clerks at the post office, the cashier at the grocery store, and the librarians. Thank You that these people know my children by name and that my children get to see them working hard and with dignity and learn to treat them kindly."

When school needs to be done, "Thank You, LORD, for this calling in life. This is not where we thought we'd be, but there is no where we'd rather be! Thank You for this time with our children and for this time for my children to be best friends. Thank You that my husband leads, supports, and encourages us every step of the way. Give me the grace I need to teach dropping the silent e before adding -ing and -ed. Again.Thank You that we get to see all the firsts."

-When the house needs to be cleaned, "I love our home, LORD. Thank You for providing a comfortable home for us to enjoy. Thank You for bathrooms to clean, so much of the world doesn't have this. Thank You for my vaccuum and how easy it makes my life. Thank You for the ability to keep it a safe place for my family to enjoy."

Now, I shared all that, not because I'm some holier than thou Christian. I'm not. There are many times I slip up and complain. Hey, I'm not perfect. I'm forgiven!

And, especially lately when we've been studying about the Israelites complaining about manna and quail or when we've read about the disciples moaning and groaning, I see my own self there. It's mirror image. God always provided everything they needed and so often, they complained and wanted more. I read and I think, 'Tsk, tsk, tsk! They shouldn't have done that!' Only, how many times have I been guilty of the same thing?

So, instead of looking for new ways to complain when things don't go my way, I look for new ways to praise.

We're running late? God may have been providing divine protection to keep us from a bad accident.

Things didn't go as planned? No, they went better, or, it was a learning experience.

The house hasn't sold yet? (Okay, it's only been two weeks.) Well, He's just preparing the right people for our beloved RTR. Or He's getting our new home ready. Or both.

Yep, I'm coming down with the gratitude attitude, and this is certainly something I pray that my children catch, too.

The Power of a Yes or a No

There's a local writer, whose work I have admired for years and whose column appears on Tuesdays in our hometown paper. She's published several books and regales us with stories of her life and what it means to be a Southerner. I look forward to her column every week and have for years. I've quoted her in conversations, and only within the last year or so learned that she's only one degree of separation away.

I said all that to say this....sometimes I finish her column with a laugh, at others with a roll of the eyes and a shake of the head- unsure if she's exaggerated a touch or because I know what she's written to be all too true. There are others that linger and make me think.

Last week's did just that.

The column had to do with how the power of a 'yes' or a 'no' could change the course of one's destiny.

The columnist recounted a story from her youth. A much-planned for school trip to the Georgia coast and a chance to meet a writer whom she admired. Then her grandmother passed away the day before she was supposed to leave for the trip. We Southerners never miss a funeral, so she presumed that she would not be going. Her parents, knowing how important this trip was to their daughter and her future, insisted she go. That 'yes' changed the course of her destiny.

Long after I laid the column aside, that story still lingered. That is the kind of parent I want to be. A parent who sees what my child is passionate about and who encourages my children to follow their passion. Even if it means breaking the 'rules.'

But even more than that I contemplated my own destiny. I wondered if someone had changed the course of my life with a simple yes or a no. I pondered this on and off for a few days.

Then it came to me.

As a freshman in college, looking for work I put in applications in virtually the only two places in our small town. I'd been interviewed at both; uncertain at which I should choose, I told my momma that I would go with whoever hired me first- small grocery store or big name shoppers' club.

I got the nod from the small town grocery store, followed by the big name shoppers' club a few hours later.

Still, I stuck with my resolve. I'd go with the first one who said 'yes.'

Fourteen years have since passed and I look back and see that, indeed, the course of my destiny was shaped with a 'yes.'

So much more than a job to make my car note came from that yes. Nine years of marriage and two kids later, I'm thankful to Hope, the woman who hired me; because it was there I met a hardworking young man who would ask me to share his life.

A destiny changed in a 'yes' or a 'no.'


PS- I do not doubt for one second that God orchestrated every detail to bring us where we are today. I find it amazing and awe-some that He allows us to be part of His plans. And with or without us, His plans will come to pass. We can shape our own destiny in a 'yes' or a 'no' to His call.

First Year Down.....

Wow! I can't believe that it's been a month and a half since I last blogged. Then again, it's not really surprising. There has been a whirlwind of activity here- VBS, a certain baby crawling all over the place, then pulling up, now cruising, several trips to the pool, and, of course, finishing up our first official year of homeschooling. All of this in addition to everyday life.

This may seem a little unusual to some, but for our family it works. We are going to pretty much school year round. That doesn't mean no breaks. That just means shorter, more frequent breaks. When Daddy's off work, no school! When we're busy swimming and playing in the summer, no school that day. Which, in turn means that in the cold winter months, we may be having school on Saturday mornings so that we have more flexibility when the weather is better. It works for us and still allows for plenty of play time.

I digress. The intention of this post was not to inform of our school days schedule, but rather to celebrate our official year being on the books. (Pun totally intended!)

Our five year old finished kindergarten Saturday, June 26! As we approached the finish line, I reminded him, 'When we finish with this, we're going to take a break.' And take a break we have! Swimming, loafing, playing, watching movies....of course, there has been a lot of book reading going on, too. So, while the book work is on the back burner, learning is still happening.

(Sidebar- We had a little graduation celebration! A big accomplishment in such a young life! Complete with diploma, cap and gown.)

There have been lots of teachable moments to me this year. My husband and I have seen clearer and clearer the hand of God at work in our lives individually and collectively as a family. We've seen God provide in ways that we hadn't imagined were possible and in ways we didn't even know we needed. He is always, always, always ahead of us and right here with us all at the same time.

I've learned my child doesn't have to do every single cursive worksheet in the book. (Hey, the kids in 'real' school don't finish every last one, either, so I am not going to lose sleep if my kids don't do a few practice sheets in there. Provided, of course, that they know the material!)

I've also learned how to let things go. Having a pristine home isn't nearly as important as toys scattered on the floor, art projects littering the table, and the breakfast dishes still in the sink. It means we have a healthy baby who has a natural curiosity and enjoys play. It means an older child is developing his creativity, and it means we have food to eat!

Basically, my priorities are getting more, well, prioritized.

Best of all, I'm learning by putting God first, spending time with Him each morning and asking for His provision and guidance throughout the day, that He will not put more on me than I can bear. He also will give me wisdom.

I'm pleased to report that we didn't survive the first year. We THRIVED! All by the grace of God. Nothing we have done could have gotten us through this uncertainty.

Sure, there were bad days and obstacles that seemed (and still seem, at times, insurmountable). But there has been more than enough grace to cover our days.

And the really awesome thing?

There's even more grace to get us through whatever challenges await.

And even more awesome than that?

There's more than enough grace to get everyone through whatever challenges await!

And, now that we have reached the end of our first official year, we are more certain than ever that the choice we've made is the right one. It's what we've been called to do. We wouldn't have joy anywhere else.

Grace. That word sums up what we live under, what we claim, what we know to be true.

Maybe we should give our little homeschool a name now that we are 'official'.

I'm thinking Grace Christian Academy sounds about right.