Today is my birthday!
It may cross the etiquette line to tell people it is your birthday, but I am so thankful God has blessed my with another year. I am so OK with birthdays and growing older.
How can I be excited about aging?
It is just a theory, and only a theory, but I have come very close to losing those I love, on several occasions. And in the case of my dad, mother-in-law and brother-in-law, friend and mentor Kathy Inoue, I have witnessed God's hand in ushering them into eternity at relatively young ages.
I want to grow old gracefully. Thanking God for the years on earth that he has in trusted to me.
Yes, there are days when I look in the mirror and sigh, at the sign, of another line beginning to form on my face. Or the fact, the every part of my body, seems 2 inches lower than it did 20 years ago:)
But today, I am embracing 46, and I am blessed!
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
What I Love about Mondays
Mondays, are a day I have come to love. REALLY. I used to dread Monday.
Mondays, are the day I get up and get going. Getting the wash started from the piles that accumulated from the weekend. I then walk around the house and "tidy up". Picking up the junk that seems to multiple, as we relax on Sundays. Newspapers, paper plates and shoes all find the trash can or the closet.
Once I feel like I have made the house somewhat presentable, I then settle in for some serious time of reading and prayer. I do a few extra devotions then the "normal" day, and then spend "extra time" talking to God about some stuff on my heart.I often catch up on a inspirational DVD or watch several of "life today" Wednesdays with Beth, on my computer. It is a unhurried, not on a time-frame, communion with the Lord. And I savor it. I fiercely guard it. Not appointments, no errands.
I do get interrupted. Changing over the laundry or answering a question from one of the kiddos. But then I get right back at it.
It is what I love about Mondays!
Mondays, are the day I get up and get going. Getting the wash started from the piles that accumulated from the weekend. I then walk around the house and "tidy up". Picking up the junk that seems to multiple, as we relax on Sundays. Newspapers, paper plates and shoes all find the trash can or the closet.
Once I feel like I have made the house somewhat presentable, I then settle in for some serious time of reading and prayer. I do a few extra devotions then the "normal" day, and then spend "extra time" talking to God about some stuff on my heart.I often catch up on a inspirational DVD or watch several of "life today" Wednesdays with Beth, on my computer. It is a unhurried, not on a time-frame, communion with the Lord. And I savor it. I fiercely guard it. Not appointments, no errands.
I do get interrupted. Changing over the laundry or answering a question from one of the kiddos. But then I get right back at it.
It is what I love about Mondays!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Choices
Yesterday, was errand day. I had allot on my "to do" list as I headed to town. The stops included a salon, where I would receive a much anticipated pedicure.
As I was working my way through the items on my checklist, a thought came to me, "Call your college boys, who are working in town, and treat them to lunch".
I mulled this over in my mind. If I met the boys for lunch, I would spend the money (on lunch), I had set aside for a pedicure. Boys can eat enormous amounts of food to keep them fueled.
Lunch.pedicure.lunch.pedicure......my mind volleyed back and forth, till I thought I was going to be dizzy, if I did not make a decision.
I called the boys, we met for lunch.
There, in the corner booth at Taco Bell, we enjoyed rich conversation and sharing. They were in the "mood" to talk. And it was priceless.
So, today, I am going to attempt to paint my own toenails. A procedure that I have been sadly, less than successful at, in the past. They just look "home-done" when I apply the polish.
I will smile, every time I look down, over the next few weeks, and see my toes.
Lunch with my sons was the right choice:)
As I was working my way through the items on my checklist, a thought came to me, "Call your college boys, who are working in town, and treat them to lunch".
I mulled this over in my mind. If I met the boys for lunch, I would spend the money (on lunch), I had set aside for a pedicure. Boys can eat enormous amounts of food to keep them fueled.
Lunch.pedicure.lunch.pedicure......my mind volleyed back and forth, till I thought I was going to be dizzy, if I did not make a decision.
I called the boys, we met for lunch.
There, in the corner booth at Taco Bell, we enjoyed rich conversation and sharing. They were in the "mood" to talk. And it was priceless.
So, today, I am going to attempt to paint my own toenails. A procedure that I have been sadly, less than successful at, in the past. They just look "home-done" when I apply the polish.
I will smile, every time I look down, over the next few weeks, and see my toes.
Lunch with my sons was the right choice:)
Monday, June 14, 2010
Cultivating a heart for missions in your child
Our 3rd son, Casey,age 20, arrived home yesterday, from a 3 week mission trip to Ecuador.
He had lots of stories to share of his experience.
Nine years ago, when Casey was 11, we took him and his brothers on their first missions trip. Our mission trip was to the country of Honduras, to help with a school. In this rural setting, many of the students, had never experienced having "gringo" children in close proximity, let alone, engaged with them in fun and games. They were especially fascinated by our youngest son, Brock's (then age 6) glasses. They could not fathom, a young boy, actually having "lenses".
I remember asking the missionary, if it would have been better use of our resources to "send" him the money to use for food and equipment vs. the cost of bringing our entire family. His answer surprised me. He was firm in his belief that bringing our children and exposing them to mission work, not only blessed the children at the school, but would have a life long effect on our boys. He was right. The next year, our oldest, Seth returned to the school for 3 weeks to help. In the years that followed, the boys took advantage of other mission opportunities with church youth groups.
It is never to young to expose your children to mission work. We started years before this Honduras trip, by sponsoring a child from a mission school in India. Her picture hung on our refrigerator, as a reminder to pray for her.
Planting a seed, at a young age, coupled with the experience, anticipation and excitement of their first trip, has fueled a passion for missions. I pray this zeal will continue, as the boys have opportunities to share the love of Christ, where ever the Lord leads them.
He had lots of stories to share of his experience.
Nine years ago, when Casey was 11, we took him and his brothers on their first missions trip. Our mission trip was to the country of Honduras, to help with a school. In this rural setting, many of the students, had never experienced having "gringo" children in close proximity, let alone, engaged with them in fun and games. They were especially fascinated by our youngest son, Brock's (then age 6) glasses. They could not fathom, a young boy, actually having "lenses".
I remember asking the missionary, if it would have been better use of our resources to "send" him the money to use for food and equipment vs. the cost of bringing our entire family. His answer surprised me. He was firm in his belief that bringing our children and exposing them to mission work, not only blessed the children at the school, but would have a life long effect on our boys. He was right. The next year, our oldest, Seth returned to the school for 3 weeks to help. In the years that followed, the boys took advantage of other mission opportunities with church youth groups.
It is never to young to expose your children to mission work. We started years before this Honduras trip, by sponsoring a child from a mission school in India. Her picture hung on our refrigerator, as a reminder to pray for her.
Planting a seed, at a young age, coupled with the experience, anticipation and excitement of their first trip, has fueled a passion for missions. I pray this zeal will continue, as the boys have opportunities to share the love of Christ, where ever the Lord leads them.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Suriving Piranha Week!
I refer to the first full week of summer as Piranha week!
Just one week ago, the kids were sick of the school routine and ready to have a summer break. They were tired of teachers, school lunches, getting up early and home work.
And now, one week into freedom, they are bored, hungry, irritable and pestering anything and everything that moves. Even the family dog has run for cover.
Each year, as piranha week edged closer, I promised myself, "This year, we will have a great first week!"However, this statement rang hollow, as I found myself defeated and frustrated by day 5.
Following are a few tips that I found worked for me as I forged ahead, and through trial and error, survived piranha week, and set the groundwork for a great memory filled summer.
#1 Have a family meeting, and set clear expectations of what the summer routine will be. Do not assume that the children know what these are. If they can read, post the list on the refrigerator.
#2 Children crave structure, whether they know it or not, so do have a schedule for the week. It should be "looser" than the school year routine, but have one.
#3 Look at your children bents. Do they like to sleep in? Are they early risers? We had a rule that everyone was up by 9:00 am. This gave us a goal, so that those early birds, were not "waiting" for the sleepyheads to get up, get there morning chores done, and then finally move along to something fun in the day.
#4 Have chores for each child, everyday. Even the tiniest tot can find all the dirty towels in the house and put them in front of the washer. They can take a bag and "find" all the trash in the van. They can put all the toys in the toy box and feed the dog.
Older kids can sweep out the car and sweep the house. They can wash the car. Make beds, Take everything out of the fridge, wipe it out and put things back. Maybe they are in charge of breakfast or lunch each day. They can pull weeds around the house, gather and sort laundry, fold laundry, do the dishes, wipe down kitchen and bathroom cabinets, gather library books, and the list can go on and on....
Some of these chores like beds and dishes can be daily, while others can be assigned a specific day of the week.
#5 I found that having a rule that all chores be done by lunch was a great strategy. This gives incentive to get the job done. We could then have afternoon plans and come home to a clean tidy house.
#6 I tried to have something scheduled to do 2 or 3 days a week in the afternoon. Monday may be library day, Wednesday we went to the local pool, Friday we spend time at the park, ect. I kept it simple and just for a few hours.
#7 Show your kids "downtime" is ok. It is fine to have everyone take "personal" time each day after lunch and go to our rooms and read or listen to books on tape. This gives you, mom, a much needed break! This is very important if you have little ones who still need naps and older children who are looking for entertainment. If you find the naps are interfering with afternoon activities, try flipping you schedule and doing chores in the afternoon while the younger children are sleeping and enjoying the fun stuff while the children are fresh and rested.
#8 Have a bedtime routine, even in the summer. You need a break mom, and you and your husband need time together.
#8 Have incentives! Treat you children to ice cream during the week, go to the park or zoo this summer. Praise them and thank them for cooperating around the house and helping get things done so you have time to enjoy the activities summer brings.
#9 You will still have "piranha days" this summer. Days where you hide in your walk in closet and eat M&M's to console and convince yourself that you will survive the summer. Hopefully they will be few and far between:)
Just one week ago, the kids were sick of the school routine and ready to have a summer break. They were tired of teachers, school lunches, getting up early and home work.
And now, one week into freedom, they are bored, hungry, irritable and pestering anything and everything that moves. Even the family dog has run for cover.
Each year, as piranha week edged closer, I promised myself, "This year, we will have a great first week!"However, this statement rang hollow, as I found myself defeated and frustrated by day 5.
Following are a few tips that I found worked for me as I forged ahead, and through trial and error, survived piranha week, and set the groundwork for a great memory filled summer.
#1 Have a family meeting, and set clear expectations of what the summer routine will be. Do not assume that the children know what these are. If they can read, post the list on the refrigerator.
#2 Children crave structure, whether they know it or not, so do have a schedule for the week. It should be "looser" than the school year routine, but have one.
#3 Look at your children bents. Do they like to sleep in? Are they early risers? We had a rule that everyone was up by 9:00 am. This gave us a goal, so that those early birds, were not "waiting" for the sleepyheads to get up, get there morning chores done, and then finally move along to something fun in the day.
#4 Have chores for each child, everyday. Even the tiniest tot can find all the dirty towels in the house and put them in front of the washer. They can take a bag and "find" all the trash in the van. They can put all the toys in the toy box and feed the dog.
Older kids can sweep out the car and sweep the house. They can wash the car. Make beds, Take everything out of the fridge, wipe it out and put things back. Maybe they are in charge of breakfast or lunch each day. They can pull weeds around the house, gather and sort laundry, fold laundry, do the dishes, wipe down kitchen and bathroom cabinets, gather library books, and the list can go on and on....
Some of these chores like beds and dishes can be daily, while others can be assigned a specific day of the week.
#5 I found that having a rule that all chores be done by lunch was a great strategy. This gives incentive to get the job done. We could then have afternoon plans and come home to a clean tidy house.
#6 I tried to have something scheduled to do 2 or 3 days a week in the afternoon. Monday may be library day, Wednesday we went to the local pool, Friday we spend time at the park, ect. I kept it simple and just for a few hours.
#7 Show your kids "downtime" is ok. It is fine to have everyone take "personal" time each day after lunch and go to our rooms and read or listen to books on tape. This gives you, mom, a much needed break! This is very important if you have little ones who still need naps and older children who are looking for entertainment. If you find the naps are interfering with afternoon activities, try flipping you schedule and doing chores in the afternoon while the younger children are sleeping and enjoying the fun stuff while the children are fresh and rested.
#8 Have a bedtime routine, even in the summer. You need a break mom, and you and your husband need time together.
#8 Have incentives! Treat you children to ice cream during the week, go to the park or zoo this summer. Praise them and thank them for cooperating around the house and helping get things done so you have time to enjoy the activities summer brings.
#9 You will still have "piranha days" this summer. Days where you hide in your walk in closet and eat M&M's to console and convince yourself that you will survive the summer. Hopefully they will be few and far between:)
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
My baby is 16!
Brock turned 16 on Sunday. It is hard to believe that 16 years ago, after a pregnancy that seemed it would last until eternity, they placed this 9lb 15oz. "bundle of baby" in my arms.
He has been a low maintenance child from the very beginning. Perhaps, the fact, that he had 3 older brothers, who adored and "looked out" for him, made it seem this way.
He is quiet by nature, and does not need a boatload of friends around, to keep him company. In his infinite wisdom, the Lord knew that if he was going to bless me with another boy, Brock's "easy-going" personality was going to be needed. A high maintenance, demanding boy would have surely put me in a padded cell!
Happy Birthday Brock, you have a special place in my heart.
*Brock is on the far left. Then his brothers Levi, Casey and Seth.
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