these guys rock.

... 'nuff said!



The Receiver - MySpace

a december day.

Our morning started with more of the story of Christ's birth.
The girls drew pictures to go along with their copywork.
(actually, the day started with lots of "cushion forts" and fighting...)

It's SNOW TIME!
Parker helps roll the giant snowball.

Big sister jumps in to help...

Push, Carly!

Look who has to go potty!

The weather is gorgeous, sunny and 40.
The snow melts a bit and becomes PERFECT for packing!
Only a few more days until Christmas.
We are all really looking forward
a weekend full of family, friends, and fun!

seasonal snaps.

she's crafty.

I'd like to thank Amy for the sudsy inspirations.
I find it amusing that I went from "inspired" to finished product in less than 24 hours.
It was so easy and affordable - how could I not?!?

Take a look!
There was no special formula here. I used the melt & pour method, used goods from my own cupboards (cinnamon, vanilla, honey, oatmeal, coffee, molasses...) - AND VOILA!
Fresh, yummy soaps!!
(and just in time for Christmas!)

i'm a mom. i'm in a band.

Silent Violet at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
Wanna see?
I love it. It's one of the things on my "must do before I die" list.
Now if Clay Aiken would only sing a duet with me...

learning in a new year.

I've gotta be honest here... our first semester was kinda wishy-washy as far as curriculum goes. We learned! We had FUN! We did not have much structure. As I've said in the past, my children respond well to SOME structure, and I believe it is very good for them.
New year, a few new adjustments to OUR SCHEDULE.

We still use Five In A Row. Love it. Plan on continuing.
Still enjoying Math-U-See, both girls are doing math - AND NOT HATING IT!
We are going to add the "Burgess" books and create a real Nature Study!
I am so excited about this. Spending the day outside - exploring- it really reminds me of WHY I keep my kiddos with me.
I will be using the Ambleside curriculum for our Nature, Hymn, and Composer Studies.
I'm also looking into Rod & Staff for Language Arts. A friend recommended it, and I think I'm sold! So far, we've just been using random workbooks, which have worked well, but I can tell the girls are ready to kick it up a notch!
They love using the Explode the Code books for Language Arts, too. I plan on purchasing the next level.
History? Eh, we'll just read cool books and rent fun videos from the library. They are still young and I don't see the need to learn it now only to RE-learn it again in 4 years.

We're enjoying our Christmas break. Learning about advent has really helped us get excited for MORE than just the gifts under the tree. While the kids make paperbag puppet shows to the music of "Hairspray", I am eagerly anticipating a new year of learning!

oh yeah, i have a blog.

I would like to keep this going, I really would... I just have a hard time fitting it into my schedule!
We are well.
The kids are amazing.
Life is beautiful - it really is...

Remember "If You Give A Moose A Muffin"?

If You Give A Mom A Muffin

If you give a mom a muffin
She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it
She'll pour herself some.
Her three-year-old will spill the coffee
She'll wipe it up
Wiping the floor, she'll find dirty socks
She'll remember she has to do laundry
When she puts the laundry in the washer
She'll trip over boots and bump into the freezer
Bumping into the freezer will remind her
she has to plan for supper
She will get out a pound of hamburger
She'll look for her cookbook
(101 Things To Do With a Pound of Hamburger)
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail
She'll see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow
She will look for her checkbook
The checkbook is in her purse
that is being dumped out be her two-year-old
She'll smell something funny
She'll change the two-year-old's diaper
While she is changing the diaper, the phone will ring
Her five-year-old will answer and hang up
She'll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee
Thinking of coffee will remind her
that she was going to have a cup
And chances are . . . If she has a cup of coffee
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it

YES!

If you do homeschool, let this reassure you!

If you don't, read on and think before you ask that dreaded question again!

***

No Thank You, We Don't Believe in Socialization!
by Lisa Russell

I can't believe I am writing an article about socialization, the word makes my skin crawl. As homeschoolers, we are often accosted by people who assume that since we're homeschooling, our kids won't be "socialized." The word has become such a catch phrase that it has entirely lost any meaning.

The first time I heard the word, I was attending a Catholic day school as a first grader.

Having been a "reader" for almost 2 years, I found the phonics and reading lessons to be incredibly boring. Luckily the girl behind me felt the same way, and when we were done with our silly little worksheets, we would chat back and forth. I've never known two 6 yr. olds who could maintain a quiet conversation, so naturally a ruler-carrying nun interrupted us with a few strong raps on our desk. We were both asked to stay in at recess, and sit quietly in our desks for the entire 25 minutes, because "We are not here to socialize, young ladies."

Those words were repeated over and over throughout my education, by just about every teacher I've ever had. If we're not there to socialize, then why were we there? I learned to read at home. If I finished my work early (which I always did,) could I have gone home? If I were already familiar with the subject matter, would I have been excused from class that day? If schools weren't made for socializing, then why on earth would anyone assume that homeschoolers were missing out?

As a society full of people whose childhood’s were spent waiting anxiously for recess time, and trying desperately to "socialize" with the kids in class; It is often difficult for people to have an image of a child whose social life is NOT based on school buddies. Do you ever remember sitting in class, and wanting desperately to speak to your friend? It's kind of hard to concentrate on the lessons when you're bouncing around trying not to talk. Have you ever had a teacher who rearranged the seats every now and then, to prevent talking, splitting up friends and "talking corners." Were you ever caught passing notes in class?

Now- flash forward to "real life." Imagine the following scenes:

Your Employer is auditing the Inter-Office Email system and comes across a personal note between you and a coworker. You are required to stand at the podium in the next sales meeting to read it aloud to your coworkers. The Police knock on your door, and announce that because you and your neighbor have gotten so close, they're separating you. You must move your home and your belongings to the other side of town, and you may only meet at public places on weekends.

You're sitting at a booth waiting for a coworker to arrive for a scheduled lunch date. Suddenly a member of upper management sits down across from you and demands your credit cards. When your friend arrives, you just order water and claim you're not hungry, since he stole your lunch money.

You're applying for a job and in an unconventional hiring practice, you are made to line up with other applicants, and wait patiently while representatives from two competing companies take their pick from the lineup.

You're taking your parents out for an anniversary dinner. After you find a table, a waiter tells you that seniors have a separate dining room, lest they "corrupt" the younger members of society.

You go to the grocery store only to find that since you are 32 years old you must shop at the store for 32 year olds. It's 8 miles away and they don't sell meat because the manager is a vegetarian, but your birthday is coming up and soon you'll be able to shop at the store for 33 yr. olds.

You'd like to learn about Aviation History. You go to the library and check out a book on the subject only to be given a list of "other subjects" that you must read about before you are permitted to check out the aviation book.

You're having a hard time finding what you need in the local department store. The saleslady explains that each item is arranged alphabetically in the store, so instead of having a section for shoes, you will find the men's shoes in between the maternity clothes and the mirrors.

Your Cable Company announces that anyone wishing to watch the Superbowl this year must log on a certain number of hours watching the Discovery Channel before they can be permitted to watch the game.

You apply for a job only to be told that this job is for 29 year olds. Since you're 32, you'll have to stay with your level.

In a group project, your boss decides to pair you up with the person you don't "click" with. His hope is that you'll get learn to get along with each other, regardless of how the project turns out.

These absurd examples were created to point out how absolutely ridiculous the idea of "socializing" in schools is. Many people had a friend who they stayed friends with all through grammar school- WHY? Because their names were alphabetically similar, and they always ended up in line with each other. As an adult, have you ever made friends with someone simply because your names were similar? How long would such a friendship last and how meaningful would it be, providing you had nothing else in common?

People often use the bully as an example of why it's so important to let kids "socialize" at school. If that's so important, then the bully needs to go to JAIL after a few months, because self-respecting society simply doesn't put up with that, nor should my 6 yr. old. Sure, there are crappy people in the world, but the world does a much better job of taking care of these things. A bullying brat in the first grade will still be a bullying brat in the 6th grade. He will still be picking on the same kids year after year after year, unless he moves to a new town. How long would the average adult put up with a bully? Personally, as an adult, I have only come across one grown up bully. I choose not to be around this miserable woman. So do many other people. THAT is real life. If she were a coworker, I would find a different job. If she worked at a business I patronized- not only would I refrain from doing business with that company, I would write a letter to the bully, her manager, the owner and the main office. A kid in a classroom has no way to emotionally protect themselves against such a person. I would never expect my kids to put up with bad treatment from a bully in the name of "toughening them up." For what? So they can be submissive wimps when they grow up too? So they can "ignore" their miserable bosses and abusive spouses? In real life, if an employer discovered that an employee was harassing the other staff members, that employee could be fired (pending the 90 day evaluation) or relocated. In real life, if you are so dreadfully harassed by a coworker you can seek legal recourse independently. In a classroom, the teacher and other children are often powerless.

The idea of learning acceptable social skills in a school is as absurd to me as learning nutrition from a grocery store.

As Homeschoolers, the world is our classroom. We interact with people of all ages, sexes and backgrounds. We talk to and learn from everyone who strikes our interest. We use good manners in our home and I'm always pleased when others comment on the manners my children have picked up. I believe good manners to be an important social skill.

Respecting common areas is also of value to us. We often carry a grocery bag with us on walks, in case we find trash that needs to be discarded. When we're waiting at a bus stop, if there is trash on the ground, we make a point to carry it onto the bus and discard of it properly. Once, while waiting at a bus stop- we saw a grown man drop his popsicle wrapper on the ground. He was 2 feet from a trash can- My daughter looked up at me with eyes as big as saucers. I told her (out loud) "It must have blown out of his hand from that little wind, because no-one would throw trash on the ground on purpose. I'm sure when he's done with his popsicle, he will pick it up and throw it away correctly- otherwise, we can take care of it so we don't have an ugly world." He did pick it up, rather sheepishly. I can't imagine expecting my children to have a respect for the cleanliness of common areas in an environment where bathroom walls are covered in graffiti and trees are scratched with symbols of "love" of all things.

Another social skill we strive to teach our children is that all people are created equal. I can't imagine doing that in an environment where physically disadvantaged children are segregated into a "special" classroom. Or even children who speak a different language at home. They are segregated and forced to learn English, while never acknowledging the unique culture they were raised in, and not enabling the other students to learn FROM them. Learning, in school, comes from the books and teachers. We will learn Spanish from a BOOK, not from a Spanish-speaking student; and not until 7th grade.

I have never felt it would be beneficial to stick my 6-yr. old in a room full of other 6-yr. olds. I believe God created a world full of people of all ages and sexes to insure that the younger ones and older ones learn from each other. A few years ago, we were living thousands of miles from any older family members, so I brought my kids (then 5 and 2) to an assisted living facility, so they could interact with the elderly. Staff members told us that many of the older people would wake up every day and ask if we would be visiting soon. We always went on Wednesdays. My daughters learned some old show tunes while one of the men played piano, and the others would sing along. If I didn't have to chase my 2-yr. old around, I would have had plenty of women ready to share the art of crocheting with me (something I've always wanted to learn.) If a friend was too sick to come out of their room during our visit, we would often spend a few minutes in their room. I always let them give the kids whatever cookies they had baked for them, and I ended up cleaning a few of the apartments while we visited, simply because I would have done the same for my own Grandmother. Every room had pictures from my kids posted on their refrigerators. We called this "Visiting the Grandmas and Grandpas" and my daughters both (almost 2 years later) have fond memories of our visits. I'm sure that if we were still visiting there, my unborn child would have a thousand handmade blankets and booties to keep him warm all winter.

I don't remember any such experiences in my entire School life, although I do remember being a bit afraid of old people if they were too wrinkly or weak looking. I never really knew anyone over 60. I never sped down the hall on someone's wheelchair lap, squealing as we popped wheelies and screeched around corners. I never got to hear stories about what life was like before indoor plumbing and electricity, from the point of view of a woman with Alzheimer’s, who might believe she was still 5 years old, talking with my daughter as if she were a friend. I never got to help a 90 yr. old woman keep her arm steady while she painted a picture. And I never watched a room full of "grandma's" waiting for me by the window, because we were 15 minutes late.

On a recent visit to an Art Gallery, we noticed a man walking back and forth, carrying framed artwork from his old pickup truck. I asked my 6 yr. old if she thought he might be the artist. We both agreed that was a possibility, and after a little pep-talk to overcome her stage fright, she approached him and asked. He was the artist, and he was bringing in his work to be evaluated by the curator. We all sat down and he explained some of his techniques and listened to her opinions about which piece she liked best. He told about how he enjoyed art when he was 6 and would "sell" pictures to family and friends. He recounted how he felt while creating a few of the pieces, and how each one has special meaning to him. He even let her know how nervous he was to show them to the curator and how he hoped she found them as interesting as we did. As he was called into the office, a group of thirty-four 3rd graders filed past, ever so quietly, while their teacher explained each piece on the walls. The children were so quiet and well behaved. They didn't seem to mind moving on from one picture to the next (The problem with homeschoolers is they tend to linger on things they enjoy). They didn't seem to have any questions or comments (Maybe they'll discuss that later in class). And they never got a chance to meet the gentleman in the pickup truck.

I hope my kids aren't missing out on any "socialization."

Oh... how I NEEDED this!

So, we use an amazing curriculum called Five In A Row. Not only is the program super-cool, but the creators are EQUALLY as cool.
I am a part of the FIAR message board where other moms, similar to myself, can hang out and discuss... well... EVERYTHING!
One thing that most of us unanimously agree on is that this mom/wife/friend/teacher "thing" is down-right DIFFICULT! Sometimes is challenging to find the support you need amongst peers - those going through the exact same thing.
Then, this evening, I log on to find this amazingly beautiful letter of support and encouragement from the publisher of FIAR, Steve Lambert.
Praise God!
He really does know WHAT we need and WHO we need in our lives.
I needed this in my season...

I've seen the posts this week, both signed, and anonymous, about the disappointments, frustrations, heartbreak and disillusionment of homeschooling.

"Dis-illusionment" is good. That means you no longer have any false "illusions" about the job that you've undertaken.

It's easy to to have all kinds of false illusions about what it means to be a parent, to homeschool our children, to make a marriage work, to survive financially in a world that's determined to have "more" every day.

Anything worth doing is generally a challenge. If it were EASY to have a great marriage- everyone would have one.

If it were EASY to raise great kids- everyone would have them.

If it were EASY to homeschool- everyone would do it.

But it isn't. It's hard. All of it.

But Jesus never invited us to take a path without opposition. The scriptures are filled with admonitions and warnings about the challenges we'll face, the opposition that will stand in our way, the cost of discipleship and the price of servanthood.

Homeschooling is no more a panacea for bad kids than a church wedding is a panacea for bad marriages.

It's work... hard work... all of it.

The "formula" for raising great kids isn't homeschooling. If there's any "formula" it's to daily throw yourself on the mercy of the One who created your children, who knows them and to invest your lives in your kids- spending time with them, sacrificing some of the alternative ways you could be spending your time and money, etc. Homeschooling HAPPENS to be a fairly convenient way to do those things- but it's no guarantee!!

The "formula" for having a great marriage is the same. It's to cry out to the One who created your spouse and by working hard and self-sacrificially toward building a better relationship with your mate. Like parenting, it's about both quality AND quantity of time spent together. There are no shortcuts.

And yes... there will be opposition. There will be challenges. There will be setbacks. There will be disappointments.

What does Paul say: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

That sounds a lot like some of the posts around here lately.

Well... almost!

Some of the posts have been more like: "We are hard pressed on every side; perplexed; persecuted; struck down."

But Paul adds the other portion, reminding us: "We are not crushed; not in despair; not abandoned; not destroyed."

So I'm not worried when I read that you are hard pressed, perplexed persecuted and struck down in your homeschooling journey or marriage or finances.

That's NORMAL!! That's PREDICTED!! That's what we're told to EXPECT!!

But I want to remind you that the end of the story hasn't been written yet. There are parts and players in this play that you don't even know about yet. There are scenes yet unwritten in this movie which is your life.

And we may be lots of things- but we are NOT crushed, despairing, abandoned nor destroyed.

My grandmother used to say that her favorite verse in the Bible was, "And it came to pass..." She'd say "It didn't come to stay- it came to pass!"

There is a reward for those who persevere- for those who do the mundane drudgery of planting, hoeing and watering there WILL come a harvest!

Great children don't just happen.

Great families don't just happen.

Great marriages don't just happen.

Great character doesn't just pop forth.

I'm not telling ANY of you ANYTHING that you don't already know. I'm just reminding ALL OF US of the eternal truths.

It's the beginning of the new year. Bad habits have been formed over the summer perhaps. Routines and patterns have been disrupted. And the enemy wants to convince you that your efforts are pointless and your future is hopeless.

But don't give up. Don't quit. Don't waver.

Purpose to do a little better tomorrow than you did today.

I PROMISE YOU there will come a time in the not too distant future when you will look back on this season in amazement as you realize how that cloud has lifted and those insurmountable battles have disappeared as surely as the morning fog evaporates by mid-morning.

Bless you as you walk by faith,

Steve

ONE! WEEK! FROM! TODAY!

Some things need to change.

Why do we hold onto things that eat at our hearts?

“Bitterness is like swallowing poison and expecting the other person to die.”

I got that quote off of a friend's blog, she's not quite sure where she heard it, but it's stuck in my head. When things that I'm not conscientiously focusing on stick with me thoughout the day, I discern that as the voice of God.

Bitterness, lack of forgiveness, whatever you want to call it...
ROBS US OF OUR JOY!

Life is just too short.

Brandon Heath - I'm Not Who I Was

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was
I used to be mad at you
A little on the hurt side too
But I'm not who I was

I found my way around
To forgiving you
Some time ago
But I never got to tell you so

I found us in a photograph
I saw me and I had to laugh
You know, I'm not who I was
You were there, you were right above me
And I wonder if you ever loved me
Just for who I was

When the pain came back again
Like a bitter friend
It was all that I could do
To keep myself from blaming you

I reckon it's a funny thing
I figured out I can sing
Now I'm not who I was
I write about love and such
Maybe 'cause I want it so much
I'm not who I was

I was thinking maybe I
I should let you know
I am not the same
But I never did forget your name
Hello

Well the thing I find most amazing
In amazing grace
Is the chance to give it out
Maybe that's what love is all about

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

Stickin' to it...

It is safe to say that schedules and I do not get along.

Having children has made me realize that a schedule can be good - although I am still strongly in favor of "flying by the seat of my pants". It just allows so much more room for fun!

Some of the secret joys of living
are not found by rushing from point A to B,
But by inventing some imaginary letters along the way!
-Douglas Pagels

When it comes to schooling, and the children getting older and needing a little more "educational beef" in their diet, I have decided to commit to a schedule... definitely for their benefit - possibly for mine. I'm thinking that if I post my schedule on the wall at home AND here on my blog, it will greaten my accountability!

Okay, here it goes (keep in mind, I will STILL scrap everything to run outside and discover a bird call)...

8 - 9: Morning Jobs (including breakfast) I gave the girls a check-list of things to get done before the day begins, i.e., make bed, brush hair, get dressed...

9 - 9:30 Bible & Prayer

9:30 - 10 Mystery of History (MOH)

10 - 10:30 Open (walks, PBS, play, snack...)

10:30 - 11:30 Five In A Row (FIAR)

11:30 - 12 Math U See (MUS)

12 Lunch, core learning complete

1 - 2 Reading Rainbow/Between the Lions (great for rainy days!)

In the afternoon we will work in Sequential Spelling/SpellingTime.com, Silent Reading, educational games, Art (if we don't do it during FIAR), baking, grocery shopping (and other important Life Skills), group activities with friends...

We're starting on September 10th!!!
Our core day (on the 10th) will end with a visit to Chuck E. Cheese with a group of friends.
We are still participating in GRACE Co-Op on Fridays at Kensington Community Church. The group has been such a blessing to our family (and the Support Group, as fun as homeschooling can be, IS CRUCIAL!!!) There are days where I couldn't do it without them!

So... there you have it!
We're ready to begin, but first Mom and Dad need to spend a little time together in New York City!!!!!
After that, business as usual!

Back in the day... a fun history lesson!

The kids are really having fun with this one! I'm sure it helps that it's my favorite period to study in American History.
We are "rowing" (our curriculum is called "Five In A Row") a book called "When I Was Young In The Mountains."
To go along with that story, and really bring it to life, we visited the Troy Historical Museum this morning.


Our friends that we don't get to see much during the school year were able to come along and share in the experience!
We have gone in the past, but at that time we were relating it to the "Little House" series. It was a neat concept to realize that these 2 stories could have been going on at the same time in history!
We took note of all the things we have now that were not available back then.
The kids were very aware and did a great job coming up with comparison lists!
After the museum we went home and had cornmuffins and home-made butter! Again, the adults may have been a little more excited about this, but it's good for the children to see parents that love to learn, too!

The Glory of God is Man Fully Alive!

This song always stirs me.
There are times where I think, "yep, this is it... this is the life God has in store for me." Then God says to me over and over again, "No sweet child, there is more! If you can believe it... there is SO much more."
So I live for God. I live for God knowing with full faith and assurance that He has a life for me and a love for me beyond my comprehension... that if I grow with Him and in Him, even my trials will give Him glory and enrich my life.
He is why I live.
There's just no arguing that!

Take a sec to read through this song. I hope it gets in your mind and prompts prayer throughout your day. Is this what God has for you? Have you asked Him to show up?
I assure you - it's a request He LOVES to answer!!



Just Showed Up - Sara Groves

Spending my time sleep walking
Moving my mouth but not saying a thing
Hoping the changes would take by working their way from the outside in
I was in love with an idea
Preoccupied with how a life should appear
Spending my time at the surface repairing the holes in the shiny veneer

There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real

And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright

I'm going to live my life inspired
Look for the holy in the common place
Open the windows and feel all that's honest and real until I'm truly amazed
I'm going to feel all my emotions
I'm going to look you in the eyes
I'm going to listen and hear until it's finally clear and it changes our lives

There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real

And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright

Oh the glory of God is man fully alive
Oh the glory of God is man fully alive


There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real

And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright

It's so much more than that...

One of my favorite authors on Christian family "issues" is Clay Clarkson.
In this article I just finished, I actually said, "YES!" outloud.
Mr. Clarkson had this to say regarding a "purpose" of educating at home:

Home Education is the natural outgrowth of home discipleship. Your goal is not just an educated child, good SATs and college, or even a career and a good salary. Those may be fruits of your efforts, but your overriding goal should be to raise spiritually mature children who have both the will and the skill to learn, and the desire to keep learning. Your goal in home education, is to raise a well-rounded, spiritually-grounded, truth-founded Christian whose goal in life is to make a difference for the kingdom of God, whatever life path he or she chooses.

CAN I GET AN AMEN?

Johnny Cash's last performance.

June, the love of his life, passed in May, just 2 months before this performance.
Johnny died 2 months later.
What an amazing gift he is to our music world... and so incredibly missed.

In addition to my last post...

I ran across this video on YouTube and just had to bring it here... along with the story.

My very first Clay show, 2004.
I got tickets from a kind lady online. I drove out to Jackson, MI all alone, knowing that I'd at least know the 2 ladies I spoke with on the phone.
During that tour, Clay's "people" would audition singers prior to the show. They would take your seat number and come and get you if you were chosen to SING WITH CLAY!
Well... HERE'S HEATHER! Back then, she was just the nice lady I had JUST met and sat with.
NOW? - one of my best friends in the WORLD! ;)
I can't help but look back on this precious night... watching my dear friend experience a dream-come-true in the making!
I LOVE YOU HEATHER LEE.... KEEP ON SINGIN'!!!!

Less than a month now!

CLAAAAAAAAAAAY!
It's just been too long.
I miss the surge of excitement bubbling amongst all the amazing fans.
I miss the air, thick with happiness, in the hours prior to showtime.
I miss feeling like a teenager for a weekend.
I miss the cars stuffed full o'Claymates - singing and laughing...
Oh... and most of all...

Quite possibly...

... my favorite song EVER!!!!!!!
Turn it up and try to stay seated.

random acts of kindness...

... are what surround me.

Tuesday's Thoughts

"As Christians, we are called to convert our loneliness into solitude. We are called to experience our aloneness not as a wound but as a gift--as God's gift--so that in our aloneness we might discover how deeply we are loved by God."

~ Henri Nouwen ~

I hate to say that I wish for times of loneliness...
My depression last year was the loneliest time in my life.
Lonelier than being without a boyfriend in High School.
Lonelier than starting a college with no friends.
Lonelier than being awake with a baby and post-partum depression at 2am.

In my depression, God sat at the foot of my bed. My fear and sadness was NOT from God, and He reassured me through scripture every time I would listen. Every once in a while I would lose sight and start to sink, and just when that would happen, God would fix my eyes back on Him and I would walk on water - in the assurance that no matter what my trials, HE WOULD NOT LEAVE ME!

My quiet times with God, as few and far between as they are, are my "lonely times." There is no sadness in my loneliness except the knowledge that I should be with God intimately more often. The more I humble myself before Him, the more I receive from Him.
It's a fact that I know to be true and REJOICE in!

Your help is REALLY appreciated!

Please take a second to click below on the "Demand It" button.
Gavin is one of my favorite new artists and I want to raise enough votes to get him to Detroit!

Oh, Stacy...

Sorry, I mean... Fergie.
Very popular.
Her songs are all over the radio and her gorgeous face is on almost every fashion mag.
I get asked quite often if I like her...
You guys, THIS is the Fergie that's stuck in my head:



Kids Incorporated was a SLIGHT obsession of mine from 1984 to 1987.
Stacy, aka Fergie, was my penpal!



When I can get past the fact that this little girl was my everything as a child (confession: I wanted to change my name to Stacy - I KNOW, SCARY), then maybe I can start to enjoy the woman she's become...

Heck, maybe I should mail her a letter.

Addicted.

Hi. I'm Loo, and I'm addicted to coffee.
I tried to go without. A couple of times. I even gave decaf a chance thinking, surely, it's not the caffeine I want!
Yeah right, and I drink beer because of the taste.
3 hours into my coffee-less day, the headache put me right back to bed.
I was mean to my children.
I got nothing accomplished around the house.
True, my irregular heartbeat is something to worry about,
but, all in all, I'm a much better person with java in the veins.

Knitting Needles Aside...

... I am into a book phase again.
Any time I set my sights on something - a new skill, a hobby, a new relationship, a major undertaking - I jump in feet first with 100% dedication.
Friends out there, can you vouch for that? It's a problem, I know.
This past winter I would smile at my knitting needles in the morning and plan my next trip to Joanne's while drinking my morning coffee. If you were lucky enough to slip in a conversation with me (between scarves, because that's all I made... well, before the Knifty Knitter anyway) I was determined to give you the knitting-bug as well.
At least I realized that knitting was more fun with a friend.
(Tricia? Christine? Thank you.)
The problem with reading (if I had to find one) is that it is NOT a social hobby. I have to make a conscience effort to include real people in my day (well, besides my children) so that I don't accidentally refer to characters in the books as if they were my next door neighbors. That's creepy... but I've done it.

Just ask me about Georgia Ella. LOVE her!!!

Okay, so how about book clubs? I hear there are people out there that would really enjoy sitting around talking about these characters, as if neighbors! Yay! I mean, I have a couple of friends that know my relational issues with Meredith Grey... that's not so weird, why not book people?

Well, this summer I have decided on an author named Lisa Samson, thanks to my FIAR friends.
Uh-may-zing!
I love her! If I was a writer, I would be her. It's like I know what sentence is coming next because Lisa and I share a brain. It's my plan to knock out her titles by Labor Day and if you like to read, steer clear of me, because I'll drag you along with me. I'll even let you know which library has what title. Yes, I'm that nice. ;)

So, I've finished "Straight Up". Loved it. I didn't really savor it. Devour is more like it. I am now on Chapter 4 of "Quaker Summer" and if it's even possible, I think I already like it MORE than "SU"! I am actually planning a couple fun activities, child-led of course, for the kiddos today so that I can sit by *coughwithmybookcough* and know that they are being entertained AND learning. I also plan on putting a load in the wash, making my bed, and making sure the kitchen is somewhat tidy before I visit my friends "Heather and Jace" in Baltimore!

Aahh, it's going to be a good summer. Me and my sweet escapes...
Oh, and have I ever mentioned this guy?
*sigh*

Please, if you have 10 minutes...

... watch, listen, and KNOW- beyond a shadow of a doubt - that you are LOVED...



Thank you to Rob Bell
Pastor, Mars Hill, Grand Rapids MI
www.marshillchurch.org

fRiEnDsHiP

"Everyone hears what you say.
Friends listen to what you say. Best friends listen to what you don't say."

... and can I just add that I'm not entirely thrilled about the last part of that quote up there, but I wouldn't change it for anything! Thank you, my friend, for knowing it all and loving me just the same...

Blessed beyond comprehension...

I'm not sure how this makes for an interesting blog entry, but it's by far the BIGGEST truth of my life.
I'm blessed that I am loved, on so many levels...
for just being me.

Broken, beautiful, chosen, loved...
ME.

Too big too fast!

This little munchkin is headed to Girl Scout camp for the weekend....

... it's just too much!

This is big... BIG!

Okay, perhaps not to you.. but this is MY blog!
I'll cut to the chase.

2 of the original cast members from RENT are coming back to Broadway for 7 weeks this summer.
Not only are they 2 original (AMAZING) cast members... they are my FAVORITES!

I'm going.

I. AM. GOING. (insert one gajillion exclamation points!)

We're not sure how we're getting there or where we are staying, but those are minor details in such a HUGE event!

Yes, I sound crazy. Let's also keep in mind that I am a CLAYMATE. Enough said. ;)
Ya either love me or hate me regarding this personality trait I possess...
Haters? ~ PISS OFF! (my apologies... i'm passionate.)

So... without wasting any more time, let me introduce to you
ADAM PASCAL (ROGER) AND ANTHONY RAPP (MARK)!!!!!!!


Oh, and YES... these are the same men from the motion picture that most of you may be familiar with:

There are days...

... where it takes everything in my power to pull my children away from their play.
See, I am supposed to. I teach them at home. The world wants me to think that what I am doing is WRONG or a DISSERVICE! Are you kidding me?
I have such a peace about just letting them be children right now. There will come a time, VERY SOON, where "hitting the books" will be critical to their intellectual development.
It is so obvious that their desire to learn is natural. I know my children and therefore I know when to "kick it up a notch".
Right now we read, play games, take nature walks, cuddle, laugh, and paint pictures.
And to me, this is what THIS TIME is all about.

Salary of a Stay-at-Home Mom

Is it even POSSIBLE to put a price-tag on this job?
I wouldn't trade it in for all the money in the world.
I really wish more people would quit living beyond their means and realize the importance of being home with their children... it's the most important "job" in the world.

Click here, very interesting
MOM'S SALARY

~Loo