Ordinary days and a few thoughts

Hello,

I find I've been at a loss for what to say here on this ol' blog.  Even though we are officially enjoying summer vacation from school, I still remain busy with the typical and ordinary things of motherhood. My days are full, but typical and ordinary don't seem to offer much to write about ~ and worse may come across as complaining, and I would never want that!
Here is a little bit of what's been going on.

It has been so nice to have Matthew and Hannah back home.  Even though Matthew's work schedule doesn't leave a lot of time to interact with him, I still like knowing he is in the same state and time zone.  They had such a marvelous time spending time with family, forming new relationships, and strengthening and deepening others.  They really enjoyed seeing so many different sights and even the warm/muggy East Coast weather.  A change of pace can be so refreshing.
I have to admit, it felt so weird without them here.  Weird because I knew they were across the county.  Weird because we all felt the hole from their absence.  Weird because it allowed us to see just how much they do to be a help and participate in family relationships.  Weird because they were making memories and I wasn't part of that.  I know that may sound proud or egotistical.  I don't mean it that way.  It's just that we have done things, especially big things, as a family usually, so I share in the experiences.  Of course each of us has our own perception of things, and memories are uniquely our own, but this time they were off and my only participation is to view their photographs.  Weird.  I know this is how it is all supposed to go - they don't stay little and at home forever.  I'm ok with that, but it still takes getting used to.

. . . . .

No rest for the weary - and boy was she weary from her very exciting, exhausting, fun, memorable trip.  This week was full of appointments.  Another doctor appointment for Hannah.  This one was with a GI specialist with Children's Hospital.  She is baffled by Hannah's symptoms just like all the other doctors we have seen.  She has ordered an endoscopy.  Perhaps a look inside will help? Meanwhile, my girl suffers so.  I know that God has this particular trial for her to bring her closer to Him.  A close abiding walk is the result of utter dependence upon Him.  I can see a complete surrendering to His will.  That is never easy, when the situation seems bleak.  Will we find answers? Will she ever not hurt?  Will this last forever?  These are overwhelming and terrifying and discouraging thoughts.
So we take one day at a time.

. . . . .

The other day was National Skateboarding Day!
It's also the first day of summer.  See what they did there?
I had several things I wanted to get done that day, but before the afternoon got away from me, we went for a quick trip to the local skate park in our town.  We had it all to ourselves.

Hannah has been teaching herself how to longboard dance.

. . . . .

Ellie has been having chicken troubles.
She has one hen that is very broody - or at least that's what we think is going on.  She sits in the nesting box all day - all night.  She makes noise at you if you try to move her out of there.  Because of this she is getting hen-pecked when she does come out.  We decided to separate two of the more aggressive hens, and put them in the barn to try to adjust the pecking order a bit.  Later that night, Ellie went to check on them and there was only 1 hen in the barn!  No signs of mischief though,  No feathers, no blood, but no chicken.  She and Dan checked the barn high and low and there was no sign of her. LOTS of tears with thoughts of maybe an owl getting in the barn and snatching her away - or that she flew out and over the fence and was wondering alone in the wilderness.  She tried her best to put on a brave face, but...
4 days later when Daniel was cleaning out the goat pen, he heard noises, and checked it out.  He found the chicken stuck under a pile of wood, behind some fencing.  Not quite sure how she got herself there. She had laid two eggs though.  Suffice it to say, when she was put back into the coop, she drank and drank and drank and ate and ate and ate.  I think we found her in the nick of time.  She seems to be fine.

. . . . .

Father's Day
We all pitched in to give him just a little something so he knows he is very much loved and appreciated! He is a servant - always fixing broken toys for the younger children, broken vehicles for the older children, household anything for me. He's way better than I am in the kitchen, and he enjoys cooking (how did I get so lucky?)
He knows so much about so much that if any of us needs to know how to do something, we pretty much know we can "just ask Dad" and he will have an answer.

I'm not sure why I chose to only take a "men" picture rather than with all the children.  Duh.
But whatever.  Look!  Dan is just about as tall as Eric.

We have this old fashioned cookie cutter which reminds us of a certain Looney Tunes cartoon. 

It was Ellie's idea to make cookies for Dear ol' Dad. 

If he could have done anything on Father's Day it would have been to spend some time on his skateboard.  He has been off of it since April 30th, and he misses it so much.  He was so hoping that at his most recent appointment with the orthopedist that he would be given the A-Ok.  

The good news is that he is no longer wearing the sling AND there is new bone growth.  It's not completely healed yet so there are still restrictions in place.  No heavy lifting.  No skateboarding. Both for another 6 weeks.  BUT he can drive now - so he feels a little bit of freedom. 

. . . . . 

Summer for me is a time to reflect on the newly completed school year and try to figure out what we accomplished and where we need to make adjustments for the coming year.  It's also a time that I need to take advantage of by using it wisely for training the children in new chores and responsibilities.  But, I love the loosey-goosey schedule of carefree summer days.  

I am having the little girls read aloud to me daily so they continue to make progress there. 

Of course, I don't have to require reading from Dan and Hannah.  Pulling them away from their books is more of the challenge.  😉

. . . . . 

Eric and I have been learning about coffee roasting and how to become coffee roasters.  Not just home roasters, but honest to goodness for realsy reals certified coffee roasters.  

We are excited about this new endeavor/adventure, but scared to death too. 

We want this to be something that can bring Eric home from the corporate world.  Something we can do with the children.  Thinking mostly of Hannah and Daniel, but as the girls grow, they will grow into jobs that they can do.  It is overwhelming though!  There are so many aspects of a new business to think about and put into place.  It can definitely get a little overwhelming.  

Working with the county on a specific idea we have is  s  l  o  w  -  g  o  i  n  g.  It's also frustrating for many reasons that I'll share at a later time, but suffice it to say, that the Lord is showing me areas I need to grow.  One area in particular is patience in His timing.  I have come to discover that I tend to be anxious.  I fret and worry, and don't even realize it.   It's a constant battle of my mind to choose to trust Him.  You know that verse that says, "Oh Ye, of little faith."  UGH!  

And that has been how our days are rolling.  Mostly home, doing a little of this and a little of that with some fun thrown in for good measure.  

- Carol

Hannah graduated!

Hi Friends,

We have exciting family news.  Hannah graduated! She worked hard for this in spite of not feeling well most days, she persevered through it to the end, and Eric and I are so proud of her.  

She decided that a simple celebration at home was what she wanted.  She and I had fun planning and shopping for the day.  She wanted a theme of pastel colors and sparkles.  
She adores the Latin phrase "Carpe Diem" so that had to be part of the day too, of course.

We printed various pictures of her and with her siblings and special friends.

The menu was simple too.  Chips and salsa, crackers with cheese and salami, mini lemon cupcakes with vanilla frosting, fruit loops, water, and coffee.  Nothing nutritious, but all fun.

silly snap-chatters.

It meant a lot that Roger re-arranged his work schedule and Caleb drove up from Portland so they could be there.  Sarah was able to be there too, but sadly, I didn't get pictures of her.

Grammy and Uncle Bill came too.  We were so happy they could come to celebrate.

Hannah made these cute tissue paper flowers (thank you, Pinterest.)

We found these artsy bistro lights at Target.

Eric said a few special words and presented Hannah with her diploma.  I am not an eloquent speaker, in fact, it rather terrifies me. I also knew that I would likely cry, so I kept mine short and sweet and told her how much I loved her, how proud I am of her, and how much I admire her for the beautiful, young woman she has become.
Hannah decided that for her "speech" she would give her testimony.  Unbeknownst to many, including Eric and me until recently, she came from a very dark place of depression and despair, but our Heavenly Father, who so tenderly loves her, intervened.  If you would like to read her testimony, she posted about the graduation day on her blog and included her testimony.  You can visit her blog here.

Best friends

Long time family friends

Once everyone left, and just family remained, Hannah opened gifts and read all the cards with the sweetest of sentiments.  

It was such a lovely day.  Not only was it sunny and mild (always a plus) so that the guests could meander outside, if they wanted, but the show of so many people meant a lot to Hannah.  We live far away from most of our friends and family so the effort they all made in order to honor Hannah was very touching.  To say "it meant a lot" doesn't really express how special it made her feel.

And now... some more adventures await.  She and Matthew will be traveling to the East Coast. They'll visit family in various places and end their trip with a visit with a special friend in Boston.

She hopes to attend community college in the fall.  She isn't sure which avenue to pursue, but hopes by taking some classes she'll find a specific interest.

High School graduation is such a mile-stone in a young person's life.  It's a time when they are on the verge of leaving childhood and advancing into adulthood.  Not that parents aren't there to help any longer, but it's a different season to be sure.  We are just here to support and give advice when asked.
I am thankful I've been able to homeschool our children, not because I am a great teacher, but because of the time I have been privileged to spend with them daily.  Adult children have schedules of their own - jobs with lots of hours, and school study with even more hours.  I rejoice in the grand accomplishment of high school graduation, but at the same time, I grieve just a little knowing that I probably won't have the luxury of extended time with them very often.
I am so blessed to be their mom...and friend.

- Carol    

 

Thoughts on motherhood

Hello, 

Have you ever watched a movie only to have it run through your head for days afterwards?  That is how it has been for me with The Help, the movie we watched last week.  I don't want to spoil things for you in case you want to watch it (which you should TOTALLY watch it!) so I won't say much, but the scene that has been rolling around in my head and heart is the scene of a black maid who works for a white family - who among other things is raising their little daughter, who they pay very little attention to.

The little girl is just about three.  The maid, Aibileen kneels down to her eye level and tenderly tells her, "You is kind.  You is smart.  You's important."

And in her little three year old voice, she it repeats back to Aibileen.  It's just the sweetest ever!

What has resonated with me is just how much my children need affirmation and love.  We all do!   And why would I be stingy with life-giving, relationship-building words?  Sweet and tender words of encouragement and love and affection cost me nothing. 

  

 But the dividends are immeasurable.

I often ask myself why I am quicker to correct my children when they are misbehaving, or being loud and rambunctious rather than speaking words of encouragement?   They grow up so fast.  My time with them is short.  I have learned that I must be intentional about what I say and how I say things to these precious people in my life.

I'm not just talking about complimenting them on a how pretty/handsome they look on a given day (though, I am sure they like to hear that too), but rather about speaking affirming words about their good character.  Things like kindness and deference, joy in spite of disappointment, diligence, and perseverance through frustration.

But most of all, how loved they are for who they are. And loved not just by me, or by Eric, but by their Heavenly Father who created them and knows them so intimately.  Who loves them more than I ever could (which almost seems impossible to me.)

Motherhood is not for the faint of heart.  It is demanding.  It requires strength and wisdom, which I often lack. (Thankful that God supplies me with both when I ask Him.)  At times it is discouraging. Sometimes because I can't see the "fruit" yet in their life, other times because my own sin stares me square in the face. (That is surely discouraging!)

I am reminded of some verses.

Psalm 126:5 "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting."

Proverbs 31:26 " She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue."

Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Colossians 3:12-14 "And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

I want to be a mom like that.

I have finally realized that life will always be busy, and stress will always be present, but making time and taking opportunities to build relationships in the midst of it all must be a priority. I want it to be a priority - so I need to order my days accordingly.


- Carol

For your listening pleasure

Hello there,

   

Sweet sibling moments just bless my heart, and make this mama so proud of them. 

This school year Hannah is teaching piano to Ellie.  We've been told that piano lessons where the older sibling teaches the younger one are not always enjoyable or productive for either one, so we weren't sure what to expect.  However, we gave it a trial run during the summer with great success. 

Hannah is a patient teacher, and Ellie is a quick student.  She has caught on rather quickly. 

There is nothing like performing in front of an audience to ensure solid practice times.  ;-)

Just a couple of Sundays ago Ellie and Hannah performed an offertory for church.  Ellie was both a little nervous and a lot excited. 

Hannah said it was such a different feeling being the teacher with her student.  She was quite proud of Ellie.

Caleb made it a special point to be there to support his little sister.

He video'd it for me (for you!) too.

They grow up little by little right before your eyes, where you hardly even notice.  Then as you stand there taking pictures with a heart filled with joy, you realize it's a special moment.  Not just because it was her first offertory, not just because it was special sibling moment, but because she's one step further away from childhood.  Can I just freeze time to soak it all in?   To appreciate these sweet childhood days?

Note to self:  Choose time well spent with each one over the busyness of life or distraction of social media!


~ Carol

Mother's Day (2016) Memories

When the kids and I went on our spontaneous beach adventure, the only thing that was missing from that near-perfect day was Eric.  So when my people asked me what I wanted to do for Mother's Day,  it was a simple decision.

A beach adventure that included Dad.

A time to soak in the glorious sunshine, hear the kids laugh and play, and maybe find some beach glass.   

And when there's a ferry ride, it always bumps the excitement up a notch. 

A woman brought a wagon onto the ferry filled with container pots of these beautiful old English roses that she bought at the Antique Rose Farm.  They were so fragrant.  (Apparently there are only two rose growers of antique old English roses - one in Oregon, and this one in Snohomish.

Good to know.) 

Once on the other side of the Sound, this was our first stop.  Aviator Coffee makes exceptional coffees!  

I mentioned to Eric how I'd love to find a piece of blue sea glass.  He looked and looked.

Dan found this beach treasure.  

Look...some beach glass treasures...and a pale blue one!  Eric found one!

This is just a small stretch of beach, but it's a fun spot. 

My kids have a funny sense of humor.  (think National Treasure 2)

This is Ellie's "buried crab monster" (except it's only claws) 

a balance beam...

follow the leader...

walk the plank...

 or downhill practice...

after a few hours, Eric noticed that the waves, though still small, were coming in stronger - the tide was coming in - so we packed up and walked over to get some ice cream in town.

 I saw this beauty on our way.  Beach roses are the best. 

There were a couple of ice cream places to choose from - one shop that sold sorbet AND gluten free cones.  WIN!

 I got mango sorbet, Hannah got raspberry.  They were so good!

The kiddos got their ice cream from the one down the street. 

and Eric chose coffee...of course.  :-)

We had a little time before the next homeward bound ferry so we walked along the marina.

This sight brought back memories. (For those of you who don't know, Eric captained a boat just like this one when we lived in California.)

A selfie -with super cute photo bombers.

It was really windy on deck.  REALLY windy! (like 18 knots windy!)

They gave me the perfect Mother's Day gift... time spent with them making new memories.
I am blessed beyond measure to be their mom.

-Carol