The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today

November 23, 2009

Outside my window...snow, ice, Phillips 66, HUB's Plaza and Interstate 84.

I am thinking...how amazing it is that 11 people can travel for over 12 hours and 600 miles together without one bad attitude and a whole lot of helpful hands and hearts.

I am thankful for...Philip, Cari, Landen, Luke, Ardyn, Ashli, Mari, Elizabeth, Josh, Kathy, Johnathan, James, Aunt Jeannie, My Other Mother, Tim, Justin, Matthew, Cayla, Lucas, Katie, Larah, Baby Sam, Audrey, Barbara, Horn Creek Camp and Thanksgiving 2009.

I am wearing...jeans and a sweatshirt.

I am remembering...as a kid how cool it was to stay in a hotel. It is wonderful to be able to watch my own children have the same kind of fun while forming their own great memories.

I am going...to hug on my children. They are wonderful and awesome blessings from God.

I am reading...The Preacher's Daughter.

I am hoping...for good driving conditions for the next two days.

On my mind...thankfulness.

From the learning rooms...the books are closed this week, but the kids are able to learn as we travel. Map reading, measuring distances and time, directions, GPS, geography.

Noticing that...our Super 8 hotel is comfortable and the front desk lady is kind and welcoming.

Pondering these words...Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful. ~~Ann Landers

From the kitchen...several of us worked late into the evening last night so that we could enjoy meals from the cooler and baskets. Our meals today were quite delicious, but not so nutritious.

Around the house...our house is clean and locked up. It is hotel rooms and camp for the next week.

One of my favorite things...Baby Sam's smile.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook
For Today
November 16, 2009

Outside my window…it is drizzling and dark. It is usually late when I get around to doing my Daybook.
I am thinking…about what and when to pack for the kids. I don't want to do what I normally do and that is wait until the last minute. I desire to be organized and not rushed.
I am thankful for…a husband that makes me laugh.
I am wearing...Cabela's slippers, Costco socks, jeans and a short sleeve shirt. Although I'm very ready to get into my pj's.
I am remembering…this time last year I was in East Texas visiting family.
I am going…to finish cleaning the hallway shelves when I get done with this post. I've been working on it all evening, passing the time until Tim gets home.
I am reading…one of two new books Tim bought for me when he was away at a conference last week. I don't remember the name or author.
I am hoping…for a peaceful, relaxing (next) week as we travel to Colorado for Thanksgiving.
On my mind…family relations.
From the learning rooms…

Noticing that…I'm getting sleepy. I think I can hear our flannel sheets calling my name.
Pondering these words…Live in peace with each other.
~1 Thessalonians 5:13
From the kitchen…popcorn and pink lemonade.
Around the house…all little kids are in bed and the older boys are in their room. A bit of peace and quiet at the end of my day. Nice! Very nice!!!
One of my favorite things…encouraging words from a friend.
From my picture journal…

Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Tim and I will be there in January with
some of our wonderful church family.

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Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

Normally, we roast our pumpkin seeds in a little butter and a sprinkle of Johnny's seasoning. Today my mouth was longing for something other than salty. I searched on this website and found this recipe.

Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
1 egg white

1/4 cup natural cane sugar

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon fine grained sea salt

1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds
Preheat oven to 375. In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the egg white, sugar, cayenne and salt. Add the pumpkin seeds and toss well. Drain off any excess egg white (using a strainer) and place seeds in a single layer across a baking sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes or until seeds are golden. Sprinkle with a bit more sugar and cayenne pepper when they come out of the oven. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
Makes one cup.

~Just made a double batch. They are a hit with the family, so I will definitely be making them again.

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Wara Woo

Larah Mikal (Wara Woo, as she calls herself) is our wonderful 2 1/2-year old daughter. She is a pure delight and with her in our home there is never (might I repeat myself...never) a dull moment. Larah is active, fun and constantly on the go. She loves to snuggle with me in the morning, play with her babies throughout the day, and read 10 Little Ladybugs at night. She is often found walking with Papa to his office so she can enjoy an orange Tic Tac...available only from Papa...in his office. She has renamed Cayla "Daughter" and she demands Justin and Matthew hug her before leaving the house. She loves to sleep with her "blantee" and her favorite color is pink. To describe Larah a bit more, I have compiled a list of questions she asks me EVERYDAY! Not a day passes without her asking me...

"Can I help? " This might pertain to making my bed, folding towels, cooking/baking in the kitchen, carrying in kindling, giving Sam a bath...the list goes on and on. She is an incredible helper.

"May I have dates, please?" This question is usually asked early in the morning shortly after our young beauty has energetically pulled herself out of bed. I have had to limit the serving size to two dates per day. Otherwise, she would be eating dates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She prefers the pitted ones, but if those aren't available she will tolerate the 'seeds'. Thank you, Azure Standard, for your monthly supply and delivery of dates.

"May I please watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?" For some odd reason, Larah loves this movie. She has been down with the flu for the last week and I cannot begin to explain how many times I have heard...

...Near, far, in our motor car

Oh what a happy time we'll spend.

Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Our fine four fendered friend.

Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Our fine four fendered friend.

Chitty Bang BangChitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Bang BangChitty Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Bang BangChitty Chitty Bang Bang

Oh you pretty

Chitty Bang Bang

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

We love you...

"Will you hold me like Baby Sam?" I get asked this question every night after her bath. Larah wants to be wrapped in a towel and cradled in my arms like a baby. After securing her warm, clean body in a towel, I lift her into my arms, and carry her to her room...like Baby Sam...where she gets "meself" dressed.

"May I pleeeeeease have a sip?" This question is asked when she spots my blue cup. It may be in my bedroom, in the bathroom, on the kitchen counter, or on my desk. She knows the thirst-quenching liquid that is usually occupying my "special" cup is diet pepsi....and oh how I love to share my diet pepsi...yeah right, not so much. But I can't seem to tell the sweet girl no.
Anytime I put shoes on my feet, she asks, "Where are you going?" Most of the time, I am not going anywhere...I just like to wear shoes. But in the case that I am leaving, her next question posed is, "May I go with you?"

"May I sit on your lap?" I may be at the computer, nursing Sam, reading the Bible, or watching a movie. It may be after a meal when we are all sitting around the table or in the living room while Tim reads to the family. Even when my lap is already occupied with Katie or Sam, she informs me that I have two laps. One for her and one for them.
And last but not least...

"Can I have 'a piece' please?" Larah has a funny, little habit that Tim and I find disturbing, and quite frankly, disgusting (I'm most certain you will agree). Larah is a thumb sucker. Although she loves her blantee, she doesn't use it when sucking her thumb. She uses a piece of hair. Yes, you read that right. A piece of hair. When put down for sleep, she must have a piece to wrap around her fingers. She has been found 'piece picking' from her blantee, the hair brush, a scrunchie, and her sister's hair. Occasionally she will ask me for one of mine. The longer the piece, the better. As long as she as her thumb and a piece, she is one happy sleeper.

There's a glance at our one and only Larah Mikal Lu. She brings such joy and happiness, laughter and action into our home. She does indeed have some stange habits, but that's okay. I love every question she asks. For there will come a day when she is tired of dates, she won't suck her thumb, she won't want to sit on my lap, and she won't want to be held like a baby. I hold onto these questions and moments knowing that someday soon my little girl won't be so little.
Wara Woo,
I love you!!!

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

THE SIMPLE WOMAN’S DAYBOOK
FOR TODAY

November 9, 2009

Outside my window...it is dark, 42 degrees, and raining. Ten degrees colder and it could be snowing.

I am thinking...that in about 10 minutes my hair will look like it has never looked before. Cayla is standing behind me with a straightener in hand. SCARY!!!

I am thankful that…I don't have to sleep alone tonight. Lucas and Ginger are already warming the bed for me.

I am wearing…Cabela's socks, sweats, Life is Good tee, and a denim overshirt. Very warm and comfy.

I am remembering…how much my husband makes me laugh.

I am going…to stay up late or go to bed early...that is the question???

I am reading…many, many pumpkin recipes. We have pumpkins galore and I am trying to do things with them before they rot. Pumpkin soup, anyone?

I am hoping…that Tim and Matthew enjoy each other's company over these next three days.

On my mind…words that need to be penned.

From the learning rooms…because of the flu, we did very little school last week. We attempted a bit of learning today. Lucas and Cayla completed math lessons and Katie worked on printing her letters.

Noticing that…my hair is STRAIGHT!!!

Pondering these words…God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. Jeremiah 10:12

From the kitchen…leftovers, pumpkins, and popcorn.

Around the house...laundry (folded) on the kitchen table, a cozy fire in the wood stove, and a few little messes here and there.

One of my favorite things…stickers. I love stickers. I still have my collection from when I was a little girl. I should pull it out and show it to my girls.

From my picture journal…

Matthew taking care of Baby Sam while they both had the flu.
Picture taken November 6, 2009

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30 Days of Thanksgiving ~ Day 8

30 Days of Thanksgiving from Karla Dornacher

Today I am thankful that I am afforded the privilege of being a stay at home mom. I love being with my children and I can’t imagine what life would be like if I had to work outside of the home. We have our trials and struggles, and life inside our home is not perfect. But I am thankful that God has allowed me to do what I love most...be with my kids.

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30 Days of Thanksgiving ~ Day 7

Today was opening day for elk season and for Tim it was a very good day. I am thankful for this animal that he was able to shoot and kill. It will provide many meals and much nourishment for our family.

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30 Days of Thanksgiving ~ Day 5

30 Days of Thanksgiving from Karla Dornacher

I am thankful for
Laughter

I love laughter

My husband's laughter
My children's laughter
All children's laughter
A friend's laughter
A stanger's laughter
A neighbor's laughter

Genuine, contagious laughter
Gut-busting, heart-thumping laughter

Thank you Heavenly Father for the gift of laughter.
Thank you for creating and designing us to be joyful beings.
You are awesome, amazing and wonderful.

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30 Days of Thanksgiving ~ Day 4

30 Days of Thanksgiving from Karla Dornacher

I stayed up way too late last night and I was on the go all day today. So this post is going to be short, sweet, and to the point!

I am thankful for my new flannel sheets.

They are light green, warm and oh so soft.

As a matter of fact...

I am going to go enjoy them right now.

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30 Days of Thanksgiving-Day 3

30 Days of Thanksgiving from Karla Dornacher

Tonight as I was standing at our kitchen table folding laundry, I picked up a small flannel shirt and brought it to my face. I nuzzled my nose into the soft, warm material, remembering how it wasn't so very long ago that Baby Sam was born into our family.

As I stood there remembering and thinking back to his birth, my mind began to wonder and I found myself thinking about our 3 sons who died in my womb just 22 short weeks after their conceptions ~ Emmett Christopher, Thomas Ward, and Micah John. As my mind continued to drift back, I remembered the excitement of the positive pregnancy tests. I visualized me and Tim telling the rest of the kids that I was pregnant. I recalled being on the sonogram table filled with excitement for the life within me. I remembered being elated with joy when we found out that we were going to have a boy. I, then, remembered feeling the deep stab of pain as we were told, not once, not twice, but three times, that our son had died. A pain so piercing, I thought it would never end. I thought it would never go away. To this day, the pain remains, but it is lighter and easier to bear. I am able to look back and see God's active hand in my life.

After losing Micah John, our 3rd son, I had convinced myself that I would never be able to carry a boy again. But God had bigger and better plans for us and on March 26, 2009, Samuel Isaiah Walker entered our family. The pain of losing the boys will never go away and I will never understand why God chose to take them home so soon. But I embrace His will in my life and everyday I thank Him for the gift of Baby Sam...the son that I thought I would never be able to hold.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

THE SIMPLE WOMAN’S DAYBOOK
FOR TODAY

NOVEMBER 2, 2209

Outside my window...is darkness.

I am thinking...that we only have 21 more days til we head to Colorado for Thanksgiving. Our family is busting with excitement!!!

From the learning rooms…Lucas is showing some interest in sign language and has most of the alphabet memorized. Matthew is love-love-loving the Vision Forum history C.D.'s. Cayla is almost done with her reading series. Justin is ordering his new curriculum this week. Katie is moving right along with her letters.

I am thankful for...growth and change (even though at times it is hard and painful).

From the kitchen...one big, huge mess. I am leaving for the day and I am most confident that when I return it will be well organized. I love my kids.

I am wearing...jeans, comfy top and warm socks.

I am creating...nada.

I am going...to start one-on-one discipleship this week. I am excited and am looking forward to spending time with a treasured friend.

I am reading...Love is a Decision. I was supposed to be done with it by Sunday, but was not. I need a little more time to get this one finished.

I am hoping...for some new flannel sheets...especially after climbing into bed last night. It was not a fun and pleasurable experience.

I am hearing...the hum of my computer and fridge. Other than that, my house is very, very quiet.

Around the house...everyone is still sleeping. Although I'm hoping one of my boys will wake up soon. I am cold and NEED a fire.

One of my favorite things...pictures colored and painted just for me by the Heath girls.

A few plans for the rest of the week…Seattle, AWANA, library, a few episodes of Little House, school, monthly grocery shopping, one-on-one discipleship, hopefully dinner guests.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Two of my favorite people at Rutledge Corn Maze
Fall 2009

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Five Thoughts

I have the time and I have the motive to blog, but nothing is coming. My mind is moving slowly and I seem incapable of any sort of thought formation. I have started three different posts and have deleted all three of them. The first post was about our fun trip to Rutledge Corn Maze, the second was about how well the kids worked together to make tonight's dinner a success, and the third post was about my new way of doing our monthly grocery budget. But for some reason or other, I cannot, at this present moment, compose any sort of harmonious thoughts. So here I sit....mumble and jumble exploding in my brain. Because of this, I have decided that I will post many mini thoughts instead of a big one.

Thought #1: Our family has recently been enjoying episodes of Little House on the Prairie. Not only are they entertaining, but I have found that every episode teaches a valuable life lesson....lessons such as purity, honesty, putting others first, righteousness, togetherness, dependability, hard work...the list goes on and on. I am so thankful that our local library has all of the seasons available for check out. Although, I do continuously dream of the day when we own the entire set. **Hint, hint....Christmas is coming.

Thought #2: As Christ continues to form in me, I have made a commitment to practice hospitality. Way, way, way out of my comfort zone. But in doing so, our family has already been blessed by many different families. I tend to worry about the little, insignificant things...dirty windows, spots on the carpet, quality and quantity of food. But as I grow and as I invite people into our home, I find that these things don't much matter. What really matters is that we are creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where guests feel at home and the love of Jesus is felt by everyone who sits at our table.

Thought #3: My days are long and busy and chaotic. They start early and they finish late. They are full of disruptions and dilemmas, mayhem and madness. The phone rings, the dog barks, and the milk gets spilt. But you know what? I love my life. I love my husband, I love my kids and I love homeschooling. I love cuddling with my little girls in the early mornings. I love creating meals with Cayla, envisioning the day when she will be cooking for her own family. I love reading 10 Little Ladybugs 10 times in one day. I love listening to Matthew share his heart, his passions, his desires. I love that recess consists of horseback rides and walks to the creek. I love that breakfast means nourishment for the body and the soul as we eat together and listen to a reading of the Word (and a chapter or two of G.A. Henty). I love that Justin helps Lucas with his math when I can't. I love being able to hold Baby Sam while listening to Larah sing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang while brushing Katie's hair while telling my boys to turn down their music while wondering what I am going to make for dinner while answering the phone. I say it once again...I love my life!

Thought #4: (taken from Thought #3)...I love my husband. He is just so cool, cute, and capable of catching big fish!!!

Fish caught and photo taken on October 28, 2009

Thought #5: It is 11:21 and I should probably get to bed.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

THE SIMPLE WOMAN’S DAYBOOK
FOR TODAY

Outside my window...it is dreary and rainy with no sunshine in the forecast and I am loving it.

I am thinking...about my boys (Sam excluded). Why, why, why do they insist on hitting, kicking, yelling, fighting and nonstop picking. All of this in the name of "brotherly love?" It makes no sense.
From the learning rooms…Lucas is reading and Cayla is doing math. All others are done for the day.
I am thankful for...my new flannel jammies that Tim ordered for me.
From the kitchen...popcorn...my favorite midday snack.
I am wearing...Cabela's tee, capris, and my new Costco socks.
I am creating...November's menu and grocery list. This is a new thing for me and I am very excited to give it a try.
I am going...on a dinner date with my hubby and 3 other couples tonight.
I am reading...the same book as last week ~ Love is a Decision by Gary Smalley.
I am hoping (and praying)...that we don't have to put chains on our van when we go to Colorado. Doesn't sound like too much fun.
I am hearing...our very loud dishwasher and the crackling of the woodstove in the background.

Around the house...Sam, Larah, and Katie are napping. Everyone else is gone. Ahhhhh...a few moments of peace.
One of my favorite things...is my spelling dictionary. I would be lost without it. Well, maybe not lost, but I would definitely have a lot more misspelled words.
A few plans for the rest of the week…school with the kids, eye appointments, AWANA, a few trips to the library, folks for dinner on Thursday.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

This is a fine display of the above mentioned "brotherly love."

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAYBOOK

FOR TODAY

October 19, 2009

Outside my window...is complete darkness and a gentle breeze.

I am thinking...about our upcoming trip to Colorado. We are so excited to be able to spend Thanksgiving with family. It has been 9 long years.

I am thankful for...bargains. I bought 7 of the 9 Little House on the Prairie books today for $7.56. (We already own the other two.) So now we have the complete series and I didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for it.

From the learning rooms...things are moving right along.

From the kitchen...lingers the scent of my Mary's candle.

I am wearing...jeans, sweatshirt and my favorite Cabela's socks.

I am creating...(mental) monthly menus. I will put them on paper soon so I can do better budgeting this next month.

I am going....to bake Tim a sugar-free apple pie before I leave for the day tomorrow. Shhhh, don't tell him....it is a surprise.

I am reading...Love is a Decision by Gary Smalley.

I am hoping...the sun shines all day tomorrow.

I am hearing...the refrigerator whistling and the washer agitating.

Around the house...everyone is in bed, but me.

One of my favorite things...is laying in bed beside my cute husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Rutledge Corn Maze and AWANA on Tuesday, folks for dinner on Wednesday, corporate prayer meeting at Morris' on Thursday, Friday Night Film night on...you guessed it, Friday night.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is a picture of the 2009 corn maze. This years "Military Maze" will promote awareness and gratitude towards our military within the community. The maze design is a Stryker as a tribute to the men and women serving our country.

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Sam 6 Months Old

Sir Sam

Six months old

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Are You Serious?

Where has this been all my life? Golly, I don't know how I have made it through 7 babies without one. Maybe, just maybe, it's not too late to use on Baby Sam. The cost: a low, low price of $99.99...I'll take two.

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6 Pictures and A Short Update

Here is our beautiful garden (the picture doesn't do it justice). Much time, energy, and love have been put into this garden. Last night was our first time to be able to eat some produce from it. It is such a wonderful feeling to eat the food our family has grown and God has blessed. May it continue to be bountiful.These are the humble abodes of our twelve chickens and one rooster. The guys completed them a few weeks ago and our flock is happy to be dwelling in their permanent residence. Justin is able to bring home scraps from the store and this makes the birds oh so joyful. I know it sounds crazy, but I love to stand and watch them. These featherful beasts are quite entertaining.
Rudy the Rooster...isn't he handsome?

Sam, Kendra, and I enjoyed 3 days/2 nights in Long Beach, Washington. Can you believe this is the only picture I took the whole time we were there? It does, however, do a fine job of summing up our short getaway...RELAXING!!!

This past Tuesday was Fish Painting at the Timberland Regional Library Summer Reading Program. The kids had fun being creative with a real, dead fish and I had fun watching them.Larah is getting an early morning ride (notice the pj's) on our new pony, Honey. Honey belongs to Lucas and he is doing a mighty fine job of taking care of her.

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

THE SIMPLE WOMAN’S DAYBOOK
FOR TODAY

JUNE 22, 2009
Outside my (front) window...are fresh, new flowers planted in my barrels. They look gorgemous. Thanks Lolanda for the wonderful birthday present!

Outside my (back) window...Lucas and Cayla are putting up the chickens for the night.
I am thinking...that Tim would detest the candle I have burning right now. It was a gift given to me for my birthday. I know if he walked in he would scrunch up his nose and say, "What is that nasty smell?" But he is not going to walk in and so I have it burning. I like it.
I am thankful for...days like today. It was a good day.
From the kitchen...not too much happened in the kitchen today. We went to a friend's house for breakfast. It was mighty big and later than normal, so I got away with not making lunch. For dinner I made Parmesan Noodles...quick, simple and non-messy.
I am wearing...my favorite Cabela's sweatshirt, capris, crocs, my glasses and my new watch given to me for my birthday by Kendra and Oma. Thanks gals...I love it (and I needed it). My (thinning) hair is up in a ponytail.
I am creating...a whole lot of nuttin'.
I am going...to enjoy my evening. Tim, Justin, Matthew are in Auburn. Sam, Katie, and Larah are in bed fast asleep. Lucas and Cayla are outside riding bikes with neighborhood kids. My house is quiet and I love it.
I am reading...Uncle Sam's Plantation and The Five Love Languages.
I am hoping...for good weather on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Not too hot, not too cold, and not too wet.
I am hearing...the dryer, birds singing, and Carly Simons You Just Call Out My Name.
Around the house...behind me is a table full of laundry (some folded, some to be folded) and a pile of thank you notes to write. I will be attending to both as soon as I'm done with my daybook.
One of my favorite things...haircuts. See photos below for the reason why.
A few plans for the rest of the week…a trip to the library for the summer reading program, a (hopeful) dinner date with Tim, plant a few more flowers, a 3-day/2-night trip to the beach, Friday Night Movie Night at RBC, Sabbath Saturday.
Here are two picture thoughts I am sharing...

BEFORE

AFTER

The second picture was taken the day after the first one. It's amazing what a haircut and a smile can do.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

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Baby Sam ~ 82 Days Old

In the two previous pictures Larah is showing the sweet and loving side of her personality. She is oohing and ahhing over Baby Sam and smothering him with smootches.

In these last three pictures she is showing her naughty and ornery side. She decided Sam was cold and felt it her obligation to cover him up. Poor Sam...the big sister torture is just beginning. He has many, many years in which to endure such treatment.

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Obedience

This afternoon I took Cayla, Lucas, Katie, Larah and Sam to the library for the first gathering of the Timberland Regional Library Summer Reading Program. The kids and I enjoyed a fine program put on by Cowboy Buck, Elizabeth and Peter. There was singing and dancing, giggling and gut-busting laughter. In attendance were babies, kids of all ages, parents and grandparents. Everyone in the library seemed to be having a great time and were enthusiastic about the talent of this entertaining trio.


While I was standing in the crowd watching the show, I noticed that one of Katie's shoes was untied. I quietly leaned over to Cayla and asked her to tie it. Larah took note of what Cayla was doing for Katie and thought it would be clever to untie her shoes. (She wasn't being cute...she was being ornery.) She proceeded to untie her shoes and so I had Cayla tie them. After Cayla was done, I got down on Larah's level, made eye contact, and told her not to untie her shoes again. She did not...and she did not with a good attitude and a happy "Yes, ma'am."


After the program, a woman walked up to me that had witnessed the verbal exchange between me and and my 2-year old daughter. This kind and helpful lady (I'm being a bit sarcastic here) informed me that if I didn't want Larah to untie her shoes I should double-knot them. Yes, I did realize that double-knotting Larah shoes would help them stay tied. I also realized that if I double-knotted Larah's shoes, Larah would have missed out on an opportunity to obey her mother.


I believe in boundaries and I have seen my children thrive when those boundaries are set. I do not move the flower vase from the light stand because Larah might spill the water. I do not lock my doors during the day because she might sneak out. I do not hide my cleaning supplies because she might drink them. I get down on her level, eye-to-eye, and lovingly talk her through what is to be. Larah understands and (most of the time) she chooses to obey. If she chooses to step outside the boundaries that I have set in place, she knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, there will be consequences.


Now, I am not here to give a commentary on parenting. However, I do believe that if parents would make obedience a must, as directed by God in His Word (Col. 3:20, Eph. 6:1), many more parents would enjoy their children (and ladies at the library wouldn't see it as their duty to help). I pray that as Tim and I seek and follow God's guidance, we might always and forever enjoy our children..for "Children are a heritage from the Lord." ~ Psalm 127:3

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