Our Valentine's Day Table

To make these cookie bouquets: I made our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and stuck a popsicle stick in each cookie before baking. When they were completely cooled I used decorating gel to make hearts on them, then I filled parfait glasses with beads and stuck the cookies in each one. I love it when things work out!

We presented the boys with throwing knives and a tomahawk this evening, along with Michael Pearl's instructional video and a tripod Tracey made to hold a log slice. They're out in the dark throwing as I type. I stayed out as long as is fit for a Mom. Actually, I would love to throw too, but with only two knives and one tomahawk, I figured I'd wait my turn 'til later. I love having boys.

Snow Days

As the ice began to fall here Monday night we got in the mood by creating our own indoor snowstorm. We used fishing line to tape our homemade snowflakes to the ceiling, and the effect is fun, helping to brighten these gloomy days of winter.

Public school has been canceled here the last three days. A "snow day" for homeschoolers simply means we get much more school done since we're stuck indoors! We'll have "spring days" to distract us later. We did have a snowball fight in the backyard, then went sledding with friends yesterday. Today the snow stuck enough for Micah to make a snowman, which met its end tragically through decapitation. Micah explained he was a sad snowman anyway because he was an archeologist who discovered that snow does not fossilize, but only melts.

My Loser Husband

I think my husband has been afraid of visiting here one day and seeing that title, so I thought it'd be fun to make his heart skip a beat today--he's young, he can take it.

And here are some of the reasons why my husband is a loser:

He lost a week of vacation to take our son to the San Antonio Film Festival
He loses his Thursday evenings coaching our son's basketball team
He loses every Monday evening taking our sons to Scouts
He loses one weekend a month going on a Scout outing
He loses his evenings to care for us or our home
He loses some of his expendable income to pay for my whims (to which he never complains)
He loses his own time running errands for me
He has lost many arguments because his wife is always right
He's lost owning a truck because we can't afford it on one income
He's lost countless weekends carrying to completion my brilliant home improvement
ideas
He has lost potentially hours of his life listening to my insecurities and complaints
He sometimes loses a wife too absorbed in being a mother--but he loves me anyway

He IS a real Loser!

I'll Be Honest

No, I'm not getting ready to pour my heart out, but rather tell you about a plugin you need if you or anyone in your home use Firefox and spend any time on Facebook, MySpace, or YouTube. It's called I'll Be Honest and it will block all objectionable ads on those sites and replace them with scripture! I just installed it, and it works. (We do have an internet filter, but because of the way these three sites work, it does not filter out clickable ads.) With a 14yo son on the internet, this Works for Me!

To My Future Daughters

Ever try getting two boys into aprons? It ain't easy. So--my future daughter-in-laws--I hope you appreciate it because they did it for you. Here's the story:

I have had this stained tablecloth that was my Grandma Fritz's for many years. Each Christmas I see it in our decorations box, but never know quite what to do with it. I look at it, feel a bit guilty for not using it, then put it away. This year as we were packing up the decorations I was culling such items and nearly decided to throw it away when the thought hit me: make aprons out of it.

Initially I was going to make an apron for myself, but as I was making them the thought occurred to me that although I have no daughters to pass these down to, I will have daughter-in-laws. So, I made these with those two ladies in mind. And I then convinced my (fairly unimpressed) sons that their future wives will love to see what they looked like when their momma made these aprons. So, here we are. I hope you appreciate it, girls.

A Webkinz-style Birthday

Micah and his friend are Webkinz fans, so it was a natural fit to incorporate Webkinz into his birthday. His cake is fashioned to look like the Wheel of Wow on the Webkinz site--a game they enjoy playing. I used M&M's for the different colors. I could have used colored sugars or icing, but I'm all for adding extra chocolate whenever possible.

I made a Wheel of Wow spinner out of a piece of poster board and six colors of paper. I filled six bags with multiple prizes, color-coded to the spinner. They had a fun time spinning and reaching their hand into the bag to pull out a treat. I included packs of gum, webkinz-sized clothes I found at Hobby Lobby and at Deals, silly putty, and bookmarks I made. To make the bookmarks I copied and pasted webkinz characters, wrote a catchy little line (such as "hop into a good book" for the kangaroo), printed, then laminated them.

Next they made collars for their Webkinz. I provided strips of felt ribbon, sharpies, gems, glue, and velcro and let them create.

For the finale, they both received a new lil'kinz which they made a collar for, then ran to the computer to add them and start playing.

Happy Birthday, Micah!

Sibling Conflict Action Tool (SCAT)

I found myself once again at a familiar and dreaded place this morning--called upon to be avenger and judge of a sibling quarrel. I don't like that position. I decided this morning that I was not going to get caught up in the drama of the moment and was definitely not going to play referee. I wasn't as concerned about the details of what had happened as I was about the state of their hearts. I want them to be skilled at reconciliation and forgiveness.

Some time ago I had bought the "Brother Offended Checklist" from Doorpost. My boys turned up their noses at it, and I have to admit that I also felt the cartoonish, juvenile drawings were off-putting. I also felt it needed to be "fleshed out" a bit more; that it was a bit too sketchy to be an easy-to-use tool for a child. So, after I sent the offended brother to his room to cool off, I sat down at the computer and wrote the following: (I am happy to report that it appears to have brought about the reconciliation I was looking for. Having the time to cool their heads played a large part toward that end as well.)

You now find yourself in a quarrel with your brother. Neither of you are relenting, both of you are claiming your own rights and wanting to seek justice for yourself. I understand. However, let’s work to resolve this in a way pleasing to the Lord.

Consider first 1 John 2: “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.” Let’s work at coming out of any darkness and into God’s light in this situation. Pray: Lord, please shine your light into my heart, revealing any dark corners where bitterness and anger are hiding.

Do keep in mind throughout this resolution that you are only responsible for your own actions. When you stand before the Lord to answer for your actions of today, your brother will not be there, and no excuses will be allowed. Refresh your mind with these verses first and ask the Lord to help you to be generous and honorable, pleasing in His sight. Proverbs 11:25: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 20:3: “It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Pray: Lord, help me to be generous, to show honor to ______________, and to not seek vengeance. This is not want my natural self wants to do, but I can through your power that strengthens me.

One person cannot be in a conflict. It’s time to evaluate the part you played in this quarrel. Matthew 7 states, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” I know you do not like being judged harshly or unfairly, and that you appreciate being shown grace and mercy, but the laws of this universe that God has set in place state that you’ll be treated with the same measurement you’re willing to give right now to your brother. Let’s work at removing the plank in your own eye first—not an easy task, but you can do it with the Lord’s help.

1 John 1:8 states, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Confess now the part you have played in the conflict. Were you possibly: proud, haughty, envious, jealous, selfish, angry, bossy, coveting, gossiping, lying, thinking of yourself first, bitter and seeking revenge due to past unforgiveness toward your brother. Pray, “Lord, please show me my part in this quarrel. Please reveal to me my own attitudes and actions that were not pleasing to you, irregardless of what the other person said or did.” Now listen with an open heart. Please write your answer here:

Now please ask God to reveal to yourself the answers to these questions (and write the answers):

God, was I being easily provoked (Did I have a chip on my shoulder)?

God, was I thinking of myself first?

God, was I guilty of repaying evil with evil?

Our Lord is the God of love and peace, so you have access to that same love and peace—You don’t need to conjure it up yourself. Our desire needs to be to live at peace, particularly in our own home. Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” 1 Corinthians 7:15: “God has called us to live in peace.” 2 Corinthians 3:11: “. . . be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” Pray: Lord, help me to determine to live at peace with my brother and to promote peace in my home. This is an action of my will, and through Your power I can do it.

Through this time of retrospection, scripture reading, and prayer you can now answer the question: What is at the heart of this quarrel? This should only include your confession and have nothing to do with your brother’s actions. (please write here)

Now it’s time to be a peacemaker. Matthew 18:15 states, "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” When you and your brother are ready, meet with each other, look each other in the eye, and each confess your own wrongdoing, starting with the oldest. There should be no blame-placing or accusing here. It is ok to say, “When you did ________________, I felt ____________________.”

Now it’s time to forgive. Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Romans 12:19 “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.”

This is not an option! Please state your forgiveness to your brother and release him now from all rights to seek revenge:

Say: _______________, I forgive you for _________________________________ and release all my rights to seek revenge. Your action against me is now in the past and I will not bring it up again or harbor bitterness in my heart, but allow God to be my avenger.

Now hug and rejoice in the Lord’s forgiveness.

Being the Mom My Kids Deserve

Dana at Are We There Yet? has made me think about the question: What kind of Mom do my kids deserve? If I were to put a want ad in the paper for a Mom for my kids, what would be the qualifications? I so often have a hard time keeping my focus during the day. I'm easily distracted and often have a one-track mind. I find myself occasionally wondering how the time has gone so quickly, and realizing that I have not made time for my kids. I guess that probably sounds like an odd thing to say from someone who spends nearly all her time at home, but being at home and being focused on my boys are two different things.

Wanted: Mom for Noah and Micah.
Ability to . . .
walk into a messy boy's room and not nag.
discern the heart behind the action, then respond in wisdom and patience.
pray scripture over each boy daily.
model self-control.
correct without cutting down.
encourage the character, not just the actions.
use a gentle answer to turn away wrath.
model forgiveness.
stop your busy-ness and look each boy in the eye as he's speaking.
know their love language and fill their tank daily.
be their best cheerleader.
let them know you're on their side.
be in the Word and prayer daily so you're prepared to guide and correct in Christ-likeness.
ask forgiveness when necessary.
take every opportunity to point them to God.
model love in speech and actions.
be honest in all things great and small.

I'm sure more things will come to mind. But one thing that strikes me is that nothing on this list has to do with how well I'm homeschooling, how clean my house is, or how many vegetables my kids have eaten each day. While all those things are important and needful, I need this reminder that how I do these things and how I'm relating to my children while living our lives together is what ultimately matters.

Why this is so hard to keep in mind, I do not know. Why I get so wrapped up in my own selfish pursuits day by day is a mystery. But one thing I do know, is that it is Christ in me that makes me able to do all things, so I will not beat myself up over the past, but ask Him to come front and center in my life today and help me to be the Mom He desires for Noah and Micah.

Our Vacation

I've got a good case of the after-vacation blues, and who wouldn't after the awesome vacation we've just experienced? We spent one week in Williamsburg, Virginia, and one week in Washington, DC. It was all we expected and more. After a week of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Monticello, and Mt. Vernon, our heads felt like they were "plum full" of history. So it was a welcome relief to switch gears to a week in DC of admiring monuments and oohing and aahing our way through museums.

I am so thankful we went in September. Not only was the weather absolutely perfect, but there were no crowds at all. All those attractions that the guidebooks warned we'd be waiting hours to see IF we arrived by 7:30 a.m., we waltzed right up to at any time of day.

We crammed so much into two weeks: Virginia Beach, two days at Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Jamestown, Yorktown, Mt. Vernon, the DC Memorials and Monuments, Natural History Museum, Zoo, Air & Space Museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, National Gallery of Art, Spy Museum, Archives, Library of Congress, a White House Tour, and a Capitol Tour.

Two highlights definitely worth mentioning happened on the same day. While we were standing in the Red Room of the White House, we saw three helicopters approaching, one land, and then watched the President get off and walk into the West Wing. Wow!! That afternoon we went for our guided Capitol Tour, and unexpectedly got to meet Rep. Blunt. He was such a nice man too. He spoke with us for a few minutes rather than just the obligatory photo-shoot. We felt welcomed.

I am still marveling at the Lord's hand moving through our entire vacation, from the unexpected upgrade to a Toyota Highlander with GPS (which the Lord knew we needed to find our way out of DC) to getting to see the President!

Here are some highlights in pictures:

The boys loved the ocean. I wasn't sure we'd get Micah to leave!

Patrick Henry giving his "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech in Colonial Williamsburg

Monticello! He was such a brilliant man, and touring his home only confirmed his genius.

A replica of the Susan Constant that carried settlers to Jamestown

The point where the settlers of Jamestown first landed.

Mt. Vernon

So many things on this trip fulfilled my "to see" list, and this was at the top.

The final page to THE Constitution!

Talking with Representative Blunt

Standing at the point in the Capitol Building where all streets in DC converge.

Touching a Moon Rock

The Apollo 11

Even though I took over 300 pictures, it still doesn't seem like I've captured the full scope of our vacation. We've come home with a deeper sense of patriotism and appreciation for our founding fathers and for God's providential hand on the history of America.

We took a day-trip to Aunts Creek near Branson on Sunday. The boys played in the lake for a while, then we made a fire and roasted s'mores. It was a beautiful day for a Sabbath rest.

He's Back!

Noah returned home today from his one-week hike on the Appalachian Trail with his Boy Scout troop. I am so thrilled to have him safely home! A few years ago I would have never thought I'd let a child of mine that far from me on that adventurous of a journey. However, I am thankful to find that as he gets older, I am able to release him little-by-little. I'm not the best at it, and never will be, but I'm growing up along with my boy.

Part of that growing up is learning to trust God. I have foolishly believed in my heart that if I kept my kids close enough to me, then I would be in control and could keep them safe. Please don't get me wrong--I believe we are to protect (over-protect by today's standards) our children. However, God is in control whether I am two feet or two hundred miles away from my children. There is nothing that surprises Him. He will never say, "Wow, I didn't see that coming. What are we going to do now?"

But back to Noah for those (grandparents) would who like to hear more about his adventure. They did not meet their 50 mile goal due to unforeseen circumstances, but did hike 42 miles. Due to a very slow hiking speed their first day, they did not meet up with their resupply trailer and ended up having to skip a meal and snacks. This would be tragic for any teenage boy, but for one hiking in rough terrain carrying 30 pounds on his back, this was an event worthy to be given the ominous name "death mountain." They met no bears, but did have to hang all their food up in trees each night just in case. They did meet deer and wild ponies, which ate from their hands! How cool is that?

Noah went on and on about how beautiful the scenery was. He filled three disposable cameras; however, we're not sure yet how well the pictures are going to come out since they got soaking wet. On their last full day of hiking, they survived a thunderstorm, hail, and nearly getting struck by lightning. They had to lay on their backpacks on the ground, covered with rain ponchos. They were scheduled to camp that night and do a short hike the next day before hitting the highway to Tennessee, but after that ordeal, and all of their possessions being drenched, they choose to end the hike and go to a hotel. I don't blame them! He's sore, particularly his knees (one of them is swollen from falling). He says he would do it again, but not for a while!

What is strange for me as his Mom is that this experience is uniquely his own. I will never know it or share it. It's a part of growing up that I hadn't considered until now. It's exciting and scary at the same time. But for now, I'm so glad to have him home!

My son the Filmmaker

Here are Noah's entries into the TeenTakes Springfield-Greene County Library video contest

Precious Moments

There are so many precious moments as a mother, and none can beat a child's enthusiasm when he finds a scripture verse he can cling to.

My youngest has a hard time being the youngest. This week we came upon 1 Timothy 4:12:

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

After we read it, I said, "that sounds like a helpful verse to you." He immediately jumped up, grabbed an index card, and wrote out (all of you Moms who homeschool 9yo boys are giving a sigh of precious understanding) the complete verse as I dictated it to him.

I am so thankful for the privilege of time with my children.

Wordless Wednesday

Noah playing piano at Landers Theatre for Youthfest 2008

ClearPlay DVD

My family loves to watch movies. Maybe it's being a product of the TV generation, or just liking the escape that watching a movie offers--I'm not here to analyze it. The fact is, we enjoy watching movies and it is often our weekend treat. However, I have two boys, one of whom is 13 and believes that now that he has reached that pinnacle all PG-13 movies should be allowed for his viewing pleasure. We have, of course--and much to his chagrin--explained that just because some MPAA ratings board made up of people we do not know says a movie is okay for a 13 year old doesn't mean it's okay for OUR particular 13 year old.

Furthermore, his tastes are no longer satisfied by Disney-style family movies and, in typical boy fashion, he loves adventure and action movies. The quickest way for me to clear a room is to say "Jane Austen" or "British drama."

So, our solution has been the ClearPlay DVD player. This lovely little machine filters out all sex, violence, profanity, and gore from DVD movies. Here's how it works: You buy the DVD player (we bought ours for $40 at Target). It is pre-loaded with 2,000 filters. You put in the DVD, it recognizes the movie, loads the filter, and you watch the movie. However, if you want to view a movie that is not among the 2,000 pre-loaded filters, you must subscribe to the ClearPlay service, which runs around $4/month with a one-year subscription. You are sent a filter stick that you plug into the USB port in your computer, download the filter from the ClearPlay site, plug it into the DVD player, put in your DVD, and you're ready to watch the movie.
In case that was all clear as mud, there are demo videos on the ClearPlay site.

Just in case you're wondering, many of the edits are flawless. You can usually tell that something has been edited, but it is fairly smooth. Only on the occasion when there are several violent scenes at once it can look a little choppy. Every curse word, including the name of our Lord in vain, is silenced.

Of course, it cannot edit content, and there is a content advisor at the beginning of the movie that will tell you of anything not able to be edited out. Our kids will still not watch the Golden Compass or Harry Potter, but for those movies that are decent in content except for the occasional over-the-top gore, sex, or curse words, this has been a helpful product for us.

I don't get any kick-backs or benefits from ClearPlay, by the way, though it would be nice because we've "sold" several to our friends! For us, it's a great way to allow us all to enjoy movies together without the fear of those few words or that "one scene" that can ruin an entire movie and send its rating to the realm of PG-13.

Standing Ovation!

I came upon this post today at Amy's Humble Musings titled "Thoughts on contraception and the quiverfull movement." I really appreciate the grace with which she addresses this issue and had to share it here. Here is a quote:

The quiverfull movement (QF for short) is good for the support of its members . . . Where it strays course is when it assigns motives to those outside of it. “Selfish” and “not trusting God” are the catch phrases. I’m not willing to go there. There is not a Bible verse that allows us to do this to one another.

The Bible tells us, “Owe no man anything.” (Should we start an ONMA movement?) This command leaves us less wiggle room and also finds itself in the New Testament. The Bible talks about money a whole lot more than babies. Am I allowed to accuse a person of “not trusting God” if she owed a debt to someone? What about the person who is debt-free and funds the Great Commission because of it?

“Be fruitful” isn’t the trump verse of the Bible. If we were looking for the trump verse, it would have to be Jesus’ words to love God and love our neighbor. He already told us the main thing. (Question to myself: How well am I doing that?) How can we avoid one verse becoming the measuring stick of the condition of our hearts and the vehicle in which churches and groups are built upon?

The woman who has trusted God for the timing and spacing of her children does well. She ought to be praised. Where she fails is when she tells others exactly how they ought to do the same: all birth control is a sin. (A married woman who has produced a child has multiplied technically, were it about technicalities and not loving obedience to a good God.) . . . The Bible doesn’t bind our consciences in this way, and so we shouldn’t do it to one another. We live with this tension all the time in Scripture. Circumstances don’t dictate theology, but yet we all make judgments and decisions based upon them. Women in China—where they forcefully abort your second child– have to decide in wisdom how to apply Scripture’s words.

What to do on an icy day

(I had great pictures to go with everything today, but for some reason every time I try to upload them, the internet freezes up and I have to reboot the modem. Thus, you get the picture-free version.)

We find ourselves in the midst of yet another ice storm. Sophie and Ginger have found their spot for the day--in front of the fireplace.

Noah is taking a break from working on the details of his next movie, to indulge in some comic book relief. I think it's Dilbert..

Micah is in his favorite spot, which is in front of the computer. Wonder where he gets that? He's working on the cast list for the Pilgrim's Progress movie the kids are working on with another family, and then he plans to get on Webkinz, his favorite place to be.

Tracey brought his work home and set up an "office ala tv tray" in our room so he could have some solitude. There is no way he could work from home; he's way too accessible! I've already interrupted him several times with computer problems, he came out for a scone, and he stepped in with a discipline issue.

And me? I decided to work with flour today. I have been wanting to make up my own pancake mixes for some time now. I like to provide healthy breakfasts as much as possible, but usually don't have the time to grind grain in the morning and wait for something to bake. So, I made six pre-assembled pancake mixes, a batch of scones, and a batch of carrot raisin apple muffins. They'll all go in the freezer for quick breakfasts. I also put a loaf of bread in the breadmaker to go with our stew this evening.

Recipes, you say? You want the recipes to all my creations today? What is it with women and recipes? I love 'em too. I get so bored with the same meals, that I'm trying new things all the time. So here's the ones I used today:

Pancakes

1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 Tbsp baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp sugar

(I like to add cinnamon and nutmeg as well)

I combined the above ingredients in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, I'll add:

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla

2 Tbsp melted butter.

Oatmeal Sconuts

2 cups old-fashioned oats

2 cups flour (1 w/w and one white)

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 cup butter, cut up

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 lg. egg

cinnamon-sugar

(I added 1 cup white chocolate chips today)

Heat oven to 425. In food processor, combine oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg; pulse to blend. Add butter; pulse until coarse crumbs are formed.

In sm. bowl, beat buttermilk with egg. With processor running, add egg mixture and pulse until dough forms. Scoop dough by 1/4 cups onto cookie sheet. Flatten each mound into a 2 1/2 inch round. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Bake 15-17 min. or until golden on bottom..

Carrot Raisin Apple Muffins

3 eggs

1 cup oil

2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour (whole wheat or white)

1 1/4 cups suga

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

2 cups grated carrot

1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped

1/2 cup raisins

Ini a bowl, beat together first three ingredients. In separate bowl, mix together the remaining dry ingredients. Add flour mixture to egg mixture just until combined; add carrot, apples, and raisins. Spoon into greased muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes..

Savory Steak Soup

1 1/2 pound round steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup + 2 Tbsp butter

1 cup flour

8 cups water

1 onion, sliced

1/2 cup celery

1 carrot, sliced

10 oz. frozen vegetables

4 Tbsp beef bouillon

Brown meat in 2 Tbsp butter. Drain and set aside. In a Dutch oven, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour. Slowly add 2 cups of the water, stirring constantly until smooth and thick. Add onion, celery, carrot, mixed vegetables, bouillon, meat and remaining 6 cups of water. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, at least 2 1/2 hours or until steak is tender.

I use whatever vegetables I have on hand, and plan to throw in some barley as well. I also omit the celery because my husband hates it, and decrease the amount of onion.

Bon appetite!