Thursday, April 21, 2011
Lifelike
Lifelike...
For all those years I was slowly becoming less and less. I have written about my illness before and really don't feel up to doing it again here because I feel so distanced from it now. The meat of it was I almost bled to death. Again, it was slowly happening to me and with life you keep moving, so I didn't have a Uh-oh moment. It's life, you keep going. Until you're stopped.
I was.
Big time. And God saved me. Ask anyone around and they will tell there is no other explanation for me being here. You know something is up when you are in the emergency room and everyone is looking at you like your a ghost! Everyone involved knows it was God. I have been beyond thankful to God for all the wonderful people He has put in my life and keeping me here to show them how wonderful they are. And to let me be here for my kids is something I could never put into words. It's hard to even type this.
I want to go away from that for a bit and touch on something that few have experienced - what it feels like to almost die. Unless you have felt the life leaving you, you will never understand. You can be told and have sympathy for that person, but you can never, and hopefully never will, know what that person feels now...dealing with it.
I don't know how others have dealt with it, all I know is how I am. It does totally mess with your head. You look at things so different, not just the "not letting things get to me" scenario or the "appreciate life" one. It's deeper and scarier. At least for me it is. I know what can happen in a second. Have I become someone filled with "living every moment to it's fullest?" A little. Do I appreciate life more? No. I always appreciated all I had and still do.
What I do feel a loss about is during that time when I was sick, I wasn't all there, the way I like to be.
But now I am.
~I am sorry if I don't reply quickly to email, phone, text, Facebook, Twitter, etc. If I don't, it is not personal towards you. It's that I am BEING there for my kiddos. I am doing things with them that my illness prevented me from doing.
~We have a private school for home schoolers which I love, but with my illness I haven't been as involved as I like, and I am sorry for that. I appreciate the patience and prayers from the families through all of this. It means a lot to me.
~My husband has been the hero. He works full time, goes to college - full time, and takes care of the school business in what time he has left! And I cannot express my love and gratitude to him enough...
I have many friends that have become family. They have helped tremendously! You know who you are and you are so loved!!! It is because of you that I write this. This is to tell you that I have noticed and appreciated your kindness, love and most of all, humor, through it all. Please don't stop!
Lifelike is what I was...was.
Friday, February 4, 2011
~Beautiful~
It's been so beautiful lately. Weather wise and family wise. Even, yes even, with all of us in different stages of the flu, we are enjoying very beautiful family moments.
We are a homeschooling family in our next chapter. We have two children, one son, 18, in his 2nd semester in college and one daughter, 13, technically in the 7th grade doing 9th grade work. We are watching our children enter into exciting times in their lives and it is beautiful. I was scared at first...the closer it got to our son turning 18 and graduating. I have always taught him...my days always included educating him and then our daughter with him.
Our relationship has changed with him and our daughter. It had too. They are older. And as anxious as I was about it, it is wonderful. I absolutely loved all the stages my kids have gone through. But, this stage...this older stage...is more peaceful. I could probably analyze it and pinpoint tons of reasons for it, but I'm not going to. It just is and I am thankful for it.
They are so involved in everything about life now, not just observing. Wow! It is incredibly breathtaking to see them together. Their conversations, inside jokes and their laughter...their laughter has always melted my heart. We have an absolute blast together! When the four of us plan something, we know something crazy will happen and it usually does. We might help it along...
Don't be afraid of your kids growing older. Enjoy every moment, every stage, every second. When you get to the scary times, breathe, pray & trust God. He has them. Enjoy their steps, all of them. Especially the scary ones because that's when they become stronger and so do you. You'll turn that corner and wonder what in the world were you ever worried about!!!
We all grow older older - doesn't mean we have to quit being goof-balls. That never goes away! We can be stupid together and that is usually our funnest times. And when your kids get older...they provide soooo much more laughing material than you could ever imagine!!!
Example:
Pictures below are evidence.
Location: Downtown Disney in the Walt Disney World Resort complex.
Reason: To celebrate said daughter's 13th birthday. The main stage had a dance competition. Said kids scorffed their Ghirardelli's ice cream and ran to said stage. Dancing then commenced...and so did many tears of laughter.
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| The try-outs begin~put through rigorous dances... |
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| Do I really need to say anything here other than part of the blurriness is me laughing? |
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| They started playing "Single Ladies". 'Nuff said... |
They didn't win...you never win when there are cute little humans flashing smiles at the crowd. But, they did get a lot of fans. Mainly because they were a brother/sister team.
~Beautiful~
Thursday, February 3, 2011
13, Definitely 13
She is definitely 13, not 15, not 10, 13 years old.
These pics are just some of her gifts that scream "13" to me.
These pics are just some of her gifts that scream "13" to me.
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| The way she eats~1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian WDW with Cinderella and Friends~ |
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| The way she is still a little creeped out by "guys"~ |
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| The way she likes to play princess~ |
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| The way she goes with the flow, even when she's not so sure... |
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| The way she knows how to have fun~ |
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| And have a total blast~ |
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| The way the air is just sweeter around her~ |
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| The way she appreciates what is given to her~ |
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| The way she has her own style~ |
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| Most of all...the way she cares for others more than herself~ Her personal project to help other girls: www.operationbeautiful.com |
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Great Day
Today my son gave me the best compliment ever. He is in his 2nd semester at college and likes it so far, but not as much as he liked being homeschooled! He said he learned so much more from me than all his professors combined!!! And he really likes his professors - nothing against them, they are good. He even said my assignments were tougher and made him think more. YES!!! Thank you God for guiding me and holding me. And please continue to be with me for the next few years I have with our daughter.
Homeschooling is not just about teaching reading, writing, etc. It's about enabling the child to teach themselves. To gain a lifelong love of learning. All of which is wonderful. But, the most important thing of all is the relationship you and your child receive from the time and events shared. You have achieved something huge, together.
I love the fact my kids can have meaningful conversations with not just their peers, but all ages. They can bring something to the table. They have manners and I am comfortable sending them out in the world. They are not leeching from society, but being a source of light and help.
We started our private school for home educators, York Christian Academy, mainly for that reason. To give parents the choice of being in the driver's seat for their child's education. They are children, developing, continually being molded. They need a voice of reason in all of noise around them. Parents are suppose to be that voice. They want you to be there for them.
This doesn't mean we are done. Oh no, no, no. We are forever learning and enjoying all the new experiences God gives us!
Homeschooling is not just about teaching reading, writing, etc. It's about enabling the child to teach themselves. To gain a lifelong love of learning. All of which is wonderful. But, the most important thing of all is the relationship you and your child receive from the time and events shared. You have achieved something huge, together.
I love the fact my kids can have meaningful conversations with not just their peers, but all ages. They can bring something to the table. They have manners and I am comfortable sending them out in the world. They are not leeching from society, but being a source of light and help.
We started our private school for home educators, York Christian Academy, mainly for that reason. To give parents the choice of being in the driver's seat for their child's education. They are children, developing, continually being molded. They need a voice of reason in all of noise around them. Parents are suppose to be that voice. They want you to be there for them.
This doesn't mean we are done. Oh no, no, no. We are forever learning and enjoying all the new experiences God gives us!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Thankfully
I haven't been able to post a lot lately because of everyone here being a bunch of sickies - except for me...so far...(my fingers crossed & borrowed others ;). That and when we are finally at home, I can't seem to get to the computer. I could probably post from my phone, but I've been lazy about that.
I have been enjoying just being a mum. A mum without an illness. I had been sick for so many years that I had learned to deal with it and function. Never wanting to think about all that I could be doing. I couldn't think that way, but now I can. I know all that I missed and I am not letting anything go now. I am happy and proud to stay home with my kids. I am blessed to have them.
This past year has been such an awakening to how much we can endure and not just trudge through but thrive. My bad days now are nothing in comparison and I thank God for healing me. When things seem overwhelming, they're not. I know God has my back, always. I am thankful I have the opportunities to ride bikes, go to the rink, the beach, theme parks, anywhere and everywhere, with my family & friends. And I am thankful to go through all the trials with my family and friends. I pray that I am a help and not a burden.
"But I trust in your Grace,
my heart rejoices as You bring me to safety.
I will sing to ADONAI, because He gives me
even more than I need."
Psalms 13:5 & 6
So tonight, finally home after being at the rink for 5 hours, ate dinner, took showers and did some school, my daughter is recovering from her flu stuff, son is in the middle of his and hubby is passed out in the bed with the start of his. Me? I am fighting to keep all the bad, snot-nosed, hacking, nasty cooties away from me!!!
...I have too many things to do and the list is growing...thankfully,
Praise God!
I have been enjoying just being a mum. A mum without an illness. I had been sick for so many years that I had learned to deal with it and function. Never wanting to think about all that I could be doing. I couldn't think that way, but now I can. I know all that I missed and I am not letting anything go now. I am happy and proud to stay home with my kids. I am blessed to have them.
This past year has been such an awakening to how much we can endure and not just trudge through but thrive. My bad days now are nothing in comparison and I thank God for healing me. When things seem overwhelming, they're not. I know God has my back, always. I am thankful I have the opportunities to ride bikes, go to the rink, the beach, theme parks, anywhere and everywhere, with my family & friends. And I am thankful to go through all the trials with my family and friends. I pray that I am a help and not a burden.
"But I trust in your Grace,
my heart rejoices as You bring me to safety.
I will sing to ADONAI, because He gives me
even more than I need."
Psalms 13:5 & 6
So tonight, finally home after being at the rink for 5 hours, ate dinner, took showers and did some school, my daughter is recovering from her flu stuff, son is in the middle of his and hubby is passed out in the bed with the start of his. Me? I am fighting to keep all the bad, snot-nosed, hacking, nasty cooties away from me!!!
...I have too many things to do and the list is growing...thankfully,
Praise God!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Short-Timing It
That's what my hubster calls it. We are short-timing it until a major part of our lives comes back to us. He's in his last months of getting his degree and we are feeling it. Between working full-time & attending school full-time, there's not a lot of "hubby/daddy" time left. We are looking forward to Daddy having all this "free" time!!!
Right now, we are still trudging through it. Our son is back in college for his 2nd semester and loving it. (That helps this homeschool mum~he has a love for learning. =) I am getting use to not having him here during the day...kind of. Those of us with older kids understands how much you rely on them. You really notice these things when they're not there - when you can't reach that bowl...you know...that one...W - A - Y up...t h e r e... "Where's my Long-Arms???" The other is when you want to hear their voice and you know have to wait. Sigh...
So, for most of our day it's me and my girlie. It's her first time to not have her Bubi doing school with her. She keeps saying how weird it is. This is a girl who has demanded to do "school" since she was sitting up! She would sit next to her Bubi and want her school stuff...could hardly talk yet, but she was going to write her name! He misses her too and he makes time for her. It's really nice to have him teaching her ASL (American Sign Language) and they have skating/hockey lessons together.
Through all of this, please remember to keep us in your prayers. We're walking where we feel God wants us and it's not always the easiest, but we know that when we fall, God catches us! And Mum here is trying to keep everyone and everything in order and on track...praying for patience, insight, wisdom and endurance!
Right now, we are still trudging through it. Our son is back in college for his 2nd semester and loving it. (That helps this homeschool mum~he has a love for learning. =) I am getting use to not having him here during the day...kind of. Those of us with older kids understands how much you rely on them. You really notice these things when they're not there - when you can't reach that bowl...you know...that one...W - A - Y up...t h e r e... "Where's my Long-Arms???" The other is when you want to hear their voice and you know have to wait. Sigh...
So, for most of our day it's me and my girlie. It's her first time to not have her Bubi doing school with her. She keeps saying how weird it is. This is a girl who has demanded to do "school" since she was sitting up! She would sit next to her Bubi and want her school stuff...could hardly talk yet, but she was going to write her name! He misses her too and he makes time for her. It's really nice to have him teaching her ASL (American Sign Language) and they have skating/hockey lessons together.
Through all of this, please remember to keep us in your prayers. We're walking where we feel God wants us and it's not always the easiest, but we know that when we fall, God catches us! And Mum here is trying to keep everyone and everything in order and on track...praying for patience, insight, wisdom and endurance!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Happy Birthday!!!
Friday, January 7, 13 years ago, we were blessed with a beautiful addition to our family. Our daughter was born! She could not have come to a more ecstatic mum, dad and big brother. We are still celebrating her!!!
Our kids get birthday weeks, not just a day. And this has been my Jel-Bel's. She is ready for her Promise bracelet and special dinner. She remembers when we did a similar event with our son. Now, it's her turn. This age is such an important time and I am already teary-eyed! ;) We always need prayer, but I think we really need it for our teens. The world wants to consume and it's our job as parents to help them on their journey into adulthood. Freaky...saying my little girl is going into adulthood, but she is and I'm so much cooler about it than I thought would be. Thank you God! I am seriously more thankful than I can express. I worried about these days...my kids getting older. But, I am about as giddy as she is!
We have done a few things already, but this weekend is the big stuff:
Our kids get birthday weeks, not just a day. And this has been my Jel-Bel's. She is ready for her Promise bracelet and special dinner. She remembers when we did a similar event with our son. Now, it's her turn. This age is such an important time and I am already teary-eyed! ;) We always need prayer, but I think we really need it for our teens. The world wants to consume and it's our job as parents to help them on their journey into adulthood. Freaky...saying my little girl is going into adulthood, but she is and I'm so much cooler about it than I thought would be. Thank you God! I am seriously more thankful than I can express. I worried about these days...my kids getting older. But, I am about as giddy as she is!
We have done a few things already, but this weekend is the big stuff:
- Family party and dinner Friday~
- Gathering at Downtown Disney Saturday night~
- Sunday is Animal Kingdom, then dinner at Chef Mickey's~
- Next weekend - TBA~
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Just a Few Words Please...
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| This my Jel when she was about a week old. She was a month premature and jaundice took over. She weighed 3 pounds 7 1/2 ounces when she was admitted to the hospital. Thanks to God she was healed after a few days and has been fine ever since! |
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| 2002- At our beach |
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| 2003- Jel's Rock Star birthday - you had to be on the list or have a backstage pass to get in. ;) |
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| 2004- Birthday at Disney. |
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| More 2004 |
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| 2005- Birthday at Disney |
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| Jel & her Daddy in the back of the golf cart at Ft. Wilderness, Walt Disney World - 2005 |
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| 2006- Birthday -wearing some of her presents. |
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| 2006- Birthday at the Polynesian for the Ohana breakfast. |
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| Mr. Tom Bergeron of AFV and Dancing With The Stars with Miss Jel, at taping of AFV in the Magic Kingdom. |
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| 2007- Birthday at Downtown Disney |
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| More 2007- Disney Channel Games - Jel was shown for most of the ads and going into the commercials. |
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| 2007- Her swim medals |
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| 2008 |
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| 2009 |
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| 2010- Onstage for this birthday- Port Orleans Resort, Riverside, Walt Disney World. |
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| Meeting Ridley Pearson, author of "Kingdom Keepers" |
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| My Jel-Bel at the Night of Joy- Walt Disney World. |
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| Taping of Disney's Christmas Parade ~ Jel was Christmas Tink ~ So beautiful, always ~ |
My Jel is about to become a teenager. The time has flown and we've enjoyed every minute with this beautiful, vibrant girl. To say she is full of life is a huge understatement. You don't have to guess what she is thinking, she lets you know. Not rudely, strongly. I love that about her. She is strong about her beliefs and she is strong with giving love, and that's what I think of when I think of her...LOVE.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
One Word ~ Hockey
One of my favorite things is watching Hockey with my hubster and kiddos. Don't get me wrong, I could watch it all alone and still enjoy it...thoroughly. But, with everyone together, it becomes a definite bonding time. With my son in it and daughter working up to playing, the watching has become more focused. We always loved the game and now, it amazes me that it's possible, we love it more.
Hockey isn't as popular here in the U.S. like elsewhere, possibly because you will not find "rock stars" like in other popular sports. Which is a huge selling point for me personally. You have your great players - they're considered great because of how well of a team player they are.
We learn a lot from playing sports. People count on you and you count on them to achieve your goal. You don't always win in life and you don't always lose. True achievement is how you deal with both.
Monday, December 27, 2010
On Alert!
You never know when God will use you to help others and last night we definitely had no idea what we were in for...
One of our favorite Christmas traditions is driving around looking at all the Christmas decorations. Christmas night is a must. Time seemed to fly by us this year and it was getting late when we finally piled into the car. Our suspicions were right, most of the lights were turned out for the night. So, we decided to get an earlier start the next night. Sunday night was a busy one too and we were getting worried it was getting too late, again, but not letting it stop us! We went for our must-see houses. We drove extra slow, slower than normal. After we all had our side of the car facing the lights, we started snaking back through the neighborhood, searching for more houses.
The rest was sporadic and we were just about to go get some hot cocoa, when we decided to go down one more street that looked promising. As we drove by we realized that the lights were just lights for the plants. (Here in Florida we don't have long freezes, so to save our plants we cover them with sheets, blankets, etc and some add lights to hold some heat in. We use the non-LED Christmas lights, works perfect!) The owner had sheets & landscaping blankets over his plants and for lights he used flood lights. Why all this information? (Wait for it...)
As we were passing completely, our daughter looked back and noticed something weird. At the same time I smelled the smoke. "Um, guys...I think I saw fire in their backyard and it didn't look like anyone was out there...", Jel proclaimed. I mentioned that I smelled the smoke, so my hubster turned around quick. We were surprised to see the grass on fire in the backyard and she was right, there was no one around!!!
Within the next few seconds we were all out of the car, knocked on the front door, ran around back, got the water hose on, spraying & stomping it all out! Thankfully, we got it out just in time - it was right next to the house! All the landscaping material was on fire. The light on one of the plants caught the sheet on fire and it took off from there.
The man was very thankful, of course. I say the man, because he was not the homeowner. He was house-sitting for his boss and taking care of his two dogs. His boss was in the Keys with his wife and they were almost home! The man, Darrell, was asleep on the couch, in his jammies, and wouldn't have known until was too late.
We were the only ones driving around at that time, way back in the neighborhood. We thought we were too late to see our Christmas lights. We thought we made ourselves run late both nights and would have to try again another night. But, God knew where we were needed at the right time, for the right thing. Isn't that the way with so many things in our lives? We always have our own plans. Thankfully, God has better plans.
(Darrell was so thankful that he promised us that if any of our appliances need work, to call & tell them Darrell said we were the ones that saved their house and we'd get it for free!!! Bless his heart...all we could say was, "Merry Christmas!")
One of our favorite Christmas traditions is driving around looking at all the Christmas decorations. Christmas night is a must. Time seemed to fly by us this year and it was getting late when we finally piled into the car. Our suspicions were right, most of the lights were turned out for the night. So, we decided to get an earlier start the next night. Sunday night was a busy one too and we were getting worried it was getting too late, again, but not letting it stop us! We went for our must-see houses. We drove extra slow, slower than normal. After we all had our side of the car facing the lights, we started snaking back through the neighborhood, searching for more houses.
The rest was sporadic and we were just about to go get some hot cocoa, when we decided to go down one more street that looked promising. As we drove by we realized that the lights were just lights for the plants. (Here in Florida we don't have long freezes, so to save our plants we cover them with sheets, blankets, etc and some add lights to hold some heat in. We use the non-LED Christmas lights, works perfect!) The owner had sheets & landscaping blankets over his plants and for lights he used flood lights. Why all this information? (Wait for it...)
As we were passing completely, our daughter looked back and noticed something weird. At the same time I smelled the smoke. "Um, guys...I think I saw fire in their backyard and it didn't look like anyone was out there...", Jel proclaimed. I mentioned that I smelled the smoke, so my hubster turned around quick. We were surprised to see the grass on fire in the backyard and she was right, there was no one around!!!
Within the next few seconds we were all out of the car, knocked on the front door, ran around back, got the water hose on, spraying & stomping it all out! Thankfully, we got it out just in time - it was right next to the house! All the landscaping material was on fire. The light on one of the plants caught the sheet on fire and it took off from there.
The man was very thankful, of course. I say the man, because he was not the homeowner. He was house-sitting for his boss and taking care of his two dogs. His boss was in the Keys with his wife and they were almost home! The man, Darrell, was asleep on the couch, in his jammies, and wouldn't have known until was too late.
We were the only ones driving around at that time, way back in the neighborhood. We thought we were too late to see our Christmas lights. We thought we made ourselves run late both nights and would have to try again another night. But, God knew where we were needed at the right time, for the right thing. Isn't that the way with so many things in our lives? We always have our own plans. Thankfully, God has better plans.
(Darrell was so thankful that he promised us that if any of our appliances need work, to call & tell them Darrell said we were the ones that saved their house and we'd get it for free!!! Bless his heart...all we could say was, "Merry Christmas!")
~*Rocking the Christmas Lists*~
We have been rocking our lists left & right! We have decided to "do" things for Christmas instead of buying. We have experienced so many things and I am praying so hard that it doesn't stop when the holidays are over. I want this to become a habit.
Some of the wish lists items that have been fulfilled are:
And I am soooo proud of him. No rude comments, just a funny look at me when she suggested it. I told him to think of it as a rite of passage, something he may need if he is ever on a game show and he has no phone-a-friend left. He gave me another look and told her to get her blanket. Good brother.
Awesome big brother. I'd even go as far as to say Hero brother.
Some of the wish lists items that have been fulfilled are:
- Bonfires with s'mores & banana boats until late in the night & stargazing - last night's lunar eclipse covered those;
- Christmas Around the World at Epcot - each country has storytellers in traditional clothes explaining how their country celebrates the holidays (every year we miss France's storyteller, but not this year~we ran all the way there, on full tummies too!);
- Bake cookies with Dad;
- Video games with Dad;
- Watching movies together - with parent(s) &/or sibling...that may involve a movie said guest may not normally want to watch;
- Game night that is not on our traditional game night;
And I am soooo proud of him. No rude comments, just a funny look at me when she suggested it. I told him to think of it as a rite of passage, something he may need if he is ever on a game show and he has no phone-a-friend left. He gave me another look and told her to get her blanket. Good brother.
Awesome big brother. I'd even go as far as to say Hero brother.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Counting Your Blessings
Watching "White Christmas" starring Bing Crosby reminded me of one my favorite songs from the movie - "Counting Your Blessings". I kept hearing it over & over in my head the other night when we were out in our backyard watching the meteor shower.
All four of us, triple layer of clothes + coats + gloves + blankets, in beach chairs (the lay all the w-a-a-a-y back), oooing and ahhhing the hours away. It is always so much fun for me to do that with my kiddos & the hubster. Moments shared that make such wonderful memories. Events that are a must now. It's expected, no excuses.
If there is a meteor shower, or even a good, clear night, we are out there, watching and laughing, together, counting our blessings.
(This was on my list! Yay!!!)
All four of us, triple layer of clothes + coats + gloves + blankets, in beach chairs (the lay all the w-a-a-a-y back), oooing and ahhhing the hours away. It is always so much fun for me to do that with my kiddos & the hubster. Moments shared that make such wonderful memories. Events that are a must now. It's expected, no excuses.
If there is a meteor shower, or even a good, clear night, we are out there, watching and laughing, together, counting our blessings.
(This was on my list! Yay!!!)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Learning Through the Holidays
So many have asked how we homeschool through the holidays. More want to know how to keep kids focused during this exciting and distracting time. The secret? Planning.
Yep, that wonderful word, but it's true. A little planning saves you so much stress. You need to cue in on your target audience, your kids. You know them better than anyone and better than any curriculum. Take a deep breath and enjoy this time. For those that can't break from what the lesson plans say, try to shorten their plans and add some of yours. It will work and you will grow with it.
When my kids were younger we would use the whole month of December to study how other countries and cultures celebrated Christmas. Yes, you can study it over and over because every year your child can build on what they have already learned. Field trips are almost a necessity this time of year. And you can come up with a lot. Find events at your local library. See if there is a certain community in your area, like Irish for example, and see what events they have planned and you can participate. Check out some recipes from a country you are studying or from your heritage. Prepare them together and share them with family, neighbors, friends, etc.
We are fortunate to live close to Walt Disney World and we go to Epcot every year for their Christmas Around the World. Each country has their unique storyteller in traditional dress sharing their country's way of celebrating the holidays. As my children have gotten older they are finding new things every time. Our traditional visit to Epcot every year has inspired us to look for similar experiences in our community and all around Florida. We are always up for a field trip! You can interact, be hands-on, face-to-face with all the sight, sounds and smells that really stick in your memory. And, most important, you're together as a family.
No matter the age of the child or the adult, curriculum or schedule, you can find ways to accomplish learning and enjoying this busy time of the year, and even start traditions.
Yep, that wonderful word, but it's true. A little planning saves you so much stress. You need to cue in on your target audience, your kids. You know them better than anyone and better than any curriculum. Take a deep breath and enjoy this time. For those that can't break from what the lesson plans say, try to shorten their plans and add some of yours. It will work and you will grow with it.
When my kids were younger we would use the whole month of December to study how other countries and cultures celebrated Christmas. Yes, you can study it over and over because every year your child can build on what they have already learned. Field trips are almost a necessity this time of year. And you can come up with a lot. Find events at your local library. See if there is a certain community in your area, like Irish for example, and see what events they have planned and you can participate. Check out some recipes from a country you are studying or from your heritage. Prepare them together and share them with family, neighbors, friends, etc.
We are fortunate to live close to Walt Disney World and we go to Epcot every year for their Christmas Around the World. Each country has their unique storyteller in traditional dress sharing their country's way of celebrating the holidays. As my children have gotten older they are finding new things every time. Our traditional visit to Epcot every year has inspired us to look for similar experiences in our community and all around Florida. We are always up for a field trip! You can interact, be hands-on, face-to-face with all the sight, sounds and smells that really stick in your memory. And, most important, you're together as a family.
No matter the age of the child or the adult, curriculum or schedule, you can find ways to accomplish learning and enjoying this busy time of the year, and even start traditions.
Monday, December 13, 2010
*Christmas Lists Being Fulfilled*
Our Christmas lists have been growing and they've been getting bigger...typically that wouldn't be a good thing, if we were writing lists of things we wanted others to buy for us. Our lists have no video games, toys, clothes, T.V.'s, computers, etc. Not that there is anything wrong with those things. That's not what this is about. We get those things year round, for other special days and events. Birthdays are loaded. It's just for us I seen how the focus, from all parties involved, can be on the getting & not the giving.
I say all parties involved, because we as parents set the standard. How we are and we act is how our kids are. How we think is how they will think. When my hubster & I got stressed trying to balance the money spent on each kid, and stressing on who else we should by gifts and/or cards for, I had to take a step back. What was our children learning about Jesus from all of this?
So, we are trying to have gifts that are experiences and so far it is working great! No stress of giving too much from this list. Our lists have been of helping each other and others. It's been a work in progress for sure. The lists started as things that we/they would like to do and/or share with someone. Now the lists have had different things added to them...things we/they would like to do for someone. My daughter has been great with coming up her hobbies that she would love to share with others. My son has mentioned cooking things for others. I like that one! It was on my list too!
Our lists aren't being fulfilled every day, but variations have. I see my kids growing more open and patient with each other and us. I see them enjoying doing things and seeing the experiences as a gift.
My most prayed for thing on my list is: that we all keep this spirit going all year, not just for Christmas. That we find new ways to view "gifts" and that we share ourselves with others.
I say all parties involved, because we as parents set the standard. How we are and we act is how our kids are. How we think is how they will think. When my hubster & I got stressed trying to balance the money spent on each kid, and stressing on who else we should by gifts and/or cards for, I had to take a step back. What was our children learning about Jesus from all of this?
So, we are trying to have gifts that are experiences and so far it is working great! No stress of giving too much from this list. Our lists have been of helping each other and others. It's been a work in progress for sure. The lists started as things that we/they would like to do and/or share with someone. Now the lists have had different things added to them...things we/they would like to do for someone. My daughter has been great with coming up her hobbies that she would love to share with others. My son has mentioned cooking things for others. I like that one! It was on my list too!
Our lists aren't being fulfilled every day, but variations have. I see my kids growing more open and patient with each other and us. I see them enjoying doing things and seeing the experiences as a gift.
My most prayed for thing on my list is: that we all keep this spirit going all year, not just for Christmas. That we find new ways to view "gifts" and that we share ourselves with others.
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| ~Kids with Uncle Laird~ |
Friday, December 10, 2010
Snoopy and My Anje
Yes, I love Snoopy. Snoopy and Woodstock are special to me. My mother called me "Snoopy" and I called my Anje, "Woodstock". That is, my niece Anje. It's hard for me to say my niece, because she is more like a little sister to me. She is only 4 years younger than me and she lived with us for a long time. I love her so very much! She is a woman you feel blessed to know. And you are if you ever have the pleasure to meet her. For her to call you a friend, well, you've won the lottery. I have won it and got the t-shirt with all the fixings...I can call her my sister!
Her birthday is December 20th...right at Christmas. She always got the red & green decorated birthday cake. It's our joke~my birthday is February 12th, so I got the pink, red & white cakes. Don't forget the seasonal decorations that come with that package. We thought it was a riot! We were always wondering what that cake would look like every year. But, hers? Right at Christmas? Talk about skimpy gifts, MAN! I wish we would have thought of the whole half-birthday thing back then!
My Girlie lives in Virginia now and I am in Florida. We don't get to see each other that often or talk as much as we'd like to, but when we do it's like we've never lost a moment.
Why am I writing this?
I am going to post about my Anje now and some more until her birthday, just because she's Anje, my Anje.
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| My Anje with her gorgeous fam! |
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Just Some Beach Stuff...
The other day we made our Christmas card, photo-taking trip to our beach. It was cold. Very cold. So cold, we cut it short thinking that next Friday we'll try it again. Guess what? Yep, it's suppose to be colder! Someone so messed up...we are in Florida...normal temps are 70's-80's...so, who didn't get the memo?
It was still a wonderful day~every day is a wonderful day at the beach. Note to self: must remember to dress warmer, must remember to dress warmer. Need to add that reminder to my phone, it's not something we have to do here that often!
It was still a wonderful day~every day is a wonderful day at the beach. Note to self: must remember to dress warmer, must remember to dress warmer. Need to add that reminder to my phone, it's not something we have to do here that often!
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| ~Seb's sandman~ |
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| ~Jel's sandman~ |
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| ~Brave, brave woman surfing~ |
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| ~My kiddos~ |
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| ~My Damian~ |
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| Posing... |
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| ~Reality~ |
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| ~Last shot before going home~ |
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