wise words

Sid the Science Kid is very wise. Anyone who sings these words every day is okay with me:

I love my mom,
My mom is cool,
But now it's time
For having fun in school!

Oh, yeah...sing it Sid!!

another rite of passage

Just more proof...it's official...she's a teenager. Her daddy got her a phone, for which she's been asking for a while, but until school started, we felt was unnecessary. But now that we've got everybody going in different directions, and since she's thus far proven to be very responsible, we had decided maybe it was time. It's also a great option for privilege los should she start slacking off! She does have limited texting, and was told anything she goes over, she's responsible to pay for. I had to chuckle on Saturday when I was away all day at classes, and I texted her a few times on my break. After about 2 or 3 texts, she sent me a message "don't keep texting me" and then called and left a message saying, "Mom, please just call me...I don't want YOU to use up all my texts!" I guess those need to be saved for the really 'important' people in her life! :)

cleaning solution

I have a very large mirror on my living room wall. It was there when we moved here, and I always thought it helped to room to not seem quite so small, so it's stayed. However, I can never seem to clean it and really be able to get rid of streaks. I've been doing a bit of searching on the net to see what I could come up with to produce the sparkling, streak-free shine that I want. One streak-remedy I repeatedly came across was to use wadded up newspaper to wipe it with instead of paper towels, and another was to use a 1:1 mix of vinegar and water. So, after being all hyped up about the health benefits of vinegar, I thought I'd give this wonder solution a try!

Well, let me tell you...!!!

It didn't work. Well, let me clarify. It didn't work any better that the Windex. The mirror got clean enough, but when all said and done, I still had streaks! So, my search continued. Then, I hit paydirt. The site that told me the 'magic secret' to my sparkling, streak-free shine...grease. Yep, grease...elbow grease that is!! The site didn't recommend any pricey cleaners or magic cloths, it simply said, if after cleaning your glass you still have streaks, go back over it with a dry paper towel or cloth and put a little 'oomph' into it (not their words, mine). Sure enough! I have a gleaming mirror, accomplished with no gimmicks, just a little, old-fashioned hard work!

(As for the vinegar/water solution, since it did work as well as the cleaner that I have to pay more for, I probably will switch over the non-chemical version of cleaning, save some $, and just know that I'll need to go back over it once it's dry. No biggy!)

vinegar

In the course of trying to establish some healthy new habits, I've been reading lots of things about the fat-fighting power of vinegar. Most of the sources I've checked out recommend taking 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (from what I gather, any type of vinegar is good, but apple cider vinegar is the best) a day to help aid in burning fat, as well as helping maintain a good metabolism. Apparently this fat-fighting benefit has long been rumored about vinegar, but never tested...until recently. Now there seems to be quite a buzz about having the science to prove it. Anyway, I actually like vinegar (especially on fries...oh, wait...guess that would kind of defeat the purpose, huh?) so it's no big burden to me to have a swallow or two every day. There's other health benefits of vinegar too. Check them out here if you like...http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/index.html

moving forward!

Whenever I do things, I tend to do them "all or nothing". With everything changing with the kids being in school, our schedule, etc., it's also an exciting time of new opportunity for me as well. So, I'm trying really 'go for it' and make some personal changes as well.

First of all, I have a renewed focus to lose some weight and shape up a bit. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm training for a marathon or turning into (as Kate puts it) an "exercise freak". But I have recently seen several unflattering pictures of myself that were VERY inspiring for me to make some changes. I'm hoping to lose several pounds and simply get back into a routine of doing some type of exercise every day. The Dance-Dance Revolution is back out after having been neglected for many, many months, and yesterday I tried out a Salsa-Dancing workout DVD (now THAT was interesting....I was quite glad no one was watching!!) and did an 8-minute pilates workout, that was very tolerable! I'm also keeping a food journal...something that in and of itself keeps me from really 'fressing-out' on junk that I'd have to own up to on paper!!

I've started a new personal Bible study that is focused, with daily 'homework'. I crave this kind of thing, and had done many studies like this in the past, but found it practically impossible to do with the homeschooling. Now, I feel privileged to have an hour or so each day to be able to spend doing my study or just worshiping at the piano. I actually almost feel guilty to have the available time to do this!

I'm also really trying to 'retrain' myself in some areas. When my kids were really little, I felt it was easy to enjoy being a homemaker...making good food, entertaining, generally making my home a nice place to be. However, over time and with the added 'full-time teaching job' (I'm realizing now how very true that is!) I sort of lost sight of what a joy that could be. Life was more centered around getting the necessities done, and I would say our home wasn't necessarily a peaceful place to be. This is one change I am definitely focusing on. I want everyone to really look forward to coming back here at the end of the day. I also want it to run efficiently, so I am trying to spend some time looking at creative 'home-oriented' blogs and such...ones with creative ideas for budgeting/saving money, meal ideas, frugal decorating suggestions, and creative cleaning tips. I've found some really good ones, so I think you might see my blogroll on the side changing soon!

And...hopefully I will also be able to get back to blogging more regularly, with more creative posts than have recently been appearing!

**Also....I'm going to be posting a weekly polling question. It's just for fun, and you can answer anonymously without needing to log in to any kind of account. So, jump in and cast your vote!**

Coming home...Maggie's favorite time of day

book review: Zealous Love

You may remember, several months ago, that I had listed a few books that I was planning to read and post a review as part of Zondervan's "blog reviewer program". Well, I had a very hard time really getting into the one that I picked to review...just wasn't connecting with me enough to really earn a time-slot on my priority list...so that review is still yet to come (hopefully).

However, this week I got my second installment of books to review, and already have to share with you about the first book that I delved into.

The book is called Zealous Love, A Guide to Social Justice, by Mike & Danae Yankoski. There's no 'fluffy' way to review this book. It is gripping and gut-wrenching. It is challenging. And it is very practical. As I read the first chapter, on human trafficking, I was moved nearly to tears, yet at the same time, I fought the urge to "cover my ears" so to speak. Part of me just doesn't want to know. Part of me says, "No! This just can't be happening in our day-and-age!". Part of me wants to stay unaware, because, frankly, it's much more comfortable. How do you become aware of such atrocities and go on living unaffected by the realities that others are experiencing on a daily basis? That, my friends, is exactly the point of the book. It is a wake-up call for Christians to really hear and heed the many, many words of scripture that call for justice, mercy, and compassion for those in need. This reference in particular humbled me to the core:

"Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy." (Ezek. 16:49)

The book is formatted in such a way that it takes eight areas of social justice needs that affect billions worlwide (and yes, including the USA) and addresses it first as a 'briefing', giving the facts and realities of each. Following the 'briefing' section are 'field notes'...personal stories of those who are active in becoming part of the solution to these problem - people truly being the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today. Lastly, each issue section is concluded with questions for personal reflection, to 'bring it home', so to speak, as well as ideas for action and contact information for several organizations already established in fighting on behalf of the helpless.

While this book was stirring and compelling, I did not find it to be guilt-inducing. In fact, the authors specifically addresses the fact that we cannot operate out of guilt. They compare doing so to a college student surviving on too much caffeine and not enough sleep....eventually there will be a crash. However, they do challenge Christians to cultivate something much healthier and sustainable. A heart change, that can, in fact, only be brought about by understanding the deeply perfect love of Christ that has so freely been bestowed on us. It's is about, as the authors put it "an active, renewable love" that once we understand, we can't help but love others out of.

My personal tendency, when confronted with such issues is to become overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem, and my inability to make a deep impact. I also can get easily frustrated with the 'politics' that can come into play when social justice issues are brought up. However, neither of these is an excuse that would stand in light of Matthew 25:

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

So, where does this leave me? Well, first of all, I will admit, I'm not even finished the book yet! (Yes, it's impacted me this much already, I'm not yet done!) So I am still mulling around ideas in my head. Thoughts of where to go, what to do with this all. I'm praying and asking God to give me new eyes to see the things he does. I'm asking him to make me more aware, and to help me to cultivate that awareness in my children, and in my church. Practically speaking, I've got ideas brewing for our kids celebration service that will tie in lessons about the reality of other childrens' lives and what we can do to help them. I'm thinking of challenging lessons for my own kids (yeah, some that involve lugging around jugs of water and eating lots of rice) that I know will not necessarily be received well, but will be impactful. I'm praying for God to fully wake me up to what it means when He said "whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me".

Final conclusion? Great book...you should read it!!!

EDIT: Prompted by Laura's question in the comments, (I wanted to include this in my post but forgot) the 8 social issues addressed in this book are: human trafficking, unclean water, refugees, hunger, lack of education, creation degradation, HIV and AIDS, economic inequality.

goodwilled people

As we've been doing our "Love & Respect" group (a marriage video course), a particular concept that has run throughout is the idea that your spouse is basically a "goodwilled" person, who doesn't intentionally frustrate, annoy or hurt you. These things may happen, but you have a whole different perspective on your spouse if you choose to focus on the fact that they aren't meaning to cause you pain, and that they really are a "goodwilled" person.

I am finding this concept of thinking of people in this way carries over well to other areas of life. As the kids transition with school, and my frustration or annoyance flares up over things they come home with, amount of homework, stories of how things were handled, etc., I tend to forget that the people involved (teachers, bus drivers, etc.) are really probably goodwilled people, who probably truly do have reasons behind their actions, and I may not always see them.

Last weekend when Bryce began expressing frustrations he has been experiencing in school, my first instinct (being the 'mama bear' that I am) was to get angry at his teacher...a woman who I had never met, mind you. I began question what she was doing, why, and all sorts of things. I had very built up in my mind a scenario of having to "have it out" with this lady. However, with my husband's calming influence I was able to write a rational email to her with some questions about what was going on, and she very promptly called me the next morning to respond to my concerns. She was not at all what I expected, even just in phone conversation, and we set up a time to meet to discuss the situation.

Yesterday Todd & I sat down and had a wonderful meeting with this teacher, who I found to be very caring and concerned. She was more than willing to work together with us to make this the best year possible for Bryce. Having gone in with my defenses up, expecting to be condenscended to about having homeschooled (as I have experienced from some public school teachers in the past), I was more than pleasantly surprised (and very encouraged) by her praise of our choice to homeschool, and her understanding and appreciation of the value of it. (In fact, she actually asked us questions about homeschooling as she is encouraging her own daughter to homeschool her granddaughter who was adopted from an orphanage in China at the age of 3 1/2.) She emphasized that while Bryce is having to learn to adapt to working in a classroom with 20 other kids, getting into a routine, etc., that those aren't necessarily of great importance in the grand scheme of life...not nearly so much as the values and character foundations we were able to give him in the years that we homeschooled. She caringly acknowledged that there were pluses and minuses to public school and asked how we found it to be working for us, and even how our other son was adjusting. I could not have asked for a better meeting, and left feeling very empowered as a parent to have someone who is viewing this school year as a partnership between her and us to give Bryce all the best. I was honestly amazed and very blessed.

All this to say, I found out that she was a truly "goodwilled" person, and I would do well to, rather than react the minute things happen in a way that assumes the worst, to remember that people are quite often "goodwilled" and allow God to reveal the truth of situations before choosing to fly apart! Good lesson...hopefully it will fully take root in my heart and mind!!

adjusting **warning: long update**

Adjusting to school has been a bit rough for the kids, though in different ways than I expected. I suspected there might be some 'breaking in' time with the already established kids (cliques can be rough), and that hasn't seemed to be an issue for any of them. They all seem pretty happy with friends that they've made and their social interaction seems to be good. (Not that I thought they were lacking in that, but kids can be rough). I am extremely grateful that all 3 of them seem to be outgoing and make friends easily...I can't imagine dealing with the school struggles if it was compounded by the "no friends" thing. The only frustrations we've encountered seem to be simply stemming from not having been taught in a classroom, lecture-style atmosphere, and this mainly seems to be affecting Bryce & Kate. They've both expressed struggling to "keep up" and get work done quickly, sort through all the information the teachers are giving, and managing to remember it and write down things. I really think that this is just something that needs an adjustment time, because, frankly, when homeschooling, that's just not how things happen. Everything we did was at our own pace, and totally interactive. While that was a 'enjoyable' way to learn, I feel like now in switching them over, I've probably done them somewhat of a disservice in not making them work more independently and with stricter guidelines. I spent a good chunk of Sunday evening and yesterday in tears, kicking myself for not doing better, and questioning whether I should have ever homeschooled. However, with a lot of prayer and an opportunity to talk with Bryce's teacher, and just some good conversation with the kids, I feel better about just walking them through this time, knowing that I was obedient to what God had told us to do in that season, and feel we are doing what He's leading us to for this new season, and trusting that HE will be faithful to work out everything for, in and through them and me! There will be struggles, there will be adjustments, but I keep telling myself (and sometimes I actually believe it) that they aren't "ruined" and they will be okay. And so will I.

Seth is seeming to come alive a bit more. The first week or so I was concerned because he would come home every day and just be a zombie on the couch for most of the evening. But I think it was just getting used to having such a long day, and his body seems to finally be catching up with the schedule. He still needs a lot of sleep, and is pretty wiped out til bedtime. Last night he asked to go to bed at 7:30! I had told him he had half an hour til bedtime, to which he replied "I think I'll just go now." Once he had gotten all ready for bed I think it had actually gotten him a bit of a 'second wind' and he decided to read a little bit instead of going right to sleep. That was fine...he was still in bed by 8 and out like a light soon after. And he was up around 6:30 this morning...way ahead of schedule...but just said he was done sleeping! Ah, to be a morning person...!!

All of these adjustments have carried over to family life too. We are now realizing how vital it is for us to not have many things going on in the evening now, as that's our only time with the kids. We are having to really take a hard look at our schedule and it's forcing us to be more disciplined with our time...an area of great difficulty for Todd & I both. I have so appreciated my dear husband's willingness to step up and commit to helping the kids with all math homework, as that is my weakest area. (I helped Bryce one night and he ended up having to stay in at recess the next day to re-do his homework. It was geometry, which I almost failed in high school. Apparently I'm no better at it now. When Todd heard this he said "WHY did YOU try to help him with math??" That about says it all...) Todd is such an awesome dad, who is really involved and connecting with the kids...I do realize this is not necessarily the norm, and that I am truly blessed to have such a great man. (However, in my defense, I will be handling all the Language Arts studying...and especially spelling!! LOL)

The kids are especially excited about the extra opportunities school offers...Seth starts the "science club" next week after school (he just loves 'experiments'!) and Kate is looking into the "art club". Bryce signed up for the "thinking strategies" club, but all the clubs get filled by lottery, and his named didn't get picked. However, I'm thinking that on the day that Seth is busy with his club, it may give Bryce & I some extra time to focus on practicing his music. (And, in all honesty, I think it's really good for Seth to have gotten an opportunity to do something where Bryce is sort of having to "wait his turn"...I think from Seth's perspective it's usually the other way around.) Bryce has been thoroughly enjoying playing football at recess every day, and by the end of last week had gotten to be the captain of the recess team.

Luke & Maggie are quickly becoming best buds, and they both get the same excited look in their eyes whenever they hear a bus! :)

All in all, we're all doin' okay...but looking forward to next summer! I miss my babies. (Don't tell them I said that though!!) (Countdown: Boys - 10 days down, 170 to go; Kate - 5 down, 175 to go!)

remembering 9/11

Today, as I remember the events of 9/11/01, I think back to the man I stood next to on the Staten Island Ferry as we crossed to NYC on this date last year. He was wearing a FDNY t-shirt with crosses on it, each bearing a name of a fallen fireman on that fateful day. He stood at the rail of the deck, staring off in the distance toward the statue of liberty, tears silently streaming down his face. I kind of wonder if he's there again this morning, remembering and honoring his friends and brothers in the same way. As I think of all the families today who lost loved ones, I remember specifically this man, though I don't know his name, and pray that he is able to truly receive the comfort that only Jesus can offer.

I decided it was time to accept the fact that summer is gone, (evidenced by the chilly bus stops this morning!) and change the background...goodbye fun flip-flops!!

Kate had her first day of school yesterday, and while she had an absolutely WONDERFUL day once she got there, the morning was a bit crazy. Her bus came early, and so instead of praying with her as she headed out the door I was yelling "C'mon Kate...bus is HERE!!!!" Then, as she ran out the door, Maggie thought she should join her, and also bolted. Kate is halfway between the yard and the bus and turns around, like she's going to chase Maggie! I said "NO! I'll get Maggie, you GET ON THAT BUS!!!" as I ran around the yard in my PJ's, like a crazy woman. The kind bus driver and assistant smiled and waved...must be fun to have good entertainment so early in the morning! (Kate gets the bus at 6:50 !!) I guess Maggie must've sensed this was not the day to mess with me when I turned around and started walking away from her into the house and just said "Come on, Maggie, let's go get food," because she actually came. Good thing.

The rest of the morning went okay and after the boys were off, I had a good chuckle when I heard Luke chattering away to Maggie as he played, and at one point he says "Just stop asking me so many questions, Mags!".

So, yesterday, I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 hours of quiet I had during naptime! (Actually, about and hour and half since Kate gets home before Luke wakes up. I'm thinking about bumping up naptime just so I can have the full 2 hours! How selfish is that?!?!) Anyway, I started doing an online Bible study of Beth Moore's, and I'm absolutely loving it. I think life is going to be different...in a very good way. :)

first day of 'real' school

Well, yesterday the boys (Bryce & Seth) went off for their first day of school! I did well not crying when I put them on the bus (though I will admit that I cried after I went to bed the night before). They didn't seem too nervous, and got on the bus excitedly, not even waving by to me as they pulled away, (as I stood waving like an idiot)! (They're boys...can you tell?) They knew some friends from our neighborhood to sit with on the the bus, and excitedly reported when they came home that they both had one or two boys in their class that they knew from baseball. They both seemed to enjoy the day...though I was surprised that Bryce was the one that talked more about his day, and seemed more excited, while Seth was very quiet...and completely wiped out. (Originally, Bryce was the one hesitant about starting and Seth was super-excited to go.) He (Seth) assured us that he liked everything, but he was very, very tired. He even agreed with me this morning when I said we needed to move his bedtime up half an hour. I think they will both do great, it just will take some adjusting for Seth to such a long day. He's just a kid who needs a lot of sleep...and on occasion would still nap last year (rarely, but it was nice to have the option every now and then). It was fun to hear about their day...especially when they first came in and said "Well, we didn't really do any 'school'...". In their mind, from their homeschooling experience, it really only counts as school if you are working on something or learning something new I guess...and according to Bryce, yesterday was just all about hearing all the rules! That made me chuckle. They, of course, loved recess and lunch...the two things I heard most about. Haven't wrangled much info out of them yet about their actual teacher or classroom experiences...you know, all that is really secondary to lunch and recess anyway! :)

The funniest thing was when, 5 minutes after the boys left on the bus, another bus went passed and Luke jumped up and yelled "They're back!!" Sorry buddy...he really has no idea what he's in for this year! Kate doesn't even start school til the 9th of September, so we spent all day yesterday doing her school shopping, so Luke hasn't even experienced the impact of being alone all day yet! But even today, as soon as we got in the house from putting the boys on the bus, he hauled out his number and letter books to do his school work. If this keeps up at this rate, he just might be reading before he ever starts kindgergarten, what with all of this undivided attention he'll have!