tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372285022024-03-13T20:12:58.785-07:00The Harman HoodA humorous retelling of our lives through the voices of our little onesJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.comBlogger1744125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-50203541854129317182021-04-24T20:09:00.001-07:002021-04-24T20:09:27.405-07:00Glory<p> I wrestle with wanting glory. I want to be noticed. I want people to think, "wow, look at her." The praise of man is tempting. It's alluring. But, it's deceitful. And it's bondage. Bondage to myself. Bondage to man and man's view of me. Bondage to trying to work for man's approval and consequently for my identity. It's exhausting and fleeting and never satisfying. Selfishly, I'm hoping I'm not alone with this struggle. I assume since Scripture talks about "men pleasers" and loving the "praise from men more than the praise from God," that I'm not. Even writing this blog post, I struggle with my motive. How do I fight this ugly temptation to seek glory for myself? Then, this evening, I read this in Revelation:</p><p>"At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are seven spirits of God, and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal." </p><p>The magnitude of God's glory and sole worthiness seeped out of those words and immediately my hunger for self glory seemed like a joke, an embarrassment, a farce. Who am I to compete against the glory of the Lord? While I still don't comprehend the full magnitude of His glory, I think tonight I caught a glimpse. It was humbling. And I'm thankful. I pray that when I'm tempted to pursue my own glory and continue to run into the same dead ends, that these words, this picture of a glory I've never fully grasped, would flood my mind and I would turn away from seeking empty glory for myself and find full freedom in directing all glory to Him who alone is worthy. In that freedom, there is rest. Rest from searching for affirmation through man. Rest from placing my identity in the ebbs and flows of man's fickle nature. And in that freedom there is peace. Peace because Christ is my glory. There is no other glory to be had. It is finished. And all glory belongs to Him who is the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, the Creator, the Lamb who alone was worthy to rescue us from our sin. And it is to Him that all glory shall be freely given. </p>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-47848402239687835582021-04-09T21:56:00.000-07:002021-04-09T21:56:11.978-07:0040 <p> It's been three and a half years since I've put anything on my blog. Does anyone read blogs anymore? I'm just thankful this little piece of my life is still available to revisit and is always open for me to work out my rusty fingers and untangle my jostled thoughts.</p><p>Today I turned 40. Many of you have already crossed this threshold and perhaps reminisce fondly of these "younger" years in comparison of where you are now. It's funny how our perspectives change as we age. I'm sure one day I will look back at this and share in that perspective. But today, today, it feels a bit monumental. I entered my thirties with three young children, a new (to us) minivan, and a few gray hairs. We were just beginning our official homeschooling journey. Learning to read and potty training were still activities on my daily schedule. I even had naptime as a regular scheduled event...for the kids of course. While my twenties were a period of big changes: graduating college, getting my first real job, marriage, buying a house, and having kids, my thirties proved to be a period of consistency, with no "big" milestones to measure the decade. It was like a steady plodding along, which sometimes proved hard. Galatians 6:9 became a verse of encouragement during a season where the fanfare of new beginnings had passed and the call to be faithful and persevere in the mundane was my present. "And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." If I'm being honest, the word weary has been a part of my vocabulary a lot in my thirties. Raising three children is not a glamorous job. It's a wonderful job, but it's not glamorous. Homeschooling three children is not a glamourous job. It's a privilege, but it's not glamorous. You see, in my twenties it was easier to be seen. You're graduating? Awesome, let's throw a party and celebrate. You're getting married? How wonderful! Let's have showers and buy all the pretty things! You're pregnant? Let's do a baby shower and bring you meals. You just bought a house? Let's decorate it and fill it up to make it a home. But after those milestones, the celebrations are fewer and farther between. And a lot of the hard work is waiting. </p><p>I say this not for self pity. It's simply a reality, one we all face in some form or another I'm sure. No one throws a party when your struggling reader finally learns to read. Or that stubborn child finally obeys after hours of a standoff of wills. Or your child gets an A on a math test after so many tears of confusion. There's not much fanfare when you celebrate year after year of faithfully staying true to your marriage covenant. And so my thirties were such where I was challenged to persevere despite being "seen" in ways I was in my twenties. It was a season of pressing on in doing good, not giving up in the planting of all kinds of seeds and trusting that in due season, I would reap. And remembering that often times, while man does not "see" me, the Lord does. El Roi does. I think this was a major theme of my thirties. So I planted a lot. I planted good seeds and I planted, unfortunately, some bad seeds. But I'm thankful I serve a God who can work for the good in my marriage and in my kids and in my other relationships in spite of myself. </p><p>And while my thirties were years that were characterized by persevering, the persevering already has produced good fruit. John's business has thrived over the past ten years, a testimony to the Lord's faithfulness to us in His provision through John's hard work and perseverance. Our children are healthy and growing. As they've matured we've been given opportunities to have good conversations about hard topics. I've had a front row seat to my children developing into young adults. The years I've had with them at home are precious and worth more than any other circumstance could give me. Homeschooling has been hard. It's required more of myself than I'm often willing to give. It's required my children to do hard things that have pushed them out of their comfort zones. But they've grown. I've grown. I've taken on different leadership roles within Classical Conversations in my thirties that have required me to stretch and do things that are uncomfortable to me...like flying solo to Washington D.C and dealing with a busted suitcase that didn't quite make it in one piece (among other things, of greater consequence). My later thirties reminded me I'm not invincible. My body is not immune to sickness. Hearing ovarian cancer was a quick wake up call. No one throws parties for that. Thankfully, after enduring 3 months of the unknown, surgery proved it was not ovarian cancer but a benign growth that was easily removed along with the ovary and fallopian tube. I was definitely celebrating here. And those close to me, they were as well. So while the fanfare may not have been as wide in my thirties, it was definitely deeper and more meaningful. My thirties continued to foster deep friendships with a few faithful friends who I know have my back through thick and thin. And of course, my family continues to be the constant in my life that is there in the big fanfare moments and ever present in the smaller fanfare moments and all those moments in between. </p><p>So I sit, looking back at the past ten years that were very different from my twenties. They were formative years that were often built slowly day in and day out of doing the same things, often things that were not seen by anyone, literally. Most of my time has been spent within the four walls of my home with my three kids. It's not glamorous. It's not noteworthy to most. But I know I was planting. And I trust, as the Lord says, that if I don't grow weary and don't give up, I will reap in due season. And so I enter my 40s, continuing to plant, continuing to hold on to that truth, looking forward to more reaping. I know at the end of this decade, my children will all be adults. My life will look completely different. Homeschooling will be my past. But I will say this....there WILL be fanfare when my kids graduate. I hope my 40s include 3 cruises....an opportunity CC provides for graduating seniors. You better believe we will be celebrating...celebrating we ALL made it through. So, here's to my 40s. May I walk gracefully ahead, trusting the Lord, planting good seeds, and reaping good fruit....and boarding some cruises. </p><p><br /></p>Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-58302493691048287392017-09-26T18:53:00.000-07:002017-09-26T18:53:02.348-07:00Disney Disaster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We just got back from the Mouse's House.</div>
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THE MOUSE.</div>
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The M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E</div>
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Where dreams come true and there's no place happier on the earth.</div>
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Well, maybe for some.</div>
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You see, this picture here tells only part of our magical story. </div>
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I mean, I hate to complain. It's Disney. It's a dream vacation for some. However, it wasn't for us this time. So when people ask me, "Did you have a great time?!" I have to be honest, ya'll. It was a hot mess of a trip sprinkled throughout with fun. And while there were lots of fun times, lots to be grateful for, and the kids had a blast (because yay for not having to adult), this is the not so good account because, seriously, you can't make this stuff up. </div>
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And you just have to laugh.</div>
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Our story started with Hurricane Irma. It looked like Irma and I both thought September 10th would be a fun time to visit Florida. Apparently the "low" crowds at Disney also appealed to her. So, I did what any reasonable person would do, I called to reschedule. Who wants to wait in line for Peter Pan, with Irma? Based on the wait time over the phone, NOBODY did.</div>
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But, it's okay. I'm patient. I will listen to the Disney hold music. I know in the big scheme of life, this is no major deal. People's homes and lives were at stake and I'm just trying to reschedule our trip for the following week. I'll hold. </div>
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3 hours and LOTS of Disney music later, BAM! DONE! We were to leave the following week. Easy Peasy. </div>
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Until...</div>
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the following Tuesday, the night before we boarded the plane to the "Happiest Place on Earth," I got a call.</div>
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"Mrs. Harman, due to the hurricane, Fort Wilderness Cabins will not be open, please call us back to get a refund or see if we can move you to a different resort."</div>
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It's NEVER good to miss a call from Disney. NEVER.</div>
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(trust me, this wasn't the last time I missed their call)</div>
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Because, if you miss that call, you will have to wait, again, in an invisible "line" of other people who are listening to that same music, who are hoping for the same thing, for that music to stop and for that magical voice to speak.</div>
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Well, don't hold your breath. I beat my last record of three hours, by one more hour.</div>
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Nailed It.</div>
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That's when I met Stanley. Our conversation started well. We talked about the weather, literally. He was eager to help me. He informed me we could easily switch to the Art of Animation (one of his favs he told me).</div>
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Except....</div>
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he then informed me we could only stay there until Saturday (our plane didn't leave until Monday).</div>
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There was no other room available in ALL OF DISNEY for us to go. </div>
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That was the word on the street.</div>
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<br />Homeless.</div>
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Fast fast forward another hour and lots of pleas to help us find a place to stay, Stanley came through.</div>
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Art of Animation for three nights, Fort Wilderness Cabins, the last two nights.</div>
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We'll take it. Thank you Stanley.</div>
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We were Disney Bound the next morning.</div>
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While, presently, our lodging issues were solved, another issue emerged. My eye. I woke up with what had to be a scratched cornea. It was a red, watery mess that cowered in the presence of any light. Hoping by the next day, our first day at the parks, it would be better, I sported my ten year old crooked red glasses to the airport (I explained to the kind lady who sat next to me on the plane that I DIDN'T have pink eye just to ease her likely uneasy mind). Even cooler, I managed to wear my sunglasses OVER my glasses to stand a fighting chance against the light that flooded into the Magical Express Bus that picked us up at the airport to take us to the Art of Animation.</div>
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I'm glad my kids aren't too cool yet to be embarrassed by their mom wearing glasses AND sunglasses at the same time.</div>
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While I couldn't see well out of my one I, I still managed to notice a sea of emergency vehicles and workers upon our arrival at the Art of Animation with my good eye. While others whispered what could be going on, I immediately returned to my conversation with Stanley the night before who had informed me the reason there was "no vacancy" in all of Disney(I still don't believe it) was because of the doctors and nurses they were housing to help with the hurricane. I assumed they must have been housing EMT workers too and policemen. </div>
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Amateurs, I have the inside scoop thanks to Stanley, I thought.</div>
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A quick message from a friend outside the Disney bubble informed me otherwise when she sent me an article about our very resort at that very moment we arrived and asked if everything was okay.</div>
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The building next to ours had been evacuated because it appeared a meth lab was being run out of it. </div>
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One man was arrested.</div>
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Awesome.</div>
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Thankfully though, we were oblivious at the time and enjoyed perhaps the most heart stopping ride of our whole trip on the Disney Bus to Disney Springs for dinner. If the driver's goal was to prepare us for Test Track the next day, job well done. We managed to arrive in one piece (I'm not going to lie, I said a prayer for safety) at Disney Springs and did not have the same driver on a much more calm ride back.</div>
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My hopes that the next day would bring a healed eye weren't fulfilled. I woke up to my eye almost swollen shut. Determined to have the most magical day EVER, I did a few eye exercises, slipped a contact in it, and donned my sunglasses and kept my head low (thankfully the meth maker was already arrested because if not, I definitely would have looked suspicious). I occasionally took the glasses off only to wipe the water that seemed to gush out....and to take a picture with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. I looked awful and vowed to keep them on, whether inside or outside. </div>
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"I Wear My Sunglasses at Night" carried a whole new meaning.</div>
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Thankfully, the next morning my eye was holding its own and I could walk without Hannah leading me by the hand. This was especially good since Friday would be our worst Disney day.</div>
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It started out great. I didn't have to wear my sunglasses indoors, it was our visit to The Magic Kingdom (my favorite), there were no complaints.</div>
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Then, while taking a joyful ride through The Haunted Mansion (figures I should get THE CALL while in here), my phone rings. The "Lake Buena Vista" under the number gave it away that it indeed was Disney. I knew right away this was not good but couldn't pick up because the noise on the ride was too loud. I should have done it anyways.</div>
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The message left resembled the one I received Tuesday. Fort Wilderness Cabins was still not opened and we would need to get a refund or they would try to place us at another resort. </div>
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Homeless again.</div>
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She said she'd call me back in two hours (she never did) or I could call Guest Services but it would be a LONG wait.</div>
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So, there, at the Magic Kingdom, we began our third time on hold with Disney. I wasn't feeling so patient this time. The music was just out right annoying and the smiling faces walking by left me bitter. So much for a happy heart. We found a place to eat where we could plug in our phone....and wait. And wait we did. After 30 minutes, the music stopped. Someone was ready to talk to me. I was elated. However, after explaining our situation AGAIN the gal informed me it didn't look like there was any place for us to go. But if ANYONE could help, it would be Guest Services but I would be on hold for awhile. </div>
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So, we waited, again.</div>
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John and I switched phone holding duties while the other took the kids on a ride. We did this for three hours. </div>
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We walked all over The Magic Kingdom listening to that same music, praying someone would JUST.PICK.UP.</div>
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And someone finally did. </div>
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"I can't help you with that," she told me. I was almost in tears. Because we were already on property this had to be handled by the resort, she had explained. I resorted to begging, explaining that the lady told us to remain on hold because they COULD help us.</div>
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"Please let me talk to someone who can help us," I begged.</div>
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She told me there was no one and that we had to go back to the resort for help.</div>
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"Have a Magical Day."</div>
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Thankfully, in the midst of this, John found two WONDERFUL ladies who COULD and WANTED to help us at the Magic Kingdom Guest Services. I think my almost tearful face while holding the phone to my ear and the three kids looking cute with their Disney hats, helped. </div>
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The kids and I headed to Hollywood Studios without John while he waited for a conclusion to the madness.</div>
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"It's fixed," he texted me a short bit later.</div>
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Just.Like.That. </div>
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We get to stay at the meth lab, I mean, Art of Animation.</div>
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The cast member who helped us gave us tickets to the Halloween party and a gift card for our troubles. Bright spot.</div>
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And so, our day ended on a good note.</div>
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3 different reservation numbers though and multiple changes on the computer managed to leave lingering consequences...</div>
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We received free dining with the vacation package we bought six months ago. We got a certain number of meal credits for our stay. However, with the multiple switching of reservations, we lost them (along with our bus reservation to take us back to the airport, we got that fixed finally too). We found out the hard way the following day as we went to scan those magical bands and hear "Oh you don't have any more meal credits." Thankfully the kind lady who helped us the day before was a text away and after we paid full price she credited our account and reimbursed us. </div>
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She's the true hero of our story.</div>
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As we continued to recover from the fog of the day before, John realized he needed to recover from motion sickness of the present day. Not as spry as he used to be, John fell victim to the sudden jerks, twists, and turns of many of the thrill rides from the day. </div>
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"Make sure you wear shoes," I tell them all as we prepare to head to the pool.</div>
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No one heeds my advice.</div>
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John pays dearly for it.</div>
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The bottom of his feet were burned. </div>
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Using what we had, we rubbed Chapstick over the forming blisters in hopes, maybe, just maybe, it would help ease the discomfort just enough so he could go with us to the Animal Kingdom.</div>
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Well, I'll go ahead and tell you, Chapstick won't do the trick.</div>
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So, the non thrill seeking mom, heads to The Animal Kingdom to ride Expedition Everest, again, with my thrill seeking kids (well Hannah is a semi thrill seeker) along with the other rides. </div>
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I told them as we inched up the incline AGAIN that they should never doubt my love for them. </div>
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John had remained laid out on the bed hoping tomorrow would be different. Thankfully, it was.</div>
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Sunday, our last day, was our most non eventful day. But we were tired. All of us. But we pressed on because tonight was The Halloween Party. And while we were thankful for the free tickets (they aren't cheap) it was so crowded and the lines were so long for candy and to meet characters that we decided, after everyone had half a bag full of candy, and we rode Space Mountain AGAIN to end our Disney vacation with a Dole Whip. It was on our list to do since we had never had one.</div>
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The Dole Whip was a great way to go out. It was delicious. It may have been one of my favorite things about Disney.</div>
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The Dole Whip.</div>
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It was redeeming.</div>
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That cold, sweet, MAGICAL, goodness.</div>
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It was good to us. </div>
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It was like a long refreshing hug, whereafter we breathed a long sigh of relief</div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-23301074348109016392015-10-13T21:30:00.000-07:002015-10-13T21:30:27.533-07:00A Letter to Molly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Dear Molly,</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Happy birthday. Three years under the Harman Hood is something quite colossal to celebrate, considering what all we've been through.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Like this,</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nqj5i_cyul4/Vh3Lr8a27NI/AAAAAAAAhAI/DZUywO0t0pY/s1600/2013-03-29%25252012.23.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nqj5i_cyul4/Vh3Lr8a27NI/AAAAAAAAhAI/DZUywO0t0pY/s320/2013-03-29%25252012.23.56.jpg" width="240" /> </a> </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Just six short months into your life and BAM! you're wearing a cone, purple tail "cast" and sentenced to six weeks behind bars, crate bars that is, with little hope beyond that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But you didn't realize who had your back...well pelvis more specifically. Thanks to Grant who said, "we'll pray for her everyday," in response to your bleak prognosis, your ominous future turned promising. While the x rays showed no healing, your behavior did.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And while we laugh and call you the "Miracle Dog," perhaps you are. Because while we were so thankful for your recovery, our answered prayer, it hasn't quite been a cake walk since then and yet, here you STILL are.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Here you are after multiple escapades through the neighborhood, with four of us in hot pursuit.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> You're stubborn Molly, really stubborn.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Because even with cajoling with treat laden hands or simply the perseverance of the four of us who refuse to leave you all alone in unknown territory, you remain faithful to whatever has caught your eye, or nose, while remaining oblivious to our calculated strategies. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In fact, you've caused me to resort to embarrassing techniques that I'd be ashamed to confess to the Dog Whisperer. Techniques that include growling deeply while saying your name in hopes to transform me into the Alpha. Or sprinting toward you hoping to scare you into surrender. I've unsuccessfully tried to corner you but, well, that pelvis healed just fine because your moves are NFL worthy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Mine are apparently not.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">For certain, the neighborhood has seen me at my worst when tracking you. Not only is my temper being tested and put on public display, so is my fashion. You see, it appears you like to run off early in the morning, leaving me with no choice but to follow in my pajamas, with no makeup, and wearing boots so that I might have a fighting chance against all those briars you weave through and the mud you always seem to find.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So, there I am, three kids following me, growling, uncombed hair, pajamas, sometimes a coat, and rain boots, that sometime turn into track shoes when I must resort to the ole sprinting technique. It's really not helping our homeschool image.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And yet, to you, it's all fun and games, like that time you hid under our neighbor's hot tub deck for, maybe hours. All the while, I'm trying to corral you out not realizing at the same time Kate is being devoured (okay not really DEVOURED) by fire ants leading me to "pants" poor Kate, thus making an already awkward situation MORE awkward. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But, you're our miracle dog.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You've run off a couple of times that we did give up on you, well I did, and maybe Kate and Grant. I left your fate up to Facebook. But as Hannah waited patiently (and tearfully) on our back patio, I assured her you'd be back. And back you came. I mean, you survived being smashed by a car with a slim chance of living and yet, you survived. You were covered in so many prayers I think you'll be around for a long, LONG time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Yes Molly, it's really just amazing I haven't given up on you. I know I've said some hurtful things to you, like, I'm ready to get rid of you, among other more severe words.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I may have muttered these words after that time you threw up on our stairs and then somehow managed to do the same on Hannah's head.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Or it could have been after one of the multiple times you've found a way to relieve yourself in the house.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Or those many, many times you randomly throw up.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I'll try not to ruminate on the time you ate MY. WHOLE. CHICK FIL A. SANDWICH. when I left a few brief moments to answer the door.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Really Molly?</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And don't get me started on the late nights after I take you out and you come back in only to sprint up the stairs and jump into Kate's bed. Like I wouldn't notice Molly. You ruined your chance to sleep with the kids after peeing in Kate's bed. She promises it was drool but you and I both know NOTHING drools THAT much.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And taking you on a walk, well, that's sheer torture, literally. If you're not yanking my arm off, my hand is subject to leash burn because of the tight grip I must keep in order to practice the "Cesar Milan Control." I think it's all a farce.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Listen, all of this makes your drinking out of the toilet and trying to lick the dirty dishes in the dishwasher child's play and not even noteworthy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Yes Molly, you've miraculously made it three years, and by miraculously I don't mean simply because you survived being run over. You survived ME. Be thankful the kids love you. Be thankful you're cute. And be thankful that like all of us, you mellow with age. I think I will truly call you man's best friend after about six more years pass..as long as you still maintain control over your bladder.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Here's to many more adventurous years, Molly and then, many, MANY unadventurous years.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Jessica</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-81110995843927379602015-09-24T19:31:00.002-07:002015-09-24T19:31:23.799-07:009 Years Old<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Hannah:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Hebrew name meaning favor, grace</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Lord has shown us favor and grace through you, Hannah, over the past 9 years.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Here's what else I know about you:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">H </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">elper: </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">you are always willing to help and usually do so without hesitating. What a blessing!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">A </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">rtistic: </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">you love to create and design. You're growing in drawing skills and full of new ideas!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">N </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">eighborly: </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">you are kind to new faces and thoughtful to </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">N </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">ature-loving: </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">you love to be outdoors, whether it's </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> building a fort in the woods or playing </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> kick ball with your friends. You enjoy </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> nature and its beauty.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">A </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">musing: </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">you have quite the sense of humor and enjoy to laugh</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> and make other people laugh!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">H </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">appy: </span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">you are so happy and I'm thankful for that. You often </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> have a smile on your face and enjoy life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Oh sweet Hannah, we are so thankful for you. May the Lord continue to cultivate in you a love for Him and His Word. What a privilege it is to do life with you. You've taught me so much and continue to do so. I love you more than any words could express.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Happy 9th Birthday!</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-6085679546966957762015-05-20T21:09:00.003-07:002015-05-20T21:09:45.524-07:00Happy 7th Birthday Grant!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Today we celebrated another year of Grant. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I am so thankful for another year the Lord has given us with our beautiful son.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I often take for granted the lives the Lord has given us and as I went back through pictures to post on here, I was overwhelmed by His goodness in giving us these children.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">With each year our children become more defined. Strengths become clearer, as do weaknesses. And with each year, I realize, I must proceed with humility. Humility, because I realize these little people are so far beyond myself. They are far more than accessories to my life. I believe the Lord has designed them specifically and for a purpose and I often realize that the unraveling that I often write about isn't quite how I thought it would go or how it would look.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sweet Grant. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This past year it has become much clearer that you have a knack for learning. And while you often won't come out and say it, there is no denying it. You have a sharp mind for math. And a strong comprehension of material read to you. And you've surpassed me in the memory work required for Classical Conversations. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Your love for games only increases each year. You love to play any kind of game, a card game, a board game, an outdoor game, and especially video games. And you're good at them. You especially like to share these games with me. I'm sorry I don't play them more with you. I know that is a special way I can show love to you. I think our bond deepens over a game of Pac Man.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I still think you are an introvert, especially when I see how you form extremely close bonds with just a few. You have Micah, and ya'll are TIGHT. And I think Hannah may be your other closest friend. You enjoy her company and even miss sharing a room with her, often leading you back into the girls' room for "sleepovers" where your new fun is having her read to you (that is when you aren't making trouble). You are even willing to sleep on the floor with only a pillow if it means you can be in there.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">That temper, that temper is still there. It manifests itself differently these days than in the past. I'm afraid between me and Daddy, we didn't set you up too well for avoiding this one. Kate tests your temper lately the most. I am always praying for wisdom in how exactly to help in those situations. I've thought before, how can I help stifle this now before he becomes a grown man? I pray the Lord would be gracious in leading you to repentance.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You're our most shy one, and that probably goes hand in hand with introversion. But I don't want that to define you. I often pray for boldness for you, and for all of us. Daddy has helped you come out of your shell in ways like making you order your food at a restaurant or going up to the Chick fil a counter to ask for icecream. I hope we will continue to take small steps like that to help you not fear man.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You continue to be tender. I'm SO THANKFUL that at 7, you still want to hold my hand. And that you ask to sit in my lap and let me carry you to bed. I know your tenderness won't always manifest itself in this sweet way (it would be weird, right?) so I try to remind myself to soak it up. I'm sorry for the times I have not. I know that,too, communicates love to you. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You love to talk. I get that. You don't talk much in public but when you are familiar with someone and it's in a quaint setting, there's no stopping you. You have a lot to say. Some of it is just crazy, like potty humor, while other topics are very insightful. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You, my dear son, are unique. The Lord knew you BEFORE creation. And now, I have a front row seat of seeing you, in all your beauty and all your mess, coming to be. My prayer, as always, is that you would know the Lord. And that you would put to use all these qualities the Lord knit in you while you were inside of me for His glory. Repent. Trust in Him. Be bold, my son. Fear not, for the Lord is with you. Go and do mighty things for Him.</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-84125607491912088852015-05-18T18:58:00.001-07:002015-05-18T18:58:49.097-07:00Awards Day: Homeschool Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It's that time of year....</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">AWARDS</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So here are a few awarded to my three students at The Harman Hood for the 2014/2015 school year...</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This year, Kate has shown an uncanny ability to fall asleep in the midst of even the most noisy environments. And not only that, but many times she manages to do so in style. And so, I'd like to award Kate with the "Stylish Sleeper" Award.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Next, I'd like to recognize Hannah. While we could award her with the "I'd Rather Be Anywhere But Doing Schoolwork" award, we'll call it the "Ingenuity Award." Ingenuity because well, not only does she have obscure ideas like creating a pulley system on a tree (with which she planned to hoist Kate high into its branches on the plasma car) or making a double riding plasma car with only duct tape, but she manages to incorporate her big ideas to distract from the monotonous book work indoors. We may also award her with "The Most Influential" award because she manages to convince her brother and sister that her ideas are well worth pursuing and investing in, even it means plummeting from a vertical hanging plasma car or spinning out of control on a wild ride.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> I'd like to award Grant with the "Good Sport" award. Whether it was the time he stood at the bottom of our hill screaming after face planting on the asphalt from a bad scooter fall and I, not noticing the blood oozing from his face, casually told him it was okay. Or it was that time I waved at him from the bottom of the Butterfly Garden at Callaway Gardens and took his picture, only later to discover his head was actually stuck between the two rails and was NOT posing for a photo op. And yet, both times, he was patient with his clueless mom in the midst of a traumatic situation.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">(stuck...and he even humored clueless mom with a smile)</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Kate also is the recipient of the "Most Distracting" award. While Hannah, Grant,and I were hitting the books hard, she often lightened the mood with her wild ensembles and crazy quarks. This also invited frustrated comments like, "Mom, make Kate leave," and "I can't think with Kate in here," thus making Kate the front runner for this award. Well done, Kate, well done.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This year we have a first. Thanks to a daring rescue of an injured dove, Crystal, I'd like to award Hannah with the first ever, "Humanitarian Award." Hannah exhibited compassion, concern, and executed a well thought plan to help Crystal survive. We were relieved to discover upon returning to Hannah's makeshift "flower pot" shelter, Crystal was no longer present. We like to think she's flying freely in the open breeze and those skeleton bones later found belong to some other unfortunate animal.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And in addition to the "Good Sport" award, Grant also received the "Best Comeback" award. After a year long stint away from his bike, he decided to get back on it and try again. It definitely helped that his younger sister recently learned how to pedal without training wheels. Now, Grant's leading the pack when it comes to burning rubber on the pavement. Way to go Bud!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And lastly, for a special award, we give Kate the "Meerkat Award" because, as Hannah said, "She really does look like a meerkat here." Bravo, Kate, for making the impossible seem possible. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And that, folks, concludes our Harman Hood Awards Day. What a year we've had and what talent we are honing.</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-58269250676551393842015-05-15T13:04:00.002-07:002015-05-15T13:04:53.762-07:00Risk Taking<div dir="ltr">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sometimes, being a risk taker means you've got to just go for it, even if your legs are too short to actually extend across a giant, water squirting beach ball. It also helps to close your eyes really tightly and pray that maybe today, maybe today, you will sprout wings.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Taking risks means trying something new, even if it does leave you a bit, well, stuck. Closing your eyes helps in giving you the illusion that nobody else actually sees you in the predicament you were hoping to avoid.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Taking risks means, well, danger could be involved. This may include a head concussion if your arms aren't quite strong enough to support the downward thrust of your body due to the slickness of the ball and gravity's undeniable force.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Risk taking means maybe looking a little different than everybody else. It may even go so far as to make you appear to have grown a rather long, green tail. Trust me, risk takers will make heads turn.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sometimes, taking risks may be painful. And surprising. You may just push your body a little beyond what you realized it could do. But that may entail pain. Lots of it. But the rush of the accomplishment, well, there's nothing like it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Taking risks may require a team effort, even if it does leave one of you plastered onto the ground after a zealous, but maybe overly confident attempt. Making fierce faces definitely helps ease the let down though.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">After much risk taking, you may be tired, exhausted even. You may want to give up. You may not have it in you to take one more step. But risk taker, you must press on even if it means all you can do is hike one leg half way up an ever deflating, water squirting beach ball. Risk takers, well, they never give up.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And, if you are tired and aren't too sure if you can accomplish the task at hand, at least look cool while you try. Most risk takers, well, they have the cool factor going for them. What they lack in execution they make up for in looking the part. You get so distracted by their undeniable coolness that you forget they are actually failing miserably.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Case in point, you totally don't realize Hannah is in no way jumping OVER the ball because well, it looks like she's flying...flying right past the ball she was trying to jump OVER. Coolness. Get it. Own it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Oh and Grant, yeah, canon ball OVER the beach ball? Nope. But he looks cool. Diversion. Again.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And sometimes risk takers go beyond exhaustion to extreme mental fatigue. A fatigue that can only explain why in the world one might hold her nose while running PAST a simple spray of water with no intention of diving into a deep body of water. Beware risk takers. Keep your minds sharp. This may mean doing some Sudoku off the training field.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And finally, risk takers, remember you are role models for the younger generation. So if you are pulling more stunts out of exhaustion than strength, well, you may want to rethink your plan because they are watching and they will model what you teach...including jumping past a beach ball instead of actually over it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">May these pointers serve you well on your journey of taking risks.</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-22365174126965449492015-05-10T21:10:00.002-07:002015-05-10T21:16:53.462-07:00Motherhood<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Motherhood.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I started this little blog to chronicle motherhood,</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">its messiness, its beauty, its sadness, its pain, its joy.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">all of it.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Last night as I peeked into the kids' rooms before going to bed, I felt unworthy to be celebrated as a mom, or at least in such a way that elevates me to a super hero status.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Do people know how I screamed at my kids the other day? Do they see my heart when I grumble about making another meal for my children? Did they see my lack of compassion when ANOTHER tear fell from my child's cheek? Or the way I rushed through bedtime so I could FINALLY have alone time?</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Motherhood is hard. It is for me. And, not so glorious as all those commercials make it out to be. It has been an unraveling of myself in many ways. </span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Motherhood does demand selflessness, sacrifice, service, compassion, love, patience, faithfulness, perseverance, self control, and more.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But, eight and a half years has exposed my deficiency in these areas. It's exposed my inability to faithfully execute consistently these qualities. I've found myself frustrated and defeated.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">There's been an unraveling.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">An unraveling that has exposed my great need for help. </span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When my daughter struggles with another math problem and my patience is thin...help. </span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When two of my kids are arguing again before breakfast is even served and I haven't a clue how to resolve it nor do I have the energy to try...help.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Or when my son wants to play a game with me and I have no desire to spend time with him...help.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Or my sick daughter needs attending to again and my compassion is waning...help.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I need help.</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And there's Good News...</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Thankfully, my cries for help do not go unattended. My Helper is ever present and ever willing to equip me for this high calling of motherhood. Where I am deficient, my Lord is not. </span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">He is "an ever present help in times of trouble," and "will meet all {my} needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">He is there to help me. He is there to manifest what I cannot, apart from Him. Just as he provided for my own salvation "how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?"</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">James 1:17 says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." </span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So, I am not left defeated and frustrated or unequipped. By His grace, He gives me </span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">those beautiful qualities that are manifest in my life: patience, service, love, faithfulness, sacrifice...those aren't of my doing...they are a gift from the Lord. It's a small snippet of Him and a small taste of His inexhaustible goodness.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So that I can say with Paul, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So, as I think of motherhood tonight, may I boast in what Christ has done in me and through me as I flesh out this calling. And may I not crumble in defeat or boast in myself, but may I rest in Christ who is my all in everything, including motherhood. </span><div><font color="#ff0000" face="Courier New, Courier, monospace" size="4"><br></font></div><div><font color="#ff0000" face="Courier New, Courier, monospace" size="4"><br></font>
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> And Thank you Lord for these three really good gifts...</span><br>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So, it's been awhile...the length of this post will attest to that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It seems the ease at which I can upload pictures to Facebook has been the downfall of my blog.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And, as time has passed, I feel a bit overwhelmed as what to share. Where to begin? </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I've taken up running again. My sisters and I are "training" (and I say that loosely as it comes down to squeezing in one long run a week lately) for a half marathon in two weeks. And since these long runs are well, long, I've had ample thinking time that have produced all sorts of topics to write about. But, when I get home, poof! they're gone as I get back into the fast moving pace of life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And so, this post will be a hodge podge of thoughts that best represent life right now.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Homeschooling...</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I often blog about my struggles with homeschooling. And while they are still there and more popping up by the minute, I am thankful for this opportunity. For one, I'm thankful for the struggle. In the struggle I'm learning to turn to the Lord more because it's just so hard. It's so hard to be patient, selfless, wise, long suffering, joyful, and kind. Every day I'm faced with the glaring reality that I am not those things...not apart from Christ. He is patient, selfless, wise, long suffering, joyful and kind. And so I turn, to Him who is the Giver of all those things I'm called to be. Oh that I would turn more often and more quickly. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I'm finally learning to surrender, surrender to unrealistic expectations and embrace the beauty of homeschooling: educating my children where they are at, not where someone tells me they should be. We can move at a pace that doesn't breed frustration because a foundational skill was not mastered before moving ahead. And, it's okay if we have to work through a math book twice in order to grasp concepts. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">There have been tears this year, from both mom and students. But we've had lots of great moments. Our motto this year is "struggle well," and that goes for me and my children. We're going to struggle, so let's struggle well and not give up. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Moments like these I wouldn't trade for the world:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And for those who ask me (and I get asked a lot)"What about socialization?" Well, our socialization is going just fine. We have periods where we force them to get in groups and talk to other kids...</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">that is, if we missed our Classical Conversations group that week, or ballet, or flag football, or church, or the neighborhood kids didn't come over that day, or we missed a play date with friends, or the car didn't work and we didn't go out to run errands, or a field trip wasn't scheduled that week...</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">If there was a kids' Survivor, Hannah would be on it (she'd just be fully clothed). Living outside, creating a shelter, getting dirty, living off of the land while being a social butterfly (see those forced group talks are really working out)...that sums up our Hannah. Part of our struggle with homeschooling is she just wants to go outside and play with her friends. She, along with her brother and sister and the neighborhood kids, have discovered a special place in the woods to call their own. They are currently building shelter and creating a a second home. The tire swing adds a special touch as well. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And while "roughing it" doesn't seem to bother Hannah, something else does...pulling teeth. It was quite a show to get this tooth out. If she hadn't been in intense hysterics making it difficult for her to breathe, well, we would have videoed it. I bribed this tooth out. Not one of my finer moments. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The big news for Kate is that she's riding her bike sans training wheels. This I attribute to her sister Hannah, who, unbeknownst to me at the time, had her on a tight training regimen in the yard. It worked. In a few short minutes, Kate was proudly riding. Kate's next goal is to master a few tricks. This doesn't surprise me. Nor will it surprise me when she is out first child to break a bone.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In other news, Kate has also learned to write her name. And she has managed to not break anything lately. Both major accomplishments. While Hannah (fully clothed) is appearing on Survivor one day, Kate will be performing somewhere, my guess is in a Comedy Club or maybe American Idol since it doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. I'm guessing American Idol Season 35. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Oh Grant. After a year boycott of riding his bike, seeing his younger sister take off was just the push he needed to gain the confidence to get back on his bike. It's still a mystery as to what caused the sudden break up between him and his bike but Kate's sudden accomplishment was just the antidote he needed to get back on it. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Now, I wonder how long it will take for him to get back on his scooter after his colossal wipeout that was stopped only by his face's traction against the asphalt? I'm guessing two years for that one. Hey, he scored some new glasses out of it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In non X games news, Grant continues to sharpen his Lego skills. He's our child who goes through phases. It began with Mario, then moved on to Angry Birds, then to Star Wars and Legos. He's also passionate about Minions and looks forward to the upcoming Minion movie this summer. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br />While Hannah (fully clothed) wins the million on Survivor, and Kate wittingly wins over any audience she performs for, Grant will be creating the next video game or app for the "character of the year."</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And for me and John, well, we're just trying to keep up each day because we know all too soon we'll have an empty nest and only these memories to go back to. . .and hopefully a few vacations to enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Since we've had you, time has stopped.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">In my mind.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It was just the other day the doctor raised you up and said, "It's a girl!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">and when you met your brother and sister</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I can feel the rhythm of the rocker with your head cradled in my arms while I sing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And I chime in quickly with moms of new babies as we trade stories</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">because</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">All of that was just the other day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">But</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I forget. I forget that time has moved on quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">and "just the other day" was four years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">There are days I long for those "four years ago" when we'd rock and snuggle and when I'd sit and stare at your precious little face.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">But then, I'm reminded that so much of you was unknown then, so much was hidden. So much joy was yet to be discovered. And when I long to go back, I reminded now of what I'd be missing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd be missing your wild, crazy hair do's every morning that always make me wonder what goes on in that bed each night.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd miss those insanely crazy "getting out of the bathtub dances" that I would love to share with the world but because of the birthday suit must pass on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd miss "you're beautiful, Mommy," comments.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd miss you coming to my bed and snuggling as closely as you can to me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And those expressions, those very specific expressions you make, those weren't there years ago and those are like gold.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I wouldn't know that you're full of imagination, whether it's making bottles of soap come to life or playing with the dollhouse.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd miss watching you care for your baby dolls, tucking them in your doll bed at night.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd miss hearing you say, "well, that was unexpected."</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd miss hearing you pray.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd miss hearing you laugh.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd miss seeing you build friendships with Hannah and Grant.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And in the midst of all that, there's lots of messes too that'd I'd miss. Lots of discipline. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><br />Lots.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Lots of tears, boo boos, and hurt feelings.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Lots of me wondering if I'm doing any of this right as I try to keep up with you, my busiest of bees.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'd miss all of that too. But there's richness in that as well because that's where we grow. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">WE grow</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">by God's grace</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So when I find myself reminiscing about "just the other day" I can take joy in it but I also can delight in the "today" that is so much fuller and richer than "just the other day"</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">because there is so much more of you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Happy Fourth Birthday Dear Kate.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">We.Love.You.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And we look forward to more of you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Build a Bear is raking in the dough.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">For Hannah's birthday we made a trip to this "special" place and I was reminded on this, the second trip of my life there, that they are preying on the over zealous, stuffed animal lovin' hearts of children.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I know, I know, it's all about the experience, but has anyone else been a little let down by the experience?</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Maybe even a little weirded out?</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So my children get to stuff the bear, A.K.A step on a pedal that may or may not actually be working the machine, while a hose is shoved into its belly, sort of like reverse liposuction.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">This, after I was offered the upsale of an added noise or scent...no thanks, the $25 for the bear is good enough, made me feel a little unimpressed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So, following the reverse liposuction, it was time to add the heart. Okay, super, a little heart, a little heart that could not be inserted until my children rubbed it on their heads, their nose, their cheeks, and between their hands, Mr. Miagi style, followed by a kiss and a magical wish. It's a bear ya'll...or a pink princess cat, or a purple princess cat. And while I'm all for imagination, this, well, felt weird and almost like a chant was missing from the whole "awakening of the bear" shenanigan.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So, then they get to give it a bath...</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">That's cool...</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">until you get to the bath and, well, you set it down and air blows on it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">My kids' response sums it up, "that's it?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I did force them to put their hands on the stuffed animal to provide a more powerful effect for the pictures.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Well, this is what I got from Grant:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And then there's the whole, pick out an outfit (or a bed, or a car, or a tie, or glasses, or buttons, or earring...)for only a few (like $15) extra dollars.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Some of the clothes I buy aren't as expensive as the bears' who, consequently, are most definitely better dressed than I am.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">This time we bypassed the "make a birth certificate" because well, at my house it will be gone in a few days just like the extreme passion for these animals (two weeks later and I've yet to see these animals played with). Though, I could tell my decision NOT to do that was not well received by the somewhat over zealous Build a Bear worker who likely thought I was a kill joy to my kids (who honestly just wanted the animal).</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And, while I'm thankful Hannah and her siblings had a great time picking out their 200th stuffed animal, I think next time I'll go the other route, the one where I find a "like new" Build a Bear monkey decked out in clothes, with sound, and in its box for a whopping $1 at a yard sale just two days later.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It will save me a lot of money and the breath in trying</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"> to convince Grant that ripping open the bear to take its heart out isn't the best idea, to which he is still confused as to why not.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So,</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Thanks Build a Bear for taking my cash, way too much of it, and giving my child a reason to want to cut open something with the intentions of ripping its heart out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">We're thankful for this memorable experience.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">It's been awhile.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I've been busy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Busy sharpening my mad skills across the asphalt, concrete, waves, and even the floors of Hobby Lobby.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">The exhilaration is indescribable.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">On the asphalt, I'm testing my limits. I'm pushing lightening fast speeds while also incorporating my growing coordination abilities (did you know that gets better as you age?). Who needs to sit on the bike when they can stand? And I can even transfer this skill to the plasma car. Talk about diversifying your skill.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And, I'll be honest, like any good risk taker, there are always costs. I've taken a few falls, brought on some skinned knees and even a raspberry on the back of my leg. Why, just yesterday I found myself pinned under a Hobby Lobby cart after a failed attempt at cart acrobatics (I really need to work on that one...talk about embarrassing). But, folks, the show must go on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">(Hannah was a REAL help here)</span> </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And so, like any good dare devil, I face my challenges with a smile. Ride the waves? Sure, I say. Bring. it. on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And Daddy did. It won't be long before I'm steering the kayak by myself.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Until that time arrives, I'll just beat my body against the waves until they cower at my presence. Go hard or go home, I say.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And that's my game, folks. Fearless. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And, "by the ways," don't underestimate the power of a puddle jumper.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">This is Kate, signing out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And it all started because of this little baby....</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Who has now become this little lady....</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Whose baby teeth, a final remnant of those younger years, are giving way to her grown up ones.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And the unraveling continues...</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Mommy has learned a lot from you this year.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Oh, what a year.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I think this past year has sharpened us both as it has been the most intense year where life, real life, was screaming at us.</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">We wrestled through a hard year of school, mainly because I "just wasn't getting it." But, because of God's faithfulness, patience, and grace, He taught me more about YOU. And as He did, He taught me more about ME. We are intricately made people, each very different than the other. Our strengths span across an array of abilities as do our weaknesses. And it excites me to think how He specifically has wired you. You are a mystery to me, my sweet daughter. A wonderful mystery that I have yet to unravel...but one that I look forward to seeing unravel as the Lord works His plan in you.</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I do know you are compassionate. Your love for people challeges me. I don't think you've yet to forget your Great Grandpa Larson in your prayers. Your heart desires for people to know the Lord. This has grown over the past year. I don't have to remind you to pray for those who don't know Christ, but, you do remind me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">We've walked through relational challenges this year with those we live life with. I've seen that same fear of man take root in your heart that is in mine. We've wrestled through what is appropriate kindness and what is trying to win people's approval. But you've also stood up for yourself in ways I am so thankful to see. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You've asked hard questions this year. We've talked about persecution, war, and lots about heaven. I'm thankful you have questions. I'm thankful for the time I have with you to enter into these conversations that are so precious and important.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You are a giver. I continue to see this pattern in your life. You like to give people "gifts" whether it be a toy in your room or a wad of cash that you'd been saving up. And while sometimes, my selfish heart wants to question your giving and get you to second guess your decision, I try not to interfere. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">While reading and math may not be your passion (yet?), you love to be outside whether it's going on a nature walk or just riding plasma cars with your friends. You are an outdoors kind of gal and I often wonder how the Lord may use that as you grow older. There is definitely a stronger desire in you for that than with the other two.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So, year seven, tears were shed. LOTS. But we also had terrific times and conversations thanks to your growing maturity. I look forward to this new year of adventure and growing. There's no other 8 year old I'd like to be on this mothering ride with than you!!</span><br />
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-62455906203147740182014-08-15T20:32:00.002-07:002014-08-15T20:32:58.649-07:00Homeschool Diaries: An Honest Start<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This week we started back to school.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">How in the world is it already August? I'm not sure.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And while the summer raced by only leaving a blur in my mind, I was eager to begin.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You see, I am finally feeling comfortable in this homeschooling skin (it's only taken a few years). And it feels like home now. Those days of worrying about what people will think when I say, "we homeschool" are no longer present. I am confident that homeschooling my three kids is a wonderful thing, something I don't need to defend or make conditions for or have proof of my children's intelligence because of that decision.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Okay, so the last one is still a work in progress.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You see, Hannah really doesn't like to read. I know, I'm a homeschooling mom who should have my children begging for a book to read at all times. But I'd be lying to you if I said that was the case. And I've done all the "right" things like GAZILLIONS of read alouds, multiple trips to the library, book prizes, etc. But, it ain't happenin', at least not now.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And that's okay.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And I say this OVER AND OVER again because</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I've played that comparison game too long and too much to the detriment of my kids and the peace in my home. But it continues to creep up...</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And while the love of reading is important, it's not what's most important. And that's where the Lord is working on me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Yes, me. Because homeschooling, I'm realizing, is as much about me learning as it is my kids.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">He's working right there where I want to homeschool my kids to the glory of myself and for the praise of others. </span> <span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And it's crippling to be here, for me and my kids.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And on Day One of homeschooling this year, the Lord reminded me He would not leave me here as the day began with Grant rushing off to his room when he couldn't tell me what he wanted to be when he grew up. You see, I pushed too hard for him to "come up with something" for that all trendy "first day of school" photo so I too could share my beautiful children with the world along with their high aspirations.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"How can he not have ANY CLUE of what he wants to be?" I think. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"What does this say about my child?" I ponder.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"Where have I gone wrong?!"</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And the Lord, in a gentle way, reminds me that he's only six. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And so, I walk upstairs, crawl in bed with his frustrated self, and tell him it's fine he doesn't know what he wants to be. And he beams at the thought that his picture could include his new stuffed bear and could forego a career path decision.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Day Two, Hannah underwent a crying fit, after I told her she would begin a chapter book. It took an hour for her to calm down and a short nap for me to escape the sudden onslaught of interpretations regarding her behavior. She finally read the chapter.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Day Three, the Lord reminded me yet again He would not leave me in this "spot" as Hannah stumbled to remember part of the chapter she read. My mouth was about to open with critical comments as to how she couldn't remember, only to be sweetly reminded by the Lord to meet her where she is at. And by His grace, I did. This was a sweet victory.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You see, the end of last year was a bit tumultuous for Hannah and myself. It stemmed from sin in my heart. And I am stubborn. And I was hopeful this new year, all would be magically "better." But, the Lord knows what I need. He clearly is not done with my heart in this area and He won't leave me there. No, He continues to refine my heart to make me more like Him. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Homeschooling:</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It's not about boasting in my kids. It's not about "looking good." It's not about raising highly intelligent kids. It's about Him and becoming more like Him through these every day fires. And it's about telling my kids about Him....during picture time, during a difficult math lesson, at lunch, reading aloud, when I screw up, again.</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So this year, with the accountability of a dear friend, and the power of the Holy Spirit, I want to meet my kids where they're at. Not where I think they should be or where onlookers think they should be, but right where the Lord has them, reading-haters and all (yes both Hannah and Grant said they HATE to read and were aghast when they asked me if I liked to read and I said yes). There's freedom in that. There's joy in that. Great conversations happen there, not critical comments of how they "should be." And the Lord has blessed us with three wonderful children who love to talk and ask questions. May I be thankful for that and start there.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I am so grateful to have this time with them, may I be a wise steward of their lives and this precious time given to us.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So,</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Here's to another year of learning...for me and them!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"></span><br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-79010646878518708422014-06-26T18:57:00.001-07:002014-06-26T19:02:34.770-07:00Keepin' It Real<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Let's get real.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Like, this kind of real:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWu6pU50HCw/U6zJLCwQRoI/AAAAAAAAWsg/sb7b5m3btd8/s1600/IMG_20140619_071610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWu6pU50HCw/U6zJLCwQRoI/AAAAAAAAWsg/sb7b5m3btd8/s1600/IMG_20140619_071610.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I don't play games.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJOj8rhlRJk/U6zJONZdYCI/AAAAAAAAWso/DyrpBD6nLVw/s1600/IMG_20140619_071540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJOj8rhlRJk/U6zJONZdYCI/AAAAAAAAWso/DyrpBD6nLVw/s1600/IMG_20140619_071540.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Unless it's Hide n' Seek, or Babies, or Dollhouse. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I like those.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8y1wjXIWSA/U6zJSU-f1uI/AAAAAAAAWsw/v1JR7_j71WU/s1600/IMG_20140619_071604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8y1wjXIWSA/U6zJSU-f1uI/AAAAAAAAWsw/v1JR7_j71WU/s1600/IMG_20140619_071604.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">There's also this other game where Mommy asks if I have something in my mouth. To which I reply,</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1D_6iD5ZMk/U6zJV_p2RNI/AAAAAAAAWs4/zfLmrczYBOM/s1600/IMG_20140619_071504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W1D_6iD5ZMk/U6zJV_p2RNI/AAAAAAAAWs4/zfLmrczYBOM/s1600/IMG_20140619_071504.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't, you just never know.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Skwd1jfqnM/U6zJYx-LcSI/AAAAAAAAWtA/Y3IxThjUJlo/s1600/IMG_20140619_071503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Skwd1jfqnM/U6zJYx-LcSI/AAAAAAAAWtA/Y3IxThjUJlo/s1600/IMG_20140619_071503.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">If I do, and, uh, Mommy sees, and uh, it wasn't "Mommy Approved" well, the game takes a turn for the worse.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">KILL.JOY.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUeNf0GNfo8/U6zJjhwvp0I/AAAAAAAAWtQ/9GtcZqvo6Cc/s1600/IMG_20140607_152630_burst_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUeNf0GNfo8/U6zJjhwvp0I/AAAAAAAAWtQ/9GtcZqvo6Cc/s1600/IMG_20140607_152630_burst_03.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I quickly realize any effort to talk my way out of it only proves more harmful. I have to bite my lip to keep from further incriminating myself.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kvtNb6RpIc/U6zJd4j4zjI/AAAAAAAAWtI/-OFYLj81uXI/s1600/IMG_20140619_071446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5kvtNb6RpIc/U6zJd4j4zjI/AAAAAAAAWtI/-OFYLj81uXI/s1600/IMG_20140619_071446.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And I'm quite shocked to realize my honest attempt to refrain from further degradation still doesn't change Mommy's response.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I'm hurt.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I tend to harbor a bit of hard feelings.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9CHBdnZm8M/U6zJuJeZrRI/AAAAAAAAWto/R5muc686hzA/s1600/IMG_20140607_152621_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9CHBdnZm8M/U6zJuJeZrRI/AAAAAAAAWto/R5muc686hzA/s1600/IMG_20140607_152621_1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">But I'm quickly on to the next thing, like seeing how wide I can open my eyes while sticking my tongue out.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><br />Fascinating.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You've just been served a dose of "Keepin' It Real" by your's truly,</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">KATE.</span></div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-14717871749294789672014-06-24T19:50:00.002-07:002014-06-24T19:53:23.903-07:00My Grant<div align="center">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I'm over a month late.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">My boy is six. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I glance at him and then stop and then stare.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Where did my little boy go?</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">His legs have sprouted. Those jeans testify to that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And that face, that face lost that final "baby fat."</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Glasses now graze the top of your nose. And forget about putting you in Cars themed clothes.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">(UNCOOL)</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">One year of school now under your belt.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">As well as two trophies that now sit on your shelf.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Each year I learn more about you, my sweet son.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I know you are my most introverted one.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Quiet at times and alone, quite content</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">yet also there's always that stubborn temperament. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Though the tantrums and meltdowns have become very rare, I continue to discover the possibility is still there.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So we work together, only by God's grace, to work on your heart to eradicate</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">the sin that plagues you, as it does me,</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">as the Lord shapes you into the man He would have you be.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Oh my dear son, I overflow with joy, to know the Lord crafted you to be our boy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Imperfect am I as a mother to you</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">and relying on God's grace to know what to do</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">to know what to say when I lose it again or when you come to me, struggling with sin.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Forget perfect grades, a stellar career, a comfortable life where struggle is not near</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">My deepest desire for you far exceeds </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">the empty promises of each one of these</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Run to the Savior who frees you from sin</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Who gives hope to the most hopeless of men.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Dazzle in His glory and rest in His grace</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Seek your pleasure in His lovely face.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">That is my prayer for you my sweet son. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It is most certainly my most persistent one.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So onward we go, in laughter and tears, </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">as we navigate together another gracious year.</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-71384015527950885572014-05-22T20:18:00.001-07:002014-05-22T20:18:28.863-07:00Persecution and PrayerFor a few years now my mind has turned more frequently to persecution. As Christians, we are promised it. PROMISED it.<br />
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"Remember the words I spoke to you: No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also." John 15:20<br />
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"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12<br />
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Funny how we are slow to cling to this truth. Or how I am.<br />
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My mind today has gone to Meriam Ibrahim., a Sudanese Christian woman who is being promised lashings and then death for being a Christian. If she recants, she is promised freedom.<br />
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And as I drove in my van today and pondered this I wondered how to pray for her.<br />
Take this persecution away? Yet, as believers we're to expect it. What is the goal here?<br />
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God's glory.<br />
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My mind jumps to our Classical Conversations' timeline card that reads "Persecution spreads the Gospel." Shortly after the Holy Spirit came down in Acts we see how the Lord uses persecution among the believers to spread the Gospel.<br />
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We are promised it and it serves a purpose.<br />
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So, how to pray for my sister in Christ who is facing a kind of persecution I can only imagine? Might it be the Lord's will to allow this most tragic persecution? He has allowed countless others for a purpose we cannot begin to fathom because the Lord has a greater purpose than our eyes can see.<br />
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My response to ANYthing remotely uncomfortable is, "hurry up and make it go away!" Yet I am thinking small and selfishly. Might the Lord's purpose be greater than my temporary comfort?<br />
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And so I think of Mrs. Ibrahim. If the Lord has called her to suffer for His Namesake, how can I pray for her? What would I need to walk through such a uncertain and dark time? I would need boldness and courage. I would need perseverance and unwavering faith. I would need peace and confidence in the One whom I give my unfailing allegiance.<br />
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And while I too will pray for her release and freedom, I need to remember not our will but His be done.<br />
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I am encouraged by her. 9 months pregnant and imprisoned with her 20 month year old son, she stands firmly in her faith in her Savior.<br />
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She will not recant.<br />
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May the Lord fill me with such boldness when persecution, in whatever form it takes, comes to my door. And it will.<br />
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Thank you Lord for Mrs. Ibrahim and her faithful witness to You. Continue to strengthen her and supply the grace she needs to endure the trial that is set before her.<br />
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-49029808619496173572014-02-22T08:48:00.001-08:002014-02-22T08:48:15.362-08:00Moms' Olympics<div align="center">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">If moms had their own Olympics, the events might look something like this:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong>Grocery Bag Grab</strong>: The winner is the quickest to unload the grocery bags from the back of the car to the kitchen counter. Extra points awarded for the number of bags taken in one trip.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong>Chaos to Clean: </strong>The winner is the quickest mom to put a chaotic house in order by the sound of the alarm, the doorbell, that signifies the arrival of unexpected guests. Extra points awarded for no dust, no crumbs, and clean floors.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong>Shower Showdown:</strong> The winner is the mom who takes a complete shower before the alarm (screaming kids) sounds. Extra points awarded for shaved legs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong>Grocery Store Grab:</strong> Moms in this event will need to locate all items off their list, save as much money as possible, while being accompanied by kids. Judges will also be looking at the mom's composure during the trip. Points will also be awarded for time and amount of money saved. Extra points awarded for using coupons, as well as the number of kids accompanying her on the trip.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong>Meal Mania: </strong>In this event moms will be required to make a nutritious meal under thirty minutes while being circled by three hungry children. Points awarded for speed, nutrition value of food, taste, and composure. Extra points awarded for kids' approval and clean plates.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Bathing Beauties: </strong>In this event, moms will be timed at how quickly and thoroughly their kids are bathed. Points will be awarded for time, cleanliness of kids, amount of bath water on the floor, and composure. Extra points will be awarded for children who bathe themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong>Brushing Blues: </strong>This event includes only moms of girls. In this event the mom who combs through a tangled head with the least amount of tears shed from her daughter, wins. Cups will be available to catch the tears and measured at the end of the competition. Extra points are awarded for including a specific style, i.e. pony tail, pig tails, braids, etc. after detangling the bedhead.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"><strong>Laundry Languish: </strong>The marathon of the Mom Olympics, this event is ongoing and must be done while also competing in the above events. Moms are required to complete 7 loads of laundry. Each load must be washed, dried, folded, and hung/put away in the correct location. Points are awarded for the time it takes to complete all seven loads. Extra points are awarded for ironing, fresh scents, tidiness, and child participation.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Out of this House: </strong>This event focuses on composure and time. Moms are required to get kids ready and out the door in the quickest amount of time with the least amount of yelling and frustration. Kids are required to leave the house with shoes on, book bags packed and on backs, and lunches in hand, all under 8 minutes. Extra points are awarded for kids who are smiling, and shoes that are tied vs. Velcro or slip ons, and the number of kids who are involved. Points are deducted for running over time and yelling.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">The games will conclude with a closing ceremony recognizing our top three moms.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">No gold medals needed, the winning mom gets three nights alone in a location of her choice, with the drink of her choice, doing absolutely nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Silver medal moms get two nights of the above.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Bronze, one night of the above.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Let the games begin!</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-30114041721517478972014-02-15T19:10:00.001-08:002014-02-15T19:10:13.321-08:00Run, Kate, Run<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I know Mom said she'd be writing the posts now, but, well, I have a few more things to say before I hand over the keyboard.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">For example, I'm a runner.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It began just last night.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It hit me like a ton of bricks.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Or maybe like a pair of purple running shorts that came home with Mommy and Daddy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">As soon as I put them on I felt an overwhelming urge to run.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And to have an audience while I did it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Mommy finally agreed to be my audience.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And I ran.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I ran in circles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I ran down the hill.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Then up (with a few breaks to catch my breath).</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I jumped.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I slid (I hear there are running obstacle races these days).</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And I did all of this OVER and OVER.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It was amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And I'd like to point out in the following pictures that I believe I have quite the running form.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">All of this because of a new pair of purple running shorts.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I imagine this is how Forrest Gump felt after he put on that new and unexpected pair of white running shoes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Run, Kate, Run.</span></div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-15641616691066693362014-02-06T18:51:00.001-08:002014-02-06T18:51:40.527-08:00A Georgia Snow Day<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">If you aren't stuck in your car overnight on an icy road, miles away from home...then snow in Georgia CAN be fun!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This is what a Georgia Snow Day looks like:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNuGCwXUz4M/UvRGFF4QRII/AAAAAAAAUIw/WnpFfWnylZ4/s1600/2014-01-29+11.47.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNuGCwXUz4M/UvRGFF4QRII/AAAAAAAAUIw/WnpFfWnylZ4/s1600/2014-01-29+11.47.50.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Nothing says Georgia Snow Day like riding in a "sled" while being pulled by a four wheeler over icy streets.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Or the opportunity to wear a faux fur hat because well, it's actually <em>that</em> cold.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And nothing says Georgia Snow Day like being bundled up for ten inches of snow despite there only being a slight dusting on the ground.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And mismatched mittens scream Georgia Snow Day because well, they tend to get lost in the shuffle of the sock drawer from years of loneliness and "dress up" play.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Snowballs scraped, <em>scraped,</em> together make it a Georgia Snow Day because, well, you just don't count on much more than a dusting so you take what you can get when you can get it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">And nothing says a Georgia Snow Day like two eager kids waiting for the first flake to fall after hearing "snow" come out of the weatherman's mouth. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">This, my friends, is a Georgia Snow Day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It's how we roll.</span></div>
<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-13626751618432619472014-01-22T19:58:00.000-08:002014-01-22T19:58:50.192-08:00You May Need Cesar Milan If:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You May Need Cesar Milan If:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Your dog still poops in the house.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Your dog regularly dines on top of your table when no one is looking.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You need a bark collar, a Scat Mat, and an electric fence to contain your dog.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You find yourself quite familiar with your neighbors' backyards and landscaping techniques due to the numerous times you play cat and mouse with the dog.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You, in utter frustration, charge full force (possibly beating your p.r in your track glory days) toward your dog in hopes to intimidate her enough to stop running away from you.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You've reached a pinnacle in your anger while charging full force at your dog.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Your kids have an anxiety complex when they try to open the front or back door.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">You've reverted to growling at the dog in attempts to coerce her back to the house.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Your neighbors know your dog.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Your dog chews up your favorite necklace, Bible, the kids' underwear, your earrings, sunglasses, pencils, slippers, movie, any toy you can think of, and the list could go on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Your hand's circulation is cut off while trying to "walk" the dog while also keeping up with three kids riding bikes and scooters.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Your kids are dragged across the yard while trying to hook the dog up to her leash.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">The toilet is the drinking trough of choice.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So,</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Who needs Cesar Milan?</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Uh,</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">We need Cesar Milan.</span></div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-74611892625168532042014-01-22T19:40:00.002-08:002014-01-22T19:40:45.234-08:00An Update and Kate's Potential Careers<div align="center">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Life has changed since I started this blog a little over 7 years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">My number of posts can testify to that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I would post more than 30 entries a month when Hannah was little.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Now, it's good to squeeze <strong>one</strong> in!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">But I don't want to shut the project down, it just will look different, just as our life does now. This means not so many posts. And that the "voices" will actually be mine now. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">The kids are growing up and have their own unique voice with no need for interpretation from myself. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">But, I won't shy away from humor. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Because, well, life with three kids is quite humorous.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Take this kid for example.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">She's the poster child for funny, intentionally and unintentionally.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">She's bike riding's biggest fan. Just a month after getting her new set of wheels she's already mastering tricks.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">See here:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">She pedals with more gusto than Lance Armstrong on drugs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And if the Tour de France doesn't work out, well perhaps a singing career will.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">She told me today, with seriousness in her eyes, she wants to sing when she grows up.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, I'm her mom and well, I too had that dream as a child. The key is to actually be able to sing WELL. Perhaps that will work in her favor better than it did in mine.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">But we also have ballet to fall back on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">However, ballerinas don't have the best eating habits.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And Kate may need to work on her gracefulness.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">After her three long years of life my best guess for a potential career would be a comedian. She's very gifted in making people laugh whether it's through her gestures, facial expressions, or crazy talk.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">She's definitely the most attention seeking Harman.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">What's up with the youngest being this way.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I guess that's why I write a blog. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">For attention.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">As for my sweet Kate, if all these ambitions fail, I know one other thing she'll be great at: being a mommy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">She does have quite a knack for it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">These three always keep me on my toes and it's fun to continue to see their character unravel. My prayer is that I would be able to see how the Lord has wired them for His glory and encourage those strengths in each of them.</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-24711296425696635562013-12-12T21:28:00.000-08:002013-12-12T21:28:20.646-08:00Homeschool Diaries: What I Like About Homeschooling<div align="center">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Homeschooling has been hard. But what aspect of life isn't? If my kids went to public school there would be aspects that were hard. Right now I'm thinking waking up and having everybody fed, dressed, and ready to go by 7:00 would be quite a hard and a colossal task.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I know many of you do it. Good job.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And people ask me, how do you do it(homeschooling)? And, I think the same thing about public school. Not in a judgemental way but in a sincere, "I recognize there's a lot involved," kind of way, from homework, to parent conferences, to fundraisers, to programs, to difficult teachers to difficult classmates, and on and on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And so, no schooling option is easy. It comes with its own set of difficulties. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">As well as strengths.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I tend to focus on the difficulties and forget that there are great things about homeschooling. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">One of which would be, not having to get up at the crack of dawn and make sure all my kids are dressed and ready to be out the door by 7:00.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Lately, a strength I've been enjoying are the many conversations I am able to have with my kids throughout the day. They say so many funny things. They ask so many great questions. I am so happy I get to be a part of that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Yesterday we were at the pediatrician for Kate's three year check up. We were waiting on the doctor and Kate was dancing like crazy and making the most insane faces as she sat in her undies. Hannah, Grant, and I laughed so hard. I had tears. It's moments like that that I'm thankful to share with them. It was 10:00 and we were together, making memories.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And yes, homeschooling allows me to get doctor's appointments knocked out during the week in the mornings when it's not so busy. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Once someone said they heard a mom realize she shouldn't homeschool anymore because she was yelling at her child to say his ABCs while he was hiding under the bed in defiance to that very action. I would have quit homeschooling on the first day if that was my criteria as to whether or not I was fit to homeschool. I lose my temper. My kids cry. They see my ugly sin more than anyone. I had to apologize today because in a fit of frustration I kicked our dog after she stole yet another snack from my children. So, if you homeschool, it is unrealistic to think you aren't going to have some bad days where you do things that may border on insanity. And that can actually be a strength to homeschooling. My kids see my mess. And we *try* to daily walk in repentance and forgiveness. I'm not always good at it. There are times I am too prideful to apologize AGAIN for that same sin I did just moments before. But oh boy, it shows me right away how I need Christ. And that's the best place to be I have found. Sometimes the most worshipful thing I can do in the morning is to realize my very obvious limitations and say, "I need You."</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I think just living life together, real life, is a great strength. My kids see interruptions and how to be flexible with what the Lord sets before you, especially when it wasn't in the "plan" for that day. If a serving opportunity arises, they come along. If a Jehovah's Witness knocks on the door, they listen intently to that conversation. If I am so tired I can't keep my eyes open during our read aloud time, I take a 30 minute "nap" on the couch while they sit with me and watch a show (yes this happens a lot). Life is full of unexpected interruptions. I hope to model handling those interruptions with grace while also being diligent to meet the demands of their education. Because, in the real world when they have a job, those interruptions will be there and they will have to address those while also getting the task at hand accomplished.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Homeschooling is a pretty good picture of discipleship. I think of discipleship as life on life. The disciples were with Jesus day in and day out. And while I am clearly not Jesus, His Spirit lives in me. And He uses me, like any Christian parent, to shepherd my children while we eat, while we learn, while we discipline, while we play. There's no getting away from them!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I remember as a kid when my mom would pick me up during a school day to go somewhere, maybe a doctor's appointment or to take me home because I was sick. And I often thought about the "freedom" of all the people who were in their cars driving around not at all bound by the school or its day. For some reason I thought that was invigorating and I longed for it. There was school and then there was "the real world." </span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So I think of homeschooling as an opportunity to merge the real world with their education. They experience the practical aspect of life and its demands while also receiving an education in the midst of it. Day in and day out. Many folks think homeschooling is sheltering our kids from the real world when in fact it's often the opposite. They are smack dab in it. It's like "on the job training." And as a Christian parent, that "on the job" training is preparing them to think rightly and Biblically about the world around them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">So homeschooling, while it is most definitely tough and often makes me weary and feel incapable, has a lot of great strengths that I often must remind myself of. And so I write this post, as a reminder, especially on those days when I find myself yelling at my child who is held hostage under the bed because they refuse to say their abc's.</span></div>
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Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37228502.post-77759314828323334382013-11-25T18:34:00.000-08:002013-11-25T18:34:04.842-08:00Growing Joys<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Often I lament at the rapid rate my children are growing up. The cliché, "they grow up so fast," is alarmingly true.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And there are many days I wish my kids would not grow up. But last night I caught a glimpse of the joy of growing and maturing children.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">This is the first year they were able to help put up the Christmas tree.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It was delightful!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">One, the tree was put up in about half the time and two, the joy in their eagerness to serve was wonderful.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">In the past it's been a lonely endeavor, often dreaded. But this year, because my children are older and able to help, it was delightful.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And I am thankful for a glimpse of the joy of aging children.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Because the world tells us the best is behind us when our kids emerge from the preschool years. I hear this frequently when we're out running errands. I'm sure you do too.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It's a lie.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Last night was a gift from the Lord as He showed me differently in such an ordinary way.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">And it gave me a lot to look forward to.</span></div>
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<br />Jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11509453060233569485noreply@blogger.com1