Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thanksgiving. . .

"Now, therfore, I, Abrahan Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day which I desire to be observed by all my fellow-citizens, wherever they may be then, as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe. And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid, that on that occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust, and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers and supplications to the great Disposer of events for a return of the inestimable blessings of peace, union, and harmony throughout the land which it has pleased Him to assign as a dwelling-place for ourselves and for our posterity throughout all generations."

Friday, November 21, 2008

"Micu Bucks"

Jonathan is the first recipient of this year's "Micu Bucks." What are "Micu Bucks" and how did it start? Over the years the children have wanted to buy gifts for their siblings. We encourage them to make something special, but we would also load them up and head to the Dollar Tree where they could find a little special something for each sibling. As the family grew and space decreased, I wanted to faze out Dollar Tree. Some of the children were/are too young for allowance money and we wanted them to spend their own money as it is more meaningful that way. So, borrowing from the AWANA store idea, Paul cleverly came up with "Micu Bucks" which are awarded for excellent behavior, outstanding work ethic, amazing attitude, selflessness, or really whatever Mom or Dad deem appropriate. Children who are doing what they are supposed to be doing the first time (isn't that just obedience?!?) are rewarded with a "Micu Buck" during this season. During the year, I keep an eye out for small clearance items that can become part of the "Micu Store." The "Micu Store" opens several days before Christmas and the children are each allowed time to shop individually with the "Micu bucks" earned. And yes, Mom has control over what comes in the house!! Maybe that's what it's really about. . .control issues. Oh well, it has still been a great idea for us and might work for someone else, too.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Merry Christmas!


Ok, so I just posted something on Thanksgiving and like the culture I am rushing Christmas. However, Pastor Kevin's girlfriend stayed with us this weekend and brought head gear for all! What a fun shot and might be a Christmas photo. . .
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Thankful . . .

"We should take all occasions to tell one another of the great things which God has done for our souls, the spiritual blessings with which He has blessed us." Matthew Henry

Another mom shared this idea of a "Thankful Tree" during the month of November. It has been an insightful and fun reminder each day of all God's blessings. A good opportunity to practice tracing, cutting and writing, too!
Last batch of strawberry-pineapple jam. . .whew. I think we put up over 30 jars. I can't believe we are still in the 80's here and able to get fresh strawberries. Gotta love it!
Working on a Thanksgiving pilgrim diarama.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

AWANA Endeavors

Bekah was awarded the Sparky Clubber for the month of November! She gets to enjoy Sparky for a few weeks and various other prizes. She was applauded for her hard work, encouragement, kindness, mercy, compassion (where did she get those traits?), and being prepared. We are excited for her.
Sarah was thrilled to taste victory this year after the Guards have been defeated in neck-to-neck competitions the past two years. As a 6th grader, this is a sweet finish!
The Pal's also took first for the boys division, so it was major excitement for RBC and for Josh.
The Sparky's took an outstanding 4th, so Jon and Bekah brought home hard-earned ribbons. It's fun watching the various events and those whose parents are more involved than the kids! Some Sparkys crawled to the middle of the events and just sat there. . . Jon and Bek displayed great sportsmanship. . .so we are proud of all four! Humbly proud. . .

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Convicted!

This is from Pearables Character Building Kingdom Stories. Enjoy!

I'll Always Have Tomorrow

A young mother named Rachel sat with her children at her feet. She was busily knitting a sweater for her husband who worked at the nearby mill. Her toddler came to where she was and pulling on her dress asked, "Mommy, would you hold me? Can I climb up and sit on your lap?" Rachel looked down and smiled at the baby, "Yes, I will. . .But just wait a minute or two until I finish what I'm doing here."

The toddler, realizing he would have to wait for a hug, wandered off into another room to find some toys to play with.

The minute that was promised, was soon forgotten and Rachel wasn't bothered again during her knitting.

Later on, one of Rachel's younger daughters ran excitedly to her while she was reading in the living room. "Mama, would you come with me to the garden? There is the most beautiful butterfly sitting on one of the vegetables that you just must see!!" Her daughter eagerly pulled on her hand for her to come with her, but Rachel shook free. "Just give me a few minutes to finish this chapter and I'll come out and see it with you."

The little girl hung her head in dejection and sadly walked out to the garden to look at the butterfly herself. Rachel, engrossed in her book, soon forgot the butterfly in the garden and the moment quickly passed by, leaving only a fleeting feeling of frustration that she had been bothered during her reading. The butterfly flew away and so had the opportunity to see it with her young daughter.

Moments often passed like this, with Rachel being very occupied with the chores of the house and hobbies that she wished to accomplish always weighing her down. Why, there wasn't enough time in a day to do all the things that needed to be done, she often thought! One day, one of her enthusiastic young sons came running in during a time of mopping, traipsing mud on the freshly washed floors and carrying a great, big, UGLY BULLFROG in his grubby little hands, "Mama! Look at what we found! Isn't this the biggest FROG you ever did see?!!!. . . "

But Rachel could only see the mud on the floor and in a burst of anger she yelled, "GET THE FROG OUT OF THE HOUSE, and please TAKE your muddy shoes with IT!"

The child, not understanding, tearfully backed out as quickly as he could. Rachel, feeling sorry at her loss of temper, soberly cleaned up the young boy's mess, vowing tomorrow to be better at controlling her anger.

One summer, Rachel's eldest daughter begged her to come and gather wildflowers from the fields in order to make wreaths and dried arrangements. But Rachel was busy with adult friends and visiting during this time of the year.

She regretfully looked at her daughter, "Tomorrow, dear. Tomorrow I'll try to find time to come out with you and gather the flowers." But each day Rachel was piled with many plans and tomorrow always came and withered, just like the wildflowers in the field that they had planned to gather.

Life flew by, one day melting into another. . . Each of Rachel's children grew to where they were getting married or leaving the home to make it in the world himself. Life slowed down for Rachel and the house emptied, for the work load lessened with the absence of each child that left the nest. Rachel, feeling the sadness of missing her children, decided one day to visit her eldest daughter who had married.

Her daughter gave her joyful hug at seeing her and invited her in, but said regretfully, "Oh, Mom! It's so GOOD to see you! But today isn't a good day for us to visit. Do you think we can do it another time" Rachel, putting a bright smile on her face, quickly agreed. Rachel hugged her daughter good-by after they plans to visit maybe. . .

tomorrow. . . !


Rachel had learned through a very big sorrow
that moments pass and so do tomorrows.
May we learn to live for those kisses and hugs,
For those squeals of pleasure at our boys' great big bugs.
For those moments of joy found in all God's creation
at our little one's "awes" that are filled with elation.
May we look through the eyes of a very young child
at their secret treasures, so hidden, so mild.
Not caring too much for the house and its chores
about cleaning those windows and old cupboard doors.
But putting first the best gift of all,
The Children, our blessings and a mother's first call.



Saturday, November 8, 2008

And so it begins . . .


It feels like we just finished this stage and so it begins again. . .can't leave them for a second! The only thing sweeter than our Baby J, is my husband kneeling down to refold and restack all those napkins! Forget Disney fairy tales, that is true love!

I better not get started on the "Disney Princess" mentality toward relationships. . .I'm currently rewriting their song from "Enchanted" in my version. I think "how do I know that he really loves me" will include a picking up napkins line in it!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Ending October . . .

The gang enjoyed carving our pumpkin and it was fun to watch the teamwork take place. Everyone got to help do a little something and each played a vital role in the end accomplishment.


This photo makes me laugh at my own stupidness. If that's even a word! There we were, the seven children and mom, crowded into the small laundry room in the dark taking a picture of their end product (my sister-in-love did this and it looked cool) but this techno-idiot Mama couldn't figure out how to get the flash off! LOL Well, it's still a really cool pumpkin.
Sarah cleaned up the seeds and roasted some for us to enjoy later. She saved a few for our garden next summer.
Jael hid under the table most of the time. Later that day we enjoyed a trip to the local pumpkin patch. What a fun night of cornfield mazes, animals, pumpkins and just family fun times together. The kids dressed up and enjoyed their time running around.

Hannah and her little lambs. . .


Naomi always looks devious. . .
We ran into a gal who had ferrets. Paul was VERY excited as he has always wanted a ferret. . .so don't be surprised if we have a new pet soon. . .we got her number. . .

While we had a great time at the Pumpkin Patch, I have always wanted to have a Reformation Day celebration. I was inspired again this year by my sister-in-love, Hannah's blog, www.familyfun.blogspot.com.

Who knows, maybe our tribe will try hosting one next year. . . if there's not a new baby! :) I love the history of it, but the day is really about the CANDY for me!