Monday, September 21, 2009

romance and candles...

Okay, I have no time to be on computer right now, but I just HAD to document this classic about my sweet hubby!  We've talked recently about our marriage and how we can make each other happy, etc.  My two cents worth was that I just need a little more thoughtful "romance".  So the other day I jokingly mention something along these lines.  Here's the conversation:

Me:  You know, fall is my favorite time of the year, so romantic...
RB:  What sort of romantic things do you like about fall?
Me:  I don't know, it's the whole atmosphere....Like the smells, colors - candles (like vanilla or cinnamon or pumpkin), the food...
RB:  I just want you to know that I looked for a candle for you at Walmart this a.m. [mistake #1 - walmart?!  although on my mistake list, I could've let this one slide]
Me:  Really?  That's so sweet!  [Yes, I'm wondering why he didn't actually get me one, but I'm impressed that he was thinking about it]
RB:  Of course, I was on the clearance aisle....and they STILL weren't cheap enough.

For those of you thinking that he didn't REALLY say this, I'm so sorry to inform you that he actually did.  And then he had the audacity to offer to stop and get me a candle when we were out on a date that p.m.  Love that man.  He says it was his attempt at humor, but those of you who know him know that THIS is only HALF true!!  I'm holding on to this one for a LONG time - this story has already been the source of entertainment for several friends.  I told him I'm still going to be telling this one when we're 80!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

character training - mine and theirs

Rough a.m. today getting everyone to school - they were up way too late last p.m.  I've got to get busy with MK and the boys, but just wanted to write down my quick thoughts about training and children.  I used to think that my job was just to sort of direct them and keep them from doing things that were annoying or embarrassing to me (HORRIBLE confession, but unfortunately true).  God has been and still continues to change my heart, but what I'm now beginning to realize is just how much TIME character training takes!  And so does encouragement.  And this means that we can't always be in a hurry, which is an easy trap to fall into.  Margin.  I'm not just talking about overcommitment, although we've certainly been there NUMEROUS times (and may be right now, actually).  I'm just talking about planning ahead so that we're not rushing out the door every time we go somewhere.  Anyway, I used to think that "micro-management" of character issues that came up was a huge mistake in parenting.  Realizing that my beliefs about all of that are changing.  It matters whether or not I actually calmly and patiently deal with siblings being unkind to each other.  It matters whether or not I deal with the ingratitude (big or small) that I hear coming from their lips.  It matters if they roll their eyes at me or one of their siblings.  It all matters!!  I had a close friend tell me recently that you can "crash course" anything your kids need to know academically, but you can't do a crash course in character.  This same mom spent an hour or two dealing with two of her children who had been being unkind to each other - many would say it wasn't a big deal - just a little bickering and bad attitudes.  But it matters now.  And I have to decide if it's more important than hurrying, than wondering about what people think about how I spend my time and energy or what they think about what my children are doing in public (i.e. throwing huge tantrums in the store).  The humbling part of all this is that God is forming MY character through all of this!!  How can I train people to have an encouraging tone of voice if I'M talking ugly!!  And I also can't do it if I'm tired and grumpy because I've left no margin for to breathe easily and move at a reasonable pace.  Bottom line is that it's all about hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit and doing what He says.  There is always grace and margin for that.  And there is grace for training over and over and over and over and over again every stinkin' day for the next 20+ years!!!!!!!!!  Thank you, Jesus! 

Sunday, September 13, 2009

life around here

This is just a rambling blog and I'm determined to go to bed in 5 minutes so this will be short, but just wanted to record memories of the last week (I guess you could say this is just for my benefit). The kids all started school, including Moriah who started kindergarten. I'll post pics later. They all did well. She really likes it so far and I know it is going to be so good for her. McKenna also started homeschooling. I could write volumes (literally) about all that I've been wrestling with concerning methods, philosophy, etc in education (not just home schooling, education in general in America), but that would take more time than I have at the moment! Let's just say that I know that I know that I know that God has led us to do this home school thing this year. He gave me a very specific word/picture a few months back that I have clung to during the last week. If He hadn't spoken so clearly, I think I might have quit already! :) I love that He knows just what we need to hear and when we need to hear it. I'm filled with faith for what God has for us as a family over the next year and for what He specifically has for McKenna. She is becoming a beautiful woman of God!
Not sure about how to function peacefully and without rushing around with this football thing, but we're working through it! And I keep telling myself that it's only for a couple of months. That's not that long, right?! The SCARY thing is that I'm just coming to the realization that this precious little Piper is getting ready to make her debut sometime in the next 8-9 weeks! AHHH! I don't feel quite ready yet!
We spent the weekend at the lake and got back this a.m. We went with some other couples who I would say are some of my favorite people on the planet. It was SO encouraging and emotionally refreshing to be with adults for a few days, have lots of uninterrupted conversations, enjoy sweet times of worship and prayer, and to laugh A LOT!! One of the couples who went could have their own comedy show - really. I don't think I've laughed that hard in a LONG time. We have 26 children between all of us, so it was so nice to sleep when we wanted to and eat whenever we wanted. Those times are precious. And of course I didn't take one stinkin' picture the entire time. WHAT is wrong with me?? Most of us have walked together for a while and it's so encouraging to see how the Lord has moved in us and around us and to look forward to what He has for us as we're all getting close to that 40 year old milestone (there are a few who have crossed it) :). God has been incredibly good!
I'm past my 5 minute mark! Gotta go to bed - haven't been feeling so great due to my own poor health habits! Tomorrow is Monday - praise Jesus! :)

Monday, September 7, 2009

first football game

Well, we survived the first day of Como football!  It was QUITE an experience!  Unfortunately, both their teams lost, but in their defense, it was the only team that beat them last year and these boys were much BIGGER than the Como boys!  Anyway, Luke got the first game jitters out (although they put him at a position he was totally unfamiliar with when he did go in - that's intimidating)!  Josiah played almost the whole time and was so tired he was having a little trouble breathing by the end.  Elliott got to make his debut as quarterback and did a wonderful job.  He did get hurt (wind knocked out of him; leg smashed), but walked it off and was back in by the end of the game!  Charlotte and I were just praying to Jesus the whole time and trying to be tough mamas, but I'll tell you, it's kind of hard to see your babies getting banged around on the football field!  I guess we'll get used to it??  There is an interesting "pressure" playing in this league because we do stand out a bit - you know what I mean?  
We're going to have to figure out how the rest of our family functions in this whole thing - 4 1/2 hours sitting out in the blazing sun with preschoolers was a bit of a challenge.  They survived, but I don't think they'll be doing that EVERY Saturday for the next 2 months (although I'm sure the weather will get cooler, which will help).  Isaac and Moriah declared at the end of the VERY long day that they were never going to another football game again.  So much for my attempts at encouraging them to support their brothers?!  We were blessed to have Uncle Ben and Aunt Trisha there to hang out with us!  Cousins made it all seem more bearable.  And then we got some special hangout time with them that night before they headed to the lake.  
Josiah on the far right (I find my boys by their white legs :))
Luke is #8

Hard to tell, but this is Josiah.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

first Como Lions football game day!!

Josiah, Elliott, and Luke were off around 9:30 a.m. to start a LONG day of football!  Luke's game is at 1 p.m. and Josiah's is at 3 p.m.  Luke's team had to be there really early because they're not quite ready for their first game against their biggest rivals!  :)  Aren't they adorable...ahem, I'm sorry, I mean tough and handsome!

a few more beach pictures!

the only picture that proves I was there!  :)
the tide was way up our last a.m. there and the kids loved catching the big waves!
Randy was also within 10 feet of a sting ray (he ran!!)
my little beach bum  :)