8 Years

It's hard to believe that this little blog has been here almost 8 years.

And it all started because of this little baby....

Who has now become this little lady....

Whose baby teeth, a final remnant of those younger years, are giving way to her grown up ones.

And the unraveling continues...

Mommy has learned a lot from you this year.

Oh, what a year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!

Homeschool Diaries: An Honest Start

This week we started back to school.

How in the world is it already August? I'm not sure.

And while the summer raced by only leaving a blur in my mind, I was eager to begin.

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.

Okay, so the last one is still a work in progress.

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.

And that's okay.

And I say this OVER AND OVER again because

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...

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. 

Yes, me. Because homeschooling, I'm realizing, is as much about me learning as it is my kids.

He's working right there where I want to homeschool my kids to the glory of myself and for the praise of others.  And it's crippling to be here, for me and my kids.

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.

"How can he not have ANY CLUE of what he wants to be?" I think.

"What does this say about my child?" I ponder.

"Where have I gone wrong?!"

And the Lord, in a gentle way, reminds me that he's only six.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Homeschooling:

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.

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.

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.

So,

Here's to another year of learning...for me and them!

Keepin' It Real

 

 

 

Let's get real.

 

Like, this kind of real:

 

I don't play games.



 

 

Unless it's Hide n' Seek, or Babies, or Dollhouse.

 

I like those.

 

There's also this other game where Mommy asks if I have something in my mouth. To which I reply,

 

And, sometimes I do and sometimes I don't, you just never know.

 

If I do, and, uh, Mommy sees, and uh, it wasn't "Mommy Approved" well, the game takes a turn for the worse.

 

KILL.JOY.

 

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.

 

  

And I'm quite shocked to realize my honest attempt to refrain from further degradation still doesn't change Mommy's response.



 

 

I'm hurt.

 

I tend to harbor a bit of hard feelings.



 

But I'm quickly on to the next thing, like seeing how wide I can open my eyes while sticking my tongue out.

Fascinating.

 

You've just been served a dose of "Keepin' It Real" by your's truly,

 

KATE.

 

 

 

 

 

My Grant

I'm over a month late.

 

My boy is six.

 

 

I glance at him and then stop and then stare.

 

Where did my little boy go?

 

His legs have sprouted. Those jeans testify to that.

 

And that face, that face lost that final "baby fat."

 

Glasses now graze the top of your nose. And forget about putting you in Cars themed clothes.(UNCOOL)

 

One year of school now under your belt.

As well as two trophies that now sit on your shelf.

 

 

 

Each year I learn more about you, my sweet son.

 

I know you are my most introverted one.

 

Quiet at times and alone, quite content

yet also there's always that stubborn temperament.

 

Though the tantrums and meltdowns have become very rare, I continue to discover the possibility is still there.

 

So we work together, only by God's grace, to work on your heart to eradicate

the sin that plagues you, as it does me,

as the Lord shapes you into the man He would have you be.

 

Oh my dear son, I overflow with joy, to know the Lord crafted you to be our boy.

 

Imperfect am I as a mother to you

and relying on God's grace to know what to do

to know what to say when I lose it again or when you come to me, struggling with sin.

 

Forget perfect grades, a stellar career, a comfortable life where struggle is not near

My deepest desire for you far exceeds

the empty promises of each one of these

 

Run to the Savior who frees you from sin

Who gives hope to the most hopeless of men.

Dazzle in His glory and rest in His grace

Seek your pleasure in His lovely face.

 

That is my prayer for you my sweet son.

It is most certainly my most persistent one.

 

So onward we go, in laughter and tears,

as we navigate together another gracious year.

 

 

 

 



Persecution and Prayer

For a few years now my mind has turned more frequently to persecution. As Christians, we are promised it. PROMISED it.

"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

"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." 2 Timothy 3:12

Funny how we are slow to cling to this truth. Or how I am.

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.

And as I drove in my van today and pondered this I wondered how to pray for her.
Take this persecution away? Yet, as believers we're to expect it. What is the goal here?

God's glory.

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.

We are promised it and it serves a purpose.

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.

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?

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.

And while I too will pray for her release and freedom,  I need to remember not our will but His be done.

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.

She will not recant.

May the Lord fill me with such boldness when persecution, in whatever form it takes, comes to my door. And it will.


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.

Moms' Olympics

 

If moms had their own Olympics, the events might look something like this:

 

Grocery Bag Grab: 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.

 

Chaos to Clean: 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.

 

Shower Showdown: The winner is the mom who takes a complete shower before the alarm (screaming kids) sounds. Extra points awarded for shaved legs.

 

Grocery Store Grab: 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.

 

Meal Mania: 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.

 

Bathing Beauties: 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.

 

Brushing Blues: 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.

 

Laundry Languish: 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.

 

Out of this House: 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.

 

The games will conclude with a closing ceremony recognizing our top three moms.

 

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.

 

Silver medal moms get two nights of the above.

 

Bronze, one night of the above.

 

Let the games begin!

 

 

 

 

 

Run, Kate, Run

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.

 

For example, I'm a runner.

 

It began just last night.

 

It hit me like a ton of bricks.

 

Or maybe like a pair of purple running shorts that came home with Mommy and Daddy.

 

As soon as I put them on I felt an overwhelming urge to run.

 

And to have an audience while I did it.

 

Mommy finally agreed to be my audience.

 

And I ran.

 

I ran in circles.

 

I ran down the hill.

 

Then up (with a few breaks to catch my breath).

 

I jumped.

 

I slid (I hear there are running obstacle races these days).

 

And I did all of this OVER and OVER.

 

It was amazing.

 

And I'd like to point out in the following pictures that I believe I have quite the running form.

 

All of this because of a new pair of purple running shorts.

 

I imagine this is how Forrest Gump felt after he put on that new and unexpected pair of white running shoes.

 

Run, Kate, Run.

 

 



A Georgia Snow Day

If you aren't stuck in your car overnight on an icy road, miles away from home...then snow in Georgia CAN be fun!

 

This is what a Georgia Snow Day looks like:

 

 

 

 

 

Nothing says Georgia Snow Day like riding in a "sled" while being pulled by a four wheeler over icy streets.

 

 

Or the opportunity to wear a faux fur hat because well, it's actually that cold.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Snowballs scraped, scraped, 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.

 

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.

 

This, my friends, is a Georgia Snow Day.

 

It's how we roll.

You May Need Cesar Milan If:

 

You May Need Cesar Milan If:

 

Your dog still poops in the house.

 

Your dog regularly dines on top of your table when no one is looking.

 

You need a bark collar, a Scat Mat, and an electric fence to contain your dog.

 

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.

 

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.

 

You've reached a pinnacle in your anger while charging full force at your dog.

 

Your kids have an anxiety complex when they try to open the front or back door.

 

You've reverted to growling at the dog in attempts to coerce her back to the house.

 

Your neighbors know your dog.

 

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.

 

Your hand's circulation is cut off while trying to "walk" the dog while also keeping up with three kids riding bikes and scooters.

 

Your kids are dragged across the yard while trying to hook the dog up to her leash.

 

The toilet is the drinking trough of choice.

 

So,

 

Who needs Cesar Milan?

 

Uh,

 

We need Cesar Milan.

 

 



An Update and Kate's Potential Careers

 

 

 

Life has changed since I started this blog a little over 7 years ago.

 

My number of posts can testify to that.

 

I would post more than 30 entries a month when Hannah was little.

 

Now, it's good to squeeze one in!

 

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.

 

The kids are growing up and have their own unique voice with no need for interpretation from myself.

 

But, I won't shy away from humor.

 

Because, well, life with three kids is quite humorous.

 

Take this kid for example.

 

She's the poster child for funny, intentionally and unintentionally.

 

She's bike riding's biggest fan. Just a month after getting her new set of wheels she's already mastering tricks.

 

See here:

 

 

She pedals with more gusto than Lance Armstrong on drugs.

 

And if the Tour de France doesn't work out, well perhaps a singing career will.

 

She told me today, with seriousness in her eyes, she wants to sing when she grows up.

 

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.

 

But we also have ballet to fall back on.

 

However, ballerinas don't have the best eating habits.

 

 

 

 

And Kate may need to work on her gracefulness.

 

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.

She's definitely the most attention seeking Harman.

 

What's up with the youngest being this way.

 

I guess that's why I write a blog.

 

For attention.

 

As for my sweet Kate, if all these ambitions fail, I know one other thing she'll be great at: being a mommy.

 

 

She does have quite a knack for it.

 

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.

 

 

 

 



Homeschool Diaries: What I Like About Homeschooling

 

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.

 

I know many of you do it. Good job.

 

 

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.

 

And so, no schooling option is easy. It comes with its own set of difficulties.

 

As well as strengths.

 

 

I tend to focus on the difficulties and forget that there are great things about homeschooling.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

And yes, homeschooling allows me to get doctor's appointments knocked out during the week in the mornings when it's not so busy.

 

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."

 

 

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.

 

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!

 

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." 

 

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.

 

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.