It's amazing how my kids can bring me to tears. I call them happy tears. They are tears of joy that bolt through my heart faster than Cupid's arrow. There is no monetary value that can hold up to homemade cards, coupons for mom, M-O-M acrostic poems and the like.
Suddenly, all my fault finding in my parenting skills and feeling of inadequacy are washed clean by the tender words of affection and appreciation from the ones that hold the pulse of my heart in their bosoms.
This Mother's Day is one I choose to remember and live each day because if you let my kids tell it I am the M ost O utstanding M om!
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Monday, February 9, 2009
A Prodigal Child
It's like the anticipated impact of a car spinning out of control toward you on a rainy day. You can feel the burden of the impact in your chest as all the motions, though quick, seem to be moving in slow motion. Your heart pounds in against your chest. The full impact of car has not yet been felt, but you can see, and therefore you mentally and physically brace yourself for the excruiating pain that is forthcoming.
A mother's pain is like that spinning car. All the feelings and emotions are real as your stomach slowly starts to knot up into a thousand balls and your body wanes from the emotional turmoil. Your day vasilates between an operational reality and nonfunctional numbness as you ponder how could your child reject everything you have taught them.
You recount the days when you first felt a flutter in your stomach. That was a welcomed flutter; unlike the knots and numbness you now feel. You ask yourself over and over again, "How could this be happening". It's not death in the true sense of the word, but all the same it is a loss.
I'm referring to the loss of a relationship between a mother and her child. I do believe that as with death it is a mother's ultimate pain. It's a pain that afflicts many during the course of parenting. It's a pain that not many wish to talk about. It's a pain that only the Father above can take away.
Scriptural mediation during this time of growth are: Luke 15:24 (For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found), Proverbs 22:6 (Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it), Psalm 147:3 (He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds).
A mother's pain is like that spinning car. All the feelings and emotions are real as your stomach slowly starts to knot up into a thousand balls and your body wanes from the emotional turmoil. Your day vasilates between an operational reality and nonfunctional numbness as you ponder how could your child reject everything you have taught them.
You recount the days when you first felt a flutter in your stomach. That was a welcomed flutter; unlike the knots and numbness you now feel. You ask yourself over and over again, "How could this be happening". It's not death in the true sense of the word, but all the same it is a loss.
I'm referring to the loss of a relationship between a mother and her child. I do believe that as with death it is a mother's ultimate pain. It's a pain that afflicts many during the course of parenting. It's a pain that not many wish to talk about. It's a pain that only the Father above can take away.
Scriptural mediation during this time of growth are: Luke 15:24 (For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found), Proverbs 22:6 (Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it), Psalm 147:3 (He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds).
Monday, November 5, 2007
Rock, Paper, Scissor
I thought we could manage with sharing one tube of toothpaste until payday which by my calculations would help out with the budget...(Wow, it saved $4.50 for Tom's Natural Toothpaste). So this morning while I was dashing into my kids bathroom to use the only tube of toothpaste in house I was able to witness a ritual my 13yo and 7yo had been doing for some time now and I was pleasantly surprised and proud of them.
I had known for awhile now that I had not heard any fussing between the two of them for weeks about who got to the bathroom first. I never knew the reason but accepted the calm mornings as I held my breath. It was a welcomed change to the usual morning madness.
Well, this morning on my way out of their bathroom both of them reach the door at the same time but instead of the usual pushing or whining out, "I got here first", I heard my 13yo say with eyes still waking up, "Paper, Rock, Scissors". Then, without another word said my 7yo, her too with eyes still waking up, in unision with the 13yo began to form their hands to either Paper, Rock, Scissors.
My daughter won and so my son said two out of three. They proceeded to shake their hands to Paper, Rock, Scissors for two more rounds. My daughter won two out of three and quietly entered into the bathroom and closed the door. No other words were spoken. My son went back to his room to snooze until she came out.
I think I woke up the reminder of the sleeping eyes in the house as I told them how proud I was of them of how they had worked out the morning bathroom problem. They both looked at me with expressions that said every bit of, "Mom, we got it under control".
I thank God for both of their maturity in their roles of big brother, little sister as well as learning how to resolve conflict. It is truly a step to contentment and peace.
I would also love to think that the scriptures that I have written, and illustrated for the 4yo, have been hidden in their hearts.
I had known for awhile now that I had not heard any fussing between the two of them for weeks about who got to the bathroom first. I never knew the reason but accepted the calm mornings as I held my breath. It was a welcomed change to the usual morning madness.
Well, this morning on my way out of their bathroom both of them reach the door at the same time but instead of the usual pushing or whining out, "I got here first", I heard my 13yo say with eyes still waking up, "Paper, Rock, Scissors". Then, without another word said my 7yo, her too with eyes still waking up, in unision with the 13yo began to form their hands to either Paper, Rock, Scissors.
My daughter won and so my son said two out of three. They proceeded to shake their hands to Paper, Rock, Scissors for two more rounds. My daughter won two out of three and quietly entered into the bathroom and closed the door. No other words were spoken. My son went back to his room to snooze until she came out.
I think I woke up the reminder of the sleeping eyes in the house as I told them how proud I was of them of how they had worked out the morning bathroom problem. They both looked at me with expressions that said every bit of, "Mom, we got it under control".
I thank God for both of their maturity in their roles of big brother, little sister as well as learning how to resolve conflict. It is truly a step to contentment and peace.
I would also love to think that the scriptures that I have written, and illustrated for the 4yo, have been hidden in their hearts.
Proverbs 15
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Why Am I Always on the Go?
This is a question that I just can't answer with one simple response.
Take for instance, today as a good example. As I sit here typing this post I'm ever reminded of the time with each typing stroke. It's 5:33pm and we need to be at soccer practice at 6:00pm.
I want to post. I have so much to post! I just don't have the time.
Okay, I'm going to do the responsible thing and gather the kids, water bottles and yes, even the dog and head out to practice. On the go again....
Maybe I'll be able to post tonight after mopping the floors and cleaning the bathrooms.
Take for instance, today as a good example. As I sit here typing this post I'm ever reminded of the time with each typing stroke. It's 5:33pm and we need to be at soccer practice at 6:00pm.
I want to post. I have so much to post! I just don't have the time.
Okay, I'm going to do the responsible thing and gather the kids, water bottles and yes, even the dog and head out to practice. On the go again....
Maybe I'll be able to post tonight after mopping the floors and cleaning the bathrooms.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Toy guns and Swords
I'm really loving homeschooling my 4 and 13 yo sons. We started our history unit in the Medieval Period and naturally the boys took to the idea of using swords in their playtime together.
We established some ground rules and gave them noodles cut in half. They have a cross between medieval battles and some sort of Asian maritial art dual complete with courtesy bowing and round -house kicks.
Boys will truly be boys. I love to see my kids enjoying each other's company and having good natured fun. It was what my 13 yo asked me next that I wasn't sure I was ready for.
They now wanted to play with a cap gun that was given to my 13yo by a relative. I took a deep breath and realized their morning had already been full of experiments. They had frozen water balloons and melted them with various ideas that came to their mind. They had used their computer time to team up to beat the enemy. Now, they wanted to play with the cap gun outside.
My first reaction was, " No! we don't play with guns. They hurt people." Like swords don't hurt. Boy did I feel the big hypocrite veil coming down across my face.
I agreed to let them play after laying down the rules for their play. They understood and off they went... never out of my critiquing sight. They each very methodically following the rules shot a couple of rounds of caps and then it was over. Yes, that was it. The whole experience of their play took less time then it took for me to decide to let them play with the cap gun and give them the rules. Wow!
Being somewhat experienced in these parenting thing, I truly believe that if I had taken a different course in letting them explore this natural boyish activity their interest for the forbidden could have taken a whole different path.
Do I believe that I have allowed an evil and desensitized them to the dangers of guns? No way. As a parent, it is my duty to daily train then in all areas of life and this was one lesson on one day. It was also a day of fun for two brothers ages 13 and 4 who also learned how to play together using courtesies, respect and lots of TLC toward each other.
We established some ground rules and gave them noodles cut in half. They have a cross between medieval battles and some sort of Asian maritial art dual complete with courtesy bowing and round -house kicks.
Boys will truly be boys. I love to see my kids enjoying each other's company and having good natured fun. It was what my 13 yo asked me next that I wasn't sure I was ready for.
They now wanted to play with a cap gun that was given to my 13yo by a relative. I took a deep breath and realized their morning had already been full of experiments. They had frozen water balloons and melted them with various ideas that came to their mind. They had used their computer time to team up to beat the enemy. Now, they wanted to play with the cap gun outside.
My first reaction was, " No! we don't play with guns. They hurt people." Like swords don't hurt. Boy did I feel the big hypocrite veil coming down across my face.
I agreed to let them play after laying down the rules for their play. They understood and off they went... never out of my critiquing sight. They each very methodically following the rules shot a couple of rounds of caps and then it was over. Yes, that was it. The whole experience of their play took less time then it took for me to decide to let them play with the cap gun and give them the rules. Wow!
Being somewhat experienced in these parenting thing, I truly believe that if I had taken a different course in letting them explore this natural boyish activity their interest for the forbidden could have taken a whole different path.
Do I believe that I have allowed an evil and desensitized them to the dangers of guns? No way. As a parent, it is my duty to daily train then in all areas of life and this was one lesson on one day. It was also a day of fun for two brothers ages 13 and 4 who also learned how to play together using courtesies, respect and lots of TLC toward each other.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Grammy's Homemade Curriculum
Recycled Curriculum- Preschool
My mama has been a wealth of information. She is usually on the road driving her 18-wheeler across 48 contiguous states. But, this week she docked at our house for a week with her grandkids. We all love it when Mama stays over.
Oh course the children love Grammy's visits because they get to ignore all the rules with Grammy coming to their defense. The added perk to us is that my husband and I love the breaks she allows us.
During this visit she has already given me tips on baking bread, handling a teenager and as recent as last night, "Grammy's Homemade Curriculum".
She asked me if she could cut out pictures from an old Good Housekeeping magazine. I said, "sure", thinking she was bored. It is not unusual for her to whip out paper dolls and make them dance on the wall using a flashlight. The children love her spontaneity just as much as my brother and I did years ago.
I sat on the sofa with the ABEKA Little Readers going over book number four with my four year old. He was pleased that he could show off to Grammy as he read the consonant/vowel blends and later three letter words near the end of the book. He finished and joined Grammy on the floor to glue the pictures she had cut out of the magazine onto plain copy paper. They glued pictures on the paper that was divided into sections.
Then in the casual way she does most everything, she pulled out these labels that she made with a colored marker she had my son get her earlier and starting holding them up to him and asking him to find the picture that matched the label. I'm watching the whole thing. He does it!
But wait, this is not a package curriculum. This is not following the order of teaching or rules of letter recognition with a preschooler. Some of the labels are even four letter words. Her words, I still hear, "he's ready". Yes, he was ready.
My kids love the old fashioned way I try to do many things around our home. They have coined a phrase for everything I do, "Mama's Homemade". It was only fitting to call was my mom did as, "Grammy's Homemade Curriculum". Umm, so that's where I get it from.
My mama has been a wealth of information. She is usually on the road driving her 18-wheeler across 48 contiguous states. But, this week she docked at our house for a week with her grandkids. We all love it when Mama stays over.
Oh course the children love Grammy's visits because they get to ignore all the rules with Grammy coming to their defense. The added perk to us is that my husband and I love the breaks she allows us.
During this visit she has already given me tips on baking bread, handling a teenager and as recent as last night, "Grammy's Homemade Curriculum".
She asked me if she could cut out pictures from an old Good Housekeeping magazine. I said, "sure", thinking she was bored. It is not unusual for her to whip out paper dolls and make them dance on the wall using a flashlight. The children love her spontaneity just as much as my brother and I did years ago.
I sat on the sofa with the ABEKA Little Readers going over book number four with my four year old. He was pleased that he could show off to Grammy as he read the consonant/vowel blends and later three letter words near the end of the book. He finished and joined Grammy on the floor to glue the pictures she had cut out of the magazine onto plain copy paper. They glued pictures on the paper that was divided into sections.
Then in the casual way she does most everything, she pulled out these labels that she made with a colored marker she had my son get her earlier and starting holding them up to him and asking him to find the picture that matched the label. I'm watching the whole thing. He does it!
But wait, this is not a package curriculum. This is not following the order of teaching or rules of letter recognition with a preschooler. Some of the labels are even four letter words. Her words, I still hear, "he's ready". Yes, he was ready.
My kids love the old fashioned way I try to do many things around our home. They have coined a phrase for everything I do, "Mama's Homemade". It was only fitting to call was my mom did as, "Grammy's Homemade Curriculum". Umm, so that's where I get it from.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
What language are you fluent in?
I Corinthians 13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
Recently I have had some communication issues with someone very close to me. It just seemed that at every opportunity for harmony there was a battle. It's quite funny because the battle never seemed to directed at me personally, but it was tension nonetheless.
Well, yesterday there was true harmony and heartfelt communication. I immediately scanned the environment and happenings all around us hoping to duplicate it for the future. It seemed too simple, too trivial. It was all about showing love.
This morning my daily devotion was on I Corinthians 13. We all know this one. It's the love chapter. It's one I had studied in depth with my husband and Pastor Skepple during our premarital counseling. For some reason, I'm not sure of the origin of my thoughts, I'd only made the connection of this chapter in my relation with my husband. But, the connection with those outside my marriage didn't always experience this unconditional love that I was commanded to express. How did I miss the importance of this unconditional love with others.
I thank my Lord and Savior for providing a universal language that we should all be fluent in, and with all people. I also thank Him for making the connection with events of yesterday with my daily reading today. God is so timely.
My unfavorable situation with my love one changed yesterday with a simle hug. Yes, it was simple and seemingly trivial at the time. However, it was just what I was commanded to do and the relationship is all the better for it.
Hugs are universal. This language is understood and accepted by all.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
Recently I have had some communication issues with someone very close to me. It just seemed that at every opportunity for harmony there was a battle. It's quite funny because the battle never seemed to directed at me personally, but it was tension nonetheless.
Well, yesterday there was true harmony and heartfelt communication. I immediately scanned the environment and happenings all around us hoping to duplicate it for the future. It seemed too simple, too trivial. It was all about showing love.
This morning my daily devotion was on I Corinthians 13. We all know this one. It's the love chapter. It's one I had studied in depth with my husband and Pastor Skepple during our premarital counseling. For some reason, I'm not sure of the origin of my thoughts, I'd only made the connection of this chapter in my relation with my husband. But, the connection with those outside my marriage didn't always experience this unconditional love that I was commanded to express. How did I miss the importance of this unconditional love with others.
I thank my Lord and Savior for providing a universal language that we should all be fluent in, and with all people. I also thank Him for making the connection with events of yesterday with my daily reading today. God is so timely.
My unfavorable situation with my love one changed yesterday with a simle hug. Yes, it was simple and seemingly trivial at the time. However, it was just what I was commanded to do and the relationship is all the better for it.
Hugs are universal. This language is understood and accepted by all.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Homeschool Planning
Here it is 20 days before school starts and I'm not anywhere near to being finished pulling together our homeschool plan for this year. I have many notes, notebooks started and several different schedules that I tote around awaiting a lull in my day. But it's not not done yet!
My goal this week is to complete six weeks of lesson plans for history (detailed with all the copies). Pray for me guys.
My goal this week is to complete six weeks of lesson plans for history (detailed with all the copies). Pray for me guys.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
My daughter belongs to Jesus
My daughter was baptized at our church this Sunday. She spent the last 3 weeks in baptismal class with other children all desiring to make their walk with Jesus known publicly.
Our hearts are leaping for joy at our daughter's decision. She's only seven and she already knows that she loves the Lord and that He loves her.
We invited family and friends over for cake and ice cream to help us celebrate. Written on her cake was a testimony to her faith. "She belongs to Jesus".
Our hearts are leaping for joy at our daughter's decision. She's only seven and she already knows that she loves the Lord and that He loves her.
We invited family and friends over for cake and ice cream to help us celebrate. Written on her cake was a testimony to her faith. "She belongs to Jesus".
Friday, July 27, 2007
Family Vacation Day 4 & 5
Day Four, Grand Prairie, Texas- The Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not &
Plano, Texas- Planet Pizza (Indoor pizza and amusement park)
We all got a little later start this morning. It was okay since we only had to travel to Grand Prairie. Our first stop was the wax museum. On the trip there I decided to do brain teaser. I read several famous quotes and we played a game to see who knew the answer. I also asked them about several inventions and who was the inventor. Each one of my kids as well as my husband really surprised me with their knowledge. It was great for boosting my confidence in continuing to read and expose them to things that sometimes seem above their heads. The kids are really listening and absorbing. I was pleased.
After the Grand Prairie trip we trekked across Dallas all the way to Plano, Texas for a visit to Planet Pizza. The children had visions from the Toy Story movie when Woody and Buzz went to Pizza Planet. They were very impressed when they saw all the indoor rides and video machines. We stayed there for more than three hours.
We called it a day with some Ben and Jerry's and headed back home.
Day Five, Dallas, Texas- Bahama Beach
Here was again, another perfect day for being outside ALLLLL Day loonnggg. After a relaxing lunch at Joe's Crab Shack we applied the sun block and headed to a nearby waterpark. All I can say is FUN, FUN, FUN. I have never played in so much water- all day long. Lots of slides and lazy floating in their lagoon.
We had so much fun that we left the park to come home and walk the dog only to return to park for a movie on the lawn. It was a pleasant experience for the whole family right here in our own "neck of the woods".
Summing it all up, this was a wonderful family vacation shared with the one's I love most. Friday came all too soon.
Plano, Texas- Planet Pizza (Indoor pizza and amusement park)
We all got a little later start this morning. It was okay since we only had to travel to Grand Prairie. Our first stop was the wax museum. On the trip there I decided to do brain teaser. I read several famous quotes and we played a game to see who knew the answer. I also asked them about several inventions and who was the inventor. Each one of my kids as well as my husband really surprised me with their knowledge. It was great for boosting my confidence in continuing to read and expose them to things that sometimes seem above their heads. The kids are really listening and absorbing. I was pleased.
After the Grand Prairie trip we trekked across Dallas all the way to Plano, Texas for a visit to Planet Pizza. The children had visions from the Toy Story movie when Woody and Buzz went to Pizza Planet. They were very impressed when they saw all the indoor rides and video machines. We stayed there for more than three hours.
We called it a day with some Ben and Jerry's and headed back home.
Day Five, Dallas, Texas- Bahama Beach
Here was again, another perfect day for being outside ALLLLL Day loonnggg. After a relaxing lunch at Joe's Crab Shack we applied the sun block and headed to a nearby waterpark. All I can say is FUN, FUN, FUN. I have never played in so much water- all day long. Lots of slides and lazy floating in their lagoon.
We had so much fun that we left the park to come home and walk the dog only to return to park for a movie on the lawn. It was a pleasant experience for the whole family right here in our own "neck of the woods".
Summing it all up, this was a wonderful family vacation shared with the one's I love most. Friday came all too soon.
Family Vacation- Days 3
Day three-Roanke, Texas- Heneritta Farms &
Fort Worth, Texas-FW Science Place and Museums
On day three we set out for a shorter road trip. It was only around one hour, just past Fort Worth. I had found an online farm with over 700 hybrid breeds of apple trees and some peaches. The apples were ready for picking. We had missed the peach picking season. I had planned to read more from "Paddle to the Sea" and our adventures in "20,000 leagues under the Sea"; however, my husband being moved by the Holy Spirit felt a deeper prompting and in the garage before pulling off he lead a mini study time covering our assurance of salvation. He read from Jude.
Since our daughter is getting baptized this Sunday, we go some good feedback from the younger two. Staying in the same vein, no fiction today, I read from a Bible storytime book that my daughter had brought for the road trip. The short story was about giving from your best, not the left over. Even our oldest participated during the question time. It was beautiful! We'll see if they, as well as us (dad and mom), remember this principle as time goes by.
The farm owners definitely practiced giving their best. They opened their land and cook house to us, perfect strangers. They taught us how to pick the apples without hurting the tree or being wasteful. Picking the apples and romping around on the farm was picture book quality. All three kids enjoyed looking for the just the right apples to pick. We saw famailiars like Galas and Granny Smiths and many, many hybrids. We were allowed to taste them right off the tree. They were delicious.
My husband told us stories of picking peaches in his grandmother's backyard. We were all mesmerized by God's nature all around the farm. We even learned that the loofa sponges we have in our bathrooms do not grow in the sea but actually grown on a tree. It was amazing to see the over foot long loofas hanging from an enormous tree that resembled pictures I'd created in my mind after reading Jack and the Beanstalk.
We then loaded our apples in the wagon in the back of the van and headed off to Fort Worth to visit the FW Science Museum which was featuring a Star Wars exhibit. It was a personal pick from my husband.
My husband took so many pictures in the Star Wars exhibit that he batteries ran low on the camera. My oldest son is so into the mechanics of how things work that he took right away to one of the stations set up to build a magnetic car. We all tried but naturally his was the only one to really work properly.
We finished up with a walk through the Cowgirl museum and lots of experiments with different accounts of perception. I think my husband and our oldest son enjoyed this one the more than the rest of us. I got dizzy around the third experiment.
We had a wonderful third day of our vacation at home.
Family Vacation Time- Days 1 & 2
The past four days have been filled with different adventures. This year's plan was to stay based at home and each day take a day trip to a different adventure in the big, vast state of Texas. This plan worked exceptionally well this year as it allow us to see our beloved golden retriever each day.
Day One: Grand Prairie, Texas- Six Flags over Texas
We have thanked God for the perfect, overcast day that we spent at Six Flags over Texas in Grand Prairie, Texas. We enjoyed the Marvel comic theme as well as the Looney Tunes characters. My husband relived days of his youth with our thirteen year old as they rode the Batman and Flashback. We all (except the thirteen year old- he didn't want to get wet) enjoyed most of the rides that get you good and wet. It's really the only way to do a theme park in a Texas summer.
I was really pleased that I had choosen to bring and read "Paddle to Sea" on our way to the theme park. So, when we rode the logs at Six Flags we all talked about being just like Paddle to the Sea in our log traveling the sea. It was a really proud homeschool moment to make the connection and have the kids use their imaginations.
We bypassed the burger and fries at the theme park and opted for a familiar taste with Panda Express. We were happy they added this favor to the park. We had a perfect day!!!
Day Two: Waco, Texas- Cameron Zoo and Dr. Pepper Museum
We were off today on a real driving trip. We mapped the trip on mapquest and it would take 1 1/2 hours to reach the zoo. We packed our food bag and our organic tea bottles for our drinks and the it seemed like we got there in no time.
The zoo was like none other that we had ever seen. There was a path that creatively took us though rainforests, marsh lands, sandy beaches and more. It was very real and kids made all sort of learning connections from their book knowledge to real life. They were so in to it all that we ditched the contents of our one of our many plastic ziplocs to start collecting "nature" as they called it. Yet another proud homeschool moment.
After the zoo visited the Dr. Pepper Museum that was real nostalgic for my husband and me. Since we are not soda drinkers, the real joy for our kids was when we got to drink soda floats at the small counter shop after our tour. The kids got to see a real well that when well to create a visual for stories that we have read.
I read the first chapter of "20,000 leagues under the Sea" on the way back and all of us, except my dear husband took a nap on the way back home.
Day One: Grand Prairie, Texas- Six Flags over Texas
We have thanked God for the perfect, overcast day that we spent at Six Flags over Texas in Grand Prairie, Texas. We enjoyed the Marvel comic theme as well as the Looney Tunes characters. My husband relived days of his youth with our thirteen year old as they rode the Batman and Flashback. We all (except the thirteen year old- he didn't want to get wet) enjoyed most of the rides that get you good and wet. It's really the only way to do a theme park in a Texas summer.
I was really pleased that I had choosen to bring and read "Paddle to Sea" on our way to the theme park. So, when we rode the logs at Six Flags we all talked about being just like Paddle to the Sea in our log traveling the sea. It was a really proud homeschool moment to make the connection and have the kids use their imaginations.
We bypassed the burger and fries at the theme park and opted for a familiar taste with Panda Express. We were happy they added this favor to the park. We had a perfect day!!!
Day Two: Waco, Texas- Cameron Zoo and Dr. Pepper Museum
We were off today on a real driving trip. We mapped the trip on mapquest and it would take 1 1/2 hours to reach the zoo. We packed our food bag and our organic tea bottles for our drinks and the it seemed like we got there in no time.
The zoo was like none other that we had ever seen. There was a path that creatively took us though rainforests, marsh lands, sandy beaches and more. It was very real and kids made all sort of learning connections from their book knowledge to real life. They were so in to it all that we ditched the contents of our one of our many plastic ziplocs to start collecting "nature" as they called it. Yet another proud homeschool moment.
After the zoo visited the Dr. Pepper Museum that was real nostalgic for my husband and me. Since we are not soda drinkers, the real joy for our kids was when we got to drink soda floats at the small counter shop after our tour. The kids got to see a real well that when well to create a visual for stories that we have read.
I read the first chapter of "20,000 leagues under the Sea" on the way back and all of us, except my dear husband took a nap on the way back home.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Memories, our belief system (Right or Wrong?)
Part 2
Our memories, a wicked self -preservation.
We spoke of a self - preservation that leaves one feeling rejected, vulnerable and discounted. This type of self' - preservation becomes unforgiving in relationships when one person's belief system, based on their memories and their right and wrong, are forced upon another. During this type of disharmony each one is waging memory against memory all in the name of right or wrong -- their own self-preservation.
Equally painful and discounting are the sneers, jeers and accusations of self seeking participants in this war of memories as they too use their own belief system for their own validation. It's the perfect crescendo, their chiming in to the existing disharmony, that will add fuel to each one's cause.
Memories - our belief system, is it right or wrong? A few self- examining questions could restore harmony.
1. Can my memory be confirmed in a tangible way by another or evidence?
2. Am I isolating my memory to empirical evidence alone, or am I using interpretation to form a memory?
If restorative actions are required after finding Biblical answers to the questions it is appropriate to seek or give forgiveness and restitution to a person's "personhood".
Enjoyed "self-preservation" can only by obtained in truth. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Our memories, a wicked self -preservation.
We spoke of a self - preservation that leaves one feeling rejected, vulnerable and discounted. This type of self' - preservation becomes unforgiving in relationships when one person's belief system, based on their memories and their right and wrong, are forced upon another. During this type of disharmony each one is waging memory against memory all in the name of right or wrong -- their own self-preservation.
Equally painful and discounting are the sneers, jeers and accusations of self seeking participants in this war of memories as they too use their own belief system for their own validation. It's the perfect crescendo, their chiming in to the existing disharmony, that will add fuel to each one's cause.
Memories - our belief system, is it right or wrong? A few self- examining questions could restore harmony.
1. Can my memory be confirmed in a tangible way by another or evidence?
2. Am I isolating my memory to empirical evidence alone, or am I using interpretation to form a memory?
If restorative actions are required after finding Biblical answers to the questions it is appropriate to seek or give forgiveness and restitution to a person's "personhood".
Enjoyed "self-preservation" can only by obtained in truth. "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Memories, our belief system (Right or Wrong?)
Part 1
We all have been shaped by our genes, environment, past and convictions. Our molding is predicated on that belief system that formed from that shaping. We see our moldings from our belief system as right or wrong; albeit right or wrong.
From earlier on in our character formation we accept or reject those things from our lives and past and claim them as a part of our "personhood". I see this in my own children.
It's those aspects of our moldings that determines our memories. Yes, what we accept as right or wrong will be what defines us and what our memories are comprised. It is our memories that hold or define our pursuit for maintaining or claiming who we are. This too, I see in my own family. Please follow me on this.
When the memories that have been branded as our personal banner serve as our validation those aspects of our "personhood" becomes our reality. Those realities may be far from being validated and/ or it may be full of omissions by those who would know best. Nevertheless, we hold on to those memories as our own self-preservation. The funny thing about self-preservation is that everyone does it.
When driven on memories, many times within families this self-preservation creates disharmony. Furthermore, the case for preserving each one's personhood never preserves bilaterally. While one has victory in self-preservation; someone else is left with a unsettled resolve of not being validated, rejected, discounted and vulnerable. All for the sake of memories, what each has chosen to remember. Is it right or wrong?
We all have been shaped by our genes, environment, past and convictions. Our molding is predicated on that belief system that formed from that shaping. We see our moldings from our belief system as right or wrong; albeit right or wrong.
From earlier on in our character formation we accept or reject those things from our lives and past and claim them as a part of our "personhood". I see this in my own children.
It's those aspects of our moldings that determines our memories. Yes, what we accept as right or wrong will be what defines us and what our memories are comprised. It is our memories that hold or define our pursuit for maintaining or claiming who we are. This too, I see in my own family. Please follow me on this.
When the memories that have been branded as our personal banner serve as our validation those aspects of our "personhood" becomes our reality. Those realities may be far from being validated and/ or it may be full of omissions by those who would know best. Nevertheless, we hold on to those memories as our own self-preservation. The funny thing about self-preservation is that everyone does it.
When driven on memories, many times within families this self-preservation creates disharmony. Furthermore, the case for preserving each one's personhood never preserves bilaterally. While one has victory in self-preservation; someone else is left with a unsettled resolve of not being validated, rejected, discounted and vulnerable. All for the sake of memories, what each has chosen to remember. Is it right or wrong?
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Reminds me of Grandma - Cherry Tomatoes
I just picked a few cherry tomatoes today and they brought back my fond memories of MoMo's garden in Southeast Texas.
All the rain we've gotten here in Dallas was just what my cherry tomatoes ordered. The tomatoes plants are more full than before of yellow flowers and nice promising tiny, green tomatoes.
The taste of fresh picked tomatoes are indescribable. But, I'll try. The color was a deep red that only hinted of the soft ripeness that held it all together. I remember all the rows of tomatoes plants my Grandmother tended to along side of fence by a once used clothes line. They were always painted the deepest red and just bursting of ripeness.
My small boxed garden is just that, small, when compared to the tomatoes, okra and all sorts of peppers that my Grandma, MoMo would plant in her garden each year. I love to look out of my kitchen window and remember times of looking out of my MoMo's kitchen window at her garden and the family's big pecan tree that stood tall and strong yielding bowl after bowl of giant pecans. I think MoMo would be proud of me with my small garden.
As I tasted the soft, tiny, red cherry tomatoes it brought back so many happy, large and colorful memories of MoMo - and her garden.
All the rain we've gotten here in Dallas was just what my cherry tomatoes ordered. The tomatoes plants are more full than before of yellow flowers and nice promising tiny, green tomatoes.
The taste of fresh picked tomatoes are indescribable. But, I'll try. The color was a deep red that only hinted of the soft ripeness that held it all together. I remember all the rows of tomatoes plants my Grandmother tended to along side of fence by a once used clothes line. They were always painted the deepest red and just bursting of ripeness.
My small boxed garden is just that, small, when compared to the tomatoes, okra and all sorts of peppers that my Grandma, MoMo would plant in her garden each year. I love to look out of my kitchen window and remember times of looking out of my MoMo's kitchen window at her garden and the family's big pecan tree that stood tall and strong yielding bowl after bowl of giant pecans. I think MoMo would be proud of me with my small garden.
As I tasted the soft, tiny, red cherry tomatoes it brought back so many happy, large and colorful memories of MoMo - and her garden.
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