What Happened on Wednesday

It is my turn to post over at Laced With Grace. You can read the devotion here.

Honestly, this was the hardest devotion I have ever written. I had two months to prepare something and just felt writer's block. Hopefully, even through the writer's block or lack of inspiration - someone will find encouragement in it. So head over and let me know what you think!

Playtime is Over?

Did you know that some schools have actually had to hire "recess coaches" for recess time at schools? I knew free playtime was becoming less and less popular but really didn't know it had come to this. Here is an article in the NY Times about it. The original article, from which I got the title and was tweeted by @albertmohler, can be read here.

It does seem as though kids are not as interested in outdoor play time. Even with my own kids - given the choice they would pick the Wii over playing outside. For awhile, I allowed it. But then I realized they weren't getting enough free time outside to just play - be creative - play backyard games of football and soccer and good ole' Hide 'n Seek.

I know times are different. We live in a gated neighborhood, and although I allow it some, it does make me nervous to have the kids play in the front yard or ride bikes because I see cars flying down the road and not watching out for kids playing in the street. Our neighborhood is small too, but on the straightaway's - those cars drive too fast. It only takes a split second for my 3 year old to dart out in front of one - even under my watchful eye!! I know not only is safety an issue with regard to cars but people can't be trusted either. The way my home is situated, I can only see a small portion of the yard.

I do like for the kids to get together with the other neighborhood kids and play but I feel like if they play in the front yard, I typically need to be out there with them! I like for them to play in the backyard, we have a real nice backyard and the kids seem to enjoy it. But again, I usually have to push them outside. In other words, give them no choice but to go outside.

Since I homeschool, I am able to make sure it happens. When I was in school, I always looked forward to recess after lunch. I had no problem playing and enjoyed it. It also seems as though biking has become less popular, probably because there isn't many places to ride. Where I live, subdivisions are everywhere and you would think it would be safe to ride bikes but like I said before, cars speed through the streets. Plus you have to worry about mean people kidnapping and doing crazy things - so even our neighborhoods are not safe. When my oldest started riding w/out training wheels, she rode before two of her friends (both boys, one of which was a year older)...btw, she was almost 7!

I just found these articles sad. We as parents really need to be proactive in encouraging our children to play outside and to play well! Now if the rain would go away :)

Race Day!

We are so blessed to be a part of such an awesome homeschool group! Today was our Spring Sports Slam - and our Disney Give a Day - Get a Day - so sometime soon we will be headed to Disney World for free :)

Both Caleb and Delena participated in the HAWK TROT race which is a fundraiser for the Hawk's athletic booster club. Delena ran the 1 mile Hawk Trot in 9:32. Not bad, even though she was in the back of the pack and one of the younger ones running in this race. She hasn't been much of a runner so I thought she did well for her very first race and very little work to prepare for it.

Delena during the race

Delena at the finish line - even though its hard to tell from this picture.

Caleb ran the mini Hawk Trot, which was a 1/4 mile race. He did NO work to prepare for it and up until 20 minutes before race time he had no intention on doing it (even though I had signed him up for it ahead of time). I wasn't going to force him to do it but once he saw all his friends racing, he decided to join in. And he took 1st Place in his age group! Now I have two kids interested in running, a hubby that has run two 5ks this week --- so I better get back in the run mode! Caleb and his friend, Sam finishing the race.

Caleb crossing the finish line!

Go F.I.S.H HAWKS!!

Happy 6th Birthday Caleb

Today my little guy turns 6! We are going to take him today to Toys R Us or Target to pick out a new 20" bike. His old bike is too little, his knees hit the handle bars when he rides it, so its time for a new bike! He is so excited to get to actually go pick it out -- leaning towards a full suspension BMX Bike!

Then Friday is his birthday celebration with friends. He is having a few of his co-op buddies and his little best friend, Griffin, stay over. They are camping in tents in the backyard. Lots of SMORES and flashlight tag games!

Happy Birthday little guy!

A Beautiful Day for a Wedding

Yesterday my niece was married in an outside wedding. The weather in Florida couldn't have been nicer! Highs only in the upper 70s and only for a short time! By the time the reception started, the temperature was dropping and the weather was perfect. We really had a great time and it was great seeing family that we don't see too often. The kids had fun seeing their cousins and 2nd cousins.

The pictures are in reverse order. This is my second attempt to post them. I had to cut them back because blogger (or my computer) kept locking up working on them.

Very strange thing though...my niece was about the age of my oldest when I first met her...some fifteen years ago when I started dating my husband. Wow, how time flies!!!

Here are the kiddos dancing at the reception. Delena and Taya are there with their Aunt Theresa.

Delena being taught some dance moves by her Aunt Joyce and Aunt Theresa. If anyone has ever seen Seinfeld, Delena dances like Elaine! LOL

Aunt Joyce leading Delena, Taya and Savannah in a dance. Savannah is Joyce's granddaughter and my girls second cousin.

Taya and her second cousin Madison.

The Bride enjoying a dance at the reception.

My kids enjoying a photo opportunity with their cousin, Jenny.

Family photo opp! Had to get a good one for our homeschool promotion ceremony coming up soon! I think this one will work, Thanks Andy!

A picture of Mark's brother (Mike) and his family. (Andy - Mike's son, Joyce, Tonya - Andy's wife, Austin and Savannah).

The Father/Daughter dance.....Jenny with her dad, Dan (Mark's other brother). They danced to Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman...a beautiful song!

The first dance!

After the ceremony - Jenny & Nick

Our niece, Jenny during the ceremony. They did something I had not seen before where the bride and groom poured two different colors of sand into one jar. A neat illustration.

Before we left...Delena and Taya in our backyard. My mom bought the girls these really cute dresses for the wedding and for Easter.

The first attempt at a family photo. Turned out OK :)

Thankful Thursday

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and i steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. 9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
English Standard Version

This past week has been more of a challenge to me. I almost dreaded having to prepare my Thankful Thursday because I have been in such a down mood all week. And I know the root of my mood - we are now going on 10 months of my husband being out of work! I have been cycling through a self pity party, I guess you could say. I'll think about how life is completely on hold right now because we have to stay on such a tight budget. I think about the zero job prospects at the current time. I think about how the interview that went so well just a few short weeks ago has proven to not be God's will. The more I think, the more unsettled I become.

Sure, it would be nice if while he was out of work, we could get some home improvements done. Our house needs painting. We live in a nice neighborhood going on about 10 years old. All the other houses are getting painted and it is only a matter of time before our HOA starts bugging us. We have the money to buy the paint but are worried about spending it. Our carpets need replacing but again, we probably shouldn't spend the money. Summer is approaching and the kids need clothes. We really WANT to buy a camper. And did I mention before I am having DISNEY withdrawal! It has been 6 long months since we have been to Disney - I am dying, here!!

Doesn't that sound like such a long whine? And senseless??? I am in a prophecy class and Tuesday night as we worked through 1 Thessalonians, we talked about suffering/trials/afflictions, etc. I realized that I have no reason to whine and that I really need to change my attitude to a heart of thanksgiving. God is allowing us to go through this trial because somehow, someway, in the end He will receive the MOST glory! I have to take comfort in that. I have to find hope in that.

On my street, there are 3 men laid off from work - we are the only Christians. Do you think they are watching us? I mean, the whole street knows we load up every Sunday and Wednesday to drive off to church. My husband has spent a lot of time in the garage doing some serious cleaning and organizing. He always has either the Christian radio station or his iPod of Christian music or preaching of Albert Mohler or John MacArthur. I am sure they notice. People all around are watching...how are those Christians going to handle this? How is their God going to come through for them? So complaining about not being at Disney on these beautiful spring days isn't helpful to my witness. Neither is an attitude of fear and despair. Here is an awesome opportunity to show others what hope in the Lord really is. They are watching and now is our chance to share what Hope is Jesus is!

I so want us to come through this with God saying, "well done, good and faithful servant." So today, unlike my usual Thankful Thursday posts, I am going to give Thanks to God for all that has happened since my husband has been laid off work! This will help me change my heart towards more of an attitude of praise and thanksgiving seeking to give God all the glory in everything - including our trials!

• I am thankful that we took a week to go visit Georgia to see my husband's parents.




• I am thankful that even though Mark didn't have a job, we were able to take a Disney vacation back in September before our passes expire. Yes, we stayed 7 nights for under $250! (Ft. Wilderness at $30 a night ROCKS)!! And friends willing to loan us a camper rocked! Even during that trip, I got a girls night away to Deeper Still in Orlando to see Beth Moore, Priscilla Shrier and Kay Arthur.




• I am thankful that Mark has been such a huge part of homeschooling during this time off. He has helped with Math U See, helped my little guy read, helped with projects and taken lots of field trips with us. He has gotten to go to Park Days, Christmas Parties, Field Day, Book - it and Science Co-Op Days. He has been able to come to football and soccer games where the kids cheered and he has helped coach the recreational football, soccer and now softball teams.




• I am thankful we had an awesome Christmas!




• I am thankful that we didn't give into every want and desire over the last few years (which means I am so thankful we didn't purchase a camper last year - I'd be heartbroken to have to sell it). This allowed for us to save for the rainy year ahead! Also Thankful for that Dave Ramsey class we took a few yeas back!



• I am thankful that for the last 10 months, I have had my hubby at home. We have certainly enjoyed the time, even though we couldn't do everything we wanted. It has been nice having him around and in the end, we will finally once again have an organized and clean house! He can at least work on the non-expensive projects. Nothing wrong with organizing!!



• I am thankful that I am learning to coupon! That has really helped in our grocery bill.



• I am thankful for family who has been faithful to help us out. Mark's parents and sister have been sending us money every month - even though we aren't asking for it. Hopefully one day we can return the blessing in an abundant way!



• I am thankful that through it all - God continues to provide and be faithful in those provisions. When I was having such a tough time the other day, Mark sat down with me and showed me exactly where we were financially. I was pleasantly surprised. We are doing OK. Through it all, we haven't been late on 1 bill. Haven't had to miss a mortgage payment. Have a bit of money still in savings to help out. I have my contract job and he has done some contracting work as well - though not a full time job by any means. Even with no benefits - we have all stayed healthy and well.

Yes, this has been a hard trial. And I would be lying if I said I wasn't ready for it to end. Yet, God knows every detail of everything we are going through and I know He has a plan. I will trust. I will wait. I will be anxious for nothing.

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

To join in or read more heartfilled thanks, please join in here.

Thankful Thursday

Its Thursday! Which means it is time to reflect on the past week and bring to mind things that I am thankful for! So here is this week's list.

• I am thankful for Co-Op Friday's! I love getting the kiddos together with their Science co-op. On Friday they made ice-cream! And had a blast learning about ice cream and how it relates to Pluto!

• I am thankful for soccer season and thankful that it is over. We can sleep in on Saturday! For a few weeks anyway, then t-ball and softball starts :)
• I am thankful for date night, unplanned but just as exciting. We ate at Carrabbas and had the Chicken Bryan. That is the MOST amazing food!! I am going to attempt to make it on Saturday, so we will see how that goes.
• I am thankful that my little guy has a new pen pal in Canada. We sent off his letter today and he is so excited.
• I am thankful for the dinner my mom made us on Saturday.
• I am thankful for the rain forecast today - just hope it doesn't get in the way of Homeschool park day!
• I am thankful again for God's provision this week.

What are you thankful for? Join in here.

Catechisms

Everyday I try to walk about 3 - 5 miles. Summer is coming quickly here in Florida and I need to get ready - plus walking is excellent exercise (but we already knew that). I love my walks but here is how nerdy I truly am. I love to listen to Ask Anything Wednesday on the Albert Mohler Radio Program. So I have been going back in time and downloading archives to my iPod and listening to old episodes as I walk. I look forward to that time because I learn so much.

Anyway, one show a caller had called in and asked about teaching Catechisms to our children. Honestly, I had hear a similar question before on the program and remembered Dr. Mohler's positive response to teach them. At that time, I really didn't pay particular attention to it....my kids are already immersed in homeschool work in which we thread all of it with Biblical truths. My oldest, D., does in depth Bible study by using Kay Arthur's Discover 4 Yourselves books which I have discovered give the parents in our church heartburn...they are more work than most parents are willing to put fourth in their own Bible study. So the idea of memorizing Catechisms wasn't that appealing.

I'm not sure why on this particular day that question peaked my interest. Again, Dr. Mohler exhorted parents to teach Catechisms to our children. I honestly wasn't even sure what they were. After my walk I came home and did a little research, expecting to purchase a book or something (Spurgeon's and Piper's were two recommended).

However, I found the ones that John Piper wrote, they seem very similar to Spurgeon's, right on his website. Now I am working with both kids to memorize all 118 Questions along with the Lord's Prayer, The Apostles Creed and the 10 Commandments. Eventually my youngest will get in on the memorization also but at least for now she is hearing and being a part of the discussion.

While I haven't figured out the best way to work them into our daily routine, we are working on it. I try to lay the question out, talk about it and help the kids practice reciting them. I also gave a few incentives....a DS or iPod touch to each as they memorize all of them :) I know they seem a bit dry however, like Dr. Mohler said, they are very important. It is so important for our children to not only know Bible passages (or stories) but to know and understand Doctrine as well.

I was emailed a poll yesterday that MSNBC is conducting about whether or not homeschool text books should be allowed to "dismiss" Evolution. I wasn't really fond of how the question was worded because our children need to be a ready defense....they need to know what Evolution teaches in order to be prepared to combat it with God's word. I was shocked by all the negative comments, although I probably shouldn't be. I held my tongue and didn't comment, just cast my vote and thought how awesome a responsibility we have as parents to train our children. The world is growing so increasingly hostile to Christian's that I think their adult life may face far more persecutions that we realize.

After reading Ken Ham's book, Already Gone, I realize the vital importance to teach our children doctrine, truth, and the rich jewels found in God's Word. Memorizing Catechisms is a way to help grind these truths into our children's memory.

Here is the link to John Piper's Catechisms at Desiring God.


Also, here is a link to Spurgeon's Catechisms.

I pray my children grow in Spiritual Knowledge of God's truth. I want them to understand doctrine and to understand the Bible. And for them to be a defense with their views and opinions rooted in a Biblical worldview.

What about you? I would love to hear your ideas. Do you use Catechisms? Which ones?

Highlights

I would have loved to have just sat and listened to some of these in person...Amazing!







http://grace.ly/sc2010video

Date Night!

SHHHH......can you hear that noise? Me Neither!! I am in my house ALL ALONE....

My two oldest are staying the night at my friend's house (her kids and my kids play super well together so she is keeping two of them). She offered to keep T. but T. wanted to go stay at Nana's house (my mom).

We had our science co-op after I met my mom halfway to drop off T. The kids all made ice cream to go with our week on Pluto. Then the older kids discussed the pluto being a planet or not being a planet debate. Then D. & C. left with Betsy to go to her house and I came home to just the dog. My hubby has contract work today.

So we are going to Carrabba's tonight...our favorite place to eat food! Praise God for the gift card the landscaper gave us for Christmas!!

Thankful Thursday

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

Psalm 97:12 ESV

I cannot believe it is already Thursday! So excited to share thanksgiving today! Today I am thankful for:

• The last few days of teaching and working with my little man who accepted Christ last week. I ordered him a new Bible to celebrate. I had bought him an NIV Adventure Bible about 3 years ago when he started Cubbies (Awana) but somehow he lost it. He has been using D.'s Holman Bible she received from church as a gift. So I went back and forth between a NIRV and the new ESV Children's Bible. I ultimately decided on the ESV one and I am so glad I did! The ESV is my favorite translation. The notes in the back are all written by Children Desiring God. I know the NIRV would probably be a little easier to read but the ESV is so beautiful and he will eventually get there! My 9 year old studies out of the NASB (she had the New Inductive Study Bible for all her Discover 4 Yourselves books but I will eventually get her an ESV Study Bible :) Reading with my little guy and answering all his questions has been awesome!!!
• I am thankful today is field day with our homeschool group! This will be lots of fun with a small edge of competition!
• I am thankful my husband gets to go with us to field day. There are some advantages to being out of work....he has had the opportunity to do a lot with us in the homeschool adventures this year! He has never seen how field day works, so this will be a neat thing for him to be a part of.
• Always thankful for God's continued provisions while Mark is laid off....we haven't wanted for anything (other than that Camper that we have to wait on ;) but one day....)

What are you thankful for today. Join in here.

Laced With Grace

Please head over to Laced With Grace and check out our newly designed blog> Lori did an awesome job on the new look. I will be posting later this month.