A Filly is Born

One of the joys of homeschooling in the country is having the flexibility to drop everything and run across the street when we get the news that a new filly has been born. Our precious neighbors are always willing to share their animals with us so that we too may experience the glorious miracle of new life. We were able to be with this new little filly (a Palamino! Start saving your money Daddy!!) just a few hours after it was born. Isabelle and I are in love.

Spring To-Do List

Joe and I have compiled our To-Do list for this spring. Although we do love living in the country and the work that it entails, it can be a daunting task (one we embrace readily, mind you) to see all that needs to be done! Keep in mind that the following list doesn't include any planting or weeding!! That comes in April/May when hopefully many of these tasks will be done or in the process of completion. When you wonder what we do with our "spare" time, now you'll know.

House:
1. Replace 2 windows
2. Have pianos tuned
3. Clean/organize/simplify in garage
4. Clean windows and replace screens
5. Rebuild window box + add window box to upstairs window

Yard and Barns:
1. Buy new rock and spread between barns
2. Fix upper pasture gate
3. Remove debris from burn pile after burning to compost area
4. Clean/organize/simplify in barn
5. Put out patio/lawn furniture + garden trellises
6. Put pre-emergent poison on the rocks
7. Re-cut circles in grass around yard trees (28 of them) and garden beds
8. Buy and spread bark mulch to garden beds and around yard trees
9. Dig trench and pipeline to provide water for back of barn (to prepare for a potential greenhouse!!)
10. Have trees sprayed and trimmed.
11. Trim back raspberry and blackberry bushes/build new trellis for blackberries

Baby Chicks

Each year, in early spring, we buy a new set of chicks to raise as layers. We've had today (hatching day) on our calendar for the past few weeks so, from the moment she woke up this morning, Isabelle has been asking to go "pick up the chicks". She loves all animals, but especially those she can pick up and put down 2,000 times in one hour! The poor things are going to die of trauma before they ever lay their first egg!! We had fun getting their new (albeit temporary) home ready for them last night in the barn ... and mom cleaned up the mess from that adventure this afternoon! Raising chickens for their eggs is a worthy effort -- but we won't be getting eggs from these little ones until the end of July. This is what you call "del-egg-ed" gratification." Smile.

Quote for the Day

Isabelle came down the stairs crying this morning. I took her on my lap and asked her if she had just had too much "birthday"?
"No," she replied, "It's not that, Momma. It's just that I've discovered that I can never truly be happy."
"Oh, why not?" I asked, curious.
"Because Momma," she answered weeping, "I can never be a sheepdog. What I truly want in life is to be a sheepdog."
Sigh.
Go figure. And I thought the big plastic horse would have sufficed!

The Gift of a Daughter

When I was preganant with Isabelle and only had my two wonderful boys, I never thought I needed a daughter. I mean, what's the big deal!! "Boys are easier," I consoled myself regularly. When the ultrasound tech said, "It looks like a girl," I about fell off the table. I cried uncontrollably. I was simultaneously shocked, overjoyed, and scared out of my wits!!
And then she came ....
That first time I held her .... it was like holding me. I had this little look-alike with big blue eyes, a heart shaped face, and a contagious smile. She was (and is) my shadow. I was scared having a daughter (and still am on some days) because the responsibility seems so big and the relationship so tenuous and yet incredibly precious.
With a daughter I tend to want a bit of curl in my hair. With a daughter, pink is no longer such a bad color (in fact I'm wearing it today). With a daughter I tend to check myself more frequently -- my voice, my attitude, my priorities.
Having a daughter has changed my life.
I remember not long after she was born, I was cleaning (dusting really) the boxes of keepsakes in my closet. I came across the box that my wedding dress is preserved in. Literally forgetting what was in it, I opened it and gasped -- "I have a daughter now. If she wanted to, she could wear this!" It was like a sudden realization of a whole new world opened up to me of possibilities and responsibilities. Weddings, makeup, boyfriends, girlfriends, hurt feelings, tea parties, ballet, gymnastics, periods, hormones, grandchildren, cooking, cleaning, gardening, teaching, traveling, reading Anne of Green Gables, watching all those "girl movies" ..... a whole new world.
And so, today on her 6th birthday, I say thank you to my precious, precious little shadow with a zest and zeal for life all her own. What a gift! Thank you God, for the joy of it all.

Homeschooling 101

The children are away with Daddy, the floors are vacuumed, the tea is brewed, the laundry is done ... all is well. Ahhhhhh.

I've been aware for a while that several non-homeschoolers are reading this blog. Because of this I thought it was important that I share some realities re: homeschooling. The biggest myth that I must dispel at once is the fact that I don't create lessons plans each day for each individual child. In fact, I don't stand up in front of them and "teach", ever. I suppose there are those times when I call a family meeting on the couch and I stand and speak sternly to my children re: some particular behavior that needs retraining. As far as teaching goes though, instead it looks more like mom reintroducing subjects that have long since left the forefront of her mind. I'm usually at the table or sitting on the couch. I don't have notes or a script of what to say. I know the learning styles and bents of each child and so the "teaching" is done uniquely in a way that each can receive it willingly and joyfully. Mostly, we work our way through different subjects with texts or books or workbooks ... each day, offering a new lesson.

The strangest thing about homeschooling for those who are completely unaware of what it looks like in reality, is the notion that somehow we are replicating traditional school -- only at home. No. At least not in this homeschool. Instead, I started with an incredibly curious child who's capability and desire to learn taught me more about "school" than any degree ever could. (I do have a graduate level degree by the way -- I use it to counsel myself nearly every day! Hah!). As time passes, and the level of learning becomes more difficult, it is necessary to keep on schedule -- particularly when it comes time to calculate and plan for credit hours to go on a high school transcript. Even then however, I would say I am more of a "facilitator" of learning, than I am a teacher.

So, how I began with my first child was -- I HAD FUN learning and reading and discovering and digging and exploring. Eventually, after I taught him to read using homemade flashcards of the alphabet and nothing more, I found resources (and there are HUNDREDS out there for homeschoolers) to find curriculum and needed supplies and books that the local library or Barnes and Noble didn't carry. I began to attend Homeschool Conventions (see www.chois.org for Idaho's Homeschool Convention coming in June), listened to workshop speakers, read hundreds of books (out of pure joy), and wandered the halls of the curriculum fairs. Homeschooling is a culture in and of itself. There were and are SO MANY choices for learning materials for our kids. Some are more traditional textbook approaches, some have your daily learning with each child outlined per hour, some offer flexibility, some push your kids academically, and some encourage natural learning. You can buy programs that cover every subject or just one. You can buy DVD's to teach advanced subjects. You can hire tutors. You can belong to co-ops where the teaching is shared and kids can have a classroom feel once a week. The possibilities are endless.

Should you choose to homeschool, you are among some wonderful company. The "teaching" part is easier than you realize, especially if you're working diligently to learn alongside your child. The hard part is simply the discipline and self-sacrifice to make this a regular and integral part of your day. A schedule helps -- even if it's just a loose one. In choosing to homeschool you are taking on the incredible, awesome and life-changing experience of introducing this world to your child one subject at a time. It is a responsibility however, and not one you should take lightly. It requires daily prayer and sacrifice. But ... it's totally worth it. The fruit received from homeschooling goes far beyond just the academic for your child. It becomes a lifestyle for your whole family.

Flu anyone?

Well, in spite of getting the flu shot, taking daily echinacea and vitamin C, and drinking tea with our homegrown honey everyday -- I still got sick this late winter. 3 out of the 5 of us have the flu, and a 4th is on her way. Ugh. Pictured above is my daily allowance of kleenex, water, honey and Germ-x (although at this point I'm tempted to go swap spit with everyone so that we can all just have it at once!!). It's been a long week of sneezing, snorting, coughing, and spewing. Tomorrow we'll take the day off and do -- who knows what?! Isabelle has requested an entire day to watch videos. Since her birthday weekend plans of going to Sun Valley to ski and ice skate have been canceled due to sickness, I'm liable to give her whatever she wants! The good news is that my friends have spoiled me rotten and, to date, I've received a homemade pizza, a wonderful big bowl of hearty bean and ham soup, and tonight am having homemade macaroni and cheese delivered hot and to my door!! Delightful!

Celebration Dinners

My parents have a neat tradition. For each of the grandchildren's birthdays, they host a "celebration dinner" for that child. It begins with a handmade invitation, complete with menu choices. The child gets to choose their decoration colors, their dinner menu, and dessert selection. These "celebration dinners" are my parent's way of making each grandchild feel important and valued in their eyes. Grandma always buys balloons and decorates a special candle for each child. Last night was Isabelle's celebration dinner. This week she turns 6 years old!

Here Isabelle is lighting her number "6" candle with Grandma. The candle is decorated with special stickers and mementos which symbolize the things that make Isabelle unique.

After dinner, we all get a turn to tell what we are thankful for in the child. Here Isabelle is listening to Grandpa tell her what he likes most about her. Notice the big smile!

After dinner, Isabelle looked at the beautiful dresses that Grandma made her for her birthday, complete with pinafore. Isabelle enjoys playing "Laura and Mary" and will now have a pinafore of her very own!

At Grandma's house, Isabelle loves to play with the dogs. Here is Haddie Mae with her "dog dress" on. This was another special and meaningful celebration dinner at Grandma's house. Thanks Mom for going to all the trouble to make each child feel special!

Signs of Spring

At this time of year, my kids and I play the game of "Look for Signs of Spring" while on our walks. Here are a few we found. Although I know we're still in for more winter weather, I'm thankful for sunny and relatively warm days such as this when I can remember and wait with anticipation for the green of spring.

Credit Where Credit is Due

Over and over in the past few weeks, I've been reminded that I have little to say, to show, to share ... without the gift of life given to me through God. It is never my intent to brag or boast as I share our days with you. All that I am able to accomplish is SINGLEHANDEDLY through the goodness of my Savior. Without Him I wouldn't be. Over the course of my life I see His faithfulness to prepare me ideally for the place I am right here, right now. I have a heritage, a legacy of the faithful prayers of my mother and grandmother, of friends and neighbors, and of my own to look to and see the path He has brought me through. What I am able to do each day in my home, with my children, for my husband, and in my culture is because of the unique strengths He has given to me. Keep in mind -- I have weaknesses as well. Several have mentioned wanting to see them. Smile. My friends and my family all know my weaknesses. They live them with me and help me come back to the place of "delighting" in my God. This blog is therapy for me. It is a chance to focus on the brighter things in life -- and there are a lot of them if you take the time to look. That's my purpose for this blog. God gives us beauty in the simple things of life. A candle lit. The blush of a sunrise. The precious words of our children. The satisfaction of a job well done. The tiny, seemingly insignificant moments that all add up to a lifetime ... they can all be meaningful. Count your blessings, name them one by one by one by one ......

Valentine Treasure Hunt

Every year for Valentine's Day, we celebrate with the kids by giving them a "treasure hunt" of sorts. On several heart shaped papers, we've written poems leading them to some location in the house and to their next heart-shaped clue. The treasure hunt ends with them finding a small gift and some candy to celebrate the day. We end the morning with pink, heart pancakes! Hope yours is a love-filled day!!

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Last Friday night was the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance at our church (Crossroads Community Church). This is an anticipated date all year long. The day begins with nail polish and curlers; and ends with Isabelle receiving flowers and adorning her beautiful little girl dress. After pictures are taken, Joe and Isabelle head out to join friends for dinner. At the dance itself they enjoy balloons, games, professional photos, cake, punch, and of course dancing!! Joe says that Isabelle mostly just dances with her little girlfriends, but occasionally will save a special dance just for him. Precious!

Hot Chocolate with School

Since Josiah has been in the middle school years, we've shared a sweet tradition nearly daily through the dark and cold winter months. During the hour where he and I work alone on various subjects of his school schedule, we make peppermint hot chocolate (complete with whipped cream of course) and sip it while warming our hands and discussing the subject at hand. We both look forward to this time and the sweet treat we share. It's a simple and yet treasured tradition.

I'm Really a Wimp

So, I've had friends now who've told me that they wish they could see some weakness in me -- particularly on my blog where all looks rosy and perfect. My biggest goal for by blog, aside from just being a sort of scrapbook for grandparents and friends afar to keep up with our daily activities, is to hopefully be an encouragement for others who live as moms (and especially homeschool moms) seeking to make home a place of beauty and contentment and peace.
This morning I had a notion though, to write about one of my biggest weaknesses --- namely, I'm a wimp. The past two weeks I've had trouble sleeping again -- nothing new here. Whenever I'm stressed or hormonal (usually both), I have trouble sleeping. When I have trouble sleeping, I become anxious and so on and so forth. It is a vicious cycle that I'm ashamed to admit, but so it goes. The wimpy part comes in the fact that this tends to happen just because life gets out of its normal routine for me. I'm fine as long as the biggest decision I have to make in life is whether or not to teach my daughter how to use the bread machine today or next Thursday; or if I should plant the peas next to the tomatoes or keep them by the corn! But when you factor in overnight company or planning a birthday party or organizing a class -- then my body and mind seem to go into a tailspin. It's pathetic. Truly. I'm a wimp. What can I say? As much as I think I am NOT fretting, deep inside I must be because I eventually see the side-effects and then have to pray and rest my way out of them again (which can take months).
So there you go -- now you know that it's easier for me to keep focused on the easier, rosier, happier, less-thought-provoking side of life. Anything more -- and I'm a wimp.

Happy Birthday Honey

Today is Joe's 40th birthday... wow. I met my husband when he was 19 and I was 18 in the cafeteria of the college we attended together -- Northwest Nazarene College. I was flirting with the other boys, but he was the only one who paid attention to me. His first words to me were, "Has anyone ever told you, you have the most beautiful eyes?" Well, I was hooked from that moment on! :) Joe and I have been through college together, through a blizzard of a wedding, through the hours of study in medical school for him and graduate school for me, through having our first baby poor as church mice, through the long hours of internship, through a cross-country move, through the poverty that comes unexpectedly at times, through cars breaking down, through buying our first home, through residency hours and responsibilities, through a colicky second baby, through dreaming and making dreams come true and letting some dreams die, through a second cross country move, and living through and learning what life is all about. We've shared heartaches and tears. We've applauded when accomplishments come. We've held our baby daughter never having imagined that such a thing could happen. We walk our property with pride and joy and an overflowing thankfulness for the blessings of God. We still dream together.
I take a lot of things for granted unfortunately ... but I don't take him. Joe has faults just like the rest of us, and of course there are always those things I wish he was more of. But let me tell you what he is right now: My husband is the very best Daddy of anyone I know. He spends time, tells stories, wrestles and loves on, and adores each of his children. He makes our family the top priority of his life. My husband is wonderful to me. He regularly tells me I'm beautiful. He helps me fold laundry, will do the dishes, and is just as happy with cereal for dinner as he is a huge meal. He takes care of all of my physical needs and gives me more than I could even ask for. He tries dutifully to show me love as God demands of it in His Word. He is patient and strong. He is faithful and kind. He is loving and funny. I'm married to a wonderful man for whom I am so very, very thankful.
Happy birthday honey. I love you more than you'll ever know.

My Place of Quiet Rest

I like to begin and end my day steeped in God's Word. It doesn't always happen as I like, but it is slowly becoming a habit ... one that helps me through my day and one that lulls me to sleep in the knowledge and assurance of God's love. My favorite place to do this (in the morning at least) is in the chair we affectionately call "The Hug". It was named that upon its arrival into our home because when you sit into it, you sink -- it's as if you're being wrapped in a big hug. This is by far, the favorite seat in the house and sits beautifully next to the weathered baby grand piano which has been in my family for nearly a century. The "Hug" is my place of quiet rest. Beside it is a homemade basket (by my talented and thoughtful mom-in-love) with my Bible and my journal in which I write out the many Bible verses which have held meaning and shaped me over the years -- and which are constantly being added to. I don't spend a certain amount of time each day. I find as women we are prone to comparing, and I am no different. When I begin to think in terms of a time amount, I soon begin thinking that more is better ... and eventually, I lose the purpose of why I am there. And so, I begin when I begin ... and I pray and read and write until I am done. It may be only 5 minutes, it may be 30. It may not happen at all. I believe that God is NOT keeping score. I'm thankful for that. The ottoman with our "Hug" serves as my altar. Oh .... so many times have I knelt there to pour out my feelings, my inadequacies, my fears, my anxieties, and yes -- my praises as well. My God is so good to listen to me through it all. I am thankful for my place of quiet rest and for the faith and heritage that brings me to this place each day.

Weeping Willow in Winter

View From My Kitchen Sink

Sometimes I get nostalgic (and ever so thankful) at simple moments in my day. At just the right time this evening while I stood at the sink for the 37th time today and washed dishes, a beautiful Twila Paris song came on and the sun streamed through the windows. This is the view I have each day from my kitchen sink -- it changes with each season. Today it's full of snow and winter twilight with blue and white and hints of warm yellow. I venture I will spend at large portion of my life standing behind a kitchen sink. I am so thankful for the sights and sounds and smells surrounding me as I do. . .

Alison Taylor

This is my new precious niece - Alison (Ally). She already loves her Auntie Kristi -- can't you tell? Children are a so valuable and precious in God's sight. I'm thankful for another opportunity to hold and smell and snuggle and smile at a baby!