In any random order, not the order of importance!
10. Those days when we stay in our jammies all day.
9. Sleeping in on yucky days.
8. Cuddling all the kids in my room in the morning.
7. Starting the day with devotions and prayer.
6. Watching my children as they play together during breaks.
5. Catching that "ah ha"moment when understanding dawns for the first time. Every time.
4. Seeing my children work together at school, around the house, and as they help me.
3. Co-op classes that allow all the kids to get together to learn and play, and the moms get a bit of a break.
2. Reading aloud a great book, sipping hot chocolate.
1. Growing closer to each other and closer to God.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Things I overheard from the children today...
Isaac and his cousins playing Wii:
"Cousins are like friends"
"Yeah, but they have to like you."
Faith to her cousin, still playing Wii:
"Hold still and let me beat you up!"
M to Angel:
"I want to come over everyday. Can I shop in your room everyday?"
Faith to her cousins:
"Oh yeah, just ask my mom about him when they were growing up. Does she have some stories for you!"
Faith to her cousin:
"We should do this more. What are your plans next weekend?"
Best line ever:
"Let's all spent the night together at Grandma's!" They meant all 11 of them! I am in! Dan, Amber? Scott, Theresa? What do you think??
"Cousins are like friends"
"Yeah, but they have to like you."
Faith to her cousin, still playing Wii:
"Hold still and let me beat you up!"
M to Angel:
"I want to come over everyday. Can I shop in your room everyday?"
Faith to her cousins:
"Oh yeah, just ask my mom about him when they were growing up. Does she have some stories for you!"
Faith to her cousin:
"We should do this more. What are your plans next weekend?"
Best line ever:
"Let's all spent the night together at Grandma's!" They meant all 11 of them! I am in! Dan, Amber? Scott, Theresa? What do you think??
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Yield. And then maybe smile a bit.
I live in a small town. We have small town roads and sidewalks in most places. In other places we have one lane bridges and no sidewalks. Almost everything is in walking distance. I enjoy this very much. But I have come to find something unsettling on our ventures out, especially when my kids are riding their bikes.
We have a grocery store within about a block from our home. On the way there is a one lane bridge. And construction that covers the sidewalk. I have some young bike riders, but they know the rules and are cautious. I am not worried about them, I am worried for them. Because of the adults around.
My nine year old has Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the Autism Spectrum. We were told she probably would not have the balance to ride her bike without training wheels. We never told her that. We coached, worked, practiced, and prayed. It may have taken her two years longer, and she is a bit unsteady, but she rides. Without training wheels. And she can go far.
My seven year old was quick to get his training wheels off his bike. He started taking them off himself. He is fast and steady. He was riding without training wheels before his big sister. He rides slowly with his sister. To keep her safe. He encourages her up the hills, and even down the other side.
And I am proud of them both. Her perseverance. His protection. Her smiling face. His kind heart.
You see, that one lane bridge is scary for her. She has to pedal up a small hill. She is close to cars. She may seem like she does not see them, but that is because she doesn't want to make eye contact with the drivers. She knows you are there. And sometimes she panics if cars are too close, too loud, or too fast, even if they are on the road and she is on the sidewalk. But on that bridge she has no choice. She has to step out of her comfort zone, away from her safe place. Again. She does this in many ways everyday, but this is the only time I fear for her.
On that bridge, she has to be on the road. And adults are impatient. And rude. They beep at her if she is taking too long. Or creep up onto the bridge invading her space. Sometimes it alarms her enough that she jumps off her bike and runs. I am usually right there, but she will still get afraid. And so Isaac rides between her and the road. To protect her.
If I could say one thing to the drivers we see often, especially today, it would be shame on you. Shame on you for your impatience. For your frustration. You see, even if she was not a little different in this area, she is still a child. She will go too slow. Or too fast. She may swerve a little. She may not see you coming up behind her. But as a child, that is to be expected. As adult, on the other hand, should know better. Should yield to the child that seems "in the way", your child or not. Your relative or not. Your neighbor or not. Because by your actions you teach each child you meet. You are teaching impatience. Frustration. Lack of compassion. I am a firm believer that the only thing wrong with "kids these days" is the adults that they have to look to as an example.
So if you are in my town on a nice day and you see a beautiful little girl on a pink bike with a rubber snake in the basket, please be patient. Give her an extra moment. Maybe a smile. She may not respond in kind, but she will notice. And so will her sister and brothers. And her mother. And they will be very grateful.
We have a grocery store within about a block from our home. On the way there is a one lane bridge. And construction that covers the sidewalk. I have some young bike riders, but they know the rules and are cautious. I am not worried about them, I am worried for them. Because of the adults around.
My nine year old has Asperger's Syndrome, which is on the Autism Spectrum. We were told she probably would not have the balance to ride her bike without training wheels. We never told her that. We coached, worked, practiced, and prayed. It may have taken her two years longer, and she is a bit unsteady, but she rides. Without training wheels. And she can go far.
My seven year old was quick to get his training wheels off his bike. He started taking them off himself. He is fast and steady. He was riding without training wheels before his big sister. He rides slowly with his sister. To keep her safe. He encourages her up the hills, and even down the other side.
And I am proud of them both. Her perseverance. His protection. Her smiling face. His kind heart.
You see, that one lane bridge is scary for her. She has to pedal up a small hill. She is close to cars. She may seem like she does not see them, but that is because she doesn't want to make eye contact with the drivers. She knows you are there. And sometimes she panics if cars are too close, too loud, or too fast, even if they are on the road and she is on the sidewalk. But on that bridge she has no choice. She has to step out of her comfort zone, away from her safe place. Again. She does this in many ways everyday, but this is the only time I fear for her.
On that bridge, she has to be on the road. And adults are impatient. And rude. They beep at her if she is taking too long. Or creep up onto the bridge invading her space. Sometimes it alarms her enough that she jumps off her bike and runs. I am usually right there, but she will still get afraid. And so Isaac rides between her and the road. To protect her.
If I could say one thing to the drivers we see often, especially today, it would be shame on you. Shame on you for your impatience. For your frustration. You see, even if she was not a little different in this area, she is still a child. She will go too slow. Or too fast. She may swerve a little. She may not see you coming up behind her. But as a child, that is to be expected. As adult, on the other hand, should know better. Should yield to the child that seems "in the way", your child or not. Your relative or not. Your neighbor or not. Because by your actions you teach each child you meet. You are teaching impatience. Frustration. Lack of compassion. I am a firm believer that the only thing wrong with "kids these days" is the adults that they have to look to as an example.
So if you are in my town on a nice day and you see a beautiful little girl on a pink bike with a rubber snake in the basket, please be patient. Give her an extra moment. Maybe a smile. She may not respond in kind, but she will notice. And so will her sister and brothers. And her mother. And they will be very grateful.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Top Ten Reasons My Husband is the Best!
I know that there are many people who seem to live their private lives a little loud on the Internet. And often times I wonder if some gush over each other online because they do not do it in person. I have mostly shied away from declarations of my undying love for my husband because, well, because I do not want to be all gross and mushy. However, I have also noticed many other little things, jokes, but not really jokes, about husbands. Or men in general. And even when they may give me a chuckle at times, I can not help but wonder if we spend too much time joking and not enough building up the men in our lives. So many people do not have an involved husband, a present father, a male role model. And when we see those jokes about how guys are,well, it makes me think that maybe that is why. Because we joke and tease, but underneath that is a festering disagreement over who is better, men or women. And that is not encouraging to anyone, respectful to anyone, most of all those men who give up so much to care for their families. So, I want to pay a little tribute to the man in our house, the love of my life, my best friend, the father of my children. I want him, and you, and guys everywhere to know they are appreciated, loved, and respected. I may even gush a little, but it does come from my heart.
And so, here are the top ten reasons that my husband is the best. Maybe even the best ever. Each of these is a reason that I love my husband more today than the day we got married.
10. He cares about what is important to us. Example, the night that our power went out for seven hours overnight, in January, in Pennsylvania, he did everything he could to keep us all warm. He even saw Faith's concern about her gecko, and knowing that it would freeze in the house without heat, he put it in a small container and tucked it in his sleeping bag. All night long.
9. He provides for us. He works hard to provide all that we need. He is willing to do what he needs to so that I can stay home and care for and educate our children. And at times it is hard. At times he works more than he should have to, days on end. And at more than one job at a time. But we always have what we need. And a lot of what we want. Even when he chooses to go without.
8. He helps us because he wants to. He will work all day, and yet stand at the sink washing dishes with me at night. Or fixing supper. To be with me. Or coaching soccer, teaching Sunday School, getting to know the kid's friends. Taking hikes, bike rides, and doing "man crafts". Helping to dress Barbies, sitting down for tea, or knowing the lyrics to Selena Gomez. He is involved in everything he can be with each of us.
7. Every Saturday morning he wakes me up with coffee. Sometimes it is earlier than I would like, but it is to spend time with me.
6. I never have to carry a laundry basket. Or a sleeping child. And I have never had to carry a vacuum to a different floor of our house. He carries it, and then runs it for me. We live in a house with three flights of steps. I have never vacuumed those either. He does it before I can.
5. No matter how I look, how I feel, or how I am acting, I know that when he looks into my eyes and says that I am beautiful that he means it. From the bottom of his heart. And then I feel beautiful because he believes it and the look in his eyes when he says it tells me why.
4. I have been watching his magic and juggling show for almost 15 years. And he still dazzles me every time he is performing. Even when I have seen it for about a thousand times. Or know the secret. It is still magic.
3. He includes our children. He patiently explains things he is fixing. From painting the dining room to fixing the washing machine they are right there beside him. And not just the boys. He shows our girls how to fix stuff as well. He teaches them tricks to be in shows. He gives them little jobs so that Firefly is our family ministry, not just his show. And the pride in their eyes shows that they love to be included.
2. He can fix anything. If he does not know how to fix something, he learns how. From vacuums, to washing machines. From hot water heaters to cars. He keeps it going. And he is not afraid to call his dad for some guidance.
1. He lives his faith. He is exactly the same man at home as in public. He is the real deal. Praying with and for us, explaining Scriptures, telling stories to illustrate the right way to live, encouraging the children to not follow him, but to follow his Father. But I am confident that if they follow him, they will be following Jesus.
And so, here are the top ten reasons that my husband is the best. Maybe even the best ever. Each of these is a reason that I love my husband more today than the day we got married.
10. He cares about what is important to us. Example, the night that our power went out for seven hours overnight, in January, in Pennsylvania, he did everything he could to keep us all warm. He even saw Faith's concern about her gecko, and knowing that it would freeze in the house without heat, he put it in a small container and tucked it in his sleeping bag. All night long.
9. He provides for us. He works hard to provide all that we need. He is willing to do what he needs to so that I can stay home and care for and educate our children. And at times it is hard. At times he works more than he should have to, days on end. And at more than one job at a time. But we always have what we need. And a lot of what we want. Even when he chooses to go without.
8. He helps us because he wants to. He will work all day, and yet stand at the sink washing dishes with me at night. Or fixing supper. To be with me. Or coaching soccer, teaching Sunday School, getting to know the kid's friends. Taking hikes, bike rides, and doing "man crafts". Helping to dress Barbies, sitting down for tea, or knowing the lyrics to Selena Gomez. He is involved in everything he can be with each of us.
7. Every Saturday morning he wakes me up with coffee. Sometimes it is earlier than I would like, but it is to spend time with me.
6. I never have to carry a laundry basket. Or a sleeping child. And I have never had to carry a vacuum to a different floor of our house. He carries it, and then runs it for me. We live in a house with three flights of steps. I have never vacuumed those either. He does it before I can.
5. No matter how I look, how I feel, or how I am acting, I know that when he looks into my eyes and says that I am beautiful that he means it. From the bottom of his heart. And then I feel beautiful because he believes it and the look in his eyes when he says it tells me why.
4. I have been watching his magic and juggling show for almost 15 years. And he still dazzles me every time he is performing. Even when I have seen it for about a thousand times. Or know the secret. It is still magic.
3. He includes our children. He patiently explains things he is fixing. From painting the dining room to fixing the washing machine they are right there beside him. And not just the boys. He shows our girls how to fix stuff as well. He teaches them tricks to be in shows. He gives them little jobs so that Firefly is our family ministry, not just his show. And the pride in their eyes shows that they love to be included.
2. He can fix anything. If he does not know how to fix something, he learns how. From vacuums, to washing machines. From hot water heaters to cars. He keeps it going. And he is not afraid to call his dad for some guidance.
1. He lives his faith. He is exactly the same man at home as in public. He is the real deal. Praying with and for us, explaining Scriptures, telling stories to illustrate the right way to live, encouraging the children to not follow him, but to follow his Father. But I am confident that if they follow him, they will be following Jesus.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Memory Lane- 2011
I cannot believe how fast time is going. I will be saying that often, but it strikes me as true every time! As so many take this time of year as a period of reflection, I figured I may just join in on this Memory Lane Monday and give a brief run down on the past year and the changes in our family. As told through the pictures on Facebook, because I have no idea where I put last year's planner. Or this year's.
We kicked off 2011 in style at our house, with Mom,Dad, Josh, Tony, and Mariah. We had a great time, and the kids stayed up all night. Well, not David. He crashed way before the sun came up. However, I am pretty sure I am still finding the same glitter from the party poppers. We also had David's second birthday, a firefighter party. He got many new firefighter toys, including one to ride on! We also took a trip to what Faith calls Disneyland for nerds- the science center. Andy got to go this time! Which means we drove there and back without the ghetto side trip from the year before! We got to go sled riding at Mom's on a wonderfully snowy day.
In February we had a homeschool Valentine's Day party. We also began the task of moving the school room. We had the Rock-A-Thon at church. I think that was February. We kept trucking through school, making progress in our studies and with Faith. I had yet another class in math. And I lived.
March brought a new school room location, which was beneficial for all of us. We celebrated Pi day with all kinds of pie, like pizza, Boston Creme Pie, and Pi shaped cookies. We also celebrated St. Patrick's Day and Read Across America Day. There was lots of oobleck. And chocolate. Andy was inducted into Phi Theta Cappa. I was so proud, and we really enjoyed the day out.
Easter was back in April where it belongs. We took Firefly on the road to an Autism Awareness Fundraiser and a fundraiser to sent Betsy to Alaska. We took the kids to Chuck E Cheese as a reward for collecting good behavior tokens.
May brought warmer weather, weddings, playing outside, the Children's Theatre at CLP, and a fun Mother's Day outing. Any outing for which I do not have to cook is considered awesome. I also was given some nice gifts, and breakfast in bed. We ended May with a nice walk to the parade for Memorial Day.
June was very busy for us this year, like every other year. We had to finish school and get our evaluations. Isaac and I took a nice trip to Sandbox Camp, our last time! Tony graduated and we took our graduation trip to Hershey Park. VBS prep was in full swing, and I was busy writing the material. The SC Raehl's came for a visit. Faith was baptized. We hit the zoo and brought home an animal, I mean, Uncle Dave. Who did all kinds of crazy fun stuff, like take my kids bowling.
In July Faith turned 10! Now she is two handfuls! The girls went to Pony/ Swim camp. We had our Demi reunion, with a bouncy house. And the church picnic. And then VBS!
August began with a bang! VBS was a success. Andy had already been busy for most of the summer with shows and ride set ups, and that did not slow down. The only way I got to celebrate our anniversary was to tag along! We got away over night, but he had ride set ups and two shows. We tried to cram in so many things before starting school, like a trip to see the Wizard of Oz at CLP, a trip to Lakemont, and the Demi family camping trip.
September brought some great fun days as well. We have three birthdays to celebrate. We also discovered that David's hidden talent is looking like Rick Moranis. We started school and had an awesome opportunity to visit Kennywood.
October came super fast. We had Angel's birthday, a final bonfire at Mom's, fire prevention, and Halloween. There was snow for trick or treat, but that did not stop my kids. And there is still too much candy around here! My computer crashed and so did my washing machine, so Andy's dad had to travel this way to save the day. We took a trip to Bilger's Rocks. We also started a wonderful series of co-op classes and made some new home school friends. We had our family portraits taken.
November was a busy and challenging month for me. We lost Hope. We were finishing the dining room. I was bogged down with school for my self and the kids. Thanksgiving was very difficult for me, and I struggled for the first time in offering a sacrifice of praise to God. We still hit the Black Friday sales, and had much success there. We also started a youth group, beginning with a sleepover. The kids also went to a show with us, Angel doing her first face painting gig. The fireman's banquet was wonderful. And the Christmas parade was fun, but rainy.
It was a wonderful, terrible year. We struggled. We laughed. We cried. Most importantly we ended the year together. And the love we share, the love we have from God, has sustained us. We have been blessed beyond measure, despite any trials, and we have learn to choose to be thankful and choose to praise God in all things.
We kicked off 2011 in style at our house, with Mom,Dad, Josh, Tony, and Mariah. We had a great time, and the kids stayed up all night. Well, not David. He crashed way before the sun came up. However, I am pretty sure I am still finding the same glitter from the party poppers. We also had David's second birthday, a firefighter party. He got many new firefighter toys, including one to ride on! We also took a trip to what Faith calls Disneyland for nerds- the science center. Andy got to go this time! Which means we drove there and back without the ghetto side trip from the year before! We got to go sled riding at Mom's on a wonderfully snowy day.
In February we had a homeschool Valentine's Day party. We also began the task of moving the school room. We had the Rock-A-Thon at church. I think that was February. We kept trucking through school, making progress in our studies and with Faith. I had yet another class in math. And I lived.
March brought a new school room location, which was beneficial for all of us. We celebrated Pi day with all kinds of pie, like pizza, Boston Creme Pie, and Pi shaped cookies. We also celebrated St. Patrick's Day and Read Across America Day. There was lots of oobleck. And chocolate. Andy was inducted into Phi Theta Cappa. I was so proud, and we really enjoyed the day out.
Easter was back in April where it belongs. We took Firefly on the road to an Autism Awareness Fundraiser and a fundraiser to sent Betsy to Alaska. We took the kids to Chuck E Cheese as a reward for collecting good behavior tokens.
May brought warmer weather, weddings, playing outside, the Children's Theatre at CLP, and a fun Mother's Day outing. Any outing for which I do not have to cook is considered awesome. I also was given some nice gifts, and breakfast in bed. We ended May with a nice walk to the parade for Memorial Day.
June was very busy for us this year, like every other year. We had to finish school and get our evaluations. Isaac and I took a nice trip to Sandbox Camp, our last time! Tony graduated and we took our graduation trip to Hershey Park. VBS prep was in full swing, and I was busy writing the material. The SC Raehl's came for a visit. Faith was baptized. We hit the zoo and brought home an animal, I mean, Uncle Dave. Who did all kinds of crazy fun stuff, like take my kids bowling.
In July Faith turned 10! Now she is two handfuls! The girls went to Pony/ Swim camp. We had our Demi reunion, with a bouncy house. And the church picnic. And then VBS!
August began with a bang! VBS was a success. Andy had already been busy for most of the summer with shows and ride set ups, and that did not slow down. The only way I got to celebrate our anniversary was to tag along! We got away over night, but he had ride set ups and two shows. We tried to cram in so many things before starting school, like a trip to see the Wizard of Oz at CLP, a trip to Lakemont, and the Demi family camping trip.
September brought some great fun days as well. We have three birthdays to celebrate. We also discovered that David's hidden talent is looking like Rick Moranis. We started school and had an awesome opportunity to visit Kennywood.
October came super fast. We had Angel's birthday, a final bonfire at Mom's, fire prevention, and Halloween. There was snow for trick or treat, but that did not stop my kids. And there is still too much candy around here! My computer crashed and so did my washing machine, so Andy's dad had to travel this way to save the day. We took a trip to Bilger's Rocks. We also started a wonderful series of co-op classes and made some new home school friends. We had our family portraits taken.
November was a busy and challenging month for me. We lost Hope. We were finishing the dining room. I was bogged down with school for my self and the kids. Thanksgiving was very difficult for me, and I struggled for the first time in offering a sacrifice of praise to God. We still hit the Black Friday sales, and had much success there. We also started a youth group, beginning with a sleepover. The kids also went to a show with us, Angel doing her first face painting gig. The fireman's banquet was wonderful. And the Christmas parade was fun, but rainy.
It was a wonderful, terrible year. We struggled. We laughed. We cried. Most importantly we ended the year together. And the love we share, the love we have from God, has sustained us. We have been blessed beyond measure, despite any trials, and we have learn to choose to be thankful and choose to praise God in all things.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
A New Blog Home
I have been debating a move for quite a while. I have checked out sites, created user names, and shopped around for a new home for In the Blink of an Eye. I liked my old home well enough, but there is so much more availble in other locations. I have finally decided to take advantage of a new blog home. I am slowly going to switch my blog posts over, a few at a time, starting with the most recent. This will take awhile, but it will also make it easier for readers to find me, leave comments, and share my posts.
Here is to a new blog home for a new year!
Here is to a new blog home for a new year!
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