Inside their Brains....

I think its great fun to hear the interesting things that pop out of my childrens' mouths. Its like a little window into their brains, and what's going on in them. Here are a few examples:

A few days ago, Isaac was telling me he wants Footie PJs in his size. So we googled them and every specialty website has them for $25-$40! So I told him that it was a bit expensive. Later that afternoon we were at WalMart and there were footie PJs in Isaac's size there for $9.88! So Isaac was very excited. We were telling Michael about it that evening, and when I said we found them cheap at WalMart, Michael said "Well, go figure" and Isaac said "Yeah, well, their sign does say they always have low prices. Always." (No wonder companies spend millions on marketing to children! It works!)

Tonight we passed a shopping center with a Petco in it. Isaac said "I know why its called Petco - its a Pet Company!" so I said "That's right!" Ezra chimes in and says "Yeah, so when the workers go home other people come and stay there" and I was confused, so I asked him "hmmm... what are you talking about?" and Ezra said "to keep the pets company!" (Duh mom!)

Joely is always coming out with new and interesting thoughts. Lately his question about everything he sees or hears about is "Will it bite me?" and "Will it kill me?" I have no idea why he wonders about these things. One night while making dinner, Joel was keeping me company and we were talking about Jesus. He said "Does Jesus have a gun?" and I said no, and he asked "Does Jesus have a sword?" and I said, yes, the Bible does say Jesus will have a sword". Then Joel nodded and said "So when Jesus comes back, He's going to kill me so I can go to heaven with Him?" YIKES! I cleared up that he's not going to KILL us to take us to heaven... he'll be taking us with Him because He loves us and wants us with Him. I'm glad Joel shared that misconception with me before it got worse!

Nathan does not share insights with me, yet, other than "Oog, oog, ugh". He also does not eat any solid food yet. Unless you count scraps of paper, dustbunnies, leaves, and whatever he can scavenge off the floor. When I offer him delicacies such as peas, bananas, sweet potatoes, and peaches, however, he gags and make a face as if I've played the worst trick on him in the world. And crawls off to stuff a clod of dirt into his mouth. I will say that mama's milk is doing his body good - he is over 20 lbs at 9 months old, and wearing 18 month sized clothing. He's standing on his own and pushing walking toys (and other items not intended for the purpose) all over the house. So I'm not too worried. ;-)

While the Cat's Away...

The mouse plays... or blogs, that is :-) I feel like I never have time to blog about all the fun little things that go on in our hectic day to day life. Michael is away for the evening (playing poker with the fam) and the boys are in bed, so now's my chance! I've got a big bowl of ice cream and a list of things I want to make note of. So let the fun begin!

First, a few days back, I was "tagged" by my dear cousin, Sarah. Here's the deal with tagging, so I gather:

The rules:
A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.


However, I don't really know 6 other blogs to go to and tag. But I can do A (already completed!) and B.

Six things about me...

1. I am passionate about serving the Lord, and being a wife and mother. I could go on and on about these aspects of my life. They define who I am, and I love my role.

2. If I were to have a job outside of the home, I would want to be a Midwife, Lactation Consultant, or Doula. I am passionate about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, and would love to be encouragement to other women in these areas.

3. I can stick my entire fist in my mouth, something I never knew was an extra special talent until I realized not many others can. Apparently, I have a big mouth!

4. Michael and I consider ourselves "quiverfull" (stemming from Psalm 127). We leave our fertility in the Lord's hands, meaning, we do not use birth control, even the "natural" kind (unless you count breastfeeding, but that's something I do regardless). Yes, we may just end up with 14+ children. We may just end up with the 4 we've been blessed with so far. We trust in God's provision and are grateful for all of the blessings He's given us.

5. I am a weirdo and enjoy scheduling. Michael thinks its an odd hobby, but I'm pretty good at it. Its fun to make an excel sheet and see how everything can line up and fit together. Not to mention, a schedule is terribly practical and can make room for so much accomplishment in a day!

6. My favorite outfit is my long brown skirt, black tank top, orange hoodie cover-up and light blue crocs. Add my baby on my back in the Ergo and three little boys in tow, and viola! There I am. I've looked and looked for an avatar like that, but just can't find one that suits. So you'll just have to use your imagination. I'd post a picture, but I'm the only one who uses a camera around these parts, so pictures OF me are rare and far between.

Liberal Irony

Here is a statement about the "Freedom of Choice Act" that is being pushed by NARAL (Pro-Choice America):

Following the Supreme Court’s closely divided and bitter decision upholding the Federal Abortion Ban, it is clear that the right to choose is facing a new level of assault. That’s why the pro-choice community is working to guarantee the right to choose through the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) – a measure that will codify Roe v. Wade and guarantee the right to choose for future generations of women.

(Full document can be seen here: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/assets/files/Abortion-Access-to-Abortion-FOCA.pdf)

Does anyone else see the irony, or just poor choice of wording in the above statement? More specifically, I'm referring to the last line - "...guarantee the right to choose for future generations of women."

The future generations of women that aren't aborted, of course. They're not actually concerned about the rights of those they choose to kill, only the ones they choose to allow to live...

If you find this as absurd as I do, visit the ACLJ and watch their video about it - at the end there is a petition to sign.

NEA's Stand on Homeschooling

Taken from: http://www.nea.org/annualmeeting/raaction/images/2007-2008Resolutions.pdf

B-75. Home Schooling
The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress. Home schooling should be limited to the children of the immediate family, with all expenses being borne by the parents/guardians. Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used.
The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools.
The Association further believes that local public school systems should have the authority to determine grade placement and/or credits earned toward graduation for students entering or re-entering the public school setting from a home school setting. (1988, 2006)"

Let's break this down and talk about it.

"...home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience."

What *is* a "comprehensive education experience", and who is to define it? I have been my childrens' mother since conception, I have nourished and fed them from my body, and then from my kitchen. Under our parenting, they have learned to walk, talk, eat, behave, and interact with others. We know them about as well as a person can know another person. Their little quirks, inner thoughts, habits, fears and strengths. They are healthy, social, strong and smart.

I am unable to understand how a complete stranger is better able to teach my children rather than their father and mother, who have loved them and taught them since birth. Should I send them somewhere to learn how to get high from other 6th graders, or to watch their peers performing sexual acts during study hall? Is that what's considered a comprehensive education experience? I think they'll do just fine without, thank you.

"Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used."

Does the government also want me to become a registered dietitian to feed my children? Would they like to provide a state approved menu for their nourishment, to assure they are being well fed? How on earth can they be confident that the children are receiving adequate nutrition without their oversight?

The government sees no need for their interference in such matters as what I feed my children, essential for their health and survival. Why does it feel it is necessary to regulate my childrens' education? The government suddenly has the need to undermine my abilities as a parent, but only in the area of education. They want my children, to add them to their worker-drones class of people, never taught to think for themselves, but instead taught to be influenced by peers and pride. The government are quite threatened by those who desire to be independent of their brainwashing.

Ironically, their standards for curriculum fall much short of what I would accept for my children. While desperately inclusive, it is exclusive of the most important thing my children will ever need to know - the Word of God.

"The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools"

Let me get this straight. According to the NEA, a child who is not in the public school system is surely doomed to failure and will not succeed without public schooling; however, the NEA refuses to offer any sort of "partial assistance" through the access of various public school extracurriculars? That seems a bit spiteful to me, and reveals the truth about their motives - it is not the care and well being of the child they are concerned with at all (for if that were the case, wouldn't they think it charitable to "help" in any way possible by providing any public school access desired?). This also brings to mind a question of taxes. If I am a homeschooling parent, I am still required to pay taxes to my local school system, yet they will not allow me to access the programs that I pay for, unless I access them in their entirety?

I am simply appalled at the archaic attitudes expressed in these proposals. Back in the earl 1980's - 20 years ago! - these are the attitudes that homeschool pioneers had to face, along with legal ramifications for standing up for their rights to educate their children as they saw fit. In the past 20 years homeschoolers have more than proven themselves academically, socially and morally. It is obvious to me that the NEA's stance is not a factual basis, nor a concern for welfare, but a defensive and financial one. They are all too aware of the fact that homeschooling is extremely successful, on the rise, and more and more being proven as the better choice than what the NEA can offer. They are scared, and should be.

If you are interested in sharing your thoughts with the NEA, please go to this page and sign the available petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/homeschoolers-against-nea-philosophy?page=51

Neat Sesame Street Clip

This was from an episode back in the 70's. Very cool! :-D

(For best audio, press the pause button on the Sonific SongSpot to the left!)

Afterthought (but not really)

I wrote my last post and went back to preparing dinner and I realized just how blessed I am. After 10 years of knowing my husband, married to him for 9, I am still head over heels in love with him. He delights me, makes me whole, I am giddy at his kiss. I can't wait for the years to come. I praise the Lord for my love.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of him!

So Much for Secrets

Sunday is Michael's 29th birthday. I won't even go into how close he is to 30 and that we're both wondering how it is that we've grown up and not noticed... we met when he was 18, turning 19!

The boys and I went shopping for Michael today, and got him a new Disc Golf disc. I explained to them that it was a big surprise for Daddy so we can't tell him just yet. When we got home, we put a happy birthday note on it and put it into his Disc Golf bag. This was in the morning, so I was hoping by afternoon it would be forgotten... I should definitely know better by now!

Michael came home and was sitting with us, and Ezra says "Daddy, we got you a surprise for your birthday, but we can't tell you what it is!" and Joel comes right up and says "Its a new frisbee!" Michael started laughing, and Joel then says "But we can't tell you where it is!" and so Michael asks "Well, where is it Joel?" and Joel exclaims very excitedly "In your bag!". *sigh* It was great for a laugh, though, and sweet to see how excited they are about getting their daddy a gift.

Happy almost Birthday Michael!!! :-D

On another note, Isaac was concerned earlier. He asked me "There's a tricky thing I'm thinking about, mom. What if, when you're ready to get married, you like two girls, and they both like you? And then you marry one and the other one is sad or mad at you?" I was ready to break out the Lovin' Spoonfull for him ;-) But I explained that his example is a very good reason why he needs to pray about his wife and make sure that when the time comes that he's sure that he's marrying the woman that God has prepared for him. That eased his worry some. He's been planning and preparing for a wife since he was little! He also said that he wishes he was turning 17 this year instead of 7. Oh, my sweet Isaac... stay young while you can!

Poem of sorts

Disclaimer: I am not a poet, and do not consider myself skilled in this area... but this was running around in my head for a few days so I had to let it out. :-)

Summer
Dragon's fiery breath
Scorching and wilting everything in its path
Even me
Unrelenting
Lightning strikes at its breast
Thunder, the sound of battle
Hot, gasping, dying breaths
Cooler now
I am free

From the mouth of babes...

Last week we went to the movie store twice (we hardly ever go, so was a rare week). On the window, there's a big poster for the movie "Knocked Up" that says "What if this guy got you pregnant?"... Isaac read it and was laughing about it - he doesn't yet KNOW that "someone" can "get" you pregnant, he's always heard babies are blessings from God, so he thinks God "gives" babies ;-) So he thought the poster was really funny. Both times we went, he talked about how silly it was with Michael and me. Friday, after our second visit to the movie store, we put the kids to bed and were sitting in the office talking. Isaac came out to go potty one last time and called out: "Goodnight mom and dad! Don't go getting pregnant while I'm sleeping!" and giggled hysterically.

(Now I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop and the questions to start coming, lol!)

I don't think we'll let him live that one down at his wedding!

Only 5!

It only took 5 tries to get a semi-decent picture of the boys together! :-) Thank goodness for digital cameras!

Here they are in progress:






And the final product:



Nathan's rolly polly thighs courtesy of God's perfect food - 100% Breastmilk, no additives, artificial colors, or flavors. Who says he not getting "real food"?! :-D