It looks like we have a tentative date for Nathan's baptism. May 17th or 18th should be the day. Certain family members have been getting on my case to get this thing going. I'm having email conversations with the man in charge of baptisms at our church and Nate will have to attend a baptism session and share his testimony. I know he'll be nervous about this, but I'll help him through this. I know I was horribly nervous to share when I was baptized.
I love to watch my children grow in Christ. I can really see Nathan learning more and more about God, His character, the Bible, and how our lives are affected by it all. He is still young and immature in many ways, but I hope that he is gaining a strong foundation in the Lord. I also love to see Katie growing in Jesus. She missed quite a lot of AWANA this year due to my being ill and some bad weather/illness, but she is finally caught up in her book. Both of the children will receive awards for finishing their books this year. I'm surprised to see the growth in her abilities to memorize verses over this past year. In the beginning of the year, she could barely memorize one verse. Now she is easily memorizing 3 verses and actually remembering them.
The beauty of raising children in the Lord is seeing the fruit that develops. Our main goal with our children is to bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord and pray for their souls. Nathan accepted Christ at 4 years old. I know I will see him in heaven one day. Right now I am teaching Katie about Jesus and His gift to us. I want her to always know what a wonderful gift He provided for us so when she is ready, she too will say the prayer of salvation.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Totally Overwhelmed
My home has me completely overwhelmed. I wish I could say that I am just taking it one task at a time and all is well, but it's not that simple. There are the day to day tasks that seem to fill up my day and the extras seem very difficult to get to. If I do start organizing, I feel like I don't quite know where to start and I always want to move into different areas than where I started. I'm ready to go get a dumpster to haul half of the stuff I have in this house out of here.
What I did accomplish today was making a grocery list. Yes, silly as it may sound, it was an accomplishment for me. We need to go grocery shopping so I took some recipes from my sister's and made a meal plan for the next two weeks. Then I wrote out the list. That took me about 2 hours to accomplish. Now I'm praying that it isn't that expensive at the grocery store. Otherwise my hubby will NOT be happy with this. I'll have to explain to him that we are not going out to eat anymore and are saving money that way, but I still need to be as frugal as possible while at the store.
So there you have it. I'm completely overwhelmed. There are still boxes of Katie's stuff in my room that I moved in order to organize her room two weeks ago. I still haven't cleaned under her bed. Her room is still a mess and I'm so overwhelmed, I've been avoiding it for a while now. Any advice would be helpful.
What I did accomplish today was making a grocery list. Yes, silly as it may sound, it was an accomplishment for me. We need to go grocery shopping so I took some recipes from my sister's and made a meal plan for the next two weeks. Then I wrote out the list. That took me about 2 hours to accomplish. Now I'm praying that it isn't that expensive at the grocery store. Otherwise my hubby will NOT be happy with this. I'll have to explain to him that we are not going out to eat anymore and are saving money that way, but I still need to be as frugal as possible while at the store.
So there you have it. I'm completely overwhelmed. There are still boxes of Katie's stuff in my room that I moved in order to organize her room two weeks ago. I still haven't cleaned under her bed. Her room is still a mess and I'm so overwhelmed, I've been avoiding it for a while now. Any advice would be helpful.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Homeschooling Is NOT Our Savior
...Thankfully! Let's face it, homeschoolers can be a bit self-righteous. Due to our homeschooling efforts (which can take up the majority of our time and thoughts), our youngsters will grow up to be great men and women of God. Well, we can all hope for that. This is not always the case. Fortunately, children are unique creations of God and not little robots for us to program. Our children will disappoint us. They will embarrass us. They may even turn away from our teaching.
As homeschoolers, we want to yell out, "but I homeschooled my kids! This isn't supposed to happen! This only happens to those public school kids. Not mine!"
Homeschooling does not protect our children from all evil tendencies. Sin lives in the hearts of all boys and girls.
I've been having a rough homeschooling day today. Both of my "little angles" have been driving me bonkers today. Katie was having 2 year old temper tantrums over everything, and Nathan found it necessary to argue with me over everything. By noon, I was ready to rip my hair out. It would be so much easier to just ship these wild children of mine off to public school so I could have some moments of peace.
I know in my heart that even though homeschooling does not save me or my children, the time I get to spend with them is precious. Our moments of playing, disciplining, and learning are important. I wouldn't do them if I didn't find them Godly and of value. We need to be reminded that children from all schooling backgrounds struggle. Our holier than thou attitude sometimes needs to be checked. Let's just continue in humble prayer for our children, their education, and their salvation.
As homeschoolers, we want to yell out, "but I homeschooled my kids! This isn't supposed to happen! This only happens to those public school kids. Not mine!"
Homeschooling does not protect our children from all evil tendencies. Sin lives in the hearts of all boys and girls.
I've been having a rough homeschooling day today. Both of my "little angles" have been driving me bonkers today. Katie was having 2 year old temper tantrums over everything, and Nathan found it necessary to argue with me over everything. By noon, I was ready to rip my hair out. It would be so much easier to just ship these wild children of mine off to public school so I could have some moments of peace.
I know in my heart that even though homeschooling does not save me or my children, the time I get to spend with them is precious. Our moments of playing, disciplining, and learning are important. I wouldn't do them if I didn't find them Godly and of value. We need to be reminded that children from all schooling backgrounds struggle. Our holier than thou attitude sometimes needs to be checked. Let's just continue in humble prayer for our children, their education, and their salvation.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Easter Business
What a busy day I had. This morning was filled with Easter readiness. I had to finalize our plans for tomorrow. Then I took the kids to the Easter party at church. When you attend a large church like we do, these parties are more like mega-parties. There was a petting zoo, cookie decorating (and eating, of course), one of those air filled obstacle courses, and of course the infamous egg hunt. There were at least 1,000 people there, so we only stayed long enough to do each activity once. This still took over an hour to accomplish. I was definitely ready to head home.
Now that I know I'll be leaving for Lori's (my sister) on Wednesday with the two kiddos, I'm in the planning process for both school and packing. I'm a little intimidated about riding on the Amtrak train for the first time with two kids and way too much luggage. I'm an overpacker as it is then add in school books and I hope I don't forget one of my children at home. I'll be making plenty of lists to prepare.
I then had to go to Goodwill and the grocery store to pick up a few things. After dealing with a ton of traffic and returning home, I realized I needed to run to the teacher supply store. Thankfully, it's only about 5 minutes from my house.
Cooking, laundry, beginning stages of packing, playing with kids, trying not to completely ignore my hubby, more school planning, laundry again, cleaning, etc. That was my day in a nutshell. I'm looking forward to my day of rest.
Now that I know I'll be leaving for Lori's (my sister) on Wednesday with the two kiddos, I'm in the planning process for both school and packing. I'm a little intimidated about riding on the Amtrak train for the first time with two kids and way too much luggage. I'm an overpacker as it is then add in school books and I hope I don't forget one of my children at home. I'll be making plenty of lists to prepare.
I then had to go to Goodwill and the grocery store to pick up a few things. After dealing with a ton of traffic and returning home, I realized I needed to run to the teacher supply store. Thankfully, it's only about 5 minutes from my house.
Cooking, laundry, beginning stages of packing, playing with kids, trying not to completely ignore my hubby, more school planning, laundry again, cleaning, etc. That was my day in a nutshell. I'm looking forward to my day of rest.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Medication Blues
I HATE taking meds! I don't know why, but I have a huge aversion to popping pills. I don't even like taking vitamins. I know that with bipolar disorder, I really have no choice but to take the meds. I'm pretty lucky to live in a time when medication is so readily available with few side effects. People used to live in insane asylums due to a lack of treatment for illnesses such as bipolar disorder. Left untreated, many of these people would end up in psychosis and need to be monitored on a regular basis. Thankfully, I am able to pop a few pills at bedtime and live a pretty normal life.
So why do I fight the urge to skip the pills? I'm not sure why. Maybe because I wish I was strong enough to fight the illness with my own willpower. Unfortunately just as a cancer patient cannot will away the cancer, I cannot will away my depression and mania. Also, I really don't like the side effects that I do have to deal with. I have to deal with an increased appetite (just what I don't need), dry mouth, and drowsiness. I mean, there are days where I just cannot stay awake. This is unusual, but those days still exist. Mostly my eyelids just feel like they are made of metal. I may not even feel all that sleepy, but I can't keep my eyes open.
Today Nathan was telling me about his new book that he was reading (King of the Wind.) He had only read 4 chapters, but I know how he goes into major detail when he narrates his story back to me. I told him that I would be listening, but I had to close my eyes. I heard every word he said, but my eyes were shut the entire time. I know that that's better than not listening at all.
I mean, a few months ago I wasn't even sure I wanted to keep my children. Mania has a way of distorting your thinking that much. I could honestly see how mothers could get up and walk away from their husbands and children. Now looking at that scenario, I figure the mothers must be ill. I certainly was. Thankfully I never did walk away. I love my husband and children very much. I would give my life for any and all 3 of them.
If you are unfamiliar with bipolar disorder or would like to learn more, a great book by Kay Redfield Jamison is An Unquiet Mind. An excerpt from her book is here. She is also bipolar and it is in a way an autobiography. She has a way of describing the illness that no textbook could come close to. She lives and breaths the illness. An excellent book indeed.
So why do I fight the urge to skip the pills? I'm not sure why. Maybe because I wish I was strong enough to fight the illness with my own willpower. Unfortunately just as a cancer patient cannot will away the cancer, I cannot will away my depression and mania. Also, I really don't like the side effects that I do have to deal with. I have to deal with an increased appetite (just what I don't need), dry mouth, and drowsiness. I mean, there are days where I just cannot stay awake. This is unusual, but those days still exist. Mostly my eyelids just feel like they are made of metal. I may not even feel all that sleepy, but I can't keep my eyes open.
Today Nathan was telling me about his new book that he was reading (King of the Wind.) He had only read 4 chapters, but I know how he goes into major detail when he narrates his story back to me. I told him that I would be listening, but I had to close my eyes. I heard every word he said, but my eyes were shut the entire time. I know that that's better than not listening at all.
I mean, a few months ago I wasn't even sure I wanted to keep my children. Mania has a way of distorting your thinking that much. I could honestly see how mothers could get up and walk away from their husbands and children. Now looking at that scenario, I figure the mothers must be ill. I certainly was. Thankfully I never did walk away. I love my husband and children very much. I would give my life for any and all 3 of them.
If you are unfamiliar with bipolar disorder or would like to learn more, a great book by Kay Redfield Jamison is An Unquiet Mind. An excerpt from her book is here. She is also bipolar and it is in a way an autobiography. She has a way of describing the illness that no textbook could come close to. She lives and breaths the illness. An excellent book indeed.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Easter Bunnies and Plastic Eggs
We like the Easter Bunny here. The children hunt for eggs every Easter. These plastic eggs are usually filled will candy, gifts, and money. Even though we never pushed the Easter Bunny as an oversized bunny who visits our home and leaves baskets full of goodies, my children still find him to be a fun character and don't mind getting their picture taken with him.
We also celebrate the real meaning of Easter. We read about the days that led up to Jesus' death, burial, and Resurrection. Our children learn about why Jesus suffered the way he did. They know that Jesus thought about them specifically as he faced the cross. It was personal. Christ didn't die for just anybody. He died for each person specifically and personally. He knew the sins that he was dying for.
We enjoy the early morning church service on Easter Sunday. Next, we spend time with family as the kids search for eggs and we finish the day with dinner. This is similar to the way I was raised. I never thought the Easter bunny died for my sins or that Jesus was just a cartoon character. I could always tell the difference between what was real and what was "just for fun." If I ever feel that my children are choosing bunnies or Jesus, we will abruptly change our focus. It's about reading the child's heart.
We also celebrate the real meaning of Easter. We read about the days that led up to Jesus' death, burial, and Resurrection. Our children learn about why Jesus suffered the way he did. They know that Jesus thought about them specifically as he faced the cross. It was personal. Christ didn't die for just anybody. He died for each person specifically and personally. He knew the sins that he was dying for.
We enjoy the early morning church service on Easter Sunday. Next, we spend time with family as the kids search for eggs and we finish the day with dinner. This is similar to the way I was raised. I never thought the Easter bunny died for my sins or that Jesus was just a cartoon character. I could always tell the difference between what was real and what was "just for fun." If I ever feel that my children are choosing bunnies or Jesus, we will abruptly change our focus. It's about reading the child's heart.
Maundy Thursday
Growing up, we never celebrated Maundy Thursday. On this day, Jesus washed the disciples' feet, there was the first communion at the last supper, Jesus suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Maundy Thursday is the beginning of the Easter Triduum, which means the 3-day period leading up to Easter.
We don't have any plans today for Maundy Thursday. Tomorrow I will do a project and a foot washing to show Christ's love for his disciples. I will also watch The Passion of the Christ with Ken. This is an annual thing for us.
Tonight we are taking Ken to see his new doctor. His blood pressure is through the roof. We want to talk to the doc about getting his weight down. We are even thinking about gastric bypass surgery. Although Ken is not overly excited about the idea, he knows that his health is in danger. His sleep apnea may be back and his blood pressure has been at a dangerous level, even while on medication. Many people in his family have developed diabetes, although luckily he has shown no signs of this yet. The kids are going to stay and their grandparents' house while I go with Ken. We bought a blood pressure monitor to keep track of his BP. Hopefully the doctor will have some good recommendations for Ken.
We don't have any plans today for Maundy Thursday. Tomorrow I will do a project and a foot washing to show Christ's love for his disciples. I will also watch The Passion of the Christ with Ken. This is an annual thing for us.
Tonight we are taking Ken to see his new doctor. His blood pressure is through the roof. We want to talk to the doc about getting his weight down. We are even thinking about gastric bypass surgery. Although Ken is not overly excited about the idea, he knows that his health is in danger. His sleep apnea may be back and his blood pressure has been at a dangerous level, even while on medication. Many people in his family have developed diabetes, although luckily he has shown no signs of this yet. The kids are going to stay and their grandparents' house while I go with Ken. We bought a blood pressure monitor to keep track of his BP. Hopefully the doctor will have some good recommendations for Ken.
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