Another Toy Bites The Dust

Not just one toy.... all the toys in the toy box. Yes, Lula Mae has once again lost her toys. This time they were taken away for a different reason. Our sweet little, bible verse reciting, yes sir saying, helping hand Lula Mae has started up with a terribly bad habit. She has become a bit sassy and quite ugly. Not only that, demanding almost. Very, very unlike Lula Mae! When the attitude first started I was shocked and began wracking my brain trying to figure out where she learned such behavior. Then it occurred to me that it was not learned.... it is just in her. It is hard for me to think that my sweet girl is dealing with sin, but she is. It is just her flesh. I have to really remind myself that she needs to be trained right now, not just disciplined. Sure I want her to listen and obey me, but I really want to teach her to listen and obey God. By helping her make better choices every day I am training her heart. I am training her to do what is right, even when no one is around. I am training her that how we treat each other is incredibly important. I am training her to love God and others with all of her heart, even when she doesn't feel like it.

So how is she earning her toys back? Well, being the visual learner that she is I decided to make her a chart. Right outside her door, on her eye level, I put up a behavior chart. Around the chart are little reminders.... talk nicely, clean up, eat what is provided, listen, obey, pray, have Jesus in your heart.... and every time I see her displaying Godly character traits, I reward her with a sticker on her chart. When she earns 7 stickers in a row, she gets to pick one of her toys out of the closet. She has already earned 2 toys back and I am very proud of her. She still has a ways to go, but I am seeing progress. It is so tough seeing Lula Mae go through these lows sometimes, but I know it is normal. The chart helps me to use our praise method (praise 90% of the time and correct 10%) in a very visual way. Lula Mae is really enjoying it. She is very proud of the stickers she has on her chart. She goes up to it constantly during the day and reads all the reminders on it. Hopefully she will earn her toys back at a good steady pace, but I know we will have our good days and bad.

Lula Mae is teaching me so much, and I hope I am doing the same for her. I hope that when I look at the women she becomes I can see godly qualities. Godly qualities that she learned from watching me and through these loving discipline actions. And, as always, I am praying for her to become a godly woman who strives to raise godly children herself someday.

Monday Mugs

It has been quite a while since I stopped being lazy found the time to link up with the lovely Heather at Oswald Cuties and her Monday Mugs. This week’s theme is Black and White. Come on, who doesn’t love a black and white picture! It took me nearly 45 minutes to pick which ones I wanted to post so you better appreciate them I hope you enjoy them. Happy Monday everyone! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Things are still crazy around here but I am managing to keep my head above water.... barely, but hey I can't complain. God has been so GOOD!

Word To The Wise

If you have to say "I'm not trying to be rude", chances are....

you're

being

rude.

Just for future reference. Mmmkay?

Believe It Or Not

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. I love the smells, music, lights, family. I just love all of the Christmas cheer. It warms my heart. However, I am determined to make Christmas (and all holidays for that matter) about Jesus. I don't want my kids to think that Christmas is about a tree, some fun music and loads of presents. Charlie and I want Christmas to be about the birth of our savior. We want our children to understand that it is about giving and not receiving. We want our family to appreciate what God as provided for us. Lula Mae is already learning in school that Christmas is a day when we celebrate for Jesus. She understands that it is His birthday. She is even starting to understand that we give gifts on Christmas because God gave Jesus to us as a gift. She is connecting all the pieces. I am so proud of her and very glad that Christmas is already meaning something deeper to her. With all this knowledge comes a big decision.

Santa or no Santa?

When people ask Lula Mae about Santa she is very confused. She has no idea who he is and what he is all about. Charlie and I both grew up believing in Santa. We both agree that it was fun and harmless. We have still not come to a decision as to if we will have Santa or not. Personally I am leaning more towards no, but I don't know about Charlie. In the end, will it matter? Probably not. My main goal is to make sure each holidays, especially Christmas, is focused on God. Now this might be selfish, but I want my kids to understand that I got them their gifts.... not some made up man. I want them to know I got them gifts because I love them. I want it all to click, if you know what I mean. Lula Mae is excited to give her cousins the gifts she picked out for them. She has a few friends that she has mentioned buying a gift for and I can't wait to take her to the store to pick something out. I love seeing her excited about giving and thinking of others.

Our gift strategy is simple.... I buy each child one toy, Charlie buys each child one toy, then we both get them one more joint toy. So each child will receive 3 gifts each Christmas. We stick to a small budget and try very hard not to go over the top (although this is really hard because I show love by giving gifts so I have to hold back!)

We may decide not to do Santa and we may not get our kids a million presents but we will still have a great Christmas. Our Christmas will be full of time together with family. It will be full of celebration. It will be full of love! I just love Christmas!!!! Although I do adore Christmas music and a live tree with beautiful lights and decorations too :-) All those things help make Christmas extra enjoyable!

So do you have Santa in your house? Do you have any special traditions that make Christmas extra special? I would love to know! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I Smell A Holiday....

Thanksgiving is coming.... it's so close I can taste it! Who doesn't love to gather with the ones you love and eat delicious food? We do! This week in school Lula Mae is learning about Thanksgiving. Nothing too deep, just that we are going to gather with our family and enjoy time together. I am also teaching her about being thankful for what God has provided. November, Thanksgiving and Holiday are three of her new words this week and she already is reading them! Way to go Lula Mae! I felt like this year I didn't really need to go into the whole Thanksgiving story yet. I mean, she's 2. We can wait until next year to work on the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria and all the Christopher Columbus stuff. After Thanksgiving we can get ready for Christmas! Super excited about taking Lula Mae to pick out a tree at the tree farm this year! She is going to really understand and enjoy this holiday season and that is exciting! I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy all those calories, but most of all enjoy the time you have with your family! Remember to be thankful for all things, big and small! I encourage you to be thankful all year long, not just at Thanksgiving. We don't need a holiday to be thankful!

Google

A Case Of The Mondays

Is it just me or did this past weekend fly by? We had a very full weekend and that typically makes it fly, ya know? Saturday was a BEAUTIFUL day. Picture perfect fall day. So we packed up the kids and went to the zoo. The car trip was just fine for Jayce, which means the car trip was great for the rest of us. The zoo was not crowded at all, which was nice. The temperature was beyond nice! Needless to say we had a great day!

On Sunday we had Lula Mae and Jayce dedicated, which really has more to do with Charlie and I. We have dedicated ourselves to raising them for God. It was a nice step in our parenting. I love my children and want to do the best for them.

Sunday evening we went out and spent some time with friends. They fixed dinner for us and we hung out for a while. We got home just in time to put the kids to bed.

And that bring us to today. It is very much Monday around here. Laundry did not get touched this weekend, sheets need to be changed, dinners need to be planned out for the week, the budget needs to be looked at.... boy is it Monday. I am so glad that I have officially finished Christmas shopping! All gifts are ordered/purchased (Charlie has even gotten mine!) and some are even wrapped. With the crazy busy holiday season about to kick off I am very glad of that. It will be nice to not have to worry about shopping (since I hate shopping).

Also, we just got our inspection report back on the house. We have some reading to do! There isn't anything structural, but there is one thing that will need to be addressed before we move forward. We are hopeful that everything still going to go smoothly from this point.

Did I mention it was Monday?

One Of My Ninja Skills.... Revealed!

If you have been reading my blog for any length of time you already know that I am a ninja. Yes, that's right, a ninja. Well this ninja is about to give away a super sneaky ninja move. This one involves getting a picky toddler to consume vegetables. A problem that I hope other Moms have too.

I always said that I would not hide vegetables for my kids. I wanted them to just learn to eat healthy. Then life happened and I gave birth to a picky eater. Not incredibly picky, she does love avocados, green beans, yogurt, string cheese, wheat bread... but picky non the less. So, how does this ninja mommy make sure her picky toddler is eating a wide variety of fruits and veggies? With these...





What are they? Baby food. Yep, baby food. Organic baby food mash ups. Lula Mae LOVES these things. She loves that they are a "treat" and really likes the packaging. If you put them in the refrigerator they are like a smoothie! There are TONS of choices which means lots of variety for her. These are not a daily thing for her, but about two or three times a week she gets one. Typically I get just the veggie ones, but I also grab a few of the fruit ones too. They are great to throw in the diaper bag for a healthy snack when we are out and about. I am super in love with these things! The ingredients are the best part. Just the fruits and veggies! Nothing else! I really love that! I am trying to feed my kids better than what I feed myself. These things are so helpful!

If you have a toddler that is turning down too many veggies and you feel like you need to supplement their diet you should try these! Lula Mae and I highly recommend them!

I sure hope I don't have to trick her into eating her veggies forever... but for now, I guess it's alright :-)

Letters Of Intent

Hooray it is Friday! That means it is time for Letters of Intent! Be sure to go over to Julies blog (which is being sabotaged by an incredibly annoying anonymous commenter might I add) to read more great letters!


Dear Big Lots,

I am a loyal shopper. I have loved you for a long time now. With your low prices you are incredibly hard to resist. A cheapskate like me just can't hold back from loving you. I have a tiny little suggestion though. Could you possibly look into getting some normal size buggies? (yes, I said buggies) The buggies you have are only a tiny step above the mini carts the grocery store has for kids to push while their Mommy shops. Oh sure, the buggy was just fine back when I only had one child. Two children however, just don't seem to fit. When I shop with the two of them it is a big production. Every time I have to put something in the buggy I have to.... lift Jayce's seat out of the back, set him on the floor, get the item off the shelf, strategically place it in the buggy, lift Jayce's car seat up high enough to put him back in the buggy. See? It adds an element of torture to my shopping. I'm not okay with that. You should check out the buggies at Sam's Club. Those suckers are HUGE and they even have 2 seats up front. TWO SEATS! It's genius I tell you! So be a pal and invest in some bigger buggies. Preferably ones like Sam's Club.


Love,

Loyal Shopper Who Can't Keep Hoisting Her Big Ole Baby In And Out Of The Cart Just To Add An Item

Photo Shoot Time!

Around this time if year I can't seem to put my camera down! Okay, I lied. I take tons of pictures no matter what time of year it is. Although I do think it gets worse around the holidays. I wanted to go ahead and have a photo shoot with the kids for Christmas cards. I know it is early, but sometimes we require multiple shoots to get anything worth editing. Luckily this shoot was a success! I am happy to announce that we will have a great card this year! Here are some of the pictures!

These Days

Well, it looks as though we may be moving. Tomorrow the inspection is being done, financing seems to be in order, contracts are signed.... I think it is really happening. We tired to sell our condo for quite a while before Jayce was born. Literally our condo was on the market for nearly a year and half. We had 3 different chances to sell, one of which feel apart days before closing. Frustrating does not describe it well enough. So this time around we are a bit numb to all of this. We just can't even get excited. Luckily we are not going to move until after Christmas so it won't really mess up the holidays. However, we are going to close right before Christmas, which is great for me. Once we close I can pack and such without wondering if all the packing is just a waste of time. Then, right after Christmas we will move into our new house! What a way to start of the new year!

All this moving stuff is so odd to me. It is happening so effortlessly. It is going smoother than smooth. We didn't eve have our house on the market. This whole thing really did just fall in our lap. I can't begin to tell you how incredible it is to see God working in my life. This whole situation has nothing to with us and all to do with God's timing. It is perfect. He knows His plan for our family and will see to it that if this is meant to happen, it will. Honestly I haven't worried or obsessed about this whole thing. Not even once. Not like me at all folks, not even a little bit. I am trying so hard to just live for God. Being preoccupied with with Him you just don't have time to worry. It is such a nice feeling!

Looks like this coming year will bring lots of decorating, organizing and memory making! It is going to be interesting journey for us.

So who is up for a painting party once we move in? Who wants to help renovate a kitchen? Clear out the overgrown yard? Any takers? Just keep it in mind, that's all I'm asking.

In The Words Of Lula Mae

Lula Mae woke up just in time to hear Charlie pulling out of the drive way this morning. The following conversation then took place....

Lula Mae: "Mommy, where's Daddy going?"

Me: "He is going to work."

Lula Mae: "No, he's going golfing." ( I have to add that Charlie has only been golfing once that she can even remember!)

Me: "But it is raining outside so he can't go golfing. I promise he went to work."

Lula Mae: "Oh, it's raining outside. Can we go to Disney World instead? Please Mommy?"




Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to not pack some bags and leave a note on the counter for Charlie that said....

Hey Babe.
Went to Disney World.
Be back....at some point.
Dinner is in the fridge.
Love you!

Oh, it was hard! The girl talks about Disney World all the time. Not a day goes by that she does not ask if we are going to Mickey Mouses house or to see Cinderellas castle. She can't help it. Loving Disney is just in her blood. She is just like her Momma! I can't wait to see her face when we go for Jayce's birthday! She is going to LOVE it! This will be her 4th trip, but her first time really being able to remember any of it. It is going to be a blast for all of us! Be prepared for a bazillion pictures.... this is your warning!

One Step Forward.... Two Steps Back

I want so badly to be a good Mommy to my kids. There are times when I think "I handled that situation pretty well.", but there are more times when I think "Where did that come from? That was completely wrong.". Luckily my kids love me unconditionally. If they didn't I would be in a bad spot.

I try to devote all of my day to my kids. I want them to have memories of us together, having fun and learning. I want them to remember us talking openly about God and showing love to each other daily. Honestly though, there are days where I fail miserably. Too many days I go to bed feeling guilty for not spending every precious minuet with my sweet babies. Sure the laundry was nicely folded, the kitchen was tidy and the sheets were all fresh, but I went to be feeling empty. It makes me wonder if my poor children were feeling empty and unloved.

When Jayce turned 6 months old I desperately longed for him to be a tiny little newborn again so that I could hold and snuggle him the way I once did. The fact that he is half way through his first year of life makes me realize just how fleeting time is. In just a few short months he will be one and Lula Mae will be three. Their babyhood is drifting away, and I feel like I am missing it. Even though I am with them every day, I feel like it is slipping away. I am determined not to let my OCD cause me to miss out on these precious years with my children. Some days I can't focus on them because I just want to reorganize the closet for the 20th time. Or I can't focus because I know the refrigerator needs to be wiped out. If I am having one of those days where my ODC is pretty bad, focusing on my kids is close to impossible. It isn't fair to them and I hate it.

I wholeheartedly think that God sees motherhood as a big responsibility, but I also believe that taking care of the home, caring for my husband and handling the finances are just as important. So how do you juggle it all? How do I spend all my time with my children and take care of my home too? How can I do it without being obsessive about it?

The other day I was rushing around during Jayce's morning nap trying to get some things done. Lula Mae was under me the whole time, asking if I would play. I hated to tell her that I needed to do some work. Then I had an epiphany.... she is old enough to be involved with my work around the house. She needs to see me doing these things so that she can learn how to be a homemaker. So I pulled up a stool and she helped me wash the bottles. Then she was excited to help me make lunch. I tend to still see her as my baby and hide the fact that she is a very big girl who can do so much more than I give her credit for. She is a fantastic helper :-) The house can still be managed while I spend time with my children. It is possible.

Some days I have it together and I manage my time wisely, and others I struggle. This whole parenting thing really is a learning adventure. I feel like I take one step forward and two steps back. Regardless, my children love me unconditionally and I love them unconditionally. My OCD can't stop me from enjoying my kids. I just won't allow such a thing!

On My Mind

This song makes me think of my Uncle Larry. With the holidays coming up I am thinking about him and missing him more and more. I don't know that I have actually grieved his loss yet. I think that over the next few months there will be a flood of emotions. Hopefully I deal with them well.

If you are like me, a song hits harder when the lyrics are right in front of you. I hope you like this song as much as I do.

Letters Of Intent

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all had a great week and are looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend! My brain is still trying to process a lot of stuff but I am feeling much less overwhelmed. I got a new book to start and I think that will help.


************************************************************

Dear Stores,

Really, Christmas music already? You seem to have forgotten something. It's a little holiday I like to call Thanksgiving. Now, I am totally excited for the Christmas season too, but I don't think it is really nice to just skip Thanksgiving. I really like Thanksgiving and all the cute decorations. I do not like going straight from scary Halloween stuff to Christmas trees! Chill out already!

Sincerly,

Big Fan of The Holidays Going In Chronological Order

***********************************************************

Dear Thanksgiving,

I can't wait to see you! I love your family gatherings and delicious food! Just thinking about you causes me to gain weight, and ya' know what.... I'm totally ok with that. You are so worth it. Try not to get your feelings hurt by everyone trying to skip you. They don't mean it.

Love,

One of Your Biggest Fans!

***********************************************************

Dear You-Know-Who,

The cookie dough was a great gift. We really love it. In fact, we love it too much. I am blaming you for my weight gain, just so you know. 3 tubs? 3 GIANT tubs? Really? I can't resist it! My inner fat kid just can't stop! For Christmas I am going to bake you a ridiculous amount of cookies.... if there is any left! Excuse me while I go have a spoon of cookie dough.....

Sincerely,

Fat and Happy

Excuse Me While My Head Explodes

This could get ugly, so beware. I just can't focus enough to really "write a post" so I am about to unload all that which I have in my brain at this very moment in one ginormous mess of a post. Here we go, please try to enjoy....

• Apparently we may be moving. It is quite a confusing situation (in a good way) so I don't want to get into details yet. Just know that we are kinda busy these days and are gearing up for a possible move. Pray that God will guide us to make the right decisions.
  
• I am going to do some Christmas shopping tomorrow and I am excited. Honestly I am going to be doing all of my shopping. I can't stand it lingering over my head.
• I have been clearing out clutter through the house and attic. It feels so good. Now, I am all about making a few bucks, but I get a thrill donating things. No offense to people who have yard sales, but I am a big believer in donation. I know that God has provided for us and is going to keep providing for us. We are blessed. Why must American's sell everything for a profit? Just give it to someone in need.
  
• I am not even going to try to actually potty train Lula Mae until after the possible move. If we don't move, I will put her into big girl panties right after Christmas. Charlie will have a good bit of time off so I want to do it then. I'm telling you, once I put her in panties we are done. I am not going back and forth between diapers and panties. We may have to clean up lots and lots of messes, but I don't want to confuse her by going back and forth. Wish me luck folks. Perhaps she will be ready when I am.... here's hoping!
• There is a thin line between loving and hash discipline. There are many times when disciple is necessary in parenting. Lately Lula Mae has shown me that I am not doing a good job walking that line. "Mommy please stop right now" (in a less than favorable tone). Even though I am using nice words, my tone is far from appropriate. I am determined to treat my children the way I want them to treat me. Their little ears always hear me. Their little eyes always see me. Their little minds are soaking everything in and I want them to soak in godly qualities from me.
  
• I am so far behind on bloggy love and I am sorry. I promise I am reading and keeping up with all of you, but I am just so buried beneath myself that I am unable to comment on some things. I promise I will make it up to you! I promise!!!! You all know I love you and appreciate you!!!!

And now, nap time is over and I must go. There are babies to be fed, dinner to prep, a house contract to sign, cookie dough to eat (did I just say that?), diaper bags to pack for small group tonight.... and the list keeps going! See why my head is exploding??? I am so grateful to have a God who gives me strength through everything. See you soon bloggy world, and hopefully with a much better post to share!

That Which Makes Me Smile......

As I Sit Here...

Listening to quiet worship music, reading my devotional, flipping back through my inspirational calendar, having my Bible time, I have come across some things that I just must share. If you read this post, you will know why. God is powerful and knows just what we each need, day in and day out.

Calendar

When a mother exudes a sense of peace, and tranquility, her family feels calm. Peacefulness brings healing to a troubled spirit. A peaceful mother is like a medicinal balm. Peace and assurance of Mother's love are necessary ingredients for a happy home. -unknown author

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake. -Victor Hugo

God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that can be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish one from another. - Reinhold Niebuhr


Devotional

"Why are you troubled?" He asked them. "And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at My hands and My feet." -Luke 24:38-39

Christ's willingness to continue drawing us to belief totally astounds me. At no time after appearing to His disciples in resurrected form did he say, "You bunch of idiots! I'm sick of trying to talk you into believing Me!". When the sight of Him wasn't enough, Jesus said, "Look at My hands and My feet.". We ourselves have often seen His hands by way of His constant provision and glorious intervention. We have seen His feet as He's gone before us. Surely we, too, have beheld the hands and feet of Christ with the eyes of faith. May we look again today- and believe!

Beth Moore: Believing God Day by Day


Bible

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety. -Psalm 4:8

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of me heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my redeemer. -Psalm 19:14




God moves through this house today. I feel it, I know it, I believe it. I have to finish off with this last thing I read:

Do what is necessary to nurture the spirit of stillness in your life. Don't let the enemy wear you so thin that you lose your balance and perspective. Regular time for stillness is as important and necessary as sleep, exercise, and nutritional food. -Emilie Barnes

How can I be afraid of anything after my quiet time today? He is working hard on me, and I am thankful. With time, I think healing will come and Christ will flow from me. Each day I am going to devote two blocks of time for stillness. One for me and my children together and another for myself. I encourage you to do the same. We are all busy, but may we never be to busy to simply be still and listen to God.

Continue to pray for me friends. Today the battle is going well, but I still have so far to go.

Reality

I have determined that as I add babies to my life, my anxiety and OCD worsen. Not drastically, but a noticeable increase. When I was pregnant with Lula Mae I had this thought in my head that having her would be rejuvenating, healing almost. I imagined that once she was born I would not be so obsessive and afraid. I was wrong. Then, when Jayce was born, it worsened more. The things I began to obsess and worry about were deeper than they ever had been. My heart will race, my stomach will turn, my head starts to hurt, my arms feel shaky, I begin to get antsy, I start to feel flush, I feel physically sick. On the outside I am not sure you can really notice, but on the inside I am screaming.

I feel as though my good days out number my bad, but it does not make the bad days any better. I pray day in and day out that my fears and obsessions will not burden my family. I don't want to hold them back and keep them from a "normal" life. My mind is always racing. There are days where it is so bad I can't make myself leave the house. I can't leave because I am worried that something terrible will happen to me or one of my children. I feel imprisoned by fear and anxiety. What will happen when we have another baby? Or two more? Or how ever many more God chooses? Will I be buried a live by all the fear and anxiety? Will I ever be normal?

Will I ever be able to... pump gas without thinking that it will explode? go on a cruise with my husband without worrying that the boat will sink and I will drown? get on a plane without thinking that it will crash? let my children enjoy playing in a pool without worrying that they will drown in front of my eyes? let my children walk trough a store without thinking that someone is following us, just waiting to grab them and I will never see them again? stop thinking that my children will sneak out of their Sunday school classroom, make it outside and get hit by a car or be kidnapped? fall asleep without thinking our house will catch on fire and I won't be able to get to my babies to get them out? stop worrying that someone will break into my house and hurt my family? This is really just the tip of the ice burg, unfortunately.

I never once have prayed for God to take these things away from me. He made me perfect, so they are there for a reason. God's word says over and over again that I have nothing to worry about. I am glad of that. Before I was saved, my fears were worse (if you can even imagine). God is working on me and He will never stop. So perhaps, someday, all these things will disappear. Scripture helps me make it through each day. Some days it helps more than others, but it always helps. Satan wants to win this battle, but I am determined not to let him. I have complete faith in God and his promises. All these fears and anxiety help me remember how dependent I need to be on Him. If that is the only reason they are there, I am okay with that. Each day is different, but they are all a blessing!

I Can't Resist ...

50% Off

I mean, can you? Today I am loading a few pictures onto Walgreens that I need to have printed. When I say "a few" I really mean an obscene ridiculous amount. I am loading 423 pictures. Catch your breath. Are you okay? I know, it's a shocker. In my defense, I have not printed pictures in a very long time. It is time to catch up the photo albums. Right now Walgreens online is offering 50% off all prints until Nov. 6. So basically I am getting $80.00 worth of pictures for $40.00. I love a good deal! So, if you are needing to print pictures, perhaps for the holidays, you should check out Walgreens online. I love them! They always have coupon codes and great gift deals.

Note: loading 400 plus pictures takes ........ FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!! Not the best idea I have ever had.

True Story Tuesday: Not So Exciting

Well it is time for True Story Tuesday everyone! I promised you a not-so-exciting story, and by golly, you are gonna get one! So here we go! Oh, and don't forget to visit my buddy Rachel for more stories!

Charlie and I had taken the kids to Lowes to look for some fall flowers (for me to kill). We let Lula Mae walk around and pick what she liked. Jayce was a happy boy riding in his stroller. After loading up the flowers we realized that we would probably need some potting soil because the ground here apparently is not great for growing things (it may or may not have more to do with the fact that I can kill kudzu ). So Charlie stepped away from his job of pushing Jayce to load up the large bag. I begin to walk off with the buggy, now loaded with flowers and soil.... and Charlie followed me after me. I turned quickly to him and said, "You may want to grab Jayce there babe." The look of panic that came over his face was apology enough. He felt so bad you guys. Now I can't say that he ever left our daughter (the beloved "first born" you know) anywhere, but I can't hold that against him. I can't, but I am sure someday Jayce will! All us parents have our moments!

Learning.... And Loving It!

Take a look into our mornings:

• After breakfast we get dressed, brush our teeth, fix our hair and then say our morning prayers. Then it is off to school in the playroom!
  
• We do the calendar (day of the week, weather)
• We go over Catechism questions
• We read our new words for the week
  
• We go over whatever math lesson is on the board for the week (numbers, shapes, etc.)
• We go over our Bible lesson and Bible verse for the month
  
• We go over all of our memorized Bible verses

During all of this Jayce is doing some independent play time (exosaucer, play gym, floor with toys)

• Quiet reading time for Lula Mae (20 minuets)
  

I spend some play time with Jayce if he seems ready for some attention. If he is content playing and exploring I clean up the kitchen a bit (wash bottles and cups, make bottles for the day)

• Table time for worksheets or workbooks (right now we are working on simple math concepts and phonics)
• Group reading time
  

Time to put Jayce down for a nap while Lula Mae watches Sesame Street so Mommy can finally take a breath! Our school is over for the most part, but we will work on other things throughout the day while we play!


Our mornings feel busy, but it is well worth it. With every day that passes I know that I am training and teaching my children. Do I wish I could just sit down and relax while Lula Mae plays and Jayce swings? Sometimes. But I would be robbing them of so much. There are days when I just want to play with them, so I do. Even when we play, we learn and explore. On the days when we have errands to run, I still try to make it fun and educational. I point out shapes in nature or words and colors in the store. I never want to stop teaching my kids. If I don't teach them, who will? Who else has more interest in them than I do? More than anything, I want to keep up with their hearts. Being with them and truly spending time with them is the only real way to do that. My life is centered around God and raising my kids for Him and I wouldn't have it any other way!