One of my favorite things...

...is dating my husband! In less than a couple hours we'll be heading out, just the two of us! It's so exciting, not just because it doesn't happen regularly, but because I love being with Jon! Whatever we end up doing - it doesn't matter - I love hanging out with him more than anyone. Today I'm especially looking forward to uninterrupted conversation!

As I anticipate our time together, I still feel some of the same things I did when we first started dating back in high school. I think of things we can talk about so that there's no awkwardness, I wonder if he'll think I'm cute, if he'll like being with me.

I get little butterflies as the day progresses and I begin to pull out clothes, shoes and accessories. Then I second guess my choices, and wonder what he would like most.  Of course I don't really need to spend any time wondering because I am certain of his love for me. This sort of obsession is not out of insecurity either.  It's just that it matters a great deal to me that he really, really likes me. I want to keep our marriage fresh, new, and exciting. After 12 years of marriage we are comfortable and secure with each other, but I want the magic to be there as well!

~I spotted these cool doors a few weeks ago as we were driving by. They were at the back of a theater, adjacent to a parking lot. We circled around and Olivia took the pictures while the boys hooted at us from inside our truck.

Any kind of day is great for a night out, but today is extra beautiful with perfect weather. I can't wait!

~Katherine

Hiking with a pack of boys

Jon and I just came in from a short back yard date night because we got rained out. The kids were all snuggled in for the night and Jon needed a study break, so he built a small fire out back. The warmth of the fire was nice against the cool air, but sitting next to him was better. We tolerated the rain drops for a bit, but eventually we had to give up. Still, it was nice.

I think spring is my favorite season in this part of the world, while early fall would be my favorite in Quebec. This week we had some great weather and I wanted to take advantage of it before the summer heat arrives for good. We headed out to our favorite hiking spot one afternoon, and picked up some extra boys on the way. Olivia has had several invitations to birthdays and sleepovers and such, and I wanted to do something social for my boys. We packed snacks and drinks and bandaids, because we almost always need bandaids.

It was so interesting to watch the five boys interact. Actually it seemed to me that they were hardly interacting, at least not in a way that seemed very social. I had to remind myself that because they are boys  they won't have the same style of socialization that girls have. It's not my job to take away their boyishness. I curiously watched them, and resisted whispering to my own boys conversation ideas. They communicated by finding sticks for each other, seeing who could find the best way to cross the stream, and by hiding from each other. And then, in the car, they cackled and roared at jokes that didn't even make sense.

Boys are a different creature for sure. I would say this is a reason that marriage is an interesting adventure as well!

The only disappointment about our hike was the outcome of my pictures. In fact, this is the case each time we hike there. We follow a stream up through wooded canyons, crossing on stones and logs. The scenery is amazing, but the shadows are dark and the many patches of sunlight are strong. The lighting challenges are too much for me and my pictures of the actual hike are always too dark or super blurry. So the only  half decent shots I have were taken in the little clearing where we stopped to snack and play.

Olivia and I had a nice time together. Here we were relaxing on the blanket while we pretended not to notice that the boys were trying to sneak up on us.

He thought we couldn't see him... Only one time was I truly surprised by a creeping boy.

I acted all cool when they put lizards on me, too. I kept telling myself, "What's the big deal? It's not like a lizard will hurt me and it'll only freak me out if I let it." Mind over matter, right?

I relaxed on our blanket and watched the beauty around me. There's something about being out in nature that I find so restful and refreshing. And I was loving these kind-of-ugly hiking shoes and how much better my feet feel hiking in these compared to regular sneakers.

A little later the kids ventured back to the stream. Olivia had the proper footwear and ferried Jacob back and forth across the water, while the rest of the boys used stones. Eventually everyone took their socks and shoes off, some even began to undress.

Michael was hardest to catch in my viewfinder. He was always up the stream, or down the stream, or up a tree, or down a ravine...

Olivia, on the other hand, is was almost always close by. She's such a sweet companion.

The lighting began to soften just as it was time to pack up and head out. I expected that without the snacks and drinks to carry my pack would be lighter, but that was not so with the addition of wet clothes and "special" rocks. We were a tired bunch by the time we reached the car.

And the car, well, it had an adventure of its own that day too. I was recently joking with a friend that I was due to have something happen to my car. It has been a while since I've had a parking garage bump or a blown out tire. I haven't even locked my keys in the car for several years now. Well, my turn came around again and it happened that day on the interstate. I was following a utility/electrician's truck when the full length of a blown out tire whipped up from under the truck. In a split second decision I opted not to blindly swerve into the next lane. The tire came at us fast and made a loud thud as we drove over it. At first I was concerned that perhaps there would be damage underneath, but the gauges remained steady and I could hear no strange noises. (Unlike another time I drove over something on the freeway and blew out my own tire!) However, later I discovered the tire had not fully landed by the time it reached my car and it struck the bumper before we drove over it, leaving the bumper broken in several places and the paint damaged. Worst looking of all, poor baby, was the front light hanging way down by the wires. It reminded me of a picture I saw in a first aid class of an eyeball hanging out of its socket.

Jon was out of state that day, and as always, he took the news so well. He never makes me feel bad, or complains about the inconvenience or cost. He was thankful we were safe. In this case there was probably little, if anything, I could have done differently, but when I make stupid mistakes he down plays the situation. Remember the blender, Jon? Or the parked van I customized? Ahh, I'm a blessed wife indeed.


~Katherine

Time Away

I spent some time away from my crew this past weekend. Jon had encouraged me to go to an event Saturday morning and volunteered to watch our kids. I got up early, making sure to prepare in advance for the day here at home, hoping that things would go smoothly while I was away. Half dressed and half in my pajamas, I made sure the kids tended to their morning jobs, I prepped breakfast, unloaded the dishwasher, and braided Olivia's hair. I was running late, but there always seemed to be more that I should do before I relinquished control.

Yep. I think I have a control issue. Several times throughout the day I had to remind myself that a dad is meant to be a dad, not a mom. And dads are not homemakers. They have strength moms don't have, and they bring a completely different set of skills to the table. This is good and exactly the way it was meant to be. Parents work as a team and they complement each other.

But I think most mothers would understand when I say that the house often looks like a dad bomb goes off when I am away for any duration of time. How does the house go from clean and tidy to dirty and chaotic in such a short amount of time? Does everyone forget what to do? Is it a free-for-all? How in the world do the kids get so crusty?

On my way out, I wondered if it's all worth it: The work involved in preparing, the concern while away, and then the recovery/work once home.

But I think we all need a little break now and then. Everyone needs time to recharge and a chance to gain fresh perspective, a change of scenery, or a time to relax. Really, I'm not as indispensable as I would like to think.

On my way home several hours later I prayed that no matter what the condition of the house or the children, or how I was greeted, or how surprised I might be by the unexpected that awaited... I prayed that I would come home with a cheerful disposition and a thankful attitude. That's the kind of wife and mother I want to be, no matter how discouraged I may feel. And I am fully aware that I can't always be that kind of woman without supernatural strength. It does no good to arrive with a critical spirit, or to expect that anyone should give time to unwind. I want them all to know that I am happy to see them, rather than put out because of what they did or didn't do.

When I arrived home there were bikes and scooters and toys outside, but no children. Jon's truck was there, so I figured they must be inside. Inside, however, it was so quiet. I could hear a couple flies buzzing against the windows, proving that the doors had been left open. Dirty bowls and cereal boxes were on the counter. I tried hard not to look for things that were "wrong" or substandard.

For a moment or two, an unsettled feeling of not knowing where everyone was crept over me. Then I was thankful that the temptations I expected were little, and thankful for a moment of quiet to change out of dress clothes and to grab a bite to eat. Within a few minutes I noticed that everyone was playing in the pool across the street, and I was so relieved that Jon was able to take everyone despite his normal Saturday workload.

The kids were having a blast and playing so well together. Several times I heard the kids say they wished every day was as much fun, comments I chose to be thankful for and not offended by! We all got a little sun, too. In fact, some got too much sun because no one got sunscreen until I arrived. I guess moms think of those details more than dads.

I am thankful for Jon. He views time away as valuable for me and he is often looking for opportunities to send me out for coffee, or  to shop, or whatever. I love that he cares for me in this way. The truth is, my favorite place to be is at home. Last week he messaged me while I was at the dentist and told me to take my time and do something on my own before coming home. Since my errands for the week were complete, I opted to come home because that's where I love being the most. I love being with him and our kids, I love getting things done in and around the house, and I love being at home when no one else is.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We have a Meyer lemon tree which produces so much fruit. It's in bloom now and the fragrance is out of this world. The trouble is I have had difficulty knowing how to use these lemons. Regular, tart lemons are a staple in my kitchen, and Meyer lemon simply don't make a good substitution. Every time that I've tried, its been a disappointment. At long last, I have finally discovered something that works great: Mango Lemonade. It's the perfect thing to offer when everyone has been working in the yard, or to casually sip in the afternoon. Olivia and I made some last week for Michael after he spent a good chunk of time mowing the lawn. He is so proud that Jon is trusting him with this job, and we wanted him to know we are too.

And just for my own sake - because I want to remember - this is how I found everyone Friday afternoon:

Olivia often reads to the boys, and on this particular day I was getting things set to take them to see an IMAX film. I figured Jack would take a nap on the way, but he didn't quite make it till we left. Even after Olivia moved and repositioned him, he slept soundly until I carried him out to the car.

I just love that little face.


Katherine

Words to direct my thoughts this week.

A friend sent me these words in an email several weeks ago. I have returned to reread them several times and find myself considering this perspective often as we near Good Friday and Easter. I am in awe.

         “His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
         — Luke 22:44

The mental pressure arising from our Lord’s struggle with temptation, so forced his frame to an unnatural excitement, that his pores sent forth great drops of blood which fell down to the ground. This proves how tremendous must have been the weight of sin when it was able to crush the Saviour so that he distilled great drops of blood! This demonstrates the mighty power of his love. It is a very pretty observation of old Isaac Ambrose that the gum which exudes from the tree without cutting is always the best. This precious camphire-tree yielded most sweet spices when it was wounded under the knotty whips, and when it was pierced by the nails on the cross; but see, it giveth forth its best spice when there is no whip, no nail, no wound. This sets forth the voluntariness of Christ’s sufferings, since without a lance the blood flowed freely. No need to put on the leech, or apply the knife; it flows spontaneously. No need for the rulers to cry, “Spring up, O well;” of itself it flows in crimson torrents. If men suffer great pain of mind apparently the blood rushes to the heart. The cheeks are pale; a fainting fit comes on; the blood has gone inward as if to nourish the inner man while passing through its trial. But see our Saviour in his agony; he is so utterly oblivious of self, that instead of his agony driving his blood to the heart to nourish himself, it drives it outward to bedew the earth. The agony of Christ, inasmuch as it pours him out upon the ground, pictures the fulness of the offering which he made for men.

Do we not perceive how intense must have been the wrestling through which he passed, and will we not hear its voice to us? “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Behold the great Apostle and High Priest of our profession, and sweat even to blood rather than yield to the great tempter of your souls.


Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening : Daily Readings, Complete and unabridged; New modern edition. (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2006).

Monday

Mondays are pretty predictable for me: My objective is to get a good start on the week. That means I want to get a good full day of school, clean up from the weekend, and do laundry. I don't change the beds and do the ironing till later in the week, but with an average of a dozen loads to sort through and fold I usually have plenty to do into the evening.

Work past "normal" work day hours used to get to me. I'm so glad to have matured out of that idea because I would be a pretty bitter lady today! The work of a mommy is ample, constant, and interrupts our sleep regularly. There is rarely time off or ever a true vacation from work. By God's grace, I've finally come to a place where I want to work hard because I see the reward, I've felt the satisfaction, and I understand a grander purpose for it all. Serving my family doesn't end at meeting their immediate needs. I believe that in one way or another, the work of a mother has eternal implications. I want to spend my life working hard for what has eternal significance, and though laundry in itself is eternally meaningless, today I am thankful for our laundry pile because it provides me with an opportunity for service. Today, it is the service which the Lord has set out for me. I am being a worker at home, trusting that his plan for a wife and mother is one that will have eternal impact.

Truly, I find laundry to be one of the most relaxing of my household jobs. Scrubbing showers... Not so much.

Today we did something unusual for a Monday. We ran errands. I normally have all the kids with me when I'm shopping and doing other types of errands. I never exactly know how it's going to turn out, if it's going to take triple the amount of time it would take me on my own, or how many times I will lose a child. I was joking with Jon this morning that the boys have the combined attention span of a gnat when they're shopping with me. I might lose one in the parking lot because there was a cool bug on the road. Or one will forget not to touch the produce, and accidentally cause two or three oranges to fall and roll under someone else's cart because they were trying to reach the balloons that were attached to the top of the display. Other times we have to go back into the store looking for a favorite matchbox car that was left somewhere. Many times there will be attitudes to deal with, boys messing around and accidentally hurting each other, or a child or two to find. Only once (maybe twice) have I been called over the intercom system, but I've lost a boy more times than I can remember.

Actually, I've let them get lost just to scare them a little. I let them know we're moving on, and continue a little way till I can see them but they can't see me. Usually the problem is not outright disobedience. It's just that something caught their eye and the fact that they were to follow escapes them. This tactic of scaring them has only worked for Andrew, and he's not one to get lost very often. It doesn't phase the other two boys.

Sometimes shopping with them is down right embarrassing. For instance, Jack has the habit of Karate chopping the dandelions that grow in our lawn. Actually he chops anything sticking out if I'm not reminding him what is meant to grow and what is not. Last week in a garden center, I turned around to discover he was missing. I looked over the isles of pretty flowers and plants to discover he had pulled out a price sign and was Karate chopping off some blooms. Sometimes when I'm out, I feel like I'm raising tyrants. At the very least I feel like other people think I'm raising tyrants.

In reality, it's not all bad. I do love having my kids with me and I view the hours of running errands as more opportunity to train them in self-discipline and obedience. I really can't imagine what my days would be like without my crew in tow, at least not yet.

If it weren't for their company today, I would not have laughed out loud because of the silly dancing that was happening in the car as we drove around, especially Jack in his car seat. I would not get to see a bunch of boys trying on women's scarves and large sun hats. Or be embarrassed when Andrew asked the checkout clerk if he could keep an item he had found on the floor. The clerk said no after she asked her superior. (It happened to be a magnet.)

They did well today. They were not perfect, but neither was I. Despite what else happens, when attitudes are good till the end we indulge in a little treat. Today we shared some chocolate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've really enjoyed all the roses blooming this week! I know we most likely won't always live in a home that has so many flowering plants, so I want to take full advantage by filling our rooms with pretty bouquets. Not only that, but after the hours upon hours of pruning I did earlier this year, it makes for a fine payment.

Tonight Olivia and I "practiced" French. She has been very motivated to learn since we were with my side of the family last October. She amazes me: She was reading some vocabulary cards without ever being told what sounds letter combinations make in French. She wants to be able to talk to my mom in French the next time we see her.

The boys watched a documentary on Vikings. It wasn't all for barbaric reasons... it related to some history we covered this year.

Such a lovely mix of femininity and masculinity we have going on here in our home. It's always fun to see the differences in the genders, and the individuality of each person.

~Katherine

Encouragement for today

I recently read this in a devotional and it has been encouragement for my soul.


“Our Father instantly and freely forgives us according to the riches of His grace. He yearns over the wayward and stubborn, who avert their faces from His. He grieves for their sins but grieves most of all that they do not seek forgiveness, along with the freedom, joy, and wholeness that comes with it.
When our hearts are contrite, humble, and open—when we sincerely repent all our wrongdoing—God forgives. And when He forgives, He does so not meagerly and reluctantly, but gracefully and abundantly. His forgiveness is worthy of Himself, apportioned to the wealth of His glorious being and according to the riches of His grace. He does more than forgive; He ‘will remember no more’ (Heb. 8:12). Moreover, He takes the evil of sin and turns it into an opportunity for a deeper experience of His goodness. As Paul said, ‘Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more’ (Rom. 5:20).

The Best of F. B. Meyer, 101
Edited and Compiled by Stephen W. Sorenson

Hebrew 8:12 says, "I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."

Today I forgot a great many things. I forgot the Person I am serving. I forgot to unload my burden at Jesus' feet and I labored in vain by my own strength. I forgot how weak and powerless and destructive I can be when I refuse to look to Him. I did not remember that He knows my challenges - for He has allowed them for my good - and I forgot that He was there the whole day long. I grumbled in my heart at my circumstances, and all my efforts amounted to failure and frustration for me and for my children.

I am grieved by this. Yet, in the kindness of God, He has allowed this evil to draw me back to Him. He has caused me to be humbled: The very attitudes  that I was vainly trying to address in my children are the exact attitudes that I was having toward Him.

But, Praise the Lord, there is forgiveness! And not only forgiveness that is abundant, but also "freedom, joy, and wholeness that comes with it." What a great God we have whose lovingkindness toward those who are His is unimaginable!

Forgiveness, freedom, joy, and wholeness... Wow! That's what we all want, but Jesus is the only way for us to receive it.

I know that the challenges won't magically disappear or even lessen in difficulty, but I do not need to strive by my own strength or carry the burden of changing my children's hearts. I am unable and powerless to do that, but by God's enabling power I can point them to Him and leave Him to carry out His perfect will. By His strength I can "walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit"(Rom. 8:4).

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Rom. 8:1

"... The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace..." Rom. 8:6

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This past weekend Jacob came home with this:

When I asked him where his toy came from he said, "I traded two pennies and a really cool rock for it."

Hmmm... I wonder what the other little boy's mom thinks? Jon says it was a good trade, so I'm letting him be the parent on this one.


~Katherine

Olivia's 10th Birthday

It was so fun to have a little party for Olivia this week. Her last three birthdays were celebrated in Florida with family, which she loved, but she was really excited about being at home this time around. She had been looking forward to inviting some of her friends for the day, and had decided on the menu and the colors for her party about a month ago. She didn't ask for much, just lunch with a couple friends here on the veranda.

I am so thankful that she is still happily enjoying her girlhood, and isn't trying to be older than she really is. She picked the colors pink and white. All she wanted to do was to have a nice lunch and then play "farm" in the backyard. I love her simplicity.

Of course the party had to be on her actual birthday rather than the weekend when more girls could come. Specific dates and times are very important to her: She noted that 10:20 AM was the time of her birth. She remembers dates and details like you wouldn't believe. For instance, this week she mentioned that Rhode Island's national bird is the Rhode Island Red. RI signed the Constitution on May 29, 1790, and she got her Rhode Island Red on May 29 of last year.

Throughout the day I was captivated by the loveliness of childhood. I was trying my best to soak it all in because in a very short time this stage of life will be a pleasant memory of the past.

Last week I asked her if she wanted just girls for lunch. I'm not normally in the habit of splitting up the family on special occasions, but since she's the only girl I thought it might be special to have an all-girl, super girly time. Jon could have taken the boys out for lunch or hair cuts or some sort of boy activity, and then we would have celebrated as a family at dinner time. But for Olivia, that was totally out of the question. My heart just melted. It was very important to her that her brothers participate in every aspect of her day.

In the morning the kids helped me put up the decorations we had made. The only expense, other than food and a few simple gifts, was for a package of pink tissue paper. Over the table, I hung up the canopy which used to hang over Olivia's crib. Michael contributed by lending his crystal dragonfly as a decoration, then he took Olivia for a ride while she waited for her friends to arrive.

The girls skipped and played till lunch, with all the boys in the mix. Olivia was all smiles, and sweetly thanked me every now and then. If she only knew how much pleasure it brings me to make her happy!

Michael helped me out in the kitchen a bunch and was thrilled to serve the girls. I held my breath as he carried out the cake...

Her gifts all had to do with art and clothing... her favorite things. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing "farm" with occasional lemonade breaks on the veranda.

I just love being this girl's mommy! Just now, as I sit here at the kitchen table, the boys are playing outside in their camo with bows and various items of combat. I can hear very little conversation, just war cries and grunts. Olivia is sitting next to me with her art kit and sketch pad. I furiously love each of them, but she is my calm in an otherwise all boy world!


~Katherine