Saturday, March 28, 2009
Thankful For Spring and So Much More
We have had beautiful spring days here and our family has really enjoyed spending some time outside.
We did school outside a few days and it was so enjoyable to sit at the table and talk and take in the sunshine. I know the hot hot hot days of summer will be upon us before I am ready so I intend to drink in every moment of each spring day.
Paige loves the sunshine too because that means she can go outside and ride her bike. I'm sure her Dad will love the fact that she is riding her bike in her baseball uniform, cleats and all.
I love this little girl so much. She has come so far in overcoming her speech, language and developmental delays. When I watch her my heart is filled with thankfulness to a God who listened to this mama's cries and worries over her child and has worked a miracle in her life. We have been blessed with people who care so much about her and her progress. I know this little girl can truly do anything and I am sure God has something very special planned for her. She has such a sweet and gentle spirit. Her teacher's are always commenting to me how kind she is and how she cares about the other kids in her class. That tender heart will probably cause her much pain at times but I wouldn't change it for anything. It truly does make her who she is.
Well, I'm off to take a shower. Garrett has a basketball tournament this weekend. Yes, you read that right. Not baseball, but basketball. This is the big tournament weekend that ends the season and his team is playing for first place today at 11:30. So, I guess I better get moving.
Pictures to follow, I promise grandma.
We did school outside a few days and it was so enjoyable to sit at the table and talk and take in the sunshine. I know the hot hot hot days of summer will be upon us before I am ready so I intend to drink in every moment of each spring day.
Paige loves the sunshine too because that means she can go outside and ride her bike. I'm sure her Dad will love the fact that she is riding her bike in her baseball uniform, cleats and all.
I love this little girl so much. She has come so far in overcoming her speech, language and developmental delays. When I watch her my heart is filled with thankfulness to a God who listened to this mama's cries and worries over her child and has worked a miracle in her life. We have been blessed with people who care so much about her and her progress. I know this little girl can truly do anything and I am sure God has something very special planned for her. She has such a sweet and gentle spirit. Her teacher's are always commenting to me how kind she is and how she cares about the other kids in her class. That tender heart will probably cause her much pain at times but I wouldn't change it for anything. It truly does make her who she is.
Well, I'm off to take a shower. Garrett has a basketball tournament this weekend. Yes, you read that right. Not baseball, but basketball. This is the big tournament weekend that ends the season and his team is playing for first place today at 11:30. So, I guess I better get moving.
Pictures to follow, I promise grandma.
Labels: Developmental Delays, faith, sports
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Working on Kindness
During the Advent Season our family is really good about meeting together in the evening for some scripture and story reading. The rest of the year that whole idea seems to kind of fall apart.
At the begining of 2009 Dave and I decided that we wanted that to change. I searched for devoitonals, inspirational stories, anything that would bring us together.
We finally decided on a drastic course of action.
We would read the Books of the Bible together as a family.
What a concept, huh?
Two or three nights a week we meet together for some time as a family. I would like to say it was every night, but I am happy with the balance we have found between sports and God. It definitely doesn't seem as one sided anymore, the tetor totter had definitely been tilted in the wrong direction for a while.
After we read a Chapter or two in the Bible we do one of the lessons in this book.
I noticed that my children have not been very respectful and kind to each other lately and I wanted us to discuss what the Bible had to say about kindness.
The book has 24 rules you can use in your house and you can add to them to make your own kind of "Family Constitution".
We have been working on this one for a few weeks:
Dave and I are both sarcastic people thus we have produced 5 children who think sarcasm is fabulous. However, at times, it can sound cruel and unkind. We need to watch that around here.
I love the fact that you work on each rule for 5 nights, and each night there are different discussions and Bible verses to look up regarding that rule. This book can be geared for older or younger children. I usually just use it as a guideline and then add my own information and questions to some of theirs for my high school age kids.
I usually make a snack or something to make the time more fun. We have had some great discussions during this time and I have learned things about my children I never knew.
Here are some pictures of Valentines Day Evening. I got a few little gifts for the kids and let them open them before our devotional. It was fun.
Garrett was very excited about his bubble gum (We generally have a no gum rule in our house).
Paige having a hard time waiting for her turn.
Tyler's happy. Paige is daydreaming about what could be in her bag (it was a my little pony baby).
Samantha got some new sleep pants.
I love my family, and I love spending time with them. Making 2009 the year we have scheduled time together in the evening has been one of the best decisions we have ever made.
If you have teenagers I would highly recommend doing this. Its amazing how lose their lips get when they are relaxed and bribed with sugar.
I only have a few short years left with my teens and I am determined to fill their hearts with God's truth's before I set them off into the world.
I really wish I truly understood how fast the time would go by when they were little. It's almost time for the oldest to spread his wings and fly (18 months until the first day of college). While he may be ready, this mom isn't so sure she is.
At the begining of 2009 Dave and I decided that we wanted that to change. I searched for devoitonals, inspirational stories, anything that would bring us together.
We finally decided on a drastic course of action.
We would read the Books of the Bible together as a family.
What a concept, huh?
Two or three nights a week we meet together for some time as a family. I would like to say it was every night, but I am happy with the balance we have found between sports and God. It definitely doesn't seem as one sided anymore, the tetor totter had definitely been tilted in the wrong direction for a while.
After we read a Chapter or two in the Bible we do one of the lessons in this book.
I noticed that my children have not been very respectful and kind to each other lately and I wanted us to discuss what the Bible had to say about kindness.
The book has 24 rules you can use in your house and you can add to them to make your own kind of "Family Constitution".
We have been working on this one for a few weeks:
We love one another, treating others with kindness, gentleness, and respect.
Dave and I are both sarcastic people thus we have produced 5 children who think sarcasm is fabulous. However, at times, it can sound cruel and unkind. We need to watch that around here.
I love the fact that you work on each rule for 5 nights, and each night there are different discussions and Bible verses to look up regarding that rule. This book can be geared for older or younger children. I usually just use it as a guideline and then add my own information and questions to some of theirs for my high school age kids.
I usually make a snack or something to make the time more fun. We have had some great discussions during this time and I have learned things about my children I never knew.
Here are some pictures of Valentines Day Evening. I got a few little gifts for the kids and let them open them before our devotional. It was fun.
Garrett was very excited about his bubble gum (We generally have a no gum rule in our house).
Paige having a hard time waiting for her turn.
Tyler's happy. Paige is daydreaming about what could be in her bag (it was a my little pony baby).
Samantha got some new sleep pants.
I love my family, and I love spending time with them. Making 2009 the year we have scheduled time together in the evening has been one of the best decisions we have ever made.
If you have teenagers I would highly recommend doing this. Its amazing how lose their lips get when they are relaxed and bribed with sugar.
I only have a few short years left with my teens and I am determined to fill their hearts with God's truth's before I set them off into the world.
I really wish I truly understood how fast the time would go by when they were little. It's almost time for the oldest to spread his wings and fly (18 months until the first day of college). While he may be ready, this mom isn't so sure she is.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
And So We Try A New Sport
The boys stood holding hands in a circle on the basketball court. One team in white the other in blue. A prayer was said for a good game.
Then they played ball.
That would be BASKETBALL.
We are trying to branch out and try new things around here.
I had a great time watching the game and talking with all the other parents.
Unfortunately Garrett's team got their butt's kicked.
It almost killed my husband.
I think the Dad who is coaching doesn't know that much about this sport. However, he tried, and he voluneered. So as far as I am concerned he did great.
I reminded wonderful husband that we signed Garrett up for this homeschool sports league so he could have fun and meet other kids who were homeschooled.
He has. And he had an awesome time, even though they lost.
Hubby agreed. He was OK.
Or so he said.
He kept groaning under his breath as he watched the game.
As we were leaving he said he was glad Garrett had such a good time......but the seaon just might kill him. He wasn't sure he could take it.
Hang in there honey, the season will be over in 3 months. Plus, baseball is just around the corner, and your team needs you.
Then they played ball.
That would be BASKETBALL.
We are trying to branch out and try new things around here.
I had a great time watching the game and talking with all the other parents.
Unfortunately Garrett's team got their butt's kicked.
It almost killed my husband.
I think the Dad who is coaching doesn't know that much about this sport. However, he tried, and he voluneered. So as far as I am concerned he did great.
I reminded wonderful husband that we signed Garrett up for this homeschool sports league so he could have fun and meet other kids who were homeschooled.
He has. And he had an awesome time, even though they lost.
Hubby agreed. He was OK.
Or so he said.
He kept groaning under his breath as he watched the game.
As we were leaving he said he was glad Garrett had such a good time......but the seaon just might kill him. He wasn't sure he could take it.
Hang in there honey, the season will be over in 3 months. Plus, baseball is just around the corner, and your team needs you.
Labels: Home Schooling, sports
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A Hostile Take Over
We have been studying about U.S. government and the election process for the last two weeks trying to gear up for the upcoming elections.
Today we discussed the two party system and how that worked. We read a little about the process of getting elected president and how the way candidates campaign has changed over the years.
For fun I had them write a one paragraph speech about what they would change if they were elected president of our home. Let me tell you, they were ALL OVER that assignment.
I am going to share Samantha's speech with you but before I do I need to explain one thing. Tyler (15) has had wrestling try outs every day this week at 6:00 a.m before school. That means he is getting up at 5:00 a.m. to be treated like a dog and forced to run and exercise until he feels like he may die. Zachary (16) is having the same thing happen after school as they are doing conditioning for baseball right now.
Needless to say they are both tired, grumpy, sore, and hungry when they get home. Not the best combination for one teenager. When you have two of them, you can imagine that my afternoons have been a little challenging.
With that explanation, here is what Samantha wrote;
Today we discussed the two party system and how that worked. We read a little about the process of getting elected president and how the way candidates campaign has changed over the years.
For fun I had them write a one paragraph speech about what they would change if they were elected president of our home. Let me tell you, they were ALL OVER that assignment.
I am going to share Samantha's speech with you but before I do I need to explain one thing. Tyler (15) has had wrestling try outs every day this week at 6:00 a.m before school. That means he is getting up at 5:00 a.m. to be treated like a dog and forced to run and exercise until he feels like he may die. Zachary (16) is having the same thing happen after school as they are doing conditioning for baseball right now.
Needless to say they are both tired, grumpy, sore, and hungry when they get home. Not the best combination for one teenager. When you have two of them, you can imagine that my afternoons have been a little challenging.
With that explanation, here is what Samantha wrote;
If I were to be elected President of this home I would change many things. My
first action would be to secure the premises. I would deport the local
terrorists, Tyler and Zachary, under the charges of physical and verbal abuse.
My next action would be to finish the remodeling of mine and my parents
"offices". Next, I would make a new list of laws and change Jo Jo into our
nations mascot. After that I would improve every citizens wardrobe. When all
that was done I would
put new grass in the back yard with a dirt area for Jo
Jo and Sydney to go "Potty". I would also invest in new furniture for our living
room and a new flat screen TV for the new and improved family room for all the
citizens to enjoy. These are only a few of the things I would do.
Garrett's essay was similar, however, he only sent them both off to the Army. Not to exile forever.
Anyone want to come over for a visit this afternoon? It really is all kinds of fun.
Labels: Home Schooling, Mom Stuff, sports
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Why Football Will Never Be My Sport
Two years ago our youngest son, Garrett, who was just getting ready to turn 9 decided that he wanted to try football instead of playing winter baseball. To say that it was not a positive experience would be an understatement. One of the coaches was a complete psycho, the other ones were not much better, and they all seemed to fight and couldn't agree on how the team should be run. He didn't have a good time and decided that maybe Football wasn't going to be his game.
Last year the team tried to get him to play again (he is actually pretty good) but Garrett said no. One year was enough.
During baseball season this year some of his friends on the team started saying that they were going to play football this season and wouldn't it be fun to all play together? This is when my dread began.
You see, I really don't like football. OK, that's not exactly true. I do like to watch professional football and college ball. However, I do not like to watch young boys play, and this is mainly due to the coaching.
There is so much yelling and screaming. They seem to think that by demoralizing these children they are going to turn them into star athletes. It's all about the coaches egos and very little about the actual kids. Everyone, parents, coaches, grandparents, seem to forget that these are actually children once they hit the field.
Anyway, Garrett decided to give it a try again this year with his friends. He is enjoying it more, however, his mom is not. These coaches definitely need to read some books, such as those from the positive coaching alliance.
I took Garrett to his practices this week because Dave had been out of town on business. Garrett hates to run. Football has a lot of running. The kids usually have to do two laps around the field after they have done their warm up exercises. In the beginning of the conditioning part of the season many of the boys throw up during this part. They just aren't used to all this hard work. For some reason they had the boys do extra running last night and my son was not happy. He was uncomfortable and struggling and he started to cry.
Now, he did not stop running. He ran and cried at the same time. I was proud of him for not giving up and fighting through his difficulty with the extra lap. One of the coaches kept yelling at him "Smith, stop crying" (we'll pretend like our last name is Smith) over and over again.
I didn't get it. Other boys were crying to but he chose to pick my kid to rag on. The one who wasn't giving up. He may have been crying, but he was still running. I felt proud.
When they finally gave them there water break he came over and tried to be strong. He had snot and buggers running down his face but he wouldn't let me wipe them off. He drank his water and went back to the team...buggers and all.
He had a great practice after that and everything was fine.
This is my question. Why is it that all the pee wee football coaches I have seen are overweight and couldn't run 1/10 of what they expect these boys to do? They all seem to have some sort of inferiority complex that makes them act like mad men once they hit the field.
So, you know what happened right? I couldn't keep my mouth shut.
As the coach yelled at Garrett for crying while he was running I just happened to say something like "Perhaps if the coaches actually had to run with the kids they would be crying to. Somehow I have the feeling if the coaches had to run this part of practice would have been over twenty minutes ago".
He looked at me and called a water break.
He then has the gall to tell the kids at the end of practice that if they want to complain they can just sit on the bench. The head coach looked a little nervous. He knew me well enough to know that I would happily yank my kid off the team (since my kid starts and plays most of the game at guard I doubt he would be happy about that). My husband on the other hand would have a very different perspective on the whole thing.
He thinks its good for him to be challenged. I say it is more like tortured.
I'm not sure if women and men (or mothers and fathers) will ever be able to agree on this one.
Anyway, he is still playing, and he actually seems to like it.
If he doesn't mind the yelling and running and crying and throwing up why should I?
Thankfully his Dad is back in town and has taken over the football duties again.
How long until baseball season starts again?
I have a feeling not soon enough for me!
Labels: sports
