For the Record

I'm thankful for sweet moments today. (Definitely should be sleeping, but I want to get this recorded.) Even though Darin is traveling and I was up in the night with a sick boy, the day was surprisingly relaxed. I didn't know it was possible for me. ;) Certainly helps when I have agreeable kiddos.

I have a hard time canceling school on snowy days, so we usually just keep on our regular schedule. However, when at 9:30 we had accomplished a good bit of work (2 math quizzes, a grammar test and more) I decided it was time to have some recess! I LOVE walking in the snow.

The sick boy got pulled all around our neighborhood by his siblings and was very content in the fresh air. After our walk, I shoveled the driveway (which I love to do, but Darin usually insists on doing). 

We played and played. It wasn't too cold. 

 Our attempt at a group photo. Not sure why I'm grimacing... I was very relaxed today, really I was.

The snow was perfect for snow forts, snow walls, snow balls and snow men!

You should have seen Ethan and I heaving the larger snow balls up on this snow man. It was hilarious. We were giggling together and it was great. It felt good. We were together and full of JOY. 

We came inside for lunch and then worked on school work for a couple hours. We went sledding, had quiet time (great reading in my She Reads Truth lent devotional... more on that later), put away laundry, practiced drums and piano. Everything just seemed to fall in place (even in the midst of typical teachable moments and sibling conflict). Y'all... this doesn't happen every day. This is why I need to record it tonight before I forget. 

And since I was in such good spirits, after realizing basketball practice was cancelled (as we sat in the empty parking lot) I treated the kids to a surprise dinner out at Chipotle. Now I really must go to sleep, or I can promise you tomorrow will not be so relaxed. 

Thank you, Lord, for helping me to ENJOY your creation, these precious children, and for giving me the ability to be spontaneous today. "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!" 

Out of Their Element

Last Monday night, Luke and Ethan participated in a Variety Show at their homeschool academy. Each of the elementary classes had the opportunity to put on a class play. If you know Luke and Ethan, then you know performing in front of a large crowd (the room was packed!) IS NOT THEIR THING!!! I mean, seriously, not their thing! But they did it and survived...phew!

Luke's class consists of 9 kids... 3 boys and 6 girls. There wasn't exactly a part in his play with no speaking lines. Everyone had a lot to say and do. Doesn't he look so uncomfortable in the picture above? (in the middle) I think I held my breath the entire time. 

The play was called "A Blast From the Past" and it was a trip through American History (with lots of fun props and dancing!) Luke (on the right) was SO nervous for days before the performance. Two practices were cancelled due to snow last week and that did not help his nerves. I was so anxious for him, but he did it. He was not spectacular, but he got up there and conquered his fears. I was proud of him.

A short while later it was Ethan's turn. His class did a reading of the poem "Paul Revere's Ride." He had a choice to be a reader or an actor. Ethan chose to read. He was a bit more comfortable on the stage then his brother, but still out of his element. His play was not quite as overwhelming to prepare for. His class has 10 kids.

Somehow I didn't get a photo of his huge grin. I must have snapped my camera the few times he wasn't smiling because he smiled a LOT up there. I wish I got a photo of his toothy grin. So proud of my smiley boy. Did you know his Daddy's nickname growing up was "Smiley?" hmmm... 

It definitely stretched both the boys and took them out of their comfort zone, but I'm thankful they had this opportunity.

Special Tooth

When Aaron was a baby, instead of two primary teeth coming in on the bottom front row only one wide tooth grew. Our pediatrician always called it his "Special Tooth." I'm not sure what the official name is, but that one tooth is twice the width of all his other primary front teeth.

It didn't matter to us. He was still our cutey patutey red head! 

Look at those squishy cheeks and legs. Oh my goodness!!

And can you say DROOL? :)

 Well guess what? Aaron's "special tooth" fell out this morning! 

He came running in my room EARLY to tell me. :) His 3rd tooth gone.

It's official. My baby really is growing up!

Now we'll have to wait and see if two teeth grow in its place or if there will be one. 

Snow Incentive

One of the great things about homeschooling is that lessons can still continue when it snows.

In our family, the opportunity to play in the snow is a great motivator for completing our work. Yeah!

The great part about these chilly temperatures is that we could be sure the snow would still be around

in the afternoon. Sledding or hiking in 20 degrees is quite invigorating, especially with friends.

I LOVE all the energy the kids burned running up the sledding hills. 

(They've been much calmer and eager for bed in the evenings.) 

I'm not going to lie and say our week was 100% rosy (because it was NOT). 

However, we all rather enjoyed the snow together (even me!)

Sledding Smiles

Bright Spots

I have to say I was NOT looking forward to the forecasted snow on Monday. I'm usually a big fan of snow, but this time I was less then excited for the disruption to our schedule, the piles of snow gear by the back door, and icy neighborhood streets that keep me from my running routine. A little bah humbug from me! That's why I'm trying to notice some sweet moments this evening.

The kids did not share my negative sentiments about the snow.  They were thrilled! 

Especially this little snow bunny. ;) She jumped right in our 5.5 inches of light fluffy snow. 

I didn't plan for a snow day from our school work, so they were surprised when I told them they could take a long break to play. AND, they could even stay in their jammies. It was pajama day at our house even under their snow gear. (Me too!)

I'm thankful that after an hour in the snow, they were rather cooperative to resume our school work. Don't worry... we didn't do our full load of school work. However, doing a little helped my lesson plans to not get too out of whack. I'm uptight that way. 

What a happy surprise to find Ethan in his room on his bunk READING independently! He's been able to read for a while now and will read for school assignments. However, I've been eagerly waiting for him to discover the joy of independent reading. I knew I couldn't push him and so I waited (rather impatiently and with a bit of unnecessary worry). In the midst of my grouchiness today, I have to say this blessed me quite a bit. Doesn't that look like a cozy spot? Especially in pajamas!

This girl LOVES to be outside and active. Her little cheeks were 

so pink from running up and down the sledding hill. 

She is full of such JOY. That's a bright spot.

These lilies were from Darin for my birthday. They've been in the dining room closed up and unnoticed.
What a pleasant surprise to realize they burst into bloom yesterday and more today. Another bright spot. 

And lastly, I heard some rocking out while I was preparing dinner. Sure enough, Luke and Daddy were jamming out and making music together with the drums and electric guitar/amplifier. Luke was GIDDY. "Daddy, what do you think we should name our band?" ultimate sweetness.

Swelling Heart

Nothing says LOVE quite like homemade heart shaped pizzas! 

Well, at least their bellies felt the love.  They look forward to our Valentine's dinner tradition. 

On another note, my heart swelled with love and pride on Sunday afternoon. Irina attended an all girls Bible Study with a group of 4th/5th grade girls this afternoon. I had the pleasure of staying. The girls enjoyed a snack, played games, and participated in a study of the book of Ruth. Irina was both excited and nervous.

During the ice breaker game, each girl had to introduce themselves and then take a slip of paper from a jar. Then, they were to read the question and answer aloud to the group. Irina immediately made eye contact with me mouthing, "You need help me." As the jar passed around the room, I prayed for whatever question she would pull out. One of the slips said, "What is the hardest thing you've ever experienced?' Phew! So glad that she didn't pull that.

Finally, it was Irina's turn. She introduced herself and as I got ready to help her read (I was not sitting next to her), she began reading on her own. "When you get older what job would you like to have?" Another mom friend cheered her on, "Great reading, Irina!" With a huge smile on her face she answered, "A dentist!"

My heart nearly burst out of my sweater. I can't describe what a success this was for my girl. My love for her and her perseverance grew a notch today. Oh, she loves her brothers dearly and they missed her like crazy while she was away. (They even called my cell phone to find out when she'd be getting home.) However, it was so good to see her surrounded by other girls near her age and absolutely delighted! Not to mention her success reading and answering her question. You go girl!

Little Snippets

Phew! It is a good thing I had all those hours to relax last weekend, because this week has been a whirlwind. It's been full of challenging school days, two variety show practices, Bible study, gymnastics, drum lessons, a doctor appointment, counseling, basketball practice and MORE. The kind of week that requires a 6am trip to the grocery store because there is no other time to squeeze it in and we had no groceries. I seriously would rather set my alarm at 5:45 to exercise then go the grocery store. Yikes! I know some of you are used to this kind of full schedule, but I am not. I guess now that I am a mature 40, I can handle it. Right? (wink, wink)

Here are some snippets from our day today. See if you can guess who said each one.

1) "If I take my math quiz, will you give me 5000 kisses on the lips?" What?! How about on the cheek? 

2) "I did all my school work. I feel terrific!" (at 7:25am)

3) "Please stop banging your pencil on the table. STOP banging."

4) "This is too hard for me. You need to help me."

5) One child was working on language arts. He was directed to underline the nouns, circle the adjectives, and draw arrows to the nouns they describe.

The sentence was, "A glowing orange sun sank behind the purple hills."  To which the child remarked, "Ooo...pretty. I need to draw a picture of this." And he whipped out a short pencil from his pocket and began sketching.

SO... did you figure it out? Do you know who said each snippet?


Answers:
1) Aaron "Kiss"topher Smith (His middle name is really Christopher, but man he is all about kissing these days. I need to pray for this boy!)

2) Luke  - SO proud to see him maturing and working hard. It has not always been this way. And don't worry, he still had more school work to do but he needed the computer and a little help from Mom.

3) ME... the boys are constantly drumming, beating, banging ALL DAY LONG. I much prefer Luke's loud drum set to all the tapping and banging.

4) Sweet Irina... she is hitting some hard patches in school and can get very discouraged. She much preferred the easier work, but it is time to progress. Pray for her!

5) Last but not least, Ethan... my artist. He carries a little pencil in his pocket so he is always ready to sketch. Sort of reminds me of someone...

2nd Tooth

Guess who lost his 2nd tooth?

As he was studying himself in the mirror tonight before brushing
his teeth he remarked with pride, "I'm looking much older." Oh my! 

Just What I Needed

Are you driven by your "to-do" list? Do you have a hard time relaxing and not working? Do you get caught up seeking perfection? Are you uptight? Are you an introvert? Are you recharged by having time alone? Do you rarely have time alone without little people (who are dearly loved but very interactive and sometimes excessively needy!)?

Well, if you've answered "YES" to most of those questions, then you can identify with me. ;) 

As of yesterday, I officially entered the next and most exciting phase of life. My FORTIES!!! There was lots of discussion about what I wanted to do for my birthday. "How do you want to celebrate?" Family and friends were so eager to make sure I felt showered with love and I'm very grateful. I am loved and that is pretty amazing. Oh, how I wanted to please everyone. 

In the end, I finally realized (after tears and much confusion) that what I most needed this weekend was TIME to re-charge and rejuvenate. It's hard to ask for that if you are a people-pleaser like me. It's hard to make that happen when you're not sure how to relax. By God's sweet blessings, not only did I get that time but I was actually able to relax. What a special weekend it was! Darin made sure I had time for a little bit of everything. What a gift! It was much more valuable than anything purchased at a store. 

The weekend included...

1) An 8 mile run on Saturday morning (my last long run in my 30's and I wanted to go out with a bang! This old body can still move! Hooray! It felt great.)

2) A really fun basketball game to cheer on my little sport. Aaron received the "Christ-like" star for Upwards basketball on Saturday and I was so proud. 

3) Flowers, flowers, flowers! I had so much fun arranging them! There are flowers in my kitchen, family room, dining room, and bathroom. God designed some gorgeous flowers that I am truly enjoying. (Darin really goes all out when it comes to flowers for special occasions. Remember, we met at a flower shop back in 1997. Another tidbit: He proposed to me on February 8, 1998 AT the flower shop we worked at together. That was 17 years ago yesterday.)

4) Time to read, study, journal, and pray! Darin took the kids out of the house for almost FOUR hours on Saturday afternoon and I had the house to myself. I did not clean. I did not work on my to-do list. I relaxed and was refreshed.

5) I even had time for a little sewing. I'm making Irina an apron that matches mine. Shhh... don't tell her.

6) While I was getting the kids to bed on Saturday night, Darin went out and picked up dinner for the two of us (Chipotle - my favorite!!!) and a movie (The Good Lie - great movie!). 

And it was still only Saturday. My birthday was not even until Sunday. What more could a girl ask for? 

7) Darin made the lighted sign for me several years ago and faithfully hangs it up every birthday since. I love it! The kids all picked out special jewelry that they paid for (with a little help from Darin). I loved seeing what they selected. So pretty and special.

8) The weather was GORGEOUS this weekend. It was 70 degrees and sunny on Sunday. What?! It's February people. 70 degrees is fabulous. After church and lunch at home, I went for a long walk with this true friend (one of many I'm blessed with).

9) While Darin was making my favorite dessert (I'm not a big fan of cake.), I read a book on the deck in the sunshine with bare feet. The kids were running around in the back yard playing dodge ball squealing with delight. Did I mention that Darin makes the best chocolate chip cookies? Thick, soft, chewy... YUM! He is very precise and scientific with his baking. 

 10) Then showers for the sweaty kids and dinner out!

 11) Grammy and Poppy came along to celebrate. I love those BIG smiles.

 While we were waiting for our table, the boys decided to be doormen. I love that they delight in being chivalrous. Lovely!

And finally, dessert at home while watching a photo slideshow that Darin created of the last decade of my life. A LOT has happened in my 30's. Wow! Amazing to watch and see the change in our family from only one little pipsqueak (Luke) to FOUR precious, chosen, wonderfully made children. God has been so good to us.

And guess what? I have two more special birthday activities to look forward to. Stay tuned. Feeling very blessed. (Notice, this is the upside of my emotional swing. Watch out, you might get whip lash from my ups and downs. hee hee!)