Pumpkins

• Creative designs
• Delightful smiles
• Helpful hands
• Encouraging words
• Icky mess
• Gooey fingers
• Slimy pumpkin guts
• Happy fall fun

I caught this image this afternoon. My little guy has had trouble staying in a book, but this one caught his attention. The Hardy Boys series has been around for awhile, but my son recently found the magic in the mystery.

Not Me Monday

This post is an attempt at, dare I say, copying and climbing on the bandwagon of many, many blogging moms. Not Me Monday shows us as real moms who do real things and many time those things are really stupid or funny. Thankfully I am surrounded by real people.

• I did not simply sit here too long thinking of what to write just so I would have something on this blog.
• I did not spend hours today with four children at the orthodontist, pediatrician, and radiology office - that would be crazy.
  
• I did not feed the above mentioned children way too many pretzels because I did not take the time to pack a lunch for them.
• I did not feel relieved when my wonderful husband sent two of my kids to naps with the understanding that if they did not sleep they couldn't stay up for the World Series tonight - Go Phils!!
• I did not make my little one lay down in my bed for a nap simply because I wanted to sleep in my own bed and didn't want to deal with her attitude - that would be very self centered.
• I did not think that hot dogs and french fries sounded good for dinner - it kinda goes with baseball, doesn't it?

Just an Idea

Hey moms (and dads)! I thought I would take the time to share something that we as a family have tried lately. As Christian parents we are instructed in God's Word to teach our children whenever we have the chance. Life gets busy and teachable moments are often missed. You know . . . the tyranny of the urgent. We have taken the opportunity during our Sunday meal after church to talk to the kids about what they have been learning in their classes. This not only keeps us up to date with the content of what they are learning, but it also helps keep an ear to who is in their classes and what God is teaching them. Many times we are able to piggy back on their lesson and extend it with additional questions. Here's where it can get fun. We often throw out challenges. They usually come in the form of questions regarding one of our lessons (Bryan and I also share what we are learning). One week we challenged them to find what part of the Bible mentioned the following people all in the same chapter: Abraham, Moses, David, Rahab, and Samson. My oldest found this one pretty easily, but the others took some time. They are allowed to use the computer and concordances as resources, but they must show us in the Bible where they got their answer. Gotta go back to the source of truth!! Obviously we have mostly readers in our home. We address is differently with our little one. This is not an every week occurrence, but has been a fun way to learn in our home. We have given $.25 incentives – not that that really means much. Make it fit your family. Our kids seem to enjoy the hunt. I welcome your comments on anything you have found to work in your family that helps you parent Biblically.

Teachable Moments

My little guy spent some quality time with Dad today.
He learned that the little things make a difference.
Measuring with accuracy is imperative, not optional.

They worked together on a project that has been calling our name for awhile.

Big hands and little hands side by side - what a treat to watch.
My little guy was thrilled and literally ran through the hall to get to the next step in the process.

I am so thankful for my awesome hubby who takes the time to work with our kids.
It would have been much easier, and faster, to do it himself without "help".
Instead he chose to invest in our son's life.
Little things make a difference.

Shocker

OK. I am eating my words of a few posts ago. There was a strange sound coming from the little room off of my family room. "What was it?" I wondered. With a sheepish smile, my oldest proclaimed that she had thrown a load of laundry in the washer. I paused to catch my breath. Laundry being done without my initiative? Couldn't be true! I guess miracles do happen. Now if only the laundry fairy would take care of the growing mountain of laundry still sittting there.

Maddie and Mommy time doesn't occur as much as I would love. I thought I would spend some time with my little one this afternoon while the rest of the crew practiced their talents at coaching, playing soccer, and water colors. My little one fell into true form: silly, moody, and lovable.
These swings were a crazy height for little people. Not that I mind helping her, but she can be Miss Independent and these swings made that almost impossible. Oh, but her smiles were precious as she flew high in the air, blond hair blowing in the breeze, little legs pumping for all they were worth.

Little Miss enjoyed her trip to California (ie: the playground). Mommy watched, camera in hand, and listened to her imagination play out even if for a short while. The time went too fast as nature called and we had to leave. Oh well, can't have everything.

Change Your Attitude

I use this phrase quite often in my home. Usually it follows pouting, arguing, complaining, or disobedience. Not often is it a good thing. This morning as I sat quietly alone in the dim of the early hours, my father God told me the same thing. Philippians 2 lays out a command: "your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." That hit right between the eyes. I questioned what He meant by that. He goes on to explain.

Christ didn't hold on to what was rightfully his. I prefer to demand my rights. I deserve to be treated a certain way . . . don't I? God is not telling me to lie down and let the world roll over me. At least I don't think so. His example is in a sense what he did. He was God and let the world mock Him and kill Him. What am I holding on to that may be rightfully mine, but God wants me to lay aside – security, friendship, control, dreams, my family?

Secondly, He chose to be a servant. Ouch! If servanthood fits into my schedule that's OK, but to go out of my way to choose to be a servant is what God wants me to do. I am not sure exactly where that is. Presently, my area of service is my family. God seems to be pulling me out of other areas with the exception of the young adult singles. He wants me to live with eyes wide open for what I can do for others, and not seek how I can be the most benefited. Christ was the ultimate example. He took advantage of every opportunity and didn't make excuses.

Thirdly, Christ was obedient – to death. At first I looked at this and pushed it off. God is not calling me to die. But then again, is he asking me to put to death attitudes and actions in my life? God himself obeyed. That seems contradictory to me. Taking these verses as a whole, though, it all fits.

The ultimate goal of Christ's example was to bring glory to His father. God is challenging me that this life He has given me is not all about me. How is God receiving the glory? I can't answer that question.

Thankfully, this challenge of change is not something I have to face on my own. I trust in a God who cares about my growth and relationship with Him.

"Change your attitude" takes on new meaning for me.

 

Tea, anyone?

Somehow our kids have developed into tea drinking fanatics.

Not that I am surprised. Bryan and I were known as the "tea couple" at Cedarville. Kind of weird, I know, but better that than some other crazy nickname.

Over the years, various tea pots have decorated our home, and we (mainly me) have enjoyed trying new kinds of teas. Bryan and I escape weekly to reconnect/escape and enjoy a cup of tea together, Earl Grey being the favorite. The colder weather has encouraged the kids to expand their horizons and join in the pleasure of a good cup of tea as well. I think they like to be like Mom and Dad, which is great. I think it's cute/funny/ironic to see them sitting with a mug of tea sharing in a conversation or reading a book.

Who would have thought that a cup a tea would bring so much enjoyment?

Not Afraid to Ask

I planned a field trip today to the Liberty Science Museum. It ranks in the top 10 places for my kids. I love the way it presents the material: very hands on and lots of helpers to explain things in a fun way. My little guy and the bigger girls even took a shot at walking on an I-beam at least 15 feet off the ground. We had a great time . . . once we got there. Permit me to explain.

To begin the day we dropped my parents off in Bayonne at their cruise ship heading to Nova Scotia for two weeks. We were all very excited even though security didn't let us get near the boat. We did sneak a few pictures on our way out of the drop off zone. That done, we headed to the museum which was no more than two miles from there. It was supposed to be easy, so they say.

Somehow we ended up in Newark (I think) after I got off the Turnpike headed towards the bridge to NYC. Panic began setting in. The best laid plans for the day were not playing out quite like I had hoped. I seemed to be wasting a lot of precious time going nowhere I wanted to be. My husband could be no help even if I had called. I pulled off, not even knowing what road I was on. Turning the corner I viewed three police officers on motorcycles. Now, I have no trouble whatsoever asking for help. I waved out the window, smiled, and gave the details of my dilemma. He put me in the right direction and we finally arrived at our destination.

I shook off disappointment and directed our energies into learning new things together. As we waited at the ticket counter, a kind lady offered to put three of us on her corporate card. That meant I only had to pay for two children – a much appreciated help. One may say it was purely coincidental. I chose to view it as another one of those little blessings in the middle of what I thought was a little mess. Back home again by three, we changed gears and left for another soccer game.

It was quite the day filled with many memories.

Life Lessons

It is a great thing to teach your kids how to collect dirty laundry and put it away when it is clean. Now if I could only get them to routinely use the washing machine. Instead, laundry piles high. I am amazed at how much dirty clothes a family of six acquires. Just one of those random thoughts floating through my mind at 4:30 while I am waiting to pick up a child from art, preparing dinner for when two others get back from soccer, and, oh yes, starting the laundry . . . again.

Mindless Thinking

Writing challenges me. I wish I had the time and clear thought process to sit and write. Lately my mind has been mush. Life takes a lot of planning along with the routine. I get to the end of the day and wonder what even happened that was worth much. Today played out like most days - mostly filled with school and kids. Thankfully Wednesdays are not soccer days. I have wanted to write, but have not had anything of significance to write about. Being a mother is the best job in the world, yet some days I am going round and round on the treadmill of life wondering how I am going to get off. My mind spins with all that I need to do. Don't get me wrong. I am not a woman who needs a career to make me fulfilled. I like my job. God has blessed me tremendously. Today, I just feel overwhelmed. Words in my mind don't measure up to much that makes sense.

More Family Fun

Today began with a early soccer game for my little guy. We tackled the rest of the day with intensity: lots of cleaning, stacking wood, and laundry. Our schedule had left little room for keeping up with routine tasks past the bare minimum. Today allowed us to catch up with some much needed jobs.
At the end of the day we rewarded ourselves with a fall cookout. The night was perfect. Bryan grilled out and built a great fire which demanded smores. The highlight of the evening, however, was bobbing for apples. Simple, yet a barrel of laughs - literally. My little one showed great determination as time after time she missed the mark. Finally she was successful as she came up with a mouth full of apple. My little guy simply enjoyed getting all wet. Bryan and I even joined in the fun. Usually I delegate myself to picture taker, yet in doing so I rarely get in any. I chose to break out of that tonight. Unfortunately, my daughter seemed more interested in taking a picture of the bucket rather than me. Oh well.
My oldest daughter blessed us as we wound down the evening before baths. She brought out her guitar and we joined her in singing praise songs. What a joy to be able to sit outside of our very suburban home in the middle of our neighborhood, yet in our little world of praise. Thank you God for moments like this.

Why Not, Mom?

This is not the first time I heard this question nor will it be the last.

This time it is about Halloween. Tis the season, I guess.

Fall colors beautify the landscape and the weather teases us with cool breezes before the bitter winters. Fall even smells delicious.

Why does a holiday celebrating death, darkness, and evil have to be a part of it?

We choose as a family to avoid celebrating Halloween. God's Word keeps silent on this day specifically so we are careful not to make it a Biblical mandate for others to follow. However, we do set the rules for our kids and this has become one of them. Honestly, they don't seem to mind. They do enjoy handing out candy to the neighbors (that way we don't look like the ogres). However, my little one needed more explanation. It is a shame that princesses and "happy" things cannot be central for this day. She loves to dress up. It is a major part of her life. Why, she wonders, can't she dress up for Halloween? I am not sure I explained it to her satisfaction. I grew up with a simple, safe Halloween. Mom made our outfits (some are too embarrassing to mention). Maybe I am old, but life seemed simpler then.

Why do I feel that I need to protect my kids even more as the days go on?

Am I paranoid? Maybe . . . maybe not.

I am sure that more questions will follow – some crazy, some serious.

I hope that I have some answers.

One Daughter’s Perspective

"This picture is my four-year old sister. She was really happy about Apple Day. She wanted to peel the apples all by herself. My little sister did a pretty good job at it. I think this picture is cute because she stuck her tongue out when she worked."

My Son’s Perspective

"I know it looks bad, but it actually is a pie filling that tastes really good."

What to do With All Those Apples?!

We stepped out of the routine today. Considering the past weekend, it proved to be a blessing to not have bookwork to deal with.

Each child helped in the mess making, apple peeling – coring – slicing, measuring, baking, and taste – testing.

When all was said and done we made 4 pies, 1 cake, 24 muffins, and a crock pot full of applesauce.

Honestly, the kids did a lot. I just supervised. I don't think they will be so helpful when it comes to cleaning the kitchen.

It amazes me that,after all this, we still have lots of apples left!!

We are Sad

My friend, Steve, went to see Jesus last night. God chose to take him home after two months of fighting after a brain hemorrhage. We are all sad in our home. Steve taught my Alyson in Sunday School. He will be missed.
I thank God for His unbelievable grace towards Steve and his family during these trying months. Both sadness and joy fill our hearts as we feel a void, yet know that Steve is healed completely and seeing his Savior face to face. Admittedly, we like flesh and blood family and friends, but we will see him again.
Thank you God for showing yourself very real. Please heal the hurts in the Deichert family today.

Fall Fun

I enjoyed this day tremendously: garage sale deals, soccer win, sunny skies, gentle breeze, cool evening, family time, delicious apples, messy smores, many pictures, beautiful fire, blessed family.

He didn't really do it, did he?

Surrender??

God called me today.

His voice sounded louder than the still small voice; He thundered in my mind.

No matter what I tried to do, He kept calling. My mind refused to focus until I climbed into my bed and listened.

He let me talk and spill my heart.

Philippians 4 continues to resonate in my mind as my stress level accelerates and rises.