Reading Joys!!

One of the things I don't enjoy is teaching the kids to read! 
I homeschool.  What is wrong with me?  I hear moms say how wonderous the task is to cuddle up to their child and listen to them discover the mystery of the printed word.  Nope not here. 
KUUUU aaaaaaaaaaaaa TTT 
KUUUU aaaaaaaaaaaaa TTT
KUUUU aaaaaaaaaaaaa TTT
Cat already!!! let's move onto the next word please and it starts all over again. 
5 minutes to read one sentence.  Bring me the super glue and toothpicks to hold my eyes open.  We have read this mommy to sleep more than one afternoon and sometimes morning as we labor through the process. 
It is miraculous. It is wonderful when they learn to read.  But this miracle doesn't happen with the immediate task of sit down and open a book.  It is a process.  A long one in the midst of life. 

Much to my JOY my younger two have been really quick to take off. 
YEs!!! Smiley face does a happy dance.
The next hurdle to tackle is reading one's Bible and Awana workbooks, not to mention all the instructions on one's school work. 
The Man is hard at work.  Today he has discovered he can read the names of the Books of the Old Testament.  You see to finish last years book, one of the things he must do is recite all books of the Old Testament.  A fact I find humorous, some of the names can be difficult for an adult to say.  Take a tooth losing, lisping, & whistling first grader and have him say all the books of the Old Testament.  Absolutely adorable.  I must say, I have had a few chuckles over my kids mis-pronunciations over the years.  The Man had half of them memorized last spring.

 

 

You know what that means, he has to review and re-learn all of them this fall. 
Since he has to wait for me to sit down and work on his mom-led lessons today, I asked him to work on his memory work, handwriting and math. 
I had no idea he had crossed over and could read/recognize the incredibly long and difficult names of the Old Testament books.  But he has!!!!
He has followed me around EVERYWHERE reciting/reading the Books of the Bible. 
EVERYWHERE.  ALL DAY LONG. 
While I tried to teach Middle School Science, he was across the room, "Did you hear me?" 
"Did I get them right?" 
When we were discussing Romeo and Juliet there were murmurs of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus...
When we left the house, I was captive.
Joshua Judges Ruth.....Nahum, Obadiah 
When I go to the bathroom, there is a closed door, but I am still captive, until I flush and wash my hands. First and Second Chronicles
Then the sound of running waters drowns out all other noises.
All through lunch, all through Thursday activities, while I walk into the house, while I put things away, I hear...
First and Second Samuel, First and Second Kings.......Isaiah, Jeremiah....Zephaniah, Malachi. 
"How do you say this name again?"  Genesis.
"First and Second Psalms"  He knows it is not Psalms but for some reason Samuel and Psalms, well they go together like ham and cheese.
Don't forget Judges...
"I will start over;  Joshua, Ruth..."
"Can I borrow your phone so I can time myself?"  34.8 seconds later he has read/recited all the books.
He tries again.  30 seconds!  Best time yet. 
I asked for 3 minutes so I could type this, just 3 minutes of not being talked to and he humbled me so quickly.  In spite of all the humor and truth I kept reminding myself all day, he is the last one.  There are no more kids to follow you around like this.  This will pass all quickly.  This is awesome.  There was the me, that just wanted to not be talked to for just 10 minutes.  I have been juggling 5 conversations and sometimes more and half a million different tasks all day.  1o minutes of brain rest.
In his most endearing way, "Thank you Mom for listening me say the Books of the Bible"

The war of insanity inside me that just wanted a quiet closet for a minute, melted away. 

And now he is back, asking me, "Are the 3 minutes up?"  Sure are.
"Where is my book?"  Where you last put it. (LOL)
And it begins again....Genesis Exodus....

 

A new quoteable courtesy of The Man!

I love my "Man".  He really is The Man.  He has a super big heart.  Wants everyone to be happy. 

He has a creative, artistic streak that makes me look at the world differently and smile. 

So when I was getting ready for church and cruised through the living room, I stopped to ask him what he needed to do to be ready himself. 

He launched into an explanation about his outfit.  He is a clothing expert.  He has an opinion on colors, fabrics, textures, and designs.  Honestly, he has really good taste. 

So when he proceeded to tell me, "This is the only shirt that goes with these shorts." I was really proud of my ability to stay straight face and proceed into a normal conversation.  I honestly have to credit God with my composure.  His heart is so big, he genuinely was serious, I didn't want to hurt or frustrate him.  But I was truly in awe that he really thought these two items went together!

I explained he need to wear nice jeans or khakis...shorts or pants.  Not athletic shorts.  Pulled a pair out of the laundry not quite folded, but perfect for church.  I didn't snicker, didn't laugh and didn't try to correct him.  I did ask him if I could take his picture. 

 

Later, I would learn from Hockey Player, he only pulled his jeans on over his perfect shorts.  I definitely need to pull out the totes to help him find the perfect shirt for his perfect shorts. 

 

Sibling Sweetness Melts My Heart

One particular day, I entered my living room on two different occassions.  I found THE MAN with his sister(s). 
1065.   School for her + WebKinz for him

1066.  Itouch game together.

A Giving Heart

Commander in Chief hard at work.

I suggested he work on some school.

He countered with "activities"

I have never seen him color this much before.

Every one who visits him in the room seems to get a picture.

Some even get to pick one out for themselves before hand.

I suggested he just keep coloring, instead of using his red phone to summon

the receipents when their picture was done. 

For now, he is content and busy

Much to be grateful for.

Thank you Aunt Sharon for all the colors and books.

 

 

Way to Go Aunt Tracy and Uncle Charlie!

See this smile.

You put it on Dad's Bud face!

 

 

Paint with Water by Melissa and Doug

 

This is the coolest thing ever.

Water Color pages with paint included on the page.

This isn't the dip your water in brush and paint with water and watch the color appear.

Each individual page has a water color strip to use. 

Trim off the top of the page.

Cup of water with the paint brush included.

Paint away.

So perfect here in the hospital.

No mixing the paint colors and ruining the box.  When done, toss the strip.

I can see myself getting more for:

 athletic trips to keep the youngers occuppied while they wait

gifts for younger cousins

and just to have at home,

cause I so don't like cleaning up the water color boxes!

 

 

 

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Campout with the Gorillas!

We have an awesome Kidz Ministry at our church.

I adore how they reach out to the 5th and 6th graders.

Knowing they are capable of much.

Not as big as Middle and High School-ers

But definitely not as little as the younger set.

So what do they do?

They have their own weekly Bible Study through the summer

They do service projects.

Like yard work for home bound members

Gardening for the church

Helping with VBS

It is not all work and serious study.

They have fun. 

Mighty Goofy Fun that can only be had at this age.

We have some awesome leaders.

This time it was a campout at the zoo.

Camping in the Gorilla exhibit.

Not in the enclosure with the animals.

But in the viewing area.

Listening to the animals throughout the night

and the first morning stirrings and rumblings.

Puts a whole new light on waking up at home with brothers and sister.

 

Entering the ZOo!

Happy and Caffeinated

 

The next morning, the smile is there just not as big and bright.

 

William, the whale.

A bigger smile, just a few less sparkles in the eye

She had a great time.

The next day, she had lots to say,

after a good night's rest.

 

Sisters and Brothers, treasures from God

Big O Daddy O was trying to get Hockey Player to decide if he wanted to go to a Hockey Clinic the other day.
Kind of shocking that we were having trouble getting a response out of him.
He is thinker and we were trying not to push, but we were baffled. 
Little while later, he comes into the room where I am working and asks,
"Doesn't Little Princess get back around 6:30?"  Mental check and it is around 6:00. 
Nope. She gets back sometimes after 9:30.
"Oh, that's right. I do remember reading that somewhere."
Little Princess has been at an amusement park all day.
I am onery enough, I asked him, "You missing your sister."
HP: No
Mom: You missing your sister... yes there was serious teasing in my voice.
HP: No, it is just different with her gone all day.
WHOAAA this momma is enjoying this, cause she was gone to camp not so long ago and this wasn't the daily scenario!  Aha!  my boy actually likes his sister.
Hey, Big O Daddy O guess what!!!???!!
Of course BODO being sometimes more intuitive responds with, "So that is what the problem is?" 
Referring to why we can't get a response out of Hockey Player about the clinic.
So then Big o Daddy O gets in on it and asks him, "You miss your sister? "
HP: Yeah! said all quietly and Hockey Player like.
She is going to be gone for a while, you want to go play hockey?
No decision was made till later, they had to go to the rink to take care of Hockey business.  Later, I saw the debit transaction.  He did get on the ice. 
But I am ever so grateful for a glimpse into this kid's heart.
Willing to forgo hockey for his sister.  Willing to hear all about her adventures.  Something to hold on to and treasure.

This momma's dream is that her kids will be the bestest of friends forever.  It does my heart good to know they enjoy the company of one another.  Went to pick up Little Princess later that night and I let her in on a little secret....Your big brother missed you.  Her response, "That feels good to know. " 

My momma's heart is full.

Oh, how HE loves me

I don't think I could ever say my life has been easy. There have been moments when God has blessed me with a season of calmness and peace. But there has been much drama in my life, childhood, adulthood, parenthood, the whole shebang. Through it all, I have had one constant request of the Lord, if this must be how it is, then please use it. Please don't let my tears and struggles be for nothing. May this time bless someone else. Don't get me wrong. I beg God for things to be different, I ponder what it might be like to have a boringly sedate and calm life. I kind of long for it at times. Yet, in all the craziness of this drama filled, rollercoast life of mine, I, also, experience God in ways I never could in a boring, sedate and calm life. I find myself tucking away these memories into my heart to ponder, cherish and cling to for the years to come. Some of these, I hold onto quietly, secretively, tucked deep into my heart. To share them, would reveal too much and possibly hurt one that I love. Others, I share quietly and then others I shout from the rooftops. Recently, God gave me a hug beyond anything I could imagine. A note of love for me to tuck deep into my heart and hold onto.

You see, I got a kiddo, well actually 5 of them. But this kiddo, some would say he has 'special needs'. He is absolutely brilliant. Far too brilliant for his age and he struggles socially. The memories of my childhood have come rushing back. I try to not share too much of his struggles. Labels, misconceptions, gossip, prejudice are all things that concern me. I want to protect him as much as I can from these.

For as long as I can remember, I have asked God for my life to be the one that breaks unhealthy cycles. I didn't know what that would end up looking like, nor how hard it would be to endure, I just didn't want things to continue as they were. As we were taking note of this kiddo's struggle, our life as we knew it was shattered, the pieces were like broken glass spread out on the ground. But God used this horror of horrors in our family, to introduce us to a wonderful team of people. With them we began to pick up the pieces. Funny thing is, you can't put glass back together again and have it look beautiful. It ends up cracked with little pieces missing. However, God creates beauty. That is what He has done and is doing with our broken pieces. I didn't want what I had before, He knew that. If someone asked me to describe what I want, I would not be able to. But God knows what I want. He even knows what it looks like. So the healing began, and then, we began to seek insight and help with this beloved child of ours. With the passing of weeks, the tears, the fears, and whys, God has continued to put back together the broken pieces. Not into what was there before, but into a beautiful work of art, a mosaic made out of the past but into something new and beautiful.

As with many works of art, the artist is never quite finished, there is always something. No difference here, at least for now. But every once in a while, the Artist lets you have a sneak peek. That is what happened a couple of weeks ago. God gave me a sneak peek, a truth I could hold onto, to ponder and cling to. This child of mine has a heart of gold, is challenging to parent, but has the sweetest, biggest heart. I have struggled this spring. Lots of invitations to travel and explore, but I would have to go alone with all the kids. We are still trying to get medicines fine tuned. Weather and schedule changes add other challenges. I confessed to our friend, Ms. Amy, I am scared to travel alone with the kids, all things considered. I know the kids want to, but I know how challenging it would be. She is sympathetic. She understands. She offers some encouragement. Then it is time to be one on one and so I leave. While I am alone, I remember the meaning of this child's name. Source of healing, a good steward of what God has given. I cling to these promises, because after all, I didn't choose his name. God impressed this name on my heart. I rest in my heavenly Father, enjoy a few peaceful " Just as quickly, they are there. A hug for me from my tender hearted child. Special words for me from Ms. Amy. Out of the blue, off topic, these words were said, "God made me special." "He loves me and lives in my heart." Nothing to do with the pictures being colored. Nothing to do with topics of school work and activities. Just a simple declaration.

My prayer is that he will know God's love. He will grow in stature and wisdom. He will trust the Lord and live a life that is for the Lord. That no matter what, he is special to God. God did not make a mistake when he made him, he is special and has a plan for him. And right now, God is using him to heal my heart and change the pieces of the past into a beautiful work of art.

Sweet Bedtime Rumblings and Bedtime Prayers

Lately, I have a couple of kiddos who are trying the "I can't sleep" to try and get out of bed. I am quick to respond with, "Talk to God."
Then, they would tell me they already did and couldn't sleep.
So I would respond with, "Tell God all the things you are thankful for. (I do, and before long I am sweetly snoozing!)"

Tonight, Fun Mom was on the hunt looking for "Jesus" (Flutter Nutter's Jesus Love's Me Blanket) and she overheard...

Flutter Nutter was praying to God, "God I love you and I want to be everyone's friend."

"I know you say, "Children obey your parents in the Lord" and that means I have to stay in bed and I am not tired."

Then, Fun Mom walked in and Flutter Nutter told her, "God told me He loves me and I have to stay in bed."

A few of my favorite things...

Listening to my children practice the piano.
Snuggles in bed in the morning first thing.
Snuggles in bed while watching a movie.
Laughter of children.
Belly giggles of the littlest ones.
Watching and listening to my children play and be each other's best friend.
Little Princess wanting broccoli more than anything else.
Hearing "Mommy I wuv you" with no prompting.
Fresh from the oven cranberry bread.
Clean and toasty warm sheets and blankets right from the dryer!
The sweet knowing that my God loves me just the way I am.
Listening to my children recite Bible verses. They know so many more than I do.

It is not so bad...

When you are the mom and sick. You climb into bed with "Max and Ruby" on TV.
Then Flutter Nutter climbs into bed to snuggle with you.
Get a little bit of work done on the computer.
Answer a few school questions.
Get lots of sweet snuggles.
Ahhh, maybe I should milk this for the whole 10 days I am on antibiotics. LOL!

Warms my Heart....

Little Princess asked if she could read her Bible for a few minutes.
Then she brought me her Bible and started reading.
Just warms my heart. Moments like those are too precious to miss or forget.