Well no posts in 2009 what does that say about my little loft? Actually I haven't been very consistent at updating my other blog either. I'm wondering if my "writing" days are coming to an end? I hope not - it's been a great way to record our homeschooling journey and since Noah is just starting I really hope that I continue - especially with the "antics" that he comes up with. Did I tell you about the "Nut up my nose" the other night? Well it turns out Noah has been down with a cold. He hadn't been eating much but Paul came home with a container of assorted nuts and unbeknownst to us he took them to bed with him. We thought he was sleeping when all of a sudden he started crying....like he was really hurt. He was trying to tell me but I couldn't understand a word he was saying....finally Josh figured out he was saying "There is a nut up my nose"!! A nut? I thought it was like a nut (and bolt) since we have "renovation" stuff strewn across the upstairs rooms. But then we realized it was a peanut of sorts. Well Dad managed to get it out with the tweezers thankfully - it was pretty far up there. I think it scared Noah more than hurt him.....what a kid. My favorite part was when I was telling my Mom she said "Josh never would of done anything like that." So true....Josh wouldn't think of it, or if he did he would for sure of asked permission first. Not Noah he just goes ahead and does it and begs forgiveness later. Two different kids, too funny!
Well let's see what other "excitement" have I had?
I'm really enjoying spinning and knitting again. January was a sickness month for me ... on and on it went and I wasn't sleeping through the night which is NOT good for me. Finally I got over everything and have been sleeping again so I feel so much better!
Homeschooling is going really well and I'm already thinking about next year....crazy I know. This high school thing has me stumped though as I feel I know what direction I should be going but "high school" stuff keeps getting presented to me and I'm wondering what God is up to with that. I feel like he wants me to do something but I'm really not sure yet what it is .... that's ok for now I'll wait and I know whatever IT is he'll let me know.
Speaking of God - both Paul and I are getting the message that moving may be in our future. We are not at all sure what that will look like but we are both definately getting the message that we won't be here for the long term anyways. I'm kind of sad about that I actually really love this location....I feel "central" to everything, but maybe that is a bad thing? We'll see what the future holds.
Oh there is a knitting shop for sale but of course that is not really what I want to do ...but it is just so tempting when I know I could do it.
I am starting to get anxious for spring....the winter has been so "mild" I just know when things start melting ....sigh.....
I need some furniture.... not new per say.... I'm hoping something comes my way.
Well coffee is ready so I think I'll have another cup and knit for a bit and then have my shower, run to the store for salad stuff for church supper tonight. Looking forward to our house church today, we have another couple joining us.
Well until next time, thanks for sitting and chatting with me. It does feel good to be back in my loft, if only for a few minutes.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
For those of you that follow THIS blog
I exported and then deleted my old blog that was under my old email address and then imported it under my new email address. There was probably a lot easier way of doing it but hey I got it done!
Anyways I hope to post here more often - I don't get to "my space" as often as I like!
Chat with you all soon, I'm off to do Christmas shopping with hubby - and he's cooking or shall I say he's buying dinner!
Anyways I hope to post here more often - I don't get to "my space" as often as I like!
Chat with you all soon, I'm off to do Christmas shopping with hubby - and he's cooking or shall I say he's buying dinner!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
What's important!
Well it has turned out my fall has been anything BUT familiar.
With untimely deaths on both side of our family (something that has never happened on either side before until recently) it has caused us to at times to slip with our footing this fall and let unimportant things slide - only to have revealed how important other things, like friends and family, are to us.
It makes you go into reevaluation mode and you wonder how much of what you do in the day to day is REALLY, I mean REALLY important?
Housework is certainly not important - in fact it only really took me a couple of hours to get everything back on track as far as the house was concerned. So why then do I panic if I don't get that load of laundry in every morning or the floors mopped when there are obviously more important things to do?
Friends are of course important but more important is that they are there for you with prayer and to "fill in" where needed so that you are able to focus on those important things and not the details of other activities that can (believe it or not) be carried out by someone else.
Family also are very important - it's sad how we take that for granted thinking that they will always be there whenever it's "convenient" for us. We certainly need to take the time to spend quality time together and never be "too busy" for family. My priorities certainly need to be realigned in that area.
And what about homeschool? WOW - Busy work - certainly is not - EXCEPT that it does allow for some independence for when you can't be there. TIME - time is important to sit and be with and to teach. And it doesn't take much but it does take undivided, focused and awareness of what I should be spending my time on rather than just "assigning" busy work.
So I'm going to take the time to review and reevaluate some things - will let you know how that goes. For a year that I thought was going to be familiar and "easy" I've learned I need to still be very much "engaged" in my life something I've let slip during the summer and has made it's way into my fall routine. Hopefully these wake up calls will get me back into it what's important.
With untimely deaths on both side of our family (something that has never happened on either side before until recently) it has caused us to at times to slip with our footing this fall and let unimportant things slide - only to have revealed how important other things, like friends and family, are to us.
It makes you go into reevaluation mode and you wonder how much of what you do in the day to day is REALLY, I mean REALLY important?
Housework is certainly not important - in fact it only really took me a couple of hours to get everything back on track as far as the house was concerned. So why then do I panic if I don't get that load of laundry in every morning or the floors mopped when there are obviously more important things to do?
Friends are of course important but more important is that they are there for you with prayer and to "fill in" where needed so that you are able to focus on those important things and not the details of other activities that can (believe it or not) be carried out by someone else.
Family also are very important - it's sad how we take that for granted thinking that they will always be there whenever it's "convenient" for us. We certainly need to take the time to spend quality time together and never be "too busy" for family. My priorities certainly need to be realigned in that area.
And what about homeschool? WOW - Busy work - certainly is not - EXCEPT that it does allow for some independence for when you can't be there. TIME - time is important to sit and be with and to teach. And it doesn't take much but it does take undivided, focused and awareness of what I should be spending my time on rather than just "assigning" busy work.
So I'm going to take the time to review and reevaluate some things - will let you know how that goes. For a year that I thought was going to be familiar and "easy" I've learned I need to still be very much "engaged" in my life something I've let slip during the summer and has made it's way into my fall routine. Hopefully these wake up calls will get me back into it what's important.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Familiar Fall
Well summer is over - and even though it was a gorgeous day today you can still feel the chill in the air, that and we've started back to homeschooling. Holidays are over, they were good. I am thankful we didn't go anywhere as the "rest" seemed to do us all good.
We still have a couple of left over summer projects to finish but our schedule isn't looking too busy so hopefully we will get those done before the snow flies. YUCK snow - I DON'T want to be thinking about that THAT's for sure!!
I do want to get back to spinning and dying - hopefully once we settle more into our new routine I'll get back to that.
I'm feeling very peaceful about everything - I don't remember a fall where I haven't been in a little bit of a panic - this year it just seems everything is either falling into place or there are no items that feel "pressing". I'm thankful for that. I feel like I am enjoying life more - it's slower - there is more room to just observe and participate all at the same time.
Even housework isn't bothering me like it usually does - I'm glad - that's a silly thing to stress over really.
Well I do still need to cook dinner - it was just so nice a quiet in here I thought I would take advantage and update while I can.
I'll be back - hopefully sooner than later - until then.
We still have a couple of left over summer projects to finish but our schedule isn't looking too busy so hopefully we will get those done before the snow flies. YUCK snow - I DON'T want to be thinking about that THAT's for sure!!
I do want to get back to spinning and dying - hopefully once we settle more into our new routine I'll get back to that.
I'm feeling very peaceful about everything - I don't remember a fall where I haven't been in a little bit of a panic - this year it just seems everything is either falling into place or there are no items that feel "pressing". I'm thankful for that. I feel like I am enjoying life more - it's slower - there is more room to just observe and participate all at the same time.
Even housework isn't bothering me like it usually does - I'm glad - that's a silly thing to stress over really.
Well I do still need to cook dinner - it was just so nice a quiet in here I thought I would take advantage and update while I can.
I'll be back - hopefully sooner than later - until then.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Summer slowdown!
So my spirit is beginning to feel the "fall" push, luckily we have a camping trip scheduled for this weekend so I can ward off those feelings for a while longer. Then hubby will be on holidays so again I'm hoping to hang on to that summer spirit a while longer.
It's not that I don't like fall and the start of homeschooling and all that, it just seems busier, more things to organize and the calendar to stay on top of - in other words I have to be "on". Unlike summer where I am more "unplugged", I simply focus on relationships and I keep the other "stuff" (clean, make and organize) simplier.
I understand that life is seasons - we couldn't have that unplugged summer feeling all year long - in fact I can already tell that my family is getting antsy for some "structure". Hubby wants to set some goals, Josh is asking questions (tough questions that require thought and consideration before answering) and Noah is wanting to do more, not just more activity but to learn and discover - they are ready - I am not (ha ha).
So one way that I want to prepare for fall this year is to simplify some of the things that I do so that I can be more "available" to my family in more important ways than the meals and cleaning, etc. So I'm looking at things through a new lens in how I can make this task simplier, if the task is simplier could more people help me complete the task and in doing so accomplish some of my other goals as well.
I'm still thinking on these things and we'll see what comes of it in the meantime I'm going to enjoy the last few weeks of being unplugged, and sit and knit in the sun.
It's not that I don't like fall and the start of homeschooling and all that, it just seems busier, more things to organize and the calendar to stay on top of - in other words I have to be "on". Unlike summer where I am more "unplugged", I simply focus on relationships and I keep the other "stuff" (clean, make and organize) simplier.
I understand that life is seasons - we couldn't have that unplugged summer feeling all year long - in fact I can already tell that my family is getting antsy for some "structure". Hubby wants to set some goals, Josh is asking questions (tough questions that require thought and consideration before answering) and Noah is wanting to do more, not just more activity but to learn and discover - they are ready - I am not (ha ha).
So one way that I want to prepare for fall this year is to simplify some of the things that I do so that I can be more "available" to my family in more important ways than the meals and cleaning, etc. So I'm looking at things through a new lens in how I can make this task simplier, if the task is simplier could more people help me complete the task and in doing so accomplish some of my other goals as well.
I'm still thinking on these things and we'll see what comes of it in the meantime I'm going to enjoy the last few weeks of being unplugged, and sit and knit in the sun.
Monday, July 14, 2008
WOW what a WONDERFUL day!
I had the most restful day today!
It began by waking up late and having a leisurely cup of coffee. My email wasn't working which was frustrating but it does make a gal take some time on the couch instead of in front of the computer.
A nice hot shower with some wonderful "chocolate addiction" homemade soap, followed by very little housework. I did manage to get a load of laundry done and the kitchen cleaned up but other than that....
After sending the boys off upstairs to watch a movie I intended to have some quiet time reading the bible which ended up with me having a looooong afternoon nap.
I was so refreshed after my nap I decided to get some spinning in! It's been a while (ok a few days) and my wheel was beckoning me.
Alas it was time to get something on the table for dinner but I kept it simple with a pasta casserole and a yummy salad with fresh garden lettuce from a friend.
The evening is proving to be a quiet one as well as the boys are all outside working on the go cart, oh here they are maybe it won't be so quiet. Oh well it was a wonderful day anyways.
It began by waking up late and having a leisurely cup of coffee. My email wasn't working which was frustrating but it does make a gal take some time on the couch instead of in front of the computer.
A nice hot shower with some wonderful "chocolate addiction" homemade soap, followed by very little housework. I did manage to get a load of laundry done and the kitchen cleaned up but other than that....
After sending the boys off upstairs to watch a movie I intended to have some quiet time reading the bible which ended up with me having a looooong afternoon nap.
I was so refreshed after my nap I decided to get some spinning in! It's been a while (ok a few days) and my wheel was beckoning me.
Alas it was time to get something on the table for dinner but I kept it simple with a pasta casserole and a yummy salad with fresh garden lettuce from a friend.
The evening is proving to be a quiet one as well as the boys are all outside working on the go cart, oh here they are maybe it won't be so quiet. Oh well it was a wonderful day anyways.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The boy is now a teen!
My oldest son turned 13 yesterday.
I admit I was having a hard time with it.
So much so that I had been avoiding making plans to celebrate the momentous occasion. Luckily he hasn't noticed as THE party is set for next weekend instead as most of his friends/family couldn't make it due to his actual birthday being smack dab right in the middle of the first long weekend of the summer. I'm thankful for that as my heart truly wasn't in it to "celebrate" this birthday.
Anyways the actual event, him turning 13 has happened, and I have to say I've managed to work through some of my issues. Yes I know there are still more to come, but this process has helped me in identifying some of those underlying "lies" that need to have the light shine upon them so that we can be and do different. That's what parenting is all about right?
At first I couldn't pin point really what my issue was but after a while I realized, bottom line, it was fear!
Fear of what?
Well that's what I was struggling with and once I decided to take God's advice.....FEAR NOT, I was finally able to articulate some of what it was I was fearful of.
The first thing I realized is I was exemplifying the societal fear that surrounds me.
Society doesn't like teenagers do they? And I didn't even realize how much so. This is built into TV shows we watch, newspaper articles read and what about all the books out there to help you through the "teenage years". Society has LOW expectation of teenagers and even lower expectations of parents "handling" their teenagers!
The trigger for me was when I read this blog http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/01charger/533117/
by the Harris boys.
I think their book sounds intriguing and I'm planning on reading it myself! And I'm planning to eradicate words and actions that exemplify to Josh that we have low expectations of him!
Yes I admit the teenage years are "different" than other developmental stages. I remember that "growing up" was one of the hardest times of my life, or at least I thought so at the time. But we "survive it" and get through it, hopefully for the better, yes for the better. Do we make bad choices, yes but being able to have a choice is what growing up is all about. Learning that the choices we make have consequences and blessings.
Which lead to my second fear -- that "overnight" Josh was going to turn into a the "me" that I was at that age. Yes I shake my head in shame when I think of the things that I was doing and thinking at that age. But the realization that I had is Josh is not me! He is a totally seperate and unique individual, who was also raised differently than me. He has had different influences than me and it doesn't have to be how it was when I was that age. I know that THAT seems like a given but don't we often say when they are young that they are "little me's", which is fine until they hit the teenager years, huh?
And lastly, my greatest fear of all. That I was going to "lose" the precious relationship that I have with my son. A relationship that I have worked (and continue to work) so very hard on!
Lose, in what way? I guess the image I had in my head, and in my heart so it seems, was one of the teenage years "tearing down" whatever had been built up. But what I envision now is the foundation not only has been built it has been set in concrete! The foundation? It's a strong one! So let's "build on that foundation"!
A book that has been placed in my lap is Keeping our Children's Heart by Teri Maxwell. You bet I'll be getting that book and will be in it often!
So that's what I've worked through so far (yes I have more underlying "things" to get through) but I've identified the ones I need to watch for for now and I have wonderful resources to help me through that the most precious being prayer.
At least now my heart is set on celebrate mode and I'm focused on the wonderful things to celebrate instead of the things that were taking me "down".
So let the party begin!
I admit I was having a hard time with it.
So much so that I had been avoiding making plans to celebrate the momentous occasion. Luckily he hasn't noticed as THE party is set for next weekend instead as most of his friends/family couldn't make it due to his actual birthday being smack dab right in the middle of the first long weekend of the summer. I'm thankful for that as my heart truly wasn't in it to "celebrate" this birthday.
Anyways the actual event, him turning 13 has happened, and I have to say I've managed to work through some of my issues. Yes I know there are still more to come, but this process has helped me in identifying some of those underlying "lies" that need to have the light shine upon them so that we can be and do different. That's what parenting is all about right?
At first I couldn't pin point really what my issue was but after a while I realized, bottom line, it was fear!
Fear of what?
Well that's what I was struggling with and once I decided to take God's advice.....FEAR NOT, I was finally able to articulate some of what it was I was fearful of.
The first thing I realized is I was exemplifying the societal fear that surrounds me.
Society doesn't like teenagers do they? And I didn't even realize how much so. This is built into TV shows we watch, newspaper articles read and what about all the books out there to help you through the "teenage years". Society has LOW expectation of teenagers and even lower expectations of parents "handling" their teenagers!
The trigger for me was when I read this blog http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/01charger/533117/
by the Harris boys.
I think their book sounds intriguing and I'm planning on reading it myself! And I'm planning to eradicate words and actions that exemplify to Josh that we have low expectations of him!
Yes I admit the teenage years are "different" than other developmental stages. I remember that "growing up" was one of the hardest times of my life, or at least I thought so at the time. But we "survive it" and get through it, hopefully for the better, yes for the better. Do we make bad choices, yes but being able to have a choice is what growing up is all about. Learning that the choices we make have consequences and blessings.
Which lead to my second fear -- that "overnight" Josh was going to turn into a the "me" that I was at that age. Yes I shake my head in shame when I think of the things that I was doing and thinking at that age. But the realization that I had is Josh is not me! He is a totally seperate and unique individual, who was also raised differently than me. He has had different influences than me and it doesn't have to be how it was when I was that age. I know that THAT seems like a given but don't we often say when they are young that they are "little me's", which is fine until they hit the teenager years, huh?
And lastly, my greatest fear of all. That I was going to "lose" the precious relationship that I have with my son. A relationship that I have worked (and continue to work) so very hard on!
Lose, in what way? I guess the image I had in my head, and in my heart so it seems, was one of the teenage years "tearing down" whatever had been built up. But what I envision now is the foundation not only has been built it has been set in concrete! The foundation? It's a strong one! So let's "build on that foundation"!
A book that has been placed in my lap is Keeping our Children's Heart by Teri Maxwell. You bet I'll be getting that book and will be in it often!
So that's what I've worked through so far (yes I have more underlying "things" to get through) but I've identified the ones I need to watch for for now and I have wonderful resources to help me through that the most precious being prayer.
At least now my heart is set on celebrate mode and I'm focused on the wonderful things to celebrate instead of the things that were taking me "down".
So let the party begin!
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