A Needed Break

Take a breath. Yes, that is what I needed. Life roars like a lion at times, noisily drowning out the day's sweetness. Our family keeps busy beyond the crazy limits, and we needed to step back for a few days. So, we loaded up the minivan and headed north to relax at the lake. Mind you, seven kids at the house keep us hopping (my aunt, grandfather, and cousin with her two children are here as well). Somehow, hearing the lapping of the lake and the hum of the motor boats, feeling the breezes through the pines, and smelling the mountain air, calm the craziness at least for a bit.

As I write this, my sweetie is enjoying watching the ladies World Cup soccer, my toddler is napping, my infant is playing, my cousin's kids are resting, my little man and princess are crafting with their aunt, spaghetti sauce is simmering in the crock pot, and I get to write. Yeah!

When we arrived on Sunday, the sun shone and didn't hide for two days. Today, the temperature cooled a bit, the clouds rolled in over the lake, and it drizzled a bit. Nevertheless, the kids managed to get in the water before lunch, enjoy the boats, and ride bikes. My arms will feel it tomorrow as I joined the kids for a walk down to frog pond pushing a double stroller up and down the hills of Echo Bay.

Now about frog pond, what a cool side trip! We identified the jumping, croaking creatures as frogs, not toads (internet is a wonderful thing). We located both adult frogs and tadpoles. We saw what happens in a frog to make it sound like a banjo. We even found a turtle. I love it when we can learn something new up close and personal. I thought we might take a trip to Fort Ticonderoga, but I think we will probably lay low here at the house. It is good not to have to go anywhere.

We are missing Angel. She is training for her summer camp position this week. I look forward to seeing her again at the end of the week. We are waiting to hear if another baby will be joining us. So far, no news. That is OK for today.

I thank God for down time. I am not ready to rejoin reality.

Yo-Crazy

He wowed them. My little man stood confidently as he presented his passion, yo-yo's. Joining his father at a chamber of commerce business breakfast, he gave a two-minute yo-yo demonstration and then fielded questions from the dozen or so business people attending. All the while, his proud father stood alongside giving him the unspoken assurance when needed.

This didn't just happen to be. There was purposeful parenting and learning that led to this exciting endeavor. I have to say that as the mom I am amazed at how God works even these things out.

Yo-yo's are nothing new and have been around for many years. The tricks, however, have increased in difficulty. This due mostly to the advancement of the types of yo-yo's used. Now, my post is not an informational piece on the history of yo-yo's, but rather how this little toy has made a difference in our family.

As we parent, we attempt to instill courage, discipline, endurance, and poise along with many other character traits. Much of our teaching is done in real life and in real time. My little man began with the simple yo-yo and had to practice to learn the basics. As he progressed, he spent more and more time studying how to be better. We have enjoyed many family nights down the shore on the boardwalk, during which we have watched professional yo-yo competitors show their stuff. He has had a chance to learn by watching, and had had opportunity to compete in casual competition. Over the last few years, the novelty has not left.

One night, at the dinner table, we entertained the idea of extending his hobby to include a business. One thing led to another and a yo-yo birthday party business model was born: Yo-Crazy.

But how does one get started? He is only ten. He didn't have any capital. So what does he do? He trash picks, of course: a 5'x5' moon bounce in fully working order. Our kids played with it for a while, but they decided that it took up too much room, so he would sell it. And sell it he did, for $60. It was not much for a business, but just enough to buy some product to get started. With a supply of string, a variety of yo-yo's (even one that comes off the string during the trick!), a supply of basic yo-yo's, a brochure, and a presentation put to music, he is ready to market his birthday party idea. He is working on his website. I will let you know when that is up and running.

We may not see a strong interest, but then again we may. To me the prize is in the learning; the monetary rewards are nice, but only gravy.

I saw my son develop his skills, research his business model, make wise financial decisions, be confident in presenting his idea, and be excited to share his skills in a God-honoring way. My little man wows me.

Curiosity Journal

I was blessed by a Facebook friend who shared that my posts are encouraging and happy. I hope my words indicate truth, but many times as a mom of many, I am neither encouraging nor happy. Emotions are a fickle thing, aren't they? Often I find it difficult to write because my thoughts and emotions are spinning in different orbits. Today, I pray that my emotions reveal my words accurately.

One friend, whose writing prompted this blog, began her posts again after a short writing break. I agree with her that this theme helps in keeping grounded. So, on that note, let's start laying more groundwork.

I am reading . . .

In years past, my quiet time seemed easier to find. I worked through many Beth Moore studies, found the ability to get up early, and even taught in women's ministry. My ministry has changed having six children in my home. Now, I and am thankful for the ESV Bible app so God's Word is always with me. The book of Psalms has been my friend lately. David and the other authors pour their hearts into their poetry. God is so real to them in both the blessing and the pain. As I read, I may find myself not able to get past one verse. Then other days, I cannot stop reading. I do look forward to getting back to a more in-depth study, but for now, His morsels are feeding me.

Any suggestions for a good read this summer? I will still be working through some books for school, but I would love to get lost in another book. Now, if only I could find time to read for hours on end.

I am playing . . .

So, I asked my sweetie what I have played lately. We both blankly stared, and then he remembered that I played kick ball over Memorial Day weekend. Seriously, I have not even played a card game since then. How pitiful is that?

I am learning . . .

OK, I am drawing a blank here as well. I challenge my kids always to be learning. Why is that so challenging for me? I know I have learned that there are many things that I have left unfinished or untried. I am daily learning how to love my family better.

I am reacting . . .

This blog pricked my heart and made my head spin. This homeschool mom of four makes a priority of reading Scripture at every meal. It makes senses. God's Word is what truly satisfies. His Words are what make us grow and keep us healthy. How would that work practically in my busy home? Am I exceptional at making excuses? Does fear of failure to follow through convince me not even to start? I am practically working through this. It does not need to be a drawn out dissertation, but rather a sweet infusion of the delicacy of God's Word.

As a Christian mother, how is your home obviously different? We are all good at being good, but how can we be more purposeful in presenting God practically to our children? I would love to read your thoughts.

Feel free to join with us in writing your own curiosity journal.

Undefeated Champions

So, Angel asked me the other day if I had posted her softball pictures yet. What kind of mother am I? So here they are for the world to enjoy.

Angel is able to play for our local Christian school at which she attends part-time. She looks forward to soccer most of all, but basketball and softball are fun seasons as well. This softball team is the first in the school's history to go undefeated the entire season. They finished 16-0. Wooo hooo!!!

Mind you, I do not particularly enjoy baseball and softball games, especially with two little ones to chase. However, I thoroughly enjoy watching my kids play. Angel excelled at first base, maintained a decent batting average, and managed to be hit the most on her team. For her record of bruises, she enjoyed ice cream at the end of the season. Her game won her a spot on the all-star team.

This group of girls makes me smile. Not only do they play an excellent game of softball, but also they encourage others, work hard, and enjoy their time on and off the field.

We have a break in sports until fall. Now we can just enjoy some casual fun outside for the summer.

Gratitude

#297-312

• Pictures easily posted to Facebook from my computer
  
• Trumpet trios
  
• Art shows
  
• Slip-n-slides
  
• Ice pops
  
• Sweet-smelling freshly bathed babies
  
• Pink lemonade shared on a hot afternoon
  
• Exuberant cheers for a softball championship
  
• Free refills of tea
  
• Sundresses, sandals, and swim suits
  
• Ministry heart of our Christian school
  
• My cleaned off desk
  
• Beautiful children
  
• Understanding husband
  
• Little but allergies to concern me
  
• Suntans, not sunburns

We are almost there

June fills with graduation activities, final exams, concert practices, art shows, and both baseball and softball play-offs. That is just for my immediate family. The I add all the doctors' visits and DYFS meetings for my babies to the calendar. At times, my head spins trying to keep each day intact. What is today? I struggle to motivate my children to finish strong. Do I finish strong what God has laid out for me? We have come to the end of another school year. June brings us to the completion of eight years of homeschooling. Wow! I never imagined that I would be schooling into high school. Yet here we are.

Our family is anticipating a little boy coming into our home any day. He is due the end of July, but his mommy thinks that he will arrive sooner. Having seven children in our home brings its own challenges and choreographed chaos. As I plan for school in the fall, I cannot help but plead to God, "Please, help!" Am I crazy? I heard it said that the crazy ones are the ones to change the world. I am both humbled and challenged by those words. What changes will my crazy life bring?

Yet here I am today. It is not fall. The baby is not here. We are almost done the school year, and I am ready for a break. What about today, though? What have I taught that will last a lifetime? Truthfully, I am not sure. I would like to think that I have been able to show truth. I challenge my children that every day and every activity is an opportunity to learn something new. Our family has learned a lot over the last nine months, and I anticipate many more moments to be schooled in life.

I look forward to summer. I enjoy the unscheduled days for the most part. Do not misunderstand, our weeks are getting full. I will still be getting up before 7:00. Our days continue to move at the speed of life. There are still piles of laundry, dirty bathrooms and kitchen floors, dishes to be washed, and beds to be made. We have soccer camp, church camp, Bible school, and a long weekend at the lake just to name a few of our activities. The babies' court date is July 8, which happens to be the same day that our family is scheduled for a re-inspection. When the new little one comes, our lives will step into high gear. As my sweet sister-in-law reminded me, I will be returning to sleepless nights. Still, I anticipate a pleasant break from book learning and look forward to relaxing with life learning.

Yet here I am. My hubby is watching the little ones. The big girls are at youth group. I have the joy of sitting at the bookstore (again) and taking in some readjustment. The fact that there is a school group in the children's section singing and playing kazoos makes me smile. I am in the café and do not have to chase anyone around.

What are you anticipating as you enter the summer months? What will you do to keep your children engaged in life learning? Are there any exciting plans for your family as you enjoy the warmer weather? I would love to hear how other moms are heading into their summer.

Wishful Thinking

Oh, how I wish I could have just a little more time to put down words. Any words. Hopefully words that encourage, challenge, and possibly make you smile. The words of my mouth are plenty. Shamefully, they are not always encouraging, challenging, or ones to make you smile. Hmmmm, just a thought passing through.

Honestly, writing takes purpose. It means that my mind has to slow down long enough to construct coherent sentences. It requires some uninterrupted moments.

Life in and of itself brings interruptions, busyness, and noise: softball, baseball, art lessons, church, school, graduations, summer jobs, DYFS meetings, doctor visits, the list goes on.

I hope that as the school year ends, I can find a few more moments.

How do you find those illusive moments?