The Mouro Family

First Appointment

2012-01-27T19:40:00.005-05:00

I had my first appointment with my midwife today and I got to see the baby via an ultrasound. I was blown away. I have never had an ultrasound at this stage; it was always very early on to confirm a pregnancy, before you can really see anything, or at 20 weeks when you can see the head, a leg, an arm, etc., but not the entire baby in the screen. Because that is what I saw: An entire, tiny, fully-formed human! It literally took my breath away and I knew at that moment why we chose to follow this path and despite my morning sickness, holding back tears, I knew I would do this again and again and again, because I knew in that instant what it was to witness the hand of God, a miracle.

The baby had arms and legs and was flipping all over the place. Its tiny heart was already beating. Most amazing of all was when the midwife pointed out that my baby was hiccuping! I was shocked, but I saw it. A tiny little life hiccuping and my heart was full of joy but also full of sorrow as I thought of countless women who chose to abort at this stage of their pregnancy.

I called Cameron as soon as I left the office--I had taken Anna with me and he was home with the rest of our poor, sick kids--and I asked him, "How? How can anyone do that? How can anyone abort a baby? The baby is alive! Its heart is beating! It is hiccuping! Hiccuping!" I knew then that if everyone could see their baby at 10 weeks they might choose differently. They might fall in love with this tiny, fragile, FULLY-FORMED human who was planned before the foundation of the world! And I know that I cannot ever say no to this. This life is so short and I want to live and be used by God and bring forth miracles that will praise Him. And I will praise Him and thank Him, just as I did today when I saw my baby.

In Christ, Laura

Morning Sickness

2012-01-21T16:38:00.006-05:00

Yes, I have been M.I.A.--lost in the depths of morning sickness. I am about 10 weeks now and in the thick of it. However, it hasn't been as bad this time as other pregnancies. I have been incredibly thankful for this. I have had days where I feel great and then other not-so-great days. A couple of weeks ago, one of my friends told me about the benefits of milk thistle as a remedy for morning sickness and since taking it I have a difference. I have heard that you should really start taking it a few months before you get pregnant to feel the most relief.

Typically, my morning sickness lasts until about 16 weeks, although with Jonas and Elyse it mysteriously disappeared at 9 weeks. So, as a result, every pregnancy I hang on until 9 weeks, hoping that this will be the magic week when I feel better. Well, this is my fourth pregnancy since Elyse and every time 9 weeks has come and gone with no relief. This time is no different.

Just so you know, I don't do morning sickness well. ;) I don't typically throw-up, but it isn't just a morning thing either. It lasts all day long. And none of the tips and remedies my midwife passes along help: short frequent meals, ginger, protein, etc. Now, every time I have the best intentions to persevere with joy, but once I am in the midst of morning sickness it becomes so difficult to see the forest through the trees. I think I have asked Cameron every time, "What if I feel like this forever?" My poor family--for a great chunk of the first trimester I don't cook--either Cameron or Anna prepare something, my mom blesses us, or we do some type of convenience food. My kids love that part! Mom craving french fries? Great! They typically think of me as a health-nut, so it is with great amusement that they listen to me talking about the enjoyment of burgers and ice cream.

One of the most difficult things for me in having morning sickness is the isolation I feel. We often have people over for dinner, host playdates, and go to other's houses weekly. However, during morning sickness, I feel like a hibernating bear. I have no appetite and no energy. We often stay at home, resting, counting the weeks until I feel better.

Don't get me wrong--I know morning sickness IS for my good. First, it means that everything is going well with the pregnancy. Also, it is part of God's plan for my sanctification and teaches me to depend on Him, to cry out to Him when I feel like I just can't make it through another day. It reminds me that these little ones are worth it. As I sat feeding Truman some applesauce today, feeling yucky, I looked into his gorgeous eyes, remembering that I had just gone through his pregnancy last year and I was overwhelmed at that moment of how worth this suffering truly is. It is worth it. All of it--morning sickness, weight gain, ligament pain, swollen ankles, labor, delivery, sleepless nights, etc., all worth it for these blessings, these eternal souls. I must not forget the privilege pregnancy is. It is not my "right", I didn't make myself become pregnant; I was just a willing vessel to be used. My prayer now is that I won't lose sight of this when I am in the midst of this "trial". I need an eternal perspective, I need to preach the gospel to myself everyday, in order to find joy in the midst of morning sickness.

In Christ, Laura

Great Encouragment

2012-01-09T15:31:00.001-05:00

My good friend, Lori, sent THIS to me today. Loved it! So true, such good encouragment and a good laugh!

In Christ, Laura

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T12:19:00.001-05:00

We wanted to share our good news for 2012--Baby #8 due in August! Praise God for new life!

In Christ, Laura

Though-Provoking Article on Efficacy of Short-Term Missions Trips

2011-12-27T14:07:00.005-05:00

Wow. Read THIS article. What do you think? While I don't think all short-term mission trips are a waste, it definitely gives you stuff to think about, for sure.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

In Christ, Laura

Family Christmas Party!

2011-12-19T16:37:00.014-05:00

We celebrated Christmas this past Saturday with my mother's-in-law, Deidre's, family. It was so much fun to get together with all of Cameron's cousins and their children!

Boy (2nd) cousins (Jonas is on the right).

Semaiah coloring.

Haven and Semaiah.

Katria and my niece, Eva. Of all the cousins, these 2 look the most alike!

Truman.

Anna and her cousin, Jessica--the first 2 grandchildren for sisters Deidre and MaryAnn.

Cameron and his cousin, Nathan--best buds as kids!

Truman and his Papa Mouro!

Cameron's youngest brother, Jared, Nicole and Layla!

Cameron's parents--Frank and Deidre.

Truman kissing Cameron's cousin Garret's wife, Maggie!

Tru!

My girls and Eva.

Haven with an orange pop moustache!

Anna and a very messy Tru!

Semaiah with a big bruise on her cheek! Just in time for Christmas pictures! She fell on the crayon box.

Aunt Tanya and "Pippi"!

Cameron's middle brother, Jacob, Tanya and Eva.

Merry Christmas, from the Mouro family!!!

Christmas Tree

2011-12-18T16:51:00.007-05:00

Here are some pictures taken when our family went to a local tree farm to get our Christmas tree!

Celebrate Christmas!

2011-12-14T17:33:00.004-05:00

Read THIS about why it is important (and okay) to celebrate Christmas with all of its trappings! Amen, Rachel! (she also wrote "Loving the Little Years"--A fantastic book about godly parenting).

In Christ, Laura

Great Article!

2011-12-06T10:15:00.001-05:00

I have too busy lately to post anything, but I read this and thought it was enjoyable. LOVE stories about big families. I wish I had grown up in one myself (I have just one brother). Hopefully, I will have time to post again soon! :) Maybe some pictures of our family visit to a tree farm to cut down our Christmas tree or of Jonas and I running a 5K together! Hope you are enjoying this Christmas season!

In Christ, Laura

Pastor Mark Driscoll's Thoughts on Twilight and other such books

2011-11-20T21:34:00.002-05:00

PLEASE tell me you don't read this stuff!

Watch this!

The Thief on the Cross

2011-11-20T20:30:00.003-05:00

I was driving home from my parents' house today and listening to some praise music with the kids. For some reason, I was thinking about the thief on the cross--the one who believed in Jesus and to whom Jesus said, ". . . today you will be with me in paradise," (Luke 23:43). What struck me was that the thief still died for his crime, despite being "saved" from his sins. He still paid the penalty for the sin committed before his conversion. He was not rescued bodily, but he was rescued spiritually and eternally. I guess what hit me is how often I expect that God should save me from the consequences of my sin and the consequences of living in this sinful, fallen world--the trials of life. While He does often do so, many times he doesn't, instead allowing us to experience these trials for a greater purpose. He also allows us to experience the painful results from our sin, not to "punish" us, but to teach us all the while redeeming us and turning so many of our messes into something of beauty, though we may not see it at the time. The thief on the cross died full of joy, not begging for Jesus to save him and give him a second chance at life. He knew he had done wrong and deserved to die. Indeed he said, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve," (Luke 23:41). He understood his depravity and was completely humble. He also understood the gift that is eternal life for he also said to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," (Luke 23:41). He knew he could never earn it and he knew he didn't deserve it.

This thief gives us hope because his was an "eleventh hour" conversion. He had never been baptized nor lived a single hour on the earth doing good works for God. He is the perfect example of what Ephesians 2 verses 8 and 9 talk about: "For it is by grace you have been saved though faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast," showing that good works can never earn for us eternal life. It is all grace, all an undeserved gift. The thief's greatest moment in life was one of his last: the moment he put his faith in Christ, and not performing a good work for Christ because had NO good works to speak of! What an amazing and clear-cut picture of grace!

And Jesus, in the midst of his painful and humiliating suffering still loving others before himself, still forgiving--full of grace, kindness, joy. What agony He must have been experiencing, yet what gentleness toward a sinner! It is convicting when I think about my own "suffering" and how I respond to others in those moments. Do I think of others first when I am suffering, or myself? Even in suffering Jesus put others first. That is the God we serve. That is such a picture of love. I am that thief on the cross. I deserve to die for my sins, to suffer. I have no good works to offer Jesus, yet He loves me anyway. May we never be like the other thief, the one who demanded that Jesus save them if He was really the Messiah saying, "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39). But how often do we act like him? How often do people say that if God really loved them He would do such and such for them? How often do people promise their faith only after God comes through for them? How often does our own faith waver when our prayers are not answered as we think they should be? The other thief on the cross died without faith--he was waiting to be saved physically before he would put his faith in Christ, and thus, he was lost spiritually. He demanded what he did not deserve and gained nothing while the other thief demanded nothing knowing he deserved nothing and gained everything. You see, our faith begins when we see that we can demand nothing, claim nothing, and have nothing to offer. Even our faith is a gift--for we did not choose God, but He chose us! May I be like the thief next to Jesus who died a joyful death--humble and thankful that I have gained what I could never earn!

In Christ, Laura

Trailer for Demographic Winter

2011-11-17T20:48:00.002-05:00

Please watch this:

Overpopulation is a myth, a lie.

In Christ, Laura

Lentil Pate Sandwiches

2011-11-17T11:40:00.003-05:00

First, let me say Wow! Was this AMAZING! SO good! I have got to share this healthy, easy, yummy recipe with you. It made such a good lunch! My children LOVED it! Anna made the pate yesterday and today we used it for lunch.

Lentil Pate

5 c. chicken broth
2 c. red lentils
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 T. sesame oil (can use olive oil)
1 t. basil
1 t. oregano
1 t. thyme
2 T. parsley (or 1/2 c. fresh--if using fresh, add this after the onion is done cooking, not with the onion)
1/4 c. bread crumbs, divided
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 t. rice vinegar

Cook the lentils in the broth, bring to a boil, then simmer, covered for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, saute the onion, garlic, and herbs in the sesame oil for about 10 minutes. When the lentils are done, they should be mushy and dissolved. Add the onion mixture and stir to combine. Add 2 T. breadcrumbs to this, as well as the 1 t. rice vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Oil a 9 inch loaf pan and coat with 2 T. bread crumbs. Pour the lentil mixture into the loaf pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. We refrigerated this overnight until it was firm.

To Assemble the Sandwiches:

Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise (I used mayo made with olive oil) on slices of bread. Place on a large baking sheet. Slice the pate thin and put two pieces on each piece of bread. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and broil for 6-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.

That's it! So good!

Enjoy!

In Christ, Laura

"Seven Billion People--A Curse or a Blessing?"

2011-11-15T10:26:00.005-05:00

I read THIS today and was greatly encouraged! Thought you would be, too!

Please don't buy into the myth of overpopulation. For further study, you can watch the documentary: Demographic Winter. Here is one quote from this website:

Demographer Philip Longman (author of “The Empty Cradle: How Falling Birthrates Threaten World Prosperity”) observes: “The ongoing global decline in human birthrates is the single most powerful force affecting the fate of nations and the future of society in the 21st. century.”

Read more HERE! (Go to the Q & A link on the side.)

Know your stuff so that you can answer someone next time they give you the "overpopulation" argument as to why they are not having more children or why YOU shouldn't have more children. Boy, does this get me FIRED up!

In Christ, Laura

My Grandpa's Tomato Soup

2011-11-14T11:47:00.004-05:00

We eat a lot of soup! Having a large family, it is really economical, plus it is a great way to incorporate lots of veggies into your children's diet. Often certain veggies they wouldn't touch on a plate, they will eat in a soup without a second thought. This soup is a family recipe: It was my Grandpa Bragan's. He is who Katria is named for--her full name being Katria Bragan. We love this recipe and it is a great tomato soup for younger palettes because it is very creamy and not so much of a strong tomato flavor. I have shared this soup in the past, but not in full--only a revised version. Here is the full, family recipe! I hope you try it! It has a few steps, using 3 pots, but it is worth it! This is what we are having for lunch today.

Grandpa Bragan's Tomato Soup

2 celery stalks, diced small
1 onion, diced
4-5 small red-skinned potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces or 2 large baking potato, diced. If I am using red-skinned potatoes, I leave the skin on, but peel the larger baking potatoes
1/4 c. butter
2 cans whole tomatoes
pinch of baking soda (essential!)
1/2 c. butter (yes, again)
9 c. milk
1/4 c. flour
salt and pepper

Melt 1/4 c. (half stick) of butter in a pot. Add onion, potato and celery. Cook until veggies soft, maybe 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. In a separate pot, heat the tomatoes, mashing them up. I use one of those handy ground beef utensil-masher things. You know, the thing that looks like a star? It works great! Add a large pinch of baking soda to the tomatoes and stir. The tomatoes will foam. This neutralizes the acid of the tomatoes and really makes the soup. In a third pot, melt 1/4 c., 1/2 stick, of butter. Once the butter is melted, add 1/4 c. of flour. Cook 1 minutes. Then, add 9 c. of milk and heat through. Add the potato mixture to the tomatoes. Add the tomato mixture to the milk. If you add the milk to the tomatoes the milk will curdle. Make sure you add the tomatoes to the milk. Heat through and serve!

Yum!

In Christ, Laura

Pumpkin Soup

2011-11-06T19:40:00.003-05:00

I found this recipe today at http://www.recipezaar.com and it was SO good! Even baby Tru was taking bites (just of the broth)! What a great way to incorporate some of this vitamin-rich autumn vegetable into dinner and not as a dessert or baked good!

Pumpkin Soup

2 cans (15 oz.) pureed pumpkin
8 c. chicken broth
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. pork sausage
1 T. Italian seasoning
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 c. heavy cream

Brown sausage with onion and garlic. Drain. Add pumpkin, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer. Add heavy cream and heat through.

Easy and delicious! Enjoy!

For other recipes for large families visit http://mourofamily.blogspot.com--that is where I keep all of them in one spot!

In Christ, Laura

A Legacy!!!

2011-10-26T09:52:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, we ran some errands as a family; Cameron was post-call and we decided to go out as a family to do some shopping for some things we needed.

As we walked through the maze of Ikea (Have you been in this store? They make you wind through every section in order to leave, to find the bathroom, to find your sanity!! LOL!) a man came up to us and said excitedly, "You have seven? I have six! Isn't it so much fun!" Awhile later another lady called out, "I love your big family! I am from a family of seven, too!"

However, the third encounter we had is truly a window for me into the future:

As we were checking out at Lowe's, an older gentleman commented on how many children we have. Usually, if we are going to get negative comments, it seems to be from men and in particular older men. However, after this man commented on our family size, he took out a picture and said, "Now, THIS is my family!" He proudly showed us a picture of him and his wife surrounded by children. I asked him how many children there were in his family and he said 13! After I asked him how old the youngest one was he said that they were all married with children. Cameron asked him how many grandchildren he had. He paused and gave us an amused grin as he hesitated. Cameron jokingly asked him if he had to count. The man replied, "No, I am afraid you aren't going to believe me." We pressed him and he said, "I have 96 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren." NINETY-SIX! Can you believe it? That is incredible to me! What a legacy this man is leaving because of his faithful obedience. He is a Christian man. He told us that God always provides--always provided for his family. How many great grandchildren do you think this gentleman will one day have? If each of his grandchildren just has 2 children that is 192 great-grandchildren! Just think if they each had 5, or 10, or 13 like him? He could possibly have 1000 great grandchildren! What an army for the Lord because of this one couple who allowed the Lord to use them, to determine their family size. What is also incredible to me is that it averages out to be at least 7 children per each of his children! How is that for not liking growing up in a big family?! His children grew up with 12 siblings each and yet each of them went on to have a big family! If that is not a testimony to the blessing of big families, I don't know what is!

I want to leave a legacy, too. I know that God ordained that encounter with that man to encourage Cameron and I to persevere, to be faithful, to be obedient. This truly was a sneak peak into the future for me about what could be just from the union of one man and one woman. God is truly a God of fruitfulness!

In Christ, Laura

Being Pro-Life

2011-10-20T21:10:00.001-04:00

~I wrote this last March and just got around to posting it. It has been heavy on my heart lately.

I was listening to a sermon today by Douglas Wilson while I was flipping pancakes for breakfast and I got all fired up! He was preaching on Mark 9 and he made some amazing connections in the passage that I have failed to see in the past. I love when we can see these connections, a deeper purpose underlying the obvious on the surface.

Wilson pointed out how the demon that possessed the little boy had tried to kill the child by throwing him into water and fire. In just a few short passages, Jesus tells the disciple that anyone who leads a little one astray, it would be better for a millstone to be tied around his neck and for him to drown or to burn in fire. Water and Fire--see the connection? Wilson also pointed out that Satan hates children, attacks children, is anti-child, and anti-life. This is absolutely wicked. Most Christians would agree. However, while most Christians would agree that abortion is wrong, I would contest that many are not totally pro-life, for an anti-child, anti-life attitude permeates even the modern church. First, many Christians, who claim to be pro-life, will compromise this belief and vote for a pro-choice political candidate because of another issue. I ask what issue trumps life? If God is the Author and Creator of life, LIFE, than what political issue trumps life? None. Life is more important, much more important, than ANY other issue, hands down. In addition, many Christians are regularly limiting their family size through means that may actually cause abortions!

Being pro-life is NOT simply being anti-abortion. Being pro-life is being PRO-LIFE!! It means submitting your will to God and accepting HIS plan for your life, your body a living sacrifice, and not telling Him your plan and telling Him he will have to overrule it! God is not necessarily going to give you a dozen children! He may not even give you one more child! Yet, it is not about having a ton of children! It is about obedience in our hearts. It is about our hearts loving what God loves. God is not going to give you another child and then not provide for him or her! When we take a step of faith in obedience, God will bless this! There is NOTHING more rewarding in this life that we can invest in than raising godly children--nothing else will last past our life--not a career, possessions, our "social" work projects--but an eternal soul will, and it is worth a lifetime of investment.

I am so passionate about this, and becoming more so the older I get, as well as more outspoken. However, I do bite my tongue SO much, not just with strangers, but also with friends. I hear excuses everywhere I go and I am not even the one who brings it up. People must feel convicted to start telling me, when I don't even ask, why they stopped having children. You see, when you embrace LIFE, you are a walking billboard for the gospel! It used to bother me that people stare at us wherever we go. Yes, I have gotten used to it, but I have also learned that I have to die to myself in order to obey the Lord, embrace life, and point to Him. It is not about me, it is about Him.

I am saddened when I hear Christian women talking about children just like the world. There is often no difference. There is no love of life. Life is a burden--another mouth to feed, another bottom to wipe, more sleepless nights, stretch marks, a burden. So many women say that they want to be able to spend individual time with the children they have, that if they have more they won't be able to be a good mother. But, how do you know this? Aren't these excuses based on fear? How is that any different from the world? My exhortation to you is to choose LIFE--embrace your fertility before it is too late. There is an end to it. And if that is not an option for you, choose adoption. Choose to embrace that which God has embraced and even if you are no destroyer of life as the demons were who attempted to kill the little boy, you may not really be totally pro-life. Being pro-life is not the same as anti-abortion. Being pro-life means embracing and loving life!

In Christ, Laura

On Halloween

2011-10-17T14:01:00.005-04:00

I read this today by R.C. Sproul Jr. and thought it was worthwhile to share. I guess he shares my perspective that it is embarrassing when churches package a cleaned-up version of what the world offers! LOL! I put his remarks that are similar to mine in my post I wrote called "Set Apart" below in bold.

Ask RC: Is it a sin to celebrate Halloween?

"I don’t know. And what’s more, I don’t care. First let me quickly deal with I don’t know, before moving on to the far more significant I don’t care.

The Bible does not say, “Thou shalt not celebrate Halloween.” It certainly doesn’t say, “Though shalt not dress thy little girl as a princess, walk with her through the neighborhood and collect tasty treat...s.” It does, however, far more than we Christians, take very seriously the supernatural realm. When God established Israel He commanded that witches there be put to death. The same for necromancers. He understood that these are not games to play with, but deadly serious matters. To the extent that celebrating Halloween means playing fast and loose with such things, I would strongly discourage it. That said, even if we confess that this was its origins, it still doesn’t mean dress up and candy are sins. As long as we stay clear of the macabre, I’d argue it’s a meat offered to idols issue. If your conscience is troubled, steer clear. If not, I won’t fuss at you about it.

That said, this is a question I’m not in the least concerned to answer. In my family this is a non-issue. We do not celebrate Halloween, but not because we’re certain doing so is a sin. We don’t celebrate Halloween for this simple reason- because we’re far too busy and far too giddy celebrating something far more significant. No, it’s not a harvest festival. (Indeed I would argue that the sanitized Christian substitute version of Halloween, wherein we call it something else, and dress up as Bible heroes may be the worst possible choice. We copy the ways of the world, badly. It’s the October 31st version of what goes on every Lord’s Day in happy clappy churches, a third rate copy of the world’s inanities.)

We don’t celebrate Halloween because we are too focused on celebrating the Reformation. October 31st marks the anniversary of Luther nailing his 95 these on the church door in Wittenberg. We rejoice that God in His grace emboldened Martin Luther to stand on the promises of God. We give thanks to God for recovering for His people the clarity and simplicity of how we might have peace with Him through the finished work of Jesus Christ. We celebrate the recovery of the Bible as our alone final standard of faith and practice, the ending of the Babylonian captivity of the church. This is not some bland Christian substitute for Halloween. This is the real deal.

Saint Peter Presbyterian Church holds a wonderful three day celebration starting with a bonfire and s’mores party, then a day-long festival, complete with crafts, booths, food, games, contests, the reading of the 95 theses, the retelling of the story of Martin Luther, music and dancing and then a joint worship service on Sunday. The puny and pathetic parties of the world won’t hold a candle to ours. Halloween is a dead issue. The Reformation, that’s life."

And just for the record: The Mouro family does not celebrate Halloween. But, if you do, we will still be your friend! ;) And our family has yet to celebrate the Reformation as an alternative.

In Christ, Laura

Counting the Cost

2011-10-16T09:38:00.008-04:00

I guess it is no secret that having a large family is a lot of work. Cooking, cleaning, homeschooling, disciplining, and discipleship are time consuming and leave little time for leisure pursuits.

We must remember that with every act of obedience we are required to count the cost. We must consider what we endeavor to take on, knowing that in the end, it WILL cost us our very lives. The Lord tells us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. And we must do what He calls us to well. What good is it to obey the Lord by receiving each blessing He sends only to do a mediocre job of raising them for Him? What does it profit if we obey but complain the entire time about the amount of work, lack of sleep and lack of thanks we receive? We are working for the Lord, not the praise of man, and of praise we will receive very little. Our children will not understand the sacrifices we make, at least maybe not until they have children of their own. But sacrifice it is! However, there is nothing else under the sun that can compare to living for God, whatever the temporary cost, by living out the Biblical model of being a wife and mother--for this is the life to which He calls most women, and it is to this that we should devote ourselves above all else, for it is in doing this that we are living out the gospel. We are evangelizing future generations everyday--vertical evangelism through time, as opposed to horizontal evangelism, which is of course also of great importance. However, as a wife and mother He has called us first to the little disciples in our homes.

In Christ, Laura

Set Apart

2011-10-15T21:06:00.000-04:00

A memory came to mind this morning as I sat rocking baby Tru. In the few minutes of quiet I had before I joined the children at breakfast, I turned this memory over in my mind, mulling over its meaning, the significance.

When I was a freshman in college, I had one foot in the world, one foot in God's kingdom: I was living like a Christian when it suited me and partying the rest of the time. I would go to the Campus Crusade for Christ meetings on Thursdays and from there head straight out to the parties . . . and continue to party the rest of the weekend. Sure I felt guilty, but I also wanted to have "fun" and didn't see any reason to stop. I went to church on Sunday evenings (for obvious reasons), finishing my weekend of revelry off with God again for good measure--just in time to repent and start all over again the next week. An R.A. who lived in my dorm would drive a bunch of us to church. One time in particular stands out in my mind and it was this memory that gave me some food for thought today.

On our way to church this particular Sunday evening the older student had the radio playing in her car. She was playing a local secular station, the very station that I listened to all the time. The song that was playing on the radio was by Nine Inch Nails, a song full of expletives and a song that is totally wicked even by non-Christian standards. As we drove along and chatted I was totally distracted by this song, but the girl driving didn't even notice. I began to wonder if she didn't notice because she was used to this type of music, and this song in particular, or was it simply that she wasn't paying attention. I surmised from what I had seen of the rest of her life that she simply didn't notice what was on the radio. But I did. I was distracted to the point that I had an extremely difficult time paying attention to our conversation. A dozen or more times I almost spoke up and said something about turning off the radio, turning off this song, but a dozen or more times I said nothing. It was super uncomfortable for me and I was the one living like a non-Christian, not her. So why did it bug me in her car this day?

Here are my thoughts, some 17 years later:

I think that I was uncomfortable because I held her, and Christians in general, to a higher standard than non-Christians. It was okay for my other friends to listen to that song, but for a Christian, well that was just wrong. I wanted her to be good, to turn that song off, to be set apart from the world. I wanted her to look different. Although I considered it okay for me to listen to that station I didn't think it was okay for her. The difference was that I knew I wasn't living like a Christian but she was and I knew even in my state of worldly rebellion that Christians should live differently and their lives should reflect that.

And that is what struck me today. We, as Christians, WILL be judged by non-Christians by the degree to which we don't that turn away fom the world's siren song which constantly attempts to lure us in. I have even heard non-Christians say with sarcasm, "He says he's a Christian," meaning that you wouldn't be able to tell from his life! Surely we should look different than the world. Intentionally.

I once brought a friend and her boyfriend to church, (the boyfriend wasn't a Christian), and he was totally turned off. Why? Was it because it was church? No. It was because it didn't seem like church to him! It was too much like the world! He knew that church should be a place that IS different from the world, and when it wasn't it had no attraction. If he could get the same worldly experience outside the church as inside, then why join the church?

I was just talking to a friend about this the other day. She told me that when her husband and her came to Christ they were also turned off by the churches that imitated the world! They were leaving behind the world!--they didn't want to join a Christian version of it (which coming from someone who was once in the world seems TOTALLY DORKY to most non-Christians--just being honest.) They wanted a NEW world. They wanted something different. They aren't the only ones. Another friend of mine, when she came to Christ, rejected all of the seeker-friendly, "relevant", cool churches in favor of something reverent, something set-apart from the world, something anti-world, not a good version of the world. Our lives should NOT be just a cleaned-up version of the world. They should be different! If we say we are Christians, but the only thing that is different is we don't swear and we go to church, but we listen to the same music, read the same books, watch the same t.v. shows and movies, have the same family life, attitudes toward children, marriage roles, schools, clothes, spending habits, view on women's roles, obsession with appearances (our clothes, bodies, houses, etc.) and vote the same, then what is the point!? It was a turn-off for me big-time when I was essentially a non-Christian and it is still a turn-off to non-Christians. Non-Christians expect us to be different and they will judge us and see the hypocrisy. I did. Being different is not legalism--legalism is when you try to earn your way to God through your good works--it's just holy living. The world knows it, so why don't Christians?

Now, I know that I have a long way to go still. God has had to do a work in me, let me tell you. It was often like him peeling back my fingers that gripped the world so tightly, I didn't want to let go. But He has been so patient and gentle with me.

Living Biblically will make us seem like fools to the world, but people that's the point. But, let's be the RIGHT KIND of fools for Christ, not the fool the world thinks Christians are when we try to imitate the world simply by cleaning things up a bit, packaging it differently, and then selling it by another name. That's just plain foolishness.

In Christ, Laura

Large Families are not Rare

2011-10-12T09:37:00.013-04:00

Since moving back to Michigan, God has encouraged us again and again in our obedience to trust Him with our family size.

Are these coincidences?

Right before Truman was born, we were out shopping as a family and the young girl who was helping us told Cameron and I that she was from a family of 14.

Out at a restaurant a few months ago, our server, a young lady maybe in her early 20's, told us she was from a family of 8.

The young lady (early 20's) at the orthodontist who took x-rays of Anna's teeth is from a family of 8.

A cashier at a grocery store recently told us she is from a family of 6.

Yesterday, at the shoe store where I was buying Haven ballet slippers, the young lady (early 20's) who rang us up told us she is the oldest in a family of 6.

And then, yesterday again I met the mothers of two other girls in my daughters' ballet class (The 4 oldest girls are in a Christian, homeschool ballet class that is a ministry to those in nursing homes.) who told me they were each from a family of 7 and a family of 8.

I am sure I am missing some other instances. It continues to happen to us again and again!

The common theme in all of these "chance" meetings is that these were all children from large families. I haven't even listed all of the times I have met those who are the parents of large families--the librarian who had 13 children, the women who I order my bulk dried goods with who ALL have 11, 8, 6, 9 children etc., and those parents at every homeschool outing we attend who are surrounded by littles! Just in the past 2 weeks, we have hosted 2 play dates with families who have 5 children and 7 children, respectively.

The other common theme is how much each of these adult children from large families has expressed how much they LOVED growing up surrounded by many siblings! Again and again they have each said how much fun it was, how close they are to their siblings, how they wouldn't trade it for anything. Yet, I cannot tell you the number of times I have heard negative comments that children in big families will HATE it because they didn't get enough one-on-one attention from their parents, that they had to help out too much, had to share a room, blah, blah, blah. Really? Ask the children in large families! Oh, I am sure there are those who did not enjoy growing up in a large family just as there are those who hated growing up in a family of two (me!--I used to BEG my parents to have more children and then rebelliously told them that when I grew up I was going to have a TON of children! LOL!), but my experience has been the opposite--meeting those who cherished their time growing up surrounded by many siblings!

The world is eager to feed us lies and we may be too quick to swallow them. We should not be so quick to believe the world when it tells us that children in large families are deprived, over-worked and unhappy. We have not only experienced the opposite, but these grown children have also expressed to us what a blessing it was! I know that God planned each of these meetings with these people to encourage us and I am so thankful! It has also helped to show my children that they are not such a rare occurrence as led to believe by the incredulity of those on our every outing who are quick to question us, as if we are a rare anomaly. Instead, every time my children hear the positive words of these grown children from large families, they are encouraged and so am I! :)

In Christ, Laura

Truman is 6 months!

2011-10-09T20:37:00.007-04:00

Already?

College Buds = Friends For Life

2011-10-08T20:42:00.010-04:00

My friend, Angie, is one of my best friends. We have known each other since our junior year of college at the University of Michigan. We were in the same Bible study. We messed around when we should have been studying. We have laughed so hard we cried. We danced to old school Christian rock (hip hop?) until we couldn't even stand up straight we were laughing so hard. We were in each other's weddings. We have shared so much over the years! Cameron flew her in as a surprise 3 years ago for my birthday. That weekend we had the best time. Between us, we now have 11 kids! Although Angie no longer lives in Michigan, her family does and so I still get to see her when she comes to visit!

This weekend, Angie was in town and we got to spend the day together, back in our college town--good ol' Ann Arbor. We ate chipatis from Pizza House, had an iced mocha at the cafe where Cameron and I first met and worked together, and we topped it off with shakes from Pizza Bobs. We talked and talked and walked until I now have blisters on my feet. It was great! Thanks Angie for a fun day and a walk down memory lane! I miss you already!

In Christ, Laura

Haven Turns 4!

2011-10-07T15:57:00.008-04:00

My sweet Haven turns 4 today. We celebrated by going to the cider mill. It is such a beautiful day here--mid 70's, gorgeous blue sky and leaves changing colors--vibrant yellows, reds and oranges. A perfect day.

Fresh Tomato Soup

2011-09-30T12:39:00.001-04:00

This soup is so delicious and is a great way to use up the last of your summer tomatoes. I got this recipe from the latest copy of Taste of Home magazine. It is so good!

Tomato soup

15 tomatoes, seeded and quartered
1/4 c. plus 2 T. olive oil, divided
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 c. water
2 t. salt (to taste)
pinch red pepper flakes
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
fresh basil or 1 t. dried

Places tomatoes in a baking pan, drizzle with oil and add garlic. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Cool, then remove skins. Saute onion in olive oil. Add tomatoes with garlic, water, salt and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Process with a hand blender until smooth. Add heavy cream and basil. This served 6 for lunch. For a dinner, I would double the recipe. My children had elbow noodles in theirs.

Yum!

In Christ, Laura

Check out more recipes at http://mourofamily.blogspot.com

Truman's Story

2011-09-24T22:24:00.002-04:00

Did you know that I am not nursing Truman?

It's true. Since Truman was 2 months old I haven't been breastfeeding. This is all part of his story that I have said I would share. It has been difficult, but God has been so faithful.

Here's the scoop:

For the first 2 months of Truman's life, he cried all the time unless he was latched on nursing. I nursed him all the time. Often, he would fall asleep nursing, wake up within 20 minutes hysterically crying and wanting to be fed again. I tried other things to calm him down, even letting him cry in his cradle for 10 minutes, but nothing worked. He cried in the car, in the sling, in every store, etc.

However, Truman slept great at night. At first, I thought that this was a sign that he was getting all he needed during the day and that he was just an extremely fussy baby. I continued to wake him at night, at least once, but he never seemed interested in eating. Then, right around 8 weeks, Truman got a cold and was barely nursing due to a stuffy nose. One night, I tried to wake him to eat and he would not wake up! His diaper was completely dry and I panicked. I forced him to eat and would not go back to sleep until I knew he had wet his diaper. I called the pediatrician's office the next morning, but the nurse told me as long as he had at least 1 wet diaper in 8 hours he was okay. It was a Monday and he had his 2 month check-up scheduled for that Thursday. I mentioned to the nurse that I was worried that Truman was not gaining weight and she said to wait until his appointment. Indeed, by 8 weeks Truman should have been rounding out, developing those cute baby rolls and such. But he wasn't. He was skinny.

At Tru's appt. when they weighed him my heart sank. He did not weigh even 9 lb.! He was 7 lb. 2 oz. at birth. When the doctor walked in the room, I burst into tears. She was comforting, but was matter-of-fact that we needed to get Truman's weight up. Although most of my babies had been on the tiny side, never had it been this drastic. Truman was in the 1% for weight. The pediatrician was concerned because he wasn't even making eye contact well.

The first thing we did after we left the appointment was purchase a good breast pump, bottles, and formula. Through tears I fed Truman his first bottle. Thankfully, Cameron had been with me at Truman's appt. and was such a strong support during this time, reassuring me it was not my fault. Within 24 hours of Truman getting bottles his entire personality changed! He stopped crying, he started napping, smiling, cooing, having alert periods--he was never really "awake" before but was always on the breast! He also began to wake at night to eat on his own. The change was DRASTIC. It was clear that Truman had been starving and was not getting what he needed. I called a dear friend, who had also recently had her baby, and she exclaimed that Tru at 8 weeks weighed what her son did at birth!

For the next month, I pumped around the clock and fed Truman bottles. I was too nervous to go back to breastfeeding and our main goal was to get Truman's weight up. However, after a few weeks, we realized that Truman wasn't even that great at taking a bottle. It reminded me exactly of Katria, who also did not gain weight nursing and never took a bottle well. He would fuss and tug at the bottle and I was tense while feeding him. Then it all clicked!

I remembered that when Truman was born, the pediatrician in the hospital told me that he had a tight frenulum--that little piece of skin that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. He said it would most likely not be an issue, but that we would wait and see. I mentioned this to Truman's pediatrician at the time when we realized he wasn't gaining weight and she said she noticed it as well, but didn't think this was the cause of his weight issues. I did some research online and read that babies who don't gain weight while nursing and then have trouble taking a bottle need to be checked to see if their frenulum is tight. It also said that these babies gain weight fine in the first 4-6 weeks because the mom has an ample milk supply, but when the milk regulates around 6-8 weeks, and the milk is not flowing as readily, the baby is then unable to suck in such a way to get sufficient milk. I THEN remembered that we learned (too late) that Katria is also slightly tongue-tied. We didn't realize it until she was about 4. It was also right at 8 weeks that I had to stop nursing Katria due to weight issues! It all made sense!

I made an appointment for Truman to have his frenulum clipped, hoping that this would solve the problem with his suck and that he would also be able to nurse again. I was making a lot milk at this point pumping. When I first started pumping I was not getting much due to the fact that my supply was down because Truman was unable to extract the milk. However, I had begun to pump even MORE than Truman could drink in a 24 hour period.

As soon as the dr. clipped Truman's frenulum, after crying for less than 10 seconds, his eyes got big and he stuck his tongue out of his mouth. It was free! LOL! He looked shocked. The day after his frenectomy, Truman drank 35 oz. of milk!--a lot for a 3 month old! Within 3 days of this procedure, Truman began rooting to start nursing again. I was overjoyed! However, this lasted about a week or two before I realized that my supply was dwindling again, I was having to supplement more and more, and Truman's stool was green again--a sign he was not getting the hindmilk. I began to pump exclusively again, but half-heartedly. It is very difficult to find time to pump, feed the baby a bottle, and parent 6 other children! In addition to this, how do you pump when you spend the day at the zoo, or a picnic, or other outings that I wanted to enjoy with my other children? Within a few weeks, I was pumping only twice--in the morning and evening. Just last week I stopped pumping altogether.

I have learned that because Truman's frenulum was not clipped early on, he didn't develop the right technique to nurse correctly and it is almost impossible for him to re-learn this. Sucking is instinctual at birth, and with a tight frenulum Truman did the best he could. After his tongue was clipped, he had more movement in his tongue, but babies with tight frenulums are not able to cup the breast with the side of their tongue and how can you teach a baby to begin doing this after weeks of nursing wrong?

This has not only been difficult for me because I wanted to breastfeed so badly, but also because I knew that if Truman didn't nurse my fertility would return that much sooner and I could become pregnant. There it was--my conviction put to the test. Did I really believe that it is God who opens and closes the womb? Did I really believe that God will never give me more than I can handle? Did I really believe that children are a blessing? Did I really trust God?

Cameron and I have discussed this very issue repeatedly over the past few months. I have been more anxious than I care to confess to you. We have prayed about whether to continue to allow God determine our family size again and again and each time God has faithfully told us to trust Him. It is awesome how quickly He has answered our prayers with the reassurance that He is sovereign over life and we are to leave it up to Him. Once it was a sermon that spoke directly to us. It was only the night before that we had prayed and asked God what to do. During the sermon, as we were both convicted, Cameron and I turned to smile at each other and almost burst out laughing because we had our answer to our prayer! Once it was a woman in the grocery store who struck up a conversation with me. She had no idea what we were going through, but as we talked she asked me to pray for her (we were having a conversation about children and spiritual things) because she had 6 and really wanted God to give her and her husband more. She told me that children are a blessing and we should receive all that the Lord wants to give us, etc. I felt my heart pounding because she had no idea that just the night before we had asked God to show us what to do and to encourage us in this conviction. From the cashier at Tractor Supply who told me over and over how "lucky" (I don't believe it was luck!) I was to have so many children because she was unable to have any children, and miscarried the two her husband and her conceived, to the librarian at our library who comically told me that I was only halfway to her family size--she had 13!--God has sent us encouragement again and again. I will be 35 next month and my child-bearing days are nearing the end. Oh, how that makes me think twice about limiting things! Who knows that Truman is not my last? Then I KNOW I will grieve and wonder why I ever asked God for a break. My good friend, Kami, reminded me that God is sovereign even over Truman's being tongue-tied and may have ordained that for the very purpose of bringing another child into our family.

Bottom line is God is GOOD. I will surrender my life to Him and I will JOYFULLY submit myself to Him, to be used for His glory. I have had to repent because although I have had this conviction going on 7 years now, I have often not walked in this conviction joyfully, but with much fear, anxiety and complaining. Not all the time, but it is there lingering in my heart. I have had to repent of this, confessing it to God as sin and asking Him to forgive me. I have also begun to pray, for the first time, that He would send us more blessings, if this is His will! Before, I had often prayed that God would give us a break, but if it was not His will that I would receive the blessing of another child because I knew that it was the right thing to do. Praise God that it is not too late and that He will not treat me as my sins deserve! Why should He bless this complaining mother with more children? He has every right to stop these blessings from coming. Oh for a heart that is soft and able to receive whatever He has for me with joy! You may think I am crazy, I know many already do--we get the comments and the stares wherever we go--but I know that this crazy momma will be full of JOY when the next blessing comes and I wouldn't trade that for other's high opinion of me for anything! Joy comes through obedience and it has taken a LONG time for this hard-headed momma to finally "get it."

In Christ, Laura

Homeschooling

2011-09-24T22:01:00.005-04:00

A message from a friend reminded me that I always post each year what we are doing for homeschool and I haven't done so this year! So, here it is. The biggest change is that this year I am not using any "program" for literature/history. In the past, I used Tapestry of Grace. I have also tried MFW and Sonlight. After homeschooling for several years and realizing my strengths as a homeschooling momma/teacher, I have arrived at a place in which I am trusting myself more. A good friend, Gabby, recommended a book to me which has become essential. It is called "All Through the Ages", and basically goes through every time period in history and lists all of the great books that correspond. Last year, although I was using Tapestry of Grace, Ancient history, I found myself using the books recommended from "All Through the Ages" MORE than the ToG books. I was still too nervous to put away the ToG materials though, using it as a safety net and guide. However, this year I am ready to go it alone. I have ordered close to 20-25 books for this first quarter of Medieval history. I am excited to start! (We haven't started history this year yet due to the move and getting settled.

Here is what we are doing this year:

Anna:

Saxon Math 6/5
Spelling Power
Rod and Staff English grade 6

Jonas:

Saxon Math 5/4
Spelling Power
Rod and Staff grade 3, and then Rod and Staff grade 4

Katria:

Saxon Math grade 2
Rod and Staff grade 2

Elyse:
Saxon Math grade 1

Okay, I know what you are thinking: "That's it?". Yes, that's it. That's all the curriculum I am using. Here's what I am doing on my own:

Writing: Anna and Jonas on Mondays and Wednesday have to pick a topic of their choice--they usually choose a science-related topic--and are required to write a report on it. They can use books or the computer, but we mostly focus on books. Sometimes, they will ask me a question randomly during the day and I will then assign it to them as their writing topic. Some topics they have covered include: Foot binding, polar bears, and the Black Forest in Europe. I correct their reports for spelling, grammar and composition and they have to re-write it the next day. I am pretty strict with them. Fridays they have to write a letter to someone. Two weeks ago, Anna wrote to Krema (the peanut butter company) and got a reply! Teaching writing this way has been amazing! You would be surprised how much Anna and Jonas have learned and what good writers they are becoming. For Katria, I have her read a topic each day and then give me three facts. I copy those facts down for her in a notebook.

Creative Writing: Anna and Jonas write in a notebook for 10 minutes each day, usually answering a question of my choice. Last week, one of my questions was, "How does the Gospel apply to school?"

Reading: Usually a book of their choosing. However, I will sometimes assign one (esp. for Anna) that corresponds to what we are studying in history.

Literature and History: Like I said, I am going to read aloud good books that teach from the time period we are studying. Some books for this year include: Canterbury Tales for kids, Robin Hood, The Apple and the Arrow, Famous Men of the Middle Ages, Chanticleer and the Fox, etc. etc.

Science: Apologia with daddy. However, we are very relaxed about this and are still on the same curriculum we used last year. The children do most of their science through their report writing. Cameron teaches them on his post-call days.

Vocabulary: I make Anna and Jonas keep a notebook while they read and write down words with which they are not familiar. Then, each day they have to write out the definition and use the word in a sentence. Awesome stuff!

Handwriting: Jonas is learning cursive, so he writes a verse from Proverbs out each day, from the chapter that we read at breakfast. Katria and Elyse each copy out a verse. Anna's handwriting is her report and once Jonas masters cursive, his will be, too.

Bible: We read the Bible as a family at breakfast and dinner. At breakfast, we take turns reading the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month. We also read through a longish portion of Scripture twice each morning in order to memorize it, a new one each month. We also work on Catechism questions. At dinner, Cameron teaches us from a book we are studying, right now: Galatians.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

This semester, Anna, Katria, Elyse and Haven are taking ballet through a Christian homeschooling group. The class meets at a friend's house and I like it because it is in the afternoon and not during the evening, so it does not interfere with dinner and family devotions, otherwise we would not do it. Also, the class is used for the purpose of being a ministry to those in nursing homes! The girls have two performances in local nursing homes. Their attire is modest and the class includes girls from ages 4 through 16 in the same class. I love that all my girls are doing this together!

Anna, Jonas and Katria also take a homescooling, Christian art class once a month, which also meets during the afternoon. The teacher is a Christian and has the children draw a picture, which he guides them through as a class, that has a Biblical theme. My children absolutely LOVE this class! Last month, my sister-in-law, Tanya, took the class with them!

Starting in January, Jonas will begin archery again--a homeschooled class--which meets once a week.

Katria, Elyse and Haven will participate in a "school" our church is doing this year to learn the catechism, music, etc. It meets once a week for 2 hours, also during the afternoon.

Piano lessons for Anna, Jonas, Katria and Elyse in our home once a week!

Notice that none of these activities interferes with our family dinner time! That is so important to us.

Well, that's it in a nutshell. You will notice that some things are missing: crafts, co-ops, lapbooks, etc. It is not that I don't agree with these things, it is just that they are not my strengths, and that is okay. We are in a stage of life with lots of little ones. I really need to keep things simple for myself. If I know that doing crafts is going to push we over the edge and tempt me to put the kids in school then I just don't do crafts. I know that I would be too stressed out if I was in a co-op so I don't do it. Homeschooling is not just about what is good for the child, and what they like doing. It is also about the mom's strengths and weaknesses. God gifts families differently. A mom who loves arts and crafts is going to most likely have children who enjoy these activities. I will most likely produce a bunch of bibliophiles because my strength is reading aloud to my children. Other families may be heavy on math, or science, or acts of service, esp. if they are in a stage with no littles running amuck! :) It is all good. God will direct our paths and we really can't compare ourselves to the next family. If what someone is doing encourages you, great! But, if reading what another family is doing drains you, no problem. Don't feel like you have to do what another family is doing! Our children are learning more than we think. I finally see it now--now that Anna is ten and I fretted for so long that she was not going to learn anything--now that she has surpassed me in so many areas. Bottom line: Enjoy your children--do homeschool in such a way that you ENJOY them and homeschooling!

In Christ, Laura

Anna's Recommendations: 50 Books for Young Ladies

2011-09-20T08:30:00.007-04:00

Anna reads A LOT. Even that is an understatement. We help her make good book choices and not read any of the drivel that is out there. We also have her talk with us about anything that comes up in a book that could be questionable or if it promotes a different worldview. This summer, she read close to 30 books--I gave each of the children a goal and she far exceeded it! Here are Anna's top recommendations:

1. The Last of the Very Great Wangdoodles by Julie Andrews

2. Baby Island by Carol Ryrie Brink

3. What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge

4. What Katy Did at School by Susan Coolidge

5. Poppy by Avi

6. Shoe Fly Girl by Lois Lenski

7. Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski

8. Judy's Journey by Lois Lenski

9. The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman

10. Number the Stars By Lois Lowry

11. Cotton in My Sack by Lois Lenski

12. Thimble Summer by Elizabeth Enright

13. Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright

14. Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary

15. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O'Brien

16. So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins (I read this aloud to the children and there were some sentences I skipped)

17. Coal Camp Girl by Lois Lenski

18. Peppermints in the Parlor by Barbara Brooks Wallace

19. Old Bones the Wonder Horse by Mildred Mastin Pace

20. From Anna by Jean Little

21. Caddie Woodlawn--Carol Ryrie Brink

22. Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

23. The Chronicles of Narnia--C.S. Lewis

24. Red Sails to Capri by Ann Weil

25. Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes

26. Detectives in Togas by Henry Winterfield

27. The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald

28. Homer Price by Robert McCloskey

29. Escape from Warsaw by Ian Serraillier

30. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

31. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

32. God King by Joanne Williamson

33. Runaway by Patricia St. John

34. Twice Freed by Patricia St. John

35. Star of Light by Patricia St. John

36. Stories From Grandma's Attic series by Arleta Richardson

37. Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

38. Missionary Stories and the Millers and all the "Millers" books by Mildred A. Martin

39. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

40. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

41. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

42. Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl

43. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit

44. Maia of Thebes by Ann Warren Turner

45. Gooney Bird Greene by Lois Lowry

46. Frindle by Andrew Clements

47. A LLama in the Family by Johanna Hurwitz and Mark Graham

48. The Wheel on the School by Meindert Dejong

49. Shadrach by Meindert Dejong

50. My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

Happy Reading!

In Christ, Laura

Another Conviction

2011-09-18T20:37:00.006-04:00

I don't know what spurred this on recently, but the Lord convicted me that we should not own or read to our children any books that talk about not being excited about welcoming a new baby into a family. Why? Because after having 7 children what I have seen is the exact opposite! My children have all been thrilled about each new baby that was on the way! So, for us these books may put ideas into our children's minds that just are not there. In general, I think most kids are excited to have a new baby and for those who are not--well, my question is whether some other person put that idea in their head. "Oh, you're not going to be the baby anymore!" or "You're going to have to share your toys!" or "Things are going to change!". It is the ungodly worldly view of children that has infiltrated into homes and then has seeped into children's thinking. We need to combat these lies and not even tolerate a book that would promote these ideas, even if the book has a happy ending in which the children learns to accept the baby. Why even go there?

Ironically, when I was reading Mary Pride's book, "All the Way Home", she said the same thing! Funny how when you are mulling over a certain conviction or idea God will reinforce this or encourage this line of thinking, either with the truth of His Word or a sermon or another godly brother or sister in Christ's words.

I also cannot stand children's books in which sibling rivalry is the norm or disrespect of parents. For example, as a child I enjoyed the Trixie Belden mysteries. A couple of years ago I read some of these books to my children. However, what detracted from the story was all of the rivalry that went on between the main characters, the name-calling and put-downs, that had nothing to do with the plot! I had to stop reading these books and get rid of them.

What our children meditate on, which is fed by what they watch, listen to and read, is SO important. The world has crept into even "Christian" books and music. It is so important to be discerning. Our children need to worship God, not idolize sports figures, celebrities or fictional cartoon characters. Before you allow anything, first pray about it--whom will this particular thing glorify and will it lead to further problems down the road? What worldview is this promoting? It is our job to protect our children's minds!

In Christ, Laura

Book Recommendation

2011-09-18T15:09:00.005-04:00

I am reading a GREAT book . . . well, actually, I am in the middle of FOUR books, all of them great! :) However, this particular book I am reading is awesome, so I just had to share. It is not a new book and I am sure that many who read this blog have already read it. I have had it on my shelf for quite awhile and just got around to reading it. It is so encouraging and I feel like shouting "Amen!" every few sentences! It is "All the Way Home", by Mary Pride and is the sequel to "The Way Home", which I am going to get and devour next. If you haven't read either of these books you will have to do so! You will be challenged, convicted, and encouraged.

In Christ, Laura

P.S. If you are one of the curious-types like me who were thinking, "Well, what are the other 3 books she is reading that are also "great", they are:

1.A Taste of Heaven, Worship in Light of Eternity by R.C. Sproul--amazing book!

2. Girl Talk by Caroyn Mahaney and Nicole Mahaney Whitacre

3. Maggie-Now by Betty Smith--same author who wrote A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, which is now one of my all-time favorite books! Maggie-Now is written in the same style and is just as good!

Truman

2011-09-16T11:37:00.003-04:00

Tru is 5 months old! Where has the time gone?

Our New House!

2011-09-16T10:17:00.009-04:00

We bought a house! Despite not being able to sell our house in NC yet, we were able to buy one here because it was the same price as renting. We love this house! It was built by a Christian family who had 4 children, so it has many features that suit a larger family, including a laundry shoot! I love this thing! The children are so excited to use it that I no longer have to rifle through drawers searching for dirty clothes they shoved back in--no instead they run to throw their clothes down the shoot! AND, the laundry room is right off my kitchen, which is very convenient to do laundry while I am homeschooling instead of running up and downstairs. I am finally staying caught up on laundry! Each of the children's room has HUGE walk-in closets. There are 5 bedrooms, 4 of them upstairs in the middle of which is a small living room. We are able to fit all of our books up in this area--three of the bookshelves fit perfectly in a hallway that was built extra-wide, it seems for this very purpose! We also have a large finished, daylight basement for the children's playroom, an office and a third living area. The playroom even has a little "castle" made under the staircase with two windows and a door. We especially love the layout because the kitchen, dining room, and living room on the main level are one large area, which we think helps the family to be together and makes for cozy times in the winter months. Cameron's favorite feature is an outdoor wood burning boiler which heats the house radiantly through the floors. This thing is so cost-efficient as well as amazing at heating a home. And, who could not fall in love with this porch? (AND it has a Weeping Willow!! They are so beautiful!) Lastly, the house is situated on a small private dirt road and we are on a little cul-de-sac.

It seems like this house was made for us! Can you tell I am excited about it? Yet this house was less expensive than our house in NC. God really laid it on our hearts this past year to not buy what we could afford, or even buy a larger home because we have a big family (this house is smaller than our home in NC was), but to live well below our means. When we finally sell our home in NC (and we now have someone who has signed a lease to rent it for two years) we will have our cheapest mortgage yet! It was well worth the year of waiting on the Lord, praying for Him to provide the right house for our family. God used this past year to change OUR hearts, specifically about what we thought we wanted and needed. Indeed, if you saw the houses we originally were interested in and then compared them to what we bought you would be surprised at the differences! I think we drove our real estate agent a little crazy! LOL!

It feels good to finally be settled here in Michigan, back in my home town. The most ironic thing of all is that the house we bought is only a mile from where we were renting! The reason this is ironic is because we originally thought we would not live this far from Cameron's work. However, after a year of making the commute Cameron realized it is not that big a deal. This house had been on the market last year, but it took us a year to find it because we were not considering this particular area. We had passed by the road this house is on many times on family walks and had no idea that we would one day be living here!

I am looking forward to having a garden again, getting chickens again, and decorating this house to reflect who we are as a family! It is good to be home.

In Christ, Laura

Anna Won!

2011-09-15T10:36:00.002-04:00

Thank you for all of your votes! Anna won the photo contest! Our aspiring photographer has one her first contest!

I am sorry I haven't posted in awhile--WE MOVED! We just got internet access today, even though we moved September 3rd.

I will post more soon!

And I know Anna will have more pictures to post soon!

In Christ, Laura

Still here . . .

2011-08-22T11:21:00.007-04:00

I haven't posted in awhile because we have been BUSY! We celebrated 2 birthdays--Katria and Jonas, went on vacation "up north" for a week, and have been busy PACKING! Yes, we bought a house! Finally. That is a great story of God's grace and working in our hearts and I will have to share it . . . when I have time *sigh*. :) AND, we have a family who is going to rent our house in NC, with plans to buy it in 2 years. God worked all of that out simultaneously, but our buying a house was not dependent on renting ours in NC! We are moving Labor Day weekend and so I have lots to do!

I wanted to share a link that a friend sent to me. It was encouraging, and may be for you also--or it may be thought-provoking, or it may make you angry, or you may think I am crazy! LOL! God has worked in our hearts in a similar way to this family. Although we came to this conviction years ago, I find that I still have to choose to trust God in planning our family size. It isn't easy. Large families may make it look easy, but it isn't. This conviction isn't something that I always feel joyful about. I have to pray and pray and lay down my life again and again and then pray some more! It isn't that I am fulfilling a life-long dream to have a large family, or that I have it all figured out, or that I am better at this mothering thing than others. Not at all! Honestly, I am just like you. (There is a great book on this topic called "A Mom Just Like You" that is a great read.) And I struggle with this conviction often--I guess wrestle with it would be a better word. I don't struggle with believing it is right, I struggle with the desire to live it out. I get tired, I become afraid, I get overwhelmed, but in the end I know it is right. My conviction has been tested recently because of Truman. I will (soon!) have to share his story with you as part 7 in the series I posted on "Sleep Training". My little guy has not fit into my plan of how I wanted to parent him at all. That has been a challenge and I have learned a lot over the past several months. Honestly, my pride has taken the biggest hit because I viewed myself as a certain type of mom who did things a certain way. I have had to learn (again!) that my identity has to be found in Christ alone and cannot be defined as a homeschooling, attachment parenting, breastfeeding or natural momma. These things may be true of me, but they must not define me! God has stripped these things away from me and I have learned again that He must be my identity. But man does it hurt to be pruned!

Here is the link to that blog. Happy reading!

In Christ, Laura

Random Pictures

2011-07-31T22:00:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures--Jonas practicing archery, Semaiah with a dirty face--she was pouting because Anna wouldn't carry her down the stairs so she sat down and pouted and Anna snapped her picture--me with Tru sleeping in the sling and another picture of Truman that I thought was adorable! :)

Chronicling A Day--My Rambling Train of Thought

2011-07-30T22:02:00.006-04:00

I haven't done as good of a job as I intended of chronicling our daily lives so I thought that would be a good post for today. It was a beautiful day--low 80's, blue cloudless sky--the kind of day for which Michigan summers are famous. Nobody in Michigan goes on vacation outside of the state in the summer. They go "up north". Many people go to Florida for vacation, especially in the winter and spring. But in the summer? People head to the Great Lakes, the sand dunes, the U.P., camping, BBQing, tubing, boating, fishing, etc. I love the summers here!

Anyways, back to my day . . . Cameron was on-call and was gone before I even woke up. After a breakfast of oatmeal pancakes, made by Anna, we all headed over to my parent's house. Most of the children opted to stay with my dad, while Anna, Katria and Truman stayed with me, my mom joining us, to drive up to the hospital where Cameron works so that we could sign an offer on a house! Yes, we are in the process of buying a house here in Michigan. It has been a long journey, but we are ready to be settled here. More on that later, especially if everything goes well and we get this house . . .

After we left Cameron, we stopped at a produce market. I bought some white peaches (they are SO sweet and juicy!) and some Mackinac Island Fudge whole bean coffee. Have you ever tried Mackinac Island fudge? Or Mackinac Island Fudge-flavored ice cream? I wonder if they have it outside of Michigan. Anyways, I was excited to try this coffee and had a difficult time deciding between this flavor and Traverse City cherry whole bean coffee. That's another thing Michigan is famous for--cherries! Man, are they good!

After we left the produce market (where the girls and I snacked on some really good free samples of cantaloupe and watermelon--our home town is famous for cantaloupes! Yes, it's true--we have a melon festival every year and it's coming up this month!) we hit a garage sale. That's another interesting thing--garage sales in Michigan start on Thursdays and run through Sunday! Sometimes, they even start on Wednesdays! Not so in North Carolina. It was Saturdays from 8-12. By noon, the sale was done. Very limited window. Not here! These garage sales run for DAYS! I am not kidding. Also, they last all day. None of this closing at noon stuff. Oh no. They go til 4 or 5 at night. Is it this way everywhere? So . . . we hit this garage sale and I found a pair of flip-flops for Anna, because boy can this girl wear out a pair of flip-flops!, and I also found Jonas' English curriculum for next year for $5!! Yes, it was the teacher's manual, student book, and the workbook of Rod and Staff 4th grade. I was going to have to order it, but God provided!

We got back to my parent's to find that the rest of the children were swimming in my parent's pond and had not had lunch, but had all had an ice cream! LOL! We ate lunch, my dad left for work, the children went back to swimming, Truman went down for a nap, and my mom and I talked theology for awhile. It was nice.

Around 5, Tru woke up, we ate dinner--my mom had made Minestrone soup and hot spaghetti and we let the children choose which one they wanted--and then Jonas and I went on a run. That's another thing I forget to mention--This boy can run! Jonas has been joining me on some of my runs and he is a natural. I wouldn't be surprised if he starts to run some races. My dad was a runner in high school--a sprinter, really good; I was a runner in high school, also a sprinter, and now Jonas is running. I don't know how fast he is, but he has endurance and the makings of a great long-distance runner. I really didn't expect him to be my runner since he has struggled with asthma and has more of Cameron's build with a longer torso. I expected my long-legged children--Anna and Elyse--to be my runners. We'll see. For now, I am glad to have a running-buddy accompany me occasionally. Truman was taking another nap at this point. He slept a lot today. After we got back from running, and after a quick cold shower, I waited for him to wake up so that I could feed him before we headed home. While I waited, I read the latest edition of Above Rubies magazine and the other children ran around outside playing. If you haven't read Above Rubies you should check it out. It is a free Christian publication that seeks to encourage mothers. I was very encouraged today, especially by the article by the woman who is 77 and had 16 children and now has 83 grandchildren and great-grandchildren! What an amazing legacy! She said in her article, "Was it all worth it? Yes! Every cry, every diaper, every sleep lost, every evening-out missed and every tear. I would do it all over again. What did I miss? Nothing. What did I gain? Everything--an exciting and fulfilled life, very interesting people who love me and a happy and peaceful home that is always filled with laughter." Amen, I say. I pray for a heart that will also rejoice at the end of my life that it was all worth it. But, more importantly, I pray for a heart that can rejoice even NOW as I go through these child-bearing years! May my heart say, "It was worth it," because it is!

The children are now all asleep, Cameron is working and we won't see him until tomorrow, and I am getting ready to go to bed and regretting that last cup of coffee I had at my parent's house because I am not feeling tired.

That was my day. It was relaxing and full. Hope you enjoyed reading my rambling train of thought! Tomorrow we will worship together as a family and I am looking forward to it. :)

In Christ, Laura

Freedom and Grace

2011-07-27T06:51:00.000-04:00

Pslam 119 is one of my favorite Psalms. Everytime I need encouragement or comfort, I turn to this Psalm. This may seem odd to some because Psalm 119 is all about the law. Yet, it is true! Recently, I was reading it in my quiet time and was struck for the first time by these words:

Psalm 119:29-32

Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.
I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands
for you have set my heart free.

This passage, for many modern Christians, seems to present an oxymoron: "I run in the path of your COMMANDS for you have set my heart free." I think that many seem to think that if there are commands to obey, if there is a path to follow, if obedience is required, then we are NOT free. But, this is NOT what God's word teaches us. It is the opposite of what we think: Our hearts have been set free so that we CAN obey God's commands. The other thing that struck me was the verse: "Be gracious to me through your law". Do we ever think about grace coming through the law? Of course not, but it does! Grace and peace come through Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of the law. Christ said that He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it! Indeed, the Old Testament is not obsolete as so many Christians have been, and continue to be, taught! I was taught this! But, no! The Old Testament and New Testament are one continuous, glorious story. We don't throw out the law, and Psalms like 119 which praise the law, because we have Christ, and His abundant grace now. No. Instead we uphold the law, knowing that in Christ each of its requirements is fully met for us BY His grace.

Thus, when we read the above passage, we are able to choose the way of truth, set our hearts on His law, hold fast to His statutes, and run in the path of His commands BECAUSE our hearts have been set free! We have been set free from the slavish chains of sin. By grace we can rejoice with this Psalmist!

Obeying the law is not punishment, nor is it an intolerable burden because of Christ. No, instead it keeps me from "deceitful ways" (v. 29) and keeps us on the "way of truth" so that we can run in the path of commands! Thus, we don't reject the law, but rejoice in it! In Romans 7:12, it says, "So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good." Again, I Timothy 1:8 says, "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly."

May we love God's law, not fearing it, not rejecting it while embracing grace because grace is not only our MEANS to obey the law, but grace comes to us through obedience to the law through Christ! May we embrace the path of God's statutes, according to God's faithfulness to us in Christ and His unfailing promises.

This is why Pslam 119 is so comforting to me: Through Christ, by grace, I am able to run in the path of God's commands and they PROTECT me. Through Christ, I am on the path and He will not let me stray. Thus, I am safe, secure, and kept by God until the day of my salvation! Praise God!

I read in 2 Kings 17:18 today, "So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from His presence." Compare this with Romans 1:24 which says, "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts . . . " What happens when we turn from the Lord to our idols? In 2 Kings, God sent the Assyrians, who swept through the land and carried the Israelites off into exile. In Romans, it says that God gives those who continue to choose sin over to their sin. God removing people from His presence and turning people over to their sin because of sin, rebellion, and disobedience--basically letting them have the "FREEDOM" they want is NOT freedom! The Israelites had "freely" made their choice, and in Romans Paul is speaking of people who "freely" choose sin. The punishment? Just more of what they have chosen! This is not freedom! Instead, freedom is being able to run in the path, the protection, of God's commands! Before we had Christ, we did not have this freedom! See how the law is not a burden to us any longer, but a means of grace? That is why the Psalmist says, "Be gracious to me through your law,".

Grace through the law? Yes, in Christ, we receive grace through the law. Let us embrace God's commandments and the FREEDOM they bring! For the way of what the world calls "FREEDOM" will only lead to bondage to sin. We see that when we choose something other than God, God can give us over to that thing and instead of the freedom we THOUGHT we had, we have actually become a slave.

If you are a Christian today, rejoice in your freedom and your ability now through Christ to run in the path of his commands. And if you haven't read Psalm 119 in awhile, read it again and take comfort. May we, as mothers, be diligent to teach our children the freedom that comes from obedience.

In Christ, Laura

Update

2011-07-25T21:34:00.000-04:00

God has been teaching us so much this past year. We have been in the midst of the journey in such a way that I haven't been able to share all that we have learned because we had yet to "arrive" at the end, so to speak, of that lesson. I want to go into more detail about each of these things, but for now I will just share the "event", the climax, the fruit of what we have learned. Many times the biggest change is not manifested in any outward sign. Instead, what has been transformed is internal--in our hearts, our thinking, our perspective.

To say that this has been a difficult year, starting from last July when we moved here, would be an understatement. However, to tell you that it has been a great year would also be an understatement. It has been an amazing, a wonderful, and a difficult year. Often the greatest trials yield the greatest blessings, the most fruit. Also, God's grace is so rich and abundant toward us even in the midst of these trials. Even as Cameron and I felt stretched, challenged and humbled in some areas of our lives, in others God was blessing us beyond what we could ask or imagine. So, we can say with even more confidence, despite this year of trials and BECAUSE of this year of trials that God is SO good and His grace IS sufficient!

Here are a few "highlights" of which I will elaborate more on when I have time:

~ALL of our children were baptized last week! Yes, ALL of them. No, we were not raised as paedo-baptists (baptizing infants) and up until our move back to MI, we did not attend a church that believed in paedo-baptism. This was the culmination of a 2-3 year long "journey" God led us on and he has taught us SOOO much. There were times I wanted to blog about all God has taught us, but I know the controversy of this topic and how most of my good friends are on the opposite side of this "debate" and I really didn't think it would be beneficial to share. However, this is good news for our family and I wanted to announce it. Intertwined with the change in our view on baptism has been our move toward family-integrated worship--the two have gone hand-in-hand for us.

~We have had a very difficult beginning with Truman. Just when I thought we had reached a point where I could share all that we have gone through with him, something changes. He has been a difficult baby and we are still learning how to parent this little guy. Without launching a whole blog post right here about it all I will just share that it has had to do with weight gain issues and nursing difficulties. Truman is really a sweet baby, though, he just has had a rough start, poor guy.

~We have still YET to sell our house in NC. This has been such a struggle for me as I so want to be settled here. Our rental house is great, however, and our landlord is the elder in our church. However, God has taught us SO much through this trial and has led us to some conclusions, the result being that we are currently looking to buy a house here that would be the same price as the rent we are paying.

~God has been showing me that I still have a long way to go in terms of trusting in His Sovereignty. It has been difficult to face fears and to believe God's Word. However, God has been so faithful--through His Word, my husband, "coincidental" sermons (HA!), "chance" meetings with people and some good butt-kicking by some godly women in my life (Lori and Kami) to remind me of TRUTH and how I am called to LIVE IT even when I don't feel like it. Again, without hijacking this post and running with this topic it centers most around Truman and his nursing difficulties and the timing of the next baby, if God so chooses to bless us.

~I have started running again! Oh, how I have missed this.

~I am reading lots and lots of Christian books--non-fiction--and loving it. I have determined to not read any fiction for the time being. No conviction against it or anything, just a season I am going through. I am reading "How Then Should We Live?" By Francis Schaffer and just finished "His Invisible Hand" by R.C. Sproul.

~I have purposely not shared about Abbie and all that God has taught us through everything, and I am not sure that I ever will. I will say that she is doing well and we are doing well with it and God is good.

When I have time, I will go into more detail about all of these things.

In Christ, Laura

More Pictures By Anna

2011-07-25T10:14:00.006-04:00

Here are some more pictures Anna has taken recently. And if you haven't voted for her picture yet, you can do so HERE by leaving a comment. It would mean a lot to her ;).

In Christ, Laura

A Good Reminder--Sanctification

2011-07-25T10:06:00.000-04:00

I am loving reading Leviticus! Even in this Old Testament book, written about the minutiae of the law, there is so much richness, so much truth, so much to learn about the Gospel.

I read these two verses today and was arrested from reading further, my attention riveted on the truth contained here:

Leviticus 20:7,8

"Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord who makes you holy."

First, there are two commands: "Consecrate yourselves and be holy" and "Keep my decrees and follow them". Thus, it would appear that this journey to becoming holy, this process, were up to us. We must do our part.

But read the last line: I am the Lord WHO MAKES you holy. Who makes us holy? God. Not us.

I think we would all agree that God is the one who justifies us--that is declares us to be righteous when we believe on the Lord Jesus. It is through Him that we are justified by grace through faith. However, I think many people believe that the sanctification part, the process of us becoming holy, more and more like Jesus, is up to us, or at least partly up to us. In actuality, sanctification is also by grace! It is not us, or our actions, that make us holy it is God who makes us holy--even apart from our "good works" after we become a Christian.

Jerry Bridges, in his book, "Transforming Grace" says this: "All Christians recognize that we are justified--that is, declared righteous--solely on the basis of the righteousness of Christ imputed to us by God through faith (Romans 3:21-25). But few of us recognize that we are also sanctified through faith in Christ." (pg 102).

He goes on to say, " . . . Christ has become our righteousness, holiness and redemption. {I Cor. 1:30} . . . Christ is also our holiness . . . All Christians look to Christ alone for their justification, but not nearly as many also look to Him for their perfect holiness before God. The blessed truth, though, is that all believers are sanctified in Christ, even as we are justified in Christ." (pg 102-103).

What does this mean? It means that when God calls us to be holy, as He is holy, He is the one who makes us holy. He sanctifies us. It is also through grace that we are sanctified. This IS good news! This is a weight lifted from our shoulders in this Christian walk, as His yoke is easy and His burden light. Yes, we ARE called to be obedient and faith without works is dead, but the truth is that our standing before God does not depend on us. The truth also is that good works are produced BECAUSE we are being sanctified, not in order TO BE sanctified. Thus, the good works are the fruit, not the vehicle.

So, rest in His grace today, as our means of justification AND sanctification. God calls us to be holy but it is HE who makes us holy! Rejoice that this is so and that the command to be holy is not up to us, for if it were, who could stand?

In Christ, Laura

Family-Integrated Church

2011-07-19T10:34:00.004-04:00

Awhile ago, I wrote a post about our membership in a "family-integrated" church. I received this email article today, written by R.C. Sproul Jr. and thought it would shed more light on the topic:

What is a “Family-integrated church?” (By R.C. Sproul Jr.)

Though it sounds rather complicated and perhaps a smidge experimental, the concept is both simple and ancient. A family integrated church is one that encourages keeping families together by keeping them together. It is a church where families together study the Bible, where families together worship the living God, where families together serve both the church and the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

We fight against a Devil that desperately fights against the family. While we are on guard, as we ought to be, against assaults on the family in the political sphere, we often miss the serpent’s subtleties. The broader culture attacks our families by dividing them. It constructs demographic groups to replace family identity. Each group has its own language, its own clothing, its own music, its own events, its own identity. Our homes, once symbols of togetherness, have now become little more than apartment complexes, designed to keep us apart. Each family member not only has his own room, but in many homes his own phone, television, music system, gaming system. We don’t even share dinner together as Mom rushes off to her book club, Dad heads back to the office, Junior catches a ride to little league practice, and Princess heads off to the youth group meeting. Messages taped to the refrigerator are the apex of our togetherness.

It’s bad enough that such happens six days a week, but we have, in the last fifty or so years, added a new tradition to the church, and imported this same mindset there. Sunday morning we might all share a ride to the church but when we get there Dad goes to his Wild at Heart meeting, Mom to her Women In the Church gathering, Junior is shuttled off to his Little Crusaders class and Princess is hanging out with her friends in the youth building. The result- we end up identifying with our peers rather than our families, just like in the world.

The Bible does actually talk about demographic groups. It addresses the issue. It, however, commands not that we separate from each other based on our stage in life, but that we come together (see Titus 2). The Bible’s pattern, and that which the church followed for over 1900 years, is that the family together is taught and encouraged by the church, and that parents raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Divided Sunday Schools and youth groups were designed with the best of intentions, to reach out to the lost. What they have become, however, is a new tradition, and worse still, a ready excuse for parents to fail in their calling. God calls me, not the Sunday school teachers, not the youth leaders, to speak to my children of the things of God when they lie down, when they walk by the way, and when they rise up (Deuteronomy 6).

My friends, the LeClerc brothers, in association with my friends at the National Center for Family Integrated Churches, have created a brief but insightful documentary, Divided, that deals with this very issue. They have made it possible to watch this video, free of charge, for the next month and a half. I’d encourage you to take a look at www.dividedthemovie.com. It might make you mad. But it will surely make you think.

(I haven't watched the video yet)

In Christ, Laura

Great Adoption Post!!!

2011-07-19T07:52:00.003-04:00

In light of our own failed adoptions, I thought THIS was a great blog post. Please read this if you are considering or are in the process of adoption. Rachel pretty much sums it up. She worked for our adoption agency when we in the process of adopting, and has also adopted from Liberia, as well as recently adopting domestically. There is a current popular trend in adoption among Christians and Rachel has some great insights.

In Christ, Laura

Great Article

2011-07-16T14:51:00.001-04:00

This is a great article and you should read it! It is written by Rachel Jankovic, author of "Loving the Little Years", which I read earlier this year and highly recommend.

In Christ, Laura

18 Children & 4 Adults . . . 2 Families Go to the Zoo!

2011-07-13T10:23:00.003-04:00

Last Saturday, we went with our friends, Ben and Kim, and their 11 children to the zoo. That makes a grand total of 18 children on our 'little' excursion. LOL! We had a great time despite the heat! (and we only lost one child, hence he is not in the group picture below--however, he was found and didn't even know he was lost!).

We are so thankful for godly friends who also treasure the precious gift of life! Thanks guys for a great day!

In Christ,

Laura

Liam and Haven Holding Hands:

Our photographer

2011-07-07T21:38:00.018-04:00

Anna has become quite the photographer this past year. Our camera has been used by her more in the past few months than it has by Laura and I since we bought it 2 years ago. Below are some of her recent photos. Anna entered the first one in a small photo contest. You can go to the website and vote for her photo titled "Bunny Love".

Salt and Coming to the Table

2011-06-29T08:55:00.006-04:00

After finishing reading Exodus I began to read Leviticus yesterday. This verse struck me, as if reading it for the first time--did you ever have that happen? It is one of those "light bulb" moments and you know the Holy Spirit is teaching you something.

Leviticus 2:13 says: "Season all of your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings."

Salt! What is the significance of the salt? What does "the salt of the covenant of your God" mean?

I read this in Matthew Henry's commentary: "The altar was the table of the Lord; and therefore, salt being always set on our tables, God would have it always used at his . . . as men confirmed their covenant with each other by eating and drinking together, at all which collations salt was used, so God, by accepting his people's gifts and feasting them upon his sacrifices, supping with them and they with him, did confirm his covenant with him."

God, even through this requirement in the law, this "rule", was communicating His love for His people and His desire to " dine with them"--to be in a relationship with them. Thus, salt is pointing to a fellowship meal with God--God's desire for a relationship with us, God's love for us! It is incredible to me that every detail listed in the Old Testament has such rich and significant meaning and ultimately points us to Christ! God invites us to His table, to eat with Him, and we can come because of Christ and what He accomplished for us through the cross. Thus, salt is a reminder of God's love!

I pray that my eyes may be opened more and more to the ways in which God reveals His love for me and His desire to be in fellowship with me! May I never take for granted that I can now come to the table, my filthy rags replaced with wedding garments of pure white, washed by the blood of the Lamb and I can dine with the king! That one verse says SO MUCH, doesn't it? At the heart of that one little requirement is the gospel!

In Christ, Laura

Balloon Festival

2011-06-26T09:26:00.013-04:00

Every year my hometown has a hot air balloon festival, and now that we are back in the area we were able to attend. I grew up going to the festival, as well as watching hot air balloons float quite frequently over our house each summer and land in the field next to us. So, it was a real treat to be able to share this with my children. Jacob, Tanya, and our niece, Eva, came with us. We waited for close to 3 hours for the balloons to launch, hoping the wind would die down. Just as we were giving up and heading back to our car, the balloons launched! However, our spot was in an even better location and the balloons came right toward us and flew directly overhead! It was amazing! Anna counted 43 balloons! She was our photographer for the evening. This morning, the balloons launched again and we saw them tiny, off in the distance from the view on our deck, floating peacefully in the blue Sunday sky.

Waiting for the balloons to launch, rolling down hill:

Uncle Jacob

Balloons and balloon watching:

Katria, Tanya, and Anna's favorite:

My favorite, looks like a patchwork quilt:

The view from our deck this morning.

In Christ,
Laura

The Tru-Man!

2011-06-20T16:44:00.002-04:00

Semaiah Turns 2!

2011-06-20T16:32:00.007-04:00

Sunny Days . . .

2011-06-02T20:41:00.009-04:00

Today was absolutely gorgeous! In fact, this whole week has been incredible--blue, cloudless skies and mid-70's. Cameron was post-call today and he decided he wanted to take the kids fishing. Because I grew up in the area, I told him I had the perfect spot! We loaded everyone up and headed to my parent's house, who live in the same town as us, about 15 minutes away. We parked our car there, gathered our equipment, and with a baby mounted on each of us, Cameron and I headed down my parent's dirt, country road with 5 little ones in tow. About 1/4 of a mile down the road we entered the woods on a path on state land. Memories flooded my mind and I shared stories with the children from my childhood and this same path. I used to ride my bike on this narrow path with my friend, Trisha, to Chilson Lake, to the beach, where we would spend the day swimming and enjoying a picnic lunch before riding back home through the woods. I also showed my children the biggest ant hills I have ever seen! They are enormous--I will have to take pictures of them. And they are still there! After all these years.

This time, we veered to the left, not taking the path to the beach, which is no longer a beach, but to the dam. We walked the path, under low branches and prickly plants that scratched our bare arms and legs and through places of mud the closer we got to water, through areas so dense with vegetation that all sunlight was blocked and other sections with no trees, but only tall meadow grasses, until we emerged from the woods and beheld the most breathtakingly beautiful view! I am regretting again that I did not bring a camera! We stood on the grassy dam, more like a bridge of land intersecting the large pond, and took in the beauty of the scene--the water, the lily pads, the swans nesting, the blue cloudless sky, the solitude and quiet, punctuated by the deep-throated croaking of the bull frogs and the cries of the red-winged black birds. It was amazing to come upon this small lake, hidden in the woods, with no sign of humanity. Secluded. Peaceful. We were the only people there. The only way to reach this spot on the lake was on foot, through the wooded path.

We fished for over 2 hours! The children all caught fish, blue gill and bass, which we released back into the lake. The most successful spot was off of a small wooden bridge, which was over the actual dam between the two halves of the lake. All was well until we caught sight of a water snake coiled under the bridge. Cameron scared him away, but he came back a little later. He was pretty aggressive, following us and coming towards us as we stood on the bank! Even in the most beautiful of places, there is a reminder that we are still in this sin-filled world, not yet in heaven, and nothing is perfect. We still, even here, had to be on our guard.

Walking back home to my parents', everyone was content, enjoying the hike, talking of the day's catch. I felt the inner-warmth of the blessing of this day and as we emerged from the woods back to my parent's road we gathered together and Cameron led us in a prayer of thankfulness to God for this beautiful day.

As I pondered this day, I was struck by the seeming timelessness of these woods, the only noticeable change being the girth of the ant hills. Yet despite this, I am altered by time, no longer a young girl, but now a seasoned mother experiencing this place with my children. This magical place from my childhood that I now get to share with them fills me with such joy. Maybe it will become a treasured favorite of theirs now that we are back in Michigan. That is the best part of being back--getting to share so many of my childhood favorites, so many memories, with them. It is like a cord through time binding me as a child to them in their childish wonder. It reminds me that time is so fleeting and that not long ago, I was one of them.

In Christ, Laura

Sisters

2011-06-02T09:35:00.003-04:00

Katria and Elyse are sisters, only 13 months apart, the best of friends, yet so opposite in every way--looks and personality. What a blessing to have two girls so close in age. I am so thankful that God planned it this way.

Grandparents' Love

2011-06-02T09:32:00.003-04:00

My mother-in-law, Deidre, holding Tru, my parents in the background. Taken in the hospital.

Because we are totally IN-LOVE with this baby . . .

2011-05-19T21:47:00.003-04:00

In Case You Were Wondering . . .

2011-05-11T21:52:00.000-04:00

Just in case you were wondering where I have been these last few weeks or wondering how things are going, I have been busy getting to know a little guy who is proving to be quite the high-needs baby. He isn't fussy or colicky, but he definitely likes to nurse (quite frequently) and does not like to be put down . . . at all. Well, not unless he is in a deep sleep--then I can set him down briefly. This makes for a momma who has been quite busy and has her hands fully--literally. Despite this, we are enjoying Truman and I love holding him as much as he demands. This time is so fleeting and I know that he will soon be done with me, running all around, getting into everything . . . just like Semaiah, who while I was nursing today got into some honey I had left out on the counter (leftover from some batches of oatmeal balls I made today) and left a trail of it thorugh the kitchen and out onto the deck where I found her covered from head to toe in a sweet sticky mess! *sigh* :) I still can't believe she is going to be 2 next month! Where has the time gone?

In Christ, laura

Two New Recipes

2011-05-11T21:49:00.000-04:00

I posted two new recipes on my recipe blog today: Quinoa Muffins and Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce. Go check it out!

In Christ, Laura

A Link

2011-05-10T09:12:00.001-04:00

Read this today from a link from a friend on facebook. Good Stuff.

In Christ, Laura

Tornado Relief and the Crawford Family

2011-05-01T10:52:00.003-04:00

Last week, a tornado that ripped through Alabama destroyed the home of the Crawford family. You can read more about it HERE. Kelly Crawford is a godly woman whom I have had the privilege of getting to know through her blog, emails, as well as meeting last year at the Baby Conference. The Crawford family welcomed their 9th baby, Jax, only 5 days before Truman was born. Consider giving to the Crawford family in their time of need. Go HERE to donate.

In Christ, Laura

Postpartum Encouragement to Myself

2011-05-01T09:09:00.005-04:00

John Piper: "I know of no other way to triumph over sin long-term than to gain a distaste for it because of a superior satisfaction in God" (Desiring God, 12).

Oh the truth of these words! I read this on facebook yesterday and it as so convicting and encouraging. It reminded me that my satisfaction should be found in none save Christ. Coming out of the postpartum fog, in which days melt into nights into days, in a seemingly never-ending marathon of nursing, I am encouraged to delve into the Word and renew my pursuit of Christ in a deeper way than I have been doing so in my sleep-deprived state. Then, and only then, will my days have meaning, and will I not despair as I look at the clothes that no longer fit, and count the hours that sleep evades me. Instead, will I be satisfied in Christ and in this higher calling of motherhood! Only then will I not have the perspective which gives voice to complaints, but instead this will be a time of celebration and of rejoicing in the gift of life God has bestowed and in the privilege to which He has called me: To shepherd these many eternal souls! What a blessing and what a small sacrifice my body given in pursuit of this calling! So, I will glory in my weakness, in my frailty, in my postpartum body, in my sleep-deprivation, in nursing marathons, in "teachable" moments of discipline of my other children, because when I am weak, then He is strong. Finding my satisfaction in Christ alone, I only then will cultivate a distaste for sin and only then will I teach my children to have a distaste for sin as well! How can they learn to despise their flesh, their sin, their pride if I am not actively pursuing the same end? How do I teach my children to love one another and serve one another in love? How do I teach them to love God and pursue Him with their whole heart, soul, mind and strength? How do I teach my children to love God and hate sin? By pursuing Christ myself and finding ultimate satisfaction in Him! Amen?

In Christ, Laura

More Pictures

2011-04-28T09:36:00.004-04:00

Truman

Elyse and Jonas--Anna knit him this hat!

Baby Tru

Katria

Elyse

And another Baby Tru

Jonas and snowman

And last but not least . . . Haven holding who else? Baby Tru!

Truman's Birth Story

2011-04-18T11:09:00.016-04:00

Truman is over a week old already, so I figured it was about time I sat down to write this post while everything is still vivid in my memory. :) (I wrote this a week ago, just getting around to posting it!)

My labor with Truman progressed in exactly the same manner as my labor with Semaiah--even beginning on the same day of the week and delivering on the same day, at almost the same time! However, while the labor was similar, the delivery was not . . .

On Thursday, April 7, at about 1 am, I woke up having contractions. After trying to sleep through them for about an hour without success, I got up and ate something and read a bit. Around 4 am, my contractions began to space out and I was able to go back to sleep for a few hours. That day was Cameron's birthday and I was busy, on my feet all day, making a special birthday dinner and a cake. Cameron had requested BBQ chicken pizza and I made it all from scratch, including the BBQ sauce and caramelized onions. My brother-in-law, sister-in-law, mother-in-law and niece came over in the afternoon. I started to have contractions again--stronger than braxton-hicks, but nothing I had to breathe through, though they were regular for a few hours. Eventually, they subsided. We had a wonderful birthday dinner and Cameron and I went to bed around 10 or 11.

At 2 am, I woke up with strong contractions. After having a few of them, about 15 minutes apart, I got up and got something to eat. The contractions went from 15 minutes to 12 minutes to 10 minutes apart, and by 5am I woke up Cameron and jumped in the shower to get ready to go to the hospital--during my labor with Semaiah, my contractions for almost the entire labor were 8-10 minutes apart so I knew this could be the beginning of active labor. My mom arrived around 7 am to watch the kids. However, by this time my contractions had begun to space out. We told my mom to go to work and that we would call her as soon as we needed her. I laid down to rest and within an hour my contractions picked back up. We called my mom back, and after she arrived, we headed to the hospital. Around 10:30 in triage at the hospital, I was checked and it was determined that I was dilated to only 3 cm. realizing that I was most likely in labor, but still the early stages, Cameron and I decided to go to the mall, have lunch and walk to see if we could get things started. It was a waiting game at this point. We didn't really want to go back home because we live 45 minutes from the hospital. However, during our time at the mall, my contractions spaced out again, so around 2, we headed back home. My mom left and I laid down to rest around 4:30. Around 5:30-6:00, my contractions picked back up again and became much stronger. Around 8:00, my mom came back (she doesn't live far) and we headed back to the hospital. At 9:30, my midwife checked me and I was 6cm! This was the same time we had arrived at the hospital when I was in labor with Semaiah, but I had only been 3 at this point and she wasn't born until 7:55 am the next morning. Being already at 6, we thought we would have the baby soon.

We got into a room and met our nurse, who was amazing and a Christian, and I continued to labor. My contractions were still about 8-10 minutes apart, but again, this was how I had labored with Semaiah until the end. Around 3, my midwife checked me, and after being there for 6 hours, I was only 7 cm dilated! I was a little discouraged at how slow things were progressing, but determined to persevere. My midwife broke my water to see if this would help speed things up. However, at 5 am, things had not picked up and I had a feeling I was not progressing. In fact, my contractions were spacing out. My nurse checked me and I was still at a 7! I was beyond exhausted at this point. I had been up since 2 am, contracting, and had not had great sleep the previous night. I was so tired I was falling asleep between contractions and having dreams! I just wanted to sleep and regain some strength for the delivery. I knew what my lack of progression meant: pitocin, and if that didn't work, a C-section. At this point, I was all for pitocin; I just knew that I could not continue to labor for hours being as exhausted as I was. I decided to get an epidural before they started the pitocin and then get some sleep. Being in labor and up for 27 hours, I was drained. I had wanted to have my baby naturally, but I knew my limitations. I was disappointed, but knew that I could not handle the contractions on pitocin being that exhausted. I also knew that without pitocin, there was no telling when I would deliver with my contractions being the way they were.

After the epidural, I settled in to sleep. It was around 6:00 am at this point, maybe a little later. However, as soon as the pitocin kicked in, I realized that I could feel everything on my right side. It was extremely painful, not only because they were pitocin contractions, one right on top of the next, with maybe a minute break between each one, but also because with each contraction there was this excruciating pain on the right side of my pubic bone. I told the nurse that the epidural wasn't working and she thought it might be the baby's head coming down. I didn't feel his head coming down, I just felt an intense amount of pain that was not typical in labor--it wasn't the pain of contractions, but a more acute, knife-like pain, concentrated in one spot . She paged the anesthesiologist who had me to hit a button for extra pain relief. That didn't work. He called in another anesthesiologist who gave me a dose of two different drugs, neither of which worked. During this time, Cameron and my nurse were getting me through each contraction. It was very intense. Cameron prayed with me at one point and I felt strengthened to regain my focus and persevere. Meanwhile, another 2 more anesthesiologists came and discussed options for my pain. They pulled the epidural catheter out of my back a little, reasoning that the medicine was only going to one side of my body. That didn't help. It was about 7:20-7:25 at this point. The pain was so intense, as if the baby's head was stuck in that spot! Finally, the anesthesiologist gave me a dose of something--he tried to explain it to me and I wasn't really able to comprehend it at this point (lol!) and I began to feel some relief. However, it was at this same time that the midwife checked me and I was 10 cm dilated and ready to push. Was it that the epidural finally started to work or that the baby's head finally dropped past my pubic bone and was no longer putting that intense pressure there? I don't know, but my nurse and Cameron are convinced that it the baby's position. After 3 pushes, Truman was born. Cameron delivered him--and he said that while I was pushing, Truman's body did a 180 degree rotation and came out face down. He also came out with a large swollen spot on the left side of his head! Truman had been face up and his head had been cocked to the side! The swelling on his head corresponded to the exact spot on my pubic bone where I had been feeling the intense pain! Truman had sort of been "stuck", which explains why my labor hadn't made great progress. It also explains why the epidural may not have worked, and why I felt everything on that side--it wasn't the epidural, it was his head pushing so strongly that was causing such pain!

So, I guess I had a natural delivery after all--at least on the right side of my body! I never did get that nap in before I delivered and afterward I was on such a "high" from the joy of meeting my son that it was some time before I could sleep!

Every labor has its drama, every birth is a story. Had I not had the pitocin there is no telling how long I would have labored, with Truman's head pushing on my pubic bone. Indeed, for the first few days after Truman was born, that spot was extremely sore. I couldn't even lift a leg without feeling pain. It is much better now.

It has been a week since I had Truman and I spent that week nursing and resting. Cameron is off of work for 2 weeks. He has done everything and has let me rest. It has been such a joy-filled time getting to know this little guy! His sisters and brother adore him! We also now live near family and it has been such a blessing to introduce Truman to everyone as a newborn instead of waiting for everyone to be able to schedule a visit.

Thank you for all of your prayers and kind comments!

In Christ, Laura

Pictures!

2011-04-14T17:59:00.011-04:00

Here are the long-awaited pictures! Sorry it took us so long. :)

Uncle Jacob sporting a "Truman" Highschool T-shirt on the first day he met Truman.

He's Here!

2011-04-09T14:02:00.003-04:00

Praise God!

At 7:30 am, after a long night, we welcomed our son, Truman Francis into the world! He was 7 lb. 2 oz, and 19 inches.

Truman means a loyal, faithful, trustworthy man and that is what we pray our son will be.

Francis is after Cameron's father, a godly man in the faith--Francis Mouro. May Truman grow to be a loyal, faithful man of God like his grandpa.

I will post pictures soon and the events of the labor (LONG!) and delivery.

Cameron has gone to get the children to come to meet their baby brother.

Thank you for all of your prayers--they mean so much to me!

In Christ, Laura

In Labor!

2011-04-08T16:15:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am in the early stages of labor . . .

Will let you know . . .

In Christ, Laura

Documenting This Pregnancy

2011-04-05T12:16:00.006-04:00

I decided that it would be a good idea to document these last days of my pregnancy, just to remember how they passed. My memory becomes blurred with the passing of time and having had so many pregnancies, I know one day they will all blend together. Having a record will be nice. :)

I had an appointment with my midwife Tuesday--2 cm dilated, 70% effaced. This doesn't mean anything to me except that I am in the final weeks. It is difficult living in the tension of "It could be today". I bought some raspberry green tea at Teavana yesterday. It is delicious and hopefully will help get something started! :)

We still have lots of events on our schedule to keep us busy--Jonas starts baseball practice this week, Anna has a birthday party on Friday; Monday both have a homeschool art class. It is once a month with a Christian artist who teaches a class of up to 60 plus homeschooled students! The children love it! Today my mother-in-law, Deidre, and sister-in-law, Tanya, with my niece Eva, are coming over. Deidre will help me take Jonas to his baseball practice.

Today is Cameron's birthday. He has requested BBQ chicken pizza for dinner. However, he has a full day of clinic and we don't know when to expect him home tonight. He was post-call yesterday and after homeschool we met his parents at the mall and walked and talked, enjoying some coffee and cookies while we let the children play. Cameron had gotten a rare full-night's sleep!

I have been feeling several "runs" of contractions, some that keep me awake at night. However, each one has fizzled out. I did this before I had Semaiah. I feel ready--ready to meet this little guy, to hold and cuddle him, to nurse him, but I have to confess that I am more fearful this time around. I think it is because I did it naturally last time and I know what to expect. I plan to do it naturally again, but I was much more confident last time. Any encouraging words would be so much appreciated! So many of you commented last time before I had Semaiah and those words came back to me in the thick of the intensity of labor and helped me through!

Well, it would be nice to have this baby today, on his daddy's birthday, but I know it is all in God's timing, which is perfect. So, I am going to take a deep breath and dive into today.

In Christ, Laura

Pregnancy Update

2011-04-03T07:52:00.018-04:00

So, I am 38 weeks, full-term, and definitely feeling it. Last week, I had an appointment and when the doctor (not one I regularly see, I usually see a midwife) saw my belly, before she even examined me, she said I would not make it much longer. LOL! She could tell just by looking at me that the baby has dropped and is very low. Then when she measured me, I was only measuring 33 weeks, instead of the 35 I was measuring the previous week. So, I am ready! :)

The women at my church threw me a baby shower last Saturday. I was blessed with such good fellowship with some amazingly godly women. I had such a good time. We played several games, one of which my mom won because she accumulated the most safety pins from when anyone said the word "baby". I was blessed with many adorable, much-needed baby boy outfits. Most of what I still had from when Jonas was a baby, which was not much, was very old and worn having already been used when I got it for him.

Then, yesterday, the girls and I went to a tea party at my mother-in-law's house which turned out to be a surprise baby shower for me! I was again SO blessed! The food, made by me mother-in-law, my mom, and my sisters-in-law, Tanya and Nicole, was delicious! We had cucumber cream cheese sandwiches, tomato, avocado and cream cheese sandwiches, fresh fruit with dip, spinach quiche, homemade biscotti, blue "it's a boy!" punch, cherry sorbet and Oreo truffles! I was again blessed with lots of adorable baby boy clothes. This is going to be one well-dressed little guy!

Anna is turning into quite the little photographer and took lots of pictures that I am going to share--belly shots finally! My sister-in-law, Nicole, is a photographer and has given Anna some pointers. She now knows how to use our camera better than Cameron and I. On an aside: It is so neat to have so many children and see what talents and interests God has given them. They are all so different and so amazing! We have children who are athletic, artistic, singers, creative, readers, writers, technical, talkative, quiet, sensitive, bold, academic, etc. Anyways, I am just so excited to meet this baby boy and find out who he is! Will he look like Jonas, with blond hair and blue eyes? Or will he have the Mouro traits of brown hair and brown eyes like Katria? So far, we have 2 with brown eyes (Katria and Haven), two with green (Semaiah and Anna) and two with blue (Elyse and Jonas). This baby will be our tie-breaker. We have some with stick-straight hair and two with curls. To us, our children may slightly resemble each other in some ways, but we think they really look so different--that some of them you would never put together as siblings in the same family!

On another subject, I am "nesting" still. I have made at least 10 dinners and frozen them, as well as bags and bags of muffins and loaves of homemade bread. We have no more room in our freezer! I have cleaned out clothes bins, closets and drawers. Now, I am knitting baby hats. They are so much fun! I am on my fourth one and have plans to see how many I can make before this little guy is born! Whatever we don't need we will donate to the hospital. At the hospital where Cameron works, and where I will deliver, each baby gets a homemade knitted hat! Isn't that neat? I have been knitting while I watch movies on netflix on the computer. So far, I have watched "North and South" based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell, and now I am watching "Bleak House" based on the book by Dickens. I was reading a lot, but I am in that final "any-day-now" stretch in which it is so difficult for me to concentrate on a book. I am currently reading "Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins, but it is getting over-looked most days in favor of knitting. Last pregnancy, I did many Sudoku puzzles in the final weeks. Cameron has been on-call a lot, due to him taking time off later this month when the baby comes, so I have these quiet evenings on my hands in which to knit and indulge in British movies.

My sister-in-law, Michele, my brother's wife, was due on Friday, so we are also anticipating the good news of the birth of our nephew and cousin! My mom just called to tell me that she is at the hospital and in labor! It is an exciting time around here!

Here are pictures from yesterday's shower. I may share some more after my sister-in-law, Nicole, sends me her pictures. These are the ones Anna took:

Belly Shot:

Some shots of the food:

Oreo Truffles, YUM!:

My niece, Layla, (Nicole and Cameron's brother Jared's daughter) enjoying her Oreo truffle:

Semaiah enjoying her Oreo truffle:

My mother-in-law, Deidre, with Elyse:

Katria helping me open a gift:

Oooing and Ahhing over cute clothes, my nieces, Eva and Layla, in the background:

Opening gifts with Katria, Layla, and Haven dressed as a cheerleader:

Some of the adorable clothes:

Elyse:

Haven:

Eva (Tanya and Cameron's brother Jacob's daughter):

Cameron's Aunt Claudia:

The Three Party Shower Hostesses:

Tanya:

Deidre:

Nicole:

After the shower, so blessed:

Resting and Knitting:

Name That Baby

2011-03-18T21:31:00.008-04:00

So . . . Cameron and I have still not settled on a name for this little guy. Yes, I know, it is getting down to the wire . . . we have 4 weeks to go, if I go to my due date. We have never not had a name at this point. Well, that's not exactly true--we hadn't officially chosen Anna's middle name until after she was born. But that was different. We had decided her first name and knew it would be one of two middle names. And then there was Katria--I was induced at 35 weeks and we had sort of settled on her name, but I still had some misgivings about its "uniqueness". Cameron, however, stayed firm on our decision despite my waverings and we have never regretted it. Our other children's names were all decided on before they were born.

This time is different. We have 3 different first names we are considering, with a different middle name to coincide with each. If you ask us on any given day you will get a different answer about what this baby's name will be! And each of our children has his or her own opinion on what to call the baby. We like names that are not overly-used, and also have a solid meaning. It is difficult! Some have suggested waiting until he is born, seeing what he looks like, and then choosing a name. My only problem with that is how do you know which name goes with the face of a wrinkly, red, little newborn? So many little boys look like little old men when they are born! Then we would end up naming him Harold after my grandpa! The stress of trying to figure out if the child's looks go along with a particular name sounds even MORE stressful to me than picking a name prior to birth! I know we need to settle on a name, but the difficulty is that the more we ask for advice, the more opinions we receive which complicates things further! You see, the name that was our top choice has been repeatedly criticized for being difficult to pronounce or easily butchered. Should that be a factor in our decision if we like the name and its meaning? Another one of our top names was chosen by a family member for their child, who is due to be born 2 weeks before ours! While we have all agreed to not let that be a factor in our decision, it kind of helps us to narrow our choices down. So, that would leave 2 names. Two very different names. Two out-of-the-ordinary names, because what did you expect from us anyways, right?

So what will this baby be named? I guess you will have to wait and see. :)

Bloom Where You Are Planted

2011-03-17T06:00:00.004-04:00

I am greatly inspired by the faith of others--Corrie ten Boom, George Mueller, and even by many present-day women, many of whose blogs I read occasionally. So many seem to be doing such big and exciting things for God. Sometimes, I must confess, I feel a little bit envious of the lives others lead for Christ and sometimes it leads to discontentment with my own life, wondering what great thing I can do for God.

And then I wonder if this is what it is all about--doing "great" things for God. Is this what God wants from me? I know this Christian life is about faith, but what does faith look like in action in my life? Yes, faith without works is dead. But can't "works" be getting up every morning early, faithfully having a quiet time? Or is it about doing something radical like adopting an orphan from overseas? Instead of going to be a foreign missionary, as we presume deep faith means, can't it also be caring joyfully, quietly for an elderly parent? Jesus didn't tell everyone to go. In fact, He told the demoniac, in Luke 8:26-39, who after being healed wanted to follow him: "Return home and tell how much God has done for you" Return home, to your own little spot God has placed you in, day in and day out, living faithfully for Him, testifying about Him, not with a heart that always longs for elsewhere or for more than where God has placed the boundaries.

Sure, we are called to live radically for Christ; but why does that always seem to equal romantic and glamorous? I often picture "washing feet" to mean rescuing an orphan, selling everything to become a foreign missionary, or preaching on the street corner in the inner city. I know these ARE great works, and God calls many to these things, most likely many more than actually obey. However, for me faith is expressed in obedience to what God has specifically called me, without longing for those things to which he has not called me. Contentment. Such a hard lesson to learn. It means being a helpmeet to my husband, who is an ob/gyn physician. It means raising and homeschooling soon to be 7 children, teaching and training them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. It means doing laundry, washing dishes, going to church, tithing--nothing glamorous--just daily obedience. However, I have to confess that it is often a struggle for me to think that serving God by cleaning the floor, wiping noses, and teaching 4 year-olds to read is enough. I sometimes long for an adventurous life--a life doing something wonderfully crazy for God, in addition to being a mom.

I have been on 2 overseas mission trips to the Middle East, two inner-city mission trips, worked for a year in inner-city Detroit public schools as a social worker, and a year counseling in a residential treatment facility for girls who had committed a felony or had been abused or neglected (or all of the above!). I thought that in all of those things I was really living for God! I was proving my faith then, I thought. Yes, many of those things challenged me to the limit of who I was. However, the faithful obedience I am called to everyday, laying down my life for these little ones, has challenged me MORE than all the other ministries and because of that it is in many ways a harder calling. It was easy, and often fun, to serve God in those other ways! Now, it can be so difficult not to look over the backyard fence at other women (a.k.a. blogs!) and not compare my life to see if I am missing out on something more exciting, more glamorous. It is often easier for me to think that the things that please God are the things that are public, that receive attention, admiration, and respect. Because who sees when you are home all day with little ones? However, I have learned that it IS enough.

When I was young, I never pictured my life like this, married with many children. Oh, no. I was going to be a missionary either overseas or in the inner city. I wasn't going to marry a doctor! I rebelled against that for awhile at the beginning of my "courtship" with Cameron and there were a few times I almost walked away to pursue my "dreams" for God. I couldn't fathom how God could be pleased with me being "just" a doctor's wife instead of a missionary! That was such a tough time, as I remember now, struggling through those issues. I even told Cameron that I didn't want any children. Instead, I wanted a ministry! If we had children, I wanted to adopt a houseful of older, troubled children. Indeed, I wanted to go back to the Middle East, work with juvenile delinquents, do social work in an inner-city church--anything but be a stay-at-home mom! That just seemed so boring, such a cop-out, such a waste of a life! Even when we started having children, my plan was to be a school social worker in the inner-city. I couldn't fathom being "just" a mom.

Now, while it has become clear that God had different plans for me, it took me a long time to realize this AND to feel that it is okay to not be doing "more". It also took me a long time to not feel guilty that I actually ENJOY being a stay-at-home mom so much! Surely living for God should be this deep struggle, and loving being at home must not be enough because it is so enjoyable to me. Surely if I was living for God it would feel like a sacrifice. Yet, despite my love for being a mom, my heart is still at times prone to wander, to take peeks at others' lives and compare and wonder if I am doing enough. It is then that I am convicted that this is sin and I have to confess this to God and ask for a heart of contentment, a heart full of peace at where God has placed me and reassurance that my role as a helpmeet and mother is enough.

Because it is not about doing hard things for God that necessarily pleases Him. It is about faithful obedience to whatever He calls us. It is about being content where God puts us. I have learned that when we take on things "for God" to which He hasn't called us we won't be successful and it will not glorify Him. We may think we have the greatest and purest of intentions, but as great as that ministry may seem to us, if God hasn't given it to us, it is disobedience.

I also have to ask myself WHY my heart longs for more than what I have been called. I think it is about having a badge to make me feel good about my life. But then are those "works" truly for God or for me? Often, it is about guilt, too. Have you ever read a blog, or a book, heard a talk, etc. and you felt guilty that you weren't doing more for God? But guilt is never a good motivator for works! God is already pleased with us. We don't need to earn His favor, His blessings!

God does call some to go, to adopt, to be in the spotlight, but for so many others He calls us to a quiet life of faithful obedience. So be faithful where God has put you--living loud or quiet--for glamorous doesn't please Him more, it often pleases us more. When no one sees that shiny floor--God does. When no one sees that homemade meal--God sees. Caring for sick children at 2 am, reading that book to your little one 12 times? God knows and it is all worship.

I will leave you with these wise words from Denise Sproul in her book Tending Your Garden. She says:

"Of course there is a reason why part of us wants the adventure. We think we can only be sure of our own loyalties when we are shown them in stark contrast. If only, we seem to reason, I were put in the position of the martyr, where boldness leads to death and cowardice to life, then I would know that my faith is real. We would positively embrace death in such a circumstance, for we know there is life in us. The trouble is, martyrdom is the easy calling. Obey Pharaoh, kill the babies and live, or protect the little babies and die is the easy choice. It is the little compromises that truly tempt us, tire us, turn us. It is either the slow, slogging steps of obedience that cause us to grow in grace, or the slippery, small steps of compromise that cause our very vines to wither. It is only as we are faithful in the small things that He begins to show us that they were the big things all along." P. 95

In Christ, Laura

A New Recipe! Mujadrah

2011-03-16T21:30:00.001-04:00

I posted this on my recipe blog, of course, but I like to share recipes here, too. :)

My kids like most of what I make. However, there are not many recipes that my children eat seconds, thirds, fourths and even fifths of! This was one of those recipes and it was so simple. And, there were no leftovers! I found a similar recipe online and tweaked it, of course. ;)

Mujadrah

2 c. brown lentils
2 c. brown rice
1 onion, chopped
2 T. olive oil
1 1/2. t. cumin
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
8 c. chicken broth

Carmelized Onions:
3 onions, sliced in strips (I will do 5 or 6 next time!)
1/2 c. olive oil

~Middle Eastern Pita Bread
~Plain yogurt

Saute chopped onion in olive oil until soft, then add lentils and rice. Toast for a few minutes and then add broth, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes until rice and lentils are soft and water is evaporated.

Meanwhile, slice up 3-6 onions in about 3/4 inch strips. I used 3 and my family begged that I double the amount next time. All of my children gobbled up these carmelized onions, which were so sweet, that we used to garnish the lentils and rice. Saute the onions in about 1/2 c. olive oil for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. These will cook down and become brown and sticky. Cook them over medium heat, being careful not to burn them.

Serve the lentil and rice wrapped inside Middle Eastern Pita bread, topped with carmelized onions and plain yogurt. Or, do as we did, since I did not have any bread on hand--we ate this in a heap on our plates, topped with the onions with yogurt on the side, served alongside a salad.

All of my children devoured this. Jonas ate 5 helpings! I guess this one is a keeper!

Enjoy!

In Christ, Laura

Ten Things I want to Teach My Children

2011-03-16T14:33:00.000-04:00

1) How to forgive and ask for forgiveness, even when wrongly accused

2) How to work diligently with JOY, and to see work as a gift

3) How to be content in every season of life, and every place God puts them, whether well-fed or hungry

4) A love for God's Word

5) To love the lost and to preach the gospel boldly

6) To pray without ceasing

7) How to worship in a way that is God-centered and not man-centered

8) To love life, to choose life, recognizing it for the precious gift that it is--being pro-life ALL THE WAY, embracing every gift of life God gives them

9) My girls: To have gentle and quiet spirits, not as "doormats" as the world assumes that means (HA!) and to be FEMININE!
And my sons: To be TRUE men, strong leaders and MASCULINE! May there be a definite distinction!

10) To fear God and Him alone

Creamy Spinach Broccoli Soup

2011-03-05T13:04:00.000-05:00

As posted on my recipe blog:

I love making soups--and coming up with new soup recipes! Soups are economical, filling, healthy and often are great to feed to a large family. I came up with this version of Cream of Broccoli soup and I make it often for lunch. Everyone in our family, including our littlest ones, enjoys this creamy soup.

Creamy Broccoli Spinach Soup

1/2 c. butter
2 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2/3 c. flour
48 oz. frozen broccoli
10 oz. package frozen spinach
12 c. chicken broth (can use 12 c. water and 12 chicken bouillon cubes)
4 c. milk
2 c. cheddar cheese
pepper

Saute the onion in butter and oil until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook one more minute. Add broccoli and 2/3 c. flour. Cook for a few minutes, stirring to coat with flour and butter. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is soft. Add frozen spinach--I didn't even bother to drain it. When this is thawed and broccoli is soft, add the 4 c. of milk. Puree all with an immersion blender (or can dump in batches into a blender, but this often causes a mess and can burn you--it is worth it to buy an immersion blender--I use mine at least 3-5 times a week!). Add the cheese and stir until melted. Season with pepper.

That's it! It is SO good!

Enjoy!

In Christ, Laura

Jonas, The Archer!

2011-03-03T09:57:00.006-05:00

Jonas is in an archery class and recently they had a "fun day" with 3-D hunting targets. The kids were encouraged to dress up as hunters. Jonas won the best dressed vote. His Uncle Jacob (an avid hunter) was there and put together this video. Way to go Jonas and thank you Uncle Jacob. (I am seeing lots of venison in our future!)

Sufficient Grace

2011-03-01T09:11:00.003-05:00

I read these quotes recently and it really encouraged me in light of some things I have been reflecting upon lately that I hope to write about soon:

"One of the best kept secrets among Christians today is this: Jesus paid it all. I mean all. He not only purchased your forgiveness of sins and your ticket to Heaven, He purchased every blessing and every answer to prayer you will ever receive. Every one of them--no exceptions.

Why is this truth such a well-kept secret? For one thing we are afraid of this truth. We are afraid to tell even ourselves that we don't have to work anymore, the work is all done. We are afraid that if we really believe this, we will slack off in our Christian duties. But the deeper core issue is that we don't really believe we are still bankrupt. Having come into God's kingdom by grace alone solely on the merit of Another, we're not trying to pay our own way by our performance. We declared only temporary bankruptcy; we are now trying to live by good works rather than by grace."

From Transforming Gracy pg. 19 by Jerry Bridges

"We are brought into God's kingdom by grace; we are sanctified by grace; we receive both temporal and spiritual blessings by grace; we are motivated to obedience by grace; we are called to serve and enabled to serve by grace; we receive strength to endure trials by grace; and finally, we are glorified by grace. The entire Christian life is lived under the reign of God's grace."

Pg. 21.

Yes, I think most of would say we agree with these quotes, but do we live like we believe them? Or do we think that we can earn God's blessings in our lives through our works?

Praising God for His grace today!

In Christ, Laura

Pictures

2011-02-26T11:32:00.009-05:00

I apologize for my lack of picture-posting. I am so terrible about downloading pictures onto our computer. So, these pictures are from this past winter--some from several months ago!

Katria at Christmas tree farm

Jonas at Art Institute

Haven at Art Institute

Family at Art Institute

Cameron and me at Progressive dinner

Semaiah in shrug I knitted

Anna on her 10th birthday

Haven cut her hair yesterday!

Haven's hair fixed!

Valentines Day

2011-02-19T21:29:00.006-05:00

Some sweet young ladies in our church hosted a Valentine's dinner last weekend and invited 4 couples from church. It was so much fun and Cameron and I were so blessed by their servant's hearts. Everything was so beautifully decorated and the food was amazing! Here is a picture of us--sorry my pregnant belly is not in the picture! :) I am going to have to post one soon, huh?

Here is a picture of our amazing dessert!

Sleep Training, Semaiah: Installment 6

2011-02-18T14:19:00.007-05:00

So . . . I have kind of dreaded writing this post and have been dragging my feet a little. You see, I have NO intention of stepping on anyone's toes, really! And this is such a personal topic in which feelings run deep. When someone tells you what they did with their baby, what they think is right, it necessarily implies that if you did something different you did something wrong, or at least something with which they disagree or at least would not do with their own child. It stings because we love our children SO much and any implication that what we did was harmful to our child or implies a lack of love is a wound that is not easily borne and does not really foster friendships, does it?

So, let me reiterate before I begin that I have great friends on both sides of this debate--one of my best friends in the whole world is on the other side of the fence and she is an amazing parent and her kids are great. We have agreed to accept our differences in parenting our babies, knowing that we have the same goal: To love our children and teach them to love and fear the Lord. I don't look down on her, nor she me, although we have chosen to parent our babies differently.

Remember these are my unprofessional thoughts, gleaned only through my own experiences--and these are just my thoughts on such a huge topic, and I cannot possibly begin to be exhaustive.

That said, let me begin:

I have finally come to Semaiah, my littlest one, at least for the next 8 weeks after which I will have a new little one to get to know and apply all of the "wisdom" my six experiences with babies has given me.

I don't think that Cameron and I discussed what we were going to do with Semaiah before she was born, but I do know that living with two un-attached, adopted youngsters probably affected us profoundly in ways we did not even consciously register. It is not that we became fearful after witnessing the devastating results of a child who had never attached to anyone, I think it was more of a realization of how important attachment REALLY and truly was and that we would do everything within OUR power to foster attachment, whatever the inconvenience or "cost". Until you live with a child who is unable to attach, and experience the pain of rejection, as well as the rebellious and hardening of a heart that was never awakened to love, you cannot understand, NOR can you begin to see it in subtle nuances in your own biological children with which you practiced some of these sleep-training "methods". Okay, I am NOT saying that letting your baby cry-it-out leads to attachment issues. But, I AM saying that we ALL have attachment issues, even our "attached" biological children and ANY way I can work against this is SO important. It is ALL parenting, training, discipline--even from birth, even sleep-training. It is ALL teaching a child SOMETHING about the world. However, there are some things a child, who comes into this world with a sinful nature from birth does not have to learn. I, personally, and you may disagree, believe that you do not have to teach a child to be independent, but instead have to teach them to be dependent, submissive, trusting. Yes, of course I know a baby is dependent on you. God has seen to that. And for what reason, I ask you!? Was it so that we could immediately teach them to be independent or to foster this GIFT of uncontrollable dependence with the express goal of attachment? What was His purpose in having a baby be so helpless from birth instead of a walking, talking independent being? Was it so that WE could be the vehicle to teach them something about independence or was it to FORCE us to nurture and cuddle and touch and love them? I had longed to go back to Abbie's babyhood and hold her, snuggle her, teach her to trust, to love! That opportunity was gone! And what could be gained by it was lost! Semaiah was born to us in the midst of this struggle with an adopted child who would not, could not, because of pain inflicted long ago, love us. That says something about the choices we made, does it not? However, I believe our decision would have been similar because it had already began back with Elyse. It wasn't that much of a drastic change, it was just that we were pushed to go a step further in the direction in which we were already headed.

Thus, we determined to spoil our little Semaiah whatever the cost and to enjoy her to pieces! Listening to her cry was not enjoyable, so we never let her! :)

I also realized that even if it was "harmful" to have your child use the breast as a sleep prop, I missed it SO much after my experience with Haven, that I was going to use it! I realized that breasts were given for much more than food, but also comfort and indeed a baby uses a different way to suck depending on their need. God gave us the gift of breastfeeding for MORE than nutrition, and we have reduced it to calories. I marveled at the convenience, at times, if your child COULD use the breast to fall asleep! You could nurse your child anywhere and have them sleep in your arms! At a picnic, a church function, a friend's house. Elyse was my easiest because she was so flexible: She could fall asleep on her own in her cradle or fall asleep at the breast in the sling in the grocery store. Now, it is not that I didn't try this with Haven--I did!--but that she wouldn't do this. However, I determined to try again the attachment thing with Semaiah and even take it a step further: We never let her cry-it-out, not for ONE minute. I think I was also stubbornly determined to see what would happen if I nursed my baby on demand and never cry-it-out. Would it result in a spoiled, demanding baby as the experts told me? Would I have a raging, crying, fussy, demanding, needful baby on my hands? Or would we see that we could follow our heart and be blessed? I was determined to find out!

From day one, Semaiah co-slept and nursed on demand. She would fall asleep nursing and I would lay her in her bassinet. Most of the time, she stayed asleep. Sometimes, I would have to pop a pacifier back into her mouth, but I never let her cry. If she cried, I picked her up. I would either give up on that nap, nurse her again or put her in the sleepy wrap or a sling. However, this was so rare! Semaiah learned to go to sleep and stay asleep on her own with NO crying! I know some of this is her sanguine personality, but I was determined to not let her cry, even if I had to hold her all day. Yes, Semaiah was an easy baby, even easier than Elyse! It is interesting that my two attachment-parented babies were my easiest! Does this say something about attachment-parenting or was I able TO attachment-parent them because they were naturally easy? Maybe it is just my perspective, my opinion, that they were easy. Maybe another mother would have said Katria was the easiest or Haven because she was predictable, scheduled, a quick nurser, etc.

I think the first 6-12 weeks are difficult for any baby to learn to fall asleep and fall into a rhythm. I think that many of us become anxious and try to get the baby to fall into a routine and learn to fall asleep on their own, and it is a struggle as we listen to them cry, but had we just waited, just a few weeks longer, they would have done it on their own. Indeed, nursing Semaiah on demand, she fell into the sleep-eat-wake cycle and nursed every 2 1/2-3 hours! Remember, when I finally sleep-trained Anna for naps at 4 months, she cried for 5 minutes! She was ready. Even my fussy Haven mellowed around 10 weeks. Had I waited until Jonas, Katria, and Elyse were older, I am certain they may not have cried as much as I allowed them when I began to sleep-train them for naps. Now, I don't think every baby magically arrives at this stage of sleeping on their own without crying, but many do and we could avoid a lot of the heartache of listening to them cry if we would just wait. Indeed, one book that I really liked was "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" and Dr. Weissbluth does not recommend sleep-training until 3 months, I think.

As for putting a baby on a schedule in order to achieve the goal of sleeping through the night, that is just not my goal. Again, here are my thoughts, trying to not step on toes: I really believe that God has built into every woman's body the means to delay fertility naturally and it is a gift. It is not easy, but what about dying to ourselves is easy? Your baby WILL sleep through the night eventually, and it has happened to us SIX times now without much crying, if any. I know that putting your baby on a "Babywise" schedule supposedly results in a baby sleeping through the night by 2 months without them crying, but in every situation that I have experienced or heard about, the mother's fertility returns by 6-9 months, if not earlier. Now, if I know that there is a natural way that God has built into my anatomy (night nursings) that delays fertility, (until 15 months or even later in some cases!) I am going to assume that this is what God wants me to do. The other choices are to have your babies close in age or to use birth control to limit your family size. Apart from my own personal convictions against birth control and letting God determine our family size, believing each child is a blessing whenever God determines they come apart from my OWN feelings, I have always been "au-naturelle", and not only do I not like the idea of interfering with my body's natural fertility, I barely wear any makeup! (don't get me started on my thoughts on people who eat organic, because they won't ingest chemicals into their body, but ingest a synthetic hormone to suppress their fertility! I am more "organic" than them! More natural! However, that is not my purpose nor the point of this post!).

So, Semaiah co-slept with us at night for 6 months or longer, I don't really remember, but took her naps in her cradle. She even went to bed at night in her cradle and would join us in bed when she woke to nurse. Around 10 months or so, she began to sleep all night in her pack 'n' play. I would still nurse her, and then lay her back down. She never protested as none of my others did either! At 11 months, Semaiah became a more restless sleeper and Cameron and I moved to our guest room. The only reason we did this was because we were moving to MI in a month and did not want to move her to the nursery (which we would have done under normal circumstances) and move Haven in with her sisters. We did not want to move Haven out of a crib a month before we were moving and would encounter enough changes. Once we moved out of the room, Semaiah slept through the night within 2 nights and within 2 weeks or so, my fertility returned. I really grieved the loss of that sweet night-nursing more than I grieved the previous 11 months loss of sleep. I had come to value nursing her in the quiet of the night MORE than my sleep!

Thus, our current position is one closer to attachment parenting, much closer than we ever have been. I will not let my babies cry it out for naps, unless I am forced to as I was with Haven who would cry even in my arms, wouldn't use the breast to go to sleep, and hated the sling. We will not be letting our new son cry-it-out. I will nurse him on demand and enjoy every moment with him, believing that it is my job to foster a strong attachment and all of the sleep/schedule/routine issues will be worked out by God in His timing. There will be no long-lasting damaging effects of not having my baby on a schedule, but only peace of mind as I parent my baby without the anxiety of doing things the "right" way. For I have come to believe that the "right" way is so individualized--according to the parents, the baby, the situation of the family, etc. I really do believe that every baby will fall into a "pattern" as they age and if your little one is crying and resisting it, don't despair! Enjoy that time, it goes by SOOOO fast.

Now, I will confess something to you. Recently, Semaiah has been waking in the middle of the night again. Of course, I am not nursing. However, Cameron and I still strongly believe we should not leave her to cry. So, we lay her between us and she drifts back to sleep and we gaze at her loveliness and her sweet babyhood and we drink in the scent of her and touch her softly and we go back to sleep so content. Sometimes, she snores and we have had enough and we put her back into her bed and she goes back to sleep. Sometimes, she sleeps through the night in her room and we never hear a peep from her. It is on the following mornings that Cameron and I reflect that we missed her! Sometimes, as we lay down to our own sleep we remark to each other, "Go get her! I miss her!" and we chuckle as we think about how far we have come.

We know that we have a baby coming in 8 weeks and we have this BIG baby who wants to still sleep with us. However, we are not worried. It will all work itself out. It always does.

Another noteworthy thing I must mention: Haven and Katria were the two who co-slept with us the least of all our babies. Guess who often pads into our room in the middle of the night to ask if they can sleep with us? Yep--ONLY these two. Elyse, Jonas, Anna would NEVER dream of it. Even when Elyse is sick and I tell her I would like her to sleep with me, she won't do it! My little attachment-baby is the most independent while my independent babies are crawling into my bed!

If something were to EVER, God-forbid, happen to one of my children I would never look back and reflect, "I am SO glad we taught that baby to fall asleep on her own and got her on a schedule!" No, I will instead treasure all of those "inconvenient" moments of holding, nursing and co-sleeping. Because, is it really about my baby learning to die to themselves and learn to accomplish this "feat" (falling asleep) on their own or is about me learning to die to myself?

Honestly, the degree of difficulty of parenting is really in our OWN perspective, is it not? The more we see inconveniences as a trial, the more they will become so. The more we are told we have a "problem" and believe it, the more it will become so. But the more we enjoy those "inconveniences" of parenting a baby, believing they are blessings, the more a JOY parenting will be! It will be richly rewarding!

I will leave you with a few questions I have often asked myself: What is your goal in parenting your baby? What is your perspective? Is sleep your right to demand or a gift from God? Is God sufficient for your every need?

I hope these posts have helped, maybe not to change your perspective, but maybe just to give you a different perspective. There is so much animosity wrapped up in the sleep-training debate. Let's all be gentle with one another and agree to not be judgemental. For I have tried both sides and am happy with where I have "landed". After 6 times, it could have been that I would have become MORE scheduled because I have MORE on my plate, but that is not the case. Experience has played out differently in my case, despite the additional demands. Maybe you will come to the same conclusion, maybe the opposite given enough babies and time! However, I will not judge those who do "Babywise" because this attachment-momma was humbled by one baby (Haven) who by nature rebelled to become a scheduled baby! HA! Thought it was only the opposite, didn't you? A scheduled-momma whose baby wanted to be held all the time?

In conclusion, as long as you prayerfully make your decision before the Lord, and in harmony with your husband then let us each hold to our convictions with confidence! And let us love our sisters in Christ who decide something different than us, even if we think we know better. Only then will God be glorified in this "debate".

In Christ, Laura

More Thoughts on Homeschooling

2011-02-18T12:14:00.003-05:00

I have been thinking a lot about how we homeschool lately, as I have implemented some changes, and I have thoughts to share, things that I have learned that may, or may not, be helpful to you. :)

First--workbooks: To do or not to do them.

So, I know that some people hate using workbooks, and consider them busy work, but I actually see some value in using workbooks, especially for the younger years. Katria and Elyse are both using Explode the Code and I really like these for a couple of reasons. First, they are so convenient and they can do them on their own. Second, while both girls are reading well, they need more practice in writing, which ETC gives them. In addition, it is a nice bridge between learning to read and learning grammar, for which neither of them are ready. These workbooks help to solidify phonics without being too technical. Next year, I will begin Katria, possibly Elyse, on Rod and Staff English 2 and we will be done with workbooks.For now, they are a great resource and I am happy to use them.

Recently, Jonas has had some difficulty in English/Grammar. Instead of pushing forward, we are taking a break in order to really nail down some concepts. Rod and Staff is extremely rigorous in my opinion, and it can be overwhelming. I looked into Daily Grams and think this is exactly what Jonas needs in order to take a break from learning new concepts, yet reinforcing what he has already learned. We will use Daily Grams grade 4 for Jonas for the remainder of the year and return to Rod and Staff 3 next year. For this purpose, a workbook is exactly what Jonas needs while he takes a break and engages in repetitive practice to cement the foundation of grammar instead of building on a weak foundation that will only crumble as we introduce new concepts.

However, there are some things for which I have learned I don't need to spend money on a workbook. Handwriting is at the top of my list. While others may disagree, I just see no reason to have a handwriting workbook. My children all learn handwriting by handwriting! They write daily in a journal, do copywork, and write frequent reports. Thus, handwriting practice is being incorporated without being the main focus.

The second subject is spelling. I have tried at least one workbook spelling program and hated it. It was busy work--studying the same words, in a myriad of ways for a week. Instead, I have found Spelling Power to be an excellent resource because children only study the words they do not know. It begins at third grade and before this age, I see no reason for spelling practice. Children must be exposed to words before they can be drilled on them. A few years of independent reading accomplishes this easily. In addition to Spelling Power, I also add words that I notice my children have spelled wrong either in their journal or some other piece of writing during the week.

Lastly, I will not spend any more money on copywork. In the past, I have bought a few workbooks that had the children either copy the selection on lines provided underneath or into a separate notebook. I have learned that this is unnecessary. Now, Anna and Jonas copy directly out of the Bible four days of the week and copy definitions the fifth day. Copywork is free! You could also use any great piece of literature--even adult classics. Simply choose a selection or a few sentences. Children will also benefit from copying from cookbooks, newspapers, poems, quotes, etc.

Therefore, while workbooks are great for some subjects I have found them unnecessary for others. It is all a matter of personal preference however, isn't it? :)

This leads me to my next topic: Homeschooling for free.

Here are some things I have implemented that are excellent learning tools for our children but are FREE! It took me several years to develop the confidence in myself to NOT use a particular curriculum for certain subjects. However, once I took the plunge, I experienced how freeing it was to do it myself and my joy is doubled when I see my children learning by using these techniques!

I have already told you about copywork. There are so many benefits to copywork. In addition to handwriting practice, it teaches them grammar, sentence structure, and all of the technical aspects of composing a sentence such as simple things like capitalization and punctuation. Children learn to be good writers by reading good writing and copywork takes this one step farther. The best benefit by far, however, is that my children are hiding God's Word in their hearts as they write out two Proverbs a day. I let them choose 2 verses that really spoke to them from the chapter in Proverbs that we read during breakfast that day. In addition to copying from the Bible, one day a week for copywork, my children write out two definitions for words that they have encountered that week in their reading with which they were not previously familiarized. During the week, I have them keep their copywork notebook close by while they read, or while I read aloud, and write down words they do not know. While we often discuss the meaning of these words immediately, it reinforces the definition for them to copy it out of a dictionary. It also teaches them not only how to use a dictionary, but it also reinforces the concept of alphabetical order--another thing for which you do not need a workbook. I also will have my children copy grammar rules from Rod and Staff if it is something they need to learn or memorize. Jonas copied his times-table three times for each number as they appeared in his math. This helped him to memorize these facts. There are so many benefits to copywork!

The second "free" curriculum you can do on your own is creative writing. Anna and Jonas have kept a journal for the past 2 years. Last year, I wrote a question at the top of the page for them to answer each day. It could be about anything--such as "Describe your favorite meal" or "What was your favorite thing that happened this past weekend?". This year, we are also incorporating "free writing". What this means is that for 10 minutes (they are always required to write for 10 minutes) they can write about anything to which their mind leads them, even if it doesn't make sense--the point being to not stop writing. This was a struggle for them at first, but now they are delighting to let their minds wander and later laugh at the unpolished results. I am also now incorporating an "observation" day into their journaling time. For one day a week, each will go outside and write for 10 minutes about everything they see around them. I think this will be a good practice in noticing the details of their surroundings, as well as enjoying the complexity of God's creation! I read through their journals, but I do not correct them. I may make encouraging comments, but I leave all spelling and grammatical errors alone. This is not the place for correction, it is creative writing and I do not want to discourage them from expressing themselves honestly through my comments which may be perceived as criticism. It has been amazing to see the progress in Anna and Jonas' writing by using journaling. However, the greatest benefit is not only the confidence they have each gained in their writing ability, it is the enjoyment they get from going back and reading through this treasure-trove, this chronicle, detailing an account of themselves. They love it!

Lastly, here is my last piece of "free" curriculum that we use that I will share with you. Everyday, I have Anna, and soon Jonas, read about a topic of their choice--a non-fiction topic, usually related to science. Anna usually chooses to write about one particular bird, but they can choose anything under the sun. They must read about it, take a few notes, and write up a paragraph. This, I correct and require them to correct. They keep their work in a notebook and I am sure this will become just as much of a treasure as their journals. Some of the topics that Jonas has expressed interest in are levers and pulleys, hunting, and weapons. Anna plans to write about llamas and alpacas, as well as edible wild plants. This is a really great tool to use for science, as well as learning the technical aspects of composing and writing, especially in these younger years. Unlike copywork, which is simply copying someone else's work, or journaling, which is free-reign creativity, this paragraph is really practice in composing a report, which will later lead to more formal and longer reports which will be required as they grow older.

I am sure there are SO many great ideas out there for homeschooling creatively! I just wanted to share a few of the ideas that we are using and that are money-savers. Our children really just learn so much through books, not only reading on their own, but being read to! Simply through reading, they become better writers, excellent spellers, develop a rich vocabulary, as well as learning about the topic in the book. We even listen to stories on cd in the car.

I would love to hear some of your ideas for homeschooling. I benefit so much from hearing others' ideas!

In Christ, Laura

Sleep-Training Haven: Installment 5

2011-02-16T14:40:00.005-05:00

I vowed to do the same things with Haven that I had done with Elyse. Boy, I could not have been more wrong! Things did not go as I planned and I began to think that Elyse's situation was unique, that she had just been a "good" baby and that was why her babyhood had been so easy.

Haven was a "hard" baby from the start, according to my expectations (I had some lessons to learn still!). She didn't want to co-sleep. She slept on her own from about 2 weeks old. Haven did not want to nurse laying down. I nursed her sitting up, even at night for a whole year. Haven HATED the sling. Hated it. Never slept in it. Haven never, not once, ever fell asleep at the breast even as a newborn. I began to despair! I was humbled. I thought I had it all figured out and I was wrong.

So, Haven cried-it-out for naps right away--but this was because this was the ONLY way to get her to sleep. She would even cry-it-out if I was holding her! I even broke my 10-minute rule at times and would let her go 15-20 minutes. She slept on her own right away, first in a bassinet and soon after in a crib. Haven only wanted her crib--just like Jonas--not the sling, not the breast, not the car seat--just her crib.

She was never a cuddly nurser, but would cry, no scream!, even for her nighttime feedings, at the breast until my milk let-down. She was quite impatient. Unlike Elyse and Jonas, who would stay on the breast until I took them off, Haven would nurse, scream for the other side, nurse and be done. It was difficult and at times, I really wanted to quit nursing her. I persevered, but sometimes only because she would not take a bottle!

Again, we did not let Haven cry-it-out in the middle of the night, but instead I nursed her for a year. In fact, this was the last nursing to go. She was just too distracted during the day for the last month or so of nursing. However, I did not get pregnant with Semaiah until Haven was a year old. I never got a cycle, just a positive pregnancy test. :)

However, at the same time all of this was going on, we had just adopted 2 children from Liberia and were home-bound for several months, adjusting to life, so it didn't matter that Haven's temperament demanded we be at home for naps. I can now see God's hand in this, His mercy, in giving me a baby like Haven to force me to be at home when we had such a huge change in our family with our adoption. Had she been a different baby, I think I would have made many more mistakes in parenting two newly-adopted older, attachment-struggling children from Africa.

Despite all of her "quirks", once she fell into her "routine", Haven became an easy, content baby. Had I had my choice, I would have done things exactly as I had with Elyse, but Haven showed me that every baby's temperament is different and instead of comparing and basing my enjoyment of them on how willingly they comply with MY plans, I learned to enjoy each baby and to go with who they were. Once I learned who Haven was, what she preferred, what she needed, and I followed her lead, she was such a happy baby! I learned that I had to be flexible and not try to fit my baby into some "mold" set forth by a book or a certain camp of thought.

However . . . where I have "landed" is still to come!

In Christ, Laura

Sleep-Training Elyse: Part 4

2011-02-16T14:36:00.001-05:00

Enter Elyse.

With Elyse, I decided to take all of my mistakes and do things right with her--and by "right", I mean do things MY way. :) I gave her no bottles and let her become as attached to me as she wanted. I nursed her on demand and nursed her at night, without any thought of letting her cry-it-out or trying to get her to sleep through the night. That was not only NOT one of my goals I was against it! I wore Elyse in a sling whenever we were out. She slept in the sling, she nursed in the sling. She never sat in the car seat while I lugged it around. She took her third nap everyday in the sling on a walk I took with the other kids. Elyse slept with us for at least 3 months. She stayed in our room until she was 5 months. However, even after that, when I had to nurse her at night, I would bring her to bed with me and we would often fall asleep together. I had officially swung towards "attachment parenting".

However, I was not completely there yet. I never "wore" Elyse in the sling at home. I never let her fall asleep at the breast (unless we were out) and I never held her for naps. I let Elyse cry-it-out for naps. She was still on the wake-eat-sleep cycle as my other babies had been. This was not at any pre-determined time, but just a routine I followed. It was the "easy" thing to do because I had 3 other small ones who needed me. I also had seen how easy Jonas was once he slept more. I was resolved to stay-at-home anyways, it being too difficult to take 4 little ones anywhere. So, I instituted the "10 minute" rule again and Elyse learned to go to sleep on her own. It was still a struggle to listen to her cry and I often doubted if I was doing the right thing. At night, however, I learned my lesson and would not give up that night nursing session for anything. I knew by this time that my body needed that nursing to keep a good supply. I had battled weight gain in Jonas, and then in Katria, so I was very cautious and decided to not exercise at all while nursing Elyse. While pregnant with her I read, "Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing" and decided I would follow THIS advice of nursing since the doctor's advice had all led to my weaning early. I learned that oxytocin and prolactin are highest between 2-4 in the morning and if a woman nurses then, not only will she keep a great supply, she will suppress ovulation! By following this advice, I did not get a cycle back until Elyse was 15 months old! Why didn't anyone tell me this before? Why was there such pressure to get one's baby to sleep through the night? What was the harm in night-feedings? Breastfeeding on demand? Co-sleeping? I was finally enjoying babyhood and not stressed out!

Indeed, I enjoyed every minute of Elyse's babyhood. I often remarked to Cameron that if every baby were like her, I would have 20 more! He was in total agreement! She was more attached to me but we saw it was EASIER and that Katria's "easiness" was the harder babyhood because of our own perception of the situation. I had learned and accepted that babies are not supposed to be convenient and to embrace babyhood for what it was. I enjoyed Elyse in a way I felt I didn't have the freedom to with Katria, and even to some extent Jonas, because I had been so worried trying to do everything "right" and "by the book". I threw out "Babywise" and vowed to not go back to that way to thinking.

I became pregnant with Haven when Elyse was 15 months old, but continued to nurse Elyse until 18 months. At 15 months, I stopped nursing Elyse at night and she never had to cry-it-out contrary to what every book told me she would do! I just went in for a couple of nights and comforted her and she started to sleep through within a day or two!

I had found my "happy-medium" in parenting a baby--crying-it-out for naps, keeping a routine, but not a schedule, keeping night-nursings, nursing on demand, etc. I was an "attachment-scheduled" parent! To attachment parents, I was too scheduled still, and to scheduled parents, I was one of "those" attachment people. I thought I had it all down. Little did I know that not every baby would be easy like Elyse, nor had I officially arrived at my present day "position".

End of Installment 4.

In Christ, Laura

Sleep-Training Katria: Installment 3

2011-02-16T13:24:00.000-05:00

Katria only nursed for 10 weeks. She was born 5 weeks premature and had contracted bacterial meningitis at birth due to an infection that I had in my amniotic fluid, which led to an early induction at 35 weeks. We never did find out how I contracted the infection with unruptured membranes. I was not only sick when I gave birth to her, I remained sick after delivery and was hospitalized for 5 days postpartum on IV antibiotics. Katria was hospitalized when she was 5 days old. We had already brought her home and noticed that things were not quite right. Had we not brought her to the hospital when we did, she would have died. Indeed it was only by the grace of God she lived.

After a week in the PICU on a ventilator, and an additional 3 weeks on IV antibiotics, Katria was allowed to come home. However, after a few weeks of nursing her at home, I began to notice that she as not really good at the nursing thing. She had done fine in the hospital because I had a great supply due to pumping so much when she was sick. Although she did not nurse for a long duration each session, the docs were pleased with her weight gain. However, when we came home, and without the breast pump, my supply decreased noticeably. I also realized that Katria was still nursing for maybe 5 minutes total and never really demanded to be fed. I began to suspect that something was wrong. My suspicions were correct: She had only gained 4 oz. in the 4 weeks she had been home from the hospital. I was devastated. As soon as I discovered this, I rented a pump and gave Katria breast milk in a bottle. She gained 6 oz. in 3 days! Her ped. strongly recommended that I either continue to breastfeed, but supplement after every nursing session, or that I quit. I decided to quit. Katria was extremely gassy and fussy while breastfeeding, but was calmer and more content when I gave her formula. In addition, those 4 weeks of little nursing on her part had caused a HUGE decrease in my supply and the pump was not bringing my supply back. After a week of tears and frustration, prayer and Cameron's advice, I decided to quit. It was so hard to let go of nursing--I had enjoyed it so much with Jonas. However, Katria never really got the suck-swallow-breathe technique down even with a bottle. Her low-weight gain did not improve once on a bottle and formula. We learned, and are still learning, that she is meant to be teeny-tiny--just 17 lb.s at a year and at 6 years old, only 32 lbs!

What does all this have to do with sleep training? I am getting to that . . . :)

I co-slept with Katria while she was hospitalized for those first couple of weeks (minus the time she was in the PICU). However, soon after coming home, Katria went to a bassinet. Katria became an easy baby, but she started out as a fussy baby. She was great in the car, unlike my first two. But, she was fussy and gassy while I nursed her. She was more content for me to lay her down on her own at night around 4 weeks old. Soon after, she was wearing a cast on her clubfoot and then special shoes with a heavy metal bar between them. It would have been impossible to co-sleep.

Having a 3 1/2 year old, a 2 year-old, and a husband in residency who was gone most of the time, letting Katria cry-it-out for naps seemed like a no-brainer! I couldn't hold this baby for naps, I couldn't nurse her to sleep and then lay her down. I did the same thing I did with Jonas: the 10-minute rule. Katria proved to be as easy as Jonas and would only cry for 10 minutes or so before drifting off to sleep.

Katria became easier still because now that I was not nursing I could leave her with others because she was bottle-fed. This was unlike Jonas whom I did not introduce a bottle to early on and when I tried to, refused it, and, as a result, I was tied to him for the first year. I felt like Katria was great because I had more freedom! I left her in the church nursery. I left her with babysitters. I could let others feed her a bottle. When she was 5 months old, Katria had been sleeping through the night off and on for awhile, but she finally had gained enough weight for us to officially drop that feeding. I was also pregnant with Elyse, and in my first-trimester exhaustion. This was the earliest we had ever let a baby cry at night. Katria did not cry long or for many days. Soon, she was sleeping through. Katria was officially a bottle-fed, scheduled baby. She was so easy!

So why was I so discontent? Immediately upon weaning her, I felt a heavy sadness. I thought it would get easier, especially with the freedom of bottles, but it didn't. I began to want another baby. Yes, I know I had a baby, but I just knew that although the easiest baby by far, this was not how it was supposed to be and I longed for another shot to try to do things differently. Like I said, I didn't have to wait long! I got my cycle back when Katria was only 3 months old and was pregnant with Elyse by the time Katria was 5 months and I was thrilled--nervous, but so excited!

Despite having this ideal situation with an easy baby I did not enjoy how I was parenting Katria. You would have thought that I would have enjoyed her babyhood the most--but something was missing. It wasn't her and it wasn't me, it was the way I was doing things. I was doing things "right" according to all the books, had a baby who was easy, but knew that this wasn't how it was supposed to be. Although my nursing issues with Katria were seemingly beyond my control, I determined to learn all I could have breast feeding and started to do some research. I began to believe that maybe if I had done things differently, maybe just maybe I would not have had to quit nursing. Looking back now, I don't know if that is true or not. I do know that my experience with Katria, as well as with Anna and Jonas, led to me to the decision that if I had another baby I would do things differently.

End of Installment 3.

In Christ, Laura

Sleep-Training Jonas: Installment 2

2011-02-16T13:04:00.000-05:00

When Jonas was born, I decided to do some things differently.

First, I decided I would not give Jonas any bottles. At that time, I blamed some of my nursing issues with Anna on the fact that we had given her too many bottles and she had preferred breastfeeding. Cameron had given Anna a bottle every night at bedtime while I pumped since birth. Therefore, we gave Jonas no bottles from the get-to.

I also knew I couldn't hold Jonas all the time like I had Anna because now I had a toddler running around who needed me. I was not ready to let my newborn cry-it-out though and would nurse him to sleep as I had Anna. However, after Jonas had fallen asleep in my arms, and I would lay him down, he would instantly wake up screaming. I would have to start the whole process over again and he would not stay asleep outside of my arms. Even at night, Jonas was a fussy sleeper. When he was 6 weeks old, a friend knocked on my door to ask how I was doing and I burst into tears. I told her how Jonas had not slept 2 consecutive hours in a row since he had been born. She told me to go lay him down in his crib, turn off the monitor and do the dishes, or anything, to distract myself for 10 minutes, just to get a break. So, I did and when I turned on the monitor after 10 minutes Jonas was asleep! He slept 2 1/2 hours and when he woke up he was happy! He was the happiest he had been since birth. I began to institute the "10 minute rule"--I would lay him down awake and let him cry for no more than 10 minutes. If he was still crying after 10 minutes, I might go 5 more or go get him. It was very rare that I had to go get him.

Jonas became an amazing sleeper! He slept most of the day! But only in his crib. He screamed in the car and would not sleep at other's houses. That winter (and a LONG Michigan winter it was!) I stayed at home all day, everyday, so that Jonas could have his naps in his own crib. I knew that if I went anywhere, I would have to time it between naps and most likely he would scream the whole way home until I got him in his crib. It was a trade-off--I had a great sleeper, but I felt trapped by his schedule.

Jonas did not sleep through the night. He had co-slept with us for the first 6 weeks or so, just as Anna, but after that I put him to bed in his crib. I still felt pressure to do things the "right" way and knew co-sleeping was frowned upon. Jonas was constantly sick and our pediatrician felt like we should not let him cry-it-out, even at 6 months, because many times he needed breathing treatments at night. She told us to wait until he was healthy to let him cry. Well, that never happened. Jonas was hospitalized at 7 1/2 months with RSV. It was during this time that the ped docs in the hospital realized that my baby was not on solids. It was not for lack of trying. Jonas was just not interested. He loved to nurse and I loved that he loved it. He wouldn't even take a bottle. However, his weight had dropped from the 50% at birth to the 3rd%. The docs really felt like it was due to him not eating solids. I thought it might be due to him being sick all the time! He was diagnosed with asthma shortly after and put on an inhaled steroid twice daily. I was also running a lot during this time (4-6 miles several times a week) and wasn't sure if that led to a low-milk supply in retrospect.

We moved to NC when Jonas was 9 months old. His new ped. did not like the fact that he was not sleeping through the night and said this was contributing to his low weight-gain. She said that breast milk was more "watery" at night and when he nursed, this was contributing to his caloric intake, but because it wasn't fatty, he wasn't gaining weight. She convinced me that night-nursing was harming Jonas and told me to let him cry it out. So, we did. I didn't have any worries that he would prefer the bottle because he wouldn't take one! For some reason, Jonas barely cried and started sleeping through. It was easy. However, his weight gain did NOT get better as the ped. predicted, but worse. My milk supply dropped, just as it had with Anna. From 10-11 months, Jonas gained 2 oz. From 11-12 months he gained no weight at all. At 12 months, Jonas weaned himself. I could have fought him--we were visiting family in MI and he was distracted--but I was tired after a long and stressful first year with him. I let him wean. Slowly Jonas gained weight, but he had to go on pediasure and he continued to battle asthma attacks and frequent illnesses.

However, my second experience with cry-it-out led me to believe that for naps it was great, the best choice, but that my body really needed that nighttime feeding to keep up my milk supply. However, as much as I believed that crying-it-out for naps was the way to go, I was a little less than enthusiastic about having more babies because I felt tied to the house and a baby's schedule. I found that while the schedule brought me some peace, especially that I was doing the "right" thing, it also produced a great deal of anxiety as I had to time everything just so. I know so many love having their baby on a schedule and it helps them to enjoy their baby, but it did the exact opposite for me.

That is the end of my second installment.

In Christ, Laura

Sleep-Training--My Experience, Installment 1

2011-02-16T06:26:00.002-05:00

Someone asked me in a comment recently about what we believe about sleep-training and such. This is such a controversial topic and one area in which I believe God allows a lot of liberty based on what is best for each family, and takes into account a baby's temperament, as well as the personality of the parents. I would hate to step on anyone's toes since I have great and amazing friends on both sides of the fence. However, I can share what we have done, what we have learned and what we will do with our next baby. Your decision must be made prayerfully and in faith, not based on what so-and-so does with their baby, guilt, fear, what the latest book tells you to do, etc. I will share our story which will show you where we have come to now. This will be a series of posts, otherwise it will be too long. :)

I will start with Anna who, poor child, was my first, and therefore, my "guinea pig". I had no knowledge of babies before I had her. I don't know what I was thinking--I didn't read a single book on babies while I was pregnant with her. I just wasn't worried about it. I was much more worried about labor and delivery and thought everything would just fall into place once I brought her home. Don't laugh, I know, I know. I was young and naive.

Anna was an easy baby and a difficult baby. Let me explain: I think Anna was supposed to be an easy baby and what made her difficult was simply that she was my firstborn and I messed up a lot. In those first few weeks, I fed Anna whenever she cried and that would sometimes make her more angry which caused more anxiety in me. Finally, when she was about 3 weeks old someone informed me that when she was crying she was not hungry again, but tired and try to put her to sleep. It worked! I went from feeding a fussy baby to having a content little well-rested sweetheart. However, at the same time, my friend also gave me a copy of "Babywise" which informed me I was doing everything wrong. You see, I was co-sleeping with Anna at night and holding her for every single nap during the day. I saw nothing wrong with this. She was my only child, I didn't have anything else to do and I loved her to pieces. I would cuddle with her all day and loved every single minute. That is, until I read that book, which told me that what I was doing was wrong and would harm her. I began to feel anxious when I was holding her and began to feel this pressure to "train" her to fall asleep on her own. I felt pulled in two directions and so unsure what to do. When Anna was about 4 months old I went to visit my in-laws for several days so Cameron could study for some test (he was in medical school). I informed my mother-in-law of this book and its "wisdom" and asked for her help. Basically, I made her lay Anna down for her naps and we let her cry to teach herself to fall asleep on her own. Well, the most she cried was for 5 minutes and she started napping on her own! I couldn't believe how easy it had been. But, I missed holding my baby for her naps. However, the anxiety that I was parenting incorrectly was more overwhelming and I decided to heed the advice of the book.

When Anna was 5 months old I got a clogged milk duct. When I went to see my doctor, she asked me how often Anna was nursing. When I told her I was nursing every 2 1/2-3 hours she told me that was much too often and to give her rice cereal to stretch her to 4 hours. Not wanting to do anything "wrong" I listened to her advice. However, within a few days I noticed a drop in my milk supply. I began to have to supplement Anna much more often. I suspected that maybe her advice was wrong, but she was a doctor and I didn't want to rob Anna of any vitamins she might need from the babyfood.

When Anna was 6 months, her pediatrician asked if she was sleeping through the night. Again, what did I know? Anna only woke up once, I told him, nursed briefly and went right back to sleep and I put her back in her crib. He asked me if I ever heard of "Ferber" and told me that Anna did not need this nursing session. I went straight to the library and read Ferber's book which informed me that I needed to let Anna cry at night for as long as it took for her to sleep through the night. Again, I was so afraid of doing anything wrong. I told Cameron that we had a "problem" where we didn't even know we had one before! We let her cry the first night and after 45 mintues we caved! Those 45 minutes were the most grueling minutes of our lives! We kept telling ourselve it was for the best, for her good, it was hurting us more than it was hurting her, that it was a baby's first lesson in being "disciplined" for their own good, blah, blah, blah. Well, after those 45 minutes we decided we couldn't do it and we picked up our baby, comforted her, nursed her and she slept peacefully. However, the nagging doubts began to fill my mind. Was the doctor right that I was harming Anna? He had told me that if I continued to let her nurse at night, she would become increasingly more alert and more difficult to put back to sleep. A week or so later, we let Anna cry again in the middle of the night. After 45 minutes, she stopped crying. We had been successful! However, this came at a price. Anna was sleeping through the night but my milk supply dropped. I rented a breastpump and frantically began to pump during the day. Nothing happened; my supply continued to drop. I stopped feeding Anna solids and went back to breastfeeding exclusively with no change in my supply. During this time, Anna would cry and cry at the breast because it had begun to take so long for my milk to let-down. After awhile, she would not even try to latch on, but would cry until I gave her a bottle. After struggling for a few more weeks my milk supply dried up and Anna quit nursing at 8 months of age. It was then I began to suspect that the combined advice of the doctors' had contributed to Anna's early-weaning, but it was too late.

After that, Anna was a sleep-trained, bottle-fed baby: a "perfect" baby according to the books. Indeed, she was a happy baby and I tried to push away the doubts of all this advice I had been given. Within a week of weaning Anna, I got my cycle back and was pregnant with Jonas by the time Anna was 10 months old.

That's where this installment ends. :)

In Christ, Laura

Day's Schedule

2011-02-15T09:15:00.003-05:00

Do you have a daily schedule? I can't function without one! I know I have posted this before, but thought it would be helpful following a recent post about homeschooling.

6-7am--I wake up and have my QT.
7-7:30--wake up whoever is not awake yet, children have QT's and start "kitchen chores", I start breakfast and take a shower.
7:30-8:00--breakfast and Bible time, reading a chapter of Proverbs and working on our memory passage
8:00-9:00--Start laundry and supervise chores, check email, etc. Kids: "kitchen" chores, "day" chores, make bed, get dressed, brush teeth, showers for Anna and Jonas if it is a "shower" day
9:00-12:00--SCHOOL
12:00-1:00--lunch, cleanup--"kitchen" chores
1:00-2:30 (or so, some days runs to 3:00)--Read-aloud time (our favorite time! This also serves as our "rest time", but this is still school time.)
3:00--kids play--free time until dinner (3:00-6:00) They will usually play Playmobil, pretend play, outside play, reading books, etc., I workout from 3:00-4:00.
4:00--start dinner if I haven't already, cup of tea, check email, finish laundry, phone calls, bath 4 little girls, and other household chores, rest (yeah, right! LOL! It does happen occasionally!)
6:00-7:00--dinner and Bible time with daddy
7:00-8:00--"kitchen" chores, bedtime prep--cleaning room, brushing teeth, pjs
8:00--daddy reads aloud, or silent read in beds
8:30--lights out!

Of course, this is intersparsed with errands, appointments, and extra-curricular activities. We limit outside activities, though, believing the home to be the center of our lives. No evening activities in our home. I do not follow this to the minute, however, but it serves as a rough guideline to help me stay focused. I would say 4-6 pm is "free time", especially for the children, and although it is supposed to be "free" time for me, it never seems like it! LOL! There is always something pressing to do! :) We also do chores on Saturdays, as well as run errands, household projects with daddy, visiting extended family, hosting people in our home. Sundays--we rest and fellowship with people from our church. Also, Cameron's parents have Wednesdays off every week so they will usually visit us in the afternoon or we will go to visit them. No week, no day, is ever the same! Cameron is on-call at least once a week, and post-call, home all day, the following day so those days my schedule looks completely different! Sometimes, we go on a field trip on those days! We recently went to the Art Institute for the day with the children.

One thing that also helps me is that I set a timer. The timer goes off at 7 am when I have to stop my QT, at 7:30 when the kids have to come to the table, at 8 am to tell us to stop breakfast time, and at 9 am to tell us school starts. Whatever chores are not done by school time are left unfinished until after school. The timer helps me to stay on-task because I can also get caught up in other things.

In Christ, Laura

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew

2011-02-15T09:03:00.002-05:00

I decided to post this recipe here as well as my recipe blog. :)

I tried this recipe for the first time yesterday and it is a keeper! I was craving black beans and sweet potatoes, thought that would be a good combo, so I went in search of a recipe online. I found one that sounded interesting and decided to give it a try. I always feel torn between posting the original recipe or posting the recipe as I made it. I have decided that it is best to post the recipe as I put it together since that is the only version to which I can attest! Also, when I post recipes as I make them, those with large families will not have to make conversions--which is the point of this blog! LOL!

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew

1 large bag (32 oz.) of dried black beans, cooked until soft
2 onions, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 t. sea salt (we added more to ours at the table)
3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
2 T. lime juice
4 (14.5) oz. cans diced tomatoes
2 (4 oz.) cans green chilies or use a jalapeno, seeded and diced if you like heat.
2 T. cumin
2 T. chili powder
2 T. cocoa powder

**Other options:
~cilantro--to garnish at the table--we do not like cilantro, so I omitted this, but I know others like it.
~you can use 8 cans of drained and rinsed black beans if you prefer to do it a quicker way than dried. The original recipe calls for 4 cans of black beans.
~the original recipe calls for a red pepper, but I didn't have one
~the original recipe calls for jalapeno and cans of diced tomatoes. I used 2 cans of Rotel and 2 cans of diced tomaotes and it was too spicy for my children (must have been the brand I purchased). Next time, I will do as I posted above: 4 cans of diced tomatoes and green chilies.

I threw everything into my crockpot and cooked on low for 6-7 hours. The sweet potatoes were really soft and Cameron requested that I add them a little later next time so they are not quite so mushy.

~We served this over rice.

That's it! Very easy, healthy, economical and delicious! This has such good flavor!

In Christ, Laura

God is Sovereign!

2011-02-04T08:30:00.003-05:00

During Bible time at dinner the other night, Cameron was reading a chapter from Joshua (chapter 10) about the Israelites fighting against the Amorites. What struck me most about this chapter was that God sent large hailstones down on the Amorites as they feld and the Bible tells us that more died that day from the hailstones than from the swords of the Israelite warriors. What is so INCREDIBLE about this is this: God sent each and every hailstone so that it would hit at exactly the right moment an Amorite! So, he had to time where the Amorites would be and where the hailstone would fall! Each hailstone was ordained by God! AND, He made sure not one hit an Israelite. This was no random hail storm! God timed it all, God ordained it to the tiniest fraction of a second. He knew how large the hailstones had to be to cause death, as well as how hard they had to impact.

And then we think that God isn't present in the details of our lives? As if things are left to chance, coincidence or biology? We think we have to "make" things happen, to help God out? God knows the design of each individual snowflake, for He made them. God has numbered the very hairs on our head! Who of us by worrying can add a single hour to our lives?

God even uses our sin for HIS purposes. Look at King David--in obvious sin when he committed adultery with Bathsheba. Clearly, this was NOT God's plan. God even punished Him for this sin by taking the life of his son, born out of this illicit, at the time, union. BUT, then God used David's sin for His own purpose when He had Jesus come from the line of Solomon, the second son born to David and Bathsheba! Even though David and Bathsheba had committed adultery initially, AND David basically had her husband Uriah murdered! God used David's sin for good, for His purpose! David repented, he confessed his sin, he cried out to God and God heard him and forgave him.

God is Sovereign in our lives. Even our trials have been ordained for our good, not our downfall, and for His glory! How incredible is that!? All of our fears, our waiting, our pain, our suffering . . . we can trust in a loving Father who is in control. Even when we mess up, we can't ultimately mess God's plans up. Do we presume to have that much power? Rest in Him. God is an ever-present help in our hour of need!

I have to preach this to myself everyday as we are waiting for our house in NC to sell, as we wait to buy a house here in MI. As a friend reminded me--it is not our house, it is His and He will sell it in His timing and for the price He wants. I must be faithful each day where God has put me. I am learning to be content in every situation. It may not be what I would want, what I have planned, but it is what HE has planned and I will submit myself to His will. It is perfect. Thus, I should not worry, be anxious, or complain. Instead, may I use this time to learn to love Him more and to praise His holy name.

In Christ, Laura

Blizzard and Random Thoughts.

2011-02-01T20:20:00.005-05:00

We are being hit with a blizzard tonight, as I am sure most of the country has been or will be in some form this week, and I have to admit that I am excited. I know that I am in the minority, but something about a winter storm makes me feel a camaraderie with everyone else, as we are all experiencing the same thing. I also feel a connection with those in the past, who braved many a winter storm, but without the modern conveniences we have today such as furnaces, snow plows, and the weatherman! There is something beautiful about a winter's storm and the feeling of coziness inside warm houses. I am looking forward to a quiet day at home with my children tomorrow enjoying the comforts of home that winter seems to make me appreciate all the more--hot chocolate, homemade soup, and big afghans.

Cameron is on-call on Wednesday. However, he was afraid he would not be able to get to work tomorrow morning so he is staying at work tonight--being on-call two nights in a row. Before you get alarmed, and think of all those crazy stories of over-tired docs, know that he will sleep in a call room when time allows.

I think we will take our own "snow day" tomorrow. I guess that just means the kids will play all day. I like snow days, but find them more difficult, too, because I seem to wander through the day aimlessly, without the anchor of our normal school schedule. However, I know how much I liked snow days as a kid, so it is fun for my homeschooled children to also look forward to winter storms as we all did.

In school, we are studying Ancient History and loving it. Currently, we are reading about the Trojan War, as well as Alexander the Great. I did not learn this part of history growing up, so I am learning right along with the kids. I have been looking for some adult historical fiction to read on my own about either the Trojan War or Alexander the Great. Any recommendations?

The kids have been playing with Playmobil every chance they get. I really like Playmobil because it is something that boys and girls can play together without compromising their own gender-specific interests. The little girls can be princesses, Anna can run a flower shop, and Jonas can be a soldier and all can play together. It is also great because all ages can play together, unlike games or puzzles, which are more age-specific. The children have also been on a classical music kick. The girls wanted "ballet music" one day and I gave them a stack of classical music cds. They have been listening to them non-stop! It is cute to hear classical music blaring from their room and having to tell them to turn it down!

I have been reading the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. I can honestly say that I never had an interest in reading these before. I picked one up a few weeks back after a friend had posted on GoodReads that she was reading them and decided to give them a try. They are SO good! What had turned me off was that I had attempted to read "The Hobbit" when I was 10 years old and got bored and quit. I anticipated "The Lord of the Rings" being the same. Then, when the movies came out I had no interest in the fantastical world of magic and war and all that. Now I know what I was missing. I have finished the first book and am now reading "The Two Towers. This puts me on my fourth book of my 24 books in 2011 goal.

I am in my third trimester of this pregnancy and I really cannot believe how fast it has gone! However, when I think that I have 10 weeks left I wonder how that can be! How can I get bigger? How can I handle 10 more weeks with this pain in my left hip? Sometimes, I feel really really good. Other times, I feel very ready to be done. But, when I anticipate the pain of labor and delivery, I know I am NOT ready at all. I guess I need the intensity of that last month of pregnancy to really push me to not only not fear the pain of labor, but to WANT it to come just so I don't have to be pregnant anymore! I think that I am even more nervous about labor and delivery than I was last time because now I KNOW the pain of natural child birth--I know what to expect! I am going to try to do it natural again this time. For me, if I have done it once already, why would I not do it again? I know I can do it, so I won't let myself NOT do it. Knowing this about myself, though, makes me much more nervous about what is coming! :)

Well, I am off to watch an episode of Larkrise to Candleford (season 4, episode 3) on Youtube (my indulgence on the nights Cameron is on-call) and enjoy a nighttime treat: chocolate ice cream with coconut and walnuts! YUM!

In Christ, Laura

An AMAZINGLY Delicious Lunch!

2011-01-29T13:49:00.004-05:00

This recipe was too good to just post on my recipe blog! I had to share it here, too! I found this recipe on a recipe website and modified it a bit, as usual. The results were incredible. WHEN you try this (!) you have to come back and post a comment and tell me what you thought. All of my children devoured this. It was the easiest lunch!

Chickpea Roll-ups

2 (15 oz.) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 T. onion, finely chopped
3 T. mayonnaise
3 t. lemon juice
1-2 T. fresh dill (or you can use 1 t. dried)
1/4 t. garlic powder
salt and pepper

Add all to your food processor and process until smooth. That's it!

To assemble:

Spread a layer on flour tortillas. This made 8 for me. Next, layer cucumbers, lettuce, sliced carrots (if desired) and yogurt sauce (recipe to follow) and roll up. Cut in half and enjoy!

Yogurt sauce:

1 c. yogurt
1 T. mayonnaise
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. salt
1 t. lemon juice
1-2 T. fresh dill

Enjoy!

In Christ, Laura

Homeschooling At A Glance

2011-01-27T07:58:00.002-05:00

Here is what we do for homeschooling each day, tailored for each child:

Anna~

~Spelling Power--love this! starts at 3rd grade and students only study the words they misspell! Anna is in 9th grade spelling!
~Rod & Staff grade 5 (love how systematic, logical and incremental this is! However, very rigorous)
~Saxon Math 5/4
~copywork--from Proverbs, once a week copies defintions of words she comes across in her reading that she doesn't know for vocabulary enrichment
~journal--I give her a question each day, writes for 10 minutes, I don't correct this grammatically, it is for creative writing.
~reading--a fiction work I assign
~history--Tapestry of Grace, Year 1 Ancient History, she reads the history assignment to herself or I will read it if it is for all the children--we focus on "living books"
~Science--Apologia, Biology, winged creatures with daddy

Jonas~

~Spelling Power
~Rod & Staff grade 3
~Saxon Math grade 3
~copywork--from Proverbs
~journal--I give him a question each day
~reading--a fiction work I assign
~history--Tapestry of Grace, Year 1, Ancient History--but we focus mostly on "living books"
~Science--Apologia, Biology, winged creatures with daddy

Katria~

~Saxon Math grade 1
~Explode the Code book 4
~Language Lessons for Little Ones (Queen Homeschool)
~Reading--she reads an early reader book to me, just started reading chapter books for silent reading at bedtime
~Tapestry of Grace, Year 1, Ancient History, I read "living books" to her

Elyse~

~Saxon Math 1
~Explode the Code book 3
~Sing, Spell, Read, Write--just the readers, she reads to me each day
~Tapestry of Grace, Year 1, Ancient History--very minimal. Elyse does not like to be read aloud to, but prefers to read things to herself--this is the way she is "wired" and I am the SAME way! If she listens, great, but she is only 5 and often will go off and play with Haven.

Haven~

~Puzzles
~coloring
~cutting (This is a stage all of my little ones have gone through!--cutting everything and leaving huge messes of little pieces of paper everywhere
~playing!

To All~

~Read-Alouds--I read "just for fun" fiction when we are not engrossed in an Ancient History "living book" like Tales from the Odyssey or Archimedes and the Door to Science. Some books we have read for fun this year include: James and the Giant Peach, The Phantom Tollbooth, Swallows and Amazons, Star of Light, Five Children and It, etc. Just so you know, I read A TON to my kids--I think this is so important. It is not uncommon for us to read 1-2, or even more, hours together in the afternoon, curled up on the couch. The kids beg me to "read just ONE more chapter!" LOL! Living books are the bulk of our history studies.

~Bible--Very important to us! Memorizing passages, family Bible time with daddy at dinner, reading through Proverbs, a chapter a day.

That's it! Learning occurs outside of school, of course! Jonas loves studying WWII history on his own. Anna reads non-fiction books about birds, knitting, and farming. We are always going someplace, learning something. That's life.

In Christ, Laura

In Christ, Laura

My Past

2011-01-24T15:54:00.004-05:00

Thought you might need a good laugh today, so I wanted to post all of the bands I have seen in the past during that stage in my life in which I was pretty far from the Lord. Not that listening to these bands = far from the Lord, mind you, it's just where I was. Those of you who know me from way back then, and happen to read my blog now, will know what a life transformation has occurred and probably would have never guessed I'd be doing what I am today! LOL! I realize also that this list will date me!

In no particular order:

Smashing Pumpkins (3-4 times)
The Breeders
Stone Temple Pilots
The Cure
Gin Blossoms
Toad the Wet Sprocket
Natalie Merchant
Gigilo Aunts
Catherine Wheel (4 times--LOVED this band, back then)
Beth Orton
UB40 (not my choice--THAT was a story! LOL!)
Violent Femmes (twice)
The Moody Blues
Magnapop
Green Day
The Beastie Boys
Live
The Cranberries
Pink Floyd
Belly
RadioHead (twice)
Ned's Atomic Dustbin
Filter
Weezer
Mighty Mighty Bosstones
The Afghan Whigs
Morrissey
Beck
Patty Griffin (still like her)
The Innocence Mission
Collective Soul--I am sure I have seen them open for someone

(Well, you get the picture!)

That's all I can remember! I know there are lots more! Still, that's a lot of concerts. There was also Lollapalooza twice and some other festivals which hosted several bands at once (89X fest or something of the sort). Too many to recount. I was reminded of "my past" this week when a local Christian radio station announced a Christian fest at a venue in which I saw some of these bands. Brought back memories.

Now, my favorite bands are Caedmon's Call, Jars of Clay, Need to Breathe and John Mark McMillan. I particularly like when bands sing hymns and praise music--like Kutless' praise album. I like Keith and Kristin Getty's songs. I like songs that speak truth particularly about God, and not about man. One of my favorite songs by Caedmon's Call is "Before There Was Time". That song gets me every time. The truth is so powerful and that song can turn my heart back to God no matter what I am going through. I love Caedmon's Call's Worship Cd--In the Company of Angels--and Jars of Clay--Redemption Songs. Two of my most played cds.

I can't listen to any of the music now to which I used to listen. It represents too much of who I was, to which I never want to return. All of those cds have been donated or given away. Sometimes, something that is not in and of itself necessarily "evil" still has to go because it has a hold on us or gives us an identity separate from one in Christ. This was so true of me. However, I know so many friends who do not struggle with this one bit. I needed a new identity and God stripped it of me by asking me to give up this music. It was not easy and didn't happen all at once. Even today, I only listen to music that strengthens my faith because my flesh is so weak and I know that sin starts with a thought, just a tiny thought--maybe discontent, maybe apathy, maybe despondency--which will lead to a change in emotions which will eventually lead to action. A friend just reminded me of this last week when she encouraged me to believe on the truth of God's Word and not some lies I was struggling with.

May we all find our identity solely in Christ! Amen?

In Christ, Laura

Family-Integrated Worship

2011-01-22T06:46:00.001-05:00

Today we became members in the church we have been attending since we moved here in July. We first visited the church last December when we were visiting family for Christmas. At the time, it seemed like a good fit for our family, for several reasons and we knew that if we ended up moving back to MI, this would become our church.

We belong to a CREC church. This means that we are 1) Reformed and 2) belong to a church that is family-integrated. To find out more about family integrated churches, you can visit http://www.ncfic.org. What family-integrated basically means is that we keep our children with us and do not send them to Sunday School or Children's Church. We worship together as a family. We were not always of this mind-set, but came to it slowly over the course of a year through a series of happenings, as well as reading some good books and talking to some great people in the faith. One instrumental book was "Family-Driven Faith" by Voddie Bauchum. In this book, he lays out why we are losing our young people, why they are leaving the church in droves following high school. He directly links this to Sunday School, without attributing causation, but instead showing how the reasons and motives BEHIND Sunday School are contributing factors. It gave us much to think about. Honestly, we had already felt our consciences pricked by the Holy Spirit and this book just spurred us further in the direction in which we were headed. God had already been working on our hearts.

Until a year ago, Anna, Jonas, Katria and Elyse all attended Sunday School while Cameron and I went to our own class. Then we would collect our children from their age-segregated classes to join us in church. We used to have our children join us for the worship service around age 3. Well, actually, I kept the baby with me until they were done nursing and then started to leave him or her around 12 months. Haven was the first little one to start sitting with us around 18 months. She used to scream in the nursery when we left her and it struck us like a ton of bricks one day, "Why are we leaving her? Why are we trying to teach her that she doesn't need us? She is crying because she wants to be with us! That's great! By letting her cry, we are training her to NOT want us. We are telling her that she can't have us! Is that what we want to teach her?" So we brought her with us. She was a very easy child to teach to sit still, having a very laid-back disposition. I honestly believe that you don't have to teach a child to be independent--they have a sinful nature from birth and a child's natural bent is to want to be independent. No, in my experience you have to teach a child to want you, to be dependent on you, to trust you, to obey, to submit. The older they get the more difficult this becomes. So, doesn't it make sense that while they are still in that stage in which they WANT you, in which they are still dependent on you physically, that you should encourage this desire? When Semaiah was born, we kept her with us in Sunday School and in church. It was not always easy and many, many times I had to take her out. Indeed, she STILL has a difficult time sitting still, but we are working on it during family worship time each night at home. I really can't expect her to sit still through worship if this is the only time during the week she is required to sit still. She is proving not to be as laid-back as Haven was, but we are making progress and we believe it is worth it in order that we can worship as a family.

Just additional food for thought that occurred to us one day: We homeschool. We keep our children with us each and every day. We limit their extra-curricular activities and social interactions. So why when we attend church do we send our children away from us? This is the most important time of the week yet we are not worshiping with our children together as a family? This did not seem right to us. Basically, we homeschooled during the week, but followed the public school model of age-segregation at church. This is not what we personally have chosen for our children when it comes to academics, so then why when it comes to worship?

In addition to the importance of worshiping together as a family, we began to understand that it was OUR job to teach our children about God: Bible stories, theology, Biblical history, their faith, etc. not the church's necessarily. Instead the church is to equip US to do our job! We go to church to be encouraged and fed so that we can do our job during the week of teaching our children. We came to realize that WE are responsible for our children's Biblical growth.

So, we are excited to become a part of a body of believers who is on the same page as us in this area. It is one of the many convictions we have in raising our family.

You can find a local family-integrated church on the website I listed. They cross all denominations. However, we attended a church for many years that was not family-integrated, but was very supportive of our decision to bring all of our children with us to worship service. Many families in the church held a similar conviction. If a church would not have allowed us to bring our children we would not have stayed at that church, it is that important to us. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them," therefore we believe this includes worship on the Lord's Day! We should not hinder our children from coming together with a body of believers to worship and hear God's Word. Yes, it won't be easy to keep your children in service, but it is worth it! :)

However, let me say as always that this is our personal conviction that we believe God laid on our hearts and is what is right for our family. This is not a judgement on those who choose to do something different with their family. Indeed, someone shared their conviction in this area with me when Elyse was a baby and I thought they were being extreme! It took us 3 or 4 more years for God to change our hearts and consider, for us, that our children would be a blessing in worship instead of a burden, a hindrance, and a distraction. Honestly, that is what I used to think!--that my children would just hinder my time with God and I didn't want to deal with them. It was SO much easier to leave them in the nursery, children's church, and Sunday School classes so that I could focus all of my attention on God. Now, I see those times of distractions AS PART of worship. It is ALL worship. Worship isn't just singing praise to God. No, worship is getting up early on Sunday morning so that you can get to church on time. Worship is laying our church clothes the night before. Worship is looking your best for God on Sunday (would you wear casual clothes to a wedding? NO! So why to the celebration of the week with the KING?!). Worship is preparing our hearts in the car on the way to church. Worship is reminding our children to sit still, showing them where we are in the hymnal, making sure they follow along in their Bible, and taking them out when they need additional "encouragement" to be obedient in service. Just make sure you make your decision in faith, prayerfully, before the Lord, and not out of convenience or what is popular. And remember, God is THEIR God, too, and we want to teach our children that it is jstu as much THEIR church as it is ours; otherwise they may leave it when they reach college-age as are 85% of young adults. May our children NOT be part of this statistic! May we do all that we can to keep our children's hearts! May it be our highest priority! And may THE FAMILY be the medium through which they experience God and His Word. Honestly, we have seen such a change in our children's hearts now that we have changed OUR hearts to not only SEE them as a blessing, but to SHOW them each week by demonstrating that we would rather be with them than without them.

In Christ, Laura

A Funeral

2011-01-21T21:03:00.004-05:00

I attended a funeral today with my parents. Anna and Jonas came along while the 4 little girls stayed with a friend.

The funeral was two-and-a-half hours long.

You see, the man who died was my dad's cousin, but he wasn't just a family member. He was a police officer who was killed tragically in the line of duty. He died this past Monday while apprehending a man. He died a hero. You can read more of the story HERE.

The funeral was unlike any I had been to before. First of all, it was huge. I am not exaggerating. The entire police department of the city he served in was there, as was the fire department, as were hundreds and hundreds of other police officers. I am sure there were more than a thousand in attendance. The streets were closed down, exits off of the expressway were shut down and news crews were there. At the beginning of the ceremony, there was a procession to carry in his body while bagpipes were played. Family members filed in, as well as the police department. Then, to begin the funeral ceremony every single law enforcement official filed past his coffin to pay tribute. It must have taken 30 minutes for each person to walk past and this was a continual flow without them stopping. It was standing room only. There were officers from all over the state and even Canada in attendance. It was incredible. After the ceremony, everyone filed outside. The officers lined the walkways as far as the eye could see, saluting in the bitter cold. There was a 21 gun salute, followed by the playing of "Taps", followed by a military helicopter flying overhead, timed perfectly. It was a solemn occasion, but almost breath-takingly amazing to see the tribute paid to my father's cousin, Officer Larry Nehasil, by his fellow officers.

Following the funeral, we attended a luncheon, to which so many attended that it looked like a wedding reception in scope. It was clear that this man was dearly loved, highly respected, and will be missed by so many. I was honored to attend and to have my two oldest children with me.

My condolences go out to the Nehasil family. Larry Nehasil was a hero. His memory lives on in his two sons and in the countless lives he touched.

In Christ, Laura

Teaching Them To Converse

2011-01-19T23:36:00.007-05:00

Tonight, as I sat with my in-laws at dinner and my six chattering children, it hit me that my children were doing a lot of talking--No, ALL of the talking. They were excitedly relating their adventures of the previous day at Jungle Java with their daddy, their uncle and their cousin, Eva. Indeed, my children were dominating the conversation, excitedly interjecting their own comments into one another's stories, adding colorful details and such, and were becoming quite animated.

After a few minutes, it occurred to me that I needed to stop them--they had already related most of these stories earlier AND this was not the first time I had noticed this pattern of behavior as of late. Instead of becoming annoyed at their seeming self-centeredness, I suddenly realized that it was my job to teach them how to converse! I couldn't fault them for talking only of their own experiences, and sharing their own point of view, if I had never taught them how to actively pursue a conversation with another person. It hit me that this wasn't something that they would just learn through experience, but something that they must be taught. Human nature is to focus on ourselves. Most children, if left to themselves, will often assume that they have a captive audience and it doesn't even occur to them to inquire after the listener. Although there are countless opportunities for our children as they mature to hold conversations, very few people learn how important listening is to good conversation. Indeed, this is not even something that is learned with maturity because there are countless adults who dominate conversations and think only of sharing their piece.

So, instead of just telling them to be quiet so the grownups could talk, the "children should be seen and not heard" tactic, I realized that this was a great learning opportunity, with their grandparents--adults with whom they are familiar. Thus, I decided to teach my children how to have a conversation right then and there. After I shushed them all, I explained that we were going to practice having a conversation with grandma and Papa. Thankfully, my in-laws (Cameron was on-call) were patient with me and willing participants. I explained to my children that although we enjoyed hearing all about their adventures that it was even MORE important that we ask our guests about themselves. I told each of my children to think of a question to ask their grandparents. After each one took turns politely asking after the recent events in my in-laws' lives, I taught them how to think of follow-up questions and we practiced in this manner for some time. It was really quite enjoyable, much more calm and we even learned some new things about grandma and papa that we did not know before.

It is the habit, I have noticed, of most adults to ask children questions and for the children to willingly indulge, yet never reciprocate. On the other hand, there are also children who will not even answer adults when asked questions, but instead their behavior is dimissed as "shy" as if this is an excuse for rudeness. Believe me, I have a shy one and although I know it will be much more difficult for her, I am going to teach her to converse and that shyness is no excuse for rudeness. I have noticed that it is very rare that children will inquire after an adult in a likewise manner. Now, the questions do not have to be, nor should they be, personal in nature, which could cross the generational line of respect, in my opinion, putting a child on the level of an adult. However, I do think that a child should be taught to say, "How are you?" back to an adult, or to compliment, or ask after one's job, family or hobby. This, of course, would be most expected with adults with whom they are familiar and not necessarily to the cashier at the grocery store, although even then I teach my children to say, "Thank you" or "Have a nice day". I was recently impressed by a little girl at my girls' tea party who turned to me as we were eating our snacks and drinking tea and said, "This is a wonderful party. Thank you for inviting me." I was shocked and extremely impressed. You better believe that she did not just pick this up, but was taught by her parents how to speak to adults. Likewise, I want to teach my children to be great conversationalists, to be active listeners, to ask questions, and to pursue the other person in a conversation instead of always being the one pursued. Yes, I want them to share their own experiences, but this should not be it. Therefore, as a family, we are going to practice conversation much more frequently. May we not be remiss in our parenting role by assuming that our children should either keep silent or should only answer questions posed to them. Instead, may we teach our children how to converse with others so that others may be blessed!

In Christ, Laura

Season 4!

2011-01-19T22:32:00.002-05:00

Did you know that there is a season 4 to Larkrise to Candleford? Yes, it is true! My sister-in-law, Tanya, whom I got hooked on the show, told me this earlier this week! We were both so excited and are now immersed in season 4 (on youtube, of course). Love this show! It is "my one weakness"~those who watch it will know what this expression means, LOL! If you haven't yet seen this show, you will have to take a peak.

In Christ, Laura

A Quote

2011-01-19T11:54:00.005-05:00

I read this quote today on my friend, Kelly's, facebook and it was a great reminder to me--thought I would share it with you. I often feel that I am not doing enough or what I do isn't important--"just" a stay-at-home mom is such a LIE that the world would have us believe.

"...it should be understood that for every wife the first duty is the making and keeping of her own home. Her first and best work should be done there, and till it is well done she has no right to go outside to take up other duties." JR Miller

Amen.

In Christ, Laura

Weekend At A Glance

2011-01-17T08:07:00.007-05:00

Here's my weekend at a glance. After a busy, busy last weekend, with two family birthday parties, we enjoyed a much more relaxed weekend.

Let's say my weekend began at 3 pm on Friday when the children went up to their choir lesson:

When the four oldest left for choir, I did a workout while Haven and Semaiah played nearby. After I finished, I decided to organize the house, namely the kids' room. If you know anything about me, you will know that I am a chronic clutter-purger. Just since January 1st, I have dropped 3 bags off at the thrift store and now have 2 bulging bags ready to go. I also decided to take a bunch of dress-up clothes and all of our lincoln logs to my parent's house so that the children will have more toys to play with while there. Where does all this stuff come from? I hate clutter! Now that I am nearing the final stretch of my pregnancy, I think my nesting instinct is kicking in and I am feeling a need to make sure every nook and cranny of our house is clean. What is the purpose of this?? I don't know why a newborn would care whether the storage room and garage are clean, but it sure matters to me! LOL! However, just so you know before you stop inviting me to your house, for some reason other people's clutter doesn't bother me. Not at all! In fact, I love going to others' houses and visually exploring all of their knick-knacks, collectibles and books. You can learn a lot about a person by what they put on display.

After I thoroughly purged the children's room, I made chimichangas for dinner. But by the time Cameron got home from work I was exhausted! I hadn't even made a side-dish to go with dinner. Nobody seemed to mind, of course. :) I think I definitely overdid it and was paying for it!

Saturday morning, Anna and I set out early for a book sale at our local library. We braved the snowy, un-plowed roads and I marveled that we must really be addicted to books in order to go out on such a blustery morning. Now, don't get me wrong--I am one of the few "weirdos" who actually loves winter--the cold, ice and snow do not bother me. I think winter is so poetic, beautiful and romantic! Anyway, the library has a book sale twice a month and a pretty good selection. Here are some of the books I picked up:

~The Two Towers and The Return of the King, by Tolkien. (I am currently reading The Fellowship of the Ring and wanted to get the next two books. I have never read these, can you believe it?)
~Remains of the Day
~Gilead
~A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (another classic I have never read!)
~Mansfield Park (the only Austen novel I haven't read)
~Roots (I read this when I was 17, but don't own a copy and wanted it for my bookshelf)
~Tai-Pan by James Clavell (I have heard good things about Shogun, so thought I would take a chance on this one. I don't really know what to expect)
~The Wonder Clock by Howard Pyle (I have been wanting this one for the kids)
~Pippi Longstocking and Pippi of the South Seas (We have both of these, but they are pretty ratty and from when I was a kid. I needed to replace our copies and they were a quarter each!)

After we got back, Cameron left to run some errands. The girls and I had lunch and then they did some crafts while I baked a Pound Cake for our church's luncheon on Sunday. When Cameron got home, we headed over to my parent's house. Cameron and the four oldest went sledding in the back of my parent's property while I did a workout--The Firm: Hi-Def Sculpt, one of the newer ones! I really enjoyed it. It is my mom's copy and she let me borrow a bunch. I am excited to try these! We had a delicious dinner, prepared by my mom, of a White Bean stew, fresh baked bread and chocolate chip cookies. She spoils us! However, we made sure we left there with plenty of time to make some preparations for church the next day. Each Saturday night, we pick out each child's church outfit so that it will be ready in the morning. That way, we won't be rushing around searching for clean tights, that missing shoe, and matching barrettes in the mad rush to get to church on time.

Sunday morning, we became members of the church we have been attending since we moved here in July! After church, we fellowshipped at our monthly luncheon, eating a delicious potluck meal and singing hymns and such until mid-afternoon.

When we got home, I took a nap with Semaiah, who decided that as exhausted as she was she did not want to sleep. Cameron had taken everyone else sledding. In desperation, I pulled her into bed next to me, tucked her in, and she was asleep instantly. It was so sweet! Semaiah is one of our first babies that we did not put on a schedule or let cry it out and it has been SUCH a blessing! I am sorry it took us 6 kids to learn what we know now! :)

When we woke up, we had leftover chimichangas for dinner. The children had set up an elaborate town in their room with playmobil and legos and were reluctant to leave their play to eat dinner. I decided to NOT go look at the mess in their room which I had painstakingly cleaned on Friday. :) After dinner, and Bible time, Cameron read from The Silver Chair to the children while I rested and read The Fellowship of the Ring. Even though I had napped, I felt even more tired than before I slept! Naps never seem to rejuvenate me for some reason.

Fill in all the spaces with laughter, singing, correction, and countless conversations, some about what kind of house we will buy when we finally sell our house in NC, some about what to name this little guy, some about chores, tasks and expectations that were necessary to make the day run smooth, but are now long forgotten. Those are the words that make up our lives--meaningful and meaningless, but both important in the rhythm of life.

Today, I am feeling so tired, despite a cup of coffee, a full night's sleep, and a restful weekend. I think it must be the stage I am in in my pregnancy. It is common for me to hit a wall around 27-28 weeks, I don't know why, and it passes within a few weeks. I read somewhere that between 24-28 weeks the baby hits a growth spurt and that may contribute to maternal exhaustion. It has proven to be true each pregnancy, but peaking around weeks 27-28. I guess that is why I took a nap yesterday. I have not taken a nap since I was pregnant with Semaiah! I remember despairing each time that I may not regain the energy to workout for the remainder of the pregnancy, but each time I do around 29-30 weeks, which lasts until 34 weeks when I hit that FINAL wall before the end.

So, the children are doing their chores now, and I am typing this out and waiting for school to start at 9 am. We have archery this afternoon and I have to go to the post office. I have a lot to do today: laundry, school, dinner and lunch prep, etc. and I have prayed that the joy of the Lord will be my strength. I hope He will also be your strength today.

In Christ, Laura

Glucose Tolerance Test Gone Wrong

2011-01-13T16:25:00.007-05:00

I had my glucose tolerance test today. Mostly I just feel annoyed that I have to take this test. Yes, I know it is good for me and all that, but it is somewhat of a hassle, is it not? And today proved that to be only too true!

When I was pregnant with Anna and I did my glucose test, the Dr. walked in the room and asked how I was doing and I burst into tears, something very unusual for me. I told her I didn't know what was wrong, but I just didn't feel right. I felt light-headed, emotional and shaky. This was back in the day when they made you fast before the test. The Dr. had me lay down and they brought me some crackers until I felt well enough to get up. With the next 5 pregnancies, the test went fine, I just felt a little shaky after I drank all that sugar, but it wasn't that bad. With Katria, the Dr. said that I had the LOWEST glucose level she had ever seen in her career. I never had a negative reaction again, however. Until today . . .

I drank the glucola this morning and headed out to take the test around 9:30. Cameron was home, and post-call, and was doing science with the other children while Semaiah took a nap. On the way to the lab, I started to feel a little sick. My stomach started to cramp and I felt shaky and nauseous. Then, as I was waiting in line to check-in I began to feel tired to the point that I was closing my eyes. When the lab tech was drawing my blood I asked her if it was normal to feel so yucky and she said yes and asked if my stomach was cramping. She said some people even throw up. She was done quickly and I was on my way. However, as I was walking back to the car with Haven, I felt like I was in a fog; my thinking was getting confused and I had this overwhelming urge TO SLEEP. I called Cameron as soon as I pulled out of the parking lot and asked him to pray for me because I wasn't feeling well and had to drive home. He snapped to attention and very seriously told me that I needed to pull over and get something to eat as soon as possible. I told him that I was fine, just SO tired and needed to sleep. That was when he knew something was wrong and it was serious. He began to explain to me that I was slurring my speech and I needed to get something to eat and get off the road. He told me to pull over and stay on the phone with him. I found a market and bought some snack mix with nuts and a milk. He told me to sit in the car and eat it and to stay on the phone with him. After about 10 minutes I felt slightly better and told him I was okay to drive home. I got off the phone and tried to buckle Haven into her car seat, but the effort was too much and I kept laying my head in her lap and closing my eyes, wanting desperately to sleep. I drove home carefully, but felt out of it and in retrospect I should not have been on the road. The only thing that kept me going was the thought that I could sleep when I got home.

As soon as I walked in the door, Cameron had me lay down and took my pulse. I rested for awhile and he brought me a snack. After about an hour, I felt well enough to sit up and help the children with some of their school. Within 10 minutes, my mind began to feel like it was in a fog again, I started to cry, my limbs felt tingly and Cameron had me lie back down and brought me more to eat. The next hour or so continued the same until around 1 when I began to feel back to "normal".

So here is what happened, as Cameron explained to me: When I drank all that sugar in the glucola (50 grams!) my pancreas started to work overtime to produce enough insulin to deal with all that glucose. However, it often over-shoots, releasing too much insulin and causing your blood glucose to plummet. I was having a hypoglycemic episode and the fatigue was my brain actually trying to shut down. Cameron explained that if I had not pulled off the road and got something to eat, I would have slipped into a hypoglycemic coma. The children teased me that I sounded just like "Ashley" in the first volume of Jonathan Park, who is a girl who is slipping into a diabetic coma. She described that it felt like her mind was "slooping around the horn"--which makes no sense, but that is what happens to your mind--you begin to talk nonsense and it does feel like your mind is slooping around the horn! Cameron said my speech sounded exactly like a drunk person--so slow and slurred and nonsensical.

Cameron also said he would be surprised if we did not get a phone call when they see my glucose level, asking if I was still alive because the level is going to be so low. I am wondering if it will even be lower than with Katria when it was the lowest they have ever seen on a patient!

What a day and what a scare! Praise God for His protection!

In Christ, Laura

Teaching the Bible

2011-01-13T06:06:00.001-05:00

I find it so difficult to memorize Scripture! However, I think it is SO important to hide God's Word in my heart and I want my children to know His Word through and through. As a result, beginning last January, we have begun to memorize long passages as a family. I realized that the children were completely capable of it last December when we read Luke 2 everyday leading up to Christmas and then one day they all just busted out and recited the ENTIRE thing! Blew me away.

Here's our method: Cameron and I will choose a long-ish passage of Scripture. Then, every morning at breakfast I read through it twice for a month. That's it! By the end of the month, we all have it memorized! Here is what we have done so far (that I can remember!):

The Shema--Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Psalm 1
Proverbs 3:1-8
Romans 8:28-39
Ephesians 2:1-10
Matthew 6:25-34
Philippians 2:3-11
Luke 2:1-20
Colossians 1:15-20

Right now, we are memorizing the Beatitudes: Matthew 5:3-12.

In November, we take the month to go over those passages we have previously memorized to refresh them in our memory so that they will really "stick".

We have also begun to do something I read on the blog Life In a Shoe. According to the date of the month, we are reading that chapter of Proverbs aloud at breakfast. So today, we read chapter 11 of Proverbs. Everyone who can read (Anna, Jonas, Katria and Elyse) takes turns reading a verse out loud. We will continue to do this all year. Proverbs is a book of wisdom and I remember Kevin Swanson saying at the Baby Conference this summer that our children should know this book better than they know their Saxon Math. Why? Because if this is God's Word and God is the creator of all things--all knowledge, wisdom, science, EVERYTHING! then He knows something about life, does He not? So, if we neglect His Word in the schooling of our children then we are neglecting what matters most. Psalms teaches us to worship, the Old Testament teaches us history and namely Genesis is full of scientific history (see Answers in Genesis.com), and Proverbs has wisdom for EVERY area of our lives. Will my children succeed in life if they excel in academics yet fail to know God's Word and apply His wisdom to their lives? Maybe career-wise they will "succeed", but their personal lives, their marriages, parenting, interpersonal relationships, work ethic, speech etc. may fail. The more we "feed" our children God's Word, the greater appetite they will have for it! If your children have very little appetite for God's Word, ask yourself what "diet" you have been feeding them. And cute Bible story books are NO substitute for God's Word--they are not God's words, but His Word put into a playful, palatable form for children. Yes, this may have its place, I guess, but it is NO substitute. Your children will rise to the standard you set for them. You CAN expect a lot. If Haven, at age 2, can memorize the Shema, so can your children. We only get one shot at this parenting thing, and the years go by so fast, let's make the most of EVERY opportunity because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).

In Christ, Laura

My Next Two Reads

2011-01-12T12:45:00.001-05:00

Okay, so I finished "The Grapes of Wrath" last night and I am wondering why no one warned me about THE ENDING??? I know some of you have read this book and were thinking, "Ha, ha, wait until she reads the ending." I could have had a warning people! I am glad I finished it and all I can think is "Okay, so what now?" I explained the ending to Cameron and he said that this is exactly what Steinbeck intended--to shock his reader. Well, he shocked me. Now I know you are all intrigued and are going to read this book! Just know that I warned you about the ending so that you can't blame me. And you CANNOT skip ahead and read it. A hard read, but I think it is worth it.

Now that I have finished "The Grapes of Wrath" I am planning to read "Loving the Little Years" by Rachel Jankovic and "When you Rise Up" By R.C. Sproul Jr. The first book was given to me by a friend for Christmas and I am so excited to dive into this one. The second book I got from paperbackswap.com and is about a covenantal approach to homeschooling. This sounds compelling to me. I really respect R.C. Sproul Jr. and LOVE the basement tapes (available at Highland Ministries). We first heard of these from friends in NC who had the entire set and would lend them to us. Cameron and I became hooked. He got me two sets of the basement tapes for Christmas and I love listening to these in the car. So far, we have listened to Voting Your Conscience and Maturity. We are just beginning Hospitality. The Basement tapes are a group of men--R.C. and I am guessing elders and other mature men in the faith--discussing different topics, taped in his basement! They are not in sermon format, but are relaxed, hilarious at times, and challenging to your walk with God. These men are thinkers and I love listening to their perspective and chewing on it long after the tape is done (well, cd actually). The crazy thing is the stereo is my car (bus!) does not like them and will often not play them. It is infuriatingly frustrating at times. We all sit and pray like crazy when we put one in. I think I need a new stereo! It plays all other cds, but not these.

After I read those two books, I have so many to choose from! Here are just a few waiting on my shelf: The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco, The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, Truman by McCullough, and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. I have at least 30 others, but some just aren't appealing to me. Here are some I have either never read or didn't finish. If you have read any of these and can give me a good recommendation, I would really appreciate it. All I need is one good review on a book and I will give it a go:

The Red Badge of Courage
The Scarlet Letter (How did I get away without reading this and the previous one in school??)
The Sun Also Rises (tried to get through this once and didn't make it)
Nicholas Nickleby (also quit partway into it)
The Dollmaker (quit this one, too)
Ivanhoe
Invisible Man (another one I quit)
Sister Carrie (still another!)
Brideshead Revisited
Quo Vadis (Quit this one, too!)
Watership Down
The Accidental Tourist
Angle of Repose
Go Tell it on the Mountain (another one I am guilty of quitting)
The Awakening
As I Lay Dying (quit!)
A Death in the Family (quit!)

Alright, have you read any of them and can attest to their "readability"? Leave me a comment and inspire me! I am determined to finish some of these I have never completed. Now before you go and label me a "book-quitter", just for the record, for every book I have quit reading, I am sure there are 3 to 4 I have completed. So there! Do you plough through a book you just can't seem to get into or do you abandon it as I do? What are some books you have quit? Maybe I can give you a good review to encourage you to finish it, that is if I finished it myself ;).

In Christ, Laura