Vacuums and Hair

We just returned from a family bike ride, at night, without working lights on the bikes! We have the battery-powered lights, but the batteries were a tad old. Ben is fixing that problem as I type. It was fun, a little chilly, to be out with the kids tonight. It was an unexpected outing as we were supposed to be meeting with a couple that we mentor; however, K had a 102.2 degree fever this afternoon, and D spent yesterday attached to my hip and wearing some of his food, second time 'round. So, we didn't want to spread germs to our couple and their new baby; we decided to freeze out the kids, instead, on a bike ride. K seemed to be doing better this evening with a fever right around 100. Hopefully, a good night's rest will heal all of the ills around here.

Okay, so the topic of my post... J and K have daily chores, two sets. One set is done in the morning after breakfast and the other set is done in the afternoon after nap time/quiet time. Today's responsibility is a shared task of vacuuming the upstairs bedrooms and hallway. They usually do very well at this and even pick everything off of the floor. J pushes the nozzle/hose and K guides the canister. I don't know what happened today as I was downstairs with D, prepping dinner.

As the story goes (according to a 5 1/2 year old)... they were finishing up D's room and heading to the hallway when the cheeky almost 4 year old decides to block the doorway, reluctant to move. J got a bit upset, and creative... to his credit..., and decided to lift the running nozzle above K's head and around her to get to the hallway. At this point, I hear shrill screams and run upstairs. K's hair is caught in the nozzle. J is visibly upset by this and I turn off the vacuum. K is in hysterics; J is blubbering; D is downstairs saying something to me in his language... we're still working on translations!

All is well... now. K only lost a small chunk of hair, not even noticeable. J learned a valuable lesson about keeping the vacuum on the floor. And it showed me that they really do have a tender spirit toward each other. J was upset at what he had done to K and at the terror that was in her eyes. He softened toward her for the rest of the evening. They really do listen to what I say about showing each other love and about being compassionate to others. It was a hard lesson to learn, but God gifted me with grace for the moment so that I could handle the issue beneath the issue and spread grace and mercy where I would have rather judged with the Mommy-iron fist.

It's encouraging to be in the midst of God's molding of tiny hearts... may mine always be receptive to His teaching, too.

Blessings!

WARNING: A probably controversial post :)

Okay, you can't say that you haven't been warned about today's post. I'm revved up and ready to go. Yesterday, J came home from his one-day-a-week school with a more mellow demeanor than last week. After much prodding, I was finally able to gather bits of information that helped me to understand the less-than-enthusiastic mood in which I found my otherwise happy 5-year old. The second day of school proved to be harder than the first. Kids were less polite; alliances began forming; typical social "pressures" started rearing their heads. For the first time (at least that he's mentioned it to me), J recognized that not every child has the same rules and expectations at home as he has.

He doesn't feel like he can make any friends because he doesn't know about the latest movies or have "cool toys." The couple of kids that he does know from church have broadened their horizons and are playing with new friends. It broke my heart a little, but I know that he'll be fine. He is shy and quiet until he is comfortable with a situation, but he'll blossom soon. I have little doubt that in a few more weeks, he'll have some new friends.

But his comments about "culture" set my mind to thinking/guessing. Maybe we are too strict with our kids? Maybe we should allow more media into our home? Maybe we shouldn't ask them to do the chores that we do ask them to do? Maybe we should buy them "cooler" toys? Maybe we should blend them into the culture a little more? After all, the kids with whom he spends these 6 hours on Tuesdays are homeschooled kids, coming from supposedly Christian homes. What is wrong with us?

I voiced my concerns to Ben after the kids were in bed promptly at 8 pm. He heard my thoughts and almost, as I was speaking, I realized that what I was saying was ludicrous! We have a standard for our family and cling to it to make our family a light in this world. In our conviction, we have made decisions that have not been popular nor easy to make, but we feel that God is leading us in this way. We don't judge others for their parenting because we aren't the Holy Spirit in their lives. We simply do what we do for the purposes of our kids being brought up in a home that seeks Truth... to live by it, apply it, and love it. We fail many times throughout the day, but we always hold the bar where it is because we sense God's glory and pleasure in it. Ben reassured me that J will make friends and that we're doing the right thing. It's all I needed to hear because in my heart, I knew that's what God was telling me.

And then, almost as by coincidence (but since I don't believe in chance encounters but God-ordained moments), I picked up a book today at the library that had been on hold for almost a week. It's called Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham, Jr. I've only read 25 pages, but the Lord spoke to my heart in a way of encouragement that had to be from Him. Allow me to quote:

"We (parents) look at the biblical mandate and compare it to societal norms, and there appears to be something missing. We believe that somehow we are depriving our children of experiences that will make them more liked, more respected, more normal. Hence we trade in the biblical standard for a cultural norm that hovers just below mediocrity. All of a sudden our desires for our children change. Now all we want for our kids is what 'every other parent' wants for their children." (p. 18)

Wow! Thank you, God! He reminded me of what it means to parent by the Book. I don't want to trade in His standards and the protection of living in His will for my children (or me) to be more liked or accepted. I don't fault the other kids or the other parents. I have no doubt that J would be absolutely side-swiped by culture had he gone to public school... and to those Christian parents who have their kids in public schools, I realize, even-more-so, the amount of interest and safeguarding you must do with your little ones! Wow. All I'm saying is that for us, we will not compromise on the convictions we have in order to ease J into his classroom. He'll make friends; he'll find his niche, and we, along the way, can hopefully lead him to a place where he will make his best Friend, Jesus.

Blessings!

Firsts

The first... day of dance lessons went very well. She looked the part with her black leotard, pink tights, and pink shoes. The smile went from ear to ear and possible caught up in her blond strands! Parents aren't allowed to watch classes, but for the first day, her teacher, Miss Maura, opened the door 10 minutes before the end of class. My neck hurt from straining, but I was able to see my little ballerina tip-toe her way across the floor. She was the only girl of nine in a black leotard, the others opting for pink. Her attitude was obviously from her mama as she said that she liked wearing the black... must have heard me discussing the leotard color with my mama, saying that I just couldn't let her wear anything other than black! I endured it for 13 years! But I have a softer side, too; maybe in a couple of weeks I'll buy her a pink one. For now, we're enjoying the first of many lessons to come in the world of ballet!

(standing in front of our sign at home)

The first... day of kindergarten. We started our school the first week of August, but tomorrow marks the first day of sending J off to a one-day-a-week school for homeschool students. He'll be gone from 9-3 and experience a classroom with 21 other kindergartners. They'll do lessons, have recess, enjoy lunch, run in PE, and dramatize in Readers' Theatre! Wow... my little man. I don't know who is more excited? He is very excited to carry his backpack, meet some new friends, and be at school with his teacher; although, a tender moment softened my heart just last week. K asked J who is teacher is at Heartland. He answered and then promptly added (without any noise from me) that I was his teacher, too. He gets it! How exciting!

The first... sneezes of the season. Every year, around this time, I remember why I feel conflicted over fall. I love the smells, the colors, the temperature, the tastes, and the clothes, but I strongly DISLIKE the sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose! Allergies, ick! All I can say is that after knowing Ben for 10 years, this is the first year where misery loves company. He finally is showing signs of allergic reactions to the weather. I really don't wish my ailment on others, but it's comforting to share the tissues together. Bliss! :)


The first... strong desire to study the book of the Bible that normally has me scratching my head... Proverbs. God has placed on my heart to study the ideas of "wisdom, knowledge, and understanding" from Proverbs and other places. I attempt this feat knowing that the Lord will provide the direction and am excited to figure out how those wisdom words can apply to me, as a wife and a mom.


The first... taste of homemade bread in 3 1/2 months. Our detox diet is nearly over, and today, we added bread back into our diet. You do not know the depth of appreciation that I have for the taste of bread. I made 4 loaves this morning and promptly sliced a hunk for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed it without anything added. It was amazing! That craving, apparently, didn't disappear during the detox :) Ben and I are feeling good (despite the allergies) and have lost some weight with the diet. I suppose our addition of bread and chips and salsa today will put some of that weight back on, but we are recognizing new limits to how much we can consume of those wonderful treats!

The first... goodnight for September! Blessings!