The boy.

I know I have written about Malcolm often. I promise it's not a favorite thing. I will however admit it is a first born thing. There is such a learning curve with him. There are always new firsts, often I am scrambling to evaluate, and to top it off, he is a boy. And that just overwhelms me at times. So I share things about him here. It helps me process, and gives someone the chance to offer me some sound advice. Or at least commiserate with me.

This is the boy I call my Man Child. Malcolm is 13 years old, and already far taller than me. He was hoping to be taller than his father by the new year, but just made it to the same height. His feet look like they belong to a full grown man, but he still has that boyish smile. He enjoys having younger siblings because that means he can still watch cartoons without embarrassment, and at the same time, raids his Grandfather's library of history and science books. These are those awkward years of the in between. And mostly, he is handling it all with grace and dignity. There are moments, however, that the dam breaks and the emotions run raw. It is in those times I am so lost.

So, we started a blog for him. He isn't a feeling kind of guy. He won't spill his guts. But it is a place for him to understand himself. For now, he is writing most of his school essays there. Giving some opinions on art. And the goal is for him to begin growing. As a writer, as a person. Being able to fit into those big shoes. To understand himself, and the people around him. So join the Son of the Preacher Man. It is a hard journey growing up, and he is just beginning. And join this Momma in prayer. For him, and for herself!

Beth

Bible in 90 Days

I remember growing up as a child being in awe of people who read their Bibles in a year. It just blew my mind.  How could they read the whole thing in only a year?!  Of course this is the same child that read over 250 books in 3 months so she could get all the prizes offered through the library's summer reading program. But somehow that was different.

This same child was given a One Year Bible in her teen years, and she may or may not have read it completely through during her years in high school. She did however, read every text book from cover to cover, all the appropriate library books in the local library, and read books for the middle school librarian for age appropriateness.  But the Bible just seemed like a mountain too big to read.

And as an adult, this same child has multiple Bibles, devotions galore at her finger tips, is married to the preacher, and still, I cannot tell you if I have ever read the Bible cover to cover.  There. I said it out loud.  No more hiding. No more secrets.  You know my biggest fault in which I find much shame.  And now, there are no more excuses.

No more is this child going to say it's too big. No more can this child claim it's too hard. The little reading machine cannot pretend there just isn't enough time in the day to care for all that has been given her, and still CONSISTENTLY read the Word. 

The same struggles, the same fears are still there. Fear of failing. Struggling with finding out I may not be good enough.  Procrastination. Slothfulness. Bottom line, pride. What I want is far more important. 

So here I stand, child and woman, together beginning a new journey. I begin reading my Bible cover to cover in 90 days. But I make this commitment not from fear of disobeying God, or fear of the consequences. Nor do I make it from a place of shame and guilt. God is good. And He has offered me His grace, and I accepted. And this commitment is made out of faith and love to my Creator. The Saver of my soul.

If you are beginning a new Bible reading plan this year, let me know. If you would like to join in reading the Bible in 90 days, join our group being hosted by Jessica at Jezamama.  She has some wonderful tips, and is a great encourager. And if you don't mind, would you check in on me ever so often to see how I am doing?  Cheer me on, hold me accountable, push me when I need it?  Tomorrow is the big starting day. There is excitement in the air, and a few nerves as well. Lord, your strength is perfect, and it is honor I wish to bring to You. Cover me, and hold me up as I endeavour to worship you more. God is our refuge, a very present help in trouble. And He uses you and me to be the messengers of that help!

Beth

Our kids love listening to CDs in the car. Recently, we discovered they enjoy listening to books and other audio stories as well.  So when The World’s Greatest Stories arrived, we couldn't wait to listen. Th

e World’s Greatest Stories are dramatized tellings of the Biblical narrative. The text is straight from your choice of the NIV (New International Version) or KJV (King James Version) with nothing added or taken away. They are read by George W. Sarris who desired to increase Biblical literacy in children. He saw the need to produce an auditory Bible that was true to the words of the text, didn’t add characters or remove any of the actual events from the telling but still keep it captivating for children to listen to. 

There are currently six volumes in The World’s Greatest Stories Collection. The Crew reviewed Volume 1 The Prophets; which included tellings of The Blazing Furnace, The Handwriting on the Wall, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Elijah and the Prophets of Baal and The Prophecy of Jonah. Other Volumes include:
2. The Life of Christ
3. Beginnings
4. Joshua and Esther
5. Jospeh and His Brothers
6. Defeating Giants
Each CD is about an hour long so they are great for car trips, to have playing during chore time or to have in as the children are going to bed at night. And at just $7.95 a CD (or cassette tape) they are reasonably priced for just about any budget. If you order six or more items in one transaction, shipping is even free!


Beth

For other reviews, see The Homeschool Crew blog.

College Genius?

My oldest is 13 years old. He has been looking at colleges since he was four years old.  At that time in his life, he was determined to go to Harvard.  Not because Mom and Dad suggested it, or encouraged it, but because while reading in the Encyclopedia (Yeah. At four years old, all by himself) about Boston, he learned of Harvard.  And he read that Harvard had the first established library in the U.S.A., so it had to be the one place in the entire country that had the most books and best books since they had been collecting the longest.  But he did write a letter to Harvard asking that they move the university to Oklahoma because he just couldn't imagine living so far away from home.

Fast forward to now, and the child is still devouring books, and earnestly trying to finish school so he can get to college early.  So when the chance came to review College Prep Genius, we jumped at the chance. We have the College Prep Genius DVD set and he immediately began watching the first of 12 lectures to prep him for the SAT.  The lectures are about an hour in length, and slightly dry to me, but he soaks them all in.  He is normally a very good test taker, but has been very animated after his lecture telling me of new things he has learned, and new test taking techniques.  He absolutely cannot wait to take the SAT so he can see how this program has helped him.

If you would like your own copy, you can get the whole program for $99 (a 25% discount) right now through the College Prep Genius website.

Beth

This product was given to me for the purpose of review.  All opinions are mine. For other reviews, check out the Homeschool Crew Blog.

Day 6~ The trucks arrive.

Today, we began loading the trucks and trailers. It was a day of sweat, tears, and hard work.  It was not a day of smiles and sweet remembrances. We tripped over each other, weren't on the same page, and emotions were raw.

Once we got the loading rolling, things seemed to progress better.  We loaded three trailers up with stuff, and headed down the road.  One of the trailers carted off our old car. The other two were full of stuff. And there is more packing to finish. More to haul off, to donate, to store.  I laughing told a friend I was ready to find some matches for the things we have left. 

Tomorrow, we say good bye to our church family.  I can't even begin to express how hard that will be. I suppose emotions will remain raw for a while. Between good byes, no sleep, and walking into the unknown, we are going to learn how to deal when on edge. But I suppose that's for the best. If I trust God to take care of my reactions, what needs to be said will, what needs to be held silent, will not be uttered.

I am going to enjoy the extra hour tonight.  Probably not with sleep, but with an extra hour to pack, clean, work. 

Blessings to you tomorrow as you observe the Lord's Day. Even if it isn't a normal activity for you, seek out the Church House and discover what God has for you.

Beth

Packing~Day5

Short and sweet tonight.  The trailers are coming tomorrow, and we have been busting out all that we can.

The box count is 742, 849 127 and counting.  There are still some critical things that need to be ready tomorrow, but it will get done. 

The wattage on my smile dimmed a little today. I'm having a few space issues. I can't find any place to hide. I'm beginning to process that a long list of good-byes are coming up this weekend, and I'm not ready.  Nor am I quite ready to say good-bye to this house. Two of my babies have been born to us while here, and we have four years worth of memories.  I think my happy exterior may have a small crack in it.

But, thankfully, I don't have to rely on my armor. I can put on God's armor. Put on His yoke, rest in His grace.  Have no fear, because His love is perfect. Yesterday, I went and found a quiet place in my van and sat there for a short while and spent time resting in God.  No talking, no whining, no worrying, just rest.  God is leading us down a beautiful path, and an exciting adventure. I will sit back and enjoy what He has planned.

Beth

Day What number are we up to?

Day 4, and I don't want to see another box. Actually, it hasn't been so bad. Who am I kidding? I haven't really packed a single box.  But the sorting and question answering is becoming trying. 

The slave driver wonderful helper, Darcy, wasn't here today. So I suppose I have had my break and tomorrow we will hit the ground running.  Heath and I went over to the neighboring community and helped with our last youth lunch.  It was nice to see everyone, and to get out of the house for just a little bit.

We have had some families from our homeschool group bringing food to the house.  Of all the things we are having to let go of, this group is one of the hardest.  These ladies and families have become a mainstay in our home.  And a wonderful group of women upon which I rely.  I will be going to the November meeting Tuesday, and it just hurts thinking about having to say good-bye.  So much so, that I think I'll go ahead and plan on being at the Christmas party in December too. But the meals have been wonderful, and so appreciated.  Heath is finishing packing the kitchen tonight, so the meals are becoming a necessity now. 

The box count is up to 61, and Heath is still at work.

The crankies are setting in, but that is to be expected. Everything is out of place, so everyONE is being affected.  Or maybe that is just me. The kids are doing great. They are getting nearly unlimited amounts of movie time, computer time, and play time. The school books got packed, so they are on a vacation.  Heath and his brother, Tim, are constantly laughing and cutting up about one thing or another. Darcy and Thomas have been work horses and in wonderful spirits.  Yes, it sounds like maybe it's just me. So, tonight I am signing off, and headed to bed. First to read a little devotion, and then to SLEEP.  And tomorrow, I will arise to a new dawn, a new cup of mercy, and the day will overflow with joy and grace. 

Beth

Packing ~ Day 3

My brother-in-law apparently said the other day there are three steps in packing.
     #1~Keep it and pack it
     #2~Do I really need this?
     #3~Throw it all out!!!

I'm not quite sure I am at the point I want to throw it all out, but I am already tired of the process.  I am worn out, can't seem to make the decisions required of me, and just want it all to be done.  But, we have had great help, and are making good progress.  Today we have 51 boxes ready to go as of this moment, and we are seeing some rooms become really bare. 

I have received many phone calls and some visits from friends.  Expecting a few more these next couple of days, and am going to get a few hours children free on Friday. 

I have been struggling with some sewing decisions.  As most of my avid readers will remember, I make Christmas pajamas every year for my kids.  It's a really big deal.  With Heath not having a new job yet, and all the transitions going on, I was resigned to not making them this year. It was just not going to be feasible to purchase that much fabric.  I really debated too.  It was going to be such a different holiday for us all.  And then a dear friend from the community showed up on my door step this afternoon with a 15 yard bolt of Christmas flannel she knew I had my eye on for this year's pjs.  I was just overwhelmed by her generosity and graciousness.  And amazed again by God.  He IS there with us.  I know yes, He is guiding our steps, calling us to this move, and will provide for us.  But God cares for the little things too.  In the grand scheme of things, this flannel is a pretty small issue. But my God cares for me, and met this desire of my heart.  This will always be a treasure to remember when we look back to this Christmas.

I had one other teary eyed moment. It is probably the hardest I fought to control my emotions.  My brother rounded up the chickens today, and took them to his place.  I really thought it stupid to cry over chickens leaving, but these were the product of a childhood dream.  One that connected me to my dear Grandmother. It almost got the best of me.  But, we will be living close to my brother for the time being, so I can go visit them any time I want.  And Thomas will bring me eggs, so I have no need for worries or distress.  It's a far better idea than my 8 year old who offered, "we could butcher them this week if that solves the problem".

When I wed Heath 15 years ago this night, this was not how we envisioned our anniversary.  But we did dream of doing God's work, and following His plan, so I suppose we are just where we thought we would be.

Beth

15 years

15 years ago, I walked an aisle

I made a promise

I changed my name

We set up house

We began a new life

We learned to share our space

Our thoughts

Our dreams

Our desires

We have welcomed additions to our family

We cried together as others left our life

15 years ago I left the security of my parents' home

And joined my heart to another

I didn't fully understand the promise I made

Or the work involved in a marriage

But with each passing day, I learn more

And discover how little I truly understand

I love you Heath. Far more today than yesterday.

Far more than I even understand.

Packing~Day 2

We are still plugging away at this whole packing thing.  And I use the word we fairly loosely. Because I really haven't packed a single box. I have sorted toys, been the gopher, ran errands, cooked the meals, and made difficult decisions as to what to keep, store, toss, or donate.  While it sounds as if I have the easy job, my husband is quite thankful I'm not actually packing the boxes.  I'm just not the organizer.  It would take 6 U-Haul trucks if I packed us, and only 1 with Heath being the packer. 

We are up to 32 boxes. The boys' room is sorted, packed, and all done except for the stuff we have to have the next few days. The girls' room should be finished tomorrow. The kitchen has been started, and most of the breakable dishes are packed.  It still looks like an thrift store storeroom around here, but Heath says there is big progress. I think he is getting into the groove, and is feeling the ball rolling.

I had one small, sad moment today. No tears or anything, but I did pause for a moment at Wal-Mart. They have most of their Christmas stuff out, and that was bittersweet. Heath and I love to go aisle shopping every year and ooh and ah over the new stuff.  And I realized that this year, I most likely will not be decorating my own house.  That has been a treasured tradition between Heath and I.  In fact, we were married 15 years ago tomorrow, and the first thing we did when we came home from our honeymoon, was buy our tree and decorate the apartment for Christmas.  But this year, we will probably be staying with my Mom and Dad, and can decorate her 9 foot tree.  That should be just the fix I need!

And, to surprise me, Heath brought me flowers, candy, and a card a day early!  I sure do love that man!

Packing

Made it through Day 1 of packing. Heath was gone most of the day to school. It was a wonderful time for him to get further encouragement, acceptance, and prayer time. I am so thankful for the friends he has made, both from the student population and the professor population! My brother and sister-in-law were here for a large part of the day, and we got tons of laundry done, organizing done, and seven whole boxes packed! I know that doesn't sound like a ton, but we have so much to sort through. Darcy and I threw out tons of stuff, and have tons to donate as well. The best part of moving is the paring down of things! Thomas got the shed organized and ready to begin packing, and played the kids to death. Doesn't sound like much, I'm sure, but keeping the kids out of our hair, and getting the shed ready for Heath was huge. Heath's brother, Tim, was able to come up last night after he got off work, and we spent the evening packing and laughing. We are up to 16 boxes I believe.

We are overwhelmed with the amount of work that is ahead of us, but so at peace with the decisions made. Darcy will be up to help almost the whole week, and Tim has moved in for the week so he can help. It will be a long week, and at times, a hard week. Just making the decisions as to what to keep and not can get to you. And even though we have no real plans other than packing and an extended "sleep over" with my parents, we are not panicking. God IS good and is faithful. So we will trust Him.

Day 2 is calling. Remember us as we wade through boxes and stuff deciding what to keep and what to toss.  As a pack rat at heart, this can be hard.  But, we are anxious in nothing, but with thanksgiving, we are lifting our requests to God, and His peace and understanding are guarding our hearts! (Philippians 4:6-7 summarized)

Beth

Heavy

Tonight, my heart is heavy.  It aches for those around me. For those that are watching loved ones last days, for those who are sitting over a baby's hospital bed, for the ones that are losing sleep over where tomorrow's meal will come.  These are requests from friends, internet acquaintances and others with which I have a connection.  The world is full of pain and suffering.  It is broken and filled with sin. My life isn't any different. There are dark hidden places in my life that are stained black.

In fact, I often battle with a blackness that wants to consume my heart.  It's just a tiny seed. But it is totally depraved. Hateful. Sin.  And there are times, I let it out of it's box.  You know. Those times when you say,
                              

 "I know I shouldn't do this or think this  BUT..."

And there are times when you get hurt. Those are the things that scare me the most.  I can feel that darkness wanting to seep through my heart. It grows. It takes over. And I want to give in. I don't want to fight it. To give in to the dark would mean my heart wouldn't have to break or hurt over a situation.  That darkness whispers to my soul that all will be well once I give up control.  And it's right.  But for only a short while.  Because I know that serving that black stain will only lead to more hurt, more devastation, more pain.  And then I listen to that still, small voice. The one that says,

"My yoke is easy."

"I long to carry you through the night"

"Come, find rest at My feet"

I cannot fight this alone. I serve the ALMIGHTY. The Creator, my Sustainer.  I am reminded that we all must serve one of two masters. 

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? Romans 6:16

I watched part of the Spiderman movies the other day. Maybe it was the third? And watching that black blob consume Peter was much how I envision the war in my heart sometimes.  But I will not be a slave to it. I WILL NOT give it a foot hold. So I must let go of the me, and become the slave to righteousness.

Guard your heart dear friends. Do not let even that tiniest seed of bitterness into your heart. It is consuming. And deadly.  Cling to the Father.

If you don't mind, please pray for those around you. Your friends who are hurting, for people you don't know that hurt.  And then, pray for your heart.

Beth







Scruble Cube

A new word game has entered our house.  We love word games around here. Malcolm's Kindle is loaded with about 10 different games, there is lots of Scrabble played in our house, as well as BookWorm.  So when the Scruble Cube showed up at our house, it was game on.

If cube is like the love child of Scrabble and the Rubik's Cube. And then it took some steroids.  I cannot even begin to tell you the gaming potential here.  Malcolm enjoys playing by himself, and I often find the other kids playing with it trying to work out bigger words.  It promotes itself as appropriate for ages 8+.  My eight year old gets extremely frustrated with it. He doesn't quite "see" the 3 dimensional aspects of the game, and gets very mad nearly all the words he can find are 3 lettered.  My 10 and 11 year old enjoy playing together. They are pretty well matched in their vocabulary, and if they spell a word wrong, the other one assumes it to be right. Playing with Malcolm, who is 13, and a human dictionary, you better bring your spelling game.  He's like the Spelling Nazi! 

Not only is this a vocabulary builder, but I think it is a fun tool to help those prepping for ACT/SAT, or other college entrance exams.  You are always trying for the next bigger, better word, and is addicting!

The website is extremely helpful, and beneficial. Especially for people who cannot keep up with the rule sheet. *ahem* There are tons of ideas for play and use. Videos to help explain the game, and a place for educators.  You can buy one for your family for $24.95, and I think it would make a great Christmas present. 

Beth

This product was sent to me for the purpose of review. The opinions expressed are mine. For more reviews, please check out the TOS Homeschool Crew review site.

Rain

It has been months since we've had rain. And here in my small farming town, we've only had a couple of inches all year.  Last night, as we were leaving church, it began to rain. The normally restrained farmers were giddy with delight. It was already dark outside, but the feel, sound, and smell of the rain was perfect, even though we couldn't see it. I'm not sure if it was rain coursing down their weathered cheeks, or tears, but I cannot even begin to express the joy of that moment.

Oh Lord, I praise you for your faithfulness.  You, God of the universe, redeemer of my soul, still care for our needs. You hear us cry out, and are faithful to sustain us. I trust You, and believe in You.  Do not forget me in my unbelief.  And just as the land is parched, and dying, so my soul feels. Bring the rain, Lord to my soul, so Your life may burst forth and produce.


Beth

Scissors and Little Boys

Perfect shoes

My sweet Anderson has the most adorable hair. It is a gorgeous color. And it hangs so perfect. I love watching it flop and fly when he runs and plays. That is until this week.

"Reading his Bible"

This week, he cut it. Not once. Or even twice. But three times that boy found the hidden scissors and cut his hair. And after the third cut, I couldn't just trim it and hit his work. I had to drastically cut his hair. And while I cut last night, with trembling hand, and teary eyes, the child fell asleep. It was quite the experience to cut a little boy's hair who was soundly sleeping in the chair.

I think, however, that he is more adorable now than ever before. And this is the perfect look for the soon to be three year old child.


Beth

If the shoe fits

So Georgia Beth turned one in mid-August.  She is finally beginning to take a few steps this last couple of weeks.  And I was hit with a dilemma.  The child doesn't have any shoes.  This is not for lack of trying.  I bought her a pair back in February, and apparently lost them in the next store.  Mom bought her the most adorable pair of slide on black and white shoes for her birthday, and they are still too big. And that is the biggest problem of all.  Her foot is TINY.  We're talking, the size TWOs Mom bought her are too big. Not a little big. Way big.  And, since it is no longer 150 degrees outside, her feet stand the chance of getting cold. She doesn't keep socks on, plus, it's hard for a learning walker to be in just socks. They slide too much.  So, Saturday night, I decided she had to have a pair of shoes for church the next morning.  Thankfully, I had a pattern, scrap fabric, and an hour in which I could spare.  The pattern is by SweetPea patterns, and I LOVE them.  I have sewn a couple of pairs of shoes before. Slippers really.  They were freebies, and sewed just fine.  Shoes aren't the easiest always, but I got by.  SweetPea has two tips in this, the Jack and Jill, that is worth the entire price of the pattern!! Anyway, I found some fabric left over from skirts I made my niece five or six years ago, and away we went.

Just to tell you how small the sweet peach's feet are, I put the pattern to her, and the 12-18 month size was GINORMOUS! The 9-12 month size was HUGE. The 6-9 month seems slightly big, and the 3-6 looked like it would be a perfect fit.  She's almost 14 months old y'all.  I went ahead and made the 6-9 month size to give her room to grow. Plus her feet are really tall fat.  Does that make sense?  They aren't wide, and not really like fat.  But they are tall. Fat.  Well, that makes sense to me, and I was the one sewing, so that's the decision I stuck with.  They are a little too big.  She can rub her heel on the floor and the shoe slides right off.  But for the most part, they work great.  The sole isn't sewn in to this shoe.  I really like the look of a sole, and so I keep trying to keep it in the shoe.  My glue gun mysteriously doesn't work (AACK!), so for now, I just set the sole in the shoe each time she wears them. Other than that, I am SO pleased with the shoes! Sew on the vintage buttons I found in my Great-grandmother's sewing box, and you've got a recipe for success!

Now, hopefully I will have time to make her a few more shoes. I have a couple more patterns I'm dying to try out!

Beth

It has been a gross week at our house.  All was well. Until someone got sick. I'm not sure who got sick first. But having a two year old vomit all over the breakfast table sure has a way of ruining a day.  But we tried to move on.  There were two sick that day, so off to bed they went, while everyone else got busy working on school work and house work.

We have actually been staying on task the last couple of weeks.  Many lessons have been finished, lots of laughing and learning, and even tons of family game time. We've played Tri-Cross and Apples to Apples. It has really been a nice, consistent schedule. Not overbearing, but productive.

Then Momma got sick yesterday. I'll spare you the gory details, but it wasn't pretty. And of course, the children were only down for about 6 hours, but I was plagued for over 36. And it feels like it was really two weeks. And you would think the kids have had an entire summer off. I can't believe how one day can make such a difference where routine is concerned! So, here are some pictures from the last few weeks, and I'm going to go take another nap.  Where's my 7-UP and crackers?



Can you tell she has older sisters?

Anderson in his mess.



More chore buddies

Chore buddies



Last of the buddies.

Beth

Always the first

I don't even know where to start with today's post. I've known it was coming for a very long time now. And I have been ignoring it. If I don't acknowledge it, maybe it will go away. But I cannot control time, and I can't stop it's march, so this day is here. And I am a bundle of emotions.

From the night I sat in my bathroom staring at the two blue lines, I've known this day would get here. I had never taken a test like this before, but apparently I passed. With trembling hands, and a voice I did not trust, I showed my husband the test results. It was a first for us. A positive pregnancy test.  And we did what any dumbfounded couple would do. We went to Wal-mart.  And bought the child's first onesie.

There was the first OB visit. It was my first ever. And they confirmed what we already knew.  We then told our parents. A first for mine. It would be their first grandchild.  Heath shipped off to basic training, and we were apart for the first time.

I remember seeing our baby for the first time. It was so unreal. My first impression? That's a big head.  I bought my first pair of maternity pants, and a cute yellow maternity shirt to match. Each month seemed to bring on another first.

Heath was injured at basic, and left the Army with a medical discharge.  He would see his first child into the world after all.  It was such a hot summer, and I was glad to have him there with me.

The time came for me to deliver our child. No matter how many movies you watch in labor classes, you are not prepared for this experience. It would be like watching the moon landing and thinking you understood what the astronauts felt.  With a final push, I delivered our first born child at 03:59pm on this day in 1998.  And for the first time I heard, "It's a boy!"

As any parent knows, a baby's life is completely recorded by their firsts. We did too. The first night he slept through, the first tooth, the first roll over, the first time he sat up. The first word. I thought my heart would burst the first time I leaned over his crib and he smiled at me.  There was of course the first sniffles, the first late night doctor's office call.  The first step, the first run, the first scraped knee, and the first bandage. 

On and on the list goes, and I can remember them each. But I struggle today. Don't get me wrong, I'm so happy to watch this child grow, to see him change, to see him mature.  But this is my baby boy. And today I see him across the room reading, and I see a man-child before me.  No longer does he stretch to see when he will out grow me. I have to tippy-toe just to see him eye-to-eye. No longer does that high-pitched little voice squeal in laughter. I often mistake him for his Father.  His shoes are bigger than his Dad's, and soon I'll be shedding tears as he shaves his face for the first time.  I'll be seeing the first time I washed it.

I knew this day was coming, but I just don't know if I'm ready for this first. My first teenager.   And it's not because of all the usual reasons. No, my son still likes to be around us, doesn't storm through the house, doesn't slam doors or such. He's not surly or moody. In fact, he laughs often, hugs us for no reason, loves to cart his little siblings around, and is always willing to help when asked.  He holds lengthy discussions with his Dad over the latest book he's read, or Bible passage he is pondering.  He can't wait to go to his grandparent's houses, or see his young cousins.  Yes, my son is a treasure, and a joy to have around.
 

Anderson surprising Malc with a kiss.

So today, as I find quite moments, I will reflect.  I will shed a few tears. I really didn't know how hard this would be. But I will laugh, I'll tell him stories of that silly little boy, and his antics, and I will make it through this first as well. Some of it will be curled up next to him as he pats me on the shoulder. And if I cry, he'll cry with me too. And I will thank the Lord for these 13 years. For all the firsts. For all the things this child has taught us. For the blessing that God gave us. And for holding this Mom up.

Malcolm Thomas age 13

Happy 13th Birthday, Malcolm Thomas. May we continue to document every first, and meet it together.  And may you always love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 






Beth

A story about a Boy

Today is another joyous occasion.  We are celebrating another birthday in our home. I know for some of you, it must seem like we party all the time, and we almost do. In our house alone, we have a birthday in 9 of the 12 months.  This birthday today is extra special.  Our fourth child, third son, was born this day eight years ago.  Heath Jr. was a beautiful child, and I have written many things about him.  Being five weeks early, and spending almost three weeks in the NICU, I've written about him often.  So I'll just add in links so you can read about some of his history. 

Heath and Mom, age 2

This year, as always, I look at my now eight year old boy through the shimmer of brimming tears. I melt as I look into those massive pools of chocolate brown eyes; my heart trembles when he smiles and reveals his crooked smile and dimple.  And when he bounces into the room, cheerful as always, and hugs my neck, those tears spill over and I send up yet another prayer of thanksgiving to the God who gave me this child.

age 3

This boy has a heart to serve. Often I have to stop myself from scolding him for being in the way, or slowing me down. He has pushed me to find ways a small child can serve our household.  From reading to his younger siblings, entertaining babies, to asking me, "Mom, is there anything I can help you with", this child has an eye for needs.  He is tenderhearted, easily cries, and takes everything to heart. 

Cousins. They are inseparable.

At the same time, he is also my most adventurous.  I remember the first time he put skates on at a roller rink.  He was five years old, and within 15 minutes he was spinning circles, skating backwards, and teaching all the other boys how to speed skate into a wicked slide.  He has balance and coordination, and hasn't found anything with wheels he can't conquer.  He loves playing outside, and will spend hours playing catch.  He finds more dirt and mud than any other of the boys in my house.  And it never can seem to resist him!

So this eighth birthday, I will try not to hear the echoing of beeping hospital machines, nor see the ghosts of tubes and equipment hooked to my baby son.  I will live in this moment, and choose to see this precious child for what he is today.  And I think I'll cry anyway.

Looking far too grown up with his glasses.

Age 7




age 8

Happy Birthday, Richard Heath Jr. I love you more than I can ever express.

Beth

A year already

Today, we mark the first anniversary of our baby's birth day.   That's a really formal way to say, Georgia Beth is ONE!  And what a wild ride this last year has been.  My children were lamenting how fast the year has gone (Daniel said the older you get, the fast time seems to fly). But for once, this last year seemed to have taken it's time for me.

If you want to go back you can read about this Sweet Peach's birth.  She really has been a charmer. She doesn't fuss.  Is really content. Has a smile that will melt a heart of stone. Georgia Beth clings to her family. Literally. It's like having an ape baby hanging on to you! She of course has done all the little things a baby should; has hit all the milestones at the appropriate times.  So what do you say about this baby? 

I could write about how she has changed our family. How everyone seems to gravitate around her. How all the kids counted the days until her arrival. How they all cheered over each milestone. That she brights every one's day, and we all treasure time with her. I could...

I could write about how she is one of the happiest babies.  She sleeps through the night. Didn't fuss too much over new teeth.  Doesn't cry for attention.  Isn't spoiled by the love she gets from everyone.  How she is willing to let strangers (to her) hold her, talk to her, play with her. I could...

Instead, I think I'll write something very personal to my baby daughter for her birthday.  When you were born, Georgia, I was again taken by surprise. Me, with another girl. A daughter. I was thrilled. And a little sad. There were many women who have come and gone before you that you would not know. And scared. It is up to me to pass along to you all the wisdom that has been passed to me.  And today, I'm all those things and one more. I am humbled. The God of the universe chose this family for you. His creation. His child.

So today we celebrate you. And I look to the future. I'm not worried about the unrest in the world. All the political mumbo jumbo. Debt, famine, or other issues. Not for you. For I know that He that created this world is still in control.  And while I do not know what your future holds, I know Who holds the future.  I pray for the day you will surrender your will and heart to Him. That you answer His call on your life.  I do not pray for happiness for you. Not because I want sadness for you, but because happiness is often a dead end, empty path the world has offered. Instead I pray for joy to reign in your life. That you live a life following after God, and live selflessly in His path. It will be a hard path, but the only one that has the Lord.  I pray that whether the path is favorable or unfavorable, you will obey the LORD.  And I pray that you will be a servant unto the Lord. Never quarrelsome, but kind to all, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, and correcting with gentleness.  This is your path Sweet Georgia Beth, and I pray you are a beacon of grace, mercy, and light to the fallen world.  Your name, Beth, means consecrated to God. May you carry your name well, dear, and bring honor to the God on High.

You have been such a joy and blessing to us this first year. I love you, my daughter. Happy first birthday!

Beth