Re-Entry

How many days does it take you to recover when you get home from a trip?

Trips (both fun and otherwise) exhaust me. It takes at least two or three days to get ready. I like to come home to a relatively clean house. I like to have the only laundry in the pile be what I am bringing back. I like to not see forgotten dishes in the sink.

And then I've come to the conclusion that for every day I've been gone it takes me at least one, and maybe two, to "recover." What I want to do when I come home is flop in my chair and veg for a bit. What I need to do is all the things that got left undone while I was gone.

Since I left the three boys...my dear husband kept the kitchen in good shape. But they still wore clothes (I am grateful for that) so the laundry was waiting. The boys spend a lot of time in their room, so the general public area was still pretty nice. And we needed a few odds and ends that I forgot to pick up before I left.

Yesterday involved shopping with a good friend for fifty yards of tulle (yes fifty) and some other sundry items. Shopping at the great "Stuff Mart" that I try to avoid. Resuming the chef's toque...okay cook's hat. I do realize I'm no chef. Putting back on my teaching tiara. Wrapping round my metaphorical laundress's apron. And sitting down to do the paperwork that is involved with being my eldest's secretary and personal assistant.

Not as much Pintrest time as I would have liked...just saying...

Today involves my chauffeur's cap, and continuing paperwork. Meatless menus. Long list-making. And fifty yards of tulle.

So I better get in gear...

Counting it all joy,

Julie

The Dementor

I have met the dementor and I know his name.

It is Asthma.

His friends are known as Fear, Panic and Anxiety. Too bad this is not Hogwarts, there is no Patronus charm and all the chocolate in the world will not make it go away.

We are dealing with asthma at my house. Both of my boys were diagnosed with "exercise induced asthma" in early March. My oldest seems to be dealing with it quite well. My younger however...not so much.

When the asthma journey began with the "exercise induced" label, I thought, "Okay. Not great, but we can deal with this. We can work around it."

It seems everyone has heard of Olympic athletes with asthma. In fact somewhere between 10-20% of Olympic athletes apparently have asthma. Well who doesn't want to be compared to an Olympic athlete?? We could DO this.

As I said, my oldest set off, Albuterol in hand and his breathing during dancing improved. But the youngest...well, it seemed to work for a short time. And then the coughing and the poor coloring returned; sometimes while dancing, sometimes just randomly.

He's been through allergy testing, pulmonary function testing, doctors' visits and even an emergency room visit. At one point he had ten medications going into his small body. I've held him as he's struggled to breathe. He's cried (which seems to exacerbate the situation, but he can't stop) because his chest hurts so badly.

We've been up at all hours, missed anticipated events, struggled with bedtime, struggled with leaving the house, going back to ballet, and worst of all for me--struggled with attending church.

The learning curve for this mommy has been steep. Everyone thinks they know something about asthma--many think it is just about allergies. And sometimes for some people it is. I've had a health care professional (who we know personally) insist it is all "in his head." Really???? That was meant to be helpful?

What I have learned is that asthma is a disease. It may appear to "go away" for awhile, but it is always there lurking. Symptoms are treated, not cured, although there are some things that appear to help improve breathing and stretch out the time between episodes. Some parents have told me that at a certain age their child "outgrew" it. Although I have a friend in his 60s who never did.

Each parent I've talked to (and it's amazing how many are there that I've known for a long time but never knew their child dealt with asthma), read their blogs, or heard anecdotal stories from a "friend of a friend"--each story is different. Triggers are different, flares last different amounts of time, medications are different, intensity is different, timing is different. I'm sure there are a lot of people with similar stories, I just keep running into people with different stories.

We are piecing things together slowly for Boo. What is going to work for him. What is going to get him back to "normal." Whatever normal is. He's been very frustrated because he's been unable to participate in some things that he really wants to because of his asthma. He is working toward "ownership" of his condition and knowledge that will make him more independent.

I am trying to balance my "hovering" personality (I've often been accused of being overprotective) and being too laissez-faire with him. EVERYONE has an opinion of how I should be parenting Boo and what health care choices I should be making for him. So far, only a handful of people are okay with my choices. My doctors seem to be okay with them, so I will go with that.

As we sat together during a particularly bad time, nebulizer going, me holding on to him, wishing it was me and not him, the Harry Potter-dementor image came to me--hence the title. If you are a Harry fan and know about the dementors this video will mean something to you. Sorry I can't put in in the post, maybe it's better I couldn't--it's intense and if you don't allow Harry Potter, please don't watch. As I watched it today, it chilled me.

Sometimes it does seem there won't ever be joy again. But better than charms and chocolate, we have a Savior, who has felt every one of our pains before we did. He will get Boo through this, me through this, our family will come out on the other side. While it would be nice to have a quick fix, my faith tells me God knows best and He will not abandon us.

There have been some awful times in this little family's history. I've cried out to God many times, "Why?!" Often it is not until years later; five, ten, twenty years later that I can see a reason. So we stand in faith until that time.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Trying to count it all joy,

Julie

Notes From the Sofa

How cool is this sofa?! My boys would have fun doing school on a sofa like this. Well, it will have to be in our dreams.

So...school this week...Week 7. Boo met Henry Huggins. And just like his brother (and me for that matter), Henry is a favorite. Boo will be reading more about Henry as the year progresses. Henry's creator, Beverly Cleary is a favorite author at this house. Boo's been introduced to Ramona and Ralph S. Mouse. He will also be reading Dear Mr. Henshaw in the near future.

Another family favorite on Boo's reading list this week was Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J. Sobol. After starting with Encyclopedia Brown, Roo went on a mystery reading kick. I'm anxious to see if the same happens with Boo.

Roo has finished The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau and really appreciated the story. I've assigned The Giver by Lois Lowry and Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix for this week. These books address some really relevant topics such as: futuristic projections, overpopulation, post-apocalyptic societies, dystopian/utopian societies.

From my limited experience, it seems these books tend to evoke a strong reaction. Discussing them with others, both parents and other students, it seems people either like them a lot or dislike them a lot. I've seen around the web that some parents have decided not to assign or allow these books. I do understand that the topics can be upsetting and sometimes create volitile conversation.

I am not suggesting these as appropriate reading material for every child, they just were books that addressed conversations and issues that are causing questions at our house. I read the books myself when questioning whether they would be appropriate for Roo, something I highly recommend doing. I find that the security of a fictional setting can allow for conversation that might be uncomfortable for a child or worse, not take place at all, otherwise and often prompts questions that I would prefer my children ask me versus their peers or even other adults whom I like but disagree with.

Reading choices are an extremely personal decision and the best thing I can tell a parent questioning the appropriateness of a book for their child is to read it themselves. In this busy life we all lead it is often too easy to rely on others to form our opinions. As the person with ultimate responsibility for the education of my children, I often have to put aside my personal reading list and read what is on the agenda for my boys or what they have requested. In doing so, I've been often rewarded with books that I've enjoyed and been glad I've read. Besides, unless the parent has read the book there can be little useful discussion of said book.

In the science department, Boo is learning about the human body, organs and systems and Roo is learning about habitats, environments and ecosystems. The plan in the weeks to come is to do some hands on study on light.

I found a full set of used Cuisinere Rods at the homeschool bookstore near my house for an incredible price and both boys have played around with them. Boo is more of a Kinesthetic learner and they've helped him make a couple of leaps in areas that were frustrating last year. Roo just enjoys anything to do with math and has used them for independent learning.

Learning went on the road Friday, as we packed a bag of books and drove up to Grandpa's house for a long weekend.

After homeschooling for so long, I sometimes forget that other people aren't familiar with it. When I first made the decision to homeschool my children over eleven years ago when Roo was just a baby, I met a lot of opposition from people, even family and friends who were sure this would be a recipe for disaster for my boys. These days I don't think too much about it. It is ingrained into our lives. We've been in the same neighborhood, activities and church for long enough now that people know who we are and are comfortable with us.

So while out and about on Friday, I must admit to being surprised at being made uncomfortable by some who obviously wondered why my children weren't in school; mostly by a high school teacher taking a group of high school students on a field trip to the grocery store we stopped at. It wasn't until after the fact, seated in my car, that I considered the behavior of her charges compared to the behavior of mine.

There's been some pride, the last few years especially, for helping parents who want to understand homeschooling and decide whether or not it will be a good choice for their family. I do try to be a good "ambassador" for homeschooling. I do try to have a good Christian attitude towards everyone; but must admit to failing more often than I would like when being challenged as to my ability to make good decisions for my children's well being. Most people are at least open or tolerant of our educational choices, but I've found over the last year especially a feeling of incredulity that homeschool is a viable choice for learning.

Homeschooling is an ongoing adventure and education for me and my boys. Even with a little awkwardness and uncomfortable situations, I would not trade it for anything in the world.

Next week is the last of the four-day weeks for a while. I'm looking forward to some five-day weeks to come!!

Whether you homeschool or not, what have you been up to?

Counting it all joy,

Julie



The cool sofa in the photo was found at this blog dedicated to chairs and furniture. Cool stuff!

Nine Years Ago

...I was cuddling a red-headed baby in the hospital. My call button was acting up and the nurse was in about every five minutes thinking I was messing with her. When she saw I was holding my baby and reading my bible she realized that I was NOT trying to be annoying.

Anyway...that little baby has grown to be a brown eyed, curly headed cutie. He's had the day off from school, gamed with his brother, received a present or two or...well he was spoiled, got taken out to the restaurant of his choice, got to play miniature golf where he proceeded to get several birdies, and got to have frozen custard and watch I Love Lucy. Friends and family are coming tomorrow for some hot dogs and hamburgers and some fun time.

How did nine years fly by?

Happy Birthday, Boo, my Peter Pan. May you have many, many more.

On a side note, thank you to all whose comments on my last post were so supportive. I appreciate that no one chastised me for my foolishness--and I do know how unsafe that was.

Just so you know, I found an e-mail from my sister saying when she read it she laughed until she cried. She appreciated my sharing and she knows first hand about that stubborn streak of mine but the mental picture she had was probably only too accurate and therefore cause of her laughter. Sisters will always keep you humble.
In Him,

Julie

Graphics from GlitterGraphicsNow.com

What I Did this Summer...

Sounds like a back to school assignment from fifth grade!! Well, I needed a title. What can I say?

I've been on the road, fitting in knitting, trying to get the house in shape, learning the obsession of tea with my husband, vacationing at Blossom Street and enjoying a few other good books (looking forward to sharing those with you!), , driving to dance (already!!?? Did it really ever end?) and getting the boys back to school.

We are, in fact, on our fifth week of school this morning. The boys have been super. Their attitudes have surprised me with the amount of interest and limited bickering. There truly is something to this busy hands, busy hearts thing.

I found that a homeschool bookstore opened in my community recently and have been thrilled to find some great buys! They sell new and used (on commission) books. For all of you who do most of your book buying via catalogs, you know what a blessing it is to actually handle and get a good look at the merchandise before you buy it.

Roo is already dancing again, although the "official" school year won't start until after Labor Day. He's at an age where the commitment required is increasing. I keep checking to see if he's ready to abandon it or at least back off a bit, but noooooooooooooo...more, more, more. He's only had a total four weeks off this summer. I'm in uncharted territory here. Everything I read and hear from other parents is that this is how it goes, but I'm amazed at how fast children get deeply involved in activities. Not how it was back in the old days I mean the dark ages I mean when I was growing up.

Boo is turning nine!! Nine!! in a few days. What has happened to my Peter Pan? He's counting the days, although I'm waiting for him to start figuring out how many hours it is from the day at any time. I suppose that would be a good math problem. LOL!

My birthday was in April, but I had a raincheck waiting for me with a friend of mine to have a "window day." My friend makes some really neat windows and knows how much I love creating and the offer was for a day to make my own window. The result???









It was great fun and the result is a cool one-of-a-kind piece that goes with the new paint in the living room. Did I say paint? Oh yes, I remember that I moaned and groaned and hooted and hollered about the painting a few months back and then fell off the face of the internet pretty much. I promise to post some peeks later this week.

Whooo...I've got a lot of blogging to catch up on. If anyone out there's still checking in on me I am amazed and blessed. Life happens and I've had more than a few life lessons this summer. Some I'm not able to blog about due to trying to respect other people's privacy. But some of the lessons...well, I plan to share.

Thought for the day:

What do you do when the devil knocks on your door???
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Say, "Jesus can you get that for me, please?"

Thanks to my priest for that one!

Peace!!

Julie

Daybook...July 13, 2009

FOR TODAY ...May , 2009...

Outside my window...gray, humid, looks like rain again. Thunderstorms possible.

I am thinking...I love my life.

I am thankful for...I meant to mention this in last weeks Grains of Gratitude, but it got missed, I am thankful for the gentleman who stood behind us in church last Sunday. This wonderful man was obviously an immigrant. He sang with such enegry and gusto, his heart was in everything he said and did. When we closed with "America the Beautiful" I was near tears listening to him. It was obvious his love for his adopted country. We have a very diverse congregation and I am sure some of our members fully realize how lucky we are to be able to practice our Faith freely. I pray that I am not lulled into mediocrity practicing my faith or my freedom.

From the learning rooms...the boys have the week off! This week is my week to sort and organize. Yes, I wanted it done much earlier, but I truly believe God had other plans and maybe I will be open to them now.

From the kitchen...the boys will be learning some easy baking. I am on a limited diet for now and while I don't think they should miss out, I think they might benefit from some supervised baking.

And I won't be as tempted to lick the bowls.

I am wearing...some old clothes I exercised in. Be glad there isn't a "smell" feature on Blogger---eeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...Sorry, I just need to cool down a bit more. Then obviously, hop in the shower.

I am creating...I am going to sort through my yarn stash and see what fibers I want to combine. I've got some really fun yarns and I love the look of blended knitting.

I am going...NOWHERE TODAY!!!!

I am reading...Wuthering Heights...finally. I've read it before, but it was on my list for the Winter Reading Challenge and I got off track.

I am hoping...to be able to participate in a reading challenge again soon. I miss the planning and visiting of other readers. I always get good ideas for books I should read. Because I don't have an out of hand to-be-read list. Bwahahahaha.

I am hearing...the clock tick and a child's bed creak. I moved out to the living room this morning to sit in a comfy chair.

Around the house...sort, organize, remove, sort, organize, remove, repeat, repeat, repeat...

One of my favorite things...a new tea blend I am trying. It's called "The Kitchen Sink." Kidding, but I've thrown in some flavored Mate', some Rooibos chai, a Lady Grey black, and some chocolate green tea in the last minute of steeping. Yes, I know...I'm strange...and random.

A few plans for the rest of the week:Yoga on Tuesday, taking my oldest and a friend's daughter with me--they have a ballet class afterwards, taking them and my friend on Thursday and she and I can have a good chat while waiting for our children, a trip to the zoo if it ever stops raining.

Here is video thought I am sharing...



Song: Wuthering Heights
Singer: Haley Westenra
Songwriter: Kate Bush


Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Grains of Gratitude July 5, 2009

Happy Sunday! It turned out to be a gorgeous day here. I am so grateful because friends from church invited to boys to their house to have lunch and go fishing. They invited my husband and I, too, but we know they really wanted to see the boys! ;^)

What a special day. The boys had not really fished before and each caught three fish (threw them back too--yay!) and ate waaaaaaayyyy too much sugar and were all in all spoiled rotten. My husband and I enjoyed the time with these couples immensely and we were entirely blessed.

My husband took some vacation time at the end of the week to spend with me while the boys were at their classes. It has been a long time since we've done anything like that. We had lovely lunches, did a few of my husband's favorite acitvities, did a few of my favorite activities, shopped a little and just hung out and finished sentences and thoughts. We certainly felt weird without the boys around, but it was most enjoyable knowing they were busy at things they liked too. Three days with my husband...priceless.

We had a close to home Fourth, no plans but to stay home. It was a good day, though. Thousands of dollars are spent on my street alone every year during the week leading up to the Fourth of July. I am grateful that everyone remained safe even after one of the neighbor's canisters tipped and fireworks hit another neighbor's house.

About four families or groups of friends put on competing "shows" and it was quite a sight to see. Rockets red glare, bombs bursting in air on every side. I always feel just a teensy bit bad when I hear about people driving and waiting for fireworks shows put on by communities. All we've had to do for the last six years is walk out, put a lawn chair in the drive and sit and watch the show.

My husband took the boys up to one of the tents and they got to buy some (much smaller than our neighbors) fireworks. They had a few fountains and strobes and something I call "fizzy whizbangs" and a few other things. They had a great time lighting their own with Dad's supervision and then had about another hour of watching the neighbors. Again--soooooooo grateful for everyone being safe!!

I am so grateful we have our freedom to celebrate. I am thankful to the men and women who continue the work that begain over 230 years ago. Recently we were told of a friend of a friend who was severely injured overseas and we are praying for this soldier's life and for his family. They will never be the same after this, I just pray that they will allow God to comfort them during the coming days.

Grains of Gratitude is from Christine at Brady's Bunch!

Grains of Gratitude, June 28, 2009

Boo is entering his last week of summer intensive. I am grateful for the experience, but also grateful that he will be finishing up. There have been many lessons besides dance...some good...some...well educational.

He is ready for some freedom and I am ready for a little too. When his brother was that age and in an intensive it was only for a half day. It's a lot of work for a guy his age...which is rapidly approaching 9. As he keeps reminding me. Where do the years go?

Roo has two weeks left to dance. This is a blessing for him because last year four weeks seemed just too short. He is in his comfort zone and I am getting used to dropping him off and leaving him. It is harder on me than him, I know. (And calling me overly protective is a compliment, and I thank you for it.) I think five will be perfect. I know as he gets older we will be looking at some six week sessions, possibly longer.

I am grateful for a husband who has not complained about my lack of housekeeping and "interesting" menus. He is taking a few days off at the end of next week to spend with me...that will be a novelty I am looking forward to.

The whole summer intensive experience has been an adventure. Nothing has gone as planned (my plans) from the classes and structure that we've been used to in the past, to the events and incidents that have changed the plans for my days. But I've gotten to have lunch with friends, paint, visit a museum with another friend, move books, have a chance to help out at the studio with some housekeeping duties (it's always more fun to work on someone else's stuff!), paint, move books, do some shopping alone, and paint. Do you see a theme there???

One out-of-the-blue, unplanned, last minute incident was the offer of some tickets for the boys and I to attend a show we had really wanted to see, but just didn't have the funds to make possible. We got to see some choreography from one of our favorite choreographers and some of our favorite dancers--a couple who have been gone for a year now and who returned for this event. Of course this was on a week night, so we flew home, changed quickly, ate in the car, got home waaaaaaay too late, and were totally tired the next day--but oooohhhh it was worth it. It was intense, exciting and phenomenal.

Sadly my computer time was severely limited and I've not been a good visitor. Hopefully after next week I will be home a little more and have the paint chaos under control. I'm grateful for the little time I have been able to sneak in and grateful for everyone's patience with me as I catch up.

I'm grateful the LORD has provided such a full life to keep me never bored and always learning.

I'm grateful for Christine at Brady's Bunch who started Grains of Gratitude.

Daybook...June 22, 2009

FOR TODAY ...June 22, 2009...

Outside my window...Summer. In full force

I am thinking...I have so much work to get caught up on, so many plans to finish.

I am thankful for...my dear husband who puts up with me.

From the learning rooms...the boys are in summer intensives, study dance 6-8 hours a day--four weeks for Boo, five for Roo. This opportunity allows them to learn other styles of dance in addition to ballet. They will also have some music and theater classes and for Roo a chance to learn about resumes. It is odd for me to turn over my children for that long everyday. It has been a learning experience for me.

From the kitchen...Struggling with balancing my dietary needs with creating tasty and healthy meals for two growing boys and one patient husband.

I am wearing...capris and a blue top. Dressed early today because of driving.

I am creating...more messes.

I am going...to take a friend along for the morning drive. Catching up is good.

I am reading...The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper. I struggled getting into this book and finally got an audiobook to listen to during all my driving. By chapter ten, I am thoroughly drawn in and reading every chance I get to pick it up. I will watch the movie when I'm done.

I am hoping...the boys will be injury free this summer.

I am hearing...children rushing to get ready to leave the house. Not common here!

Around the house...still in chaos. More to come.

One of my favorite things...a store in the town near my dad. It is a "variety store" and the owner, who was a friend of my mom's, certainly has a variety. I always joke when I go in that I live in a big city, but always find things I've not seen--you know "necessary things" like beads, rubber stamps and paper in her store. A totally different experience than shopping at Hobby Lobby!

A few plans for the rest of the week:coffee with one friend, museum with another. Taking my goddaughter to see Boo dance. Oh and her mommy (my dear friend) can come too. LOL!!

Visit Peggy at the Simple Woman's Daybook to find more daybookers.

Grains of Gratitude

I am grateful for my boys being so agreeable in the mornings, even though no one in this house is a morning person.

I am grateful my husband only had a very short trip. Things are just not right when he is gone.

I am grateful the flu came and went quickly around here. But it was the most awful stuff we had seen in years.

I am grateful for the women friends I have who are supportive of my choices even if they have calculated the score and came up with different choices. Too be honest I am a bit frustrated with women friends who believe looking at me should be like looking in a mirror. I need to pray more. I am thankful for a GOD who will help me with this area. I want to be a reflection of GOD although I have soooooooooooooooo far to go.

I am grateful friends who checked in when I fell of the face of the internet. Thank you so much.

I am grateful for all the gifts I have been given. I pray that I stop more often and count my blessings.

Grains of Gratitude took root at Brady's Bunch. And for that, I am grateful.

Grains of Gratitude--June 7, 2009

Just found that this never published. Better late than never. ---Julie

For my husband who kept the ship running while I was gone and my boys who helped him with the chores.

Husband and boys in the backyard looking at the moon with the telescope.

Opportunity to let the boys do summer intensives and their friends who will be joining them teachers staff

For being able to go to church "at home"

For my family, my dad, sister and her children

For friends who called while I was on the road--"just checking on you"

Brady's Bunch is where "Grains" begain. Thanks Christine!!

Back on the road...

...today through Thursday evening.

My visiting and responding have been poor. Hopefully I will be able to find a routine for the upcoming weeks.

Maybe...

Miss everyone...

Continued gratefulness for all your thoughts and prayers.

Julie

I Should Be Cleaning...

...but instead I'm on my computer from my still unfinished BLUE room. Love the blue!!

Waiting for my sister, nephew and niece to arrive. Let the mayhem commence.

All the cooking is outside--hamburgers on the grill, corn on the cob, veggies...plenty of food. Just nowhere to sit inside.

Anyone else want to come view the wreckage of my living room from my incomplete painting project? The canopy's up and the lawn chairs are out!

Off to find more jet fuel--ummm, I mean coffee.

midwest squall

high level thunder rumbles. mirrors reality on the ground. will it storm soon or be delayed? it is inevitable. the wait is is the hardest.

planting flowers in the thunder and rain was good therapy...

so grateful for the prayers. i am certainly blessed by friends.

Starry Night and Cookies

Two days left of school. I have the worst case of Spring Fever/Summer Vacation Fever in the house.

Carrie asked what color my room is. I have to admit I just used WalMart's ColorPlace Paint...three walls (and a wall in the hall) are called Sebago Blue (think Early American Blue) and the "accent wall" (if we were going to pretend I was a fancy decorator, which I'm not, but we can pretend) is called Starry Night. Think Van Gogh.


In fact I am pretty sure I am going to get a print to hang on that "accent wall." I have a mini-quilt wall hanging, but it just isn't doing it for me. Which is sad because I love the piece.

For anyone who is interested, the WalMart paint has been really easy to use and the results are nice. This is the second room I have done with it. I am NOT a painter/decorator so I am sure my expectations weren't really high--but neither is my bank account. So WalMart brand it was going to be.

I got to watch the boys rehearsal last night. Two shows--tonight and tomorrow. Be patient with me because I can't help but brag. My guys were fantastic. My prayer is that they, and all there classmates, do just as wonderfully in the shows. I am so amazed at who they've become. They sure didn't get it from me.

Must go be a grown-up now. I really don't want to be a grown-up. Whoever thought I would make a good grown-up really had a sense of humor...

And for the record making cookies when you cannot have carbs should be against the law...and yet I volunteered to do so. So off to bake.

And inhale a lot.


Starry, Starry Night by Don Mclean

Spring Cleaning of the Heart

It's been very revealing.

About Lent...on the attempted journey to holiness...I never arrived. I will say that I am more aware than ever of my faults as a parent, a child, a sister, a relative, a friend, a Christian, a Cathlolic. It has been quite humbling to look in that mirror that needed desperately cleaned. Already I see the cobwebs coming back. I just wiped them off!! How quickly we allow ourselves to re-enter the world. But I will take the lessons learned and hopefully, prayerfully travel with more grace and humility.

Today, I'm rerunning an old favorite. It's been two years but it is still timely and appropriate for today--Passover. A Passover that actually falls during Holy Week.

Friday, April 6, 2007

We have walked through Scripture, we have memorized verses. This is the child that at five could stand with the pastor in front of church and give a verse for almost every letter of the alphabet. The brain is on full speed. The teaching and preaching and doctrine have been put in…but that brain works so hard and fast some days coming up with questions. He runs on full gear with other things too like computers and LEGOs and other boys stuff and science and how does that work and can I build this and…well maybe you get a glimpse of the picture. But it’s the questions about God that take my breath away, I can tell they cause him to stop and ponder deeply. There has been this sad little look in his eyes and I just want to say—“I will believe enough for both of us, until I can find the right words to make you believe!” But that is not the right answer.

About a month ago, after a long break, we started attending church again. We started attending a church that my husband and I had both grown up in, but neither son had even been exposed to. The boys wanted to go back to church. Roo has hung on every word from Scripture, every note from the sermon, he has listened and I think he is hearing God.

As a family, in addition to celebrating the Resurrection of our Savior, we have celebrated Passover for five years now. Our Passover tells two stories. The first of God’s provision to rescue the Children of Israel from Egypt, of Moses and then ten plagues. We talk of the unblemished lamb, sacrificed and the blood on the doorposts, to keep the Angel of Death from killing the first born. Our second story is of the Perfect Lamb, the Lamb without sin who shared His last Passover with his disciples and washed their feet and prayed for them and gave Himself, sacrificed Himself that we may have salvation.

This year Roo started asking more questions than the normal and usual ones. He started to ask about Jesus/Yeshua who prayed in the garden so fervently that His sweat ran like blood. He asked if it hurt when He was nailed on the cross. He asked, “Why.” And when the answer finally came to, “For everyone, for us, for you.” Roo was very, very quiet. And those very dark eyes were almost as full as mine. For, I think, at that moment it clicked. The Light of the World went on for sure and forever in that little heart. And that is the moment this momma has lived for .

Two years have past since this post. Last year on Easter Vigil my sons were Baptized, received their First Holy Communion and were Confirmed. This year we approach the Resurrection with joy and anticipation.

Praying your day is filled with the knowledge of Christ's love.

Always in Him,

Julie

Grains of Gratitude

I am grateful for some lovely weather this week. Yay!! Signs of spring are lasting longer, sinking deeper into the earth. I hope March goes out like a lamb.

I am grateful for an opportunity to be able to express my concern for someone who works with my oldest on a weekly basis. My son was hurt emotionally and I felt trust was breached. It was a question of faith and doctrine. I was able to speak my mind. I hope I wasn’t antagonistic, I prayed a lot.

Sadly I don’t feel this person’s heart was really changed, although I do see care exhibited for my son. We were promised things would not reoccur and my very easily forgiving son agreed to try the situation again. Honestly, I was not going to give it another chance, but this is part of the growing up process that I’ve been dreading. I need to allow him to grow into a young man, and if his attitude and heart are any indicator of the man to come—I am truly blessed.

This week one of my friends turned 50. She wasn’t terribly thrilled about it, you could tell. And to top it off it seemed like no one was really caring that she was turning 50—at least from her point of view. No one would agree to make plans, no one was calling…silence.

But for the last six weeks a surprise birthday party had been being organized for her. I was the foil—the one who got her headed to the party—and let me tell you, I wondered if we were going to get it done. But we did.

The disbelief, shock, amazement and then happiness on her face was really priceless. I am grateful for this friend and the 20+ years we’ve known each other. It was an interesting assortment of people from very different walks of life, come together to tell a friend, “We love you.” What a neat thing.

I am grateful to another of my friend’s mother for watching my boys for the party. The only people who babysit for us is this particular friend and she and her husband were coming to the party also. Her mom is a lovely woman and the boys have always liked to be around her. My friend’s husband relieved her early to care for their one year old and my boys so she could get some sleep because she works too. My boys got to hang out with their favorite “jungle gym” then for a while longer. They didn’t miss me at all. And this time that was okay.

There was an opportunity to get better acquainted with someone this week. That is always something to be grateful for. We were out of our normal operating setting and so some barriers were allowed to drop. You never totally know anyone, but it helps to have different perspectives to understand why someone behaves as they do. I’m certain I don’t have a full picture, but perhaps we can communicate more effectively.

My husband was away during the week. I am grateful he is home.

The trip was short, just a few days, it should have been easier than the times he’s been gone up to a month. But something just isn’t right when he is gone. There is a sense of incompleteness in the house.

For someone new here, my husband works from home. So I am blessed to have him around 24/7 most of the time. But when he is gone, he is gone and it is hard to be in touch unless he gets a break.

While he was gone I busied myself trying to have a somewhat better house for him to return to. I wanted to make sure those pesky dishes were out of the sink, the laundry was empty and the house vacuumed. I just wanted it to be nice to walk into. It wasn’t perfect, but it was not bad.

When Daddy comes home it is a big event around here. The boys are jumping on him, the dog is barking, the cat is swearing we never fed him the whole time Daddy was gone. So, unless I get there first I stand in line for a while to greet my sweetheart.

I was at the sink when he pulled in the driveway. So I slipped out of the house and got to be first in line. Life was just a little better having my husband back where he belongs.

I’ve chewed on that since he’s been home. Maybe it’s a stretch for some, but for me I saw it as a picture of how our life is with God. I think marriage and parenting are good learning tools for our relationship with God.

Something is incomplete when He is not part of our lives. We wait impatiently for the day we get to “go home.” We try to keep our abode here on earth “clean.” It is rarely close to perfect, but we keep trying.

Am I anticipating my time alone with God? Am I giving him my full attention at church, during devotions? Do my actions and attitudes tell everyone that I am His? As His bride, am I ready for His return?

I am grateful for His love and care and all the precious gifts He bestows.

Have a blessed week.

Julie

Still Lost...

The gloves, that is. I've also realized we are missing a t-shirt. Not just any t-shirt, but a special shirt for Roo. Frustrating.

The boys did well for their first day "back" to school. We chose to keep Boo home from ballet, though, due to some lingering sinus issues. I think it was a good choice. He looks much better this morning. He improved immensely when he found out that being sick would not earn him video games and the reading was going to be done sooner or later.

Got halfway through the kitchen yesterday. Not as far as I'd hoped, but I found the table and some shelving space.

Last night the Daddy and the boys and I played Last Word.



We laughed so much. This is a fun, free-for-all type game that suits our personalities. I highly recommend it. Children need to be old enough to read and have an awareness of different situations. Boo held his own with much style and humor. I'm living with a young Robin Williams, I'm afraid. He's quite brilliant with improv. Sometimes this is good...sometimes...ummmmmm...not so much.

What did you do yesterday?

How to Make a Big Mess...

...and please two boys in the doing.

First haul out as much chaos into the rest of the house as possible.

Next cover everything else in plastic--note the dirty beige walls.

Pile stuff on the bed...

Frustrate the dog. She was very upset about the whole thing!


and paint...




and say a few choice words...




Dump the darkest paint you have on the carpet.




More than once.




Fall into the wet wall...




and question your sanity...




What were you thinking anyway?????




Oooooooooooooohhhh....That's more like it!
We started with one brown bookshelf in the room and took that out and replaced it with two black bookshelves.

We hung the guitars on the wall and did something else I said I would never do.


The light blue wall and the wall that turned out more salmon than sand.

The dog was back in her "cave."
She's always slept in the boys' room.
We replaced the futon with a smaller loveseat.

Went vertical with storage of toys and "stuffies."

Decorated the window for the holidays.

Ambiance!


It's not 100% but they're pretty happy to have their new digs.

I think if you are so inclined you can click on a photo to enlarge.

Grains of Gratitude

I'm grateful the painting is done. I'll be even more grateful when we get everything put in place. You know how it goes, you move this and then you have to find a home for that and then someone has a bright idea to move all this stuff downstairs and then move some other stuff upstairs and wouldn't the room look better if we added two bookshelves and....well you see how it goes.

And then the boys and I went out of town for three days to see my dad. And I am grateful we did that. But my husband couldn't go, so I always felt a piece of me was missing. But it was a good, safe and fun trip. Dad made a large wood frame for me to create a project I cooked up. One more thing to add to the room.

I am grateful for all of your prayers for Roo. His knee is much improved. For now the prognosis is "growing pains" added to new and more strenuous movement. A couple very knowledgeable, caring teachers are keeping a close eye on him. He hates being conspicuous but I was an obnoxious mom and shared my concerns anyway.

I'm grateful that Boo has been having a great time again during rehearsals. Apparently some of the older girls have been paying him a little extra attention. I was informed today that he received a marriage proposal. I told him he may have to wait a few weeks and get a little better acquainted. A---hem...I am really going to be in trouble with this one.

The mice seem to have left for more friendly dwellings. I am sooooooooooooooo grateful! The cat has been useless and the dog was of no help. The cat, Sid, is 17--half blind and half deaf, so him I understand. In his day he was a champion mouser, but now he just curls up in his little box and sleeps a lot. Miss Libby, the pooch, seemed to think they were just new pets we had acquired.

I am grateful for the time we spent schooling in the summer because I am about out of steam. We are in coast mode for a bit. We will be tying up loose ends and taking a long holiday break. Nutcracker rehearsals move into the theater this week and then the shows begin!!

Advent starts today. We pause, we take time and prepare our hearts and minds for the joyful feast to come--for the Emmanuel--God with us. I am grateful for the rhythm of the liturgical year. In the hustle and bustle of the commercial world we live in I need something to refocus me on the One reason for the real season. Father's homily today talked about how sometimes we are so intent on wondering when Christ will return that we miss Jesus in our daily life--how the sorrows of this world make us ready to give it up and get to heaven and we miss the opportunity to share the LORD with a soul in need of His love today. He said it better than I did...but I'm grateful for the reminder to live in the now.

I'll be sharing a few Advent posts through December. Not everyday, but once in a while. I've got some books I'm excited about reading and some songs that have been on my heart.