Turn off the TV with us!

This week is National Turn Off the Television week. Why would a family who doesn't own a TV care? Well, we are taking the challenge nonetheless. It would be too easy to casually shrug off the challenge because we don't have a television. When I examine our technology use, I realize that taking a break from the DVDs, Wii, other video games, social media, etc. is just a good idea and reminder that we can have fun family times in lots of other ways.

So, while we are not outlawing all forms of technology - we are being more mindful of our use. Basically, no watching stuff off the computer or putting in a DVD (car included). No extra video game playing or Wii - it's board games and outdoor games this week. While I like to think we do pretty well in all the above areas, there is always room for improvement. How often do I just want to "veg" without thinking after the kids are down? See what's happening on instagram or look at pinterest when my stack of books and memory verses are waiting. . .

The kids always think these kind of challenges are for them - little do they know the sting it brings to adults as well! Nothing can babysit better than media. Unfortunately, what our children do and who they spend time with ultimately disciples them.

I want that to be me.

Ideals

Well, the thought that I'd blog every morning while the kids were journalings was a bit idealistic! I think about it quite often, but find myself in a middle of a dozen things, usually simultaneously. Oh well. The lack of blogging doesn't mean there's nothing going on around here - probably the opposite!

Today makes the third day of entertaining this week. It's always a struggle for me to grow in hospitality. I do enjoy having people over and it's fun to share food, memories, and building one another up. The struggle arises from the "task" part of me that realizes the focus of hospitality keeps me from projects that desperately shout for attention. Like the garage. Much less keeping up with the piles of laundry, cooking, planning, school and other daily duties. Growing up I had a wonderful model of hospitality provided by my mom. Maturing as a young wife and mother far from home, I had older women who modeled hospitality and encouraged me in that command. "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13) It's not an option, but it's not to be done begrudgingly, either. It's a joy and delight to care for the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

On a side note, I've enjoyed the books by Carolyn McCulley. While they are not on hospitality there are some neat insights about the Christian home as the hub of evangelism and activity. Believe it or not, the first century church couldn't go and meet at Starbucks! Likewise, travelers didn't check into the local hotel. Christian hospitality was essential. While meeting other places is fine, we have definitely lost an important element if our hospitality is only outside of our home. Younger men and women need to watch us in our homes and with our families. Young adult women are well aware of the challenges of nine children and often have to enjoy coffee over folding laundry rather than sipping a mocha uninterrupted at Kuppa Joy.:)

However, trusting God to provide the time and strength to accomplish what needs to occur in His timing and learning to align my thoughts/ways with His continue to sanctify me. But, I haven't come across the verse yet that commands me how to keep my house/garage/yard! While it would be unwise and poor stewardship to neglect any of God's gifts, people are the most precious! Ministry is not limited to the church campus. Nor does it only occur between the hours of 8-5. How unimaginable Heaven is - beautiful fellowship and sweet work to His glory without the mars of sin...

"You should write a book"

I hear that phrase quite frequently after people realize I'm the mother of nine children. "You should write a book" coupled with "If you write a book, I'll buy it." It makes me wonder, what would I write? It seems everything that could be said, has been said and probably said better than I could ever try to say it! Yet, as a book fanatic I think of how many books I've read, am reading, and have sitting in a stack to be read. . .and yes, I still buy even more.

What would I say? Typically after discovering all the children around me are mine, the surprised person will exclaim "how do you do it?" And, often, something about how patient I must be - LOL. I respond with "by God's grace" but at times wonder if I should add "and LOTS of HARD WORK." There are no short cuts, my friend. I don't say that to scare or deter others from wanting a large family, but because I have learned the secret of hard work.

The feminist movement wants us to find our worth, satisfaction, fullfillment, and ultimately our joy outside of the home. It is an empty lie. Ultimately, true joy is found in the person of Christ and in the God-ordained roles He has called us to. Our culture wants us to think we'll be happier if we self-indulge or "give ourselves a break today." Again, empty lies. Who ever really feels better putting themselves first and glorying in their own achievements? We weren't designed that way. Our cravings can't be satisfied with less work, less effort, more "me time", etc. No, joy is found each moment of each day when God empowers me to die to self, pick up my cross and follow Him. For the smaller I am, and the greater He is - the more my joy abounds!

Not sure if that is a book many would want to read. . .

Sock Party

Walking by Bek's room the other morning, Paul spotted this:

Perhaps her feet got hot?

I think they got worse throughout the day

I'm uncomfortable just looking at it! There is no way that wouldn't drive me nuts! I'm a neat sock person. I like them pulled tight without wrinkles in my shoes. I would prefer being barefoot to that. Well, the socks were retired. Sadly, I had purchased new socks about a month ago. Sarah got some at the same time and her's look new. Granted she doesn't wear them as much and is not as athletic. And, she is a neat sock person.

I think if Bek has a birthday party this year it will be a Sock Party. Maybe she'll have enough for the year. Buying socks is like maintaining the car or house repairs. There are so many other things I'd rather spend my money on - instead, it's on socks (or repairs/maintenance). Thankful for a girl who is able to run enough to wear them out . . .

Whoop, Whoop!

 Finally, after 16 months my passport arrived! OK, in all fairness, I didn't try for 16 straight months but it has been quite the ordeal. When we decided to do the Mexican cruise last January, I knew I might need a passport. That's when the process started. In November 2011, I went to renew mine since my last one was issued in 1989 :(. My last overseas travel was in 1996! Long ago enough that I couldn't just simply renew my old one. Anyway, through the process it was determined that my birth certificate was no longer valid. After 9-11 changes were made and my birth certificate had to be updated with new information. That would have been fine if I had been born here in Fresno. Having been born in Lancaster, PA made it a bit more challenging. It's not like I could just go stand in line outside the court house. My family no longer resides there - so no connections for someone else to go stand in line :). After phone calls, internet attempts and special fees, Paul was able to request the updated birth certificate. No speedy process. By the time it arrived there was not enough time to complete the passport process and receive it in time for the cruise. Fortunately, a few phones calls determined that a passport is not necessary for a cruise leaving the US and returning to the US. . .whew. All I needed was the birth certificate:). So, that went on hold. After plans began for the 20th anniversary trip, I began trying to get my passport again. It seemed every time I went to the post office, the passport office was closed. At first, it was lunch breaks. Then, various offices were closed for a week. After returning again, signs noted the offices were closed indefinitely. Amazing. All post office passport offices are now closed except for the one downtown! Is Fresno a major city, or what?! I was wondering if I was going to have to drive to SF or LA just to get a passport. Or if I'd get to go at all! LOL. That would be quite the anniversary trip:). Fortunately, I was directed to a little office at Fresno State. Quick and painless. Finally - a new passport. When they asked which size I wanted, I went with the optimistic size - the biggest. Hey, maybe I'll travel more these next 10 years! I will certainly renew before the 15 years pass and I have to go through all that again.

Yippee! I get to go too!

Oops, not sure how I managed that!

England/Scottland here we come! We're not going with any particular tour, but we are planning on making it a Reformation Tour. I can't wait to sit in Spurgeon's church, visit the home of John Bunyan, see Martin Lloyd-Jones ministry, Christopher Love, Coxe Feary, John Knox.. .  Sit in the pub where Tolkien and Lewis penned their great works (and JC Rowling :), yep, I'm a Potter fan). Looking forward to walking the fields of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. . .so much history to take in and not much time. Even though I'm not a complete fan of Instagratification, I mean Instagram, this might be one trip to think about it. Hmm. Still need to blog on that.

For now, I'm practicing my English as I look forward to a lovely holiday in the British Isles!

eggselent

Corny, I know. We love fresh eggs, but even this family of 11 is struggling to keep up with our chickens. Live close and have a carton? Bring it by church and we'll fill it up with farm-fresh organic eggs - no charge. I have no desire to get into the egg-selling business, but we do need some more egg takers. Please.

Yep, that's about 228 eggs right there.

Make pretty Easter eggs. . .or natual, too

If you don't want eggs, please drop off your cartons. . .

Amy's Financial Thoughts

Having attended a marriage seminar last night with Paul, I was reminded of the conflict finances can bring to marriage. Here are a few thoughts, probably learned from my folks who really did a great job imparting finanicial responsibility and training. Financial issues WILL arise in marriage and in singleness. Here's my top 5.

1. Give generously and sacrificially to Christ's Bride, the church  and His work. It all belongs to Him.

2. Always put something in savings, even a dollar.

3. Spend less than you make.

4. Budget and save for big items.

5. Learn to live with less, you probably don't need it.

Talk about money with your kids. While much is learned by watching, understanding comes through teaching. Choices have to be made. Sacrificing small things brings big gains. Not buying a coffee a day will save you roughly $25 a week, or $1300 a year! Number 5, you probably don't need it:). Put that in the bank each week, invest it each year and you'll have your down payment on your home someday.

My rambling for today....

Time Marched On

March. Where did it go? I love spring. It's my favorite season. The weather isn't too hot, hot, hot. (That's for you, Jenn!) Perhaps it disappeared too quickly because Paul was gone about two weeks of it and I was struggling with family illnesses for about three weeks of it. . .my folks were able to visit for a week. . .presto, it's gone. :( Another whole year to wait. Although March may seem really long next year with Easter back at the end of April again. Better for time to fly then drag.

April. I'm looking forward to April because many of my flowers have not bloomed yet. And the more veggies will be ready. I hope the April days stay nice and balmy. Wednesday afternoon was too hot and the kids found themselves jumping in the pool - brrr. Crazy. Today is wonderful. Overcast but warm. Spring.

Along with baby animals, spring brings baby plants!

Enjoying spring lettuce, which disappears when it's hot, hot, hot!

The garden is bursting with snow peas. This is Hannah's special plant.

It seems like we just started school and now we are anticipating the end. . . trying to stay focused and disciplined but all getting a touch of good spring fever! Loving to be outdoors, despite allergy season. Off to enjoy spring with the kids. Looks like another science day:). I LOVE HOMESCHOOL.

Baby turns 1

Baby Miriam Eve turned one today. . . a benchmark of sorts in her life. She survived the first year as the youngest of nine, no small feat. I watch first time moms with their new babies and think fondly back to those years with Sarah. Every facial movement captured on camera, all the grandparents peering over her, crowded into doctor's offices proud to see her growth, changing her outfits if the weather changed, taking EVERYTHING on trips and so on. We laugh at it now, but there is something about that first child that makes them a bit different. Perhaps it's some of what was listed above:).

Miriam. She waits for someone to look at her, then bursts into smiles. When we travel we sometimes remember the diaper bag. If not, we find something that works. And her life experiences, by God's providence and grace, will mold her into the woman He desires her to be. She might be number nine, but she is no less loved, cherished, or enjoyed than a first child. She may be less doted over, every move less celebrated, fewer photos - but just as wanted.

Sweet Miri was the only Micu to arrive early naturally. She arrived at 5:55am on April 4, 2012. I went to bed Tuesday night wondering if I'd have an Easter baby (my due day) or have to wait until tax day. Paul said he woke up in the night to my moaning. I was thankful to sleep through most of it. Again, not liking hospitals, we compromised on when to head to St. Agnes for my ninth delivery (I think I should have a ward named for me). The nurses never seem to be real concerned as I'm talking to them, until they check me. Thankfully, I was a 10 so I knew this girl wouldn't be long. While it felt like forever, Paul assured me that a short 25 minutes later our girl entered the world with a head of dark hair. I was reminded that natural labor is not only doable but preferable. I delivered and immediately showered and dressed. They said I could go home that afternoon and I should have taken them up on it. For some reason I think I'll get sleep at the hospital - lie. Those nurses seem intent on waking up mother and baby at opposite times all day and night. IF there's a next time. . . I'm leaving (God willing)!

Well, a year has gone by and we have fallen in love with this cheeky little girl full of smiles and giggles. She loves to climb up but still has trouble getting herself down from heights. She loves animals, with the exceptions of monkeys whose pictures send her into tears. With her toddles and single words she captures our hearts and attention. Each waiting to be the first to be called something endearing this little sweetie (she only says mama and dada. . .so the siblings are waiting for nicknames!).

Our Easter Angel, our only baby to experience two Easters before turning one!

Happy Birthday, Miriam Eve! We look forward to celebrating with her another day. Sadly, she woke up with a low-grade fever and runny nose today. She didn't seem too interested in a birthday. :(

Sweet smells

Sweet smells. May sound weird but there are some smells I will miss and I find that I savor them these days. Tonight I was able to rock Joey for a bit. Rocking and singing I drank in a strong whiff of boy. He smelled of sunshine, sand (not sure where he found that), and grass. Sweet smells. Believe me, it's been a while since I breathed in a big whiff of Josh or Jon! Big boy, pre-man smells are not sweet. In fact, I find myself holding my breath as I enter their room! If not, the gagging and retching occurs. No, sweet baby smells linger not long enough. Those sweet breath days soon end when the teeth emerge. The baby poop smell is gone when food comes. But at least toddlers still have a sweet smell at the end of the day. If not sunshine and grass, then baby shampoo and powder. Ahh. It ends too quickly. Joey is no longer looking like a two year toddler but a little boy. Miriam no longer looks as babyish, but is turning into a toddler.

I can't get enough kisses, hugs, and sweet smells. :)

Easter Break

What a nice week to take a break from the daily routine of life! The kids were all too excited to store their books away last week and start some spring cleaning preparing for a much antcipated grandparent visit. With Gray-Gray and Papa flying in around dinner time Friday evening, there was much to do! No matter how much I work each day, there is always more to do. And some things still wait to be done (windows). But we did manage to have the house presentable for a few hours.

Sarah and Miriam were moved out and the room readied for Gray-Gray and Papa. Sarah was heading out Monday morning for a week of service with the high school group and Miriam was back in our closet:). In fact, when we moved her out on Saturday (her belongs, changing table, etc) our room felt huge! If you haven't read some of the children's books like "Cows in the house" you need to! The basic premise of the story is a man is feeling overwhelmed because his house is too crowded and noisy with his large family. So, depending on which ethnic version you read, the dad consults the local wise man. The wise man tells him to bring in the chickens, later the pigs, then the cousins, visitors, and on and on until the cows are living in the house. With the man going crazy, the wise man finally tells him to have everyone visiting go home and he should put all the animals back out. The man is estatic because his home is suddenly so large and quiet, with only his large family living there. An excellent book on perspective.

I digress. Back to Easter Break. The weather was incredible and the visit enjoyable. Gray Gray and Papa were probably ready for calmer waters, but the grands would love to have them closer. The little ones all woke up looking for them and hoping for some snuggle time. Right when Gray Gray and Papa thought they might get to read or sit, Bekah and Jon were ready for a basketball game or Hannah and Naomi were getting the dominoes ready!

Gray Gray and Papa were also able to enjoy Hannah and Naomi's art reception, Bekah's soccer game, the Sonbeams Choir (Joey and Jael) sing, the Lightshine Choir (Naomi, Hannah, Bekah and Jonathan) sing, Sarah pick them up from the airport (!), a trip to the zoo, Miriam practing her walking, ice cream, theological talks with Josh, trips to Sanger/Orosi/Kingsburg to visit Sarah and observe the work projects and see Lolo and Lola, a trip to the jungle, dying Easter eggs, Easter egg hunt, some residual illness symptoms :(, and LOTS OF NOISE! 

Having my mom here made breakfast, lunch, and dinner chores much more fun and the kids enjoyed a break from some of the chores she did for them! It was also nice to have a professional clothes folder present. What a difference. Next time she comes I'll have her do a workshop for the kids on folding. She's also a master weeder. And perseveres much longer than my youthful children seem to be able to endure.

Pop managed to get up a fence with Paul to keep the animals out of the oranges, trim many bushes, and get a closet organizer in for us. I guess he'll have to stay in a different room next time so we can have him organize that closet :)! Plus, with the daily damages he was Mr. Handy and able to put the toliet paper holder back on the wall, fix things, and help us get a bit more organized and uncluttered.

I'm sure they have memories, as well. Their oldest grandchild driving them, Mr. Monk, techno teens, Bek in the same clothes all week, Joey getting eggs, dogs barking, ducks quacking, Jon whistling, Miri grabbing noses, toliet paper, bathrooms always in use, H-O-R-S-E, noise. . . .

Bek and Gray Gray at the zoo

JJ loving Papa

Gray Gray helps with dying Easter eggs

At the Jungle!

Jon's a blur as he bounces baby Miri

Art with Hannah

Fun times with grandparents.

Hannah's Christmas in March

Christmas hit a bit late for Hannah this year. As I write those words, I realize that is defining Christmas as gifts - which is defnitely NOT what we believe. Christmas is about Christ...  However, Hannah's Christmas gift this year did require patience as she has been waiting to redeem her special day. From her smile, it looks like it was worth the wait!

Hani meeting Cody

Getting ready for her first trail ride

Hannah loves horses. While most of use remember asking for a horse when we were little, this little girl really means it. Yes, we have the land. But never having owned horses, I understand they require a bit more upkeep than a typical goat or sheep. So, we'll see. Maybe. Someday. Until that day, we are thankful for friends with horses and place like Wonder Valley Ranch!

Merry Christmas Hannah! Celebrating Christ's sinless life daily.