Trust me... I know best....

I have spent a fun morning with my dear friend (Lisa Walston) at Costco and Krispy Kreme b/c today is national donut day.  It was a little crazy b/c there were 5 children and 2 nut mommies.  It was crazier b/c my children decided to quietly disobey or question me about several of the directions that I gave.   Simple things like who gets to push the huge Costco cart and whether or not we can have more soda. 

My son would rather push a huge Costco buggy and accidentally run into people than trust me to drive the buggy and let him play next to it.  While he has never actually run into anyone, he does have a hard time maneuvering it when my daughter decides to jump on and off.  He also gets distracted and doesn't notice the older couples coming down the huge aisle.  If it would have been just he and I, I would have probably let him.  After all, he has to learn sometime.  But, when we have tons of people, and the place is hopping with kids, older people, and hungry moms, it isn't the best time.  But, I probably pushed him off of the cart at least 5 times and answered his "can I push it?" at least twice.  If we were at home, I would have clued in, and handled it.  But I sometimes get distracted out in public.  Maybe that is why he knows he can get away with it.

My daughter is no better.  She would rather not obey my "go to the potty before rest time" and decide to "hold it" and end up miserable and wet.  She would also rather not obey the "Keep your hands to yourself" rule and touch all her friends around her with her cold (from holding her drink), sticky (from pizza lunch) hands.  Most are too nice to actually tell her to stop, but there will come a day when one of her friends yell and hurt her feelings.  I probably told her 5 times to get her hands off of someone.  Once again, I should have handled it the first time, but I was distracted.  

I have come to a spiritual awakening.  I think that one of the main reasons that our children disobey our instructions (other than their natural bent toward sin) is that they don't trust us to make good decisions for them.  They don't trust me enough to look out for their best interest.  They don't trust that I want them to have a good time, but want others to have a good time as well.  They don't trust that I am causing temporary inconveniences (no more soda) b/c I know what is coming around the corner (Krispy Kreme).

How like them are we?  I know that I would rather ask the Lord to remove a temporary inconvenience b/c I know best.  I would rather do it my way, b/c I know best.  I would rather not have a quiet time each day with him b/c I know best.  I don't have time for that today....I know best.  I would rather not talk to that person b/c ....I know best.  I would rather not follow that prompting b/c.....I know best. 

I think that the Lord is teaching me that I have no clue what is best.  When I refuse to follow His prompting, I immediately regret it.  I miss opportunities to bless others.  I miss opportunities to strengthen relationships, including the one with My Father.  I miss opportunities to be a light for Him.  Do I really know best?

I hope that this summer I grow closer to my family and friends.  I hope to show my children that I am trustworthy, even when I don't make sense.  (I also plan on being more aware of lack of obedience in public) I hope that these days of resting will draw me into the presence of the only truly Trustworthy One.  Will you join me?

some recent pics

My new Wolf Cub Scout!

Mother's Day Hike and Geo-caching

My boy!

Playing Dress up

 

Have I mentioned how much I love being a Mommy????

My girl! 

Learning to Give

Christmas Holidays are fun, but crazy for us!  We hung out with family, did craft projects, made cookies, and visited with friends.  What we didn't get done was the typical giving projects (cash is sort of tight in Dec).  We have several friends who celebrate "12 days of Giving", where they choose 12 days and 12 different projects during the holidays.  It is a great idea, but you have to be a prepared person in order to pull it off, I'm not! 

So, we decided that we are going to have 13 weeks of giving. Last week at the dinner table, we brainstormed about fairly inexpensive projects that all four of us could do on a Friday or Saturday afternoon to help others in the name of Jesus.  Then we all wrote down our ideas and I typed them up and cut them out in little strips.  These strips were put into our "Giving Bucket", where we choose one project a week until Easter. 

(Even Sarah wrote her ideas down, but I think that they were "socks" and "stripes", so they didn't make the project cut...don't tell her)

Project #1:"Gift for the Mailman"
We love getting mail around here. We have stood by the mailbox before and waited for the mailman to give us the mail. So, we kind of know him a little.  Last Thursday, we all trekked to Walmart after dinner, in the cold to gather up about $15 worth of snacks and treats for our friend, the mailman.  We also grabbed a $5 gift card from QuikTrip for a hot drink on a cold day.  

Then we made cards, fixed up a special bag, and placed it by the door to go out the next day. 

Since our mailman came early, Jeff was the one who gave him the bag and even learned his name.  The next day we received a thank you note signed "Mark the mailman".  It was a neat experience.

Project #2 (this week) is "Cleaning up Mulberry Park" We plan on picking up trash on the walking trail. It is supposed to be cold and rainy all weekend!  Oh well- we have hats and umbrellas.  I'll hopefully post an update next week and maybe a picture or two.  You can hold us accountable to make sure that we make all 13 weeks.


Before you begin to nominate me for Christian Mom of the year, I have to confess.  I am not a giver of money.  I love to help others, working with children, and serving others at my table anytime. I have no problem with people giving to me!  But, to actually give money to others is hard for me (although I don't mind when Jeff does it...go figure...I know...I'm weird).

Wednesday, I stopped by Publix in order to grab a few things that we needed for lunch.  It took me a while to get what I needed and I even had to return something.  I was hanging out at the customer service desk waiting my turn when I saw something that broke my heart, but not my wallet. 

There was an elderly lady who was trying to use her debit card.  Apparently, she thought that she had more money than she really did (or maybe a check hadn't cleared yet).  It just wasn't working.  The cashiers were younger and trying to be compassionate, but didn't really know what to do.  So they asked her what she would like to give back.  I assumed that she would hand back a carton of milk or some candy and it would ring back up fine. She didn't. 

She proceeded to hand the cashier some milk and oranges.  These were what she would keep.  The other things would go back onto the shelves.  It broke my heart.  I distinctly remember hearing a quickening in my heart that told me to "pay for her groceries". 

Now- you know that I am a coupon person.  I don't buy anything at the grocery store unless I have a coupon (or really need it).  I am also a person that takes at least an hour at the store when I go, b/c I have to make sure that I am getting the best bang for my buck, with my list.  I don't spend money if I don't have to.

So, I began to argue in my heart.
"Are you sure?"   "pay for the groceries"
"What if she has a really expensive item?"  "pay for the groceries"
"What if Jeff doesn't want me to spend this?"  "pay for the groceries"
"What if I can't pay for her without her being more embarrassed?" "pay for the groceries"

Anyway- I talked myself out of it.  Even when they began to dump her groceries out of the bags.  It was as if I was witnessing an eviction.  The groceries that she had purchased with care and had probably walked up and down every aisle looking for what she needed were being dumped into her basket while she paid her $7 and shuffled away.  It was all I could do not to yell out "Stop!  I'll take care of it!!!!"

And yet- I disobeyed again.  I did not pay for her groceries.  I did ask the cashier for the amount she owed.  I was really hoping he would say "$100".   He didn't, she owed $40!   Talk about the Lord teaching a lesson about blessing others!  I have been overwhelmingly blessed and I couldn't bless this elderly, embarrassed child of his?  

I did see her as I was walking out.  Her daughter was helping her into her car and was heading back in there to pay for her groceries.  So, the Lord was going to protect that woman whether I helped or not.

I missed a blessing.  I missed being a blessing. I missed an opportunity to "Be Jesus".   I missed doing the basics "providing for the widows and orphans".  I missed a lot!  I apologized all the way home. I confessed my sin of greed.  I even broke down when I confessed to my beloved husband.  In his loving way, he told me that I would do better next time.  I am scared that there won't be another chance. Or what if I miss it again?

Anyway-
I am hoping that by teaching my children to give over the next 12 weeks, I will help them to avoid making the same mistake.  The mistake of not listening to my heart when the Lord makes it very clear that He has a job for me to do.  Frankly, the mistake still haunts me several days later.  I am determined to be a better listener next time.  If He allows me to have a "next time". 

Lord, Teach me to give extravagantly and with a loving heart, like you do daily!

May Happenings

Not much to say, except whew!  What a good month it has been though.  Here are some pics from our recent happenings....


We met some of the Mayfield clan for a Saturday Mothers' Day escape to the Lake.  We picnicked, watched the kids swim, and then found an amazing catfish joint for dinner. 

 Then Sunday was Mothers Day at the house, peaceful with just my little clan.

 Then Jonathan's class had it's end of the year party that Friday (a week before school was out!).  It was really cute.  One of the moms embroidered the children's names on beach blankets, which they got to tie-dye at the party!  It was fun.

Class pictures are always fun.  I think it is a lot like herding rolly-pollies (or butterflies).

I know that it starts out sideways, give it a minute.

 Jonathan had a poetry reading day!  We were invited to hear his class read 4 different nursery rhymes.  Jonathan's was Ba Ba Black Sheep.  He was Ed the Sheep herder.  Each team would read the actual poem and then read a story that went along with the poem.  It was darling!

Every year we go to Jeff's Aunt and Uncle in Keystone Heights, Florida for a little reunion.  We stayed in the local state park at a cabin this time and had a great time!  We hiked and enjoyed the scenery, then went over to Uncle Larry's for a fun day of swimming and eating.  Who could ask for more???

It has been a great month and we are looking forward to relaxing and having fun in the sun for summer!!!!  Drop by if you are in the vicinity and we'll find something fun to do!

No Glittering Folks!

A friend of ours recently had a mountain bike stolen from his carport.  Jeff and Jonathan were discussing the incident.  Jonathan told him that "someone else must have really wanted that bike".  Jeff told him that it was still wrong, then went on to name a few Kindergarten incidents where you may be tempted to steal.  He then asked, is that okay to steal?  NO!  They discussed that it was one of God's rules.  "You know another rule Daddy?  NO GLITTERING! It messes up our world." "The sea turtles see a plastic bag floating in the water and they eat it because they think that it is a jelly-fish.  Sea Turtles eat jelly-fish Daddy. The bag makes them sick"  (thank you PBS....Ruff Ruffman I think)


(I put the words in quotes, although I can't actually quote the kid.  I wasn't there... or should I say "FOR I wasn't there" ???)


I better not catch any of you throwing glitter to sea turtles!  

Fall is here!

This year is the first year in a long time that I have really looked forward to fall arriving.  It used to mean that school was starting again.  I also used to dread the wonderful summer weather leaving.  But since Summer was almost too hot this year and school begins while Summer is still in full swing, Fall has been a welcome change.

To me Fall means:

Apple Picking!  Sorry- no pictures on this one, we forgot our camera.  We did go several Saturdays ago to Ellijay to pick apples.  It was really a lot of fun!  Jonathan picked most of them for us, since we only had one bag to fill.  It made me laugh to see how many people were leaving with 4-5 bags of apples (10 lb bags).  I thought, "What are they going to do with them?"  Most of those apples are probably rotting in their kitchens by now.  I made ours into Apple Butter!  How cool is that?

Hiking:  On our apple picking day, we also went up and checked out Fort Mountain State Park.  Very nice place, fairly secluded.  It even has a legend attached to it!  The yucky part was the twisty drive up there.  We ate dinner at Poole's Barbecue!  If you have never been, you need to make a point to visit.

Fairs!

Jonathan learns how to play olden games.

Sarah gets to play with a "pocket doll"

We went to the Elisha Winn House Fair on Saturday.  The House is the oldest home in Gwinnett County and some say in Atlanta.  One weekend a year (usually around my birthday) they open it up to the public.  They have the usual- snowcones, funnel cakes, and crafts.  But they also have Civil War reenactments, historical demonstrations (blacksmithing,old school marms explaining how it used to be, and other stuff).  It really is a lot of fun.

My Birthday!!!!    no pictures yet- it is still a few days from now.

So!  Enjoy your fall!  Pick some apples, eat some funnel cake, go hiking, and stand outside in the cooler weather.  

The kids at INK in Gainesville.

By the way- Jonathan is enjoying school much more! 

Kindergarten Woes

I know that I am a wuss.  I know that I am sappy and will laugh at myself in a few years.  But, I am really dreading next Monday.  I mean- really dreading it.  I am trying to not show my dread because I don't want my son to dread it.  In fact, I have been talking it up big time.  We even got a few books from the Library about beginning Kindergarten.  (they may have helped me as much as him)  We have randomly talked about the cool things that he will get to do in Kindergarten and the cool people he will meet.

But- back to me.  I think that I  have always dreaded this day, ever since I had my baby boy after years of trying and several miscarriages.  I will admit, there have been times in the past year that I have thought that Kindergarten was looking better. But, then he smiles at me or makes me laugh, or I think about all the trips that we have made during the day together, and I have to sigh. Those days are quickly fading. 

I know in my head that it will be fine.  He is going to love Kindergarten, just like most children.  He is going to miss me for a day or two and then fit right into the routine and do wonderful.  He is smart, well-behaved, and cute.  The teachers will probably love him as well.  All of his previous teachers have.

I think that what I am dreading the most is the loss of control and time.  Time has a way of slipping away from you while you are working on this thing called Life.  I mean, laundry, dinner, errands, discipline, etc.....  And I have tried my best to live my life involving my children as much as possible.  So, I don't regret the past few years, I just hate for it all to end.  No longer will I be able to take him for a ride to the grocery store on Wed mornings, just to get a few things.  No longer will we make a run to the Library and listen to story hour.  No longer will I send him to preschool for a few hours while I run some errands and pick him up after lunch to come home for a nap.  Now he will "rest" at school, go to the library there, eat his lunch there, and have others influence him.  Others will now spend more time with my child than I will.  Others will begin to have influences over the way he speaks, reacts to me, and the way he sees the world around him.

Most of that really isn't bad.  Change is inevitable. Growth is necessary.  I would be worried about him if he wasn't changing and growing up,  I can't keep him little forever.  And I don't think that I would if I could.

But for these few days, I miss what used to be.  I dread what he may face as a tenderhearted little boy.  It is hard to be a boy in school.  Especially a good boy.  I dread those mornings when he is too tired to get up and I just want to let him sleep a little longer.  I dread those looks when I check him out early or bring him in late.  I dread the germs that he will be swimming in and now bring home to infect us with.  I dread him learning that others don't always watch PBS.  I dread him not being required to sing "God our Father" before lunch.  I dread him getting bigger and stinkier.

I know that I will forget that I ever felt this way.  I have worked with children all my life and know that the Kindergarten and 1st grade years can be the sweet years as well.  I know that I am going to love watching my child become the creation that God has made him to be.  I know that I am going to love spending time with Sarah, just one on one.  And then my hubby on days when Sarah goes to Mothers Morning Out.

I know all of this in my head, it is just hard to tell my heart right now.  So, I thought that I would write it out.  Comment if you want, call me a pansy and a wimp.  I'll agree.  Remind me that there are those who have it much worse- I'll agree.  This isn't a huge thing in the big scheme of things.  Even in the big scheme of our family's life.  I'm sure that we will face much larger problems one day. 

But for now, this week, this is a huge deal to me and my husband.  So pray for a mommy today, not necessarily me.  I'm sure that I'm not alone in my thoughts today. 
Really- I am thankful.  I am thankful that the Lord is reminding me of His Love when I get a little down about this.  He reminded me the other day that He is Lord of Puckett's Mill Elementary School Kindergarten just the same as He is Lord of the Universe.  I can place my baby in His hands once again b/c I know that He loves Jonathan more than I do.  That is an amazing thing to think about too.  He has a plan for all of us, that includes our precious children.  What an amazing God I serve, what a precious child I have been blessed with, and what a stinky time to be a Mommy....sending your kid to Kindergarten.