Well, after about 3 or 4 weeks (I don't remember when exactly we got started), our morning routine is well under way. I started with just a couple of simple things that were really 'set in stone' (get dressed/breakfast and Bible, then clean up) and have added 1 or 2 new things every week. I will be honest: my kids wondered what planet we were on at first. However, after a few weeks of consistency (read: resolve and obedience to the Lord) from me, they have pretty much come to know what to expect and genuinely enjoy our daily routine. Here's what it looks like presently:
1. Get up/dressed.
2. Eat breakfast/read the word and pray as a family (note the change: Daddy has taken over this part and we do it during breakfast, instead of after. This has been a phenomenal change in the plan. There is just something about Daddy leading Bible that works so well, and of course I have my theories for why that's so, but I digress).
3. After breakfast (when Hubby is headed to work), we head to the living room and do Bible memory. We are currently working on Ephesians 6, which is going very well. Yes, even 2 and 3 year olds can memorize passages of scripture! : ) We also sing a new hymn/song of praise every week.
4. I then look around the main living areas and assess the level of straightening up that needs to be done. Based on that, I set the kitchen timer for 5-15 minutes and we all get to work. This is largely a training session right now, but the children are catching on well and doing a great job. They are even helping me clean the kitchen floor once a week (I 'mop' on my hands and knees with a rag since we have a small kitchen).
5. After cleanup, we do a reading lesson for the almost-4 year old and sometimes a letter lesson for the 2 y.o. if she wants (because she sometimes asks). I try to keep it no more than 15 minutes.
6. The next part depends on the day. Sometimes we may have plans with friends or errands to run and so we'll get ready to go. Other days we may have a variety of activities to do around the house such as: games, free play, crafts, tactile/kinesthetic toys (playdough, bendy sticks, do a dots, etc), play outside, and of course a snack. Most days, it's a combination of many of these things - sometimes changing every 5 minutes (no joke!).
7. Late morning we do another quick clean up and have lunch. Then it's off to nap time routine and a much needed couple of quiet hours for everyone.
Next week, I hope to add some discussion about the weather and calendar. We'll see how that goes.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Together: For Eternity
I'm linking up with Gypsy Mama's 5 Minute Friday again today. The word is: together. Go!
We had the best conversation together yesterday. My almost 4 year old initiated the conversation of a lifetime. Though he is young I have mourned over his sin time and again because he is very strong willed and at times just has not seemed to get it no matter what I do. So the prayer God has given me these last few months has been the same it has been his whole life, though more fervently: LORD, please save this child. Convict him of sin and give him new life in Christ. He needs you God. This is your child, on loan to me in covenant.
In my desperation, he heard my cry of a few weeks ago...and promised me this child's salvation through Psalm 20. I knew with all my heart this was God's affirmation - I just didn't know when it would come to pass.
Now I utter the words in my heart...oh ye of little faith...
For several days now he's been asking questions, figuring things out, gaining understanding...we have entered the question stage.
Then yesterday, quite by surprise...he did his fact checking. He wanted to be sure he really understood everything...
"So Jesus is God's son?"
"Jesus died on the cross for my sins?"
"Jesus is the way to heaven right Mama?"
"Trust and obey Jesus, Mama...right?"
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. YES!
"Do you believe that?"
"Yes Mama, I believe that."
I asked some clarifying questions...and he knelt down of his own accord...putting his faith to action as he said...Mama, I need to tell Jesus I'm sorry because I was naughty this morning, and the most heartfelt, simple, honest, humble prayer of repentance poured forth and I knew in my heart.
We had a family party last night to celebrate, just as all heaven is doing now - for one sinner who has repented and come to faith in Christ! Thank you God! - for I am certain - he will be TOGETHER with you for eternity. Together just doesn't get any better than that.
We had the best conversation together yesterday. My almost 4 year old initiated the conversation of a lifetime. Though he is young I have mourned over his sin time and again because he is very strong willed and at times just has not seemed to get it no matter what I do. So the prayer God has given me these last few months has been the same it has been his whole life, though more fervently: LORD, please save this child. Convict him of sin and give him new life in Christ. He needs you God. This is your child, on loan to me in covenant.
In my desperation, he heard my cry of a few weeks ago...and promised me this child's salvation through Psalm 20. I knew with all my heart this was God's affirmation - I just didn't know when it would come to pass.
Now I utter the words in my heart...oh ye of little faith...
For several days now he's been asking questions, figuring things out, gaining understanding...we have entered the question stage.
Then yesterday, quite by surprise...he did his fact checking. He wanted to be sure he really understood everything...
"So Jesus is God's son?"
"Jesus died on the cross for my sins?"
"Jesus is the way to heaven right Mama?"
"Trust and obey Jesus, Mama...right?"
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. YES!
"Do you believe that?"
"Yes Mama, I believe that."
I asked some clarifying questions...and he knelt down of his own accord...putting his faith to action as he said...Mama, I need to tell Jesus I'm sorry because I was naughty this morning, and the most heartfelt, simple, honest, humble prayer of repentance poured forth and I knew in my heart.
We had a family party last night to celebrate, just as all heaven is doing now - for one sinner who has repented and come to faith in Christ! Thank you God! - for I am certain - he will be TOGETHER with you for eternity. Together just doesn't get any better than that.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Ahem...correction!
Re silverware drawer: I stand corrected. I did find a few items to clear out, and then I vacuumed out the drawer and washed the silverware organizer.
Okay so...yeah, that was admittedly a little gross! I didn't even realize it was like that...eek! (boo...blogger won't let me comment on the picture below...see the items no longer in use, which are now in storage w/ other infant feeding items).
All organized and put away nicely...
Today's '7 things' I got rid of:
Okay so...yeah, that was admittedly a little gross! I didn't even realize it was like that...eek! (boo...blogger won't let me comment on the picture below...see the items no longer in use, which are now in storage w/ other infant feeding items).
Today's '7 things' I got rid of:
- another pile of magazines (forgot picture)
- 2 raggedy stuffed animals from my childhood (my kids could care less about them... telling myself they are *unnecessary clutter)
- a jacket no longer in use
- a broken picture frame (complements of my little destroyer, aka the 2 yo)
- a book
- a Christmas tin I never used
- a container w/o a lid
- 2 old phone books that are never used
Update on the '4 Weeks to a More Organized Home Challenge'
I'm trying to get a few pictures posted and well...yikes. Apparently there are over 500 on the card that haven't been put on the computer yet. Let's just say apparently someone hasn't been good w/ that recently (or...in the last 10 ish months, woops).
The first 2 are mixed up but oh well. This is the empty and now switched out purse, from which the pile of mostly junk came out of below.
This is 2 bins worth of stuff I sent off to my friend's re-sale shop. I earned $55 worth of credit for her new store, and I'm pretty sure I earned all my cash back - score! I am a dedicated garage sale shopper so I doubt I spent much more than that on the clothes I got rid of.
Again, not sure how to move the pics around yet sorry...but this is a look inside the current purse being used. Yes, it still looks like this. : )
A pile of books/magazines to give and throw away. I have rid myself of a few more such piles since this was taken last week. Since I love bringing in 'new to us' books, I have to get rid of various piles from time to time in order to make room. What can I say? I'm a home schooling mama - I/we love books!
Yow...guilty here. Yes, I threw ALL of that expired food and even some empty containers, away (why oh why did I have empty containers still in the fridge?!).
Oh well. Update on organizing around here: Money Saving Mom's challenge for the day is to clean out the silver ware drawer. Since my drawer is so small, that is not an issue I have. I think instead, I'll clean all the old food out of my fridge today. That is certainly an area that can use some more attention, especially because those IV students are finally coming this Saturday to clean out my fridge. Pay someone else to clean my fridge while supporting a local Christ-honoring ministry? Why yes sir, don't mind if I do!
Now for that 'update' I promised of some of the '4 weeks to a more organized home' project:
The first 2 are mixed up but oh well. This is the empty and now switched out purse, from which the pile of mostly junk came out of below.
This is 2 bins worth of stuff I sent off to my friend's re-sale shop. I earned $55 worth of credit for her new store, and I'm pretty sure I earned all my cash back - score! I am a dedicated garage sale shopper so I doubt I spent much more than that on the clothes I got rid of.
Again, not sure how to move the pics around yet sorry...but this is a look inside the current purse being used. Yes, it still looks like this. : )
Friday, April 13, 2012
Goodbye...
5 Minute Friday with www.thegypsymama.com, the word is goodbye...Go!
I had to say goodbye before I ever got to really say hello. I look forward to the day when I will see her face to face in all her glorious redeemed beauty. Someone said if I were to see her now, in my un-glorified state, she would be so beautiful that I would sinfully fall down and worship her. I wonder if that's true.
Although I am still at times gutwrenchingly saddened at the lack of her presence, I am eased by a few things...
1. One is that there are others to whom I have said goodbye that I know are with her and enjoying her right now. I think of my Aunt Katy who never had any children on Earth, and I imagine that she is assigned with the job of raising this beautiful little member of her family who had to go home 'too soon.'
2. Then there is Grandpa Schwanke, whom I like to think of as the head of the comedy club. I'm sure he's enjoying this sweet little great grand baby more than he was ever able to enjoy any of the others.
3. Finally there is my Savior, last but not least as we say. Because of Jesus, I have hope of resurrection and heaven. Because of him, so many of my hopes and dreams for my children are coming to pass in little Noelle Faith's life. I am sad that I don't get to see her growing in the knowledge of God now, but I know that one day I will. And I am comforted in knowing that is probably even more wonderful than all I "ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephes. 3:20b).
Stop
I had to say goodbye before I ever got to really say hello. I look forward to the day when I will see her face to face in all her glorious redeemed beauty. Someone said if I were to see her now, in my un-glorified state, she would be so beautiful that I would sinfully fall down and worship her. I wonder if that's true.
Although I am still at times gutwrenchingly saddened at the lack of her presence, I am eased by a few things...
1. One is that there are others to whom I have said goodbye that I know are with her and enjoying her right now. I think of my Aunt Katy who never had any children on Earth, and I imagine that she is assigned with the job of raising this beautiful little member of her family who had to go home 'too soon.'
2. Then there is Grandpa Schwanke, whom I like to think of as the head of the comedy club. I'm sure he's enjoying this sweet little great grand baby more than he was ever able to enjoy any of the others.
3. Finally there is my Savior, last but not least as we say. Because of Jesus, I have hope of resurrection and heaven. Because of him, so many of my hopes and dreams for my children are coming to pass in little Noelle Faith's life. I am sad that I don't get to see her growing in the knowledge of God now, but I know that one day I will. And I am comforted in knowing that is probably even more wonderful than all I "ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephes. 3:20b).
Stop
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Still Working Out the Kinks
The title just about says it...I am writing this blog and I am committed to it, but I'm still working out the kinks so forgive me if you're reading...(is anyone reading?...I know I haven't been too outspoken about it yet). I do hope to start adding pictures eventually (though not of kiddos, sorry) and just generally keeping up with things a bit better. I'm all about Baby Steps. : )
For example I know I said I was starting that '4 Weeks to a More Organized Home' challenge (see below) that I posted about several days ago. Well, I am, but I haven't exactly kept up with it every day since this has been a busy week or two for us, and when I have kept up I haven't necessarily had time to post about it. I have taken pictures of some parts of it though, and maybe I'll just do a few random posts here and there to 'check in' w/ my progress when I get the chance. I can still say though, even when I haven't kept up with it, it has been more motivating to do something to get/stay a little more organized around here - which has been great - as well as noticed by my family! : )
For example I know I said I was starting that '4 Weeks to a More Organized Home' challenge (see below) that I posted about several days ago. Well, I am, but I haven't exactly kept up with it every day since this has been a busy week or two for us, and when I have kept up I haven't necessarily had time to post about it. I have taken pictures of some parts of it though, and maybe I'll just do a few random posts here and there to 'check in' w/ my progress when I get the chance. I can still say though, even when I haven't kept up with it, it has been more motivating to do something to get/stay a little more organized around here - which has been great - as well as noticed by my family! : )
T.R.U.T.H.
Sigh...it's been a frustrating day...
We are trying to do some things that we know the Lord is calling us to and we (myself in particular) keep getting push-back for them. I know in the long run it's good because we wouldn't be having difficulties if we weren't trying to do what's right, but it does get very exhausting in the process.
Although sometimes I wonder...am I getting too stressed about this? Am I pushing too hard for something that will come eventually if I can just relax? How much of my attitude and "ability" to rest is tied up in the eventual success of this situation (In other words, am I not trusting God for the process...)? Will I see results now/soon or do I need to wait for a later time to evaluate?
Yikes...this mom stuff is not for the birds, that I know for sure. I am not giving up on what I know God has called me to, but I do wonder if I should be doing it differently at times.
For me, I think the most challenging thing is that I am afraid of the unknown. I want to know that everything is going to be okay and that I'm doing what's right despite what things may look like at times. Bottom line: I want control, and it really gets under my skin when I can't have it...which is, in reality...never. The truth is that's okay, because Someone Else is already in control. He already knows the outcome, and he's got the Victory.
Father, you see my heart and you know my desire is to obey you and do your will. I'm sorry for attempting to take control of everything instead of entrusting all things to your perfect plan. Your will be done, Lord. Thank you for reminding me that you never leave or forsake me, and that your will will be done in the end, despite my mistakes.
______________________________________________________________________
All this reminds me of something I heard on the radio yesterday that really spoke to me. I don't know who the author was, but she was on Midday Connection on Moody Radio. Basically, God gave her an acronym for the word Truth, and it's a really great tool for pretty much any problem. Since it came to my mind now, I might as well share it here in my own words...maybe it will help someone else too.
T stands for Trouble...What is the trouble I am in or dealing with right now?
R stands for Respond... How do I/did I/will I respond to the situation?
U stands for Underlying idols...What about my response uncovers any underlying idols I have that may color the way I see this situation, as compared to...
T stands for (God's) Truth...How does God view the situation?
H stands for the Heart of God. I need to get into his Word and be reminded of his heart. What most concerns him about this situation? How may I glorify him and know him better as a result of coming to terms with His TRUTH?
We are trying to do some things that we know the Lord is calling us to and we (myself in particular) keep getting push-back for them. I know in the long run it's good because we wouldn't be having difficulties if we weren't trying to do what's right, but it does get very exhausting in the process.
Although sometimes I wonder...am I getting too stressed about this? Am I pushing too hard for something that will come eventually if I can just relax? How much of my attitude and "ability" to rest is tied up in the eventual success of this situation (In other words, am I not trusting God for the process...)? Will I see results now/soon or do I need to wait for a later time to evaluate?
Yikes...this mom stuff is not for the birds, that I know for sure. I am not giving up on what I know God has called me to, but I do wonder if I should be doing it differently at times.
For me, I think the most challenging thing is that I am afraid of the unknown. I want to know that everything is going to be okay and that I'm doing what's right despite what things may look like at times. Bottom line: I want control, and it really gets under my skin when I can't have it...which is, in reality...never. The truth is that's okay, because Someone Else is already in control. He already knows the outcome, and he's got the Victory.
Father, you see my heart and you know my desire is to obey you and do your will. I'm sorry for attempting to take control of everything instead of entrusting all things to your perfect plan. Your will be done, Lord. Thank you for reminding me that you never leave or forsake me, and that your will will be done in the end, despite my mistakes.
______________________________________________________________________
All this reminds me of something I heard on the radio yesterday that really spoke to me. I don't know who the author was, but she was on Midday Connection on Moody Radio. Basically, God gave her an acronym for the word Truth, and it's a really great tool for pretty much any problem. Since it came to my mind now, I might as well share it here in my own words...maybe it will help someone else too.
T stands for Trouble...What is the trouble I am in or dealing with right now?
R stands for Respond... How do I/did I/will I respond to the situation?
U stands for Underlying idols...What about my response uncovers any underlying idols I have that may color the way I see this situation, as compared to...
T stands for (God's) Truth...How does God view the situation?
H stands for the Heart of God. I need to get into his Word and be reminded of his heart. What most concerns him about this situation? How may I glorify him and know him better as a result of coming to terms with His TRUTH?
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