It Just Makes Me Wonder

Portrait of Faith, Writing

I woke up at 8:30 switched on the TV to see what I was missing at home not having cable. Not much obviously. I settled on a political news program about the one year anniversary of Katrina. After heating up my breakfast sandwich in the microwave, I turned on my computer anticipating a peaceful writing morning. Then I reached for the Gideon's Bible.

I read a couple of Psalms, yet my mind was distracted, nothing really sunk it. Then it hit me. I was reading a Bible in my hotel room placed by the Gideon's. I wasn't reading any other religious book. I thought of all the rooms in the hotel and all the hotels in my town and all the hotels in other towns. I thanked God for the Gideon's, grateful for their work in placing Bibles all over the world. I had purposefully left my Bible at home assuming there'd be one for me to read in the hotel. And this time there was.

But what about next time?

I pray I never see the day I won't be able to find a Gideon's Bible in a hotel room.

Thank you Lord for your Word and for those who have given to the Gideon's to make it possibly for people to have your Word. I pray their work continues, their support increases and that those who do not know you, will catch a little glimpse of you one night in their hotel room in a Gideon's Bible.

My Husband FINALLY Read My Blog

Portrait of Writing, Family

Big Mistake

Both hubby and I are not gifted in encouraging andedifyingg and instead of focusing on how wonderful my blog is and what a good writer I am ('cause I know he thinks that) he says, "Now I know where you've been spending all your time. "

That happened as I was heading out the door for my writing weekend. Talk about heaping a load of discouragement on me! I immediately went into deciphering the hidden message mode which said:

"Gee, honey, now I understand why the laundry is never done, and dinner isn't on time when I walk through the door. I've always wondered where you were when it's time to put the kids to bed, now I know. Uh, didn't you give up writing?"

Well, whether or not that's what he actually said, it's what I heard and it mixed with my own mama guilt for spending too much time on the computer. (Hey, at least I don't watch soaps while eating bon bons or talk on the phone. Don't I get some points for that?)

But still, I've slowly been feeling this new obsession growing out of control, but I also knew there'd be an end to the endless hours on the internet. We're still in summer mode, gearing up for homeschool. So while his words might have been right on, it's the lack of support and encouragement I often feel for my writing that got to me.

Don't get me wrong, he's a wonderful guy who lets me go off on SEVERAL in town weekends a year to write or scrapbook or whatever! And he has NO PROBLEM taking care of the four kids. It's just he doesn't get it that my writing isn't just a hobby. It's a career in the making which would carry more weight if I was actually making money at it. Though I do remind him that I've made $1200 writing in the last two years (though I turn around and spend it on writer's conferences.) Doesn't that count for it being a REAL career?

Anyway, enough gripping. I'm just so excited to be here in the hotel suite (that my hubby did a business trade for so I could get away.) I've got my coffee brewed. I'm set up on the bed, though there's a perfectly good desk. My meals are stashed away in the frig and the room came with microwave popcorn and two complementary beverages which I got at the little food pantry down stairs. So I'm all set. (If only this high speed internet hook up was a little faster.)

Next thing to do it is log off, pray and then write!

I feel like...

Portrait of Fun, Writing

a druggie in a crack house before a fix. Wanna know why?

A Tear Jerker

Portrait of Fun, Family, Writing

I can't get through this book without crying. I hadn't read it in a couple of years and tonight Gracie brought it to me to read before bed. I thought I could handle it. I thought I wasn't going to cry until...Well, maybe a quick review is in order.

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch is about a mother and son. Every night when the son was asleep the mother would rock the baby and sing "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be."

Even through the terrible twos, the rebellious teen years and even when the boy was out on his own, his mother would sneak into his room, and when he was asleep she'd rock him and sing the same song.

Then one day she called him to come to her because she was old and sick. (Okay, here's where I get choked up.) She tries to sing the song, but can't finish it so her son picks her up, rocks her and sings "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always as long as I'm living my mommy you'll be." (Sheesh! Even as I write that I feel the emotion swelling in my chest.)

Then the boy/man goes home and rocks his baby daugher and sings the song!

A must read for every mom! Go out and buy it for your pregnant friends today!

Chick Embryo Heartbeat

Portrait of Homeschooling, Fun

I couldn't wait for Wordless Wednesday, plus I've got some words to go with this. We went to a museum a couple of weeks ago and were mesmerized by this chick embryo with a heartbeat. I don't know what the PETA people would say and I don't know what happens to this little guy (it's only a couple of days old) but it's so amazing to see the little heartbeat and makes we wonder how people can debate that life starts at birth!

Kids Say the Funniest Things...

Gracie (4):
playing Rescue Heroes "This is Wendy Waters. Do you Coffee? Do you Coffee?"

***
After looking at a picture of me pregnant with her. "Mom, I peed in your belly."
***
After I asked her to do something "Okay, Your Majesty Queen."

***
I often tell Gracie I'm glad she's part of our family. One day out of the blue she said "Mommy, are you excited I'm in the family?"

Me: "Yes, Gracie, I'm very excited you're in the family."

"Me too. I'm glad you're in the family." She gives me abig kiss.

***
Timmy (6):
looking for a toy "I can't find the two balls. Wait a minute." He smiles and karate chops on either side of his...Yes, you guessed it.
Those younger boys seem to "know" a whole lot more
than their brothers did when they were little.

***
When Timmy reminded me the family movie was starting "I hope you don't get too distracted by the computer." Five or ten minutes later he comes back up. I'm still on the computer. "Mom, you're distracted again. Come on!"
How could I resist that!
***
"Don't look at the computer or you'll be a computer nerd!"

***
Days after a lesson on Hurricanes. "Mom, it's stopped raining. Are we in the eye of the storm or is the storm over?" Such a bright boy!
Makes a homeschooler proud!

***
Joey (9):
After I was having a very hard day and my husband explained to him about mommy hormones. "Mom, I know yo've been strict lately, and I forgive you."

Wordless Wednesday: Up, Up, and Away

Portrait of Fun



More great pics here.

I Give Up

I thought I found this great way to categorize my posts with blogger without having to cut and paste into a post which takes forever. I'd just manually tag each post with a "Portrait of Family" and then link to the blogger search with "Family" and my URL.

Seems like it should work, right? But it doesn't. I typed the "tag" right into the text box, so why isn't blogger search picking it up? Don't beleive me, go here and see for yourself. It only picks up "family" that's buried in the text.

I'm so glad I quit tagging my 100 plus posts to see if it actually worked and it doesn't. I'm trying to make my life easier and spend less time on line. Almost makes me want to jump ship, but I love my new look and don't want to think of starting over from scratch!

Ugh! Why can't things work the way you want them to!

Chicken Without Arsenic...It Works for Me

WFMW


WFMW

Did you know that many chicken farms feed an arsenic corn mix to their chickens? So when you think you're eating healthy at one of those fast food resturants by getting a grilled chicken sandwich, are you getting a stomach full of arsenic instead?

I've done some research and Tyson used to use a similar chicken feed, but they've taken the arsenic out. Of course, organic chicken is best, but it's expensive and with feeding a family of six I have to weigh my options with the cost. So when I shop for chicken, Tyson's is what I reach for. I like the individual frozen chicken, especially the pre-cooked grill chicken strips. I throw them in a salad or mix with pasta, make faijitas or serve them plain to the kids.

Chicken without Arsenic...it Works for me.

Check at Shannon's blog for more great ideas!

Gracie's First Day of Preschool

Portrait of Family, Parenting

This is Gracie's third year of preschool. The first year, when she was 2 1/2 she LOVED preschool and didn't think twice about going into the class. Then half way through preschool things changed. She started being clingy and not wanting to let go of me when I dropped her off.

It was my first year homeschooling and I really needed her in preschool two days a week. It was the only day I got any real schooling done with my older boys. She seemed to adjust back into the routine after a while and her teachers were patient, warm and just plain awesome.

Last year I decided to put her in preschool one day a week. I don't know if that was the best idea because I can't remember a day without her clinging to me or struggling to get her to class. A part of me thinks it had a little to do with the teachers she had. They were both new to teaching preschool and both had preschoolers of their own. (Why in the world they wanted to teach other preschoolers is beyond me.) They weren't as warm and loving as Gracie's other teachers had been, but I really needed her in preschool. My little tornado constantly disrupted our homeschool, never sat still, and wouldn't nap. And I didn't want her watching videos all day long.

Today went a little better. I got her excited about preschool last night by saying "If you get up early we can get Krispy Kreme." Now she LOVES Krispy Kreme donuts and we only get them a couple times a year though they're a mile from my house because it send my kids into hyperactive craziness. I know, poor teacher and believe me I've been praying Gracie will not drive her teachers crazy.

She lined up with the other kids outside the room fine while I dropped off field trip money and what not, but when it was time to leave she did the clingy thing. It didn't last long and I think I threatened to eat the other half of her donut if she didn't let go of me. (I know, not the best parenting technique!) But she eventually let go and seemed okay.


So here I sit. I had big plans to clean out the school room which still looks like this while she was away, but guess what I've been doing. BLOGGING! My new venture is taking off and soon we'll have various writing mommies posting every day. So check it out and if you join you'll be put in a drawing for a free autographed book by Tricia Goyer.

It's a little after noon, the boys are engrossed in PS2. I guess there's still time to tackle that school room before lunch.

Front Porch Days

Portrait of Fun

Every Day Mommy has invited me and you to "Come on, sit yourself on down." On her front porch. "Coffee's brewing and the tea is ready. How about we chat a little? Look at the kids, they're getting along just fine, playing in the yard, swinging on that old tire swing.

I thought I'd ask you a silly question today... If money and time were no object, what would your ultimate dream vacation be?"

Well, Jules (I take a sip of my tea) That's an easy one. I would take a trip and see it ALL! From Egypt to Italy, from India to the Outback, I'd hop on plane, train, automobile and boat. I love to travel and I love different cultures. So with camera in hand, I'd be a happy traveler!

How about you? Where would you go?

Learning Phonics Can Be Dangerous

Portrait of Homeschooling, Fun, Family

I need to put a warning on this post because though hilariously funny, it has potential to be offensive. I'll try to be as non-offensive as I can as I relate to you what had me rolling on the floor, and my husband giving me one of those head shakes with the hidden message of "you asked for it by laughing. Now you get yourself out of this one."

After dinner Timmy (6), was playing with some phonics tiles. Earlier I helped him write the sentence CAN YOU JUMP? He sounded out the CAN and JUMP, I just helped with the YOU.

While I sorted the color tiles with Gracie, I heard Timmy sounding out a new word. In his innocent, cute little voice he made the "fffff...." sound, then the long "u" sound and the last letter was "K".

He proceeded to sound out the word perfectly! (Guess I'm a better phonics teacher than I thought.) I couldn't help but giggle at the bad word I hadn't heard in years, and he continued saying it with more enthusiasm. Rolling with hysterics, I then tell Timmy to go show his dad what word he spelled. And Timmy did, saying it over and over again. Finally, after I was able to control myself I said, "enough. That's a very, very, very, bad word."

He stopped but was still curious as to what it meant so I said it was as bad as ...then I said some bathroom word I can't even remember what it was. He laughed a little and hasn't said the word since.

Epilogue/prologue? Growing up in my home THE word was used quite often, every day in fact by my mother, myself and my sister. Even now, though grandma is a saved by Grace, Born Again Christian she lets one of her expletives fly and I look in shock, especially when it's in front of my children. Luckily, my children are innocent enough not to realize a bad word when they hear it! Hopefully next time I'll be wise enough NOT to laugh.

UPDATED:

I started to say this in the comment section, but thought it might be better said here:

Just to set the record straight, over the course of my Christian adult life, I too have used many "choice" words in anger, meant to hurt the one they were aimed at. I think the condition of our hearts is much more important than the actual words we use. "From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." That scripture is always convicting for me since it's my mouth that usually gets me into trouble.

Onward Christian Soldier

Portrait of Faith

I've been fighting a war for years...and losing. Though there has been no bloodshed and death, the war is real and damaging, mostly to myself but also to those I care about most. Some days the battles are fierce and endless and I bow my head in defeat. Other days I withstand the enemy and claim victory, knowing that tomorrow will be another day and another battle.

I've won the first battle of the flesh today. I woke up at 6:30 am and though I battled whether or not to roll over and stay in bed , my flesh lost and here I am. Quiet house, yummy coffee. Solitude and my computer.

Over the years I've seen my flesh grow weaker and undisciplined...

"Just 30 more minutes in bed. The kids can make their own breakfast. It's quiet downstairs. I sleep best in the morning hours because I don't get to bed until after midnight and when I do get to bed before midnight I toss and turn for two hours so why go to bed early?"

"What's one piece of cake matter? It's a birthday party. But when you have two birthday cakes per birthday and several parties over the course of Spring, and choose yummy fattening foods instead of salads, and eat an extra couple of pizzas at the buffet, and that extra five pounds you managed NOT to gain over Christmas suddenly appears on your posterior and your clothes feel tighter, then IT really does matter."

"I just don't have to time to exercise or I'm too tired. Yes, it's true, To fit exercise in something has to give, but it seems that now at 37 yrs. old I can't get away with NOT exercising and NOT gaining weight and on my 5 ft 3 1/2 inch. frame which in my opinion still boasts and EXTRA 20 lbs. of baby fat, any more added weight is unacceptable. So why did I have those extra pieces of cake yesterday?"

And I won't even mention how many times a day I loose my patient with my family and my "angry eyebrows" rear their ugly, bushy little heads!

But I know "...our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

I know it, and yet I don't put on my armor daily. Most times I don't even recognize there is a battle going on until I've lost. This summer I've been going through the armor of God unit study with my children (though not consistently...seems the only thing I do consistently is sin...SIGH). I know I need to pick it up again and instead of pointing at the splinter in my children's eyes, look in the mirror and see my own sprouting seedling rooted deep in my own.

Why is crucifying the flesh so hard? Jesus knew the answer! "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (Matthew 26:41)

For fun, I wanted to see what THE MESSAGE Bible had to say about it:
"Stay alert; be in prayer so you don't wander into temptation without even knowing you're in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there's another part that's as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire."

Yep, knew I was lazy, eager for God, but wait...what's that...go back and read it again (I'm talking to myself here.) STAY ALERT and...something I've been convicted about lately and one of the keys to winning the battle. PRAYER.

Over the years I've gotten too busy for real prayer. Sure, I talk to the Lord constantly especially in times of trouble and I "think" things over and call that prayer. As a "doer" prayer is hard for me. It just doesn't seem like I'm accomplishing anything. But that too is a tactic of the enemy. He knows my weaknesses and will use them to his advantage.

Okay, bringing it all back home...I am in a war! I'm a soldier trying to fight the good fight, but I've been fighting without my Commanding Officer. I've finally re-remembered I can't fight on my own and win. I know, I've been trying and failing for so long. But I will lose if I don't consult my CO and use the weapons He has given me. The armor, the Word and prayer.

And I also need to remember that to win a war you fight one battle at a time.
One battle at a time.

If you're needing some inspiration in your battle go here. I'm headed there now!

My Home is Alive with the Sound of Music

Portrait of Family, Parenting, Faith


For me, nothing is more beautiful than listening to my children sing. When Chris, my oldest, was two years old I caught him changing the words to the popular children's song "itsy, bitsy, spider." In perfect tune, he sang "I want some pancakes, pancakes, pancakes, pancakes..." I knew at that moment that he was gifted and started looking for ways to get him involved in music, but I couldn't find anything for a two year old.

When he was three years old, I took him to his first musical, The Wizard of Oz. We both marveled at the children singing and dancing on stage. After the show they handed out pamphlets to a musical theatre school. I signed him up and he's been singing and performing ever since.

My proudest moment came when he performed the part of Dodger from Oliver. How he got the part was a miraculous story in itself, but years ago after seeing the same musical I knew one day Chris would be perfect for the part. And he was.

Though he loves to sing and perform, he hates to be told to sing. And don't ever put him on the spot. He won't sing for anything. Believe me I've tried to bribe him with money, and it doesn't work. He wants to sing when he wants.

Over the years I've had to "encourage" his gift and talent. This is one area I won't budge in because I know his voice is a gift from God and I want him to use his talent for God's glory.

Chris is 12 now and still loves to sing and eat pancakes! His baby voice has grown into a beautiful sound that still brings tears to my eyes. I love to catch him singing and it really brings joy and peace to my soul. And for me, that's the beauty of music.

Check out the rest of the carnival.

Facts of Life for the Cyber Generation

Portrait of Fun

I got this in an email the other day. Maybe I'll try this out when it's time to have the "talk" with my kids. Of course, I believe in abstinence before marriage, but I just couldn't resist this clever take on the "birds and the bees."

A Little boy goes to his father and asks "Daddy, how was I born?"

The father answers: "Well son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway!
Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe.

We sneaked into a secluded room, where your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive. As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared that said:

You got Male!

My Life is One BIG Mess

Portrait of Homeschooling, Family, Parenting,

Do you ever feel like your life is a mess? You know, toys thrown all over the room, and clothes scattered across the bedroom floor. No matter how much I clean, throw away, give away, and sell, the mess just seems to multiply.

Twice a year I gather up the kids old clothes and toys for a big consignment sale. I just packed the car and will drop it off tomorrow. Then I get to shop for more STUFF on Saturday. Actually, it's a great deal. I get my little girl's entire wardrobe in one shot. Then next year I turn around and sell it.

This year I'm a little wiser though. For this summer I bought all these cute capri and short sets, but she prefers dresses. So when I go shop for her, I have to remember it's for her and not me. That means no jeans (she has enough in her closet), nothing that restricts her neck like sweaters, turtle necks and hoodies. So what's left to buy? Dresses, dresses, shoes, tights and more dresses!

I just hope I don't come home with more STUFF than what I got rid of!!!!

Homeschool Already?

Portrait of Homeschooling

Our homeschool will not officially start for a couple of weeks ( keep saying that, don't I). My first goal is to clean out the school room, which looks like this. Yes, that is my dinning room set used as a desk and bookcase.

So to keep me motivated, I'm posting some links to various homeschool sites and posts I've found. Check them out. They just might help and inspire you whether or not you homeschool.


Ready, Set, Homeschool Great first day of school ideas!

Sign Me Up Planning volunteering into your homeschool

UPDATED:

Here's some on the "schooling" debate...

Hidden Messages ROFLOL!
Pt. 2
Pt. 3

Public, Private or Homeschool?

Homeschool Meme

Seven Habits of a Highly Successful School Year

Thirteen Reasons Heather Loves Homeschooling

Decluttering that school space Juat what I need!

Check Back for Updates as I add more to this list.

Going, Going, Gone...

We'll be visiting family for the next couple of days. It was a sudden unexpected trip. My sister and her family might be moving to the mid west from NY, so they're checking out the place. They'll be five hours away, so we're driving to see them.

In the meantime if you want something to read, check out my Masterpieces on the side bar. They date back to my humble beginnings as a blogger. And don't forget, as always, to leave a comment! Isn't that what bloggers live for?

It's Okay to Be Bad

Portrait of Faith

Week four of Experiencing Christ Within is all about sin.

The bad news it that we're all sinners. No one is good! Not one. When God looks down from heaven, He sees us all the same. Prostitute, deacon, drug dealer, preacher. We're all sinners.

Sure, there are people who do not serve God and who do good. I'm not denying that. But the difference is the standard or the measurement we use to determine good.

Dwight Edwards explains it like this:

"We can easily slip into a 'street level' view of goodness. It's like walking down a city street sidewalk and comparing the heights of those you pass by. A few people happen to be well over six feet tall and really stand out from the crowd. But if you were to look down on the scene from atop a hundred-story skyscraper, everybody on the sidewalk would appear equally tiny."

That's how God sees us. We're all sinners because of our sin nature (thanks Adam and Eve) because it goes against the very nature of God.

According to Psalm 53:2-3, "God looks down from heaven on the children of men to see if they understand, who seek God. Every one of them has turned aside; they have together become corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one."

[SIGH], So are we a hopeless lot, destined to live a sinful life? Yes, and no! I think the title of this chapter says it all, "The Journey to Radical Dependence."

I haven't finished the chapter yet, but I think the author is setting the scene for how much we need God. How much we need the saving Grace of his son. No, there is not one that is good. Not me, not you!

So why is it okay to be bad, as the title of this post suggest? Because as I see it, if we weren't bad or full of sin, there'd be no need for Jesus. Through Christ we are forgiven and made a new. I can't wait to see how the end of the chapter (and me) turns out!

My Eyes Are Bigger Than My Schedule

Portrait of Parenting, Family

I'm beginning to think I've bitten off more I can chew.

Homeschool is just around the corner, albeit our corner is at least two weeks away. But the activities seem to be starting up. Homeschool PE, Flag football, Musical Theatre, dance, gymnastics, swimming! Thank goodness Timmy (6) told me early this summer. "Mom, don't sign me up for anything without asking me."

Well, I've asked and he's said "no" to everything except the one thing I haven't checked into...soccer.

Our schedule is alreay jam packed. Whoever said homeschoolers aren't socialized really didn't know what they were talking about. My kids are too socialized! And I'm sure it's my fault for wanting them to try and do everything. Good thing, they're not interested in every thing.

Here's a glimpse into our crazy schedule this fall.

Mondays: PE for the boys, musical theatre for Joey
Tuesday: Homeschool class for Chris and Joey, Preschool and swimming for Grace, Musical theatre for Chris.
Wednesday: Tap and Ballet for Grace, church at night
Thursday: PE for the boys, preschool for Grace, flag football for Chris
Friday: Homeschool co-op for us all.

Then there's Joey's gymnastics that I haven't been scheduleted in yet. And I should probably sign Joey up for piano. I decided against lessons for Chris because all he does is complain about lessons. I'm just going to let Joey "teach" Chris at home.

The best thing about the schedule is that for the evening activities I get to go to the gym and work out. Since I've started homeschooling, my exercise schedule has suffered. I'm determined to make exercise a priority this year!

My schedule is really more busy for me than the kids. So what do you think? Do you think I'll have anytime for blogging?

How about you? What does your schedule look like?