We really have a lot to be thankful for this year. I was happy to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family of four and my family in America through video chats. I also enjoyed introducing our kids to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Our joys are shadowed by Covid 19 and the events of this year. But I really believe a thankful heart is a happy heart. We are healthy and safe. We have each other. We are far from loved ones and may have to wait a long time to see them in person. I am thankful for the technology that brings us together. Of course we are always in each other’s hearts.
My favourite craft that the kids and I created during home school is the egg carton snowy owl. I might have enjoyed making these a little more then the kids. We used little sections of tissue paper to represent the feathers. The glue itself is instant entrainment for them. Sometimes I just don’t feel like doing crafts. For all the paint, tape, toilet rolls, markers, and mess that covers the dining room table, it may only amount to 10 minutes of activity. It’s exhausting. But my little ones love it! They get to stretch their creative muscles and make many choices. They get so much out of cutting and pasting bits and pieces together. We’ve moved on now to Science experiments. I mean I am about to willingly buy glitter, white vinegar, and food colouring all so my kids can make an exploding frothy potion go basically everywhere. This is a house keeping disaster. But to see my kiddos faces light up and know their minds are being blown as they learn a little about the world around them… It’s worth it.
Snowy Owls
I have a few other projects lined up this summer which includes clearing out the guest room, utility room, and my car. All of these tasks, if completed, will make my husband a very happy man. I don’t really relish organising things, but it needs to be done. These mundane things really do matter if you can make a loved one feel better. Especially now when the situation we are in is so uncertain. If I am struggling to smile, I’ve recently learned that making someone else smile makes all the difference. Bible teacher and writer, Joyce Meyer, says when you have a problem, “trust God and do good.” I think she is absolutely right. When I am tempted to wallow in my own troubles (and it is tempting to do so) I try to encourage someone else. I also ask for help. I ask my friends to pray with me. Neither of these things are easy to do, but the benefits are so worth it. Instantly, my focus is off of me. Now I’m free for God to show me how I can help someone else. Putting other people first is what it is all about and ironically, brings me joy too.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
A good friend of mine said, “Blog!” So, here we go. I’m not sure how we got from March to June without an update. It’s been a whirling merry-go-round of home schooling, coffee, playing, clapping, Zoom chats, reading together, time outs, baking bread, laughter, singing, living room dance parties, news briefings, tears, projects, daily walks, scooters, scavenger hunts, den building, shopping wearing masks, watching SGN, not sleeping, going back to sleep and wearing stretchy comfy clothes around the clock. We’ve had virtual birthdays and virtual date nights. Sadly, we’ve had one virtual memorial. We are tired.
As things slowly open up again, we look for normality. This week our bubble world changes. Our oldest child returns to school on Thursdays and Fridays. It will be a good change for her and everyone. I’m pleased we still have three days of home schooling together. We will miss her. The virus is still a threat, but I have faith that the school’s staff are doing all they can to minimise infection.
We made our own pizzas.
Though physically we have kept our distance, in some ways we are closer to people than ever. How could we not let others into our hearts with so much sickness and loss around us? And there is another virus which has plagued our society for too many years. We have watched the brutality and racism play out before us in the news. Often I feel helpless. What can I do? How can I show love and respect for my fellow humans in pain and fear and righteous anger? So I pray. I examine myself and ask God to search my heart, bring to light my own prejudices and bias. I try to educate myself.
In outrage, I share stories. I raise awareness amongst my friends and family. I realise my greatest power for change starts right here in my home. I teach my children to love and include people. I teach them that we are all made in God’s image. We are all worthy of love, respect, equal rights and freedom. No one should have to live in fear for their lives for the colour of their skin. I ask for wisdom. I vote and stand up for justice as much as possible. I draw near to God and as His word says, He draws near to me. (James 4:8)
If you are feeling overwhelmed or powerless in these difficult and uncertain times, draw near to the Source. Draw near to the light that is Jesus.
Hello. It is the end of our first day of social distancing. It was so sunny and beautiful outside. Springtime is here and unaware of our collective plight. Yesterday was Ivy’s last day of school and really our last day of normal. Albert our youngest keeps asking when we are going to meet somebody or when he will have play group. We’ve talked about germs and sickness and really tried to explain the out break on a 2 and 4 year old level. I had somewhat of a plan for today: painting rainbows, cartoons, and making Rice Krispie treats. (The treats were a disaster as I had to leave the stove to break up a fight between the kids.) But I am getting ahead of myself.
Thursday I stocked up on paints and art supplies as I want to keep Ivy and Albert busy during this unusual amount of time at home. Within hours of bringing in my shopping, most of the glitter glue was gone! Ivy made good bye notes for a few of her school friends and Albert followed along creating art! I thought to myself that this is going to be a long haul.
Today started so beautifully with breakfast and giggles and colourful paint brushes (all water washable.) We played outside in the sun with Daddy in a park. We also helped our Church Sunday Club by dropping off flowers on doorsteps. And some church goers were home and said hello at a distance. (Tomorrow is Mother’s Day in England.) The kids loved making deliveries. Naps were hard to achieve and the afternoon/early evening were wrought with meltdowns and bickering. So we did yoga stretches while I cooked an easy nugget and pasta with frozen veggies for their dinner. And breathe.
Tonight, I had my own mini meltdown as I looked at Ivy’s class page for home learning. The reality of all that has been happening over the past few weeks came crashing down on me. I have to teach my child and come up with lessons and entertain the younger child. I can’t get back to America if my parents or family members get sick or need me. We have to stay in and avoid contact with you know everyone! Not to mention people are so sick and dying. Many are overworked while others have lost their jobs. Look, God I need You big time!!
”For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
I share all this to say we are in this together all in the same place. How oddly unifying?! And Christ is with us too. God is here extending His mighty hand to us. Lord, I grab ahold of You. Please help! Help us to pray for each other and lift each other up.
Today held many high highs and low lows. It is the first of many days like this one. While I have no idea where to begin as Mommy/Teacher, I will keep looking up and focusing on the highs. All things considered, we are very blessed.
I won’t bore anyone with our day by day hour by hour home dramas! But I will try to blog some encouragement from time to time. Please comment or leave a prayer request. Good night and God bless.
My original title for this piece was “Embrace the Chaos,” but I think this is the wrong idea. Last week, chaos came in the form of noses bleeds, a flushed iPhone, and one bag with wallet left in a hospital restroom! I am trying to model stability and set a good example for my little humans. Not only is it exhausting but I often feel like I am missing the mark. I don’t know where my idea that family life is supposed to run smoothly comes from, but it’s there in the back of my mind, laughing at me.
Then in my morning verses I find, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) Something inside me says, “Ahhh.” I feel a little more relaxed. While I know that I am not sufficient in all things myself, God gives me the grace to do what I need to do. His grace, if I accept it, will keep me calm. My bag, by the way, was safely returned to us and my phone seems to be working. (Praise God!)
Although the kids will bonk heads and get nose bleeds (Albert is okay, bless him) and I will continue to lose things, we will make it through the day. Life will continue to throw some chaos my way, but I don’t have to let it wreck me. I can stand strong in the grace of God. It is very reassuring to this mama to know that the weight of my role doesn’t rest solely on my shoulders.
So, if your day turns unexpectedly or your having a rough time, try to embrace the grace. That is my prayer today. Dear Lord, please help me to embrace your loving grace. Amen.
And just like that the Christmas tree is down and the decorations have been packed away. I feel a little sad. We have had a non-stop month of nativities and parties; activities and feasting! Memories to cherish. There will never be another Christmas when our little ones will be 2 and 4 again. It was special.
While I love nothing more than sitting by the glow of our cozy Christmas tree, it feels good to march into a new year and this time a new decade. I realise everything isn’t rosy and we all have challenges to face, but I can’t help having hope for the year ahead. “Behold, I am doing a new thing;now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wildernessand rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 ESV
I just hope that I am up to snuff and ready to grab hold of the new thing for 2020. Because I know God is! He is faithful and keeps His promises. My prayer is that I can perceive what God wants me to do and that I am brave enough to do it.
Our only Thanksgiving picture, Pumpkin butter pie!
As I lay in bed having just had a nice hot shower, both children are asleep, and my husband tunes the Christmas radio station, I am thankful. I am thankful that we had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal last night with dear friends. I am thankful to God for helping me through a busy week of school runs, speech and doctor appointments, play group and activities. I am so grateful for the nurse practitioner for seeing my youngest who has a little ear infection and me today. I am grateful for health care and medicine. I am also thankful that said nurse practitioner had good tips for supplements and boosts for the stay-at-home mummy trenches. He reminded me that I need to take care of myself too.
I have so many things to be grateful for that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Husband, kids, family, friends, faith, church family, able body, warm house, food, hot running water, a good car, good school and community for our kids. I could go on and on. God is amazing, good and true. I am so grateful to God.
There is room for all of us in God’s kingdom. Take that in a minute. All ( and I do mean all people) are loved and wanted by God. No race is more important than another to God. No nation is more important than another. No sex is of greater value. We don’t need to pay for His love or earn it. We couldn’t afford God’s love anyway! His love is infinite and freely given. I thank God for Jesus, the embodiment of His love. Christmas is coming! I am thankful.
”For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
One of my favourite moments of today was when my two year old son said, “Want me to play a little song everyone?” as he held his sister’s toy violin. His smile and song stole my heart anew. There are a lot of things that I could be down about right now, but you know what I am not going to do that tonight. I watched my 4 year old daughter wail with despair (and tiredness) at dinner to then completely light up with happiness again when I gave her an orange gummy vitamin. It was amazing to behold. But it got me thinking about the little things in life that bring me joy. So I am going to count my orange gummy vitamins!
My kids are my biggest blessings. My mission is to support and encourage these two little human beings into happy healthy grown ups. That is my greatest joy. And in the tough moments I will relish my other orange gummy vitamins: family, friends, belly-laughs with tears, strong coffee, a good book, Autumn leaves and you know carrot cake. The point of my ramblings is really that life is good. Super tough. But good.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I will say rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
And so, just like that, it is the end of the summer. Normally, I would be thrilled. I am an Autumn person. (Changing leaves, chilly air, cardigans and pumpkin spice everything…) But this year is different. I’m not ready for the summer to end. It has been a special sweet time for our little family. Our daughter Ivy Grace, turned 4. I turned 40. Albert (age 2) is so chatty and finally old enough to play with Ivy. We’ve had many adventures to the park, library, play grounds, and splash parks. We’ve had picnics and crafting and dress up. We’ve gone to cinema, festivals and birthday parties. We baked cakes and bread and have had many treats. It has been a memorable summer.
Ivy starts reception class in a week and is quickly progressing to full days of school! I just don’t know how our time together has passed by so quickly. I am going to miss her when she goes to school. It’s the strangest feeling. I’m so proud of Ivy. She loves school. I’m excited for her to learn and grow but I am sad to see our pre-school era end. Albert will miss Ivy too I’m sure. It will be good to give him extra one-on-one time. My heart! Mothering is tough stuff. As these little ones get bigger, I need to figure out what I want to do too. I am starting a new decade and era of my own. Life. The longer I live the more and more I think that time is our most precious possession. And yet no one knows how much of it we really have. “My times are in your hands…” Psalm 31:15 My prayer is to use it wisely.
And so, we head off to the beach tomorrow to soak up as much time with Ivy and Albert as possible.
My mom, Diana, is one of those people who truly likes to be behind the scenes. She is at her happiest putting other people first. Since it is her birthday and a special day, I just want to let Mom know how much we appreciate her.
From a young age, Mom has been a thoughtful caregiver. She helped look after her baby sister. As a young mother, she cared for three children sacrificing so much for us. Professionally, Diana has carved out a successful career as a nurse. Mom spends many hours caring for elderly patients. It is much more than a job for her as she loves and listens to her sometimes forgotten residents.
I know she is probably cringing now and I don’t want to embarrass her much more. I just want to say, Mom, I am so fortunate to have you as my role model. You have a caring heart. Thank you for all that you do for us. I love and miss you. I wish we could be with you today to celebrate. We are there in spirit and can’t wait to say hello via video. Xoxo
Counting Sheep... 