Silent While Talking

So, what is it about a mom's voice that seems to go unheard?  No, I am not talking about anything political, nothing that big at all.   I am talking about simple everyday, mom is talking and no one responds kinda thing.

Yesterday, had many of those moments, when I know very well that I audibly spoke things.  Yet at the days close, many in the room argued the fact.

And today after rising many hours ago and reminding ever so many time that school started an hour ago.  I sit in the schoolroom alone . . .

I try so hard not to be the nagging mom who always has something bad to say, another problem to take care of, another task to accomplish. . . but when my words fall of deaf ears, I am left with no choice, but to repeat myself time and time again right?

Think I am gonna try something different today.   No nagging, no repeating, just simple calm instruction.  I read a cute saying on pineterest - speak in a low whisper, it more intimidating.

Dear God,
I have to believe that you gave me voice because I have important things to say.
Help me to know when to say those and when to shut up.
Allow my voice to have an audience.
Allow it to be a voice of encouragement, support, and guidance.
Don't let me fall into the trap of having a voice that everyone tunes out, because it has nothing to say worth hearing.

"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing and acceptable unto you, Oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer"

Amen

PS.  Lord, feel free to give a good hearing test, just to make sure they still know how to listen :)

The Waiter

Well, I used to think I was a great waiter.  No not the person who takes your order, refreshes your drinks, and gets a great tip at the end of the night.  I mean the person who sits, watches, and embraces each moment that is passing in no hurry to get to the next moment.

Well, if you are know me and are already laughing, stop it. . . since you didn't tell me or I didn't listen when you did.  I have learned all on my own that I am a horrible waiter.

Six months now I have been waiting for the next step in our life to unfold.  Something that I thought would take a couple of weeks, has now morphed into six longs months with no end in site.

I look back at those six months and become so frustrated. . . I never once stopped and embraced the moment (well maybe once or twice) but over all I flopped.  I put my life on auto pilot and coasted through six month of my life.

Six month of memories, six months of devotions, six months of moments that make life sweet and enjoyable all just pushed to the back burner, because that day might be the day that it would all end.  That day might be the day the waiting would be over.

I can't go back.  The past is the past, but as I sit here and think about tomorrow.  I want my thoughts to focus on the little things of the day.  The memories, the teachable moments, the laughs, the quiet time in God's arms. . .not the anxious thought that tomorrow could be the end of the waiting.

Dear Lord,
I am not praying for patience!!!!
But I am praying that I learn to be a great waiter.
And if you want to include tips - that would be great :)
Amen

Pushing Through

I often struggle with the fact that I don't make an impact for God in my everyday life.  I wish that I could show many how amazing my God is and how following Him can change your life.  (Yes, change it for the better, now it doesn't always feel that way while your going through it, but I hear the eternal reward it totally worth it.) I struggle knowing that I am confined to this house and not out in some adventurous land showing natives how wonderful my God is.  And then it hits me, my house is my adventurous land, the little natives who grow up in this house, need God just as much as anybody.  Right now, these four walls are my mission field.  I may raise the next President, the next Billy Graham or next garbage man.  Either way, I pray that I am helping to raise people who will choose Christ.  Amazing people, who want to share who their God is and how amazing He is, wherever their life takes them.  So today, I will push through all the doubt and struggle; and I will let my little natives see just how awesome God is!

What does your modest compass say . . .

Redo of yesterday. . .

Ok, just because we school through the summer doesn't mean we don't love the activities that come with summer.  Swimming is one our favorite activities.  After a funny post from a friend on facebook, I realized that our modesty compass doesn't point the same as most.  So, I thought I would post some links for those who are looking for modest swimwear.

This is for those who are like us - just looking for a suit that doesn't make you wonder if all you parts are gonna fall out - www.swimmodest.com

This is for those who feel it is imperative to be covered while swimming - you may have seen the Duggar's wear these - www.modestswimwear4u.com

And I found this one after yesterday's blog that was erased - this falls in between and has options for nursing mother's and ladies who have had mastectomies  - www.hydrochic.com

I realize that these suit are not for the athletic swimmer.

I am not trying to push my modest compass on you.  I just wanted you to realize that there are options out there.  We have found some of these items at local thrift stores, so don't be overwhelmed at the price.

Happy Swimming!

Two Weeks

Well, the boys have been gone for almost two weeks. Two short weeks! Two long weeks! Just depends on when you catch me. . . lol. I had so many plans, so much I was gonna accomplish. You guessed it, it didn't happen - not one thing. Well, not one thing on my list anyway - what I did do was spend two weeks with the princess. This was her time. We did things just for her. We watched enough Little Men to make my head spin :) We built an antique dollhouse. We shopped and we shopped. We even went to the mall. . . agh! But you know what, it was great, precious time. Time to learn a little more about what makes her tick. So my list is still here on my desk, not one thing check off - and that is OK!

On those rare opportunities that you have to spend one on one time with your kids, what do you do? How do you capture the moments?

I am excited to hear . . .

Toys. . .

A comment on a past post got me to thinking.

What is the favorite toy in your house?

Is it a constant steady? Or are your toys preference fickle?

Three kids means three different favs - because they would all never agree on one.

So as of Jan 2011 our constant and steadies are and have been for quite some time . . . . (drum roll please) . . . legos and cars. The whole toy world could disappear, except these and life would go on at my house.

I know what your thinking, I said three kids and only two toys. Well, the princess, has never had a favorite, she has never been a big toy player, she was born to old to play with toys . . . lol. She enjoys the non-tangible things - time with friends, being outdoors, loving on animals, etc. So if all the toys in the world disappeared she would not even notice :)

So now it's your turn. . .

I really want to know, please tell . . .

just a smile today . . .

Okay no grand enlightenment today . . . just a cute story I found in an old edition of the magazine The Teaching Home. March/April 1994 to be exact, told you it was old, but the story is still cute.

When You're Stuck Improvise

My two daughters and my son, who was then 3, were playing Hide n' Seek. The girls had been counting and then finding their little brother, who would scream with delight. Then they decided it was his turn to count, and to my surprise, he agreed. So the girls took off as their brother covered his eyes with his little hands and said, "One, two . . .(pause). I don't know how to count!" He stood there thinking for a few seconds, then said, "God is great, God is good. Let us play hide n' seek. Ready or not, here I come!" - Mari Larkin, Tampa, Florida

So today, just remember if it doesn't go as planned - improvise!

Chores . . . but MOM!

Chores

Oh my goodness! Most people in my house think this is a four letter word. Believe me when I say, we have tried it all. We've had lists, charts, rewards, punishments, you name it we've tried it. Currently we are on the best system to date :)

Each child has a different area of the house that is their responsibility. They are to keep that area clean and picked up - the area is to have a final pick up just before bed. Ex. - Kitchen - they load and unload dishwasher, they keep counters clean, they sweep frequently, and mop when needed. Another area is trash - that child is to keep up with all cans in the house and recycle, they keep track of trash days and make sure cans go to and from the curb. And the list goes on . . . Each child has two areas. I take care of anything left. If job is not done, then consequences are added to the area - Ex - if trash is not done, they one may have to scrub out cans with soap and water. If kitchen is not clean, then fronts of cabinets may be washed down. We rotate jobs every quarter. We have used this system for about a year and 1/2 now. We really like how it works. The jobs are expectations of being apart of the family. They are not paid for this work. This is their contribution to our household.

So I would love to know what works at your house?

Please tell me. . .