Charlie's Choice

We bought this dramatized audio CD by Lamplighter Publishing. They sell quality books, many from the 1800's. They choose books that will emphasize Biblical themes and character building. Some of them are even edited in places to reflect solid doctrine. From what I see on their site, they seem to be sound. After listening to it, my husband told me to buy more of them. He hardly ever asks me to buy more of anything except food. He thinks (and I have to admit, he's right) we need less of everything, not more. So, I took it to mean he REALLY liked it.

It is exciting, interesting, emotional and portrays wonderful yet hard to come by character qualities. The voice actors are professional and the music is well preformed and well placed. Our 6yo and 4yo have already listened to it a second time- although some of it is over our 4yo's head, it is exciting.

I cannot vouch for the actual book, since we didn't read it yet, but the CD was very good. (Not sure if the Cd is exactly like the book or condensed.) We ordered another book and CD. The plan is to read the book together as a family, then listen to the dramatization. (Click here to see how it worked out) If we like it, he wants to buy many more of them! Since our oldest LOVES to read, and hopefully the others will also, it will be nice to have many quality books around.

I'd love to hear from anyone else who's read or listened to any of these. I will post in the future about how we like them in case anyone is interested to know.

My arms seem to always be full, and my lap cannot hold everyone who wants to be held at times like storytime. When I'm in the kitchen, I can't seem to move to the left or right because of all the chairs pulled up to the counters by small helpers. I just realized, I'm popular! I guess that doesn't actually mean I'm cool, though.

Donuts!

Tons of donuts! A friend invited us for a donut making party. She made the dough and glaze and filling (vanilla and chocolate). Her duaghters helped with the dough, her sons fried most of them. We helped a little with the filling, glaze and sprinkles- and we helped a lot with the taste testing. It was yummy and fun. Doesn't it just look good?

Recent Happenings

Our baby girl is getting bigger, fast. She is a very pleasant baby. Couldn't you just pinch her? Please don't:)

We went to my husband's sister and brother-in-law's for Thanksgiving. She has such a gift of hospitality. She can whip up a yummy feast, sit back and visit, then kick up her feet like it was all a piece of cake (I know it took LOTS of work, though.) It makes you feel welcomed, but you have to remind yourself not to overstay your welcome.

4yo is enjoying a turkey carving tutorial from his uncle.

Babygirl is enjoying a nice nap in Grandma's arms. All our children have enjoyed that cozy spot. Below is husband's uncle sharing some information about different animal skulls and bones. He's quite the explorer, always finding interesting things, and he's a wealth of information. I see in this picture, it looks like our 6yo son is the one doing the teaching....we're still working on that.

Other things that have been happening...

My 6yo would recommend two books he's read recently- "Corrie Ten Boom" (Chronicles of Faith series), and "Summer with the Moody's" by Sarah Maxwell. He's still finishing that last one up. The first one kept his interest and he couldn't (unless we made him) put it down for two days. Although, I am going back through it with him to explain some of it. Some terrible things occurred for Corrie Ten Boom's family, but I think the author handles it well for a young audience. They may have to face something similar in their lifetime. Christianity is not always happy, good times. When we receive a book I've ordered, he seems to have it read by the next day. If I want to preview it, or read it through with him to give him a better understanding of what he is reading, I have to lay down the law that he can't read it without me!

Our 4yo son slowly becomes more and more interested in writing. I love those first squiggly uppercase letters they try to write. You can see the concentration all over his face with his tongue poked out of one corner of his mouth. Then, as he holds up his paper to examine it, a tiny burst of accomplishment appears as his head and shoulders simultaneously lift a little higher. Today he wrote the word "GOOD" in a speech bubble and copied most of the name "JOSEPH" where it was printed on his coloring sheet of Joseph Hayden. The best is when I heard his little feet tromping into the kitchen as he hollered, "Mommy, look!" I have grown to always appreciate what comes next after those two words. (Unless someone is in danger:)

Our 2yo son very much enjoyed coloring today, also...but thank you to the person who invented washable markers. He also loves to help cook. That is a challenge for me. But it is also a beautiful thing, so I try to work with it. He loves to be given a job.

Babygirl- she slept almost all day today!

I am trying to get some Christmas gifts made so I don't run out of time.

We have also been enjoying good Bible studies and visits with friends these last few weeks. How nice it is to fellowship with others who read the Bible for themselves and believe in its content. It makes for enriching conversation.

Have a wonderful day!

Movie Suggestion

Seen any good movies lately? They're hard to come by. I have a good movie suggestion. It has been a long time since we've watched it, but I still call it one of the best movies out today. We bought it a few years ago. Its called "Time Changer". See a clip here : http://www.timechangermovie.com/

I've seen a lot of "Christian" movies, but most of them just turn out to be not-so-good actors reciting a not-so-good script about watered down, luke warm, boring, Christianity. But, at least they are "safe" for our children's eyes and ears...if we don't mind them learning that Christianity is all about warm fuzzies and not offending anyone. I don't think we all have to watch only Christian movies, but let's think seriously about whether we seperate our lives from Christ when it comes to entertainment. I'm not ranting, just talking really fast with my fingers. Let me be the first to say I have made and may again make bad choices of what to watch or spend my time doing. Okay, on with the point...

You think I'm going to say that "Time Changer" is just a fest of excellent acting and great writing. Well, to be honest, its not the best of either. I hope I'm not confusing you. I used to watch movies for their content. By content, I meant the artistic content, cinematography, creativity of the writer and director. And most of all, if it really made you think or laugh. Unfortunately, if you choose movies on those grounds, you will often sacrifice your integrity and put things into your mind that should never be there- and could possibly never go away. I'm not just talking about rated "R" movies. They don't have to show sin to glorify sin.

So, back to "Time Changer". It will never win: "best film" under any category in the secular arena. But there is one area of the content I mentioned before that I still look for in a movie: does it make you think? This film does accomplish that! (I think we laughed a couple times. too.) And what it makes you think about is not sinful, its not depressing (unless you have no hope in Christ), its not ugly. But its also not watered down. I think, if you reflect on its content, it will make you want to walk closer with Christ and redeem the time.

Lastly, I have to add (because I made it sound like a terribly made movie!) it is enjoyable. Some of the actors are good. It does not compare to secular movies which cost A LOT to be made. But its still well made and "easy to watch". One more last not: You can leave it on if you have to leave the room and not be worried what your small children will be putting into their minds...possibly forever.

p.s. We bought extra to give as gifts.

Okay, this is hard. I'm enjoying it most of the time, but still, it ain't easy. "Failure" comes to mind often. But then I am reminded:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17

Do I actually believe God will equip me for everything? How about housework? And homeschooling? Those are all good works- so, yes.

But its easy to look over the important detail of this verse. Scripture. I won't get thoroughly equipped by just asking God to help me, or thinking happy thoughts. I have to do what I don't particularly always enjoy- read Scripture. It sounds bad that I don't enjoy it, doesn't it? Maybe I should clarify, I don't enjoy stopping whatever it is I have to or want to do in order to read something I've already read (give or take a few Levitical laws). But that's not good either. Thankfully, the Lord is gracious and when my eyes focus in on that first word of the passage, I always love it. It is just plain good stuff. He shows me something new very often as if I've never seen it.

Thankfully, I have a curriculum for my little lambs that is heavy on the Bible reading. It can be overwhelming, but, its also great. Its great for me, not just them. Right now, I am not slow to pick up the Bible, I'm ready to go to keep going!

Finally, I remind myself:

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Cor 10:31 (Housework, cooking, schooling, changing diapers is included in that "whatever".) Lord, help me. Let this failure of a person glorify You.

Still Here!

I haven't posted in SO long! I am chugging along, trying to get into a grove, and you know what? I think I am (getting into one.) I know groves change for every Mom- so I'll try to stay flexible.

Our baby girl is growing fast. I'll post a new picture of her when I get my camera (left it somewhere.) She is so sweet! I love it when she tries to say things. She gets so excited at her light up bouncy seat. She kicks and waves her little arms, until it wears her out. I love her.

..and the bouncy seat has worn her out, she nees me...

Useful items in the home

There are a couple items I didn't realize how much I'd use until recently. Please don''t get mad at me, but I kill flies if they are in my home. I kill any bug that's in my home, actually. If it is a spider that has made a home right around my front entry.. I kill it, too. (Maybe that's why flies get into my home.) Anyway, it is not fun to have smashed bugs to clean up. I have found a better way.

We used to have a nice man come spray our home for bugs before I decided not to expose my babies to pesticides on a regular basis in the home. He told me that a sure way to kill a spider is to fill a spray bottle (almost all the way) with water. Then, add a couple squirts of dish detergent and shake it up. Spray it on the spider. It gets coated with the soap and dies soon after. I'm telling you, it worked.

I tried it on flies, ants, wasps, and more spiders...just try it, it works. No splattered bugs you have to clean up. Its best if the bug has landed on something. (Make sure you coat wasps and big spiders pretty good with 2-3 sprays.) If its not working, you need a little more soap. Oh, and don't spray it all over the kitchen while you're making supper. Food doesn't taste good soapy. But there is one more use for it...its handy to spray on dishes with stuck-on food.

I've also found many uses for our exercise ball. (Unfortunately, exercise has not been one of them.) When I was far into my pregnancy, it was the ONLY way I could find some comfort. Sitting hurt my hips and back, standing hurt my hips and back. Getting up off the floor after folding laundry or reading our 2yo a book while he was on the toilet (trying to potty train) seemed almost impossible. I started doing those things while sitting on the ball instead and they became easier. Also, it is very nice to have during labor contractions. I used one in the hospital with two of our sons' births and then ours' here at home with the latest delivery.

Since then, I've found myself using it still for the whole reading-to-our-2yo-in-the-bathroom-while he-tries -to-go-potty thing. But, also for lightly bouncing our newborn to sleep late at night.

Well, if you're not pregnant, or there are no children in the home to bounce there is still a good use. Its nice to stretch your back over it. Someone gave us the one we have. Would I go buy an exercise ball if we didn't have one? I'm not sure, and we might put it back into storage since it takes up space in our little rooms. But it sure has been nice to have around.

More of our Baby

Thought I'd post some more pictures of our baby girl.

She's Here!

The Lord surprised us with a sweet baby GIRL! She weighed 8lbs. 6oz. and was 20 inches. We couldn't have asked for a better delivery. I woke my husband about 5a.m., and after timing a few contractions, he called the midwife. She arrived quickly and later, another midwife came. To make a short story shorter...she was born at 7:03 a.m.
Here, she's a little lost in the beautiful quilt Granny made for her (she had a boy quilt ready for back up:)

Daddy's reading her first Bible story.

Here are some beaming brothers. They were just waking up when their new sister arrived and got to come into the room and meet her very shortly after she was born.

6yo asked if next time he sees her (they went to G-pa and G-ma's for the rest of the day), she could be all dressed up pretty- since she didn't have any girl clothes on at ther first meeting.

What a wonderful experience! The midwives were so patient, helpful and caring. My husband was wonderful and busy. The baby was healthy and the deilvery not long. The boys were asleep until just the right time with G-pa here on standby to help with them and take them to the care of G-ma. Now, we are just enjoying our new member who needs me RIGHT NOW. Praise the Lord!

...still waiting...

I've never made it to my due date before and this time I passed it! That's not a bad thing, but it is hard to be patient now that the "date" is passed. I find myself tapping my fingers often. Its getting harder to resist carbs (bad ones), and the cravings are greater! There are some times during the days and nights I am so uncomfortable I can hardly stand it. Life seems to be on hold for me, and most of all- I'd like to hold our new little one. (And is it a boy or girl we'll be holding?) We're ready any time little baby. In God's time... None of these things matter as much as God's perfect timing.

Black Swallowtail

The boys found a bunch of these caterpillars on our parsley. They wanted to put one in a jar, so we picked the big one.
Within two days, it had formed its chrysalis. In this picture, it is already out. You can see through it since its empty.
Exactly two weeks after we captured the caterpillar, 6yo noticed the butterfly in the jar!

We took it outside, but it wouldn't yet fly away.

It didn't take long until it was ready, though.

My Watermelon Ship Has Come In

My generous midwife gave me some watermelons the other day that we have been munching on. WOW! They are good! Can you tell we like them? These are better than candy.

Ten Years and Watermelons

My husband and I just celebrated our tenth anniversary! What great times we've had! When we got married, children were not in my mind, only the thought of being with my husband every day. Now that we have three and one coming soon, I'm able to see how the Lord has added blessing to blessing by not only joining me with my husband, but giving us even more love in our home in these wonderful boys.

And the good times just keep rolling!

On a totally unrelated note...my friend trimmed my hair for me today and fixed it up in a twist braid. And THEN she brought a yummy watermelon over for us....you know how I've been craving yummy watermelons?Mmmmm.

Easy Homemade Yogurt (or Yoghurt)

This is how I've been making yogurt that has been working well for me.

First, I bring the milk to about 180 degrees, give or take. Do this on a medium heat so as not to burn the milk. This will take a while. (cow's or goats- this is a mixture of both. I only like yogurt made from cow's milk, but the boys like both.)

While that's happening, boil some water and pour it into a small cooler and put the lid on it. This will make your cooler into a heater.

After the milk has reached its temperature, take it off the heat and let it cool back down to around 115-125 degrees. Stirring will help it cool a little more quickly- but it still takes a while.

Next, pour the milk into jars that are already hot. You can pour some hot water from your teapot into them and swish it around to heat them up.

Now, add a couple big scoops of a previous batch of yogurt or a quality store bought yogurt (I used Dannon since we ate up our last batch of yogurt). Stir it up and put the lids on.

Pour the HOT water out of your cooler, then place a towel in it. Put the jars inside and wrap them up well with the towel(s) and put the cooler lid on. Lastly, put the whole cooler in an out-of-the-way warm place for 6-12 hours.

Get the jars out and refrigerate them...that's it. Its never failed me yet...yet. Some don't like to heat the milk up to 180 degrees because it kills all the goodness in raw milk. So far, this is how I've done it...but I'm planning on making "raw" yogurt one of these days by only heating it to 110 degrees.

This is very very easy, but that doesn't mean its very quick. It does take a while, so try it when you'll already be hanging around the kitchen or at least the house.

This Pregnancy

I'm coming to the homestretch of this pregnancy. Only a few weeks left, depending on the Lord's timing. I don't gestate well- is that a proper phrase? Anyway, I have thus far been very sick the first half (or longer) of each pregnancy. When that's over, there are other things I deal with that make life uncomfortable. Right now, I just feel so pregnant. Its hard to move around in bed at night- but I can't stay in one position. Its hard to get up- but my bladder makes me. Its hard to stand too long, sit in one place too long, its hot...you see my point. (Oh, and the sickness has somehow crept back upon me- no fun!)

All that said, this has been my BEST pregnancy so far! I have enjoyed it more, gained less, and it has gone faster (so far). Since we are planning a home birth this time and I visit with a midwife, I haven't had stress that sometimes comes with doctors. Nothing against doctors- I love them! But I don't really want to see them unless I need help with an injury or illness. (God bless the doctor who stapled my son's head a few weeks ago!) We have had great memorable experiences with the births of each of our previous children. But I hope to avoid the few stressful situations and needless interventions we did come across. I'm looking forward to being in this comfortable, familiar place. I don't feel like I have a sickness that needs to be resolved, I have a baby- and many others have been pregnant before me. I'm praying that there will not be any complications that merit a visit to the hospital.

A few random things about this pregnancy...

...I have wanted watermelon and fried chicken for most of this pregnancy- neither of which I have had very much of- I can't seem to buy a good watermelon! This baby seems to move more than I remember the others moving. The suspense of not knowing if we have a boy or a girl is exciting and makes me even more eager for the day. (Husband doesn't think he'll know how to raise a girl but I'm so outnumbered, I think it might be nice.) The boys all like to hug, talk, poke and feel my tummy. I sometimes put a book on it when the baby is moving around and we watch the book move all around. While writing, I often have to erase mistakes caused by sudden jolts of movement to my notebook. The boys have been able to hear the heartbeat when my midwife has checked it the last few times. 6yo is excited- he often sits patiently to feel the baby kick, offers name ideas, and plans what he will do with the new baby. 4yo is happy, he mostly feels my tummy for a few seconds to humor me, but the other day he actually realized the baby was moving and got interested. 2yo pats at my tummy and says baby. I cannot wait to hold this bundle in my arms! (But, I will happily wait so he or she is fully developed!)

Sweet Corn and Sweet Friends

Two weeks ago, a friend called us to offer some sweet corn they had grown. My husband and I planned to pick some to prepare and freeze to have some yummy corn on hand. Well, after thinking about all we had going on those next two days, we realized it would not work out and the corn would go to waist here if we picked it...

When a friend called me a said her and some others were thinking about getting together to freeze some corn two days later, I was all for it! Not only could we get more done working together, but its always fun to do something together with friends. I got there a little late and they had already shucked it and started boiling it. As we worked, I should have put two and two together...

We filled baggies with corn and cleaned up our mess before I heard someone say it was all for my family! They tricked me into letting them give up their time (and corn) to do all that work for me. Okay, maybe trick isn't the right word for it because I was sure blessed by it. And because I was the one who received the favor. And because I'm definitely not going to complain about it. Each of them had already spent much time working on corn for her own family. Then, they came and did it for mine.

I was baking with a mom and her daughters once who were making sandwiches for lunch. The mom said, "Would you make me one? And then I'll make yours." I was a little confused as to why, if she was going to make a sandwich, why not make her own. She explained that it just tastes better when you make it for each other. I think this corn just tastes better because it was done with the hands of three servant- hearted friends.

Last weekend I got to go to a two day curriculum seminar for Spell to Write and Read. It is my favorite find for homeschooling so far. I have found many neat curriculum and fun ideas, but this is one that I'm sure I will hold on to through all our homeschooling years. It is a teacher friendly version of Writing Road to Reading. It can be used for homeschooling or in a classroom. I like that the author (Wanda Sanseri) is a Christian and she incorporates the Bible and literature with value if you choose to use it.

This review explains the program much better than I could:

http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/reviews.php?rid=598

And here is the Spell to Write and Read website:

http://www.bhibooks.net/home.html

Because it is very thorough, I've had to read through the book 3 times over the past year and a half to feel confident teaching it. I also attended the seminar which helped me. Now, there is a new DVD I'm guessing is a big help ( HIDDEN SECRETS TO LANGUAGE SUCCESS: VOLUMES 1 & 2). Its not a program that students can do independently and it does take an investment of time, but I like it a great deal. It seemed overwhelming to me at first, but I just jumped in and started teaching it. My son has not been confused one time (so far). The curriculum makes sense of our crazy written language! Him and I both enjoy having a better understanding.

I used this program with my 6yo for a few months so far with great results. This coming school year, we'll hit it full force and also begin at a preschool level with my 4yo who is looking forward to it. He's now able to sound out some basic words for fun and feels good about that. Its really nice that I don't have to buy new books for every student, or even every grade level. The basic kit is all I need (except a new Learning Log each year which is cheap) for K-12. Extras are optional, but it will be important to either invest in or find some good reading books at the library. She gives suggestions about reading materials.

No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

I went away for two days to attend a curriculum seminar. I knew my boys and husband would have a great time together, and they did. My timing for arriving home couldn't have been better. Just as I walked in the door I was summoned to the bathroom where my husband was holding a cloth to our 6yo son's head. He gave me a peek at it. OUCH! He had been jumping on our bed (after my husband had told him not to) and fell backwards onto the edge of our ceder chest.

We loaded up the family and headed fro the ER. The cut wasn't bleeding much by then, and 6yo seemed to be handling it well, so we had a long wait. Thank the Lord for Grandpa who came to take the younger boys so we could both concentrate on comforting 6yo. We did have such a long wait- understandably since there was a more serious injury they were attending to.

Finally after cleaning the gash and pouring on something to numb the surface...and more waiting...the doctor put seven painful staples in his head. He squeezed my husband's hand as hard as he could, and there were some tears, but made it through. He's a tough boy. We spent plenty of our time waiting discussing how God is our strength and thanking Him that it wasn't worse. 6yo also really enjoyed hearing the story of Ezekiel and the dry bones. He especially liked hearing the alternative endings my husband would make up before finally telling it right. There is not always laughter in the ER rooms, but we were blessed to have it.

Okay so back to a previous statement, maybe I COULD have planned my homecoming time better had I gotten there before he decided to jump on the bed. But you can't dwell on maybe's. I'm just thankful the Lord was there.

Family Devotions

I thought I'd share how the Lord has blessed us with a helpful resource for family devotions. We visited a church on our last vacation (to Texas). We found that they encouraged what they called Family Alter Study Time. They offered a free printable "curriculum" that each family could follow throughout the week at home. The Scriptures and topics coincided with the topic for the following church service.



We decided to use those plans they had already so thoughtfully put together for our own use. Since my husband is the preacher at our little church, he is able to adjust a FAST to fit the topic for the week and add/change things if need be. Then, he can offer them to the families in our church who are interested in participating. (However, I would find it useful for our family even if we didn't do it as a church.) Since the focus for a week is not too broad and we cover the same passages most days, we get a good grasp on it. When Sunday rolls around and the children (and adults) who have studied it hear about it in the message, they perk up and are able to answer questions and get involved.



It has been a major support for our family because it is a simple plan for the whole week. It is something we can really stick to. If we fall behind it is not difficult to jump right back in. We like to do our family alter study time just before bedtime. But, we can adjust and do it during dinner if we know there are other things happening. We've even rarely done it in the car while traveling. It is a fairly short, but meaningful time for us to hear from God's Word as a family, hide it in our hearts- and to do it consistently.

My husband chooses a memory verse to add the the FAST each week. We have this old barber's station in our living room that had a scratched up mirror. I scraped it and painted it gray, and got very tired of looking at the blank piece of glass for years. Then, I realized I could write on it with white board markers! So that is where I write our weekly verses- it has helped ME tremendously in memorizing them.

So, here is the link if you are interested in looking at the FAST plans. Happy family devotions.

http://www.fairparkbaptist.org/FAST/FAST.html

"Famous for the Fourth"

Well, we had another big 4th of July celebration here in our little town. It prides itself on the carnival, activities, parade and fireworks. We can't really ignore it because it all occurs within a couple blocks of our house, we can see it from our window and hear it at night. Excitement builds up for the boys when its approaching. 6yo has been waiting for the city to hang the American flags on all the streetlights for weeks- that was his sign that the festivities would soon be here. Today, they took them down and 4yo almost cried.

We watched the parade (after church) and let the boys ride a couple rides (the night before). Mostly, we visited here at the house with a few relatives who were in town.

Our yard is a convenient place to watch the fireworks display, so we had snacks for whoever wanted to join us. This year it started to rain just in time for the fireworks, so many watched from the garage and some got soaked. After all the excitement- we all slept very late the next morning!

Newest family member

My sister-in-law and brother's new baby is not as easy to console as some babies. She prefers to be held and moving around. So, my sister-in-law made use of her baby carrier. Isn't this the cutest picture. When I saw her sweet little face sticking out of the sling I had to snap a picture.

First Day of Summer

This morning I read that over 20,000 people gathered for the sunrise at Stonehenge. My boys are excited that today is the first day of summer. They think we should go play in water! I think that sounds like a good idea- that way we can also get some Vitamin D from the sunshine.

When the flowers are in bloom, the lightning bugs are thick in the evening, the sky is bright blue with fluffy white clouds, and I can see hope for our little garden to produce healthy foods, nature shines in all her glory. But where is the worship due? Should we raise our hand toward the rising sun in praise? Should we say a prayer to nature and recognize that we are nature, nature is god, so we are god? The truthful and clear answer is this:

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse;

Because the, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts to dishonour their own bodies between themselves,

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more then the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen

Romans 1:19-25

Sewing from a Pattern

I have it in my mind to learn the foreign language of sewing patterns. It really may as well be written in Chinese (which, coincidentally, I cannot read either). My hope is that, if i can learn to follow a pattern, I will have more success with my sewing endeavors. Sometimes, I try to slap skirts together without a pattern. Sometimes they come out decent, sometimes, they go in the trash. I'm starting with some boys' pajamas.

A friend offered to have me and the boys over for an afternoon so we could both sew. It was so nice and relaxing- maybe not as relaxing for the hostess since she made lunch. But I enjoyed the time, hearing the children laughing (and screaming) while they played. I got to stop her every few minutes and ask what a sentence in my pattern was trying to tell me and she very patiently explained. I think its hard! But that may change with practice...can anyone attest to that? It made so much sense when my friend would explain it in English. Anyway, we could only get so much done, being mom's and wives with things to do.

I'm hoping to recruit my mom as translator when I go to visit her. Then, maybe I can finish the pattern. I tried to sit down tonight and go to the next step...huh? I am a visual learner, youtube has taught me many "how-to" things (but be careful on there!) Maybe I will have them done for Christmas (at least one pair for each of the two older boys.)

Happy Father's Day!

Children's children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.
Proverbs 17:6

My sweet husband treats our children like they are blessings from God. He spends time with them like they were given to him as special presents. In return, their faces light up when they realize the next day is Saturday, and that he will be home all day. They love to do what he is doing. They even have fun doing chores together. I love to watch them all together.


Our son (then 5) made him a paper apron one Saturday morning. He wore it while making pancakes.
We see him working or using his time wisely every time he is at home (maybe the occasional catnap.) This was him working on our house over a year ago- he put a LOT of time into our home.

He likes to teach the boys about math by counting and sorting change.

Here, he is putting training wheels on our son's bike after we had a birthday hot dog roast.

We always have fun when he's around because of his cheerful nature. We all went to Kaleidoscope- isn't he nice to carry all my stuff so I could show the boys around?

My favorite thing he does for our family is to teach and read to us God's Word- the Bible. It is the most valuable training he can ever give them, and it will have eternal significance.

I know our boys will grow up to consider their father a special gift the Lord has given them.