9 weeks

 This week was challenging. When things get hard in life, and I feel like I need some back up. I send out a group text to those who I know will pray for me immediately. I used to use that strategy often while at work and dealing with so much responsibility,  personalities, and situations where I honestly just needed strength or a miracle. Since I stopped working, I haven't used it in a while until this passed week. I could tell my husband was undergoing stress and a spiritual attack. My prayer and devotion time has not been quality. A lot if it is spent in my bed in between naps and turning over. The fatigue and nausea has been very present. So I texted my crew to fill in the gap for me and they came through as always. Though I didn't hear any of their prayers. I mostly got a reply that simply said, "Praying now" or "On it" 

The results included me getting energy to pray more, David and I spent some time with another couple who are great friends and he was able to express his frustrations. They were able to encourage him and share their perspectives which were very edifying. My nausea and fatigue subsided a lot. I was able to put together some ways to help manage the stress. I saw a lot of improvement over this week. Taking less naps, getting more chores done and I walked my first mile in like 5 weeks!  So it's been a blessed week. 

8 weeks

 8 weeks today. This week I had my first doctor's appt. It went well. Hearing the words, "Baby has a strong heart beat" hits differently. No twins, just one, but we are so grateful. The staff was really nice and we were satisfied with the overall appt. I've noticed a decrease in mood and energy. I've been nauseous throughout the day, so laying down has been my main remedy. The increased fatigue probably has been the most significant effect. I haven't been keeping up on the house and laundry as much. Fitness hasn't been a priority, but I think the lack of exercise has been the made reason my mood has decreased. I've been spending my devotions in bed. So I've been using this time to ask the Lord to help me holdfast to I'm loved based on my position with Christ and not my performance. I'm quality because of what Christ did for me not because of all my well accomplished tasks. I prayed today that my confidence will come from and be found in that truth. So at times like this, I can bask in and be covered in his grace. A picture from last week.

Still here

 I was actually going to begin a new blog to document this new chapter I'm in, but as I looked back on these sweet memories from several years ago, I thought it would be fitting to continue documenting my motherhood journey.

 Since my last post, I did go back to work as an activities assistant. I was grateful for the job but I was ready to grow. I had a bachelors degree and wanted to use it, but was unsure what I wanted to do exactly. My husband suggested to use the position to get my foot in the door, and that's exactly what happened. Shortly after I was offered a position within the same building to work as a Social Services Assistant. I split my full time job in both positions. Soon after, I was offered a Social Services Director position and worked in that position for 5 years. It was a stressful job, but one that I am very grateful and appreciative to have experienced. Before I took the job as director, I spent time praying and considering heavily if I should take it. I felt like I went from  0-100,  from being a stay at home mom to working a job that would have me away from the house most days at least 10 hours a day. My mom came over one day and said to me "Are you struggling with deciding if you should take the job?" I answered "Yes." She said, "The kids are young now and you have good support for them, but when Moriah turns around 12, that's when you need to be home." Moriah is my oldest and was around 6 at the time. That always stuck with me. So after I decided to take the job, I always had that as a sort of deadline to be back at home.

 The beginning of the 5th year in my position, we got pregnant with our 4th. That was the first time out of our 3 kids that we 'tried.' We were both excited about our "last go round" but a little before the second trimester, we discovered that we lost the baby. It was devastating. But God and His goodness came through on His comfort. A few months after, I felt a shift and my husband did also. He said he was thinking of me leaving my job and staying home with the kids. I still remember the feelings I had of the almost impossibility of our income basically being divided in half. We prayed, sought council and received confirmation. I resigned from my job to stay at home. Oh yeah, Moriah was 11 at the time.

 I remember the objectives David gave me were to take care of the kids specifically with their school, take care of our home and pursue my passion of fitness. I'm finding joy in all of the roles. I'm homeschooling all 3 children. I'm learning the joy of homemaking and sharing it with the kids, as we learn how to make fresh bread. I'm loving my fitness. I wish I could be further in that though. I'm getting over the fear of putting myself out there. The beginning of this year, David was inspired to have another baby. I really didn't see that coming but I'm learning to trust him, trust his inspirations and trust when God is leading us through him. So here we are.. We told the kids. They were ecstatic. Especially my son. He was always into babies from when he was a preschooler.

Today for a split second so many things came to mind, the risks of my age, our previous pregnancy, etc, Then I thought about God's goodness and in the middle of those thoughts, I was deciding to choose hope, joy, God's faithfulness and all the other times God has worked through David's leading. They all gave me the confidence that I needed. We told his mom, and secured an OBGYN appointment.

Children's Nursing Home Ministry

 

A Special Connection to the Elderly

From as young as I can remember I have had a connection to the elderly. Since I was a little girl, my mother has worked in the healthcare field and she was always dedicated to her patients. Many summers, if we weren't pet sitting one of her patient's toy poodle, we were taking care of another's bird. So I grew up with a special consideration for this population.

My very first job, at fifteen was to conduct activities in a very small private assisted living facility for $22 a week for 2 hours, 3 days a week. I feel so old saying that! A few years later I went to college initially majoring in nursing, but received a degree in Gerontology. I soon started my family and never really got "settled" in the field. 

I had many battles figuring out where I fit in within this field, but the more I get settled and dedicate this service to God, the more He reassures me that this is where He wants me to be. While currently working in both the Social Services Department as well as Life Enrichment, He has poured into me new passions, creativity and affirmation. I'm still not completely sure where I will end up within this field but I'm just going to try to do my best with this season of my life. 

What a Wonderful Merge!

 Children, God and the Elderly= Children's nursing home ministry! Studies show that socializing with youth improves the elderly's health. Because our children's ministry at my home church is in the building phase, this is such a good foundational activity to build bonds not only with one another but with others in the community. The children can learn so much wisdom, respect and just a broader scope of life from this age group. Most importantly, they learn and appreciate pace.  Similarly, the elderly gain rejuvenation and life as they learn about, interact with, and nurture the new generation.

This is also a great way for our  children's ministry (ages 4-10) to share their knowledge of God's love for them as they learn that God's love is present from children all the way to old age. 

Activities we have done with the elderly:

• Performed a Christmas play
• Celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday by having an elder read Dr. Seuss books to the children
• Performed an Easter musical

Activities we hope to do in the future with the elderly: 

• Sing-a-longs
• Movie night (The secrets of Johnathan Sperry)
• Arts and crafts

Our day of Ministry, Bonding and Fun!

We started off on Saturday morning around 9:30am with our first nursing home. Taelani, our group's oldest child suggested to the group to dress up and "look presentable for the seniors." Which was a great suggestion, since they were all smiles when they saw how adorable the kids were in their dress up clothes. After our Easter musical, the facility had cookies for us and the children went around and introduced themselves with hugs.

We then took the kids to the park to feed the ducks, have a picnic and play. After they were through, we went to the church to watch Veggie Tales and rest. Then soon after, it was time for our second trip to another nursing home. The kids were so excited to sing their Easter songs! When we finished  with one unit and while we were on our way to the next, they were singing through the halls:) The seniors were so happy to see them, even one resident said, "This is so nice. We don't get to see children often." It even blessed the staff! We were so proud of their behavior and the love and affection they showed to the elderly that when everything was over and they asked to go out for pizza, we just couldn't resist:)

It's going to be exciting to see how these relationships are going to grow and I will be sure to keep you updated!

What ideas do you have for an inter generational activity/event?

 

 

Dates with the kids

Some time ago, I went to a moms 4 moms group that I try to go to regularly.  The speaker for the evening discussed the life of her mother who had just passed away, and in so many ways had left an awesome legacy. One of the topics she touched on was how her mother had dates with each of her children. It was a way of her setting aside one on one time with each of them and she continued this tradition until they were grown.

Not long after that meeting, David and I started having official "Mommy and girls" and "Daddy and boys time" (I have no idea why we pluralize "boys." I guess just to keep it consistent with the girls:)) Even though initially we agreed to alternate children and we look forward to switching, we always find  something for just the girls to do and the boys find something also. 

 A few days ago I prepped Moriah and told her that we would have a girls time soon. Like many other kids, it doesn't take much to excite her. So we agreed that we would have a make over for our special time together while the boys watched Spider-man, wrestled and made paper planes that they got from Chick-fil-a.

Even Autumn got in on the fun and managed to put eye shadow all over my cheek:)

It was nice to spend time with her and not have to worry about rushing. It also gave me a chance to enjoy and notice how she is maturing. I'm hoping that this is going to be the foundation of many important conversations in the future and something that they will pass down to their kids. But for now I'm just enjoying the bonding and these times when there is nothing they would rather do than to hang out with Mommy and Daddy:)

Learning to dance in the rain

A few years ago, one of my friends posted a quote by Vivian Greene on Facebook. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass but it's about learning to dance in the rain." I loved it and almost instantly I knew that was a lesson I wanted to teach my children. I knew that applying the quote to life's circumstances would be beneficial for them but how much more impacting (and fun) would it be to apply it literally? (Kids remember illustration much more than lectures, right?;)


Since then I've pictured myself getting them matching raincoats and rainboots and having them go at it in the rain. Um yeah I never really got around to that.:) It had been raining almost everyday here and I really didn't think about it when we planned almost a last minute playdate with Skye and her awesome mom  and good friend of mine, Donna. The kids were playing for about an hour or so when the downpour started. Donna and I with our babies, Autumn and Sienna were sitting under the gazebo while we witnessed the kids run away from the rain. Practically tiptoed back into it and then finally racing into it.

With it in mind that one day my children will grow up and read this. Moriah, David, Autumn (Skye and Sienna too:) This is for you!

As you grow up you will find that people will let you down. Some of them will be mean, inconsiderate and judge you wrongly. Your dreams will sometimes take a detour and not come out exactly how you have planned. Some things will happen that will make absolutely no sense and you will probably not be able to figure out why it had turn out that way. The enemy will show up with many different faces. He will show up through fear, doubt, addiction, insecurities, peer pressure and other masks. You will make mistakes. It's normal . God knows that you are not perfect and you were created from dust. (Gen 3:19) There will be tough seasons in your life with many storms.

With all these things, God has already equipped you with great tools to whether the storms. His word has encouragement applicable to every situation and His promises has power. His word are just not "words on a page that were written by mere men" as some will try to convince you. These words were inspired by God himself to speak to you specifically. He desires for you to grow to know Him and He allows these storms to happen so that your faith will built. He has designed you with special gifts, talents, skills and passions that will be your "brighter side."

With Him there is always hope. And where there is hope, there is certainty that the storm won't last. With that being said, you don't have to wait until the storm is over to have joy. Though the enemy's goal is for you to be afraid of the storm, you don't have to be. I've heard a pastor once say that we can be storm chasers! Why not have that much confidence when these storms are going to make us better? We will grow to be more patient, considerate, humble and able to comfort those who are going through what we have gone through. All traits possessed by our Christ! Have confidence because God doesn't waste any experience in your life. He can and will use your failures, shortcomings, mistakes, insecurities and all the things that you would label as "unattractive"  into something beautiful and purposeful.

So don't be afraid of the rain! Celebrate it! Dance in it!


More than that we can rejoice in our suffering, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the holy spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything. ~James 1:2-4

The Legacy of the Guitar in Our Family

A couple years ago, David decided that he wanted to take guitar lessons from a church brother of ours who is in his eighties. The kids and I went over there with him a few times and it was nice to listen to his wife reminisce while her husband was teaching David correct finger placement, chord progression and capo placement. I watched as he would study the notes and even remembered exactly when he said that he wanted to master the guitar by the end of the year. For Christmas, the couple gave him a card with $100 to go towards a guitar, and Jan 2010 David bought his first one.

Since then, he has never put it down. When he comes home from work he plays it. When I'm playing music in the house as I do the chores, he plays along. One of my favorite memories so far of him and his guitar is when I was pregnant with Autumn and I had the hardest time falling asleep because I was so uncomfortable, he would pick up his guitar and sing to me until I fell asleep. And my absolute favorite memory is while I was giving birth, I asked him to bring it to the hospital. He played it softly and it was my effective therapy. The nurses were impressed at how I was able to sleep through my contractions without any medication (but of course that all changed once I hit 8cm and was pressuring everyone to give me an epidural:)).

We gave Moriah her guitar when she was 2 and little David's was given to him when he was 2 as well. They play theirs nearly as much Daddy. I'm looking forward to getting Autumn her's though she seems quite content with her Daddy's. As he plays, she gets excited and jumps up and down on her knees.

 I'm so proud of David that he decided to learn it, stuck with it and he's determined to grow with it. We are so blessed with the legacy that brother Joseph passed to David and now to our children!

Check out this great song about a very lovely lady:) sung and produced by David. You hear some of the strings but for more check out his reverbNation page!

The meaning of Autumn

While preparing for the birth of each of our children, choosing a name was very important. We wanted something that we both loved,  had a strong meaning, preferably biblical,  preferably not super common and just clicked. 

Well I believe the beginning of deciding on choosing a name for our third child began back in 2005 while David and I were engaged. I was praying while I was making my bed, and I believe I heard God say, "Through your children you're going to reap your harvest." I stopped to write it down in my journal and I never forgot it. 

While I was pregnant with my third child, David and I struggled with choosing a name. We couldn't find one that we both loved and just felt like it was...well...her.  Every time he had mentioned a name, I shook my head and knew that wasn't it and when I mentioned a name, he would do the same. We had gone through many names on websites, and many people all around were giving suggestions. We asked Moriah who was 3 at the time, what the baby's name should be and she said "Tuna." :) Even my co-worker suggested that we have a baby pool. If I were to chose a name that an employee guessed, then the employee would win a prize:)

One night after we had come back from a date, I was determined to decide on a name. We researched, talked and couldn't decide! Later on,  in the middle of the night, I prayed and asked God for a name with a meaning of my choice. But ultimately, I desired a name that represented the characteristics and personality that she was going to have. Knowing that only God could've known who she was going to become. While I was praying I heard very clearly, "The name will come to you." I responded, "Lord I don't know if that was you, but if it was, I'm going to demonstrate to you that I trust you by going to sleep and waiting for the name."

The next morning, I told David what I thought I heard from the Lord.  He said, "You know, I think that did come from Him because I feel like her name is on the tip of my tongue." So we decided to wait and not to "look" for a name. 

Weeks passed, still many people were asking what the name was going to be. Though I felt like a broken record when responding, I had a peace about the wait. There was a room that I had to set up at my job and that was where I prepped my mind for the day by praying and thanking God. I said "Lord what should her name be?" I heard "Autumn." It was like a light bulb turned on. I googled the official start of Autumn and saw that it was just a few days after her due date. The more I thought about it, the more I fell in love, but then I stopped myself and I said, "Lord, if this is the name, please show me by David loving it also."

As I was clocking out, I was burning with excitement to suggest the name to him. My childhood friend who was also pregnant, texted me to tell me she was having a boy and asked me if I had a name picked out for my girl. As I was getting in the car, I texted her back to congratulate her. I was in the middle of responding to her that, "We hadn't chosen a name yet but I felt  like we were close," when David asked, "What about Autumn?" I said "What did you just say?!! "I was shocked. I dropped my phone. I was screaming. It came to be that the name had come to us at the same time during that day. God is good. We knew without a doubt that was her name. We both loved it and loved even more how it was given to us.

I was on a high, smiling from ear to ear for weeks! Now when people asked me what her name was, not only did I finally have one but I had a testimony that I was so eager to tell.  Then it wasn't until some time after this did I remember the promise God spoke to my heart. Through our children, we were going to reap our harvest.

Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before. ~Joel 2

Teaching our children scripture

Recently, I had an a simple but insightful revelation regarding the mission and purpose of being a mother. My role is not to shelter our children from opposition, but it's to equip them. Equip them with the tools they need so when they're face with adversity they will remain grounded.

I'm sure many people may think that we shelter our children by keeping them away from certain things. But the truth is, we keep these things from them not because we are under this illusion that if we do, then they will never be exposed to it. Instead, we keep certain things from them because not only are these things distasteful to us as parents, but we are focusing on building a strong foundation for them.

Right now the foundation is God's word. Why? Because the grass withers and the flowers fall but the word of God endures forever.  (Isaiah 40:8) Everything that they might face, they can know how to deal with it from the Bible.  We have already dealt with life threatening incidents like a car accident that totaled my car with the kids in it,  near drownings with both of them, and death of a dear neighbor. To less dramatic incidents like hurt feelings on the playground and scary dreams. In all these experiences we used scriptures to guide and ground our emotions, to get wisdom from the experience, to share comfort with others and to learn to trust God more.

Their understanding of God's word is amazing! No wonder Jesus said that we must have faith like a child. They not only memorize the scriptures but they apply it and talk about it with one another when they unaware that we're listening. I have chosen scriptures for them to memorize that introduce them to God's love or according to what they're going through. Hey the issues of a 4 and 5 year old may not seem big to us but remember how little they  are. So their issues are big to them and as their parents we are called to address them with compassion just like God does for us. Sometimes David struggles with sleeping through the night so he memorized, "I lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone O Lord make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). Moriah sometimes struggles with being shy or timid. So she memorized, "and the peace of God which transcends all understanding shall guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus." (Philip 4:7). After they memorized about 4 scriptures, school started and I was so grateful that Moriah's class is also teaching them a scripture a week. So we just teach David those as well:)

We are hoping and trusting that our choices of  movies, songs, family time activities, affirmation, security and love all reiterate God's word and build a firm foundation. So that when they get older and they stumble or wander that they will enough truth in them to see the that the lies of this world might be enjoyable for short time but the joy of Christ is much more profitable and it surpasses them all.:)

~Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Dueteronomy 11:19

~All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

~Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast in the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

David's scriptures on his wall. As soon as I get time to get crafty I will make this look a little more presentable:) but this serves it's purpose for now.

Moriah's and David's bibles that was given to them by their Grandma:)

Autumn's bible that she got on the day she was dedicated. It was given to her from my dear friend Sarah.

 

Scriptures from Moriah's class that we have posted on the fridge.

The meaning of David

 

My son is one of the most peculiar people that I know. He is a four year old whose had an abundant amount of energy since he was in the womb and doubled the amount of testosterone.

For the the first few years, raising him was so challenging. With the combination of him not being a big sleeper and his frustrations of not being able to verbally express his emotions effectively, produced temper tantrums that were comparable to taming a wild animal.

Our discipline consists of verbal warnings, time out and pops (spankings) only on the tushy (where there is plenty of cushion:)) We discuss with him the emotions that were involved to trigger the action. We explain with scripture as our reference why it is inappropriate and what the correct heart posture should be. Then we always end with hugs.  Even with that type of discipline, it used to and still hurts us to discipline him.  Oh, but believe me, we did it often. Especially when he was going through the ''terrible two stage."

But his acts never made me love him less. The disciplining process was more work than what we were used to compared to our daughter, but when it's all said and done, Daddy and I still have to get our kisses, I love you's and cuddling time as if he had never done anything wrong. Why? Not just because he's the best cuddling partner ever, but because we love him. We are very grateful to God for opening our eyes to see His unconditional love for us through the mannerisms of our son.

I am sure, that like my four year old while he was going through his terrible two stage, we adults throw our own kind of tantrums when God doesn't give us our way. Or we try to exercise our will over God's will just like David used to grabs his shoes from me and say "My shelf (which means myself) Mommy!" Then he would put them on the wrong foot.:) We do the same... yes we do the same, but no matter what or how many flaws, insecurities, or levels of immaturity we own, God's love doesn't lessen.

The meaning of David's name is Beloved. Which is all him. Just like King David in the bible,  with all the mistakes that he made, God still loved him with a very, very special kind of regardless-of-what-you-do-wrong-love. We are all  beloved to God.:)

I love you David more than you will ever know and God loves you even more.

~For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angles nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

SAHM vs. Working Mom

I've had the wonderful privilege of staying at home with all of my children for about the first year of their lives. I worked part time for a while and then full time for about a year and a half until I got pregnant again. For the most part, I got to enjoy just focusing on each pregnancy and was able to witness them achieving their first milestones.

Well based on a few factors, my husband and I decided that it's time for me to re-enter into the workforce. I'm excited about the growth, the change and the chance for me to actually receive compensation for my degree. But of course I'm going to miss my days revolving around them.

I'm old fashioned when it comes to the household. My duties as a wife/mother drive me. There is such a fulfillment when David comes home from work and the house is clean, the laundry is done, the meal is prepared the kids are prayed, learned and exercised up. Then he sighs and says, "I love it when you're home." That's like music to my ears. Believe me, I'm not close to a "Martha Stewart." But the idea of  working outside the home threatens my idea of the possibility of maintaining that standard.

But of course staying at home isn't always peachy. I occasionally bump into those conversations with those who have that undertone response of  "Ohhh, so all you do is stay at home? That's not very ambitious." There's also the reality that a second income would decrease a great deal financial stress.

For my situation, I believe that being a stay at home mom vs. a working mom is equivalent to breastfeeding vs. formula. Formula still gets the job done but it will never have the richness of breast milk. Granted every situation is different. I have friends who are great moms who feel like they are better moms because they have the separation while they're at work. But personally, we have definitely seen outstanding fruit from one parent staying at home.  At the same time, there will be new qualities that I will gain by working outside the home that my kids will learn and admire. So to help me sort through the pros and cons just so I can turn my bittersweet decision into a less bitter one, I've compiled a list:

Pros of staying at home:

• Having my house in order will be a constant focus.

• Don't have to worry about calling in, if kids get sick.

• Get to put in additional time for extra educational projects (for the kids of course)

• Clear expectations of husband/wife duties

• I'm my kids main caregiver (don't have to worry about them in someone else's care)

Pros of working

• Second income...duh!!

• Time away to miss the kids

• Get to acquire new skills because of the change that I can apply to the household

• May provide more structure and organization since we will have a tighter schedule

• The kids get to see me in another role...as a professional:)

So yeah...though my  home is where my heart is, it's also exciting at venturing out and not only nurturing my kids but my career also. I'm also afraid that I won't be able to to do it all. So working mommies how do you balance?  Sahms do you plan on transitioning back into work?

Autumn's First Sunrise

I remember the days before we had children, David and I used to get up around 5am, go to Starbucks, then to the beach and watch the sunrise.We would read our Bibles and just talk. I also remember the day I said that I couldn't wait until we have children and take them to the beach to watch the sunrise together. I looked forward to starting a tradition with them that perhaps would lead to them appreciating the simple yet magnificent beauty of the sunrise.

We started a tradition of going to the beach for sunrise service on Easter morning. We didn't make the last one though and  I really wanted Autumn to share that with us before the summer ended.

So this morning we headed out the house around 6:15a.m.to catch the 6:49 a.m. sunrise. The kids were elated. They couldn't wait to get into the water, collect seashells and build a sand castle.

Autumn and her Daddy:) I love them:)

The kids playing in the sand.

Autumn cuddling with Daddy:)

 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. ~Psalm 19:1, 4b-5

Family Walks

 

 

Last Friday night as we were going to bed, David (Daddy) told me that he wanted to wake up early the next morning and do something with the family.

I suggested that we go for a walk. A long walk. From our house to the intersection and back is approximately 4 miles. (I didn't Google that distance until just now. Oh my land! That's long!)

So we headed out around 7:30 am. The kids were amped because usually when we go for our daily walks, Daddy is at work. It was nice, and slightly overcast when we started out. We jogged, talked, briefly greeted all the walkers, joggers and bicyclists. Everyone had their own individual water bottle, so we stopped many times for water breaks(even Autumn:)). David taught the kids how to read street signs. We played eye spy in Spanish and rehearsed the kids' weekly scriptures. 

About midway back, the kids started getting tired, so we played Dum Dum by Lecrae and Gold by Britt Nicole on my phone. Music always makes the walks more fun. Daddy also gave Moriah a piggy back ride and then put David on his shoulders. By that time we were able to see the house and the kids got excited and ran home. We reached home around 9:00 am.

It was good exercise and it made me think of the walk that we have with our Lord. How often do we start off with zeal when we first dedicate our lives to Him. Then we get tired for many different and combined reasons. With His mercy, He rejuvenates and strengthens us. He uses His word through songs, the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ and when it gets too tough, He carries us. My hearts desire and prayer is that when we see glimpses of our eternal home, that we will not try to hold on to this world. But instead, get energy, motivation and focus from seeing it in view.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:13-14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. ~Hebrews 12:1-2

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.~Matthew 11:28

David did it too!! 100 books! Summer project is complete!

 

So after our morning of chores and light play we gathered 4 books and caught David up. Today was actually one of my favorite reading time days. The kids did a really good job being attentive and answering questions. We have a little rule that whoever is reading the book gets to sit in the middle. So David grabbed his four books: I love my Papi, David and Goliah, Big Bug Dug and Rudolph and sat in between Moriah and I.

I noticed so much growth from the first week we started. Now he's beginning to read with speed and I was surprised at some words that he knew that I don't recall teaching him. One of my favorite memories of him during this project is when he read by himself . The first two times we read the book, (a few books we read more than once if they really liked it.) he repeated each word after me and by the third time we read it, he had it on his own. He was so excited!

His favorite thing to do while reading was pointing out compound words. I had taught them about compound words earlier during the project and he got really into it. If the word was football, he'd say "Look Mommy!" He would take his finger and cover up ball and say "foot!" and then cover up foot and say "ball!" But then he would try to the same thing with playing...so yeah we have to work on word endings a little bit more:)

Moriah helped him to record his books on the chart. Once he was done we all jumped up and down and
I squeezed him and gave high fives. Then as soon as Daddy came home from work, that was the first he told him. They hugged and little David was so excited.

His favorite book
When I asked him what his favorite book was he said Rudolph. He said  that's his favorite because it had little words:)  My all time favorite book was No David! by David Shannon. All throughout the book David is doing things that get him in trouble. The pictures are hilarious because these are things my David has done. At the end, his mother hugs him and says "Come here Davey. I love you" Which pretty much sums up our days here at the house.:)

I'm so proud of him. Being a boy and with all that super energy that God has created him with, I know sometimes he would rather be jumping on the bed or playing cars but he was diligent and patient. I think he's off to a good start for preschool!

His reward
He would like to go to the zoo and to the beach. Since Daddy is the super fun one and Mommy is just little bit of fun one, (my kids' exact words:)) Daddy is going to plan their reward day. Will keep you posted!

Moriah did it! 100 books!

To ensure that the kids made an educational advancement during the summer, I created a book chart for them.  It allowed them to document each book they read and the goal was 100 books. I mentioned the details in a previous post, Activities with kids.

I encouraged them to choose their own books. David usually chose a book about trucks and Moriah chose Barbie, princess and color themes. I would have David read his book to me (the library has a section called EZ level 1 books) and Moriah would read me hers which would be more challenging, either level 2 or 3. Or I would have David read one page and Moriah read the other.  Books I read to them also counted.

It was great to see Moriah finish a book and close it with excitement and run to record it on her chart. Every time she reached a number she was impressed with, smiling from ear to ear, she would tell Daddy as soon as she saw him after he arrived from work. Today was a good day at the library. We read several books there and then she came home and ran in her room to record them on her chart. When she was done, she ran back into the kitchen and exclaimed "Mommy I made it! I read 100 books!" I hugged her like she just graduated from college:) I told her I was so proud of her and she said she was proud of herself.

Her favorite book: A Day With No Crayons by Elizabeth Rusch. When I asked her why this was her favorite, she said that like the character in the book, she too was able to still play without crayons. One day while she was playing outside, she made herself out of mulch and made a flower from a rock and grass. She's definitely an artist!

Her reward: We have a collection of ideas. I'm not sure how we are going to execute it all. Whether if it's all going to be designated for one day or a series of treats spread out over a period of time. We started off with Sea World. But then I thought about the heat and I was like "uh....no." My poor Autumn and her curly fro sweats at the drop of a dime. She suggested 'Mommy and girls time' (we have 'dates' with the kids when each parent spends one on one time with each child) where we just mix colors. She also wants to go to the beach, and I also suggested the zoo. So we will see!

After she was done, she came and hung out with me in the kitchen and just talked about colors. She told me about primary colors and what is formed when certain colors are mixed, and about creating names for colors. I thank God for noticing that her accomplishment was inspiring her passion(colors!). Now I'm looking forward to working on another project for the school year!

David somehow fell a few books (like 10!) behind Moriah. I'm pretty sure it was because he would record a book on his chart and then play with his trucks and cars and forget about the others to document. But it's all good. Tomorrow is another library day and as of now he only has 4 more to go. So I will update his stats when he completes his!

 This is from a summer reading program they are also participating in at our local library.

The best thing next to having twins

It's so interesting how many people remind me of how many children I said that I wanted when David and I first got engaged. It's even more interesting that for some reason I barely remember quoting that amount. ("Really?!  5 or 6?!  Did I say that?!!" I blame it on pregnancy brain. Even while I'm not pregnant:) )

I guess that's why some weren't that surprised when we announced that we were pregnant with another while Moriah was only 6 months. We were surprised... but pleasantly. I remember when were at church one day when Moriah was 3 months old. The pastor mentioned a passage (1 Chronicles 4:10) that stated "enlarging our territory" and David was elbowing me, jokingly saying, "Yeah. Enlarge our territory."

Well a few months passed and there I was at home with two in diapers. I vividly remember some mornings when they were crying at the same time. It was challenging sometimes. We were managing two that were so dependent and yet didn't know how to verbally express their needs, but if I had a chance,  I wouldn't change it for anything!

Now that they are a little bit older, 5 and 3 (David will be 4 in about 6 weeks), they are great at keeping themselves occupied together. They play cars, dolls, ride bikes, pretend cook, paint/color. They make up several different games and they are pretty good at taking turns. When they can't decide who gets to choose what to play, they play rock, paper, scissors or they flip a coin. (Prov 18:18) 

Now there are times when they argue. It gets out of hand and there is no telling who started it. Thanks to Daddy who came up with a genius and an often used discipline strategy. We have both Moriah and David hug each other and say "I love you" for about 2-3 min straight. Note: This method is used when the matter is trivial. We do have different forms of discipline depending on the matter:) It works great and after this, they usually play better than when they started.

I was looking forward to putting Moriah in all these different camps this summer since she is now old enough to participate. She did dance camp and VBS, but David is not enough and missed her like crazy when she was gone. So we decided to have her miss a couple of other programs for the remainder of the summer and just find and create activities for the both of them to do together. She wasn't bummed out at all.  I'm thankful for their relationship and pray that it will grow even stronger!

Nugget: Jesus says that the kingdom of God belongs to children such as these. I believe this means that we are to not be childish, but childlike. God desires for us to love each other like how children love. They love affectionately,  fearlessly and abundantly in forgiveness. Sometimes it seems as we get older, we leaves these virtues behind. Join me in prayer to love with a childlike heart:)


~Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.  ~Hebrews 13:1

~ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.~ Romans 12:10

~ Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. ~1 John 4:20

Summer to do list

As the summer is drawing to a close, with only about little over a month left until school starts. I'm wondering if I did everything I wanted to do as a family, spend enough time together, rested enough and prepare enough for the inevitably busy upcoming school year. So here is my bucket list for the rest of the summer with more of an emphasis on goals to do with the kids.

Spiritual

• Memorize 10 scriptures with kids (5 for each child.  1 per week)

Physical 

• Walk/jog to the end of my block with kids (Autumn is the only one in stroller. They jog also. appx. 4 miles)
• Walk a few nature trails

Educational

• Read 100 books
• Go to a museum

Recreational

• Take Autumn to see her first sunrise @ the beach
• Take the kids to City Walk in Orlando
• Go to the zoo
• Have a picnic at a park we've never visited
• Get caught up on scrapbooks and Autumn's baby book
• Play dates with Moriah's best friends  ...well we actually had one with just 1 friend, since the other was sick:(

In preparation for the school year

• Tighten up morning routine using chore chart
• Tighten up bedtime routine

I'm looking forward to seeing how these go and will keep you updated!!

Summer Smoothies

Thanks to many months of Fresh Beat Band, our family is crazy over smoothies.  Tropical Smoothie is a unanimous hot spot for our family but can be kinda pricey. So for a mid-morning snack or a beverage to go with dinner, this is one of our favorite blends. It includes:

• 2 cups of spinach leaves
• 2 cups of mixed fruit
• 1 kiwi (the skin gives it a tangy taste)
• 2 cups of Greek yogurt vanilla bean flavor( I can eat a case of this in a day!)
• 2 tablespoons of organic chia seed
• 4 cups of juice, coconut milk, or 1% milk
• 2 cups of ice

~ I prefer the mixed berries rather than the tropical fruit, but the package of mixed berries is significantly more expensive.~ I love the fact that the kids drink their spinach and I don't have to keep on bribing them to:)~ Chia seed is an old but newly crazed over superfood. It is rich in Omega-3s and antioxidants and TONS of other minerals. Here's to a healthy and tasty summer!

Forgiveness

These are the type of lessons that are valuable but no fun while learning them.

Little David is in a sports class which we look forward to going to every week. He does so well in all of the sports and really enjoys being with all the other kids. One of the moms has a son who is a little younger than David. He is going through a stage where it's challenging for him to cooperate socially. As I was encouraging her, explaining that David had just about finished that stage not too long ago, her son hit my son. We both immediately went over to them. She scolded her boy and I was comforting mine.

I honestly praise God that day for the ability to effectively put aside my emotions of defensiveness and hypersensitivity, which I am sometimes accustomed to.  I almost innately tried to conjure up forgiveness in little David. With Autumn in tote, I got down to his level and wiped away his tears, asking him if he was alright. I explained to him that the other little boy had not yet learned how to keep his hands to himself and that his Mommy and Daddy were teaching him. I asked him if he remembered when he used to throw temper tantrums because he had not yet learned how to express his feelings through  verbal expression (or as we say, "using your words"). I asked him if he could forgive the other little boy.  I repeated everything to him just to make sure he understood. The little boy came and said sorry. They gave each other hugs and David went back to playing tee ball. The boy's mother, who by the way is the sweetest mother there, apologized profusely and I reassured her that David was okay and we're teaching him about forgiveness and this is a practical experience to apply it.

Well last week, we ran into their family at the library. I could tell by the look on David's face that those feelings he experienced that day at tee ball came back. This time the little boy tried to take a book away that David sat down on the table. His parents did a good job in making him give the book back and say sorry. Later,  I can tell that David was a little bummed out. He was playing with the toys but a bit aggressively. When I asked him what was the matter he had brought up the incident at tee ball.
So I was very grateful when I found this book moments later at the library today entitled Forgiveness.  It was just for my kids age group and gave plenty of scenarios that gave opportunities to extend forgiveness and questions that made it interactive.

My favorite part is when I got to tell them how Jesus knows exactly how they feel when their feelings are hurt because His feelings were hurt also. I reminded them of the love in his heart that He had for people and some people still hated him. I went on to remind them that they pierced his hands with nails and his side was pierced with a sword.  Then Moriah added, "They even spit on Him" and I agreed. Then I concluded by asking, "But what did He day after they did that to Him? 'Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.'

"Then Moriah added once more, "Then He said, 'It is finished.' "

~For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

~A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense. ~Prov 19:11

A sensitive subject, but I knew it had to be addressed sooner or later

It was a Friday afternoon. The end of a busy week of Moriah's dance camp. That's why when she was kind of moseying along through the class, I just attributed it to fatigue. As all of the parents had all of our gadgets to record our beautiful ballerinas, David and I quietly joked that the dazed stare that our little girl had that day would be forever on video. We went back and forth, wondering why she seemed so out of it. David asked "What did she have for breakfast?" I added, "Well she is getting sick. I mean I know she likes ballet. She was ecstatic on the first day and really stuck out with her amazing posture."

Well later she would point out something else that made her stick out.

As we loaded into our car, discussing which class we were going to sign her up for the fall. I asked her why she seemed so sad. "Is everything okay Riah?" She nodded her head yes. She took a while and said, "Mommy, I am the only brown skin girl in my class at school and the only brown skin girl in my class at ballet." I agreed with her and asked her how that made her feel, wanting to encourage dialogue and wanted to buy extra time to carefully respond. She stated that it made her feel sad sometimes.

 In my mind I was like, No problem. Let's go home, pack and move to Atlanta. But I thought about it and encouraged her by telling her my story and how I went through the same thing but now I have a rainbow(she loves colors) variety of friends and someday soon, she will too. Dissatisfied with my answer, as soon as I went home I researched on how to raise black children in a predominately white environment. I did some recollection of my own experience, asked some of my closest friends for some input, watched about 6 documentaries and prayed. So in a nutshell this is what God led me to so far.

1. Teach them their heritage. We read I have A Dream, which is beautifully illustrated by Kadir Nelson. It also came with a cd of the original speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I gave a quick play using Moriah's dolls and the book to summarize the story of slavery to freedom emphasizing that God made everyone different colors and He wants us to hold hands and not to treat others badly because of the color of their skin.  I made it sure was age appropriate. Though I was reluctant,  I believe it is key to teach this discussion early instead of waiting for our kids to learn at school. Their knowledge helps their confidence and hopefully prevents that awful and shameful feeling of discussing it during African American month while being the only black child in the class.

 

2. Encourage them to view positive Black people in media. Two things that you pretty much will never catch on our tv screen: 5 o'clock news and BET. Contrary to popular belief, I actually started my ban on BET not while residing in a predominate white environment but while I was attending a HBCU. Anywho, whenever we go to the library we try to get at least one book by an African American author. Though we watch a few cartoons, Little Bill is one of our favorites.  We like movies like Akeelah and the Bee and Daddy Day Care and watched them multiple times. The kids go to sleep to Jamie Grace every night and have watched her testimony and her other videos on youtube. Whenever I see Gabby Douglas on a book or a magazine, I point her out. I'm considering doing a mini book report on her with the kids at the end of the summer since her story proves that color or size is not an obstacle if you have God and and the passion He created you with as drive.

3. Teach them that God made them for a specific reason and plan. This reassures them that someone else doesn't have greater value than them because of age, gender, looks, intelligence, race, etc. God created them for a purpose, for Him to love them. Also with a specific work to do that only they can do and they will complete if they trust God. Confidence should come from this and not appearance.

4. Self affirmation. I tell them that I love their skin because it reminds me of chocolate and cocoa.  I also tell them that they're beautiful (then my son corrects me and says,"I'm not beautiful. I am handsome!:))  smart, intelligent and brilliant. Then I make them repeat it and and yell it. This morning I got so caught up in the yelling, I ran out of adjectives to yell. I glanced at the I have a dream book and it said "Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last!" So we yelled that.:) 

5. Do the doll test. I actually started out with this tip. I first saw this test done in the trailer for The Dark Girls Documentary more than a year ago. It made my heart drop and I knew I had to do it on my kids. But I stalled partly due to fear of the response.  Basically the premise of the test is a white doll or (light skin doll) and a dark skin doll is given to an African American child and the child is asked which one is prettier. The child points to the light skin doll. The child is then asked which doll is smarter and the child points to the light skin doll and  gives the reason that its because the doll is lighter. I have seen this test done so many times on children in many documentaries and its unbelievable. One little black girl went as far as to say that black is ugly and evil. This in not even taught one on one. It's subconsciously embedded. Sooooo...I did the test on my kids. Well I lined up five different shades of barbies. I asked David first.  When I asked "Who is prettier?" He pointed to the darkest one. I asked him why did he think she was the prettiest and he said, "Because I did her hair." (Yes, I allow him to play with Moriah's dolls with her, but I refuse to allow him to play with her purses:)).  I asked Moriah which one was the prettiest and she pointed to two. A bi-racial doll and one slightly darker. When I asked her why are they the prettiest she said because she liked one doll's eyes and the other one could fly.

 Ok so I gave those answers passing grades. But I will continue to pray that they will never feel inferior because of the color of their skin, they will love others with Christ's love and that they will appreciate and learn from all cultures.

What negative experiences did you have growing up dealing with race and how do you plan on changing it for the positive for your children?

~For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

~Psalm 139:13-14