Sunday, September 20, 2009
The story I've never told, at least not like this
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Like looking in a mirror
Imagine my surprise quickly turning to glee as I (almost literally) "ran into" another similarly frazzled mommy of three at the library recently. We stood there comparing our matching broods (each of us toting a first grader and twin 18 month olds, all six of which are active boys) with awe, amusement, a appreciation at the knowledge that there really is someone else out there who truly understands. What a blessing my new friend has been to my heart already! A wealth of sound advice, and a truly empathetic ear to boot!
Perhaps the greatest blessing to me is this new found treasure chest of friendships, is that of Kaleb and Graham. How wonderful for my little boy to be able to play with someone else who understands the grand responsibility of having his entire world turned upside down when his home (and all the toys!) were over taken by not just one, but two very attention - demanding, very small little people. Someone else who knows what it is like for a simple trip to the grocery store to take all afternoon, as each and every adult must stop to comment and coo over "the twins." Finally... another big brother of twins to relate to! Not that they aren't awfully cute mind you.....
Almost as a symbol of great things to come, the day ended as Kaleb excitedly pointed out a rainbow in the fountain. (LOOK CLOSELY)
Yes, I truly am, blessed beyond measure!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Their futures are so bright.....
However, they do NOT have Dandy Walker syndrome. Neither one of them does!
Bad blogger makes penance with cute kid pictures!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Time for homework, time for books, time for teacher's TERRIFIED looks!
As the time draws near for class bells to ring once again, my emotions rise and fall faster than that last roller coaster ride we hope to get in at Dutch Wonderland before summer ends. There are days when I feel the leading of the Holy Spirit filling me with ideas for lessons, crafts, and organization and feel as if I can hardly wait to begin.
Then there are days like today. Days when I realize that I am struggling to accomplish even half of my to do list even now during summer "break." I am wrought with the knowledge that as difficult as last school year was, this one promises to be harder. The twins are no longer satisfied with bouncy seats and baby swings. They want to do what big brother does. Exactly what big brother does. Everything big brother does. And though I plan to include them as much as possible, and even incorporate a separate class just for them, I know that Kaleb will need some undivided attention, and undivided attention is hard to come by in this house! Today was a day when the prospect of continuing to home school had me so overwhelmed that I was ready to quit before we even begin.
Then IT happened. I sat down to fill out the application for our curriculum, and had to include a letter explaining why I wanted to use this particular program. In detailing how that in public school Kaleb would have to repeat preschool because of his October birthday, I began to list some of what he'd accomplished last year.
He learned to read and write, basic addition and subtraction, patterns, calenders, telling time, U.S. Presidents, fire safety, seasons, weather, using the telephone, and completed a "good manners" course. Additionally, he completed several scientific experiments, bible study crafts, and art projects.
As I listed each accomplishment, my mind drifted back to the moment when I realized he'd "gotten it" about each subject. Some things took a little longer than others, but I always knew. I could take one look at the expression on his face and see when it had really set in.
I am so thankful for that time we had together. Having two newborns in the house is a lot of work. It is easy for an independent, then - three year old to get pushed to the side. I will forever be grateful for that nudging of the Heavenly Father, guiding us away from the ever enticing temptation to have sent him away to preschool.
Is it the Lord's will for kaleb to get all of his elementary education at home? For all of our boys throughout their academic careers? That is a question that can only be answered in time. We will continue to pray, and observe, access and reassess as time goes on, as we strive to obtain what is best for our family in the eyes of the one we will one day give account to.
This year, we will be homeschooling. It will not be easy. It will take patience, laughter, tears, and a lot of prayer. Count it all joy, I say!
In the meantime, there is still much summer "break" to be enjoyed. We have pool parties, vacation bible schools, theme parks, and play dates in the park still left on that seemingly never empty calender.
To watch my children frolic and play in the summer, to have the ability to stay home and teach them, to have opportunities many mothers do not, to have survived last school year with only a few gray hairs to speak of, Lord I am truly thankful. I have been blessed beyond measure!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Same Difference
Aside from our dark hair and shared birth year, we are polar opposites.
How then do two (relatively) young women with so little in common have hearts that are knit so closely with one another?
We share the same Father. An amazing Father, who's love and compassion for us stretches clear across the globe. This is a fact that we have learned through the research we like to call our friendship. Whether Beth is suffering homesickness while studying abroad in Scotland, or I am suffering sick-of-homeness while being a soccer mom in the same little town we grew up in, our compared notes show His mercy shinning down in our lives.
What a joy to share stories of those little ways that our Father shows us His concern for our daily lives!
There are many prayers requests shared between the two of us, with the unspoken understanding that the other one could never possibly understand what we are experiencing. That is perfectly okay with us though, because we each know that the other will bring those requests before the Father who created each of us with all of our individual quirks and challenges, a Father who knows and understands far beyond what we can even understand about our situation our self.
The thought of such a friendship brings a smile of delight to my face, as I truly am blessed beyond measure.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Then we'll just have to do it ourselves...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Because sometimes you just need a break
(Ian and Ethan at VBS)
The boys however, had other plans. Each tired and cranky, yet none willing to spend the day sitting back to relax. So off we go on an adventure to our front porch, where mud and dirt await.
Once the boys were thoroughly filthy, it was time for us to retreat to the deck out back, where we could rinse off muddy hands and feet before going into the house. One thing lead to another, and the before I knew it, our plans had changed drastically. We were all dripping wet, running around laughing and giggling at the silliness of playing with the hose water in our regular clothes instead of the typical swim gear. How amazing that something so simple could ease the tension of exhaustion that previously plagued my little darlings!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The king and I
Being an only child really wasn't all that bad. I was never forced to share all my toys, never had to split a happy meal, and of course, I had all of mom and dad's attention!
Watching my boys however, I witness relationships with varied emotions like I've never experienced. I see relationships with one another (as the three of them together, as "the twins" or each of the younger ones with their big brother) the shear depth of which amazes me.
Take for instances this little gem I had the pleasure of trying to understand just the other day.
It was hot and muggy out, just the perfect weather to sit out by the pool eating an ice pop. Ethan drops his on the ground (throws it actually) and walks away. Seeing this, Ian gladly picks it up. Now Ian has two ice pops, and is happily eating both his and his brothers'. Ethan suddenly realizes that Ian has his ice pop and burst into tears. I know it was his to begin with, so I tell Ian that we much share, as I hand Ethan back the pop he was originally enjoying. Ethan smiles down at the ice pop that is now in his hand, and immediately puts it back into Ian's mouth. He wanted to have control over what happened to his treat, but his love for his brother lead him to avoid depriving him of what had seen him enjoying so much!
Countless are such stories amongst the Lewis boys. They are best friends, worst enemies, and in all together through thick and thin. And I get to watch it all happen! Praise the Lord!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Mommy and Me
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Big Bang my Foot!
Tuesday was a day that forever burned even deeper into my mind and heart a fact that I have always believed.
This world has a creator. A designer capable of grandeur no human could conjure.
The day began with a trip to the zoo. Amidst all the chaos of keeping the fingers of my three little guys and their friends out of the reach of the animals mouth (a task much more difficult than one would believe) was a lesson in this great artist whom created our world. The intricate patterns of the giraffe and lynx are amazing! So many different animals, so many different colors, shapes and sizes! Each with his own purpose and plan. They did not 'just happen" to "evolve" that way: They were created unique and intentionally. My Father made them all!
Our next stop involved taking all five boys to McDonald's for lunch. Talk about an adventure! My mind went into panic overdrive, grasping desperately at any game I could think of to keep them all quiet and occupied while we awaited the food to arrive.
My fear, of course, was that we would disturb other diners. However, I was surprised once again (as I often am) by the amount of folks who find such joy in listening to the laughter of little boys. Several elderly people took time to smile and converse with them, no doubt reminiscing about the wonders of youthfulness. Youthful energy that brings joy to those who no longer have quite as much, something created (at least in part) for that very purpose.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Duck, Duck, Goose!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Pine Sol Poll answer revealed!
Holiday at the Hemi's
Ethan still manges to have a good time...
Super Kaleb swings into action on the swing
Monday, June 29, 2009
The bug we just can't squash
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Not-so "Grand" Theft Auto
It was the twins' first ever! No more curls for Ethan!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I scream, you scream
Yes, I grew up in a child's paradise. Often are the times when my mind's eye will wonder back down memory lane, leaving me feeling a bit saddened by all the blessed experiences my offspring will never be able to share. There is, however, one thing that "city life" has to offer that old farm house never did. (okay, okay, so we are no where near the city, but compared to the farm, it sure feels like it!) The ice cream truck! What a thrill to my soul to watch my children's eyes light up when they hear that all familiar jingle way in the distance. To see the anticipation build as they listen intently throughout the day, hoping to hear just a note or two in some neighboring development, giving them hope that he is on his way.
As we sat on the steps tonight, ice cream dripping down all of their faces, me just as sticky as they from the task of trying desperately to keep their prized treats off the ground, I reveled in their smiles. I smiled too. I was thinking "Hmm, maybe this 'city life' isn't so bad after all!"
Put to good use - not just for marigolds anymore!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Night Sky Breakfast!
Monday, June 22, 2009
I predict a future full of sonshine (the impact of seeing my shadow before the sun rise)
This morning began like every other, with my alarm clock beckoning me from the arms of my beloved at five minutes of four, way before dawn's early light. Just as I had finally fumbled around enough to find that snooze button, there was an unusual occurrence. Kaleb, who is typically a very heavy sleeper, was calling out to me.
Fearing he was sick (usually the only reason he'd awake so early) I forgot all about my desire to snooze and flew into his room.
I found my little man sitting up on his bunk bed, wide eyed and bushy tailed, eager to tell me all about the dream he just had about a super cool fast train. Try as might to convince him that there were still a couple of hours left of good train dreams, my little shadow insisted on staying up to "help" me with my morning routine.
Off we go, downstairs to start the day. I fix my tea and toast, and heat him up some apple juice to go with his toast. Then we snuggle up to the table and open my brand new pink and brown, soft leather bible that was a birthday gift from David last month. The pink satin bookmark is resting on the story of Moses, admonishing the children of Israel for worshipping the golden calf while he was on the mount receiving the ten commandments. This is one of Kaleb's favorite stories (he loves destroying things, so the whole crushing the calf into powder, and throwing the tablets down to break them into pieces really floats his boat) he was enraptured in the scripture. We had a nice chat about sin and consequence, and I was quite pleased with the amount of detail he remembered from the last time we discussed this story.
Alas, the time for rest and prayer was over, and we moved to the basement so mommy could work up a sweat on the treadmill and elliptical machines. Making conversation as I prepared his cartoons and got my sneakers on, I causally stated "It was pretty cool that you got to see what Mommy does in the mornings before you wake up, huh?"
His reply caused a chain of emotions that has greatly impacted my parenting. He smiled simply and said: "Yes, mommy. I want to do the same thing every morning when I'm all grown up!"
My first reaction was to be filled with pride. I really thought I had done something wonderful, having instilled in my son the desire to begin his day with the word of God, and to take care of his body with exercise.
Then reality hit me. That pride turned to embarrassment, then quickly to terror.
Will I try to bury my frustration at fussy babies this afternoon by sneaking into the pantry and mindlessly stuff my face with junk food, when I should be bowing my head to ask my Lord for strength?
Will he watch as I groan and force a half-hearted smile at Wal*Mart, as the fifth person just today approaches me with a coy grin to remind me to say "my, you've got your hands full", or "better you than me." when I should be using each one of those opportunities to share Christ?
What will happen when I come into my bedroom this morning to put away laundry, and hear the computer calling my name? Will I quickly check my email and respond to what's important, or will I invest way too much time into the posts of my friends on Policewives.org, while the three little lives I should be investing that time in are eagerly awaiting my attention?
They say that if the groundhog sees his Shadow on groundhog day, we will have 6 more weeks of winter. What can happen if a mother sees her little shadows each day? What will happen if I spend my days remembering that there are innocent eyes watching every move I make?
Its well and fine for a young boy to see his mother reading the bible. That's great. However, what is going to really impact his life, what would really make my life worth imitating, is if he can see me living the bible.
I want my children's futures to be full of sonshine. As of today, thanks to my wonderful little Shadow, this verse will have new meaning in my life:
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The moment I just knew...
He was school teacher, and today was the first day of school. The excitement in his voice as he talked about his students was intoxicating. He had so much enthusiasm, so much passion for these kids, most of whom he had only met for the first time today. As he began to talk about his plans to encourage these students in their walk with Christ (did I mention he was finding ways to do this as he taught Algebra??) there was only one thing going through my mind:
"This is the man that I want to be the father of my children." It was an almost audible voice, so loud that it practically drowned out my beloved.
Today, as the mother of three wonderful little boys that this man has sired, I have become fully aware of why the Lord chose him to be their daddy.
One of the biggest challenges I face as a mother of boys, is teaching them that their masculinity is to be celebrated. How do you teach that in modern culture? TV dads are portrayed as oafs, every television commercial, cartoon movie, even popular music portrays men in general as fumbling, bumbling idiots. That is not God's plan for their manhood, and don't ever want them to think that it is. Praise the Lord that they have such a wonderful example of true masculinity in their strong, intelligent, protective, and loving daddy! What an amazing model of their heavenly Father he truly is!
I want to take this opportunity to give a big shout out to two other important examples of true masculinity my boys have. My own wonderful daddy, and my also very wonderful father - in -law. What a blessing that our boys have not one, but two Pop Pops to teach them how to be proud of the dirt-eating, snake loving, wild-hearted creation that they were created in the image of God himself to be!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
They really are listening! (A blessing from Ethan)
There are two main points that I strive to to instill in the heart of each one of my boys. At some point during each day, I try to get alone with each of them for just a second to say:
1. Jesus loves you.
and...
2. God has a special plan and purpose for your life.
Most of the time, this little bit of motherly wisdom is met with a look of "whatever, mom" as a boy wiggles away to find a matchbox or a dump truck to reek havoc with.
During our bedtime devotion this evening, however, I was reminded of just how important it is that I continue to strive never to forget to remind them of those two important truths.
We read John 1:3 "All things were made by Him, without Him was not anything made that was made." I went around the room asking: so Kaleb, who made the dogs and cats? Ian, who made the sky? etc.. etc.. Fully expecting that the twins (who at not quite 15 months have a pretty extensive vocabulary, but still do not talk very much) so I was expecting that they would not answer.
I got to Ethan, and asked: "Ethan, who made you?" He flashed me that same killer smile in the picture, and while grinning ear to ear, exclaimed "JESUS!" Loud, clear and with a certain confidence that told me that really knew. I mean, deep down in his heart KNEW that Jesus made him, and loves him.
If I have accomplished nothing else today, my heart has been truly blessed above measure!