School Supplies

It's that time of the year again! School supply shopping! Everyone has a different approach. Personally, I try to salvage as much as possible from last years supplies with a couple of exceptions.

The kids always get a new box of markers, colored pencils and crayons. Nothing beats the new box of crayons with their perfectly sharpened tips and it's like buying happiness in a box for a quarter!

I also buy supplies in October (as they are clearancing out overstock) for next year. Folders, binders, lunchboxes, backpacks, ink pens, pencils, etc. all keep in storage well. The key is to remember where you store them!

My least favorite thing in shopping for supplies is going to multiple stores, but sometimes it can't be helped. Stores don't always stock everything. Like Art gum erasers! Wal-mart and Target take note!

I need to make a trip to Hobby Lobby to pick up the last few things for my homeschooler's enrichment day program, but for the most part, I am done.

On to the next task.....

Giving back (a lesson for me in gratitude)

It's so easy for me to get wrapped up in the daily life. Get up, make the coffee, get kiddos dressed, throw in the laundry (sometimes grumbling about how it never stops), yell at kids to do dishes, go to grocery store, etc. (You get the idea). Worrying about shallow things like who doesn't like me this week. Bad news all around us - unemployment rates, gas prices, grocery prices....

I've decided that I want to teach my children (and myself) that we are blessed beyond measure. That our "problems" could be much different and wider in scope. We have food to eat (good food too!), we have more than enough clothes to wear (though some of us may not be as stylish as we want!), we have a nice home with a nice bed to sleep in, we have clean water to drink.

When complaints arise about any of these things (from me as much as the children), I want to remember those who have less. Like the children in Africa. I don't say that as a guilt trip like moms that want their children to eat their brussels sprouts. I want to inspire gratefulness in my own heart as well as those of my children. I also want to live as those "to whom much is given, much is required." So I jumped at the opportunity to get involved with Kristen at We Are That Family and her Do it For Others Project for July. I volunteered as a seamstress to create dresses for Little Dresses for Africa out of pillowcases and supplies sent in by readers of the We Are That Family blog.

I created 10 dresses with the supplies I received with the help of my 12 year old and 10 year old daughters.



Here are some of our favorites.











This gave me an opportunity to dwell on how blessed I truly am and to thank God for His many blessings in my life. Gratitude is the key to a soft heart. Realizing what we have versus the ambition to always acquire more, new, better.....

It has also given me a door to discussion with my children. My 3 year old repeatedly asked when HER dresses would be finished and I was able to talk with her about how some of these children only have 1 dress and how thankful they will be to receive these.

I am resolved to continue to be an example of God's Love. AND to teach my children to do the same. It's the right thing to do.

Take it From the Top

Adventures in Odyssey has entertained our family on many a car ride and evenings at home. We welcomed the opportunity to preview "Take it From the Top", a new 4 cd set with over 5 hours of programs. Adventures in Odyssey started in 1987 by Focus on the Family. It was the beginning of high-quality family audio entertainment with a message. This set continues that legacy and does not disappoint. These writers continue to come up with stories that are inventive and entertaining while teaching character lessons. My children couldn't wait to listen to each episode. The continued episodes always keep them on the edge of their seats.


From the back cover -
Get answers to the deep questions of life, like: Why would Eugene Meltsner shave his head? Why did the Parkers have a family meeting in the bathroom? How does a hole in a baseball glove change the course of a winning game? As you've come to expect from Adventures in Odyssey, the answers to those questions give practical lessons about responsibility, the meaning of true treasure, and God's calling.

These CDs were provided for review by Tyndale Blog Network.

Why raise modest children?

When I type that I realize that you may think that I mean children that are not prideful or vain, and while that is certainly important, what I truly mean is children who have a regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc (as defined by dictionary.com).

Why mention this now? Because I went shopping at the mall tonight with my two oldest daughters who are 11 and 9. Because all they wanted to look at buying were the trendy mini-skirts, the spaghetti strap camis and plunging necklines. "ooh, isn't this cute, BUT dad would never let me wear it." After the second or third time hearing this I had to ask my dear daughters, "Do you know why?". The eldest responded, "because it shows too much skin." ME - "Why is that a bad thing?" Then, utter silence....and if you have daughters, you know utter silence doesn't happen very often (at least in my experience so far.)

This conversation was a great teachable moment. I proceeded to tell them about how you can dress in a stylish and tasteful way without bearing so much skin. I imparted to them the fact that boys and men are visual and that exposing too much skin is temptation and that they want boys and men to be attracted to them for more than their looks.

It was a great conversation that ended with a great laugh when my 9 year old piped up and said, "I'm never marrying a professional wrestler." I had to chuckle and ask why. Her response, "because they show A LOT of skin and if it's not right for girls, it's not right for guys either." Methinks this conversation may need to be revisited in a few years....

The Boy is 7!

Wow! Time does fly! My children are growing up in the blink of an eye!

Seven years ago today I was awaiting my son's entry into this world. I thought I had this parenting thing figured out! I had adorable 4 and 2 year old girls and I thought "How different can parenting a boy really be?" (All you moms of boys can now take a break for hysterical laughter.)

How wrong I was. This little guy had a different attitude from the beginning. (Not wrong, just different than I was used to.) He was loud (and still is). Things that seemed very unfunny to me sent him into hysterical laughter (yes, bodily functions included.) His need for rough-housing and super-hero antics also baffled me.

What a wonderful dimension he added to our family! Yes, he is loud and boisterous at times, but that means he is enthusiastic about life. His laughter and jokes help lighten the mood and bring joy to the house. His mechanical abilities (translated : his ability to take everything apart to see how it works) make for great springboards to discussion. Even his super-hero antics make me proud. Proud that he wants to be the knight in shining armor someday for the girl of his dreams. (okay maybe not the girl part yet, he still thinks they have cooties).

He reminds me of his Dad in so many ways. He is slow to anger, gentle and kind. He likes to tease his sisters and mom, but also fiercely protective if anyone else hurts them! He is a great big brother, too!

We know God has great plans for you and your life!

Happy Birthday buddy! We Love you so much!

My 11 year old dear daughter's christmas list

I thought I would share Sha Sha's Christmas "Wish List" (her title, not mine).

Divided into two parts, the first part is predictable and has seven reasonable items.
I won't bore you with it.

The second half is titled "Wishful Thinking", and subtitled "(probably won't happen)". This will have you laughing. I'll refrain from commentary on it...

1. an email address
2. A facebook account (I know this won't happen).
3. A Nintendo DS
4. My own room
5. On/off switches for my 3 siblings
6. a car
7. to be allowed to babysit


A couple of these are reasonable. But I certainly got a good chuckle out of a couple of them too.

Much too busy...

A lot of our 'busyness' is a way for us to avoid thinking about what is most important. There's a difference between being busy and being productive. ~ Kristen Lippincott

Busy, Busy, Busy. Every night of the week. Monday - soccer, Tuesday - football, Wednesday - church, Thursday - soccer, Friday - football, Saturday - soccer x2. Not to mention bible studies, choir practices, laundry, grocery shopping, supervising homework, cooking....whew! I'm tired just writing it all down. And that's not all of it either. I know some of not being defeated by all the "busyness" is attitude, and trusting God to show me the "best" and not just the "good". What's the difference between the two? Read this devotional from Joyce Meyer.

I once heard a speaker (I think it was probably Joyce) that talked about how we often wear our "busyness" as a badge. "Look how busy I am!" "I'm important because I'm busy."

The truth is that "busyness" as Martha showed us in Luke 10:38-42, can often be a huge distraction. A distraction to the point that we can't see past it to what is truly important. Not that we have to become hermits and live in caves and divorce ourselves from every activity and ministry that we are involved in, but that we focus on our God and what He has in store for us. We allow Him to order our day, show us what is important and rely on Him to help us.

We can still be "busy" and do this! Every soccer season I usually have a bad attitude about all the busyness. I am trying hard to stay away from the bad attitude this year! God knows what has to get done. I have laundry right now that needs to be folded. I have dishes in the sink, but yet I felt God speaking to my heart to rest.

I've had headaches on and off this last week. Had my neck adjusted, taken naps, taken meds, still suffering. Talking with someone today, they asked me what had changed this last week. I thought back, I had dental work, probably not the culprit. I added a storytime, 2 soccer practices, 1 football practice to my already busy life with 4 kids....Hmm! I had a check in my spirit...."you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about". The person I was talking with asked if I had relinquished it all to God. Yeah! Um...honestly....NO! I haven't. So, here goes, "God, you know my heart, and I am searching for yours, I want to be effective in my home, in my family, in my world. Please show me the "best" every day, help to pull me back on track when I start to go astray. Keep my heart tender to your voice and your urging. Make me stop to enjoy you, and what you have made, the people you have put in my life, and the comfort of your Holy Spirit. Thank you God for your great mercy and love and that no matter where I am you can lift me out of the miry clay and set my feet upon the Rock!!!

Toddler sleeping delusions

Our last Saturday before soccer begins. No where to be, nothing pressing to do....Gray skies, cool weather makes for great sleeping in...

Except, we have a sweet toddler girl who would sleep until 7 or 7:30 on school days (yes that is sleeping in around here), but today has to awake before 6! Hubby went in and tried to reason with her! Yeah, that worked!!???!!

So I picked her up and brought her into our bed, with hopes of more visions of sugarplums. Yeah....not happenin....

First she struggled free from my arms and touched Dad's face. Dad rolled over and ignored her to which she began chanting, "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy" 10 million times.
I snuggled her, she kicked me.
I tried giving her some space, she grabbed my arm and pulled it back around her.
She kicked me and jumped on the bed.
She used the bed as a drum.
She talked. What's with all the repetition?
She has some kind of a secret conspiracy going on with the cat too. He was meowing and running all over the house.
Why did I think she would go back to sleep? She is 2, and a bundle of energy....

I gave in....and got up....took her down to breakfast...to which she said "Dark in here, mommy?!" and I very calmly stated, "That's because the sun is still sleeping and I wish we were too!"

Oh well, plenty of time to sleep later,

The Grand Finale

Day 6 is here! The Finale of the 2009 family staycation!! It was a good and busy day again today. First we went to the old Union Station building that has been renovated into a Museum and entertainment complex.


She liked the echo of her voice!



The architecture is beautiful!






We went to the travelling Narnia exhibit which unfortunately would not let us take pics inside the exhibit.





Then courtesy of the internet, we enjoyed a free visit to the Science City Museum for kids. It is fun! Two floors of science related interactive exhibits.


She tried to take a bath with the ducks!


This bike is on the second story - it was hard to watch them do this.


Hubs and the boy really enjoyed playing this pipe instrument with flip-flops.


Aren't they cute?

Then we crossed the street to Crown Center and had lunch at Fritz's. The food is just diner hamburgers, but the delivery style is unique.


Yep that's a train.

And here are my engineers.




We visited this free exhibit of "lego art" All the mosaics and sculptures are made completely of legos!




Then we went to the Crayola store. There are lots of fun things in this store.





Then it was back home for another mandatory rest period. Then we had a pizza indoor picnic and watched a movie.



We also had an impromptu beauty session.



Now, we are ready for school to start. Well almost. We need to get a little rest first! Thanks for sharing the fun with us this last week! Anyone need a travel agent?

Staycation Day Five (aka mommy needs a nap)

I seriously considered our day today as my cat woke me up at 6 am, digging his incisors into my ankle. (Yes, I decided to let him live!) We had ambitious plans. We are all a little tired. We are having a hard time because of the age span of the kiddos (2-11), finding things that keep everyone entertained. Yes, it is a good opportunity to teach that being part of a family means that you are not always going to be entertained. It is an opportunity to instruct that family vacations are a little "give and take." But, in the spirit of honesty, all I want to do when a child zooms thru a display/event faster than the speed of light and declares, "Is this ALL we are going to do today?", all I want to do is scream and lecture on gratefulness and privilege. That and maybe a little discipline...,

This morning we headed approximately 1 hour north of home to St. Joseph, MO. It is an area rich in history and museums.

Our first stop was the Pony Express Museum and thanks to a coupon in a travel guide, we were able to get all 6 of us in for $8. The museum is housed on top of the old site of the stables for the Pony Express! They had lots of hands-on exhibits, and memorabilia and a play area for the kiddos. This went over extremely well!!


The kiddos next to the replica of the beginning of the first Pony Express Ride.


Sitting on the saddles.


Sorting mail


Enjoying the play area.

Across the street from the Pony Express museum is a park with this huge engine. We had to walk over and have a look!



And of course, what do my children find on this huge engine? A new friend! A tiny new friend! Not the huge engine that captures their attention, but this does!



You saw it right? Yes, they wanted to bring it home. And even though it reminds me of my childhood kitty, NO THANK YOU! One set of cat incisors in my ankle are enough, thank you very much!

So once I was labeled the meanest mom ever -

Our next stop was the Patee House Museum. It was a little more expensive but probably worth it! I wouldn't truly know, because of the aforementioned "zooming" thru. It was originally a hotel, was an office for the Pony Express, was a women's school, a garment factory, a Union headquarters during the Civil War, a sanitarium for epileptic patients and now is a museum. The architecture is beautiful and the place is packed with artifacts! Hubby and I could have spents days there! They also had an operational carousel that the kiddos enjoyed.


A stop at the soda fountain.






We then drove to the Remington Nature Center. We enjoyed our picnic lunch there. The nature center was also filled with interactive displays for the kids. It had a wonderful paved walking trail right along the banks of the Missouri River too! It was very nice and also very affordable. If you are bothered by references of man being millions or billions of years old, be forewarned that there is some of that here. If you look past that and discuss it later, it still had a lot to offer. Some great Indian artifacts and an aquarium too!




This is one of the coolest interactive exhibits I have seen. It walks you thru different wildlife and characteristics about them and their tracks "magically" appear in the sand!





This is a honeybee hive under glass with a pipe feeding to the outside of the building. We watched the bees come and go and work, work, work!


Lifting some railroad track.


A cool bridge on the walking trail.

We had planned another stop but we were all tired and the weather was starting to get stormy so we headed home.

AND this is why we do it -





Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go protect my ankles and get some sleep for tomorrow's adventure!!!

Staycation day 3!!

Well, paradise had to end sometime, didn't it?!

We did not start off on the right foot today. We all got out of bed around 7 and everyone was tired and dragging. I had to get after NiNi 5 times minimum to get dressed. Then had to send her back to change twice because the clothes she had picked out were "play in the mud" clothes.

We were all tired and snippy this morning. Bad combo!!!! Strike one.

So we headed off to the City Market. It is a huge farmers market and collection of stores, restaurants, and craftsmen. We bought some produce, Italian sodas and cinnamon rolls and enjoyed live harp music.





We strolled and did a little window shopping. The kiddos weren't impressed. Strike two!!! We were going to stay there and have lunch, but by 10 we were dragging four bored kids!

So we headed for our afternoon destination a little early. We went to the Toy and Miniature museum in Kansas City, MO. It is an old home that has been renovated and built-up to accomodate the collections.



Unfortunately, the only photography allowed was in the storytime/craft room, so I can't show you the amazing exhibits. We spent 3 hours there and didn't peruse nearly as long as we could have. Dolls, dollhouses, trains, pez dispensers, marbles, miniatures of all kinds.....my goodness. It was affordable, however, since we arrived at 10:30 and spent 3 hours, the kiddos got hungry and cranky toward the end. Strike three! BTW - if you are wondering, my 9 and 11 year old daughters loved this, my 6 year old son was good for about the first hour and my toddler for about the first 30 minutes. There isn't a lot of hands-on stuff, although they did have one craft and a couple of scavenger hunts. Definitely a must do for older kids in KC!



Then we had barbecue for late lunch and came home for a rest.

After a mandatory rest period (any Amazing Race fans?) we hit a home-run or two and the day took a turn for the better. We broke out the yard sprinkler and the water guns. The heat index here was over 100 today. The kids had a great time.







Then we enjoyed a dinner of our market bounty! I taught the girls to shuck corn.




Lastly, NiNi wrote and performed a puppet show for us all! Unfortunately I can't share pics because at the beginning of the show, she informed us that cell phones and flash photography were not permitted during the show! LOL NiNi was very patient with GiGi, who kept sneaking up to steal the puppets! We all had a laugh!

It ended up being a pretty great day!